November 1st, 2012 Edition

The

for U.S.Senator Claire McCaskill,who left the campaign trail to be with her mother,who passed away later on Monday.

Carving the

‘No excuse for not voting’

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

“There is no excuse for anybody not voting,” County Executive Charlie A. Dooley said Monday afternoon at the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners.

Dooley was flanked by “get out the vote” crews from the service workers’union, all holding campaign signs for U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who is up for reelection on the November 6 ballot. In fact, Dooley was speaking as a surro-

By Bridjes O’Neil

gate for Senator McCaskill, who left the campaign trail to be with her critically ill mother.

“Claire wishes she could be here, but she is taking care of her family,” Dooley said.

“She is where she needs to be.”

Betty Anne McCaskill passed away later on Monday surrounded by family at the age of 84.

Dooley, a Democrat, previously endorsed McCaskill, as have most other elected Democrats in the state. With President Barack Obama polling poorly in Missouri

Inclusion underfire at TIF hearing

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis

American

Community members were surprised Tuesday when they showed up to the TIF Commission’s public hearing for the CORTEX project, a $2.2 billion research park in the Central West End. It had been postponed until Dec. 12.

Sources said CORTEX postponed the meeting because of community leaders’ heightened calls for stronger minority participation goals on the project. Dennis Lower, CEO and president of CORTEX, declined comment. Rodney Crim, executive director of the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), told The American that the reason was logistical.

“It’s a big complicated project so it’s not anything unusual,” Crim said. “Our lawyers just want to look at every detail.” Crim said SLDC and CORTEX will continue to talk about mandating more minority and

A8

County Executive Charlie A.Dooley held a “get out the vote”press event on Monday afternoon at the St.Louis County Board of Police Commissioners. Dooley was stumping

Photo by Wiley Price

Hubert Hoosman,who led the fundraising campaign for the memorial to the former chancellor,speaks on Friday at the dedication of the Marguerite Ross Barnett Plaza on UMSL’s north campus.

Photo by August Jennewein/UMSL

Photo by Wiley Price

Lil Wayne ‘all good’ after two seizures

Lil Wayne says he’s all good ... despite suffering from two seizures in the past few days which left him hospitalized late last week. “Thanx for all the prayers! I am good,” Wayne tweeted.

Wayne made an emergency landing over Texas in his private plane Thursday after we’re told he suffered a seizure mid-flight and was admitted to the hospital. Then, on Friday his plane made another emergency landing over Louisiana after he suffered a second seizure. He was released from the Oschner Medical Center in Kenner, LA Friday afternoon.

New clues in death of Natina Reed

The parents of 90s R&B

new clues surface into her death.

Several media outlets are reporting that it has been discovered that Reed was talking on her cell phone when she was fatally struck by a car on a dark stretch of Lawrenceville highway near Liliburn, GA Friday night.

Reed’s parents and the police are said to be still seeking information on where Reed was headed and where she was coming from at the time of the accident.

Reed’s parents are planning a public wake and funeral for Friday and Saturday in Atlanta.

buried amid a legal dispute between his former manager, self-proclaimed business partner and live-in best friend Flora Enchinton – who was named as the sole beneficiary in his will – and a Philadelphia man, Richard Thornton, who claims to be the actor’s brother. Thornton filed a civil lawsuit disputing the validity of the will, signed by Hemsley one month prior to his death. Hemsley had said in media interviews that he was an only child. His estate is reportedly valued at $50,000.

Burruss used her twitter account to offer up her side of the story.

“Closet Freak didn’t sell hardly any copies,” Burruss tweeted. “There was nothing left after paying the producer and recouping what I paid for studio time and mix fees.”

Toni Braxton still stunned by Oprah jab

peace

Sherman Hemsley still can’t rest in

Sherman Hemsley died at his home in El Paso, Texas on July 24 and has yet to be laid to rest. The holdup, according to Reuters, is coming from the beneficiaries of his will, as well as questions about his exact cause of death. A worker at the Eastside location of the San Jose Funeral Home in El Paso, Texas confirmed to FOX411’s Pop Tarts column that Hemsley was still at the home, and that they were waiting for a court order telling them what to do with his body. It was revealed in August that Hemsley’s body had not been

On September 24, Probate Court judge Patricia Chew delayed the trial over the actor’s estate and remains and ordered the man who claims to be Hemsley’s brother to undergo a DNA test.

Miss Lawrence suggests Kandi’s shady at music business

During last season of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” hair stylist Miss Lawrence and Kandi Burruss, hoping for a one hit wonder like Kim Zolciak’s “Tardy for the Party”, recorded a single called “Closet Freak.” The single didn’t make much noise but Miss Lawrence thinks he got the short end of the stick.

Last night on the Bravo special “Hairdressers Tell All” Miss Lawrence implied Burruss was dishonest with the proceeds from the single and that it has made him reluctant to do business with friends.

In the debut of her episode of VH1’s “Behind the Music,” singer Toni Braxton became emotional as she talked about being blindsided by Oprah Winfrey with accusations of reckless spending when discussing the topic of Braxton’s bankruptcy and financial woes on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

During the episode, Braxton said:

“She was so frickin’ mean to me. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it ‘cause I loved her so much. I admired her and looked up to her and she pretty much reprimanded me. She says to me, ‘I heard you have Gucci flatware. I’m Oprah Winfrey and I don’t have Gucci flatware’. You ain’t got Gucci flatware because you didn’t want to buy it, not because you couldn’t afford it! What do you mean?” And immediately she made me feel this big. That moment completely changed my career. It made people look down on me.”

Sources: Contactmusic.com, El Paso Times, Reuters, Fox411, VH1, Twitter

singer Natina Reed are planning a public memorial for their daughter while

Lil Wayne

Maxine Waters to lead Financial Services

Congresswoman cleared of ethics charges

By Marc Morial National Urban League

“I will continue to champion practical regulations, while making sure they work for consumers and the financial sector, a sector which has the right to be profitable but the obligation to be fair, two concepts which are not mutually exclusive.”

– Representative Maxine Waters

It is always big news whenever ethics charges are brought against a Member of Congress. Convictions, though rare, also make headlines. We understand that bad news sells. But we also think it is a big deal when a respected Member of Congress is completely exonerated of ethics charges – especially when that Member is someone as powerful and effective as California Congresswoman

Maxine Waters.

In case you missed it, in September, after a three-year investigation, Representative Waters, a 21-year veteran of the House and a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, was cleared of all charges related to her role in assisting minority-owned banks get bail-out help through the government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

While her husband owned stock in one of those banks, the investigation found that the help that bank received was the result of a request she made on behalf of all minority banks. House Ethics Committee Special Counsel, Billy Martin concluded, “The evidence in the record does not support a knowing violation of ethics rules or any standard of conduct with respect to Rep. Maxine Waters.”

Since her initial 1991 election to the House, Representative Waters has been a staunch advocate for middleand working-class families and has fought hard for minority inclusion in the financial services industry. In fact, she wrote the legislation creating the Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Dodd-Frank puts in place the most comprehensive financial regulatory reform measures since the Great Depression and is intended to prevent a repeat of the reckless Wall Street behavior that caused the financial crisis of 2008.

In her role as a senior member of the Financial Services Committee, Rep. Waters played a key role in shaping that legislation and was successful in including provisions specifically designed to protect low-income and minority citizens. Because of her, there is now an Office of Minority and Women at each of the federal regulatory agencies such as the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and others. These offices will work to reverse years of underrepresentation and ensure the gender, racial and ethnic diversity of the workforce and senior management, as well as increase contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. Representative Waters also fought to ensure that in winding down struggling financial institutions, regulators considered the impact on low-income, minority, and underserved communities where access to mainstream banking is a problem. And to help stem the tide of housing foreclosures, she secured $1 billion – with an additional $1 billion commitment from the Treasury Department – to help unemployed homeowners receive low-interest loans to pay their mortgages.

As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Representative Waters has also traveled the country to shine a spotlight on the problem of urban unemployment and has worked with Congressional

Members of both parties to pass critical jobs legislation. With the retirement of Barney Frank, Congresswoman Waters is in line to be the ranking Democrat on the House

Financial Services Committee. We applaud her leadership and are pleased that her Ethics Committee exoneration removes any obstacle to her ascendency.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters, a native of Kinloch

Marc H. Morial

EdITORIAL /COMMENTARy

St. Louis American endorses ...

We know that some local control advocates who have for many years fought and failed to change St. Louis city’s Civil War-era form of police governance are campaigning against Proposition A, a statewide ballot initiative that would dissolve the current Board of Police Commissioners appointed by the governor and effectively put the police department under the control of the mayor. We agree that these activists should be offended that Rex Sinquefield, who funded the initiative, crafted it with the mayor and the police union without input from the grass roots. We too are concerned with language in the initiative that could be viewed as attempting to seal records of internal police investigation and forestall a citizen’s review board. However, the intensified accountability of the police department to the voters who elect the mayor under local control, and considerable savings to the city, still make even this compromised form of local control better than the unwieldy and outmoded system we have had since the Civil War – and which the Legislature has proven unwilling to overturn for more than 100 years, though it would save the state money. Voters should pass the initiative and then concentrate on organizing to assure it leads to improvement in accountability to the public, which is sorely lacking under the present state-controlled system. We endorse a vote of yES ON

PROPOSITION A

Missouri has the lowest cigarette tax and the 11th highest smoking rate in the United States. More than 9,000 Missourians die annually from tobacco-related diseases, costing taxpayers millions of dollars in health care costs. A higher cigarette tax would be a win-win proposition, giving the state more revenue to fund needed services and discouraging everyone, but especially teens and pregnant women, from indulging in this costly and deadly habit.

The statewide Proposition B on the Nov. 6 ballot would increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes from 17 cents to 90 cents and stipulate usage of the resulting revenues, with 50 percent going to public school programs, 30 percent to higher education and 20 percent to smoking cessation programs. A better educated and healthier Missouri that consumed fewer tobacco products would be a better Missouri. Voters who have to hold their nose and vote with Rex Sinquefield on Proposition A should know his Show-Me Institute opposes Proposition B. We strongly endorse a vote of yES ON

PROPOSITION B

Missouri Republicans have been in lockstep with the relentless nationwide GOP attacks on President Barack Obama and his historic passage of health care reform.

Obama’s Affordable Care Act is a complex piece of legislation that mixes very popular policy changes – such as preventing insurers from denying coverage due to a preexisting condition – with more controversial ones, such as mandating that individuals purchase health insurance and setting up health care insurance exchanges at the state level, both of which are necessary to increase the pool of the insured in an effort to control costs. The statewide Proposition E would prohibit the governor or any state agency from setting up these insurance exchanges without approval of voters or the Legislature.

Like the previous ballot initiative in Missouri to rebuke the individual mandate to purchase health insurance, this initiative is pure Republican politics meant to antagonize the incumbent president and attack his signature legislation in an election year. Federal law mandates that all states must have fully certified and operational health insurance exchanges by January 1, 2014,

whether or not this pointless initiative passes. But we should support the president and his progressive health reform and defeat it anyway. We strongly endorse a vote of NO ON PROPOSITION E

The so-called Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan does not apply to all of the state, but rather to six circuit jurisdictions (Clay, Greene, Jackson, Platte and St. Louis counties and St. Louis city), the Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. But it bears our state’s name because it has been adopted by other states and hailed as a national model for pushing electoral politics aside in the selection of judges. The statewide Constitutional Amendment 3 would tinker with the composition of the Appellate Judicial Commission that recommends nominees to the governor for the Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. It would give the governor more nominating power and remove the current requirement that the governor’s appointees to the commission be non-lawyers. Missouri, which has no end of problems, currently has a fair, balanced and creative method for selecting at least some of its judges. This initiative would empower the governor to appoint a majority of commission members, which upsets this delicate balance of power. It is a bad idea, and the voters should reject it. We strongly endorse a vote of NO ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENdMENT 3

St. Louis County voters will have an opportunity in Proposition L to marginally increase the tax allotment to the Library District – from 20 cents per hundred dollars assessed to 26 cents per hundred dollars assessed – to fund renovation and replacement of aging facilities, enhancing library spaces and generally constructing, improving, operating and maintaining library facilities and acquiring necessary property. Our public libraries

As i see it - A Forum for Community Issues

Obama and demographic change

This election is only tangentially a fight over policy. It is also a fight about meaning and identity – and that’s one reason why voters are so polarized. It’s about who we are and who we aspire to be.

President Obama enters the final days of the campaign with a substantial lead among women –about 15 points, according to a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll – and enormous leads among Latinos and African Americans, the nation’s two largest minority groups. Mitt Romney leads among white voters, with an incredible 2-1 advantage among white men.

It is too simplistic to conclude that demography equals destiny. Both men are being sincere when they vow to serve the interests of all Americans. But it would be disingenuous to pretend not to notice the obvious cleavage between those who have long held power in this society and those who are beginning to attain it.

When Republicans vow to “take back our country,” they never say from whom. But we can guess.

Issues of race, power and privilege are less explicit this year than in 2008, but in some ways they are even stronger.

The intensity of the opposition to Obama has less to

do with who he is than with the changes in American society he not only represents but incarnates. Citing his race as a factor in the way some of his opponents have bitterly resisted his policies immediately draws an outraged cry: “You’re saying that just because I oppose Obama, I’m a racist.” No, I’m not saying that at all. What I’m saying is that Obama’s racial identity is a constant reminder of how much the nation has changed in a relatively short period of time. In my lifetime, we’ve experienced the Civil Rights Movement, the countercultural explosion of the 1960s, the sexual revolution, the women’s movement and an unprecedented wave of Latino immigration. Within a few decades, there will be no white majority in this country – no majority of any kind. We will be a nation of racial and ethnic minorities, and we will only prosper if everyone learns to give and take. Our place in the world has changed as well. The U.S. remains the dominant economic and military power; our ideals remain a beacon for those around the globe still yearning to breathe free. But our capacity for unilateral action is diminished; we can assert but not dictate, and we must learn to persuade.

Obama’s great sin, for some who oppose him, is to make it impossible to ignore these domestic and international megatrends. Take one look at Obama and the phenomenon of demographic change is

Letters to the editor

No on Prop e supports obamaCare

are a great civic asset and deserve this marginal increase in funding. We endorse a vote of yES ON PROPOSITION L IN ST. LOUIS COUNTy

St. Louis city voters will entertain an altogether more politically controversial ballot initiative in Proposition R, which would amend the City Charter over time to reduce the number of wards and aldermen in the city from 28, the present number, to 14 (which would take effect on January 1, 2022, after the next census). We understand that many city voters are fond of their respective aldermen, the elected official with which they are most likely to have direct access and rapport. But the dwindled population of the city – with less than half the population of when the city was chartered with 28 wards – has rendered a 28-ward city and a 28-member Board of Aldermen outsized, too costly and redundant. Any reduction in citizen access to their aldermen would be more than compensated for with a more efficient legislative process, which is essential to creating a more competitive environment for broader-based economic development. We strongly endorse a vote of yES ON PROPOSITION R IN ST. LOUIS CITy

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, who has long represented Illinois’ 12th Congressional District, which includes East St. Louis and much of the Metro East, left Illinois Democrats in a lurch when he decided not to seek reelection. The Democrats’ hurried choice to replace Costello, Bill Enyart, is an attorney who has been commander of the Illinois National Guard since 2007 and a military man since 1976. He faces a typical Republican from the Tea Party generation who would not have the best interests of the neediest citizens in the Metro East at heart. Enyart, however, has the experience and perspective to represent this Democratic stronghold. We strongly endorse BILL ENyART FOR U.S. CONGRESS

Recently, I volunteered to present the ballot issues to a group of college students. Together we read the printed words that will be on their official ballot. One issue the students found to be particularly confusing was Proposition E on State-Based Health Care Exchanges. Since the outcome of the vote on Proposition E will have an impact on how “ObamaCare” will be implemented in Missouri, it is important to consider voting NO on Proposition E. Let me repeat, if you are in support of “ObamaCare,” vote NO on Proposition E. Proposition E prohibits the Governor or any Missouri state agency from setting up insurance exchanges without approval of the people or the legislature. The consequence of this act may be a delay in receiving federal assistance to help set up and maintain health care exchanges in Missouri.

You may recall that under “Obama Care,” a health care insurance exchange is a set of standardized and state-regulated health care insurance options from which consumers can purchase health insurance eligible for federal subsidies. All exchanges must be fully certified and operational by January 1, 2014. You may also recall that in June of this year the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act or “ObamaCare.”

So, in my opinion, if you are in support of health care reform, the Affordable Care Act or “ObamaCare,” you should vote NO on Proposition E.

Alfreda Brown St. Louis

Make smokers pay fair share

The voters of Missouri will decide on Tuesday, Nov. 6, whether to pass Proposition B and raise the cigarette tax in our state from our current lowest in the nation 17 cents to 90 cents per pack. The national average state cigarette tax is $1.49.

inescapable. Observe his approach to international crises in places such as Libya or Syria and the reality of America’s place in the world is unavoidable.

I’m deliberately leaving aside what should be the biggest factor in the election: Obama’s policies. It happens that I have supported most of them, but of course there are legitimate reasons to favor Romney’s proposals, insofar as we know what they really are. In foreign affairs, judging by the third debate, the differences are too small to discern; Romney promises to speak in a louder voice and perhaps deploy more battleships, but that’s about it. Domestically, I see a clear choice. I consider the Affordable Care Act a great achievement, and Romney’s promise to repeal it would alone be reason enough for me to oppose him. Add in the tax cuts for the wealthy, the plan to “voucherize” Medicare and the appointments Romney would likely make to the Supreme Court, and the implications of this election become even weightier.

Issues may explain our sharp political divisions, but they can’t be the cause of our demographic polarization. White men need medical care, too. African Americans and Latinos understand the need to get our fiscal house in order. Some of Obama’s opponents have tried to delegitimize his presidency because he doesn’t embody the America they once knew. He embodies the America of now.

All letters are edited for length and style.

Health care costs caused by smoking costs Missouri taxpayers $532 million annually; that averages $565 every year for each Missouri household.

Fifty percent of the new tobacco tax revenue would go to fund local schools. Twenty percent would be dedicated to tobacco use prevention and tobacco cessation programs. Thirty percent would go to public colleges and universities statewide.

Proposition B would save millions in taxpayer dollars, reduce youth smoking, help smokers quit and reduce premature births.

Smoking in Missouri costs all taxpayers; it is time to allow the smokers to carry a portion of their load and free up funds for tobacco prevention, public schools and colleges. Please vote YES on the tobacco (Proposition B).

Jim Blaine, MD, Chair Missouri State Medical Association’s Public Affairs Commission Springfield, MO

‘Great white river’

Ironically for a president who has chartered his amazingly successful political course by eschewing the race issue, the election in 2012 will be all about, in the final decisive analysis, race.

In the foreign policy debate, Obama violated one of his cardinal principles for a black man to succeed among white voters. He has always been careful to not be portrayed as the “angry black man” because he knows that immediately turns white voters away. In the debate, he managed not to cross that line and project anger; however, he did something else that in the eyes of white America is totally unacceptable – he belittled a white man.

And “belittle” was exactly the word I heard commentators use in describing Obama’s bayonet and horses debate comment – even the moderate and “objective” commentators.

I think white America is going to the polls this year as never before. While I hope that blacks and other minorities will turn out in record numbers,

I have this foreboding feeling that a great white river is about to run through the American political system, washing away the minority vote and our hopes and dreams of a non-racist America.

Eric

E. Vickers St. Louis

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Child Safety and Health Fair

The St. Louis County Police Department and the City of Dellwood have partnered with Walgreens Inc. to host a “Child Safety and Health Fair” on Saturday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dellwood Recreation Center, 10266 West Florissant Avenue in Dellwood.

The focus of the event is to promote kid-friendly, family-oriented activities, to the Dellwood residents and its surrounding communities in North County. The event will offer creative and recreational activities that are designed to educate and promote child safety, as well as social, physical and nutritional health. Health and Safety products and services will be on display.

For additional information, contact St. Louis County Police Officer Christine Romo at 314-308-8749 or cromo@stlouisco.com.

Omega Founders Day Banquet

The Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated – Nu Chi Chapter East St. Louis will hold our Annual Founders Day Banquet on November 16 at Blackmon’s Plaza in East St. Louis. The theme is “Leadership Through Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.”

This year our Chapter will Honor the memory of Trayvon Martin, the AfricanAmerican unarmed teen who was fatally shot by George Zimmerman as he returned from a convenience store with a bag of Skittles and a bottle of iced tea.

The Nation-Wide support, National Media Coverage and “call to justice” by all are ongoing and the Nation fully expects resolution.

Please join The Men of Omega as we Honor the Parents of Trayvon Martin; Mr. Tracy Martin and Ms. Sybrina Fulton who will be our Guests in attendance.

Nu Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is a historically Black Fraternal organization that provides and promotes programs of social, cultural and economic uplift to the East St. Louis community.

For ticket information, contact DeJuan Lockhart at 618-593-0013 or Dwayne Acoff at 808-457-5453.

Americanin education

Traionna Johnson and Shanti Robinson work with The St.Louis American in Mrs.Ireland’s class atNance Elementary School.The American has the largest Newspaper in Education program in the state.

WinterReading Club

St. Louis County Library will introduce a new Winter Reading Club starting November 1. The overwhelming popularity of SLCL’s summer reading clubs prompted the new club, which will run from November 1 until December 31. All ages are invited to participate in the Winter Reading Club, whose theme is “Warm Up with Reading.”

The Winter Reading Club will have two categories: ages 0-11, and 12–Adult. Those in the younger category will be encouraged to read for five hours; those in the older group will be asked to read four books to complete the club. Those who do will be eligible for a drawing to win a winter prize pack. Each of the library’s 20 branches will have one prize pack per category to award (40 total prize packs).

The prize packs will contain a variety of winter-themed items including, for the kids, a sled, stuffed penguin, a DVD, a book, some hot chocolate mix and popcorn. The older group will be eligible to win a Kindle eReader, a blanket, puzzles, Bananagrams, a Starbucks gift card, hand warmers and an ice scraper.

St. Louis County Library’s Summer Reading Clubs were at an all-time high in 2012, with more than 50,000 babies, children, teens and adults participating. The Summer Reading Club has been a staple at the County Library for more than 40 years, growing and expanding to include readers of all ages. For more info, call 314 994-3300 or visitwww.slcl.org/content/winter-reading-club.

Voting is on us

By Michelle Obama First Lady

In many ways, the path forward for this next generation is far less clear than ours was.I mean, what exactly do you do about children who are languishing in crumbling schools, graduating from high school unprepared for college or a job?And what about the 40 percent of black children who are overweight or obese, or the nearly one in two who are on track to develop diabetes in their lifetimes?

What about all those kids growing up in neighborhoods where they don’t feel safe; kids who never have opportunities worthy of their promise?What court case do we bring on their behalf?What laws do we pass for them?

You see, today, the connection between our laws and our lives isn’t always as clear as it was 50 years or 150 years ago.And as a result, it’s sometimes easy to assume that the battles in our courts and legislatures have all been won.It’s tempting to turn our focus to what’s going on in our own lives and with our own families, and just leave it at that.

And make no mistake about it, change absolutely starts at home. Change absolutely starts with each of us, as individuals, taking responsibility for ourselves and our families because we know that our kids won’t grow up healthy until our families start eating right and exercising more.That’s on us.

We know that we won’t close that education gap until we turn off the TV, and supervise homework, attend those parent-teacher conferences, and serve as good role models for our own children.That’s on us.

But while we certainly need to start at home, we all know that we cannot stop there because the fact is that our laws still matter.Much like they did 50 years ago, or 150 years ago, our laws still shape so many aspects of our lives:Whether folks are paying their fair share of taxes, or not; whether we invest in roads and schools, and the jobs that come with them, or not; whether our sons and our daughters who wear our country’s uniform get the support and benefits they’ve earned, or not.

You see, those decisions are made by the folks sitting in Congress and in our White House.They’re made by the folks in our state legislatures and city halls.And we all know who’s supposed to select those folks, don’t we? We know who’s supposed to tell those folks what to do, right?

We are.That’s our job.That is our most fundamental right and our most solemn obligation – to cast our ballots and have our say in the laws that shape our lives.

Edited from remarks made June 28 at the African Methodist Episcopal Conference in Nashville.

Michelle Obama

Photo by Wiley Price

WEBSTER

Continued from A1

dents, parents, faculty, staff and board members have embraced this initiative,” said Jon Clark, principal at Webster Groves.

The school’s classes of 2013-16 consist of 200 students who have accepted the Webster Challenge.

“Each class sets a group goal, and each individual student sets individual goals,” Clark said.

“Students who accepted the challenge have grade point averages that range from average to above average,” said Shiree YegginsCampbell, assistant principal at Webster Groves. “Our students range from first-generation graduates to parents who have multiple graduate degrees.”

implemented the initiative, which contributed to her earning the Peabody Energy Leaders in Education award for the 2009-10 school year.

“The entire staff is involved as mentors,” Clark said. “And we have more than 30 advisors, including Central Office administrators, board members, teachers and high school administrators.” Advisors monitor students’progress on a weekly basis.

All students at the school have an opportunity to go on Webster Challenge college bus tours.

“It’s nice to have encouragement.If you join the Webster Challenge, you’ve taken the steps to succeed in school.”

– Jazlyn Stanciel

Jazlyn Stanciel, a senior at Webster Groves, said she is “going straight to college” after graduation. Stanciel has been accepted to the University of Central Missouri and Northwest Missouri State University; she has yet to decide which school to attend.

She stressed that the Webster Groves School District cares deeply about the academic and personal success of all students – regardless of race.

Yeggins-Campbell was one of many who formulated and

VOTE

Continued from A1

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder) – also took brief breaks from their own campaigns this week to stump for McCaskill.

Dooley’s remarks on Monday were plainly partisan, and he spoke from McCaskill’s campaign playbook, positioning her as a moderate against the right-wing extremism of Todd Akin, her Republican opponent.

“It’s nice to have encouragement,” Stanciel said. “If you join the Webster Challenge, you’ve taken the steps to succeed in school.”

The Webster Challenge works to make college more affordable by increasing access to scholarships. Last year,

“I’ve watched Claire work hard to position herself as a moderate,” Dooley said. “Todd Akin’s extremism would be extremely painful to middleclass families.” He cited McCaskill’s support of affordable student loans and a livable minimum wage. Akin wishes to abolish the minimum wage and federal student loans and wants to privatize Social Security.

“He is too far outside the mainstream,” Dooley said of Akin, as McCaskill has said of him repeatedly. Dooley said Akin’s extrem-

Webster Challenge students from the Class of 2012 earned $1.5 million in scholarships.

“Before the challenge, I did struggle and had no help – no one to push me,” said Joshua Willis, a junior at Webster Groves. “I knew that I could use the help and thought it would get me on the right track.”

Willis plans to attend St. Louis Community College where he will study culinary arts with assistance from the A+ Scholarship program granted by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

“It’s great to work with a

ism would only contribute to the dysfunctionality of the current Congress.

“Claire believes in compromising to find real solutions,” Dooley said. “Todd Akin thinks ‘compromise’is a dirty word. He would only add to the partisan gridlock in Congress.”

But Dooley’s main message was not so much vote for McCaskill, or vote Democrat, as it was simply to vote – get out and vote on Tuesday, November 6 (or any time before November 5, if you are eligible for absentee or early

group of kids who are dedicated to their education and being successful in their post-secondary careers,” said Dwight Kirksey, student support aide at the school and last year’s winner of the Peabody Energy Leaders in Education award for mentoring more than 175 students.

Kevin Redmond was a member of the Webster Challenge inaugural class, established his freshman year in 2008. “We were the pioneers,” he said.

He graduated in May and is now enrolled at the University of Missouri, where he studies

voting).

“Every Missourian has to get out to the polls on November 6,” Dooley said. “Every Missourian has a stake in this election.” He emphasized, “Voting is the most important thing. It is crucial that people get out and vote. And get your family, your neighbors, your community, and the people at your jobs to get out and vote.”

Polling places open on Tuesday, November 6 at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. To see if you are eligible for absentee

engineering. In September, he accepted the 2012 Dr. Donald M. Suggs scholarship at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala.

“Kevin has been through the Webster Challenge,” Yeggins-Campbell said. “He understands the struggles and the mission.”

Lauren Newsome, a junior at Webster Groves, learned of the Webster Challenge the summer before her incoming freshman year.

“Every 9th grade AfricanAmerican family receives a

or early voting, visit your local election authority. The St. Louis city election board is located at 300 N. Tucker. The St. Louis County election board is located at 12 Sunnen Dr. just west of Big Bend and south of Manchester. The St. Clair County (Illinois) Clerk’s Office is located at 10 Public Square, 2nd floor in Belleville. St. Clair County Clerk’s Office #10 Public Square, 2nd Floor Belleville, IL62220 618-2776600 x2380.

For more information on the November 6 election, visit the League’s website at

cessful

students

www.lwvstl.org or call 314961-6869. You may also visit the Missouri Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.mo.gov. The St. Louis city election board may be reached at http://www.stlelections.com/ or 314-622-4336. The St. Louis County election board may be reached at http://www.stlouisco.com/Your Government/Elections or 314615-1800. The Illinois State Board of Elections may be reached at www.elections.state.il.us or 217-782-4141.

Photo by Wiley Price

letter of invitation,” Clark said. Newsome is student council treasurer and tutors at Hixson Middle School in the district.

Roslyn Croft was one of the first parents to support the Webster Challenge and her daughter Myia Croft, who now attends Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Croft said, “Myia’s educational experience at Webster Groves High School has definitely given her the foundation she will need to be suc-

in her studies.”

Webster Groves High School

Madisyn Falls,a senior, and Robert Thompson,a sophomore,work with Webster Challenge Student Advocate Dwight Kirksey.

BARNETT

Continued from A1

through a different lens.

“She could sell ice to the Antarctic,” says Blanche Touhill, who served as the campus’vice chancellor under Barnett, then succeeded her as chancellor when Barnett left in 1990 to take over the leadership of the University of Houston. She died of cancer two years later, at the age of 49.

To honor her memory and her accomplishments, UMSL dedicated the Marguerite Ross Barnett Plaza on Friday on its north campus, between Express Scripts Hall, the Social Sciences & Business Building/Tower and Lucas Hall. The ceremony featured

CORTEX

Continued from A1 women workers on the development’s construction, as well as incorporating some of the objectives in the First Source Jobs Policy – a city ordinance that requires companies who receive tax incentives to provide jobs for low-income residents. The policy requires companies to hire 100 percent of entry-level jobs – jobs that require no vocational skill –from a list held by the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE).

In an interview with The American, Michael Holmes, executive director of SLATE, said CORTEX leaders are looking at how to incorporate the First Source policy in the agreement. However, Holmes said the law is limiting, and he would like the law and future agreements with developers to incorporate all job levels, not just jobs with no skill or experience required.

remarks by her daughter, Amy DuBois Barnett, editor-in-chief of Ebony Magazine

The plaza, which was designed by Austin Tao of the Lawrence Group in St. Louis, features four granite columns, which stand for the four years Barnett was at UMSL. Alikeness of the former chancellor designed by local sculptor Vicki D. Reid overlooks the plaza. The project’s budget is $283,000, most of which has been raised from private sources in a campaign led by UMSLgraduate Hubert Hoosman.

Hoosman said that even though donations for the plaza were being sought at the same time that the campus was in the midst of its larger Gateway to Greatness fund drive, Barnett’s name and her accomplishments still drew enthusi-

asm more than two decades after her departure from St. Louis.

Hoosman noted that at the time Barnett led the campus, he was “a young family man, changing professions, going to night school, trying to raise a family. But everybody knew things were changing at UMSL.”

Now the head of Vantage Credit Union, Hoosman said he wanted to help give back to the school that gave him his start and recognize the woman whose drive created efforts, such as the UMSLBridge Program, that are still going strong today.

At first, he said, plans were for a statue of Barnett, but the vision become more expansive when more people became involved. “They didn’t want that staunch, old-time statue

look,” Hoosman said.

The same dynamic could be said to have taken hold when Barnett succeeded Arnold Grobman as chancellor. Barnett brought an energy and a freshness to UMSLthat helped her build quickly on a solid foundation.

“I think what Marguerite did was institutionalize the idea of partnerships. Previous chancellors had slowly embraced the idea of an urban university, that the campus would do well if it had contacts with the community,” Touhill said.

“The university has things it can offer to the community, and the community would be better if it linked with the campus. She developed the means by which those actions could be institutionalized, and she did that with partnerships. So

she did two really rather remarkable things.”

Among Barnett’s most noteworthy accomplishments, Touhill said, was establishing a close relationship between UMSLand the area’s business community.

“She was the first chancellor to get on Civic Progress, and that was a huge step for the campus. When you’re sitting with the 27 CEOs, you understand what they are doing in the community, and if you are a partnership institution, you can take advantage of that information,” Touhill said.

“I think there were a lot of gains made before her by each of the chancellors, but she gave a spark to it. Everybody on campus believed they were really ready to grow and develop and their aspirations would be fulfilled.”

Though Barnett’s time on campus was brief, and her life after she left St. Louis lasted only a short time, Touhill said her spirit has animated much of what went on after she was gone. “She was a dynamic person,” Touhill said. “When she came, I don’t think most of us thought she would be here for 10 years. All of thought that one day, she would be secretary of education or president of the University of Chicago or Stanford. She was a woman on the way up. We sensed she would capture people’s imaginations and move the place forward.”

Edited slightly and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

CWE Whole Foods

Also at the Tuesday meeting, the TIF Commission approved an application for a $10 million TIF for a $50 million project to develop a Whole Foods Market and 159 apartments on Euclid and West Pine.

Developer Bruce Mills said he plans to follow the Mayor’s Executive Order, which sets the minority participation goals at 25 percent minority business enterprises (MBE) and 5 percent women business enterpris-

Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis City NAACP, has been meeting with Lower and said, “The NAACPis confident that our discussions to date on long-term employment opportunities for city residents are moving in the right direction and getting the proper attention from CORTEX.” Pruitt also said MOKAN, an advocacy group for minority businesses and contractors, and CORTEX have reached “in principal” a set of policies and practices for construction workforce participation for the duration of the TIF. “It’s a model approach, and they need additional time to finalize it,” Pruitt said.

es (WBE). They also plan to achieve the city’s “boots on the ground” goals stated in Board Bill 75, which mandates that 25 percent of the project’s labor hours go to minorities, 5 percent to women, 15 percent to apprentices and 20 percent to local workers.

Mills said he chose S.M. Wilson as the general contractor because of the company’s track record in meeting minority participation goals. During SM Wilson VPFred Jaeckle’s presentation of their past work, TIF Commissioner Sheila Hudson questioned that record on their most recent project, O’Fallon Park Recreation Center in North St. Louis City.

“You had some issues meeting those goals,” Hudson said. “There were some challenges, and then at some point you went back and asked for more money to attain those goals.”

Jaeckle responded, “Right now we are in discussions with the Board of Public Service on that. We haven’t made any resolution.”

In December 2009, the City of St. Louis accepted S.M. Wilson’s $16.7 million bid for the rec center and set the minority participation goals at

the city’s minimum. But before the contract was signed, the Board of Aldermen urged the Board of Public Service (BPS) to require higher goals. After negotiations, S.M. Wilson agreed to meet participation goals of 40 percent MBE, 8 percent WBE and 32 percent minority workforce.

The city agreed to pay S.M. Wilson $650,000 to meet these higher goals in June 2010.

But then in March 2011, S.M. Wilson asked for another $1,163,065 to meet the same minority requirements. The city only awarded them an additional $523,888. Then S.M. Wilson asked for another $361,091 “in additional costs we have incurred to meet the goal,” Jaeckle stated in a Feb. 9 letter to BPS.

In total, the city owes the company an additional $1,000,229 to achieve the minority goal, according to Jaeckle’s February letter.

At the TIF meeting, Hudson repeated her question, “So where do we stand with that?”

“We are still having conversations about the closing out of the project, and it is not a closed issue at this time,” Jaeckle said.

The American asked Board of Public Service President Richard Bradley about the negotiations. He said the city is currently negotiating the final construction change orders with S.M. Wilson.

“We currently see no reason for additional M/WBE costs,” Bradley said.

During public comment, NAACP’s Adolphus Pruitt raised the question of safeguards on the Whole Foods project, regarding the contractor. The NAACPopposed making any more payments to the contractor for minority participation, as did the Comptroller’s Office, he said.

“They haven’t received those payments. And the TIF Commission should assume that if payment isn’t made, that the city and contractor for this site are going to be in litigation,” Pruitt said.

One watchdog

TIF Commissioner Ken Hutchison asked the Whole Foods developer how he planned to achieve the minority participation goals, and Mills said they hired Sandra

Marks and Associates as their consultant. Marks is the consultant for CORTEX, the Washington University’s School of Medicine Campus Renewal Project, and Washington University itself, along with many others. Hutchinson said, “Every time I hear about goals, I’m hearing about one entity. Can one company continue to handle the load ensuring inclusion at every project? Nothing against Sandra Marks, but I’m hearing her name every time.” Hutchinson said when we talk about inclusion, we are talking about unifying the city.

“When we’re talking about employment and hiring those folks in the minority community on these projects and how it then manifests down into their children and being able to pay for their education, I’m concerned about the capacity on every project,” he said. Hudson said she concurred.

“I would also like to add my concern that in some cases thesegoals are not being met,” she said, “and you and other folks are being advised under Marks.”

ID requirements for Nov. 6 election

American staff

Recent debates in Missouri and around the country about new laws requiring voters to present specific forms of government-issued photo IDs in order to vote have created confusion for many Missouri voters.

“It’s critical that all Missouri voters know what they need to cast a ballot on November 6,” said Carnahan.

“In Missouri, ID requirements have not changed from prior election.”

a Missouri driver license or a voter identification card)

- Identification issued by the United States government or agency thereof (including a U.S. passport)

- Identification issued by an institution of higher education, including a university, college, vocational and technical school, located within the state of Missouri

Carnahan encourages voters to visit www.

GoVoteMissouri.com for a complete list of acceptable identification plus examples. Registered voters need only to present one of several acceptable forms of identification to receive a ballot at the polls. Under Missouri law, acceptable voter identification includes:

- Identification issued by the state of Missouri, an agency of the state, or a local election authority of the state (including

- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document that contains the name and address of the voter

- Driver license or state identification card issued by another state.

Additionally, if a voter does not possess any of these forms of identification, he or she may still cast a ballot if two supervising election judges, one from each major political party, attest in writing they personally know the individual.

Voters can also verify their registration, download a sample ballot and find their polling places at www. GoVoteMissouri.com.

COGIC Convocation convenes Nov. 5-12

2011 Convocation drew 40K who spent more than $40M

American staff

The Church of God in Christ’s 105th Holy Convocation will convene November 5-12 in St. Louis.

According to the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, the 2010 and 2011 convocations attracted 35,000 and 40,000 attendees, respectively, that spent upwards of $35 and $40 million, respectively, during the eight-day conventions.

This year’s convocation attendance is expected to increase in size and economic impact to the region.

This convention, says

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., will be an opportunity for the members of COGIC “to be inspired,

encouraged and provide an opportunity for instruction and the work of ministry.”

The convocation also is a time for the delegates to experience great speakers and some of the greatest gospel music singers in the nation.

One of the highlights of this year’s convention is Friday, November 9 when the speaker will be the gospel preacher and leadership expert Bishop Tudor Bismark of Zimbabwe.

TV Judge Greg Mathis will be the guest speaker at the annual Presiding Bishop’s “We Care” Scholarship Banquet sponsored by COGIC Charities on Saturday, November 10 at 3 p.m. in the America’s Center Grand Ballroom. Award-winning

gospel singer Micah Stampley is the musical guest.

Presiding Bishop Blake will deliver the official message of the convention on Sunday, November 11 in the Edward Jones Dome at 9 a.m.

This year’s theme is “Seeking God’s Way…through Obedience and the Word.”

By Michael P. McMillan

Thank you for the enlightening article posted October 18, “Major step forward for SLPS.” I was very pleased to learn that the St. Louis Public School District (SLPS) and its Special Administrative Board (SAB) had received a unanimous recommendation for provisional accreditation of the city schools.

This was a major vote of confidence to the leadership of Dr. Kelvin Adams, Superintendent. Together with the SAB and all of the partners, they transformed educational challenges into successful outcomes for our children. Those who have stepped up to the plate with resources, mentoring and essential services are to be commended on the importance of their contributions. Foremost, I am very proud of the educational advancements that the St. Louis Public Schools have made under the leadership of Dr. Adams. The families are to be commended, as well, for working to provide their children with a better quality of life. I would like to also acknowledge those individuals who work behind the scenes in neighborhood groups, who often go unnamed, to ensure that our students have safe neighborhoods and mentors. I am encouraged with the increased efforts from our community, businesses, and corporations and the increasing number of families involved in the process of education to support our children in Public Schools. With all of us working together, we can raise the bar in education and keep our St. Louis Public Schools moving toward full accreditation. Dr. Adams’ resolve and collaboration building is laudable. The SAB, AFT Teacher’s Union, district administrators, principals, teachers, staff, families and community supporters are to be commended for their collaborative performance, dedication, hard work and perseverance as a positive example of cooperative relationships yielding positive results.

Improving the educational process is not an accidental occurrence. It requires our continued support of the SLPS and a deliberate and intentional commitment to get the SLPS through the restorative process. Thank you for taking the lead in acknowledging their strides toward excellence.

Michael McMillan is License Collector for the City of St. Louis.

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr.

Symphony, Stewards, Donalds host Wynton Marsalis in St. Louis

East St. Louis High Jazz Ensemble

Arnold Donald, Hazel Donald, Wynton Marsalis

Marsalis with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Marsalis with Kimberly, Thelma and David Steward

David Steward, part Blues owner, presents Marsalis with jersey

Marsalis with Noemi and Michael Neidorff

Marsalis celebrated his 51st birthday at the Donalds’ reception

JLCO trumpet player Marcus Printup demonstrates to ESL youth The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performs with the East St. Louis High Jazz Ensemble.

On Tuesday, November 6

Re-Elect

Fiscal truth and pension promises

By Cole McNary For The St. Louis American

True fiscal leadership means delivering both the good and bad news about long-term economic health so we can ensure we keep the promises we have made to the taxpayers. Numbers don’t lie. It’s the job of the treasurer to serve as a budgetary straight shooter, someone who is willing to be honest about the fiscal challenges that face our state. Across the globe and nation, we see pension funds trending towards insolvency as the gap between assets and liabilities widens. Yet, not all leaders are courageous enough to deliver the tough news when necessary.

allow us to avoid potential future bankruptcy and, most importantly, ensure we keep the promises we have made to retirees.

The cornerstone of my campaign centers on one very essential principle, the fiscal truth. We learned this past June from the Pew Center on the States that our largest state pension was only 77 percent funded and therefore placed on a watch list. But that alert arrived from a national organization. We received no notification from our statewide leaders.

Without proactive disclosure, as a state how can we decide what direction will lead to greater fiscal strength? How do we know whether or not our pensions are healthy? As treasurer, I will ask the tough questions and present options with clarity, honesty and practicality.

towards a pension shortfall, but he also refused to offer us any long-term meaningful solutions to lessening the gap between assets and liabilities.

When asked about pension health in June, the current treasurer replied, “Missouri is one of the places where we are doing things right.” He cites his criticism of a shaky investment in the portfolio at the start of his administration as evidence of his pension concern.

And when the MOSERS board voted to adjust the assumption rate so they could bring the fund more in line with realistic return rates, my opponent sent a surrogate to the meeting to cast the lone NO vote. His avoidance of the issue and his history of absenteeism at board meetings suggest that he does not see pension health as a priority.

Attorney General Chris Koster has spent his life protecting the people of Missouri.

FiGhtinG MediCAid FrAud

Chris Koster prosecuted those who defrauded our state’s Medicaid System, recovering more than $200 million for Missouri taxpayers.

ProteCtinG ConsuMers

He was the first Attorney General in the country to go after big mortgage companies for forging documents in the nation’s housings scandal.

KeePinG us sAFe

Attorney General Koster created the Attorney General’s Task Force on Domestic Violence, which led to the first comprehensive improvements in domestic violence laws in thirty years.

We have growing commitments that will pass from one generation to the next yet we don’t exactly know how we will pay the bill when it becomes due. If elected treasurer, my top priority will be to cap pension fund manager’s commissions, and require greater transparency and disclosure over state investment health.

By bringing more fiscal truth to the treasurer’s office, we can provide leadership that will lead to the improvement and management of state pension funds. This will

The minimum standard for pension health is a funding level at 80 percent, and Missouri has dipped below that threshold. We have 126 public pensions in our state and a majority of them haven fallen below 80 percent.

We cannot continue to ignore the fact that our underfunded liabilities in Missouri have reached a troubling point. Treasurers across the country have taken the initiative to tackle these sensitive issues to ensure we fulfill our pension promises.

Our current treasurer has ignored this problem for four years. He has not only failed to mention we might be heading

My plan begins with a commitment to fight for greater fiscal truth and transparency. I will require fund managers to disclose data that uncovers not only the current expenses of state and local plans, but also any assumptions of rates of return, inflation, payroll growth and other economic data. We need better standards of disclosure so that we can have confidence in the strength of our pension plans. With more accurate information, we can begin to prepare a variety of forecasts that will help us plan for a future, a future that at this moment seems very uncertain. McNary is the Republican candidate for state treasurer on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Urban League hosts MO State

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Missouri State University invite parents and students to learn more about educator preparation programs and the Diversity in Education Scholarship offered by Missouri State University on

U. Nov. 7

Wednesday, November 7 from 4:30– 6:30 p.m. This event will take place at the Urban League offices located at 3701 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, call 314-615-3662.

My Story

Truman Wallace’s journey with cancer began in an unexpected place – a Schnucks grocery store. A group was there doing free prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests. After he initially declined, Truman decided to get the test at the health worker’s suggestion. Truman soon received a letter stating that he should talk to his doctor about the elevated results. Truman ignored the letter for years, fearful of what the results might mean. It wasn’t until his father died from prostate cancer and his older brother got it as well that Truman decided he should follow up with a doctor. When Truman was told that he, too, had prostate cancer, he thought it was a death sentence. Truman discussed treatment options with his doctor and, thankfully, his cancer could be treated with surgical procedure that didn’t even require an overnight hospital stay.

He and his wife, Loretta, rejoiced when the cancer was gone. Today, Truman shares his story with friends and family,

TRUMAN WALLACE’S PROSTATE CANCER JOURNEY

Cole McNary

Aldermanic courtesy bites the dust

There is change in the air at the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. And this is not about Proposition R on city ballots in the November 6 election, which will give city voters the chance to downsize the Board of Aldermen from 28 wards and aldermen to 14. If 60 percent of city voters approve this amendment to the City Charter, after the next census –in 10 years – the city would be redrawn into 14 wards with 14 aldermen.

Overnight is a lifetime in politics, so 10 years is an eternity. But things are changing at the board right now, and at the center of the change is a blunder by rookie 5th Ward Alderwoman Tamika Hubbard Hubbard – the daughter of power broker Rodney Hubbard Sr. and sister of Rodney Hubbard Jr., former state rep turned lobbyist –now understands clearly the colloquial saying “you better ask somebody” after the defeat of a bill she introduced to add the Bottle District to Paul McKee Jr.’s Northside TIF project. The bill to consolidate the two TIFs was being done to allow McKee to apply for additional state tax credits under the Land Assemblage program (which Rodney Jr. pushed through the Legislature). Under this program, developers pursuing “urban renewal” can qualify for state tax credits for reimbursement of acquisition costs, interest or carrying costs, maintenance and demolition costs.

Normally, such a bill pushed by one alderman regarding development in his or her ward does not meet with a

lot of resistance from the other aldermen, but this time Hubbard ran into a buzz saw in the form of venerable 3rd Ward Alderman Freeman Bosley who said he was upset that neither Hubbard nor McKee had talked to him about the bill. This becomes more than selfcentered petulance when you reflect that some 46 percent of McKee’s Northside TIF zone is in Bosley’s 3rd Ward. Opposition to the bill also came from another rookie, 24th Ward Alderman Scott Ogilvie, who has become a lone voice of dissent in the way the City of St. Louis awards TIF and other development rights to developers. In fact, Ogilvie – now the youngest alderman on the board – has taken up the cudgel against the whole tradition of “aldermanic courtesy” that was stood on its head when Hubbard’s bill failed.

Ogilvie, who seems to have a strong familiarity with McKee’s legal woes, argued that the city should wait until the Missouri Supreme Court rules on litigation currently before it in the form of an appeal of a lower court ruling by the irrepressible Judge Robert H. Dierker, who ruled that McKee’s Northside project was not in conformity with the state TIF law (based largely on evidence that the judge himself imported into evidence, but never mind that).

An attempt was made by Bosley and other aldermen to try and get Hubbard to agree to postpone the vote on the bill by putting it on the informal calendar, or tabling the bill for a week to give the developer time to meet with Bosley and explain the project. Notwithstanding

Hubbard’s opposition to tabling the hearing, a motion was made by Bosley that subsequently failed to muster enough votes. This resulted in a vote to move the bill forward for final passage, which is where Bosley’s colleagues gave him his due. The vote to move the bill to the final passage stage was defeated with 6 for, 8 against and 15 not voting or not present.

The bill is not technically dead. Based on the rules of the Board of Aldermen, any of the eight aldermen voting against the bill can bring it up for reconsideration at the November 2 aldermanic board meeting.

After the meeting, several aldermen were overheard complaining that Hubbard did not talk to them to explain the bill or ask for their vote. The vote could be seen as a teaching moment for Alderwoman Hubbard that you still do have to ask for a vote – especially with aldermanic courtesy under attack.

In Hubbard, McKee certainly backed an alderman sympathetic to his project

PROP A YES! on THE

Also endorsed locally by:

Freeman Bosley, Sr., Alderman, Ward 3

and willing to help him move the long-stalled development forward. But McKee is learning that a sympathetic alderman who is not competent can be a problem.

A not so bad Republican

As The American’s candidate endorsements last week stated clearly, the slate of Missouri Republicans on the Nov. 6 ballot is unusually bad even for Missouri Republicans.

The Republican candidate for governor is an unknown who is not ready for prime time, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate is a bizarre ideologue who believes victims of “legitimate rape” can void their own pregnancies without undergoing an abortion, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor is an incumbent who has spent his entire term pointlessly grandstanding against President Obama’s health care reform, the Republican candidate for attorney general is Ed Martin (just look him up) and the Republican candidate

for secretary of state is a Rex Sinquefield-funded poster candidate for Voter I.D. legislation devised to disenfranchise minorities and other demographics that tend to vote heavily Democrat.

Then there is Cole McNary, the Republican candidate for state treasurer. Though as someone who had to win a Republican primary in Missouri McNary is not incapable of saying some backwards things, at least he is bringing to the table a real issue in Missouri government that no one is dealing with proactively – a chaotic tangle of public pension plans, all of them burgeoning beyond control after decades of beefing up state employees’ pensions rather than giving pay raises. McNary is running against an incumbent Democrat who is a stalwart union man and as such not about to antagonize his base by taking up the pension issue. McNary is a Republican candidate with a sensible policy position in a very bad year for Missouri Republican candidates and their policies.

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill visits with Deputy Campaign Manager Corey Dukes, Robert Haire Sr., Sandra Haire and Robert Haire Jr. at the Missouri Democratic Party office in North County. McCaskill faces a Republican challenge on the Nov. 6 ballot from Todd Akin, who voted to eliminate funding for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Akin: bad for Boys & Girls Clubs

The Claire McCaskill campaign was saying something that should connect with black voters when it issued a release pointing out that in 2004 her Republican opponent for U.S. Senate Todd Akin voted to raise his own pay just two weeks before he voted against funding for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Akin was one of only 19 members to vote against funding for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America A McCaskill for Missouri spokesman said, “While Claire continues to focus on improving programs that we know work, Todd Akin has been voting in Congress to turn off the lights for Missouri children. Whether it’s the federal school lunch program or Boys and Girls Clubs, Todd Akin’s made it crystal clear that his own pay raises are more important than taking care of our most vulnerable kids.” That sounds about right.

Pamela Boyd, Committeewoman, Ward 27

Irene Calton, Councilmember, City of Berkeley

Chris Carter, State Representative, District 61

William “Lacy” Clay, Jr., United States Congressman

Marlene Davis, Alderwoman, Ward 19

Michele DeShay, Mayor, City of Moline Acres

Charlie Dooley, County Executive, St. Louis County

Hazel Erby, County Councilwoman, District 1

"The City of St. Louis is one of only two cities in the entire nation that does not control its own police department. This law is a vestige of the Civil War, and it must be repealed. The time for local control is now. I strongly support a YES vote on Proposition A."

Youlanda Fountain-Henderson, Committeewoman, Norwood

Lucinda Frazier, Committeewoman, Ward 3

Antonio French, Alderman, Ward 21

Darlene Green, Comptroller, City of St. Louis

Marguerite Guynn, Committeewoman, Ward 19

Ted Hoskins, Mayor, City of Berkeley

Penny Hubbard, State Representative, District 58

Rodney Hubbard, Sr., Committeeman, Ward 5

Shameem Hubbard, Committeewoman, Ward 26

Tammika Hubbard, Alderwoman, Ward 5

Helen Jackson, Councilman, City of Wellston

Reggie Jones, Alderman, City of Dellwood

Donald Krank, Councilmember, City of Black Jack

Karla May, State Representative, District 57

Norma McCourt, Mayor, City of Black Jack

Michael McMillan, License Collector

Angela Miles, Committeewoman, Ward 22

Mattie Moore, Chairwoman, St. Louis Democratic Central Committee

Sam Moore, Alderman, Ward 4

Joe Palm, Committeeman, Ward 26

Karen Pierre, Committeewoman, Normandy

Sylvester Taylor, State Representative, District 80

Reverend Everett Thomas, Mayor, Northwoods

Michael Watson, Committeeman, Ward 21

Steve Webb, State Representative, District 74

Andre Williams, Committeeman, Ward 22

Ruthesia Willis, Chairman, Village of Velda Village HIlls

St. Louis City Democratic Central Committee

St. Louis County Democratic Central Committee

Freedom, Inc. (Kansas City)

Senator-Elect Jamilah Nasheed, St. Louis

What it takes for the Dark knight to Rise

By Richard OmoniyiShoyoola Sophomore, Saint Louis Metro Classical High School

It seems that at least one movie that comes out every summer is about one superhero or another. In this year alone there have been a number of movies about some very popular superheroes made. The Avengers Dark Night Rises, and The Amazing Spiderman all pay tribute to the superheroes that we all know and love. It seems that at one time or another, all of us have dreamed of being a superhero, but what does science have to say about it?

Batman’s suit and assassin like fighting abilities are just as iconic as the character, but could intense training really allow one to never lose in a fight, take down a large number of men with guns in a room the size of a small bedroom, or recover from extreme conflict seemingly over night? Is it physically possible to own a cape that would allow for quick take off, be extremely sturdy, and also not get in the way of fighting?

It would seem that with the amount of factors that one must take on when trying to develop a cape, the act of saving lives like Batman would be near impossible, but what does science have to say about the matter? I contacted Terrence Kelly; head of the Department of Aviation Science of St. Louis University. The department specializes in aviation science, or the science behind flight.

The first thing that would probably be asked nowadays when thinking about Batman’s capeis- is what we see in the movies possible? When faced with what we have seen in movies like Batman Begins and Dark Knight, how viable is the design of the Batman cape on film? Mr. Kelly responds-

Richard OmoniyiShoyoola

“I would suggest the cape must be capable to provide sufficient lift to offset the weight of Mr. Wayne. When lift is less than the weight of Mr. Wayne he would start to descend. If lift were greater, he would ascend. If lift were equal to weight he would maintain altitude.” What Dr. Kelly is saying here, is that the force pushing upwards on Batman (what keeps things in the air) would need to be equal to or greater than the weight of Batman and all of his gadgets, in order for him to not automatically fall after jumping off a tall building.

“Given the size of the cape (used in the movies) - not terribly large- Mr. Wayne’s cape would require significant lifting characteristics or a relatively high airspeed in order to generate lift just slightly less than his weight for a controlled dissent. In short, while it’s plausible, I think Mr. Wayne might require a slightly larger cape.” It would seem that although the cape used

in the movies is doable, the person using it would need to find a way of maintaining the weight to lift balance required for gliding, or get a better fitting cape.

Now that we have an idea of what would be required for a cape of Batman’s size, what kind of shape would be needed? Certainly, something that strikes fear in to the minds of the thieves and villains of Gotham City is key, and a design that is both aerodynamic as well as stylish- But could it truly work? “I would suspect the cape would need some form of aerodynamically inclined shape to maximize lift,” says Dr. Kelly. “While many different shapes produce lift, a cambered surface is a very common characteristic. Additionally, the angle (angle of attack) at which the cape meets the air (relative wind) would also be critical in maximizing lift and avoiding aerodynamic stall.”

Richard is part of the YES(Youth Exploring Science) Program at the Saint Louis Science Center. YES aims to help youth develop work skills and prepare for college through the vehicle of scientific research projects.

The program currently serves over 200 youth from underserved backgrounds. Richard worked in SciJourn, a project that aided teens in crafting their own scientific articles for publication. For more information, please visit the YES website at www. youthexploringscience.com.

SCIENCE CORNER

A Weather Watcher

What Is A Meteorologist?

What’s the weather going to be today? it’s no secret that weather is a popular topic. Millions of people stay glued to their weather reports, whether it be on TV, in the newspaper, online, or on their smart phones. Meteorology is the study of weather. Meteorologists study patterns to predict the weather, not only the temperature, but heat waves, snow storms, tornados, hurricanes, blizzards, sleet, hail.

if you are interested in studying meteorology, you will need to take all of the math and science courses you can. With current technology advances, computer programming is even important training for this career.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Materials Needed:

2 2-liter bottles

Duct tape

Water

Procedure:

q Fill one of the 2-liter bottles two-thirds full of water.

w Tape the other 2-liter bottle to the top of the bottle. Be sure to tape carefully so the bottles stay together and the water will not leak.

e Turn the bottles over so that the bottle with water is on top.

r Shake the bottle in a circular motion. As the water empties into the bottom bottle, it will create a swirling vortex.

MATH CONNECTION

How do meteorologists predict the weather? Meteorologists use their knowledge of weather and patterns to forecast the weather. it is a very complicated process. Wind, dew point, sky cover, and pressure are observed. radar is an electronic device that allows meteorologists to see rain and snow. Are you interested in learning more about weather forecasts? Check out: http://weatherwizkids.com/weatherforecasting.htm or the “Kids Book of Weather Forecasting,” by Mark Breen. Learning Standards: i can read nonfiction information about science and careers to gain background information.

Tornado In A Bottle!

Want To Learn More About Tornados: http://scienceforkids.kidipede.com/physics/ weather/tornado.htm

Learning Standards: i can follow instructions to create a science experiment.

INVENTORS & INVENTIONS

FirST AFriCAN-AMEriCAN METEoroLogiST Charles

Anderson

On Aug. 13, 1919, Charles Anderson was born on a farm in University City. Although he lived on a farm, Anderson spent a lot of time exploring museums, theaters, gardens, libraries, and the zoo. He loved to read and his favorite subject was science. Anderson was a very hard working student and graduated as valedictorian of his class at Sumner High School in St. Louis. This was the first of many degrees for Anderson. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science from Lincoln University, a master’s degree in meteorology from the University of Chicago, and a master’s degree in chemistry from the Polytechnic institute of Brooklyn. Charles Anderson was the first African American to earn a doctorate degree in meteorology from Massachusetts institute of Technology (MiT).

Meteorology is the study of weather.

Anderson used this training during World War ii when he was an Army captain and weather officer. Anderson studied cloud patterns and became skilled at forecasting (predicting) severe storms. This knowledge allowed the troops to plan their routes and strategies to keep safe.

A self-taught pilot, Anderson was the first African American to receive a pilot’s license in 1929. in 1940, Anderson started the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) at the Tuskegee institute of Alabama. This program and its military follow-on, which he also directed, were responsible for training the pilots who became the famous Tuskegee Airmen. “Chief” Anderson is widely acclaimed as the father of Black Aviation. in 2007 the entire squadron was honored as a group with the Congressional Medal of Honor.

After his service in the army, Anderson held many important jobs during his career. He worked with the U.S. Department of Commerce, before becoming a teacher in 1967, when he became a Professor of Space Science and Engineering. He was a professor at the University of Wisconsin and North Carolina State University. Charles Anderson died in october of 1994. His studies of meteorology and storm prediction have remained legendary.

Want to know more about Charles Anderson? http://www.moptopshop.com/charles_anderson.html

Discuss: Who is Charles Anderson? Why is he considered an important scientist?

Learning Standards: i can read a nonfiction biography to find the main idea.

Math Temperature in the United States is typically measured in Fahrenheit. in other parts of the world, temperature is measured in Celsius. To convert temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, use this formula:

1.8 x Celsius degrees + 32= Fahrenheit degrees Use the formula to convert the Celsius temperatures to Fahrenheit temperatures.

Celsius Fahrenheit

10 degrees

15 degrees

40 degrees

Challenge: Can you use the formula to work backwards? if it is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, what is the temperature in Celsius?

Learning Standards:

Do you know why the temperature is measured in Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin? research the three methods for measuring temperatures and the regions that utilize them. Find the regions on a map.

Use the newspaper to practice your skills.

q Severe weather is newsworthy.

Look through the newspaper to find an article about drought, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. Summarize the article.

w Weather can be predicted accurately up to seven days in advance. What is the 7-day forecast? What is the highest temperature? What is the lowest temperature? What is the average temperature?

Learning Standards: i can use the newspaper to find information to solve a prompt. i can summarize and i can use math to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

OBITUARIES

Savannah Miller Young

Savannah Miller Young, was born Anna Maria Miller to the union of Willie Miller and Julia Hibbler Miller on January 12, 1937 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Keeping in the tradition of her Catholic faith, Savannah was originally named at birth for two important members of the Holy Family, Anna, the mother of Mary, and Mary, the mother of Christ. Her paternal grandmother was named Savannah and she began calling her granddaughter by her own name, and eventually the name stuck.

The Miller family were the founders and editors of two newspapers – The Mississippi Weekly in Vicksburg and the Mississippi Enterprise in Jackson. Mr. Miller went on to manage the paper for over 50 years in Jackson, Mississippi, which is where Savannah spent most of her formative years. Savannah began her education in a primary school afiliated with what is now Jackson State University, however at

age 7, her parents decided to send her to Holy Providence Boarding School in Cornwell Heights, Pennsylvania in hopes of circumventing the effects of her having to grow up in the harsh racial climate in Mississippi during the Jim Crow segregation era. Later on Savannah attended both Tougaloo High School and Tougaloo College before transferring to Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where she studied chemistry, biology and math, earning a B.S. in 1959. After receiving her teaching certiicate, Savannah taught science at Fatima High School for two years, in Westphalia, Missouri. She then went on to earn her masters in science education from Lincoln University in 1963, with a concentration in political thought and education, and a doctorate in curriculum development, supervision and instructional research from St. Louis University in 1972.

On February 23, 1977, Savannah married the love of her life, Rufus Young, Jr. While no children were born directly of this union, together they loved and nurtured a host of nieces and nephews and one goddaughter that they treated as their own. Savannah was also blessed with Gail and Jill, Rufus’ children from a previous marriage.

Savannah was a champion for children, an academic scholar and an eminent educational leader whose career spanned more than 50 years of service to K-12 and higher education with a heavy emphasis on science, reading and parenting. In addition

to working as a teacher she served as principal of Shepard Accelerated School for 11 years, where her efforts won the 1997 National Blue Ribbon School Award. Savannah served three years as the Saint Louis Public Schools Executive Director of Middle School Education and 10 years as the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary School Education for the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Her work in both school districts also involved administration and supervision of curriculum and instructional programs. Savannah was also an assistant professor at St. Louis University and was an adjunct professor at Harris-Stowe State University until the time of her death. Savannah was highly regarded as a lecturer and author. With over sixteen publications to her credit, she was most known for her 1997 book entitled, English: An African American Handbook

An active member of the community, Savannah was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She also worked closely with the St. Louis County Commission on Human Rights, People’s Health Clinics, the JUGS, Inc. (Justice, Unity, Generosity, Service, Inc.), The Amelians, Inc., The Women’s Society of Washington University, St. Louis Booklovers, Marian Oldham Scholarship Committee, and St. Philip’s Lutheran Church where she and Rufus were members.

On Monday, October 22, 2012 Savannah departed her earthly home, in exchange for one in heaven where she joined her beloved Rufus, along with her parents, Willie Miller and Julia Miller; brother, Joseph Pyles, Sr.; nephews: Byron and Danley; and her best friend,

Sylvia Elliott. Her sweet spirit remains embedded in the memories of those surviving: Her stepdaughters: Gail Allmon (Wendell) and Jill Young Menears (Mario); her goddaughter, Samantha Elliott Briggs (Calvin); nieces: Pamela, Joni, Inger; nephews: John, Stanley, Mario; grand-nieces: Jennifer, Stacy, Veronicia, Debra, Juliana; and a grand-nephew, David, all of whom Savannah considered her children. She also leaves behind her step-grandchildren: Wendi Duplessis (Rem), Gina and Gabrielle Allmon; Brandon Young-Fountain, Blake and Brett Young-Fountain; stepgreat-grandchildren: Remmi, Luke, and Kaden. Savannah was also a second grandmother to her great nieces: Morgan, Sydney, Ava, Lauren, Jordan, as well as to Micah and Elijah. In addition to countless students, colleagues and friends, Savannah also leaves behind a few special people: Doretha Gilbert, Jane Irving and Mary Cobb.

Douglass Adam Green

Douglass Adam Green, (T.J.), age 34, a resident of Belleville, IL departed this life on Thursday, October 25, 2012. He leaves to honor and cherish his memory his parents: Alvin and Sherry Green; one sister, Sherrika Green; and a host of aunts, uncles, a niece, cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral service has been arranged as follows: Homegoing service will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Officer Funeral Home, P.C., 2114 Missouri Avenue, East St. Louis, IL. Visitation period for family and friends will be held from 2 pm

until 2:50 pm at the Funeral Home. Send condolences and view this obituary online at www.officerfh.com.

Arvis Dunbar, Sr.

Arvis Dunbar, Sr. was born on April 29, 1940 in Kelso, Arkansas to the late Louis and Minnie Dunbar. At the age of six, his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri.

Arvis proclaimed his faith in Christ at an early age at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. He attended Banneker Elementary and Vashon High School. While at Vashon, he was very active on the football, baseball and wrestling teams, and in the choir and band. He lettered in all of the sports and he played the tuba. He later obtained a black belt in Judo. He loved the sport so much that he became a Sensei at the Sakura Judo Club, where he inspired and encouraged many young people.

Arvis was employed as an overhead crane operator and instructor at Abex Corporation until the company closed.

Arvis and Helen (Bonnie) Wallace were joined in holy matrimony on June 13, 1964. This year they celebrated 48 years of marriage. To this union six children were born, one of whom, Angela, preceded him in death.

Arvis departed this life on October 13, 2012. He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife, Helen (Bonnie) Dunbar; five children, Arvis (Denise) Dunbar Jr., Dana (Robert) Watts,

Ericka (Brian) Williams, Eric (Lecia) Dunbar and Shawn (Tracie) Dunbar; nine grandchildren, DeAngelo, Tender (who preceded him in death), Dy’Nieshia, Michael, Dominique, Nyla, Destiny, Zaria, Brian Jr. (BJ) and Erik Jr. (EJ); six great-grandchildren and one on the way; four siblings, Richard (Dorothy) Dunbar, Thelma (Isaiah) Thomas, Eugene Dunbar and Pauletta Dunbar; two brothersin-law; three sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews, four of whom were at his side as he was departing from this life, Shahadu (Tiffany) Sutton, Christina Wallace and Gerald Walker; cousins and a multitude of wonderful friends.

Annie Mae Larkins and Janet Alexander

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Annie Mae Larkins

Sunrise: October 27, 1926

Sunset: December 6, 2007

Mrs. Janet Marie Alexander

Sunrise: November 12, 1957

Sunset: July 6, 2005 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is above rubies. Proverbs 31:10 Forever in our hearts. Love always, Your family

Colin Powell endorses Obama

American staff

Former Secretary of State, National Security Adviser and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell endorsed President Obama for re-election last week. Powell cited the President’s leadership in bringing us back from the brink of economic collapse, ending the war in Iraq, his plan to end the war in Afghanistan, and his strong record of fighting terrorism as reasons for his endorsement. Here is how Powell explained his endorsement:

“When he took over the country was in very, very difficult straits. We were in one of the worst recessions we had seen in recent times, close to a depression. The fiscal system was collapsing. Wall Street was in chaos. We had 800,000 jobs lost in that first month of the Obama administration and unemployment would peak a few months later at 10 percent. The auto industry was collapsing. The housing industry was starting to collapse.

“And I saw over the next several years stabilization come back in the financial community. Housing is now starting to pick up after four years. Consumer confidence is rising. So I think generally we’ve come out of the dive and we’re starting to gain altitude. It doesn’t mean we are problem solved. The unemployment rate is too high. People are still hurting in housing. But I see that we are starting to rise up.

“I also saw the President get us out of one war, start to get us out of a second war and did not get us into any new wars. And I think that the actions he’s taken with respect to protecting us from terrorism have been very, very solid. And so I think we ought to keep on the track that we are on. With respect to Governor Romney, as I listen to what his proposals are with respect to dealing with our most significant issue, the economy, it’s essentially let’s cut taxes and compensate for that with other things. But that compensation does not cover all of the cuts intended or the new expenses associated with defense.”

Savannah Miller Young Arvis Dunbar Sr.

BUSINESS

The leaders of Midwest BankCentre in Pagedale,Mo.are John Shivers,vice president of retail banking;Marion Clark, senior mortgage lender;Melissa Jones,assistant leader;Kevan Crans,complete banker;and David Noble,community development officer.

Midwest opening first bank in Pagedale

Grand opening celebration set for November 17

American staff

Midwest BankCentre plans a Saturday, November 17 grand opening celebration for the first-ever full-service bank in Pagedale, Mo. The event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include food, games, prizes and activities for the whole family.

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Daniel Isom, retiring Chief of Police of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, is among the eight selected to participate in the 2013 Eisenhower USA Fellows program. The proposed destinations of his study are Germany and Ireland. He proposes to elevate the academic rigor of law enforcement training and to create a model of shared responsibility among police departments. Isom will retire at the end of the year and join the University of Missouri-St. Louis faculty.

Delores Betts-Mars is one of 22 older adults who will be recognized by the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System at the 10th annual Ageless – Remarkable Saint Louisans gala. She enjoyed a 37-year career with the U.S. Postal Service in St. Louis where she was the first African-American female manager. Now retired, she is Trustee board chairperson of Union Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and board Treasurer for Matthews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club.

“Midwest BankCentre will be a sensible alternative to predatory lending which has plagued the community.”

– Chris Krehmeyer,Beyond Housing

Located at 6810 Page Ave. at the new Rosie Shields Manor Senior Living Facility, the bank will serve businesses and residents in an area previously unbanked and without quality banking options. It opens in early November 2012 and will be led by John R. Shivers III, vice president of retail banking for MBC. It will employ a team of five and offer a full line of tradition-

ARCH GRANTSTO AWARD $1M INGRANTS

Application deadline: January 1, 2013

American staff

Arch Grants has unveiled its 2nd Annual Global Startup Competition. The competition will award $1 million in grant money to help entrepreneurs with early-stage capital and grow St. Louis as a hub for startups.

Arch Grants will award $50,000 to 20 startups. Recipients will demonstrate innovation in product or service, scalability and a commitment to St. Louis.

“We have created an opportunity for entrepreneurs to kick-start their ideas without sacrificing a stake in their company.”

– Sarah Spear, Arch Grants

Arch Grants will take no equity and will provide winning companies with access to business mentoring, free legal and accounting services, pro bono marketing and cloud computing services, collaboration with local universities, access to local investors, and the chance for a $100,000 follow-on grant. To be eligible, startups must be for-profit, can be in any industry, and can reside anywhere in the world. Winners must move to St. Louis or remain here.

Ateam of judges will evaluate the entries. Particular attention will be given to scalability, a plan to reach national or international sales, and progress against the concept (e.g.; a prototype).

“Building a startup friendly city is no small feat, and we’re excited to have competitions like Arch Grants provide incentives to stay or move here,” said St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay.

See GRANTS, B6

al banking products including a “Financial Freedom Suite” of deposit and loan products designed to help families get on the right track to financial independence.

“Our history has been strengthening the communities we serve by providing smart and sensible banking solutions to businesses and families,” says MBC Chairman Ron Barnes.

“As a result, we’ve been able to develop long lasting banking relationships, expanding the reach of our business. We look forward to serving many new customers in Pagedale and See BANK, B2

Four‘Excellent’ Business Performers

Salute to Excellence in Business is Nov. 15

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Four business professionals will be honored with Excellence in Business Performance Awards on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the 13th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The networking reception begins at 11 a.m., and the luncheon and program start at noon.

The event is jointly hosted by the St. Louis American Foundation, St. Louis RCGAand the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Patricia R.Coleman –building healthy environments

Patricia R. Coleman is the chief operating officer for Behavioral Health Response (BHR), which provides 24-hour behavioral health and crisis response services to agencies and companies worldwide.

“One of the keys to BHR’s successes is our employees respect and appreciation for differences in work experiences, perspec-

tives, cultures and life styles,” Coleman said.

Her goal is to create an environment where employees feel valued and supported, she said.

“We have the tools and support in place to foster the success factor of diversity,” she said. “Overall, that is what we strive for at BHR, and I believe that is why the people that we hire are second to none in the field of behavioral health. It is that kind of environment that professionals want to work in.”

BHR’s Board of Directors named Coleman the president and CEO, and she will assume her new role on December 1.

Darron Lowe –carving paths to success

Darron Lowe has been a leader in the Wells Fargo Advisors Black/AfricanAmerican Initiative to increase the recruitment, retention and development of African-American professionals.

John Robinson Jr., concession catering cook, Delaware North Sportservice at Busch Stadium, was recognized as one of Thirteen Hospitality Super Heroes in the St. Louis region by the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. The CVC’s Hospitality Hero Recognition Program honors front line workers “who best exemplify the region’s ongoing commitment to great service.” Nominations were solicited from industry management and judged by customer service experts.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Ameren’s Corporate Diversity Council ranked 16th in the nation

For the fourth straight year, the Association of Diversity Councils has recognized Ameren as having one of the Top 25 organizational diversity councils in the United States. Ameren’s Corporate Diversity Council was ranked 16th in the nation.Ameren is one of seven diversity councils that has been on the Top 25 list since the award’s origin in 2009. Ameren’s 20-member council was lauded for developing a three-year strategic plan for educating and communicating the diversity goals and initiatives to all members of the organization as well as advancing its culture of inclusion by producing its own internal diversity videos.

Bank of America grants

$205K to 16 area nonprofits

Last week Bank of America announced $22 million in grants to more than 1,050 nonprofits in 34 states to support workforce development initiatives. That includes $205,000 to 16 St. Louis-area nonprofits for the provision of job training and career counseling services. In St. Louis, 2012 winners include Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Eastern Missouri, College Summit, Inc., Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, FOCUS St. Louis, Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis, International Institute, Junior Achievement, Justine Petersen, Library Foundation, Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club, St. Patrick Center, St. Louis Artworks, Teach For America Inc., The Salvation Army, Washington University and YWCA.

SLU to host Global Business Outlook Conference on Nov. 16

The Boeing Institute of International Business at Saint Louis University’s will host the 2012 Global Business Outlook Emerson International Business Conference Friday, Nov. 16, at the John Cook School of Business, 3674 Lindell Blvd. The event, which begins with a continental breakfast, networking and exhibitor displays at 7:30 a.m., includes morning and afternoon sessions on international business topics. The conference concludes at 2 p.m. Visit slumarketplace.slu.edu to register. For additional information, contact 314- 977-3898 or bib@slu.edu.

Delores Betts-Mars

Daniel Isom

John Robinson Jr.

Chris Tabourne Darron Lowe Wendy Richardson

Patricia R. Coleman

Feds accepting complaints about credit reporting

American staff

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has started accepting consumer complaints about credit reporting, giving consumers individual-level complaint assistance for the first time at the federal level.

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

Consumer reporting agencies, which include what are popularly called credit bureaus or credit reporting companies, are private businesses that track a consumer’s credit history and other consumer transactions. The credit reports they generate – and the three-digit credit scores that are based on those reports – play an increas-

SALUTE

Continued from B1

“Diversity makes Wells Fargo a better, stronger company and even a better place to work,” said Lowe, assistant vice president of market growth & development consultant for the Lending Banking Services Group. “It enables us to better serve our diverse customers’needs and provide outstanding service to our customers and communities.”

This year, Lowe helped create and launch the Emerging Leaders Program to pair young black professionals with senior leaders who can assist in building a solid foundation for strong leadership.

Lowe is also passionate about ensuring that children achieve a quality education,

ingly important role in the lives of American consumers.

The largest credit reporting companies issue more than 3 billion consumer reports a year and maintain files on more than 200 million Americans. The consequences of errors in a consumer report can be catastrophic for a consumer, shutting him or her out of credit markets, jeopardizing employment prospects, or significantly increasing the cost of housing.

Although a small number of large businesses dominate the credit reporting market, there are many consumer reporting agencies in the United States. The market includes: the three largest credit reporting companies that sell comprehensive consumer reports; consumer report resellers that repackage information they buy from the largest companies; and specialty consumer reporting companies that primarily collect and provide specific types of infor-

and he’s focused his volunteer efforts on assisting inner-city schools with fundraising efforts and reading workshops.

Wendy Richardson – team leader for innovation

Wendy Richardson leads the MasterCard Customer Technical Communications team, which develops and delivers technical and operational information to customers.

Richardson is particularly proud of being a part of the team that launched the St. Louis Chapter of Lifting Employees of African Descent (LEAD) Business Resource group at MasterCard, and leading this organization for two years.

“The best way to promote diversity and inclusion at any organization is by getting

PERSONAL FINANCE

mation like on payday loans or checking accounts.

For consumers who believe that there is incorrect information on their credit reports or who have an issue with an investigation, before filing with the CFPB, they should first file a dispute and get a response from the consumer reporting agency itself. There are important consumer rights guaranteed by federal consumer financial law that may be best preserved by first going through the credit reporting company’s complaint process. Once that process is complete, if the consumer is dissatisfied with the resolution or if the consumer reporting agency does not respond, the CFPB is available to assist.

Aconsumer can come to the CFPB if he or she, for example, has issues with:

involved,” said Richardson, vice president of customer technical communications of MasterCard Worldwide. “A great way to do this at MasterCard is participation in the BRGs, employee-led groups that promote our inclusion strategy.”

ï Incorrect information on a credit report;

ï Aconsumer reporting agency’s investigation;

ï The improper use of a credit report;

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

ï Problems with credit monitoring or identity protection services.

The CFPB began taking credit card complaints when it launched on July 21, 2011. Since then, it has expanded to take complaints on mortgages, bank accounts and services, consumer loans, and private student loans.

Consumers are given a tracking number after submitting a complaint with the CFPB and can check the status of their complaint by logging on to the CFPB website. Each complaint will be processed

Chris Tabourne – recruiting diverse workers

“The best way to promote diversity and inclusion at any organization is by getting involved.”

Wendy chaired the 2011 MasterCard –United Way giving campaign. She also serves on the board of the International Institute.

– Wendy Richardson, MasterCard Worldwide VP

Chris Tabourne is the assistant vice president of diversity and inclusion at Enterprise Holdings –the parent company that operates Alamo Rent ACar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental. Tabourne leads and implements diversity and inclusion initiatives for the

“Diversity sits at the root of innovation,” she said. “Diversity of culture, experience and thought all drive innovative thinking.”

individually and sent to the company for response. The CFPB expects the consumer reporting agencies to respond to complaints sent to them within 15 days with the steps they have taken or plan to take. Consumers will have the option to dispute the company’s response to the complaint.

In July 2012, the CFPB adopted a rule to begin supervising larger consumer reporting agencies that have more than $7 million in annual receipts. The CFPB’s supervisory authority extends to an estimated 30 companies that account for about 94 percent of the market’s annual receipts. The CFPB’s authority to supervise these companies became effective Sept. 30, 2012.

In September, the CFPB also released a study looking at credit scores, the threedigit numbers, based on a credit report that are assigned to consumers and used to determine credit worthiness. The study compared credit scores sold to creditors and those sold to consumers. The study found that about one in five consumers would likely receive a different score than the score provided to a lender. Questions and answers on credit reporting are available on AskCFPB. Aconsumer advisory on credit reporting is also available.

company’s 72,000 employees.

“We want to shape our workforce and leadership team so that we reflect the community we do business with,” he said.

As part of his role, he also heads up the company’s North American Diversity and Career and Family Focus teams, who assist in the recruitment, retention and development of a diverse workforce.

Tabourne serves on the board of directors for MERS/Goodwill Industries in St. Louis, the advisory board of the World Diversity Leadership Summit, and is a member of the St. Louis Diversity Officers Network.

BANK

Continued from B1

its surrounding communities.”

MBC has maintained a prestigious Bauer Financial 5Star Superior financial rating for 47 consecutive quarters since 2001. The bank also has received the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for ethical business practices and recognition by the Small Business Administration of Eastern Missouri as a Top 10 Community Bank Lender in 2012.

To strengthen the community, MBC will offer free monthly financial education workshops on topics such as budgeting, managing and repairing credit, preventing identity theft and more. It also will partner with Mount Beulah Missionary Baptist Church to share month-

ly financial fitness courses.

“This is certainly something to celebrate,” says Pagedale Mayor Mary Louise Carter. “Midwest BankCentre’s investment in Pagedale advances the

“Midwest BankCentre’s investment in Pagedale advances the momentum energizing our community.”

– Pagedale Mayor Mary Louise Carter

momentum energizing our community.”

MBC’s Pagedale branch is part of the Beyond Housing “24:1 Initiative,” a comprehensive community development model creating a better life for the families and children living within the 24 municipalities that comprise the Normandy

To file a credit reporting complaint, consumers can: ï File online at www.consumerfinance.gov/Complaint ï Call the toll-free phone number at 1-855-411-CFPB (2372) or TTY/TDD phone

He also is a visiting professor for the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program and chairs the community/school initiatives for Brittany Woods Middle School in University City.

Tickets to the 13th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis are $75 each for general seating, tables of 10 available for $750; $100 each for Preferred/VIPseating, tables of 10 available for $1,000. Call 314-533-8000 or visit stlamerican.com.

School District. Also part of the initiative is a brand new Save-A-Lot grocery store that sits adjacent to the new bank.

“Midwest BankCentre will provide essential financial services to the Pagedale community and will be a sensible alternative to predatory lending which has plagued the community,” says Chris Krehmeyer, president and chief executive officer of Beyond Housing.

“Its services will help residents work toward establishing, building and maintaining financial stability and independence.”

Midwest BankCentre is headquartered in Lemay, Mo. It operates six additional metro St. Louis banking facilities in Pagedale, Clayton, WingHaven, Fenton, Oakville and Arnold.

More information is online at www.midwestbankcentre.com.

“I would like to thank

– Guard James

PREP FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

With Earl Austin Jr.

Class 6 district semifinal matchups

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of The St.Louis American

football playoffs have reached the district semifinals stage this week. The winners of Wednesday night’s semifinal games in Classes 1-5 advance to the district championship game on Monday, Nov. 5. The Class 6 games will be held on Friday night. The winners will advance to the district

The schedule for their games is also listed.

Class 6

District 1 Marquette at Lafayette

Heat set to repeat

NBAfull of storylines in new season

Oh how time flies. It seems like just a few weeks ago when we witnessed LeBron James and Co. finally silence the critics (myself included) with a memorable performance over Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder to claim his first NBA Championship. King James exorcised his demons of 4thquarter futility and finally earned the title “King James.” But as the defending champion Cardinals learned in the MLB playoffs this season, last year is last year. This is now. And right now, the season is set up to be a dandy. First off, the Heat appear to be even stronger this season as they attempt to pull off a

repeat. The team’s trio of stars, James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, have all returned and should be in peak form. But added to the mix are two deadly longrange shooters in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Both are entering the twilight of their careers but should be effective

Added to the mix of the Heat are two deadly long-range shooters in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.

contender in the East will still be the Boston Celtics. Even though its core is reportedly sponsored by Metamucil, the Celts are poised for a deep postseason run. Kevin Garnett should have enough juice to compete against the centers of the East. I’m convinced Paul Pierce could get buckets playing with

Steven A. Smith uses N-word on

~ See ‘Claib’s Call’ page B4 ~

INSIDE SPORTS

The National Basketball Association began regular-season play this week with several new faces in new places.

Some of the more prominent players changing addresses this year include Steve Nash, Dwight Howard and Antawn Jamison (Los Angeles Lakers), Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis (Miami Heat), Jason Terry (Boston Celtics), Joe Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Andrew Bynum (Philadelphia 76ers), Andre Iguodola (Denver Nuggets), Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Clippers) and most recently, NBASixth Man of the Year James Harden, who was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets last weekend. It should make for an interesting season.

First Teammate

Former McCluer North basketball standout B.J. Young has been selected to the preseason All-Southeastern Conference First Team. The 6’4” sophomore guard averaged 15 points a game to lead the Razorbacks in scoring as a freshman. Young also shot 50 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range. Young earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors in 2012. University of Missouri senior guard Phil Pressey was selected as the preseason SEC Player of the Year.

Verbal commitment Hazelwood Central senior Jordan Martin recently gave a verbal commitment to Southern Illinois. The 6’8” Martin averaged 14.4 points, 8.8 rebounds in leading the Hawks to a 19-7 record last season. On the girls recruiting front, Ladue High’s Taylor Robinson gave a verbal commitment to Temple. The 6’4” Robinson averaged 20 points, nine rebounds as a junior. Senior guard Lauren White of Edwardsville committed to Northern Kentucky. The 5’9” White was a starting guard on the Tigers’Illinois Class 4A state runner-up team.

Women’s basketball tryouts The St. Louis Surge of the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League will be holding its

Photo by Wiley Price

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Earl Austin Jr.

LeBron James and Dwayne Wade will attempt to pull off a repeat in 2013.

With Earl Austin Jr.

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

‘Fastly’talking Steven A. Smith says N-word on ESPN

Now we have a better idea what the “A” in Stephen A. Smith stands for.

Last week in a TVinterview, Smith got into the wayback machine and uttered the “N” word as if he was at the barbershop as he made a reference to a situation of his disbelief in something. It went something like, “N....., please.” Yep, the magic words. Words that we have all heard, words that we are still offended by and words that, if he were a white sports anchor on ESPN, he would have been fired so quick the Guinness Book of Records would have been called for confirmation.

Instead, Smith denied making the remark. ESPN has been as silent while his colleagues shake their head in disbelief that he still has a job. No mater how cool you think you may be, you cannot go there. That slur has been the bastion of racism in America since the beginning of time, and while some in Black America use it as if they are speaking of a dear relative, for it to be used in this forum is unacceptable for anyone. Smith should know better. I am sure the term has been used toward him, and I am am sure he did not embrace it with open arms. What really bugs me is that after being caught with his

tongue in the cookie jar, he had the audacity to deny it, saying he is a New Yorker and he at times “talks fastly.” Dude, is “fastly” even a word? If he were to come clean and admit that he had a poor choice in words, most would admonish him, remind him of the impact that word has and, even though it may be used in our community, it is out of bounds in the forum he is in. Some would say move on, and others would want some blood. Smith has made a name in talking loud and in most cases saying nothing. He has convinced those at ESPN that his style and banter make him hip and accepted in among African Americans. As some would put it, he has street cred. My concern is what street is he on these days. This is a clear case of ESPN being quite comfortable with their “Black” guy. And While the Michael Wilbons of the world are more mainstream and in most cases respected, there is nothing like having the rabble rouser around, like Smith. Yeah, he knows his role and is reasonably good at it, if you like that sort of shenanigan. Smith has been charged to represent as a well-dressed Black man who has been given the floor on the most powerful cable network in the world. There comes a responsibility with that, which Smith has

failed miserably to uphold. For ESPN to stay quiet on this one makes you wonder what they really think of their African-American audience. After all, they have given us Stephen A. Smith and I guess we should be thankful. I will

say, “It’s OK, bro, I know what you mean.” NO sale here on that one.

What should they do at ESPN? Firing Smith is harsh but understandable, as if Chris Berman had gone there, I sure we would have dusted off the picket signs and called up Jesse and here we go.

Suspension? To just put a guy on ice and say “stay at home for a couple of weeks” proves nothing other than it makes the front page for a day and life goes on.

How about sensitivity training? He would be in there with all the white guys who have learned how to say the same word better than Smith. Not sure if we are going to get anywhere. How about sending him out to schools and even barber shops to hold court on why what he did was wrong and why the culture has to change?

tryouts for the upcoming season on Saturday, Nov. 10 at the St. Louis Sports Center (6727 Langley Ave.) in Affton. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Session I will be held from 9-11 a.m. with Session II scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Players trying out must be present at both sessions. For more information or to pre-register, visit the website stlsurgebasketball.com.

The St. Louis Surge completed a very successful 2012 season with a 13-4 record and a berth in the WBCBLNational Championship game. The Surge entered the national tournament as a wild card participant and finished 3-1 and a national runner-up finish.

Team Ramey tryouts

pass on that one as I find him repulsive as well as embarrassing in how he has conducted himself on several occasions. The lame excuse is what rubs me the wrong way more than anything, as if we are supposed to wink back and

ESPN should also go shopping for other qualified minorities who get it and keep them on file in the event that Smith has a memory lapse, as they have no one who works there they feel comfortable replacing Smith with, hence the reason he still has a job. There is a lesson to be learned here. Stephen A. Smith is a buffoon. Stephen A. Smith should know better, and Stephen A. Smith should pay in some way shape or form.

Team Rameybasketball is holding AAU tryouts for boys basketball teams from fifth to eighth grades. The tryouts will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Wohl Center (1515 N. Kingshighway Blvd.). The schedule for the tryouts are: Fifth grade, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Sixth grade, 12:45 to 2:15 p.m.; Seventh grade, 2:30 to 4 p.m.; Eighth grade, 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. There will also be a skills workout on both days. The tryout fee is $5. To register, you can visit the website, teamrameybasketball.com.

9th place finish

Congratulations to former Francis Howell North standout Nathan Shipley on his ninth-place finish at the Ohio Valley Conference Cross Country championships. Shipley is a senior at Southeast Missouri State. By finishing ninth, Shipley earned All-OVC honors for the fourth consecutive year. He became the first runner in the history of SEMO’s program to earn All-OVC honors in four consecutive seasons.

R.I.P.,Old School

I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of former Sumner High basketball standout Dennis Van Mathis, who recently died after a lengthy illness. Nicknamed “Old School,” Van Mathis was an outstanding guard for the Bulldogs during the mid1970’s. He was one of the top players on Sumner’s 1975 team that advanced all the way to the Class 4A state-championship game, where the Bulldogs finished second to McCluer.

Mike Claiborne

Dude, is “fastly” even a word?

Last week,Steven A.Smith uttered the “N”word during a TV interview.ESPN has been silent while his colleagues are in disbelief that he still has a job.

has given a

Emmonnie Henderson commits to Louisville

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of the St.Louis American

Edwardsville High twosport girls standout Emmonnie Henderson has given a verbal commitment to the University of Louisville.

The 6’2” Henderson was the St. Louis American Player of the Year in girls basketball as a junior in 2012. She is currently ranked as the No. 40 player in the ESPN.com national rankings for the Class

Continued from B3

at Athens, Sat., 2 p.m.

First round district highlights

Lutheran North sophomore quarterback Justin Baker completed 22 of 36 for 361 yards and four touchdowns in the Crusaders’41-32 victory over Herculaneum in a District 2, Class 2 contest. Senior Anthony Virdure had eight receptions for 180 yards and

of 2013. Henderson is also a star on the Tigers’track and field team. She will compete in both sports at Louisville. Henderson’s final decision came down to Louisville and Tennessee. She chose the Cardinals on Monday after her visit to Louisville over the weekend. She also considered Purdue and Miami (FL).

As a junior, Henderson averaged 15.6 points and seven rebounds to lead Edwardsville to a 34-2 record and the

Vianney’s Markel Smith rushed for 188 yards and five touchdowns in the Golden Griffins’41-15 victory over Poplar Bluff.

two touchdowns. Baker is the leading passer in the St. Louis area while Virdure leads the area in receiving yardage.

O’Fallon advances

O’Fallon’s Todd Porter passed for 357 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for two touchdowns in the Panthers’37-35 victory over Homewood-Flossmoor in the first round of the IHSAClass 8Aplayoffs.

ESL beats Belleville West

East St. Louis’Daniel Williams had six receptions for 129 yards and three touch-

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

a walker, so his point pro-

duction shouldn’t be a concern. The spot Ray Allen left open was filled by former Maverick Jason Terry, essentially making the Allen loss a moot point. Of course the guy driving the green Cadillac is none other than Rajon Rondo. The gangly point guard has quietly developed into the team’s best player. He can score, distribute and defend.

The team could also get a solid boost if Jeff Green is fully recuperated after heart surgery held him out last season. Green can be a very versatile scorer and his health and polish might determine how far the Celtics go.

There are a few other teams in the East who should be interesting to watch. Philly has a nice core of youngsters and Andrew Bynum to the mix. Chicago has been written off by many since former league MVPDerrick Rose will be out for an extended period after ACLsurgery. Still, after adding Kirk Hinrich and Marco Belinelli in the offseason, the Bulls should be in a solid position in the standings whenever Rose returns. The big question will be how the injury affects him and how well he will mess with the team after missing so much time.

Lastly New York and Brooklyn will fight for NY supremacy and playoff relevancy. Of course the Knicks always look good on paper and then holepunch themselves to death. Brooklyn has a nice starting five, but the depth is questionable. I have a feeling they’ll make some moves to strengthen the team.

Out West, the shakeup has been immense. The defending conference champs just shaved away its bearded wonder when the Thunder shipped super

sixth man James Harden to the Houston Rockets. Harden wanted a max extension. The Thunder didn’t want to go too deep into the luxury tax. The crazy thing is that it may turn out as a good move for all parties. OKC got a more than capable scorer in return in Kevin Martin, a fresh prospect in Jeremy Lamb and two first round picks. Cha-ching! As for the Rockets, they got a potential star player who wanted a chance to shine. Houston won’t any shot at the title this season, but should be exciting to watch with Jeremy Lin and Harden leading the way. Of course the Lakers are the big story on the Left Coast. After a few years of mediocrity, the championship swagger is back with the additions of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard. The team appears poised to make its way back to the Finals as they appear to have very few weaknesses. Nash will drop dimes like he’s playing in CoinStar Arena. Kobe will score. Howard will rebound, defend and dunk. Gasol will learn about the new flop rules the hard way, but his game will improve with the

addition of Howard. Metta World Peace will keep opponents on edge. Yes, the Lakers will be tough to beat unless the injury bug bites. My beloved Mavericks rebounded nicely after striking out on Howard and Deron Williams this offseason. They won’t get back to the Finals, but should make the playoffs for the bazillionth time in a row. Denver has a nice core and could serve as a spoiler to one of the top teams come playoff time. The Spurs are a year older and a year more forgotten, which is when they the most dangerous. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have had a full offseason to gel and the Clippers will field an impressive squad. Overall, this season should be an exciting one, filled with storylines and up and coming stars. Hopefully the referees will have their act together after a dreadful performance in the shortened season last year. Regardless, all signs point to this being a season to remember. Grab your popcorn and DVR remote and enjoy the show!

Athlete of the Week

The 5’11” 185-pound senior wide receiver enjoyed a big performance in the Panthers’37-35 victory over Homewood-Flossmoor in the first round of the IHSAClass 8Aplayoffs.

Mosely had nine receptions for 170 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Panthers. He scored on receptions of six, nine and 11 yards. For the season, Mosely has 61 receptions for 985 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is also a standout on defense and kick returns. Mosely has already committed to the University of Illinois. O’Fallon will host Lagrange Lyons in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

school’s first ever appearance in the Illinois Class 4Astate championship game. The Tigers finished second in the state to national power Chicago Whitney Young.

On the track, Henderson powered the Tigers to the school’s first ever state championship in 2012 with statechampionship performances in the shot put and discus. She is the state record holder in both events.

downs in the Flyers’27-13 victory over Belleville West in the first round of the IHSAClass 7Aplayoffs.

Vianney routs Poplar Bluff

Vianney’s Markel Smith rushed for 188 yards and five touchdowns in the Golden Griffins’41-15 victory over Poplar Bluff in the Class 5, District 1 playoffs.

Gateway Tech shuts out St.Charles

Gateway Tech’s Corbin Mason and Michael Ball combined to rush for 392 yards and five touchdowns in the Jaguars’48-0 victory over St. Charles in the Class 4, District 4 playoffs.

(You can catch Earl Austin Jr. talking high school football on Friday nights on The Prep Zone with host Maurice Drummond on KTVI-Fox 2 at 10:20 p.m.).

Edwardsville High two-sport girls standout Emmonnie Henderson

verbal commitment to the University of Louisville.

125K vets & military spouses hired through Joining Forces

American staff

First Lady Michelle Obama recently traveled to Naval Station Mayport, Florida to announce that more than 2,000 businesses who have participated in her Joining Forces initiative have hired or trained more than 125,000 veterans and military spouses in the past year. Mrs. Obama also announced that these same companies have committed to build on the momentum to date and have pledged to hire or train 250,000 veterans and spouses in the coming years.

One year ago, President Obama announced a series of measures to increase veterans’ employment and he asked the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden to lead an effort with the private sector through Joining Forces to hire or train 100,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013. Joining Forces efforts to date have exceeded the President’s challenge to the private sector with hiring milestones met more than a year early.

GRANTS

Continued from B1

“We see economic growth coming from the concentration of talented and productive entrepreneurs in St. Louis, and the more this happens, the greater our success will be in growing the city’s startup ecosystem.” Kauffman’s annual index of entrepreneurial activity ranked Missouri sixth among the 50 states in 2011.

“We understand the challenges of starting a business and have created an opportunity for entrepreneurs to kickstart their ideas without sacrificing a stake in their compa-

The First Lady also reiterated her challenge to states to pass legislation that reduces the financial and administrative strains that 100,000 military spouses incur from trying to get their state licenses or certification credentials to transfer from state to state as they move. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden made their pitch to governors in February of this year when only 11 states had legislation on the books supporting military spouse license portability. In just six months the number of states with supportive measures in place has more than doubled to 26 states. Companies are making new commitments to veteran employment every week. The following companies are new among the 2,000 businesses that are recognizing that hiring veterans is good for their bottom line:

ï NatLabs, Inc. committed to bring 400 jobs back to the U.S. from overseas starting in 2013 and hire veterans as 75 percent of their labor force.

ny,” said Sarah Spear, Executive Director, Arch Grants.

Jerry Schlichter, Arch Grants President, said: “We’re excited to announce that we’re increasing the number of entrepreneurs and grant money to $1 million, which is a statement that we’re serious about building on the energy and success of the inaugural group of entrepreneurs.” In its inaugural year, Arch Grants awarded $50,000 each to 15 startups from around the globe that demonstrated growth potential and chose to make St. Louis their headquarters.

“US Bank is glad that our commitment to support entrepreneurism and a new vitality

These 400 jobs in hi-tech manufacturing will be located in the Jacksonville, Florida, area.

ï Companies like, Dupont and Exelon have made commitments to have veterans constitute 10 percent of their new hires in the coming years.

ï The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) – consisting of more than 140 companies – is committed to hire 50,000 military spouses in the coming years. This partnership is coordinated by the Department of Defense and consists of companies who have pledged to hire military spouses and support their continued employment and professional development by transferring a spouse’s job with them when they move to a new military duty station.

Acomplete list of every company and their commitment to veteran and military spouse employment through Joining Forces can be found at www.joiningforces.gov/commitments.

in our city is having the impact we desire for our community,” said Zachary M. Boyers, Chairman and CEO, U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation.

“With backing from US Bank and others, Arch Grants is helping foster the entrepreneurial spirit that will continue to drive St. Louis forward.”

Arch Grants will give a workshop at their office in the T-REx space in St. Louis on November 13 on how to be a strong applicant. Awebinar will also be available. Applications can be submitted at www.archgrants.org/2013 and must be completed by January 1, 2013.

Financial Focus

By Veronica Coleman

How might the election affect your investment outlook?

Election Day is drawing near.As a citizen, you’ll want to cast your ballot for those candidates who best represent your views on a range of important issues. But as an investor, you might be wondering how the election’s outcome might affect one specific area — your financial outlook. There’s no simple answer, of course. But a look back in time does reveal some points of interest. Most notably, the stock market and the economy have performed well, on average, under every combination of Democrats and Republicans in Washington. But there are differences — specifically, the economy has historically grown faster under Democratic presidents and when Democrats had the majority in Congress. On the other hand, inflation has historically been lower during Republican presidencies and congressional majorities, resulting in improved performance for the bond market. Still, these tendencies don’t necessarily have predictive power. Furthermore, when assessing the long-term effect on investment prices, there’s strong evidence that market forces — such as corporate earnings, consumer spending and interest rates — are more important than

politics or elections. Consequently, you’ll want to stay current on these market forces as you monitor your investment strategy over time. But wait — won’t your tax situation change, based on who wins the election? Specifically, won’t there be changes related to how your investment earnings are taxed? At this stage, it’s hard to predict what these changes might look like, if they happen at all. Keep in mind that the next president, no matter who he is, will need to get his plan through Congress, so whatever emerges in the way of tax changes may look considerably different than

POTPOURRI

WITH DANA G. RANDOLPH

b.Marcell Boutique opened with an exclusive afternoon event on September 30. The new boutique featuring the chicest bits and pieces from the east and west coasts is located at St. Louis Mills Mall. VIP guests, friends and family shopped all afternoon while enjoying delicious food, drinks and a 30 percent discount. The boutique features a vast selection of handbags, jewelry and accessories.

the holiday season. b.Marcell Boutique is open seven days a week. Sheila Forrest (Afro World) wants everyone to know the Afro World family is geared up for the election on November 6 and volunteers are needed for canvassing and phone banking seven days a week! Also, please stop by if you need

and

Proprietors Brandon and Brittani McClure Williams are thrilled with the response to new items just in for

In Donny Hathaway’s footsteps

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

do you?” Vanita “Vanita Applebum” Thompson said when asked about how soul and jazz musician Frank McComb came to be the most recent spotlight artist for her Suite Soul Spot concert series.

“He chose me.”

“So I got this phone call early one Saturday morning... ‘YO Veeee!’” the blog entry notes. “It was Frank McComb. What a blessing to have him come to St. Louis FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!”

Plenty of folks have never, ever heard of Frank McComb – but he is an unmatched talent on the soul/ jazz circuit with a musical style completely his own. He somehow managed to recreate the vocal DNA of Donny Hathaway and offer that painfully beautiful first tenor tone as a musical blessing to an entirely new generation.

But those willing to keep a musical open mind will be anything but sorry if they decide to stop by Plush Saturday night and see him – along with St. Louis’ own Marcus Baylor (and his wife Jean, formerly of Zhane) as special guests.

It was his love for Donny Hathaway that led McComb to reach out to Thompson.

“He said he had a couple of dates in the U.S. open and he wanted to make something happen,” Thompson said. “He’s never been here before, and he wanted to perform where it all began (for Hathaway) for a long time.”

For nearly 20 years McComb has been just on the cusp of crossover R&B success as a beloved performer with the jazz festival circuit.

“He had an album called Love Stories that blew me away,” Thompson said. “People don’t know much about

St. Louis dancer helps bring Rockettes home

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I remember the first time I suited up as a Rockette,” St. Louis native Karilyn Surratt said. “We were doing our strut kick downstage, and I had tears in my eyes. There is really nothing else like that that I’ve experienced.”

It’s been nearly 10 years since her six o’clock kicks debut among the most renowned sets of legs in the world. And next week Surratt and the Rockettes return to their St. Louis roots.

“Being from St. Louis and being a part of the Rockettes – which got their start as the Missouri Rockets – is just this full circle moment and so much of an honor that I get to be a part of it,” Surratt said.

“This is a group of dancers who have been here for so many generations and still are doing their thing. I feel so lucky.”

In commemoration of their 85th anniversary celebration tour, the Rockettes return home with a beloved native dancing daughter.

“You are a part of this unbroken line of women, and I just think it’s really important and just an awesome thing when you’re on stage – knowing that we are in precision and everyone working together,” Surratt said.

“It just fills you with so much joy and so much pride that you’ve worked so hard and you’ve accomplished that goal. I think it’s a feeling anyone can

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

Louis American Soul, history, hope, segregation and St. Louis are central themes among the dozen or so films that comprise the African and AfricanAmerican sidebars for Cinema St. Louis’ 21st annual St. Louis International Film Festival. Stories that detail civil rights, the power of music life in the Diaspora that are expressed through documentary, shorts and feature

films are among the hundreds of selections during each year’s festival. But for 2012 a unique mix of subjects and profiles, audiences will be inspired and motivated through activism and artistic contributions birthed right here in St. Louis.

Envisioning Home

“We are going to keep rent striking until somebody does something because we know

somebody can do something. They’re saying that they are bankrupt. We are too. They’re saying they can’t do anymore. We can’t either. The tenants don’t have the money. They can’t pay this type of money and eat too – so I’m telling people to eat and damn the rent! – Jean King

See KICK, C4

See STYLE, C4

Brittani and brandon Williams at Bmarcel Boutique grand opening

G. Randolph

singer Frank McComb debuts in St. Louis this Saturday

Suite Soul Spot presents Frank McComb with special guests Marcus and Jean Baylor at Plush (3222 Locust) on Saturday, November 3

The power, inflection and passion of Jean King’s voice as she led the tenant strike could rival any of the civil rights leaders when she addressed the media during the landmark tenants’ strike in St. Louis during the late 1960s.

See FILM, C4

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Fri. Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Clergy Coalition hosts Concert to Benefit United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society. Nine area churches will perform. West Side Missionary Baptist Church, 2677 Dunn Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 539-4128.

Fri., Nov. 2, 7 p.m., The Wildey Theatre hosts Erin Bode. Walk the red carpet and spend the night listening to great music. All proceeds of this concert will go toward the Scholarship Fund to help support local students in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7. 252 North Main St., Edwardsville, IL., 62025. For more information, call (855) 464-3223.

Through Nov. 3, Jazz St. Louis presents Terell Stafford: This Side of Strayhorn. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Sun., Nov. 4, 3 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Hip Hop Symphony. Learn about musical form in this innovative program pairing hip-hop choreography by COCA’s Redd Williams with classical favorites performed by the STLSymphony. When the dancers take the stage, you’ll see the visual and physical representation of what you’re hearing! 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700.

Wed., Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Webster Groves High School and Western Illinois University Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Thur., Nov. 8, 7 p.m., Mildred Thimes Foundation

Benefit Concert feat. Denise Thimes. Musical tribute to Nancy Wilson to benefit pancreatic cancer research. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Nov. 9, 8 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Artsounds! Sylvia McNair “Sketches of New York.” Musical tribute to the glamour and excitement of New York City, with music from Broadway and more! Guitarist Rick Haydon and his trio open the concert with a jazzy tribute to George and Ira Gershwin, while artwork by Al Hirschfeld create a visual backdrop. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Fri., Nov. 9, 8 p.m., The Fox Theatre presents Mary Mary Go Get it Tour. Special guests Isaac Carree and Jessica Reedy. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1678 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Nov. 9 – 10, Jazz St. Louis presents Jim Manley. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314-289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org

Sat., Nov. 10, 6 p.m., All That Jazz Goes Blues. Benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis! Festivities include cocktails, a silent and brief live auction, dinner, dancing and entertainment by Keith Robinson’s All Stars. Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, 315 Chestnut, 63107. For more information, call (314) 335-8014.

Sun., Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m., The Bistro at Grand Center presents Intimate Duets Concert. Take a trip down memory lane and listen to the best of classic ballads and old school favorites with vocals by M’lyssa and Daryl ‘Baby D’ Smith. 3536 Washington Ave.,

CALENDAR

63114. For more information, call (314) 397-5014.

Nov. 14 – 17, Jazz St. Louis presents Joey Defrancesco Trio. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Thur., Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., Fox Concerts & AEG Live present R. Kelly Single Ladies Tour. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1678 or visit www.metrotix.com.

special events

Thur., Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., Fox Theatre presents So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour. Starring Season 9 Finalists Audrey, Tiffany, Will, and more. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1678.

Fri., Nov. 2, 8 p.m., The Ambassador presents 70s Throwback Party. 9800 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 456-4826 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 3 – 4, 10 a.m., Midwest Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Expo. Events include workshops for

proper hair care, business development, holistic health care, and more. Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 319 Fountain Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL., 62208. For more information, call (618) 580-8407.

Sat., Nov. 3, 11 a.m., Delta Dental Health Theatre presents The Great Candy Exchange. Unopened, packaged candy can be traded in for chances to win prizes, including an Xbox 360 Kinect. We will also be collecting canned goods for Operation Food Search. The event will also feature interactive games, face painting, and more. All candy received will be sent to the troops. 727 N. First St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 241-7391.

Sat., Nov. 3, 12 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Community Action Fair. Through enlightening demonstrations, lectures, special guests, and presentations, learn about organizations that work on issues of food justice. Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org..

Sat., Nov. 3, 11 a.m., Delta Dental Health Theatre presents The Great Candy Exchange. Unopened, packaged candy can be traded in for chances to win prizes, including an Xbox 360 Kinect. We will also be collecting canned goods for Operation

stylish and sophisticated singles, and witness the crowning of the Top 4 winners! Horizon at Harry’s Restaurant and Bar, 2144 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 421-6969.

Fri., Nov. 9, 9 p.m., Three Sixty presents Fired Up at Three Sixty. Join us for an exciting and ambitious party to officially kick off fire pit season. With aerial artists and other fiery surprises. One S. Broadway, 63169. For more information, call (314) 2418439.

Nov., 9 – 10, The Resale Shop First Anniversary Event. 295 N. Lindbergh Blvd., 63141. For more information, call (314) 692-8141.

Food Search. The event will also feature interactive games, face painting, and more. All candy received will be sent to the troops. 727 N. First St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 241-7391.

Sat., Nov. 3, 5:30 p.m., The Green Center presents 5th Annual Fire Festival. Featuring fire dancers, jugglers, storytelling, food, s’mores and more. 8025 Blackberry Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-8314 ext. 102.

Sat., Nov. 3, 6 p.m., 5th Annual Night forthe Town Gala and After-Party. Dinner, music, a live auction and a silent auction. After you wine and dine at the Gala, let loose and dance the night away at the Night for the Town AfterParty. The Moto Museum, 3441 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 446-1805.

Sat., Nov. 3, 8 p.m., Bubbling Brown Sugar presents Miss Fannie’s Ball 2012. The Ambassador, 9800 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 8699090 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 3, 7 p.m., FOCUS St. Louis hosts 10th Annual Move & Shake! Evening of networking with other Movers & Shakers, dancing, and more to benefit FOCUS St. Louis’ efforts to engage citizens to participate in active leadership roles and influence community change. Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-4527.

Tues., Nov. 6, 6 p.m., Human Rights Campaign presents Election Night Watch Party. Moolah Theatre & Lounge, 3821 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 799-7254.

Thur., Nov. 8, 6 p.m., St. Vincent’s Home forChildren hosts 1st Annual Wine Tasting. Come enjoy fine wines, wonderful hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, as well as a live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit St. Vincent’s. Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 Headquarters, 2913 Chouteau, 63103. For more information, call (314 (261)-6011.

Fri., Nov. 9, 9 p.m., ALIVE presents Most Wanted Party Honoring St. Louis’Top Singles. Meet and mingle with the Top 20 most successful,

Sat., Nov. 10, 6:30 a.m., THF Realty presents The Gateway Cupcake 5k Run & Walk. Pit speedy runners against speedy eaters in a battle between foot and mouth. Participants can deduct up to 5 minutes per Cupcake at 5 Cupcake Stations along the racecourse for a maximum of 25 minutes off of their finishing time. Central Field Forest Park, 5595 Grand Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 862-1188.

Sat., Nov. 10, 6 p.m., MHT Benefit Dinner& Dance feat. Fabulous Motown Revue. Moolah Shrine, 12545 Fee Fee Rd., 63146. For more information, call (314) 241-9165.

Sat., Nov. 10, 2 p.m., Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church Presents The Fourth Annual Taste Of Jazz Scholarship Benefit Concert featuring jazz group First Call with special guest Felica Ezell, Courtney Loveless, Levance Madden,and Bwayne Smotherson,Kappa Community Center, 500 N. Vandeventer, St.louis MO. 63108. For More Information Call 1-314-381-2770.

Sat., Nov. 10, 3 p.m., Club Ambassador hosts Zumba N Da Club. Have your healthy fun and take your Zumba® class to the next level with Zumba®in da Club! 9800 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 884-5477 or visit www.zumbandaclubwithkng.ev entbrite.com.

Sat., Nov. 10, 6 p.m., MHT Benefit Dinner& Dance feat. Fabulous Motown Revue. Moolah Shrine, 12545 Fee Fee Rd., 63146. For more information, call (314) 241-9165.

Sat., Nov. 10, 7 p.m., Washington University’s Black Alumni Council hosts 6th Annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction. Since 1989, BAC scholarship fundraisers have generated funds to help university students extend financial assistance when other resources have been exhausted. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-5645.

Thur., Nov. 15, 11 a.m., World Wide Technology, Inc. presents The St. Louis American Foundation’s 13th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business. Awards & Networking Luncheon. The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, 100 Ritz Carlton Dr., 63105. For more information, call (314) 533-8000 ext. 305 or visit www.stlamerican.com

Fri., Nov. 16, 4:30 p.m., Macy’s Festival of Lights. Christmas lights are turned on in downtown St. Louis for the official start of the holiday season. Special holiday activities and a fireworks display will be held. Kiener Plaza, 6th &

The Fox Theatre presents the Mary Mary Go Get it Tour.See CONCERTS.

Chestnut St., 63101. For more information, visit www.christmasinstlouis.org.

Fri., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., St. Louis Crisis Nursery presents Napoli Nights. Night of cocktails and networking to raise money for the Nursery. Bar Napoli, 7750 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 725-3539.

Fri., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m., Soulard’s Restaurant & Bar hosts AnnualAutumn Wine Dinner2012. Benefitting the American Cancer Society. 1731 S. Seventh St., 63104. For more information, call (314) 241-7956.

Sat., Nov. 17, 8 a.m., Girls on the Run 5k. This race will be “Under the C” – meaning it will be celebrating each girl’s unique Courage, Character, Creativity and Confidence they have learned about while training to run this marathon. Soldiers Memorial Plaza, Chestnut St. and N. 14th St., 63115. For more information, call (314) 862-6266.

literary

Thur., Nov. 1, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson author of Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves. Buder Branch, 4401 Hampton Ave., 63109. For more information, call (314) 206-6770 or visit www.slpl.org.

Mon., Nov. 5, 6 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Andrew Smith author of Ghost Medicine. Carpenter Branch, 3309 S. Grand Blvd., 63116. For more information, call (314) 206-6770 or visit www.slpl.org.

Tues., Nov. 6, 6 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Jazz and Poetry in the Galleries. Throughout the museum, jazz musicians and poets will be performing live. Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. For more information, call (314) 746-4599.

Sat., Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Central Library Grand Reopening

Gala. Central Library will celebrate its grand reopening in its centennial year with a black-tie dinner and gala. 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call 9314) 5390359

theatre

Nov. 1 – 11, The Black Rep presents Facing the Shadow. Set just before the American Civil War, the Free Women of Color Literary Society of Baltimore, face a potentially life altering decision: whether or not to help a female slave escape to freedom. Missouri History Museum, Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park, 63108. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Nov. 2 – 11, The Hawthorne Players present August Wilson’s Fences. Riveting character study of Troy Maxson, an illiterate garbage collector with a touch of the heroic and poetic, overflowing with both contradictions and believability. Florissant Civic Center Theatre, Parker Rd. & Waterford Drive, 63033. For more information, call (314) 921-5678.

Through Nov. 4, The Black Rep Presents ANNE & EMMETT, ANNE & EMMETTtells of the moving, memorable meeting of Anne Frank and Emmett Till in a magical place called Memory. Frank recounts her experience in the Holocaust, and Till his tragic tale of racial hatred and violence in the American South. Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square. For ticket information, call The Black Rep Box Office (314) 5343810 or online at metrotix.com.

arts

Fri., Nov. 2, 5 p.m., Sole SurvivorArt Gallery presents This is How We Do It. Meet three local artists live and in person and view their artwork with themes ranging from the goodness of humanity to pregnancy. 125 E. Main St., Belleville, IL. 62220. For more

information, call (618) 2573212.

Fri., Nov. 2, 6 p.m., 88.1

KDHX presents Art Attack! Single elimination tournament pitting 32 local artists head-tohead. Audience response to each painting will be measured, with the piece receiving the most applause progressing to the next round and the losing piece being auctioned to the highest bidder. Plush St. Louis, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 664-3955 ext. 312.

Nov. 3 – 4, 10 a.m., New City School hosts Craft out Loud! Fine and quirky craft art in a unique and diverse art fair featuring the work of hand-selected, award-winning local artists in the categories of jewelry, glass, painting, and more. 5209 Waterman Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 898-2583.

Fri., Nov. 9, 5 p.m., Opening reception for10th Street Gallery’s exhibit of the creative works of world renown painter, and collagist JOHN E ROZELLE, 10th Street Gallery, 419 N. 10th Street (Located 1 block south of 10th and Washington, downtown). For more information, call

Fox Concerts & AEG Live present R. Kelly Single Ladies Tour. See CONCERTS for more information.

(314)436-1806 or visit 10thstreetgallery.com.

lectures

Sun., Nov. 4, 12 p.m., St. Joseph’s Academy Open House. 2307 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 394-4300 or visit www.stjosephacademy.org.

Sun., Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m., Saint Louis University High Open House. 4970 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 531-0330 or visit www.sluh.org

Thurs., Nov. 8, 6 p.m., The Missouri History Museum and the Gephardt Institute forPublic Service present The Criminal Brand: America’s Invisible Class, Missouri History Museum, Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park.

Mon., Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m., SIUE Foundation presents Nikki Giovanni. Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center, Southern Illinois

University Edwardsville. For more information, call (618) 650-5774 or visit www.artsandissues.com.

Thursday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. the Ethical Society of St. Louis, Election Wrap Up: Fired Up orFed Up, non-partisan election review. Co-sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women, Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice, and Women’s Political Caucus. Open to public, free. More information: www.womensvoicesraised.org or 314863-1247.

Sat., Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m., New City School Open House 5209 Waterman Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 361-6411 or visit www.newcityschool.org

Sat., Nov. 10, 9:00 a.m., Rossman School Open House. 12660 Conway Rd., 63141. For more information, call (314) 434-5877 or visit www.rossmanschool.org.

Sat., Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m., New City School Open House 5209 Waterman Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 361-6411 or visit www.newcityschool.org.

Sat., Nov. 10, 10 a.m., the Education Committee of the Historical O’Fallon Neighborhood of North St. Louis, will conduct a free parent workshop entitled, “PARENTS ARE ESSENTIAL”. Ms. Tishaura Jones, Parent /Treasurer-Elect, City of St. Louis, will spearhead the workshop, THE SANCTUARY, 4449 Red Bud. For more information, call (314)3852495.

Tues., Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m., 2012 Election Report and the Road Ahead. Dr. David B. Robertson, professor of Political Science at UMSL, will help explain what might the 2012 election results mean for state and national agendas through 2014 by discussing how newly elected candidates may influence labor and management issues. Maggie

O’Brien’s, 2000 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 644-6111.

health

Sat., Nov. 3, 6 p.m., Mound City Medical Forum Scholarship Banquet and Awards Ceremony. The Ballpark Hilton, 1 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, contact moundcitymedicalforum@yahoo.com. Wed., Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m., Support Group for Caregivers/Partners of Young Women with Breast Cancer. The topic of discussion will be the challenges of caregiving. 7425 Forsyth Ave., 63105. For more information, call (314) 747-7156.

spiritual

Sun., Nov. 4, 2 p.m., Defeating Violence with Prayer: ATalk by John Q. Adams. Find out how prayer can bring peace and safety to you and your community. First Church of Christ Scientist, 475 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-3527.

Mon., Nov. 5, 7 p.m., Central Baptist Church presents Souls to the Polls Prayer Vigil. Join us as we pray for justice and peace with special guest St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Choir. 2842 Washington Blvd., 63103. Nov. 5 – 13, Church of God in Christ 105th Holy Convocation. The America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www.cogic.org.

Sat., Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m., The Worship CenterChristian Church hosts Bible Trivia Night. Think you know the Bible? Come out and see in a fun atmosphere. Bring your neighbors and friends. 11339 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 261-8700.

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Afro World is located at 7276 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121 or call 314.389.5194.

Kudos to the St. Louis Collegiate 100 chapter on a successful Rock the Vote Town Hall Forum hosted on October 17. The forum was held that evening in the Henry Givens Admin Building on the HarrisStowe State University Campus and co-sponsored by the NAACP St. Louis City chapter and the Epsilon Lamda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Notable supporters and speakers on hand included License Collector Mike McMillan, aldermanic President Lewis Reed Alderwoman Marlene Davis, County Executive Charlie Dooley Alderman Terry Kennedy, Yung Ro and State Senator Jamilah Nasheed Collegiate 100 member Jordan Bosman says event coordinators were pleased with the turnout and many students on campus are looking forward to voting in their first Presidential election. Patricia and Solomon Thurman are expecting a flurry of St. Louis art lovers at their Friday, November 9 opening reception featuring the works of renowned painter and collagist John E. Rozelle. The proud owners of the 10th Street Gallery located at 419 N. 10th St. (one block south of 10th and Washington) are looking forward to this significant exhibit that will run through December 31. The opening is free and open to the public. Please call 314.436.1806 for a private showing. A fund-raiser was held for Senator Claire McCaskill on September 27 in Clayton. The

affair hosted by Alexandra Hart, Richard E. Banks, Esq., Jeff Cooper Kim Tucci and Jean Maylock was a success. Senator McCaskill gave an impressive speech and stressed the importance of encouraging everyone to vote on November 6. A few politicos on the scene included; Eric Banks, Esq., Scott Rosenblum Barbara Rosenblum, Paul Randolph, Esq. and Jessica Banks Exploration Day. There is a popular movement afoot to rename Columbus Day, Exploration Day. Exploration Day broadens the holiday’s focus by including and prioritizing the recognition of many explorers from many different cultures/countries who traveled and discovered many lands. St. Louis educator Karl Frank Jr. has devoted a bit of time to this mission and snagged a spot on CBS Sunday Morning on October 7. A website and petitions to this cause can be viewed at http:// explorationdayusa.org/ Karl’s hope for Exploration Day would be a federal holiday in which schools had

curriculum centered around the exploratory spirit of humanity – what exploration has accomplished in the past, what is being attempted in real-time. More importantly, how each child can contribute to the future of exploration? This is the idea at the heart of Exploration Day. Interesting concept, I like it. Team Morris for Bishop 2014 has been busy this year organizing community events to support the election of Dr. James T. Morris as a bishop in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The team hosted a Masquerade/Costume Ball on Saturday October 27. The event was held at the Isom Community Center and guests donned masquerade attire, specifically not Halloween. JD the DJ kept the festive group on the dance floor all night. The committee is planning future events. Best wishes to Rev. Morris Happy All Saints Day and Happy Birthday to my niece Dana Grace! Barack the Vote! Dana Grace: dgrandolph@ live.com

KICK

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relate to when you’ve worked so hard. It makes you feel very proud.”

When she joins the fellow Rockettes next week at the Peabody Opera for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, it will be a full circle moments for herself and the troupe of dancers known as the Rockettes.

“It’s great to be back in your hometown and to be at the Peabody is so cool,” Surratt said. “I actually did dance recitals there when it was the Kiel Opera House. All of the dressers still remembered me when we (The Rockettes) were at the Fox. They were same ones

FILM

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A set of divine delays and happenstances as she prepared to move her family out of public housing made her an accidental shero. After witnessing a hungry child who was forced to starve because of rising rent, she casually visited a tenant strike meeting. There she would be introduced to Richard Baron – and together the two of them would not only become a catalyst to change public housing, but create a new landscape with respect to urban living. Through his film

Envisioning Home: The Jean King and Richard Baron Story, Jason Epperson takes viewers through the journey of King and Baron’s unlikely partnership. Audiences see the strength and possibilities that lie within the conviction to fight for what’s right.

Baron and King’s efforts grabbed the attention of the nation and through

helping me put my hair in buns when I was 5 years old.”

Alumnae of Rosati Kain who studied dance with Palagi Wren Dance Studios and Lee Nolting at COCA, Surratt graduated Suma Cum Lade from Oklahoma City University with a degree in dance performance.

She says her experience as a black Rockette is not as unique as people might assume.

“To be a Rockette you have to be between the heights of 5’6” and 5’10” to be a Rockette, so if you see me in a flat shoe you might not think I’m 5’6”,” Surratt said.

“So people say, ‘You’re a Rockette, you’re so short. And I say, ‘Well, actually you have to be between the heights of 5’6” and 5’10”. It’s the same thing. People say, ‘Oh, there are black

Envisioning Home St. Louis has the opportunity to see the birth of urban development pioneer Baron, McCormack, Salazar/Urban Strategies and their successful mixed-income neighborhoods created across the country.

Envisioning Home: The Jean King and Richard Baron Story will screen on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at The High Pointe Theatre

The Siren of the Tropics/The Other Josephine

Icon, sex symbol, singer, dancer, actress, civil rights activist and goddess could all be used to effectively describe Josephine Baker. Her sensuality and raw talent are public domain, but through special double feature presentation, St. Louis audience gets to see both sides of Baker in the place where it all began.

In the French silent film

The Siren of the Tropics, Mario Nalpas introduces Baker as Papitou. In the film

Rockettes, or the Rockettes are multi-ethnic?’ And we have girls from all over the country and different countries. I just think we really embody that feeling of ‘together we are better’ amongst ourselves and it’s pretty cool.”

Tickets are going fast – and Surratt should know. She said, “And I just really encourage people to get their tickets now because last time my aunt and my mom were buying up all of the tickets.” Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes presented by Chase and St. Louis Children’s Hospital will run November 8-17 at the Peabody Opera House. For more information, visit www. peabodyoperahouse.com or www.ticketmaster.com

Baker is an exotic natural beauty from the Antilles who works to protect the protagonist Andre – an engineer looking forward to returning to France so he can marry his true love – from the schemes of a native villager.

In The Other Side of Josephine, Phillip JudithGozlin takes Baker fans from the bright lights of the Paris stage to her St. Louis roots –even visiting her childhood neighborhood and the street named in her honor. Family and friends lovingly refer to her as Tumpie.

The real Josephine Baker, or Freda Josephine McDonald, is exposed to the audience through footage and stories. The Siren of the Tropics/The Other Josephine will screen on Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium.

Cinema St. Louis’ presentation of the Whitaker 21st Annual St. Louis International Film Festival will take place November 8-18 at several locations. For more information visit www. cinemastlouis.org or call (314) 289-4150.

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him in the U.S, but he is always busy touring other

countries. Music is a universal language – and he speaks it very well.” He started out with Branford Marsalis as a part of Buckshot Le Funk in the early 1990s, and through the group McComb developed a strong

underground soul following –especially in Japan.

The jazz, hip-hop and soul fusion group released two albums before parting ways in the late 1990s.

The soul of his voice is the ultimate accompaniment to his musicianship – and, like Hathaway, his skills as an arranger and keyboardist leave hardcore music lovers in awe. McComb has gone on to release seven studio albums. His most recent release was 2010 LP A New Beginning Thompson is over the moon at the opportunity to be the vessel for McComb’s first St. Louis show.

“His show is phenomenal,” Thompson said. “He’s so seasoned after playing all around the world at jazz festivals, and it’s going to be an incredible show.”

She hopes that through McComb – and her Suite Soul Spot concert series – that the St. Louis music audience embraces the opportunity to be exposed to more than just the mainstream.

“I just want to continue to make people aware that there is a lot of music that you don’t hear on the radio,” Thompson said. “There are artists out there – and even here (like Donny Hathaway) – that are as good as or better than what you hear, and those artists are accessible. And we as a city we need to support them. There needs to be a paradigm shift encouraging people listen to what’s out there as opposed to what’s considered the norm.

“ And she feels McComb is the perfect pitchman to get audiences to buy into the talent that lies slightly under the radar.

“I’m hoping that after Frank blows them away they start exploring a little more –hopping on their Spotify and Pandora and moving with a free outlook.” Suite Soul Spot presents Frank McComb with

President Obama and Richard E. Banks, Esq.

~ CELEBRATIONS ~ Birthdays

They’re in business

Congratulations

O’Fallon Tech Class of 1968, if interested in a reunion in 2013,email contact info to OfallonTech68@gmail.com.

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont High Alumni Class of 1983 Bluejackets come on lets go, 30th class reunion in 2013. If you would like to be on the committee to meetto startfund raisers, and give great ideasin making this 30th reunion a success, then we need you!Please contact Tammy Flowers at 314-3247615, Pat Ricks Wiley at 314583-2954 or email bhs83alumni@ymail.com.

Normandy Class of 1984 Alumni: We would like to start planning our 30th Class Reunion and we need your input. Email: Keith Spears or Darlene Holland with questionsat normandy1984@sbcglobal.net

Roosevelt Class of 1983 committee is in the process of planning their 30th High School Reunion. We are looking for ‘83 Rough Riders to call us with their contact info: Rhonda Jones-Jackson (312) 554-5330, Bettye Clark-Potter (314) 484-2032, Deneen LottBaker (314) 772-2655, Carmen Williams (314) 5461260, Randy Smith revrtaylor@gmail.com, email info to: roosevelt-class-of-1983@hotmail.com.

SumnerHigh School Classes of 1958 will celebrate their 55th reunion in 2013.We’re in the process of rounding up all of our classmates and would like for you to contact us as soon as possible. We want you included in the planning.Please contact: Marjorie Jackson Ambus –Midget_6740@sbcglobal.net314-381-0009 or Rosemarie Wilbourn Hauck – hauckrw@sbcglobal.net - 314-3554675.

SumnerClass of 1976 annual celebration will be Friday, October 19, 2012 at the Machinist Hall 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. in conjunction with Sumner’s Homecoming Dance.Donation $15/Advance included light Hors d’Oeuvres.For more info, contact B. Louis at 314.385.9843 or email: sumnerclassof76@yahoo.co m.Mail donation to: Sumner Class of 76, P. O. Box 69241, St. Louis, MO 63169-0241 by Oct. 12, 2012 with self-addressed stamped envelope for ticket(s).

The SumnerAlumni Association presents a Maroon and White Homecoming Week Oct. 16 - 20, 2012. Roll with an all Family Skate Party Tues., Oct. 16, 7 pm – 10 pm at Skate King ($6 Advance/Door). Alumni Hoop-Fest Basketball Game(s) at Soldan Thur. (Donation/time TBA). Alumni Dance Fri., 8 pm – 1 am at the Machinist Hall; $12 Advance/$15 Door (Vendors welcome $50/request appl.). Parade

Sat. 10 am (Cars, floats, SUV’s, Marching Bands, etc. are welcome; request Parade Appl.). Tailgate Party atnoon at Sumner High. Sumner’s Homecoming Football Game 1:30 pm at Sumner’s Tuskegee Airmen Field, Sumner vs. Soldan. For more info, contact Michelle Elgin at 314.452.1275, Sheila Goodwin S.H.S. 314.371.1048 (Parade) or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo.com.

University City High School class of 2003 will be celebrating their 10-year reunion July 2013 in St. Louis. We’re still in the process of rounding up

Happy 53rd Birthday to Ms. Lovie K. RansomEwing! I am truly blessed and very highly favored.

Thank you heavenly Father for blessing me with 65 years of your love! – Deborah L. Williams

Happy Birthday to my first born, Avriel Y. Clincy on October 30! Love, Your mom, dad, brother and sisters

FREE

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth,graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website –AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned.

Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to:

St. Louis American Celebrations

c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108

all of our graduates and would love for you all to contact us, as soon as possible if you would love to be included in this exciting event. Please email us at Ucityclassof2003@gmail.com for additional information.

Vashon 1943 classes looking to hold their 70th reunion in the year 2013. We would like to know your interest in attending, as soon as possible, so that we can move forward with plans. Contact: Beatrice (Anderson) Bell, (314) 9185973, email: jaybee47@ swbell.net or Alonzo Bouie, (314) 385-1937.

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

Vashon High School Class of 1952 recently celebrated its final reunion event. Over 100 attended the luncheon at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Bridgeton, MO, and an enjoyable time was had by everyone. The class will stay in touch and continue its annual Christmas luncheon at Harrah’s in December.

RELIgION

Author keynotes

Beloved Community Conference

Saint John’s United Church of Christ hosts

November 1–4

American staff

Saint John’s United Church of Christ, located at 4136 N. Grand Blvd, is hosting its 4th Annual Beloved Community Conference November 1–4 to equip people of faith to work toward Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of peace and justice, through this year’s November 6 election.

Renowned speaker, author and scholar Dr. Obery M. Hendricks will open the conference at a community forum on Thursday, November 1 at 7 p.m., discussing “Martin Luther King and a New Political Economy of Justice.”

Friday speakers include Lara Granich of Missouri Jobs with Justice, Dr. Jonathan Smith of Saint Louis University and a lunch for faith leaders with Mayor Francis G. Slay and Lewis Reed, President of the Board of Aldermen.

Hendricks is a visiting scholar in the department of religion and the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University and is professor of biblical interpretation at New York Theological Seminary.

The Washington Post called Hendricks’ book The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus’

Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted “essential reading for Americans.”

Last year he also published a collection of politically and economically explosive essays under the title, The Universe Bends Toward Justice. He is a member of the National Religious Leaders Advisory Committee of the Barack Obama presidential campaign and also the Faith Advisory Council of the Democratic National Committee. Before entering his theological career, Hendricks was a Wall Street investment executive. He received his master of divinity with academic honors from Princeton Theological Seminary, and both his MA and PhD in Religions of Late Antiquity from Princeton University.

The conference will launch 6 p.m. Thursday with a reception and 7 p.m. with the community forum with Hendricks as keynote. Music will be provided by Wayman Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church.

On Friday, the Faith Leaders’ Institute will begin at 9 a.m. led by Hendricks. Skill-building sessions by Granich and Smith will help faith leaders use community organizing and worship liturgy to mobilize congregants to action. The session will break for a 12:30 p.m. lunch with the mayor and president of the Board of Aldermen discussing the importance of faith community engagement in the political process. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the church is hosting its annual community health

Renowned speaker, author and scholar Dr. Obery M. Hendricks (seen here at an Occupy protest with Rev. Jesse Jackson) will open Saint John’s United Church of Christ’s 4th Annual Beloved Community Conference at a community forum on Thursday, November 1, discussing “Martin Luther King and a New Political Economy of Justice.”

fair in partnership with BJC, Children’s Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, Mercy, and Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Free health screenings, flu shots, physicals, prizes and a healthy lunch will await all participants.

The weekend will close with Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. Community Worship Celebration with the Very Rev. Mike Kinman of Christ Church Cathedral preaching. After worship congregants will canvass the neighborhood to get out the vote in low-turnout wards.

All events are free and open to the public. Institutes and meals require registration. For more information on registration, visit www.sjuccstl. org, call 314-570-1901 or email sjucc@yahoo.com.

InspIratIonal Message

I waited with anticipation for the associate minister to preach. A few minutes into his sermon a darkly clad woman wearing black shades stood up from one of the pews. She slowly walked down the aisle to the front of the church. She had a testimony. It was apparent she was heavily burdened with the weight of the world upon her shoulders. She testified that she had not been feeling well and made an appointment to see a physician. The physician discovered she had a hole in her heart and a problem with her kidney.

As grief-stricken tears tumbled down her cheeks, she said, “Last Sunday, the Pastor told us God will not give us more than we can bear.”

She paused and continued, “But, I beg to differ. He will give us more than we can bear.”

In all honesty, the statement she made concerning God can give us more than we can bear would not leave my mind. I looked up the word burden in my Bible. I was led to this verse: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to

bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13) God does not want any of His children to suffer with unbearable burdens such as temptations, illnesses, deaths of loved ones, or any other life changing circumstance. Our human nature can thwart our best intentions to stay on the righteous track of faith. We can fall into the trap of allowing negative thoughts and raw emotions to consume our minds instead of holding on to the promises of God. We question, Why me, Lord?

However, even as a child of God we will still have to face the adversities of life. Christians are not spiritually of this world but surely are still physically living in this world. We have to face some of the same obstacles as our brothers and sisters who are not in Christ Jesus.

Yet, Christians have the hope and the blessed assurance of God’s mercy. We know when we reach our personal point of no return, when we desperately are trying to find an escape route and when we finally cry out, Father! I need you I cannot bear this burden a minute longer – our merciful God will pull us out of that dark tunnel into the light with the blink of an eye. Can God give us more than we can bear? I know through His Word, He will not.

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

Diane C. Francis

American staff

Thurgood Marshall Fund partners with Wells Fargo

$1.7M dedicated to HBCUs and recruitment of black male teachers

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) has announced a multi-year, $1.7 million national partnership with Wells Fargo to provide scholarships and leadership development training to student leaders attending the country’s 47 public Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).

“We also believe everyone deserves access to high-quality and affordable education.”

In addition, Wells Fargo will continue to support one of TMCF’s leading programs, the Teacher Quality & Retention Program (TQRP), which focuses on increasing the number of Black males entering the teaching profession to educate children at high-need schools in urban and rural communities.

– Gigi Dixon, director of national partnerships for Wells Fargo

share a commitment to education,” said Gigi Dixon, director of national partnerships for Wells Fargo. “We also believe everyone deserves access to high-quality and affordable education, which is why we are committed to working with TMCF to enable more low-income and underrepresented students to attend and graduate college – one of the most important ways we can help our communities become economically self-sufficient.”

To launch next year’s scholarship program, TMCF will provide scholarships to public HBCU students who maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and possess exceptional leadership potential. Selected Wells Fargo/TMCF Scholars will receive the equivalent of a full-

“Wells Fargo and TMCF

tuition and fee scholarship for an in-state student to attend a public HBCU, and each of them will participate in a yearlong program that includes quarterly leadership seminars

facilitated by Wells Fargo executives and an all-expensepaid trip to New York City for an intensive leadership development conference.

“As a recent graduate, I

“Thanks to Wells Fargo’s generosity and ongoing partnership,a cadre of extremely talented future leaders will be able to earn a college degree,”said Johnny C. Taylor,Jr., TMCF’s president and CEO.

Administrative Services Analyst.

understand how difficult it can be to get face time with top employers,” said Jadd Halawani, a 2012 graduate of Delaware State University and now a Wells Fargo Securities

“The Thurgood Marshall College Fund put me on the frontline to interact with companies like Wells Fargo and gave me the confidence to do so by knowing that I was selected to be there. The relationships I cultivated and direction I was provided by the Wells Fargo team prepared me for obstacles I would encounter post-graduation. The relationship between Wells Fargo and TMCF not only provided me with an excellent employment opportunity, but with contacts that act as my personal sponsors.” Halawani’s mentor, Natasha Fatheree, Associate to the Vice Chairman, Wells Fargo Investment Banking and Capital Markets said, “We are extremely proud of the work we do with Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders to grow personally and professionally. It’s a winning proposition for the students, our company and the communities we serve. The real payoff is when students like Jadd decide to put their learnings into action and start their career at Wells Fargo.”

Recognizing the significant underrepresentation of Black male teachers in America’s classrooms, Wells Fargo will also sponsor a year-long program to identify Black male students committed to a career in teaching. As part of the overall program, these TMCF TQRPFellows participated in a residential program on the campus of Prairie View A&M University for one week this summer intended to prepare them to become certified master teachers after graduation.

“Thanks to Wells Fargo’s generosity and ongoing partnership, a cadre of extremely talented future leaders will be able to earn a college degree,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., TMCF’s president and CEO. “In addition, Wells Fargo’s commitment allows HBCU’s to continue their tradition of producing highly-qualified and committed classroom teachers. Wells Fargo’s support to the TQRPinitiative will have a lasting impact, helping us educate American children in communities all across the country.”

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Tiffany Foxx was living up to her name Saturday night as she celebrated Halloween and the release of her mixtape “Yellow Tape” at the same time. National recording artist Trina was in the building as well to get the folks at City in the Halloween spirit. Visit www.stlamerican.com for dozens of

Halloween2K12:TheCostumes.Isawitall!...no…literally,Idid.Halloween should also be called national indecent exposure night out, because more than a few of y’all decided that all you needed for a masquerade outfit was a first aid kit, masking tape and some Hanes Her Way hi-cut black panties. For the personal trainers with some hustle about yourselves, kick off a Halloween body boot camp just like you do beach body training – because there were some loosey gooseys in the streets this weekend! I saw one lady whose legs looked like they had popcorn waves as her chonk (yes, I said chonk) oozed through her fishnet stockings. And 2012 must have been the unofficial Native American tribute because I saw more Pocahontas (men and women) suits than I’ve seen since the Disney movie was hot in these streets. As I scan through the hundreds of costumes that were thrust into my line of sight, it’s hard to say who came out on top. Some kind of way I missed Roy Robinson in all of his costume glory (he’s given me Bruce Leroy, Randy Watson and Kimbo Slice over the years)! But Damion Mitchell’s Mr. T, and Michael Barber’s “Arab Money” dramatic interpretation gave me life on the men’s side. On the ladies side, Chiriga deserves a shout out for her half skeleton zombie demon/ half angel make-up. And Ashley’s homemade mermaid outfit had me ready to get a sip of Ariel and them on Netflix. Sheryl’s decision to show up as a small order of fries gave me a chuckle. And I must issue a public apology to the woman I complimented on the creativity of dressing up as Honey Boo Boo’s mama, only to find out that is her everyday swag. But anyway, check out our online gallery to see DOZENS of both delightful and dreadful costumes–and perhaps partake in a swagger jack or two for 2013! stlamerican.com ..I guarantee you will be AT LEAST completely entertained.

Halloween 2K12: The Parties. I’m still quietly in a daze from all of the street beating that comes with the second busiest party night of the year (second only to New Year’s Eve). The folks really pulled out some, well most – but not all – of the stops to ensure the STL had somewhere to floss for a spooktacular kicking it experience.

The Loft. The Eyecandy Models and hopefuls gave an eyeful for the folks who lined up all the way down to Harris-Stowe’s campus waiting for MPAC to bring it…and they didn’t disappoint. I imagine all the urgent care centers in the entire St. Louis metro area are at capacity because the ladies said “damn the chill..and the wind, the folks have to get into my sexy.” I saw more shivering seductive kitty cats and bunny angels. I even saw an R rated Sweet Brown…at least I hope to glory that it was a costume…ain’t nobody got time for that! The brother on full walking up to girls saying “Trick or Treat”… is lucky he lived through that!

Monster’s Ball. The 13 Black Katz had the ladies in lieu of sugar daddies pulling out all of the stops Saturday at the Rustic Goat. With BJ the DJ on the mic and Mark Edwards on the ones and twos, they did everything from swing to wobble. Those folks were in the Halloween spirit…do you hear me! I saw a hip Henry VIII, a “BasketBall Widow,” Cleopatra and a gang of other folks that were not playing on the dancefloor or with their costume creations. Nightmares at The Coliseum. A full-figured Foxxy Cleopatra and a plussized Wonder Woman had me at hello with their confidence as I eased next door from the Black Katz on over to the Coliseum where RockHouse had the evening on lock with their Hip-Hop Icons Halloween Edition. There was too much going on Saturday for me to wait around for Dana Dane, but Nicholas Gates and his “Rock Steady Crew” inspired breakdance battlers gave me so much life that it didn’t even matter! At least one of them is at the chiropractor as we speak, but it was so worth it for me. I felt like I was relieving the subway scene in “Beat Street!”

Seven Deadly Sins. The first floor of EXO was tearing it up with costumes that ranged from Dr. Feelgood to the Queen of Spades, Lil Red Riding Hood (who actually had on blue…I guess) and the big Bad Wolf for the annual Seven Deadly Sins costume party and contest! I’m going to have to give Al’s Egyptian Pharaoh a nod as one of the best costumes of Halloween. Way to rep that 19-06!

Trina and Tiffany Fox at the City. The guests at the City must have said “a costume can kiss my grits…I’m here to kick it” as they rolled through for Trina’s alleged costume party. To keep it real, it was a nice sized crowd –but I was expecting for it to be out the door and down to J. Spain’s Wings & Waffles for a chance to lay eyes on the “baddest chick.” Truth be told, it looked like most of the folks came through to show love to Tiffany Foxx and the release of her “Yellow Tape” mix-tape anyway. Doesn’t everyone love the ladies of June 5th and those dangerously ridiculous shapes that spark envy among the bad builds. Now for Trina, girl…how you gonna host a Halloween party and not show up until 1:45…and not be in costume?! Honestly, because of her usual lash and lacefront swag, I don’t know if she was in costume or not…but still. Everybody else didn’t seem to mind, but I was put off. She was nice enough though. Can I just say that Brooke Holladay is such a boss? It was a bit off subject, but she deserves it…and she knows why.

Lona and Valencia were indeed in the Halloween spirit as they kept cups full Friday night @ The Loft

Monikah and Mari went all out for their Halloween party Saturday night @ EXO

Taylor Gang’s first lady Lola Monroe backstage with Jojo of Jojo Shrimp Shack Thursday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Tasha showcased her need for speed while beautiful butterfly Tari floated along @ The Seven Deadly Sins Halloween Costume Party @ EXO

A Plus of Hot 104.1 met up with rap star Wiz Kalifa for a special meet and greet for Hot contest winners Thursday afternoon @ Chaifetz Arena

Roshay of Boutique Pink could have made anyone want to be a little devilish as she showcased her Halloween costume Saturday night @ The City

Pioneering hip-hop artist Dana Dane with Orlando from Rock House (as LL Cool J) Saturday night for their Halloween party @ The Coliseum

The lovely Eye Candy models showed off some of the most seductive costumes of the Halloween weekend for the special edition of MPAC’s Eye Candy Party Friday night @ The Loft

Aysia as Pocahontas and Kiara as the Pirate of the Coliseum Saturday night @ RockHouse Ent’s Halloween hip-hop bash

Mike, Thomas, Corbin and Denale said “who you gonna call” as they teamed up to be the Ghostbusters Saturday night @ The Coliseum

naughty

scene this Halloween weekend.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

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

As children, we were accompanied to the doctor by our parents and they discussed with the doctor all of our issues and asked all of the questions. Parents were responsible for being the repository of information regarding our immunization history, past surgeries, and past medical conditions. It was also through parents that all consents were obtained and lab results were reviewed.

However, as we age, there should be a smooth exchange of the baton between child and parent. There will come a time that our parents are no longer able to navigate the healthcare system alone. Our parents may require assistance making appointments, keeping appointments, remembering to take medications, and making serious medical decisions regarding their care.

What I have observed over the years is how family members wait too late to get involved in their loved ones care. Once your loved one is in the process of getting a below the knee amputation secondary to diabetes complications, intervention is a little late at that point. Prevention and preparation are always the most effective plans. Families should

Caring forourparents

discuss concerns and wishes with one another early so that a unified message is then relayed to the medical provider.

Usually what happens is the long distance son who has not visited his father in over a year calls the office demanding to know why his father did not receive a certain medication or treatment. This son has never been to any of his father’s medical visits nor has he spoken with the staff before now even though the father has been seen in this particular office for several years. The only person who has accompanied the father on occasion is a nephew that the son claims is incompetent. This scenario may sound fictitious but it is one that I encounter all too often.

ical condition should be listed including past immunizations

ï Past surgical and procedural history: why was it done?

ï Allergies

ï Names of all specialists

The exact time to start accompanying parents to medical visits depends on several issues. Does your parent have any memory impairment, have they been involved in multiple accidents recently, are they on multiple medications, do they have multiple health issues, or have they been hospitalized recently? If the answer to any of those questions is “yes”, then under the approval of your parent, you should definitely be involved in their care.

medical treatments. This important but often neglected document will reduce a great amount of suffering and frustration during a stressful health crisis.

The bottom line: take a proactive stance in the care of your parent. Get involved early. Know what the issues are. Introduce yourself to your parent’s doctor. Get all of the necessary documents and keep them in a folder. Meet with your family regularly to update them on the health status of your mom/dad. Aging is inevitable. But family dysfunction regarding the care of a loved one can be avoided!

Lifestyle success stories

Information that children should know about their parents

ï Medication list: name of medicine, dosage, and how they take it (keep on a laminated index card)

ï Past medical history: every med-

Your parent should then sign a statement giving you permission to speak with the doctor and staff. The other children or family should be made aware that all questions regarding their mom/dad should be filtered through you. THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE DOES NOT NEED NOR WANTALLSIX CHILDREN CALLING THE OFFICE MULTIPLE TIMES DAYAND NIGHT.

Your parent should also consider preparing a living will. Aliving will is a legal document expressing his/her wishes in the event that they cannot speak for themselves regarding life prolonging

One reader reports that since reading my lifestyle challenge she decided to make a conscious effort to eat better: she cut down on potato chips. One of my patients who gave me permission to tell his story has lost about 40 pounds in about five months. He did this by simply making better food choices. He cooked at home, cut out fried and processed foods, and decreased sugars. He lost this weight without even doing a lot of exercising.

Encouraged yet? Let me know what you are doing!

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

YourHealth Matters

Abi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American

November 1, 2012

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

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

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

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D.

Pharmacy student

Amanuel Habtu speaks with Dr.John A.Pieper, president of St.Louis College of Pharmacy. Habtu lives with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder.Pieper was the honorary chairman of the 2012 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes; held recently in St.Louis Forest Park.The event raised $1.1 million for the research to develop new and better treatments to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

Diabetes doesn’t have to stop you

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

Amanuel Habtu was 16 years old when a ketone test revealed he had type 1 diabetes. Commonly known as T1D, it is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to kill off the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Insulin is used to convert carbohydrates, starches and other food into the energy the body needs to function properly.

Habtu’s symptoms were text book distinct, starting with losing 20 pounds for no reason.

“I was drinking water and was urinat-

ing a lot – like throughout the night and things like that,” Habtu said. “I was always tired. It would be tough for me to like walk from point-Ato point B without being like completely out of breath –like class to class when I was in school. I remember that. It was really hard.”

And Habtu said he would cramp up all the time, due to dehydration.

He said a urine ketone test and blood sugar analysis confirmed he had T1D. Habtu now gives himself insulin injections at mealtime to keep his blood sugars under control.

“ Alot of it is just like making sure that I always know – and have a set time

of a day that I need to take my medicine and at night -every night at the same time,” he said.

Now, as a student at St. Louis School of Pharmacy, Habtu is following the footsteps of his pharmacist dad, who also graduated from STLCOP. Busy, yes – but committed to doing what it takes to make sure diabetes doesn’t slow him down.

“I’m making sure that I watch what I eat – always being able to look up the carbs to know what’s going to be in it and how much sugar is going to be in the meal,” Habtu said, “and always trying to exercise because I know that’s helps you to maintain a good blood sugar – work-

ing out – sweating lowers blood sugar and helps you control it better.”

Habtu said he also has to know his limits and know exactly what he is eating. Since his diagnosis three years ago, Habtu eats a lot less sweets and he eliminated some sugars altogether. If he drinks soda, they are the diet kind.

“The one thing that I’ve learned that I didn’t know before is that [diabetes] really isn’t something that stops you, and you can do anything that you want to do.” Habtu said. “It’s just another thing that you have to do and keep in your mind and make it a part of your day and your routine daily.”

Photo by Colleen Krutewicz/STLCOP

HEALTH BRIEFS

Women with diabetes more likely to experience sexual dissatisfaction

Newswise – Women with diabetes are just as likely to be interested in, and engage in, sexual activity as non-diabetic women, but they are much more likely to report low overall sexual satisfaction, according to a University of California San Francisco study.

The researchers also found that diabetic women receiving insulin treatment were at higher risk for the specific complications of lubrication and orgasm. “Diabetes is a recognized risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men, but there have been almost no data to indicate whether it also affects sexual function in women,” said senior author Alison J. Huang, MD, MAS, of the UCSF Women’s Health Clinical Research Center and an assistant professor in the UCSF Department of Medicine.

The study is available online in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology Huang, lead author Kelli Copeland, BA, of the UCSF Women’s Health Clinical Research Center, and their colleagues sought to examine the relationship of diabetes to sexual function in an ethnically diverse group of middle-aged and older women.

The disease has the potential to affect sexual function in women through a vari-

ety of mechanisms. These include vascular changes in the urogenital tissues affecting lubrication, and alterations in genital arousal response. Sexual function also may be adversely affected by diabetes medications or other interventions directed at monitoring or treating the disease, according to the research team.

The researchers sent a questionnaire to 2,270 women aged 40 to 80 years who were insulin-treated diabetic, noninsulin-treated diabetic or non diabetic women, and then compared their selfreported sexual desire, frequency of sexual activity, overall sexual satisfaction, and specific sexual problems (difficulty with lubrication, arousal, orgasm, or pain). They also assessed the relationships between diabetic end-organ complications (heart disease, stroke, renal dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy) and sexual function.

Among the 2,270 participants, 486 (21.4 percent) had diabetes, and, of those, 139 (6.1 percent) were taking insulin. Overall, 63.7 percent of participants reported some sexual activity in the past three months. The odds of reporting low overall sexual satisfaction were more than two-fold higher in insulin-treated diabetic women, and more than 40 per-

cent higher in non-insulin treated diabetic women, compared to non-diabetic women.

No significant differences in sexual desire or frequency of sexual activity by diabetes status were observed, after the investigators took into account other differences in participants’demographic background and medical histories.

Among sexually active women, insulin-treated diabetic women were more than twice as likely to report difficulty with lubrication, and 80 percent more likely to report difficulty achieving orgasm compared to non-diabetic women, after adjusting for the same demographic and clinical factors.

Among all diabetic women, end-organ complications such as heart disease, stroke, renal dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy were associated with decreased sexual function in at least one domain.

The study did not examine whether the women had Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, but the researchers assume that because of age of diagnosis, and when they started insulin, that the majority of participants had Type 2 diabetes.

Previous studies have suggested that psychological factors, such as depres-

sion, play a role in sexual dysfunction among diabetic women. The UCSF team did not assess the impact of depression on female sexual function in this study, but did adjust for antidepressant use among participants since it can worsen sexual function. The team found that relationships between diabetes and sexual function were independent of antidepression therapy.

Diabetes is a common chronic condition in the United States. According to the American Diabetes Association, 12.6 million or 10.8 percent of all women aged 20 years or older have diabetes.

“Based on this research, clinicians may want to consider assessing diabetic women for sexual problems, particularly among those taking insulin, and counsel them that prevention of end-organ complications may be important in preserving sexual function,” said Copeland.

The researchers used data from the Reproductive Risks of Incontinence Study at Kaiser 2, comprised of women enrolled in the northern California Kaiser system, in addition to the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Diabetes Registry.

Almost half of diabetes patients report acute and chronic pain

Newswise – Almost half of adults with type 2 diabetes report acute and chronic pain, and close to one quarter report neuropathy, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance and physical or emotional disability, according to a recent study of more than 13,000 adults conducted by researchers at the San Francisco VAMedical Center, the University of California, San Francisco and the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, CA. The researchers also found significant rates of shortness of breath, nausea and constipation.

The authors suggested that palliative care become part of standard management of the disease.

Patients in the study reported significant pain and non-pain symptoms across the entire course of the disease, among all age groups, with prevalence increasing as people neared the end of their lives.

The findings appear in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

“Adults living with type 2 diabetes are suffering from incredibly high rates of pain and non-pain symptoms, at levels similar to patients with living with cancer,” said lead author Dr. Rebecca Sudore, a staff physician at SFVAMC and associate professor of medicine at UCSF.

“The field of diabetes has focused, and rightfully so, on decreasing patients’blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in attempt to prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, amputations and blindness,” said Andrew J. Karter, PhD, a principal investigator of the DISTANCE and Diabetes & Aging Studies, and senior research scientist at Kaiser. “However, our observations provide an important wake up call for clinicians to not wait until the latest stages of diabetes to focus on these

patient-reported outcomes, but rather to consider early palliative care as part of usual chronic disease management.”

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illness that provides an added layer of support in addition to regular disease management, with the goal of relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, explained Dr. Sudore. She noted that other studies suggest that seriously ill patients who receive palliative care live longer with a better quality of life.

“Palliative care has already begun to be woven into the care provided to patients with cancer, heart failure and kidney failure,” she said. “Our results highlight the need to expand diabetes management to also include the palliative care model.”

The research team surveyed 13,171 adults with diabetes, aged 30 to 75 years, who were enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Northern California and

participated in the NIH-funded Diabetes Study of Northern California (DISTANCE) and its ancillary Diabetes & Aging Study.

Adults over the age of 60 reported more physical symptoms such as pain, whereas adults younger than 60 reported more psychosocial symptoms such as fatigue and depression. Symptom burden remained high even after the researchers accounted for other medical illnesses and duration of diabetes. Results were based on self-reported symptoms and chart review.

In type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, patients’blood sugars become chronically elevated, which in turn damages blood vessels and nerves leading to and from the heart, brain, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, ears, legs and feet. This damage can lead to serious illness and death.

Type 2 diabetes more common, more dangerous in children

Alarming increases of Type 2 diabetes in children are no closer to being managed successfully according to a recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine showing common diabetescontrol medications failed to work in children.

The study also found that because children develop Type 2 diabetes at younger ages, there is an increased lifetime risk for serious complications such as heart attack and stroke. Terri H. Lipman, PhD, CRNP, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, was a co-investigator in this multi-center study. Lipman, the Miriam Stirl Endowed Term Professor of Nutrition and professor of nursing of children, is an expert in pediatric diabetes.

“Increases in childhood obesity have yielded an increased incidence of Type 2 diabetes in children,” said Lipman, who has a clinical practice at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “It is important to understand that the epidemic of Type 2 diabetes in youth is secondary to high caloric intake and low activity. Both of these causes are a result of a multitude of socioeconomic factors that include food deserts and lack of safe places for activity.”

Researchers analyzed 699 overweight children, ages 10 to 17, who were recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and found that 46 percent of those treated with the drug metformin, commonly used for diabetes control in adults, were not able to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. They needed to begin more powerful insulin injections within slightly less than a year. Among all the study participants, one in five had a serious complication such as very high blood sugar, typically leading to hospitalization. The study also suggested that a healthy lifestyle has little bearing on the effectiveness of treatment.

Healthcare providers began noticing a significant increase in cases of Type 2 diabetes in children in the 1990s, especially among African-Americans and Hispanics from low-income families. The problem started even earlier in American Indians. Data from the Philadelphia Pediatric Diabetes Registry demonstrate that Type 2 diabetes is six times more common in AfricanAmerican children than in Caucasian children. The Philadelphia registry, developed and maintained by Dr. Lipman, is the only such registry in the US operating since 1990.

The purpose of the current study was to identify the best treatment for youth with Type 2 diabetes. All participants were overweight, some very obese. All received diabetes education, with the support of a parent or guardian. They were then assigned at random to one of three groups. One group took only metformin, a standard diabetes medication (also called Glucophage). Another took metformin and a second medication, rosiglitazone (also called Avandia). Athird group took metformin and went through an intensive diet, exercise, and weight-loss program, which has been successful in adults. All participants were followed for an average of four years.

All three regimens yielded high failure rates and were unable to control blood sugar levels. Metformin alone failed in 52 percent of participants; metformin plus rosiglitazone failed in 39 percent of participants; and metformin plus the diet program failed in 47 percent of participants. Metformin alone was least effective in African-American participants, and metformin combined with rosiglitazone worked better in girls than in boys. The failure rates were high even in the participants who adhered most strictly to their treatment programs.

“There is disappointment that the lifestyle intervention was not more effective, particularly because this intensive intervention included both a personal activity-nutrition leader (a study member acting as a lifestyle coach) and a family member designated for support throughout the intervention,” said Dr. Lipman. “What we have learned is that the effect of the obesity-prone environment of these youths is even more difficult to overcome than we had predicted.”

While better treatments are needed to manage Type 2 diabetes in children, Dr. Lipman said that prevention is the key.

Moderate alcohol consumption may increase risk of atrial fibrillation in people with heart disease

Newswise – Moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of atrial fibrillation in older people with heart disease or advanced diabetes, according to researchers in Canada. Atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat, is a concern because it increases the risk of stroke.

“Moderate alcohol intake, with or without episodic binge drinking, is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation in older and high risk cardiovascular disease or diabetes patients,” said Dr. Koon Teo, study

author and a professor of medicine at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University.

“Among moderate drinkers, the effect of binge drinking on atrial fibrillation risk is similar to that of habitual heavy drinking.”

The study was published recently by the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

The findings come from a large study involving more than 30,000 individuals 55 years or older from 40 countries who

had a history of cardiovascular disease or advanced diabetes with organ damage.

Moderate alcohol consumption was measured as one to 14 drinks a week for women and one to 21 drinks a week for men. Binge drinking was classified as five or more drinks a day.

The incidence rate of atrial fibrillation rose to 6.3% of the low intake group, 7.8% in the moderate and 8.3% in the high intake groups. The increase in atrial fibrillation cases linked to higher alcohol consumption was found in each group.

Since moderate drinking is common for more than a third of the population, these findings suggest the effect of increased alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts, on atrial fibrillation risk in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease may be considerable.

Limited data from other studies indicates that binge drinking in healthy people may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, although moderate drinking in healthy individuals does not appear to be linked to increased risk.

Cancerand men: reduce yourrisk

What can I do to avoid or reduce my chance of getting cancer?

This is a great question! Men can reduce their risk for several of the most common kinds of cancer. Nearly half of all cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes.

One of the most important things you can do is to quit smoking orneverstart, and avoid secondhand smoke. In Missouri and Illinois, you can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW(1-800-7848669) for free counseling and information about quitting. More men in the United States die from lung cancer than any other kind of cancer. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancer cases, but it also causes cancers of the esophagus,

larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach, and acute myeloid leukemia.

Maintaining a health weight is also important. Ahealthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and physical activity can reduce orprevent excess weight gain which overtime leads to being overweight or obese. Excess weight in men is associated with colorectal cancer and several other types of cancers. Try to include physical activity in your daily routine, choose smaller meal portions, and eat more slowly.

Get screening tests. There are a number of important tests that can help protect against cancer. Some of these tests find cancers early, when they are most treatable, while others can actually help keep cancer from developing in the first place. Talk to a healthcare provider about

which cancer screening tests you should have and when.

Where can I find a doctorand more information about preventing cancerin men?

Visit www.siteman.wustl.edu. Try our online tool to test your disease risk www.yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu.

In MO and IL, call 1-800-QUITNOW(1-800-784-8669) for freecounseling and information about quitting smoking.

If you need help finding a doctor, visit www.211.missouri.org or call 2-1-1 from most landlines (1-800-427-4626 from cell phones).

Visit www.cdc.gov/men/az/cancer for men’s health and cancer information

The Program forthe Elimination of CancerDisparities (PECaD) at the Siteman CancerCenteris working to

eliminate local and regional disparities in cancereducation, prevention and treatment through community outreach, research and training. To learn more about cancerorto get involved with PECaD, call 314747-4611, email PECaD@wudosis.wustl. edu orwrite to us at SCC-PECaD, Campus Box 8100, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110. Look for future articles in HealthMatters.

Send yourquestions about cancerto SCC-PECaD, Campus Box 8100, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, or PECaD@siteman.wustl.edu. Look forfuture articles in HealthMatters.

Kidney disease a warning sign independent of hypertension ordiabetes

Newswise – Two new studies from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium found that the presence of chronic kidney disease itself can be a strong indicator of the risk of death and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) even in patients without hypertension or diabetes.

Both hypertension and diabetes are common conditions with chronic kidney disease with hypertension being the most prevalent. The studies were released online in advance of publication in The Lancet.

Chronic kidney disease affects 10 to 16 percent of all adults in Asia, Europe,

Australia and the United States. Kidney function is measured by estimating glomerular filtration rate and kidney damage is often quantified by measuring albumin, the major protein in the urine standardized for urine concentration.

In the hypertension meta-analysis, low kidney function and high urine protein was associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and ESRD in both individuals with and without hypertension. The associations of kidney function and urine protein with mortality outcomes were stronger in individuals without hypertension than in those with hypertension, whereas the kidney function and urine protein associations with

ESRD did not differ by hypertensive status.

In the diabetes analysis, individuals with diabetes had a higher risk of allcause, cardiovascular mortality and ESRD compared to those without diabetes across the range of kidney function and urine protein. Despite their higher risks, the relative risks of these outcomes by kidney function and urine protein are much the same irrespective of the presence or absence of diabetes.

“Chronic kidney disease should be regarded as at least an equally relevant risk factor for mortality and ESRD in individuals without hypertension as it is in those with hypertension,” said

Bakhtawar K. Mahmoodi, MD, PhD, lead author of the hypertension analyses.

“These data provide support for clinical practice guidelines which stage chronic kidney disease based on kidney function and urine protein across all causes of kidney disease. The conclusions are strengthened by the findings of leading studies and the participation of investigators from 40 countries and a detailed analysis of over 1 million participants,” said Josef Coresh, MD, PhD, MHS, the Consortium’s principal investigator and professor in the Bloomberg School’s Department of Epidemiology.

JDRF Walk to cure diabetes

Participants in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in St.Charles included Roderick Ware (center),who walked in memory of his son,DeVante M.Ware.After being diagnosed at age 3,DeVante died from complications of T1D,type 1 diabetes at age of 11.More than 1,500 people came together Saturday, September 29in St.Charles Missouri’s Frontier Park for the annual JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes.The event raised $66,000 for research to better treat, cure and prevent T1D – type 1 diabetes.T1D (type 1 diabetes) can strike at any age.Half of all new cases are diagnosed in adults.You can’t prevent it and you can’t outgrow it.For more information,visit www.jdrf.org

Diabetes in its many forms

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.Louis American

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 25.8 million people were living with diabetes in the U.S. in 2011 (8.3 percent of the population). A whopping 79 million Americans have prediabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

With nearly two million new cases diagnosed in 2010 in people age 20 and older, and increased risks for stroke, kidney failure, limb amputations and other complications when its not controlled, diabetes knowledge and research is crucial to finding different ways to prevent it and treat it.

The notion that there are only two types of diabetes is a misnomer. Additionally, there is no longer one type of diabetes for young people and another type of diabetes for older folk. And there is a genetic component in most types of the disease.

The two well-known types are type 1 or T1D, origin of which is autoimmune in nature – and type 2, primarily caused by sedentary lifestyles and eating habits that promote insulin resistance. But it also has a genetic component – it’s not all about obesity and drinking sodas, said Marie Davis, executive director of JDRF.

“In type 2, it is 50 percent genetic, so it’s a high, high likelihood that if it’s in your family, you have the opportunity for it,” Davis said. “If anyone in your family has type 2 – you have a 50 percent chance of getting it. It goes all the way back to DNA.”

There are more than 50 genes that can cause type 2 diabetes under the right circumstances, she said. Davis adds that you don’t have to be obese to have type 2 diabetes, but having type 2 diabetes can make you obese.

“Therefore its even more important that ‘type 2s’regiment themselves on what they eat, when they eat, when they exercise, how much they exercise – all those details that none of us want to think about,” Davis said.

But there is something in the middle –a type of diabetes that has properties of type 1 and type 2. Some call it type 1.5 and others call it LADA– Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults.

“It’s a slow onset type 1 in adults and usually people are misdiagnosed as having type 2 because they are adults and they still don’t need a lot of insulin yet, and sometimes they can do the typical things that they have type 2s doing,” Davis said.

Exercise and close attention to meal planning only works okay for a while, Davis said.

“But in time, their bodies will be more harmed because they didn’t find

Types and symptoms of diabetes

Type 1

Frequent urination

Unusual thirst

Extreme hunger

Unusual weight loss

Extreme fatigue and irritability

Type 1.5 or LADA

Type 2

Any of the type 1 symptoms

Frequent infections (including bladder and vaginal)

Blurred vision

Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

Tingling hands and feet

Gestational

Frequent urination

Unusual thirst

Extreme hunger

Unusual weight loss

Extreme fatigue and irritability

MODY

Usually diagnosed in people under age 25, thus the name

Caused by a single faulty gene

Each type of MODYstems from a mutation in a different gene rather than a collection of genes

Inheritable - If one parent carries the gene there is a 50% chance it will be passed to a child

Source:JDRF, ADA

out they had this 1.5 and they didn’t start the insulin regimen early enough,” she explained.

Gestational diabetes, as the name indicates, is a condition of pregnant women.

“It usually goes away after the birth of the child, but sometimes it lingers and it either becomes type 1 or type 2,” Davis said. “Normally when women get pregnant, they produce more insulin because they need to produce insulin for themselves and their fetus. So for a woman to have gestational diabetes, that’s a very unique situation.

“About 40 percent of women who have gestational diabetes will end up

Genetic testing for diabetes

Genetic testing is recommended by JDRF, especially when an adult is diagnosed. The tests can determine what type of diabetes and then the doctor can customize treatment.

Glucose – is the simplest test but it is only the first step in final determination. If you have a higher than average glucose reading during a regularly scheduled appointment, usually the doctor recommends a fasting glucose test (no food or beverages for 12 hours).

C-Peptide – is a more in-depth test that will show type 1, type 2 or one of the other lesser known forms of diabetes. This test measures residual beta cell function by determining the level of insulin secretion. People with LADAtypically have low levels of C-peptide. Type 2 normally reads high levels of C-peptide due to an over production of insulin.

ICA– the islet cell antibodies test is a panel of tests that can differentiate between LADAand type 2. LADAtests positive and type 2 does not.

GAD – Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase antibodies test is used to help with early detection of type 1, differentiate between type 2 and LADA, gestational diabetes, risk prediction and to monitor clinical progression of type 1. Type 2 rarely tests positive and the other forms do.

Source:JDRF

with some form of diabetes later in life.”

To review for a moment: diabetes can be caused by a body’s immune system attacking and killing insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas at any age (T1D); it can be caused by lifestyle behaviors causing insulin resistance (Type 2); diabetes can present with properties similar to types 1 and 2 (T1.5 or LADA); diabetes can appear during pregnancy (gestational).

The fifth presentation of diabetes can be caused by a flaw in a single gene (MODY), an acronym for Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young.

“It’s really a mutation of the gene that

caused it to happen,” Davis said, adding that MODYis rare and often misdiagnosed.

“It is more like a type 1 and it is very genetic,” Davis said. “If one parent has the gene, then you can get the disease.” Regardless of the origins of diabetes, all forms should be taken seriously and all types of diabetes can cause other health complications that can shorten or end your life if one is not carefully following doctor’s advice on how to best keep his/her particular type of diabetes under control.

By Dr.Eva Hersh,MD Healthy Living News

“Concerned” wants to know:

Questions answered about the meningitis outbreak Health Q & A

Can you explain about the current meningitis outbreak? It seems to have something to do with joint infectionscan infection move from the knee to the spine? Is there any preventive medication available? Would wearing a face mask prevent infection?

Dear Concerned,

“Meningitis” means irritation and swelling of the meninges, the thin, flexible membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by many kinds of infections: viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal. Some forms of cancer, and some anti-cancer drugs, also can cause meningitis. The viral and bacterial forms of meningitis, which are the commonest types, are contagious, meaning they can be passed from one person to another. The parasitic and fungal types of meningitis, which are uncommon, are not contagious. Because the current outbreak of meningitis is caused by a fungus, it is not contagious and these is no need for preventive drugs or masks.

This particular fungus causing this outbreak is Aspergillis, a mold that grows on fallen leaves. It’s unknown how Aspergillis became a contaminant in a manufacturing pharmacy (the New England Compounding Pharmacy, or NECC). This pharmacy produced solutions of anti-inflammatory medicine to be injected into inflamed joints, including the vertebral joints in the spine. Once in the body, any infection can travel through the bloodstream to infect areas far from the original site of entry.

As of October 23, there are 297 reported cases of fungal meningitis, stroke due to presumed fungal meningitis or other central nervous system-related infections. There have also been three non-lethal cases of joint infections (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder, elbow).

Missouri is not one of the 16 U.S. states have been affected. Illinois is reporting one case.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), 14,000 people may have been exposed to the contaminated medication. So far, 23 people have died. Just to re-emphasize: according to the CDC, the infection cannot be passed from person to person.

Eva Hersh, MD

Exercise helps ease premature cardiovascularaging caused by type 2 diabetes

Newswise – Recent research indicates the cardiovascular system of people with type 2 diabetes shows signs of aging significantly earlier than persons without the disease. However, exercise can help to slow down this premature aging, bringing the aging of type 2 diabetes patients’cardiovascular systems closer to that of people without the disease, said researcher Amy Huebschmann of the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Huebschmann and her colleagues’ review of current research suggests that it’s inevitable that fitness gradually decreases with age, such that a healthy adult loses about 10 percent of fitness with each decade of life after age 40 or 50. However, fitness levels are about 20 percent worse in people with type 2 diabetes than in nondiabetic adults. These findings have been shown in the adolescent, middle-aged adult, and older adult

populations. Diabetes appears to place a 20 percent tax on your fitness levels at each stage of life, she said. This loss of fitness increases the mortality of people with type 2 diabetes, said Huebschmann, as well as the risk of early disability.

“It means you might move into an institutionalized setting, such as an assisted living facility, much earlier,” she explained. Hueschmann and colleagues said the good news is that exercise training can decrease these premature aging effects.

Findings suggest that after 12 to 20 weeks of regular exercise, fitness in type 2 diabetic people can improve by as much as 40 percent, although fitness levels did not fully normalize to levels of nondiabetic people.

“In other words, these defects are not necessarily permanent,” Huebschmann said. “They can be improved, which is great news.”

Healthy Living News

“Worried” wants to know:

I had a steroid injection into my R knee a few weeks ago. What should I watch forin case I get meningitis? If I do, how is it diagnosed and treated?

Dear Worried,

First, before you think about this any more, please contact the office of the physician who gave you the injection. Only steroid solutions made by New England Compounding Pharmacy (NECC) have been found to be contaminated. If the solution used for you was purchased from a different pharmacy, there is no risk to you.

But to answer your questions: The symptoms of fungal meningitis include

headache, fever, chills, stiff neck, nausea, and just feeling very ill - the same symptoms as other forms of meningitis. With fungal infection, though, the start of these symptoms may be much more gradual, over a period of weeks rather than days. The symptoms may stay mild. However, if untreated fungal meningitis can cause permanent neurologic damage. Diagnosis is mainly through analysis of the patient’s spinal fluid, obtained through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Blood tests may also be done, although these are less definitive in making the diagnosis. Treatment of fungal meningitis is usually a several week course of IV antifungal medication.

Eva Hersh, MD Healthy Living News

Email comments and questions to dreva@healthylivingnews.org

Sexual Health

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

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

Respiratory Health

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

Prescription Cost Help

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

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers cer-

HEALTH RESOURCES

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

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

Prostate Cancer

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

Nutrition

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

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

Medical

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

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

Information

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

Health Partnerships

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

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge

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

Diabetes

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

Behavioral

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

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

Sat. Nov.3, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Diabetes Health Fair, Christian Hospital Paul F. Detrick Building Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd., St. Louis, 63136. Register at 314747-9355 (WELL).

Sat. Nov. 3, 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Breakfast with the Doctors, Hilton Garden Inn, St. Louis Airport, 4450 Evans Place, St. Louis. SSM Orthopedics and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Fallon Maylack, provides an informative discussion on treatments for knee and hip pain. Learn about the latest non-surgical and surgical procedures. Space is limited for this free event – register by calling 1866-SSM-DOCS (1-866-776-3627).

Sat. Nov. 3, 8 a.m. – Noon, Free Flu Shots forages 6 and above, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center – Ambulatory Care Clinics, 1465 South Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 63104. The available vaccines are injection only and attendees are asked to wear appropriate clothing for easy access to their upper arms. There is a limited supply of preservative-free vaccines for pregnant women only. Clinics are walk-in only, no preregistration is required.

Sat. Nov. 3, 6 p.m. – Mound City Medical Forum Scholarship Banquet and Awards Ceremony, The Ballpark Hilton. For more information, contact moundcitymedicalforum@yahoo.com.

Wed. Nov. 7, Dinnerwith the Doctors, May Centerat SSM DePaul Health Center– Acomplimentary dinner and discussion will take place with gastroenterologists Mario Morales and Patrick McDonough about chronic digestive problems. Participants will learn about the latest advances in treating and curing digestive problems including minimallyinvasive and robotic-assisted surgery. Space is limited - register by calling 1866-SSM-DOCS (1-866-776-3627).

Wed. Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m., Infant Care Class, SSM DePaul Health Center–Topics include: bathing, feeding, nutrition, taking temperatures, immunizations, growth and development. Cost is $15 per couple. To register, call 314-SSM-DOCS (776-3627).

Thurs. Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.. Free Diabetes Screening by Christian Hospital Diabetes Institute, Emerson Family YMCA, 3390 Pershall, St. Louis, 63135. Register at 314-747-WELL (9355).

Wed. Nov. 14, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Heart Health Screening at SSM DePaul Health Center – Main Entrance. Receive your LDLcholesterol and triglycerides, HDLcholesterol, total cholesterol, cholesterol ratio, blood glucose, body fat analysis and blood pressure for

CALENDAR

$20. Participants may qualify for a free screening by completing SSM Heart Institute’s online heart disease risk assessment. Learn more online at ssmhealth.com/heart. Call toll-free 1866-SSM-DOCS (1-866-776-3627) to register.

Sat. Nov. 17, 8 a.m. – Noon, Free Flu shots, ages 9 and up, SSM St. Clare Health Center – Conference Center Rooms C, E, F on the Garden Level, 1015 Bowles Ave., Fenton, Mo. 63026. The available vaccines are injection only and attendees are asked to wear appropriate clothing for easy access to their upper arms. There is a limited supply of preservative-free vaccines for pregnant women only. Clinics are walk-in only, no preregistration is required.

Wed. Nov. 21, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. –“I Can Cope” cancersupport, SSM DePaul Health Center, May Center Room A. This group provides education and support to those facing cancer. It is held the third Wednesday of every other month. Continental breakfast and lunch included. For more information, call 314344-6090.

Tues. Dec. 4, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. American Red Cross Blood Drive, Christian Hospital Detrick Building Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd., St. Louis, 63136. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments have priority. Register at www.redcrossblood.organd use the sponsor code: christianhospital, or email slm9123@bjc.org.

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

The hospital is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association to provide information on detection, cause, risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment and much more. Registration is required by calling 314747-WELL(9355).

Wed. Dec. 19, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Healthy Holiday Tips, Jamestown Mall Food Court. Learn how the food choices you make today can affect your health and wellbeing for life. Learn tips and suggestions on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the holidays. Register by calling 314-747-WELL(9355).

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

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

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

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Help fora drug-free life - chemical dependency information meeting. Call 314-839-3171.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. –

STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group

This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

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

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

Diabetes can be controlled in patients afterpancreas removal

Newswise – Removing the entire pancreas in patients with cancer or precancerous cysts in part of the organ does not result in unmanageable diabetes – as many physicians previously believed, research atMayo Clinic in Florida has found. The study, published recently in the journal HPB Surgery, evaluated how well patients who had their entire pancreas removed could control their resulting diabetes. The pancreas produces insulin to remove sugar from the blood, so when the organ is gone, insulin must be replaced, usually through an external pump or with injections.

The researchers examined control of insulin over several years in 14 patients whose entire pancreas was removed. They compared their findings with 100 people with type 1 diabetes, and must use insulin replacement. They found both groups had little difficulty controlling their blood sugar, and no complications resulted.

The findings should reassure physicians and surgeons that removing the entire pancreas is reasonably safe and effective, says senior investigatorMichael B. Wallace, M.D., chair of the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.

“What has confounded surgery for pancreatic cancers and precancerous cysts for a long time is the notion that if the entire organ is removed, patients will have great difficulty in

controlling the resulting diabetes,” Wallace said. “Most surgeons try to leave as much of the pancreas as possible.”

“What we have shown here is that, due to wonderful recent improvements in insulin therapy, patients without a pancreas can control their blood sugar as effectively as type 1 diabetes patients can,” he said.

Even though the approach of preserving as much of the pancreas as possible benefits most patients, leaving part of the pancreas in some patients may put them at risk of developing hard-to-detect cancer in the remaining organ, he said.

Similarly, patients who have a potentially precancerous cystic condition known as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm in part of the pancreas can develop the same cysts in the part of the pancreas that remains after partial removal, he said. Removing the entire pancreas eliminates the possibility of recurrence in the residual pancreas.

“Most surgeons today make difficult decisions about how much of the pancreas to remove in a patient, but that process may become a little more straightforward now that we have demonstrated patients do well when their entire pancreas is removed,” Dr. Wallace said.

Even in normal range, high blood sugarlinked to brain shrinkage

Newswise – People whose blood sugar is on the high end of the normal range may be at greater risk of brain shrinkage that occurs with aging and diseases such as dementia, according to new research published in a recent print issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“Numerous studies have shown a link between type 2 diabetes and brain shrinkage and dementia, but we haven’t known much about whether people with blood sugar on the high end of normal experience these same effects,” said study author Nicolas Cherbuin, PhD, with Australian National University in Canberra.

The study involved 249 people age 60 to 64 who had blood sugar in the normal range as defined by the World Health Organization. The participants had brain scans at the start of the study and again an average of four years later.

Those with higher fasting blood sugar levels within the normal range and below 6.1 mmol/l (or 110 mg/dL) were more likely to have a loss of brain volume in the areas of the hippocampus and the amygdala, areas that are involved in memory and cognitive skills, than those with lower blood sugar levels. Afasting blood sugar level of 10.0 mmol/l (180 mg/dL) or higher was defined as diabetes and a level of 6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/dL) was considered prediabetes.

After controlling for age, high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol use and other factors, the researchers found that blood sugar on the high end of normal accounted for six to 10 percent of the brain shrinkage.

“These findings suggest that even for people who do not have diabetes, blood sugar levels could have an impact on brain health,” Cherbuin said. “More research is needed, but these findings may lead us to re-evaluate the concept of normal blood sugar levels and the definition of diabetes.”