November 21st, 2013 edition

Business Salute has hometown feel

‘Earl! Earl! Earl!’

Lindenwood honors Earl Austin Jr.

‘It’s about time he was in the spotlight’

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Fully outfitted in Lindenwood University spirit gear and painted faces, a large crowd of students shouted “Earl! Earl! Earl!” and stomped their feet on the bleachers as Earl Austin Jr. and his family made their way onto the basketball court. Before the men’s basketball team rivaled Maryville University on Tuesday night, Lindenwood University honored Austin – St. Louis American’s longtime sports editor – for his accomplishments as a Lindenwood Basketball Hall of Famer and successful sports commentator.

See story video at www.stlamerican.com

On Tuesday, the university retired Austin’s basketball jersey #41 – making it the first uniform retired in the basketball program’s history. Austin played ball at Lindenwood from 1982-86 and left the program as its all-time leading scorer with 1,972 points. His 56 percent field goal percentage is also best in program history. The St. Louis native is also second with 840 rebounds and 546 field goals.

“It’s overwhelming,” Austin said. “I never thought when I stepped on this

“He represents the very best that Lindenwood produces.”

– Lindenwood

University President James D. Evans,on Earl Austin Jr.

The 2013 federal poverty guidelines are $11,490 for a single adult and $23,550 for a family of four for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.

For households with more than eight people, add $4,020 for each additional person.

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.Louis American

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has been the subject of constant, unrelenting political attacks, but few efforts to explain this complex legislation, known more briefly as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or “Obamacare,” after the president who pushed it through in 2010. Here are some basic concepts of the ACAor Obamacare, simply explained.

Open enrollment ACAopen enrollment began Oct. 1 and continues until March 31, 2014. The new coverage begins January 1, 2014.

Health insurance shopping Health Insurance Marketplaces and

exchanges are one in the same. Marketplaces, created under the ACA, is where you select and purchase private health insurance coverage.

campus 30 years ago that something like this would be possible.”

Lindenwood

University

President James D. Evans, who was also one of Austin’s psychology teachers, said Austin was a great athlete and student at a time when Lindenwood was just getting on its “athletic feet.”

“Earl’s great performance as a student and athlete helped put

See AUSTIN, A7

District parent Archilla Buford spoke in support of Dr.Art McCoy,Jr. at the FergusonFlorissant school board meeting at McCluer North High School on Nov.13. Buford said the community chose not vote in the last school board election,but they will vote in April.

‘Witch hunt’forMcCoy

Transfer issue used to drive superintendent out of district, sources say

believe it is critical for the district’s students to get this matter resolved immediately.”

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St.Louis American

The Ferguson-Florissant school board sent out a districtwide email on Monday evening stating that it have received new information on Superintendent Art McCoy Jr., who was placed on administrative leave on Nov. 6.

Education (DESE),” stated Paul Morris, president of the board.

Soon after, DESE sent out a public comment, stating the department will be looking into “potential irregularities in mandatory reporting, including district attendance.”

On Tuesday, McCoy sent a letter to Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro regarding the issue.

The information is “serious enough to require us by law to notify the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary

“I welcome the opportunity to talk with you or your representative, and I am anxious to do so as soon as possible,” he wrote. “I

McCoy did not respond to TheSt. Louis American’s calls or emails. Morris said he could not speak with The American Sources from inside the district said this information came from Maureen Pfeifer, a retired district data analyst, shortly after last Wednesday’s board meeting, where board members listened to four hours of community testimonies in

See McCOY, A6 See ACA, A7

Lindenwood Head Coach Brad Soderberg applauded as Earl Austin Jr.held aloft his jersey that the university retired on Tuesday,the first jersey to be retired in the school’s history.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

NeNe Leakes clears up rumors after being rushed to hospital

When Real Housewives of Atlanta star

NeNe Leakes tweeted from her hospital bed on Monday without telling fans why she had been admitted rumors swirled that NeNe had suffered a heart attack.

In a post on her official webpage

NeNe clears things up.

She writes the following post:

First and foremost, I so dearly love and appreciate each and every one of you for your concern and your prayers.

Late last week I wasn’t feeling well and was feeling a little short of breath. I know my body and I know when I should be concerned so I went to the hospital to get checked out.

the symptoms of blood clots and don’t go to the doctor and that’s when the big problems start happening. Contrary to published reports I did not have a heart attack.

Was Nicci Gilbert dusted for next season of R&B Divas?

“R&B Divas Atlanta” will have to find a new villain because Nicci Gilbert is reportedly not coming back.

TV One announced Monday that R&B Divas Atlanta and R&B Divas

After some routine tests I was diagnosed with blood clots in my lung. I’m told this happened to me because of the constant traveling around the country that I do for my job.

I’m thankful to be alive as the doctor advised me that most people don’t recognize

LA have both been renewed but Nicci Gilbert, Faith Evans and LaTocha Scott’s names were missing from the lineup.

caught in a candid moment calling West a

“jackass” for his action.

It took four years, but West finally responded during a recent interview on Philadelphia’s Hot 107.9, West addressed the infamous moment.

Returning divas in Atlanta include KeKe Wyatt, Angie Stone, Syleena Johnson and Monifah. No word on which LA Divas will be returning.

Kanye finally discusses being dissed by President Obama

In 2009, Kanye West caused a major controversy by taking the spotlight (and microphone) away from Taylor Swift as she came up to give her acceptance speech for an MTV Video Music Award.

Shortly thereafter, President Obama was

“That was kind of my position in culture, that he also used that too, like ‘Oh, he’s a jackass,’ and stuff like that, because that’s how the world felt,” He said. “But I don’t care if somebody the President or not. I care about thoughts, and how you helpin’ people, and what you bring to the world. My music brings joy to people. What I create brings joy to people, and I’m about people. Me, I’m not about me. I’m about, ‘I got an idea that people gonna like.’” West also addressed remarks by President Obama where the POTUS criticized a “change in culture” that includes children “monitoring every day what Kim Kardashian was wearing, or where Kanye West was going on vacation.

Gucci Mane slaps Waka Flocka and mama with a lawsuit

Gucci Mane says Waka Flocka Flame and his mother, Debra Antney, released music and collected royalties without his permission.

The ongoing issues between Atlanta rappers and former associates Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame have continued this week with the announcement that Gucci has filed a lawsuit against both Flame and his mother, Debra Antney. According to TMZ, the 1017 Brick Squad Records founder believes that Flame and Antney are responsible for the downfall of his music career. Court documents state that Antney became Gucci’s manager in 2006 and both Antney and Flame released Gucci’s music without his permission and also collected royalties on behalf of the rapper and his music.

“I think he shouldn’t mention my baby mama name,” West said. “Because we both from Chicago.” Ultimately, Kanye put a moratorium on Obama-talk. “I’m not gonna mention him no more,” he said. “I’m past that. That’s out my thoughts. That’s lower on my priority of thinking at this point.”

“Defendants’ misrepresentations and omissions were made with the intent that plaintiffs rely upon them,” read the lawsuit, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Gucci says he’s also found himself with tax issues due to the handling of his money by Antney. The rapper, who has requested that assets for Antney and Flame be frozen, is suing for fraud, racketeering, and conspiracy.

Sources: TMZ.com, Twitter.com, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Hiphopdx.com

Gucci Mane NeNe Leakes

UMSL honors

African-American contributions

‘Pivotal role’ of blacks recognized as university celebrates 50th anniversary

By Ciera Simril

For The St. Louis American

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the University of Missouri

– St. Louis recently honored the contributions of African Americans.

“UMSL at 50: The African American Contributions” was presented Nov. 7 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center by the African American Alumni Chapter, Associated Black Collegians, Black Faculty & Staff Association and UMSL’s Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity.

Chancellor Thomas George welcomed the guests, and Katina Magnussen, a senior social work major at the university, sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Current University of Missouri St. Louis students DeAnna Monroe and Kevin Carpenter were honored and awarded $1,000 scholarships for their contributions. Monroe hosts a show at UMSL radio and is a part of the Strikeforce Dance team. Carpenter is UMSL campus president of the Associated Students of the University of Missouri.

Bernard Diggs, director of the Millennium Student Center Operations who recently celebrated his 40th year of service at UMSL, received a Staff Award.

Other honorees included Priscilla Dowden-White, associate professor of history, Candace “Candy” Agnew, executive assistant to the chancellor, and alumnus Anath Boone.

Civil rights activist Norman R. Seay was honored with a tribute video for

Whose

By Eric E. Vickers For The St. Louis American

When I looked at the optic in The St. Louis American of black elected officials, ministers and community leaders standing strong in support of ousted black Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Art McCoy Jr., I thought of Sherman George, who as St. Louis’ first and only black fire chief was unceremoniously dumped by the mayor not that long ago.

I thought also of that childhood rhyme “All the king’s horses and all the king’s men, couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again,” and wondered if this would be the outcome now with McCoy as it was with George.

The political backdrop is similar in that two beloved pillars of the black community were suddenly removed from their positions of authority by the white folks holding power over them, and the black community was appalled and emotionally outraged.

In both cases, despite rational and moral pleas, as well political and activist threats from the established black leadership, the white leadership held its position – denying and deflecting any suggestion that race is at issue. And thus it put the black community to the test: whose power shall prevail?

his efforts to increase enrollment of African-American students at UMSL.

Deborah Burris, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at UMSL, presented the Community Contributions awards to former Congressman Bill Clay, Rita Days, director of the St. Louis County election board and a former state senator, and Donald M. Suggs, publisher of The St. Louis American and president of the St. Louis American Foundation.

“African Americans have played such a pivotal role, and this was a way to tell a portion of that story – by

celebrating community leaders, staff, students and alumni who just happen to be African-American, but who also happen to have made a very important contribution,” Burris said.

The program also included performances by the ABC Steppers, a musical presentation by Brian Owens and Trio and a tribute to former Chancellor Marguerite Ross Barnet, directed by theater professor Andrea Peoples.

Ciera Simril is a student at University of Missouri–St. Louis and a St. Louis American intern.

When those nicely dressed elected officials, ministers and community leaders have exercised to the fullest all the immense power at their disposal, including rallying the community, then will those powerful elements be enough to cause the will of the black community to prevail and have McCoy reinstated? When it was not enough to put Sherman George back on the wall?

What may make the McCoy matter potentially different, though, is something unbelievable profound

The American reported: “about 30 students at Cross Keys Middle School staged a sit-in for three class periods to support McCoy.” We so often forget about the difference student power makes, at all levels. Martin Luther King Jr. was in the wilderness of his life between 1956 and 1960 – soul searching and searching around the globe for the answer to how and where next to take the Civil Rights Movement following the success of the Montgomery/ Rosa Parks bus boycott – when out of nowhere, on February 1, 1960, four black students showed him the way by boldly staging a sit-in demonstration at Woolworth’s in Greensboro, N.C. Those four students literally ignited the Civil Rights Movement. Back in the Motherland, Mandela might still be in jail if the students at Soweto had not taken it to the streets. Those 30 students at Cross Keys Middle are the key to McCoy being reinstated and the dignity of the black community being felt and recognized. If the black leadership would deploy its resources into turning those 30 students into 3,000 students staging a sit-in in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, then they would be on the course to replicating the controversial tactic used by King when the Civil Rights Movement was on its knees in Birmingham in 1963: engaging the children in the battle.

If those black leaders would teach those 30 children that the only reason that King was able to give that magnificent speech in August 1963 was because in April and May of that year thousands of children just like them went to jail in “Bombingham” and across the South, then McCoy would get his job back and the community’s might would be shown.

University of Missouri–St. Louis Chancellor Thomas George presented Rita Days, St. Louis County Democratic elections director and former state senator, with an award for outstanding service to the university. At right is the university’s chief diversity officer, Deborah Burris. Photo by Maurice Meredith

Eric E. Vickers

Editorial /CommEntary

Better together, but how to get there?

We wish the very best for the stated intentions of Missouri Council for a Better Economy and its Better Together project that was announced on Tuesday. The public was told that this putative “grassroots project” will systematically study how government services are provided in St. Louis city and county and compare those results to best practices in government. These studies will be conducted in succession and in the following order: Public Finance; Economic Development; Public Health; Public Safety; Parks, Recreation and Infrastructure; and Administration. Early in 2015 we are to expect “a very clear picture of current practices,” organizers said in a statement, which can be compared to best practices. We are told that “groups and organizations,” rather than Missouri Council for a Better Economy (MCBE) itself, will then be in a more informed position “to craft proposals for how St. Louis city and county move forward in the future.”

MCBE Chairman of the Board Ambassador George Herbert (Bert) Walker III and Better Together Executive Director Nancy Rice both deny that this “grassroots project” is a Trojan horse for a city/county merger proposal. St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, who supports the effort, says he is looking forward to the research data with an open mind. Only Mayor Francis G. Slay, who also supports the effort, came right out and said what was on everybody’s mind: “It has long been a goal of mine to reunify the city and county,” Slay said. Slay added a caveat, adding, “But we are not prejudging anything in this process.” Of course, no one believes these studies will conclude that a tiny St. Louis city should remain isolated politically from a sprawling and fragmented St. Louis County with 91 municipalities and 23 fire districts. Of course, we will be told we should streamline political entities and consolidate government services, both to eliminate waste and to create a more unified and competitive region, politically and economically. The problem, as always, will be in finding enough grassroots support for these big-picture changes to overcome the varied, entrenched vested interests in the city and county that oppose it. Slay acknowledged this when he said the research will show “what the people of the city and county are willing to support.”

This new effort has been designed to woo the public. The staff and volunteers at Better Together will organize members of the community to work together to develop information about the performance of local governments, we are told. These community members will work with subject-matter experts to develop “readily understood reports,” we are told. Rather than rely solely on consultants to drive the data collection, St. Louis residents will be invited to participate in dozens of sponsored discussions and forums. Truly, we want this effort to succeed. If

Ambassador George Herbert (Bert) Walker III, chairman of Missouri Council for a Better Economy, announced its Better Together project on Tuesday.

Photo by Wiley Price

enough people in St. Louis city and county can be convinced that we are stronger, safer and more competitive as a more unified region, we would support a creative and inclusive political process that unified our fragmented government structures and consolidated services. But, without “prejudging anything,” as the mayor said, we feel compelled to urge some caution on our good friend Ambassador Walker, an honorable civic leader who has tirelessly pursued change for the greater good.

A great many people will be suspicious of any effort led by an employee of Rex Sinquefield’s primary political shop, Pelopidas, like Nancy Rice. Sinquefield’s emphasis on defunding public schools and destroying the state’s tax base brings suspicion to this effort in advance through the appointment of Rice as executive director. We also fault this effort for failing to pull together a more inclusive team before they announced their intentions to the public. Dooley was the only black leader who participated in the rollout, and even Dooley does not have broad connections to the black community. Further, years of attacks by his enemies on the County Council and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch have publicly weakened Dooley to the point where he does not speak from a position of strength.

So, while we embrace the goals of this effort to create a more cohesive, efficient, competitive region, we have doubts about some of its leadership and its ability to manage this extremely difficult process in an inclusive manner that will persuade the public it needs to do something that everyone fears: change.

Commentary

Contrite, but resolute

It was a necessary retreat, but President Obama made clear last Thursday that his bottom line remains unchanged: “I’m not going to walk away from 40 million people who have the chance to get health insurance for the first time.” The president’s pledge should be the nation’s bottom line as well. It came as Obama surrendered to overwhelming pressure, much of it from fellow Democrats, and allowed individuals to keep their bare-bones insurance policies that do not meet the Affordable Care Act’s standards – at least for a year. The change was meant to correct an imbalance that cannot long be tolerated: More people are being annoyed and inconvenienced by the new law than are being helped. It should be the other way around, and Obama accepted the blame. The only semidodge was when Obama apologized, kind of, for his repeated assertion that Americans who were satisfied with the health insurance coverage they already have would be able to keep it.

“There is no doubt that the way I put that forward, unequivocally, ended up not being accurate,” he said. Overall, however, Obama was as contrite as I’ve ever seen him, and also as resolute. We screwed up, he effectively said, but we’re not backing down.

The president went out of his way to apologize to Democrats in Congress who voted for the Affordable Care Act, told their constituents how great it would be and now find themselves in political peril. “I feel deeply responsible for making it harder for them, rather than easier for them, to continue to promote the core values that I think led them to support this thing in the first place, “Obama said.

Some House and Senate Democrats might still feel the need to go on record as voting to allow people to keep the individual insurance policies they have, even if the coverage they have is substandard. But Obama probably eliminated any threat that much more sweeping Republican legislation, sponsored in the House by Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan, would pass both chambers and force the president to exercise his veto.

The GOP has made clear that it wants to destroy Obamacare, not fix it. Obama’s move last Thursday is an inelegant solution that keeps the Affordable Care Act intact – and suggests that the program will have not just a rocky first month but a bumpy first year.

Obama took full responsibility for the many failings of the HealthCare.gov website, which has made it absurdly difficult to shop and buy on the new federal health insurance exchanges. Despite accepting blame, he said he had been unaware of how bad things would be until after the launch.

“I was not informed directly that the website would not be working,” Obama said. “I’m accused of a lot of things, but I

Board owes us an explanation

By Redditt Hudson and Doris Graham Guest Columnists

The Ferguson-Florissant school board’s decision to place Superintendent Art McCoy on administrative leave raises questions to which the parents in the district are owed more than a vague answer; we are owed a full explanation of why the decision was made.

The board itself acknowledges that McCoy has done nothing wrong. The given answer from the Board at this point cites differences in “focus and philosophy” with the superintendent. But what are they? The board’s mission statement is right there on the district website. Its mission statement presumably is shaped by its focus and philosophy. At no time and in no way has McCoy ever departed from this mission in his role as superintendent. What McCoy has done is work with parents, black and white, to ensure the best educational outcomes for the

district. How has he done?

There are eight Bill Gates Scholars from the FergusonFlorissant School District. The graduation rate for the district is over 90 percent, an almost unheard of rate for a majority minority district anywhere in the country. Before becoming superintendent, McCoy raised more than $7 million in the last seven years in grants and donations for the district. In February, Ferguson-Florissant received $289,800 from Harvard University’s Pathways to Prosperity Innovative High Schools Initiative to offer students the opportunity to participate in an apprenticeship program and earn college credits.

He’s done still more than this paper will allow room for, and done it all in a down economy that has left district budgets strained.

He’s connected with the district’s students, many of whom have expressed disillusionment with his dismissal and uncertainty about their future. Why would the board make what appears to be an arbitrary decision to disrupt the district in the heart of the semester?

We believe the decision was irresponsible. As citizens in the community, we are even more concerned by what is known than what is not.

We know that all of the members of the board are white and McCoy is black. We know the board has no evidence of wrongdoing and that McCoy’s work as superintendent has

Letters to the editor

Clean up West Lake Landfill

don’t think I’m stupid enough to go around saying this is going to be like shopping on Amazon ... if I thought that it wasn’t going to work.”

Largely because of the impenetrable website, only 106,185 people actually signed up for insurance through the federal and state exchanges in October. Officials had hoped that at least 500,000 would sign up during the program’s first month. Even if HealthCare. gov is fixed or functional by Nov. 30, as the administration promises, the painfully slow start may mean that firstyear enrollment won’t reach projected levels.

Obama’s keep-yourinsurance concession may further depress enrollment, as some people choose to stick with their cheap, no-frills coverage rather than upgrade to more comprehensive care through the exchanges. Lobbyists for the insurance industry warned that if fewer young, healthy adults buy policies than originally projected, rates will have to increase for everyone else.

So this tempest-tossed launch could be just prelude to a turbulent flight. In the long term or even the medium term, however, I’m much less pessimistic than a lot of folks seem to be.

Transforming the health care system was never going to be easy. Obamacare realigns the incentives in the system toward wider coverage, cheaper insurance, regular doctor visits and preventive care. Given a bit of time and space, I’m confident it will work.

We will not have this opportunity again in St. Louis to remove West Lake Landfill Superfund from our city. Although the Army Corps of Engineers’ FUSRAP cleanup of other STL radioactive sites is ongoing, West Lake will never be cleaned up if we don’t demand it as a city and state. A solution needs to be found for its routes of contamination. It is the slow and continuous diagnoses of cancer and genetic damage over the years that add up, and the deaths which are not counted by the statisticians.

Our legislators who have fought for this removal are told that removal will be as dangerous to the public as leaving it to erode for thousands of years, and the past and current fires in it unacknowledged by the EPA. A Resolution currently in the Missouri House and Senate can be passed to request a Federal act of Congress. It has become a concern that the federal funds being spent to leave WLL’s risks in place outweigh the financial cost for its cleanup. Thousands of years of risks from radioactive contamination has no price tag that we estimate.

Nationally recognized nuclear waste expert, Robert Alvarez, will speak at West Lake Landfill Community Group meeting, Thursday, November 21, 6:30 p.m. at International Union of Operating Engineers Local 513 at 3449 Hollenberg Dr., Hazelwood. Please get involved at www.stlradwastelegacy

Agnes C. Uhls

STL Manhattan Waste Project St. Louis

Embrace the Affordable Care Act

“Anything worth having is worth working for.” These words were spoken by renowned singer Betty Wright during the recording of the song “No pain, No gain.” And with this thought in mind, I hope every American will silence the resisters of the Affordable

been consistent with the board’s stated mission for the district. We know that former board member Charles Henson has said he has heard at least one current board member say that he doesn’t “trust” McCoy, a statement which should also be explained, and asked Henson not to vote for McCoy when the decision to hire a new superintendent was being made. We expect that will be denied. We know that the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP is likely to reach out to the U.S. Department of Justice for a Title VI investigation into the board’s decision. We believe it is warranted.

People from all races, religions and ages are rallying to McCoy because of his integrity, ability and commitment. At a time when school districts are struggling all around us, we must come together as a community to demand an answer from this board for the removal of McCoy. No priority is higher than the education of our children. Whether you’re black , white, Hispanic, or Asian, it is in our collective interests that our district continues to perform well. The decision by the board to remove McCoy without cause threatens that. Redditt Hudson is a

in the Ferguson-Florissant School District Parent and plans to run for St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees. Doris Graham is a trustee of the St. Louis Community College.

All letters are edited for length and style.

Care Act, by working through the technology problems and purposing to have a healthier country.

When it comes to national security, there is not a more important issue, within our power, than our health.

Many people know from life experience, as my Bishop, Dr. Luther J. Blackwell Jr., puts it, “Health is better than wealth any day.” And since we understand having a healthier body is a huge asset, it would be wise to work for it.

Let’s resist making complaints and get to work.

Patiently waiting for computer glitches to be worked out, getting registered, making appointments, getting diagnosis, beginning treatments and most importantly learning and practicing preventive medicine are critical objectives. These efforts will ultimately result in better health and a better quality of life for all who truly embrace this program.

Minister Allif H. Dove St. Louis

Make quality preschool available

The early learning bill reflects a growing, bipartisan understanding that to ensure our nation’s children have the educational and economic opportunities they deserve, we must act early. It’s long been clear that high-quality early learning opportunities produce lasting benefits, including higher high school graduation rates and lower incarceration rates. Now, a broad coalition is calling for action on President Obama’s plan to make quality preschool available to every 4-year-old in America, drawing on the example of leading states.

Democrats and Republicans, including Sen. Harkin, Rep. Miller, and Rep. Hanna, stood with leaders from law enforcement, business, the military and early childhood education advocates to call for action – and to invite others to join this vital effort. This is the most important single step we can take for the future of our young people.

Columnist Eugene Robinson

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Washington, D.C.

Redditt Hudson

Doris Graham

SLU Law hosts Harris-Stowe

Fifteen Harris-Stowe State University students recently participated in HSSU Day at Saint Louis University’s School of Law. SLU opened a new law school building downtown – Scott Hall – in August, and Alice Dickherber, who serves as the assistant director of admissions and Lisa Taylor, director of multicultural outreach, helped to coordinate the event that gave Harris-Stowe students a glimpse of a day in the life of a law school.In addition to tour-

ing the new facility, HSSU students had the opportunity to learn about the application process for law school, participate in a mock criminal law class with Associate Professor Jacqueline Kutnik-Bauder and talk with students who are members of the Black Law Student Association. The HSSU group was accompanied by Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Michelle McClure.

‘Expressions Challenge’deadline Nov. 30

St. Louis is one of two markets (with Chicago) where Walgreens is hosting its Expressions Challenge for teens, going on through Nov. 30, in which teens ages 14-18 can showcase their creative perspective on issues like sexual responsibility and healthy lifestyle choices for a chance to win large cash prizes Participants may submit their perspective in one of three categories: Creative Writing, Media Arts or Visual Arts. Through November 30, teens will engage in the contest through their schools, community organizations and grassroots initiatives. The top 30 submissions from each category are judged by an influential panel of health experts and stellar artists. Twelve winners rise to the top, six from Chicago and six from St. Louis. There are two winners per category and each city is judged independently. For more information, visit:http://www.expressionschallenge.com/expressions-program/.

Free Affordable Care Act seminar

The SBASt. Louis District Office is presenting a free Affordable Care Act (ACA) seminar in St. Louis on Wednesday, December 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. SBAstaff and the Small Business Majority will present information specifically for small business owners. Topics will include which companies must offer insurance in 2015, individual insurance requirements, healthcare.gov site walkthrough, Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace, potential tax credits, and other pertinent information. Small business owners will be able to see insurance plans which are available locally and discover some of ACA’s benefits. This event takes place in a government building. Please allow time to go through security. Parking is available in the surrounding area but is not validated. The office is close to MetroLink and MetroBus stops. The event will be held at theSBASt. Louis District Office, 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 10.103. RSVP: Required to Nicki Massie at 314-539-6606 or email nicholson.massie@sba.gov.

Separate but unequal: bilingual edition

By Esther J.Cepeda

Activist and educator Matthew Lynch recently asked if language barriers are the “new segregation.” He challenged readers of an Education Week blog to consider if it is “fair to separate our student populations based on their native language.”

He continued, “Just as the ruling of Brown v. The Board of Education found that ‘separate is ... unequal’when it comes to skin color – is the same true of language preferences?”

Yes, separate classrooms for speakers of native languages other than English are egregiously unequal and not fair.

Lynch was referring to a contentious case in Elgin, Ill., where the school district –40 percent Hispanic – runs a gifted program in which only 2 percent of the students are Hispanic. The district has a separate gifted program for Hispanic students learning English as a second language.

This is in line with the mindset of countless educators who believe, incorrectly, that children who are not native English-speakers need the special accommodation of being immersed in their native language in order to learn.

Vanderbilt University professor Donna Ford said, “Even unintentional discrimination closes the door for gifted minority students.”

But herding students learning English into classes that are taught exclusively in their native language is business as usual in many school districts. Separate classes, separate teachers and sometimes separate curriculums – often lower-level than those of the native English-speakers in a given grade – are common in typical “bilingual” programs.

I was a bilingual teacher in Illinois, a state that requires most Spanish-speakers to get at least partial instruction in their native language. But Spanish-only tended to be the norm and I often angered my peers for teaching in two languages instead of just in Spanish.

In the schools where I taught, the bilingual education program was a revolving door of under-qualified instructors on special temporary teaching certificates who often did not have undergraduate degrees in the subjects they taught.

Some Spanish-speaking students who were capable of performing well in mainstream classes were nevertheless put in bilingual programs or persuaded to join them – numbers had to be kept up to run the sheltered instruction classes, which get extra operating funds from state and federal governments.

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Unified School District seems to think its Englishlanguage learners are unadaptable. To boost their achievement, it plans to separate elementary school students who are not fluent in English from native English-speakers in all core classes.

Supporters of the move say the students’track record of low achievement proves that their long-standing integration hasn’t worked. Opponents of the scheme cite research suggesting that students have a better shot at learning English if they are placed with English-speaking peers.

The very best English-language acquisition programs are those featuring dual language instruction where kids are fully immersed in classrooms that alternate use of languages and are headed by highly skilled teachers. Students learn two languages quickly and deftly.

For example, in Alamo Heights, Texas, two middle-school students — one Anglo and one Hispanic — in the school district’s dual-language immersion program competed Saturday for the top title in their region’s first-ever Spanish spelling bee. They didn’t get there due to luck or unusual ability. They were simply immersed in their target language and given appropriate supports and great teachers.

If all English learners had these three luxuries, we certainly wouldn’t accept segregating them into educational communities practically designed to keep them dependent on their native tongue.

Esther J. Cepeda

McCOY

Continued from A1

support of McCoy. Inside sources said Pfeifer claims that McCoy directed her to alter school attendance in 2011-2012 school year.

Inside sources said Pfeiffer, who is close to Morris and long-time board member Leslie Hogshead, was angered at the how vocally the community expressed their concerns to the board members on Wednesday. She reportedly provided no documentation showing a directive from McCoy to support her claim.

In a phone interview with The American, Pfeifer said she was present at the Nov. 13 meeting, but she would not confirm or deny what information, if any, she provided to the board.

District spokeswoman Jana Short confirmed that the person came forward after the Nov. 13 meeting but would not disclose the person’s identity. After receiving the information, “the board then confirmed the allegations with key employees,” she said in a statement to The American. The board held a closed meeting on Nov. 17 and filed a report to DESE on Nov. 18. Charles Henson, a former school board member and board president, said the new information is a “modern-day witch hunt.” No one complained to the board about McCoy “cheating” on attendance in 2011 or 2012, he said.

“No one ever brought anything like this to our attention. There was never anything that demanded any investigation during the time I was there,” he said. “I think this is how you go after someone when you don’t have anything else.”

McCoy’s letter to Nicastro points out that “district staff worked closely with DESE staff” in its mandatory reporting.

Unnamed differences

On Nov. 6, six of the seven school board members voted to place McCoy on administrative leave because of “differences in focus and philosophy between the board and the superintendent.” Paul Schroeder was the only board member who voted “no.”

In an interview with The American, Schroeder said board members expressed some concerned regarding “occurrences” early this school year. “In my opinion, they didn’t warrant the action of putting him on administrative leave, whether true or false,” Schroeder said.

Although the community has demanded an explanation for their actions, board members have refused to provide one, saying it is a personnel matter. District attorney Cindy Ormsby said McCoy can sign a release allowing the board to share information with the community, but that his attorneys have advised against this. Sources said his attorneys believe the information is inaccurate and do not want it spread publicly.

District sources said that the board members’differences with McCoy stem from the

school transfer issue. Board members have said publicly that they will honor the state law and take in transfer students coming from the unaccredited Normandy and Riverview Gardens school districts. However, transportation for these students has been a contested issue.

At an Aug. 19 “work session” meeting, board member Scott Ebert said that his constituents were concerned about spending tax money on transportation for the transfer students. So on Sept. 13, McCoy held a fundraising campaign on KMOX radio, asking the community to support students who need transportation. McCoy was quickly able to raise $22,000 in private funds and secure a deal with a bus company to help transfer 80 students. In total, 430 students from unaccredited districts chose to enroll in the district; most were able to provide their own transportation.

The board members showed no discontent publicly regarding his effort, according to the district’s YouTube videos of the board meetings. However, sources say behind closed doors several board members felt McCoy was making it “too easy” for transfer students to enter the district.

Second phase

Reportedly, it was McCoy’s next move that really angered Morris and Hogshead in particular.

On Sept. 23, McCoy was invited to testify before the Missouri House Interim Committee on Education regarding the school transfer issue. He also submitted a written statement that outlined his recommendations. According to the letter, he suggested that the state “develop regional average tuition cost for each state region and require any unaccredited school to pay 70 percent of that regional average cost. For example, if the St. Louis regional average cost is $12,000, then the unaccredited sending district would pay 70 percent of that cost.”

In his statement, McCoy made no mention of “school choice.” However, McCoy supported students from unaccredited schools being able to choose to go to another school. According to inside sources, both Hogshead and Morris felt that McCoy’s position teetered too much on favoring school choice – which is opposed by the teachers’union, the Ferguson-Florissant National Education Association

Photo by Wiley Price

(FFNEA). Hogshead and Morris were both endorsed by the FFNEA. The teacher’s union also did not back the board’s decision to select McCoy as superintendent in July 2011. Shortly after McCoy’s testimony in early October, Morris and Hogshead attended the Missouri Schools’Board Association annual conference, where they shared a two-bedroom cabin along with their significant others, the district confirmed. There, they had conversations about McCoy’s testimony and decided to draw up a plan to oust McCoy, sources said. District attorney Cindy Ormsby was also brought into these conversations at the conference, sources said. Ormsby is also a district attorney for Francis Howell and Hazelwood school districts, and she is a former Ferguson-Florissant board member.

Ormsby said she did visit with Hogshead and Morris in their private cabin, but she was never alone with the two board members. She said she did not have conversations with them about putting McCoy on administrative leave until closer to the time when the board took action.

Hogshead has been a board

Ferguson-Florissant school board members

Paul T.Morris (president), Chris Martinez (vice president),Robert Chabot (secretary),Leslie Suzanne Hogshead (assistant secretary), Paul Schroeder,Keith A. Brown and Scott Ebert

listened to public outcry during the board meeting at McCluer North High School last Wednesday. The board heard many speakers who demanded to know why Superintendent Art McCoy Jr.was suspended.

member since 1992. Jim Clark, a former board member who served 30 years alongside Hogshead, said Ormsby and Hogshead are close friends. “Buddy, buddy, so to speak,” Clark said.

Ormsby said she is not close friends with Hogshead.

This fall, when the board chose Ormsby as the new district attorney, they ignored the recommendations given by the district staff, who conducted screenings of the candidates. The board chose to do its own screenings, which was a “change in operating procedures,” Schroeder said.

“The board overruled the recommendations of the staff,” Clark said. “That’s not good.”

Because the other board members were also endorsed by the FFNEA, apparently it didn’t take long for Morris and Hogshead to gain the support they needed to place McCoy on administrative leave. Pfeifer is also a longtime FFNEAsupporter.

“This certainly has heightened the support for McCoy,” Henson said, “because it is obvious that the board has been provided another avenue to get McCoy out of the district.”

Continued from A1

States have the option to create and run their own health insurance exchanges. In states like Missouri where the legislature did not accept federal funding to expand Medicaid, health insurance plans can be purchased through the federal health exchange. This may be done through four different ways:

1. Online at HealthCare.gov

2. Via paper applications that can be downloaded at HealthCare.gov and mailed.

3. In person through navigators or certified application counselors, who use HealthCare.gov to help others find private health insurance options. Government agencies – such as state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offices, hospitals, health centers, clinics and many social service agencies –have trained staff onsite to assist. Visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to find one near you.

4. By calling (24/7) 1-800318-2596 or TTY: 1-855-8894325.

AUSTIN

Continued from A1

Lindenwood’s athletic program on the regional map,” Evans said. “His success as a sports commentator also helps validate Lindenwood’s excellent communications program. He represents the very best that Lindenwood produces.”

Austin said he feels lucky to have been able to stay in St. Louis all 27 years of his career as a sports journalist.

“It’s a blessing because that’s not the way it’s commonly done in communications,” he said. “After college you normally have to move to a small town and start your career there.”

For 23 of those years, sports broadcaster and radio personality Bob Ramsey said he has had the pleasure of working with Austin as a radio-broadcast partner during the Saint Louis University Billikens basketball games.

HealthCare.gov On the website, HealthCare.gov, you will need to set up an account, with basic information about yourself, your family members and current health coverage information.

Important: If your household files more than one tax return, it is very important to call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) before you start an application in order for representatives to provide directions to make sure the application is processed correctly.

Once the account is established, visitors can see which options they qualify for, including Medicaid and CHIP. The marketplace will inform you if you qualify for lower monthly premium and out-ofpocket costs.

There are five categories of marketplace health insurance plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Catastrophic, each with the same essential health benefits but different cost-sharing levels between you and the health plan. As posted on HealthCare.gov, the maximum out-of-pocket costs for any Marketplace plan for 2014 are $6,350 for an individual plan and $12,700 for a family plan.

When choosing your health plan, keep this in mind: the lower the premium, the higher the out-of-pocket costs when you need care. Conversely, the higher the premium, the lower the out-of-pocket costs when you need care.

Find out more at HealthCare.gov/how-d-ichoose-marketplace-insurance.

Estimate of savings

You can use the Kaiser Family Foundation subsidy calculator to estimate costs savings under the Affordable Care Act online at http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator.

Penalty If you can afford health insurance coverage and you choose not to purchase it, the penalty fee you will pay is called the Individual Shared Responsibility Payment, which in 2014 will be 1 percent of your yearly income or $95 per person for the year, whichever is higher. The fee increases every year. In 2016, it will be 2.5 percent of income or $695 per person, whichever is higher. In 2014, the payment for uninsured children will be $47.50 per child. The most a family would have to pay in 2014 is $285.

Supporters of the New Life Evangelistic Center marched to City Hall last Sunday November 10 to show support in keeping the facility open to feed and house the homeless at its current location,1411 Locust St.

Payment for not having health insurance will be made when you file your 2014 taxes, which are due in April 2015. In addition to the fee, the person is responsible to pay for all of their health costs.

Avoiding the penalty Special circumstances –such as being of very low income, being uninsured less than three months out of the year, having religious objections, being incarcerated, receiving Indian Health Services and being a member of a federally recognized tribe – may exempt you from the penalty for not buying health

insurance coverage. Hardship exemptions exist for homeless persons and others who have recently undergone other catastrophic financial, domestic hardships. For more information, visit www.http://www.HealthCare.g ov/exemptions.

You are already considered covered with health insurance and don’t need to enroll via the ACAif you have Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, any job-based plan, any plan you bought yourself, COBRA, retiree coverage, TRICARE, VAhealth coverage, or other kinds of health coverage.

“People ask him all the time, ‘Who is a good candidate for my team?’” she said. “He is very humble about his accomplishments. He is always putting everyone else in the spotlight, but it’s about time he was in the spotlight.”

Austin’s sister, Courtney A. Thompson, was also inducted into the Lindenwood University Athletic Hall of Fame. She was part of the second year of inductees, and Austin was among the first year in 1987.

“Earl has always been a person of excellence,” Thompson said. “He has been able to make his mark on whatever he does, whether it be a scholarly athlete or an award-winning journalist. He has set the tone for my brother and me. They’re big shoes to follow.”

Thompson and many of Austin’s other family members were brought to tears as Earl’s

“Earl Austin Jr. is the finest player in Lindenwood history, but what’s really important is that Earl represents this university off the court and in life as well or better than anyone I’ve ever met,” Ramsey said. His wife, Judy, said Earl knows about every student athlete in town, from the freshmen to the seniors. She is constantly amazed at his journalism work and the role he plays in the local sports community, she said.

recognition was announced on the basketball court. His aunt and the matriarch of the family, Jean Clemons, held Austin’s hand through the National Anthem, maintaining a beaming smile the whole time.

Earl Austin Jr. said he feels lucky to have been able to stay in St.Louis all 27 years of his career as a sports journalist: “It’s a blessing.”

“We are so very proud of him,” Clemons said. “Beginning when he was a little tike, he was an excellent student. He amazes me with his memory about sports. He is a role model, and I com-

mend the school for recognizing his accomplishments.”

Lindenwood Head Coach Brad Soderberg said Austin still contributes to enhancing the men’s basketball program at the university. Soderberg said he relies upon Austin as a talent scout.

“If he says someone is a serious candidate as a Division I player, he is, and if he says someone is not, he is not,” Soderberg said. “I’ve known a lot of people say they know

what kids can play. Earl actually does know.”

Austin’s statistics, expertise and encyclopedic knowledge make Austin worthy of having his jersey retired and his name celebrated at a home game, he said.

“Earl Austin Jr. is truly a St. Louis treasure and an ambassador of sport for the entire metro area,” he said.

Austin is also a local sports historian who has penned three books and produced one DVD on basketball history in the St. Louis area. His latest book, You Might Need a Jacket II: More Hilarious Stories of Wacky Sports Parents, is the

second book his a series and is a culmination of more than 20 years of witnessing “straitjacket parent” behavior at youth sports events.

Being around the game constantly, Austin said he naturally reflects on his days as a basketball player himself.

“When I think about my most memorable moments, I had so many great road trips, being around the guys, forming those friendships,” he said. “That’s something you treasure for a lifetime.”

To follow Austin’s work, visit stlamerican.com and earlaustinjr.com.

Photo by Wiley Price

2013 Salute to excellence in BuSineSS awardS luncheon

Nearly 500 people attended the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business Networking & Awards Luncheon last Thursday at The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis. The 14th annual luncheon was co-presented again by the St. Louis American Foundation, St. Louis Regional Chamber and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. World Wide Technology again served as lead sponsor for the event. McDonald’s franchisee Jimmy Williams received the 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The YWCA’s Adrian Bracy received the Non-Profit Executive of the Year award, and Edward Jones’ Rodney Gee was given the Corporate Executive of the Year award. This year’s Corporate Diversity award was presented to Centene Corporation, and the area’s Top 25 African-American Businesses of the Year were also recognized at the event.

2013 Excellence in Business Performance awardees: Michelle Tucker from Bank of America, David Rodgers from Brown Shoe, Rhonda Jones from Emerson and Dexter Evans from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

Corporate Executive of the Year Rodney Gee

Non-Profit Executive of the Year Adrian Bracy with emcee Carol Daniel

St. Louis American Foundation president Donald M. Suggs and Harris-Stowe State University president Constance Gully presented Erica Harper with the HSSU Suggs Scholarship for up to $10,000 per year.

Entrepreneur of the Year Jimmy Williams and Carol Daniel World Wide Technology’s Ann Marr

Top 25 awardee Gail Brown

Top 25 awardee Nicole Adewale with Urban League president Michael McMillan

Top 25 awardee Laurna Godwin

Jeralyn James, Lynn Kennedy, Janet Williams, and Kathleen Smith

Carol Daniel, and St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative’s Valerie Patton present the Corporate Diversity award to Centene’s Keith Williamson.

Freddy Clark, pastor of Shalom City of Peace, gave the prayers.

Brandi Williams and Emily Pitts

Michael Holmes and Dr. Henry Givens

Darcella CravenJames Buford celebrates receiving the Lifetime Achiever in Community Service award as Carol Daniel looks on.

Top 25 awardee Nate Johnson

Kel Ward, Ericca Willis and Michael Whitley

Photos by Wiley Price and Maurice Meredith

Indirect public aid for religious purposes

Rex Sinquefield’s petition drive for a private parochial school voucher constitutional amendment has begun in the City of St. Louis. The first street report came from doorto-door petitioning in the 27th Ward on Tuesday. Paid petitioners also circulated a voucher amendment on South Grand on Saturday.

But just like Rex’s political beneficiary Mayor Francis G. Slay has case law penned by Judge Robert H. Dierker Jr. in the way of his ambitions to steamroll the city’s Board of Estimate & Apportionment, the Blaine section of Missouri Constitution poses a clear stumbling block to Rex’s voucher scheme.

Rex’s voucher scheme does not come advertised as a voucher scheme. On Tuesday a petitioner approached a registered voter at his home and asked if he would sign a petition to “improve education in Missouri.” That’s the sell.

The EYE can see why –polling says that many people hate “vouchers.” You also won’t see Rex leaning his chin out front on this while the matter is before the voters, who are more likely to oppose a constitutional amendment if they know that it is backed by a billionaire. The resident asked to read the petition – then realized that it was a constitutional amendment to allow public funding for parochial and private school education vouchers. He questioned the petitioner (who seemed not to be aware of what he was carrying) and asked if he knew that he was working for billionaire Rex Sinquefield. The petitioner did not and said he had actually attended public schools and supported public education. But hey – the

economy is tight, and there is always work knuckling Rex’s fantasies onto the public.

The voters are being asked:

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• create a tax credit for donations made to nonprofit corporations that provide funds to improve programs in public school districts, provide scholarships for students to attend qualified private or parochial elementary or secondary schools, or support special education services for children;

• limit the tax credit to $50,000 annually per individual or business entity, and cap the entire credit at $90 million annually; and

• repeal any constitutional provisions that prohibit taxpayer funds from being used to aid private or parochial elementary or secondary schools that qualify for the funding in this measure?”

Initiative petitions require an economic impact statement. Talk about impact: “Any decrease in state revenue will depend on the redemption of tax credits issued related to this proposal, initially limited to $90 million per year. Increased annual state operating expenses are expected to be initially about $120,000. Each individual school district will experience an unknown annual change in revenue.”

That sound you hear is the sucking sound of money leaving the public education

Medicaid. The chairmen of the House and Senate Interim Committees on Medicaid Transformation and Reform dictated some obnoxious terms:

“The meeting will operate as a joint hearing of the House and Senate committees, conducted in customary manner in accordance with administrative guidelines and state laws,’’ wrote state Rep. Jay Barnes, R- Jefferson City, and Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington.

“We will preside over the hearing as co-chairmen,” they continued. “You will be the only witness called to testify.”

The governor would be allowed to make an “opening address’’ to legislators and the public, Mannies reported, but it would be held in the House Lounge, not Nixon’s planned location in the Governor’s Office Building, which is two blocks east of the Capitol. Nixon had bargained for a meeting open to the public and the press.

“I am not interested in taking part in a political game at the expense of the Missourians we have sworn to serve,” Nixon responded. “I am not interested in climbing into the lion’s den unarmed and alone,” in other words.

filed state tax returns of all legally-married couples who file federal returns is the only appropriate course of action, given Missouri statutes and the ruling by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.”

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service ruled in August that legally married same-sex couples would be treated as married for federal tax purposes, regardless of where the couple lives. The Treasury’s ruling implemented federal tax aspects of the June 26th Supreme Court decision invalidating a provision of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Missouri tax law states that couples filing a “joint federal income tax return shall file a combined return,” and that any terms used in Missouri tax law shall have the same meaning “as when used in a comparable context in the laws of the United States relating to federal income taxes.”

But Nixon does not enter the left lane completely: The governor said his executive order applies “only to the specific issue of tax filing status and does not in any way authorize or sanction same-sex marriage in Missouri, which the state’s constitution does not recognize.”

system in our state.

Rex has until May 4, 2014 to gather signatures from registered voters equal to 8 percent of the total votes cast in the 2012 governor’s election from six of the state’s eight congressional districts. In addition to Rex’s minions, the petition drives are underway in Catholic parishes, as are the “train the trainer” sessions to train people to train people to harvest those signatures. Therein lies the challenge for Rex, should he gather the signatures (which is likely) and succeed with the voters (which is possible). Article I, Section 7 of the Missouri Constitution, “Public aid for religious purposes,” reads: “That no money shall ever be taken from the public treasury, directly or indirectly, in aid of any church, sect or denomination of religion, or in aid of any priest, preacher, minister or teacher

thereof, as such; and that no preference shall be given to nor any discrimination made against any church, sect or creed of religion, or any form of religious faith or worship.”

Note: The Constitution said “directly or indirectly.” A law suit arguing that faith-based schools were being funded at the expense of public education as a result of this initiative would likely render it dead on arrival.

Invitation to an inquisition

Governor Jay. Nixon has declined Missouri Republicans’ invitation to an inquisition, according to a Jo Mannies report for The Beacon He had asked to meet with Republican legislative leaders to discuss health care and

Left-ish Nixon

Meanwhile, Nixon continues his drift to the left, in apparent hopes of a national political platform. The latest jerk to the left was an executive order directing the Missouri Department of Revenue to accept the jointly-filed state tax returns of all legally married couples, including same-sex couples legally married in other states, who file joint federal tax returns as required under Missouri law.

“Missouri is one of a number of states whose tax code is directly tied to that of the federal government and under Missouri law, legally married couples who file joint federal tax returns with the IRS must also file joint state returns with our state Department of Revenue,” Nixon said. “As a result, accepting the jointly-

Paul McKee Jr. live

St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO) will host its first All-Neighborhoods Forum of the season on Wednesday, December 4, at 6 p.m. at the Vashon High School Auditorium, 3035 Cass Ave. Paul McKee Jr., developer of NorthSide Regeneration, will make a presentation of his longterm massive redevelopment project covering parts of the area east of Grand Blvd. and north of I-64. The event is free and open to the public. After the presentation, the SLACO moderator will select questions from those submitted in writing by the audience.

Billionaire financier and political investor Rex Sinquefield is behind a new school choice ballot initiative.

Stand your (unequal) ground

“For blacks and women, little ground left to stand on.” That was the headline of a Gawker. com article back in the summer after the George Zimmerman verdict. Two AfricanAmerican women have stepped into the glare of Stand Your Ground laws. Both cases expose the hypocrisy and racism of the law which abides in some form in 32 states.

The two cases are the 2011 case Marisa Alexander in Florida and the most recent case of Renisha McBride in Michigan. Their cases are more than a challenge to selfdefense laws; they will test an important foundation of the U.S. Constitution –equal protection under the law for all citizens.

Most of the country only found out about the Alexander case by way of the now infamous Trayvon Martin case. The unarmed youth was murdered by George Zimmerman who claimed self-defense; Zimmerman was summarily acquitted and has moved on with his troublesome life.

Zimmerman’s acquittal caused justice-seeking Floridians to raise Marissa’s case in the same breath for two reasons: Alexander and Zimmerman both claimed self-defense under Florida’s law, and Angela Corey prosecuted both cases. Marissa, who had no previous criminal record, was convicted by a jury in 12 minutes and is serving a 20-year sentence after having

fired a warning shot in the air to ward off an abusive husband. The appeals court has overturned that conviction and granted Marisa a new trial scheduled for spring 2014. Marissa could not use Stand Your Ground as part of her defense at trial, and the appeals court has prohibited her from using it in the new trial.

Last week, a judge refused to grant bond to the mother of two, and she may have to stay in jail until her court date. But at least there is a court date, thanks to pressure from the Free Marissa Campaign. Renisha McBride is dead,

n Stand Your Ground is starting to look like a law for whites to ensure they never have to face criminal charges when they kill a black or brown person.

shot in the face by Theodore Wafer in the early morning hours when she went to his house seeking assistance after crashing her car. Wafer, a white airport employee, has been charged in the 19-yearold’s murder. According to initial reports, Wafer didn’t call 911 to report an intruder, nor did he ask the teen any questions about why she was on his front porch. A toxicology report established that the teen had marijuana and alcohol in her blood. No toxicology test was done of Wafer.

Renisha ended up in Dearborn Heights after her car

accident. I first heard about D-Heights’ racist history when I visited Detroit. Its motto for years was “Keep Dearborn Clean,” code for “Keep Dearborn White.” The suburb of Detroit has stayed true to its motto. To date, it’s nearly 90 percent white, according to the U.S Census.

The NAACP has raised consistent concerns over the city’s racial profiling numbers, and there are constant complaints about racial harassment by law enforcement. The point is, if you’re black you don’t stop in D-Heights.

Stand Your Ground is starting to look like a law for whites to ensure they never have to face criminal charges when they kill a black or brown person regardless of the circumstances. If that’s the way the law plays out consistently, then there truly is “little ground left to stand on” for non-white citizens. We will see how all this plays out over the next year as these cases go to court. The U.S. Supreme Court may see a Stand Your Grand case on its docket in the near future.

In the meantime, the fear factor of black and brown citizens has increased with the escalation of racist attacks accompanied by relatively little justice for victims. A vivid example is the case of Oriana Ferrell, who took a chance on out-driving a hail of New Mexico police bullets on an isolated highway to get to safety in a more public area. Some may see her actions as reckless, especially with five children in the car, but citizens of color have to make split-second decisions when faced with white people with guns.

This is no way for civilized people to live.

By Melanie Adams

History live – and streaming

History Museum adds live streaming component to public events

Thank you to everyone that came out three weeks ago to hear the words and wisdom of law professor Michelle Alexander as she addressed the inequities of the U.S. prison system. Over seven hundred diverse community members came together to learn about the issue and what we can do to close the floodgates of African Americans entering the prison system.

For people who could not attend that evening, they had the opportunity to watch it via live stream from their homes.

This was the first time the museum has used live stream technology to send its programs beyond the museum walls, and it will definitely not be the last. The museum is committed to live streaming at least one program each month as a way of sharing our programs with people and communities who are unable to physically make it to the museum. In addition to the live streaming, the videos will also be available on our You Tube Channel a few weeks after the initial live stream.

While it is great when people are able to attend programs, the museum recognizes that life sometimes gets in the way.

It could be weather, childcare or even that late meeting at work that prevents you from making it to the museum in time to get a parking space and seat. Through live streaming you are now able to still catch an engaging lecture from the comfort of your own home. In addition to the convenience of live streaming, the real reason I think it will be beneficial is its ability to create community conversations in diverse spaces.

As mentioned above, Michelle Alexander attracted a large audience to the museum. Knowing this was going to be the case, I strongly encouraged organizations and schools to arrange viewing parties in their own spaces as a way of having a dialogue on the issue of mass incarceration. The museum had an inquiry from a charter school in Chicago who planned to live stream the event for its families and then host a discussion. This type of request was what we envisioned when we decided to invest financial and staff resources into creating live streaming opportunities.

Moving forward, the museum will select at least one program each month to live stream. This program will be advertised both on our website and in the calendar as being live streamed. The live streaming option is not meant to take away from a visit to the museum. We hope people will continue to visit us in person for the more than

700 programs we do each year. Live streaming just gives us another way to reach out into the community and create opportunities to initiate dialogue on important local and national issues. Missouri History Museum YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/ MissouriHistory

Ought To Be Free

Saturday, Nov 23, 11:30 a.m.

Paradox of Liberty: Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello FREE

This 20 minute play performed by the Teens Make History players focus on the stories of the enslaved people of Monticello

The

The History Museum’s Teens Make History players will perform Ought to Be Free, to accompany the exhibit Paradox of Liberty: Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 23.

Jamala Rogers

Augustine Todd

Augustine Todd was born August 4, 1920, in Keo, Arkansas, one of 10 children of Lee and Clemmie Mickles Irving. The family moved to Peoria, Illinois, that next year, when “Augie,” as she was affectionately known, was just nine months old. She remained in Peoria until 2002 when she moved to St. Louis.

Augie was the sole surviving child of the Irvings. Five sisters and four brothers preceded her in death.

Augie attended Peoria public schools and took classes at Bradley University.

She married William L. Todd, and devoted much of her married life to raising their daughter and twin sons. Her husband died in 1966 when the couple’s children were young teenagers. Augie then secured a clerical position at the now closed Zeller Mental Health Center in Peoria to ensure that they could attend college.

Augie was a member of the Bahá’í Faith for more than 50 years. While residing in Peoria, she often appeared publicly to speak about the faith. She continued her observance of the faith in St. Louis, building a strong bond with the Bahá’í community, whose members referred to her as “Miss Augustine.”

In 2004, she became a resident of the St. Louis area’s Bethesda Dilworth Senior Home. She often surprised the activities directors with her knowledge of current events and her mental agility at playing Bingo.

Augie is survived by her children, Cynthia (Kenneth M. Stone) of St. Louis; Craig

Obituaries

of Orange County, Calif., Courtney (Gaylene) of Canton, Mich.; five grandchildren, Wendy of St Louis, Christopher of Dallas, Noel of Orange County, and Samuel and Ethan of Canton, Mich.; “bonus grandchildren”, Kerri (Tim) Holloway of St. Louis and Keith (Verna) Stone of Dallas; a “bonus” great-granddaughter, Ashlee Holloway of St Louis; sisters-in-law Vera Irving of Waco, Texas, Louise Dennis and Pauline Young of Washington, D.C; many nephews , nieces and other relatives.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Foster Grandparent Program, 711 W. McBean St., Peoria, IL 61605.

Arthur Milton Porter, Jr.

Arthur Milton Porter, Jr., age 80, passed on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at Christian NE Hospital. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 2, 1933 to Arthur Sr. and Mattie Porter.

Arthur was educated in St. Louis Public Schools and graduated from Sumner High School in 1952. He was a proud and honored member of the United States Air Force and had an illustrious career at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company (The Boeing Company) which spanned 42 years. He retired from The Boeing Company in February of 1998.

Arthur was preceded in death by both of his parents (Arthur Sr. and Mattie Porter), sisters (Delores, Wilma, Barbara Ann), and brother (Atwood). He is survived by his loving

wife of 55 years, Clementine, 3 children, Sandra Marks (Cozy), Arthur Milton Porter, III (Anika), Kathleen Hall (Steven), five granddaughters (Camille, Victoria, Arriell, Sydni, Taryn), three grandsons (Cozy IV, Steven, Arthur IV), four great grandchildren

(Cozenna, Mekhi, Cozy V, Melanie), three brothers, Alfred (Janice), Arnold, and Alan, and a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and his New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church Family.

Augustine Todd

Arthur Porter, Jr.

Exercise

Being Thankful WALK!

Nutrition Challenge:

Thanksgiving is a day that we take a moment and remember the things/people that we are thankful to have in our lives.

But let’s be honest, many Thanksgiving celebrations also include food – and a lot of it! But if you remember just a few simple tips, you can enjoy the day without the extra calories (and uncomfortably full stomach).

> Remembering last week’s divided-plate lesson; try to fill at least half of your plate

Follow the Meal

With a Walk!

Why not start a new tradition this year? After your Thanksgiving dinner, have your family take a walk around the neighborhood. This is a great way to spend time with your relatives, see who’s in town for the holiday, and can help prevent the all-too-common post meal stomachache. Walking aids

Thanksgiving is a great time to remember all of the people/things that have had a positive impact on your life. Why not have each person around the table say one (or two or three!) thing(s) that they are thankful for, before you

Healthy Kids Kids

with healthy vegetables/fruits.

> Eat slowly. That way you’ll know when you’re full before you’ve overdone it.

> Limit desserts; choose just one. Or if you want to try a few different kinds, ask for a small “sample” of each.

> Can you think of any other tips?

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

digestion, keeps you away from the dessert table and even helps with that after-dinner slump that affects many people after a big meal. In addition, getting up and moving will get your body back into calorie-burning mode.

Where do you work? I work at Mercy Hospital. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in East St. Louis and the University of Houston.

What does a director do? I have the opportunity to travel to different cities around the country. I get to stay in nice hotels, and eat out at really cool places. But more importantly I help make decisions about the technology that is used to provide exceptional healthcare to our patients.

Why did you choose this career? I always knew I wanted a career that provided service to others. My opportunity came 23 years ago when I accepted a position with a local community healthcare organization and my professional career grew from there.

What are some other ways to be “active” after your Thanksgiving dinner?

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

begin eating? You could even make a game out of it: each person writes down what they’re thankful for on a small card. Someone then reads each card as the group guesses who wrote it.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH 4

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part is building a successful team. I am able to apply the principles I learned throughout my athletic career and work experience to mentor, inspire, motivate and build the confidence of each team member.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Go to http://www.stlamerican.com/newspaper_in_ education/ and download our Weekly Fitness Challenge Journal page. Keep track of your positive daily health choices and earn rewards!

Sylvia Jett, Director

The St. Louis American is proud to partner with Hazelwood, FergusonFlorissant, Normandy, and the St. Louis Public School Districts to provide this classroom tool for STEM education for students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, with content based on Missouri Learning Standards.

CLASSOOM SPOTLIGHT

Cold Water Elementary School 5th grade teacher

Julie Fischer

students Bella Hankins, Xzavier Jackson, Anaani Hanin, and Daryl Ward a STEM project. The school is in the Hazelwood School district. Photo: Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Teachers,

SCIENCE CORNER

What Is Nutrition For The Brain?

Dr. Brown was a neurophysiologist who studied the brain. To picture the size and shape of your brain, place two fists together with your inner wrists touching. The brain is grayish in color and soft, composed mostly of fat and water. Neurons are brain cells that control thinking, learning, and feeling; there are over 100 billion of them in the brain! Neurons are shaped like an open hand with the fingers spread. Dendrites are represented by the fingers. Dendrites receive information from other neurons and send them through the axon to another neuron. In order for this transfer of information to move quickly and smoothly, you need proper nutrition.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Conduction is the transfer of heat from one material to another through direct contact. Heat spreads through some materials better than others. In this experiment, the spoon that loses its bead first is the best conductor.

What does your brain need to function effectively?

q Healthy fats found in fish, nuts, and seeds.

w Protein found in lean meats and beans.

e Carbohydrates found in whole grains, such as brown rice.

r

B vitamins found in dark, leafy greens.

t Calcium found in milk and yogurt.

One of the most important nutritional needs is water. The brain is made of 75% water. When you do not drink enough water, the brain becomes dehydrated and the neurons, dendrites, and axons do not function efficiently. Remember… good nutrition is not only good for your body, it is also important for your mind.

Learning Standards: I can read a nonfiction text to find the claim (main idea) and evidence (supporting details).

Conduct with Spoons!

Process: q Use the butter to stick a bead to the end of each of the spoons and the straw. w Stand them upright in the glass. e Pour hot water in so it covers the bottom third of each spoon/straw. Observe what happens to the beads over the next few minutes.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN MATHEMATICIAN AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGIST:

Emery Neal Brown

Emery Neal Brown was born in Ocala, Florida, in 1957. Both of his parents were math teachers. In 1974, he graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy. Four years later, he graduated magna cum laude (meaning with great distinction and honor) from Harvard College with a degree in applied mathematics. After working as a fellow at Institut Fourier des Mathematiques Pures in France, Brown returned to Harvard Medical School to earn his masters and doctorate degree in statistics.

In 1988, Brown completed his internship in internal medicine at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Four years later, he completed his residency in anesthesiology (giving patients medicine to put them to sleep before a surgery or procedure) at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

Next, he joined the anesthesiology staff in the Department of Anesthesia at MGH, and the faculty at Harvard Medical School as an instructor. In 1999, he joined the faculty of Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he was a professor of computational neuroscience and professor of health and sciences. Brown is well known internationally for his use of math to study neuroimaging. He was able to see how the brain transfers information and how the brain responds during anesthesia.

Brown is one of the most cited African-American mathematicians. In 2000, he won the National Science Foundation (NSF) Minority Career Advancement Award and also a National Institute of Mental Health Independent Scientist Award. In 2007, he won the National Institute of Health Director’s Pioneer Award. He is a fellow of several organizations, including the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, the American Statistical Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Brown is also a member of the National Academy of Science and the Institute of Medicine.

Discuss:

q What part of Dr. Brown’s story do you find most interesting?

w How would you describe him?

Materials Needed: Tall Glass • Plastic Beads • Wooden Spoon • Plastic Spoon • Metal Spoon • Drinking Straw • Pitcher of Hot Water • Butter or Margarine

MATH CONNECTION

Reflect: Describe the process of conduction in this experiment. Which type of spoon was the best conductor? Why?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze results.

Sharpen Your Brain with math!

Dr. Emery Neal Brown applies statistics to his studies of the brain (neurophysiology). Statistics involve collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. Complete these math activities to sharpen your statistic skills.

Activity One: A restaurant owner surveyed his customers for their favorite pizza topping. Look at this pie chart to analyze favorite pizza toppings. Which topping was the most popular? Which was the least popular?

Activity Two: The prices of 4 different shirts at a store are $10.99, $9.99, $14.99, and $19.99. What is the range in prices of these shirts? ___________ What is the average price? _________________

Activity Three: Jake earned a 95, 92, 88, and 89 on his latest science exams. What is his average score for these 4 tests? __________

DID YOU KNOW?

Activity Four: The average daily temperatures in degrees over one week were 40, 44, 50, 38, 58, 42, and 39, respectively. What is the range of temperatures? _______ What is the average temperature? __________________

Activity Five: Survey your classmates to determine their favorite fruit. Create a bar graph to display the results of your research. _________

Want More Statistic Fun? Check Out: http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/statisticsgames.html

Learning Standards: I can collect and analyze data.

If you could harness the power used by your brain, you could power a 10watt light bulb.

Information travels

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about a person who has made contributions in the field of science and mathematics.

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Activity One — Writing for Different

Purposes:

Write a personal letter, business letter, letter to the editor, postcard, and email message about one topic featured in the newspaper. How does your writing style change with the mode of writing and intended audience? You can also write thank you notes, sympathy messages, invitations, or other personal correspondence based on topics in the newspaper.

Activity Two — Who Am I?

Riddles: Fold a piece of paper in half. On the outside flap, write a riddle about a character/person featured in the newspaper. Paste the article on the inside, and share your riddle with your classmates. They will use their newspaper to solve the riddle.

Learning Standards: I can write for various purposes and audiences. I can make deductions and inferences to solve a riddle.

BUSINESS

Contracts awarded for CityArchRiver2015

By Rebecca Rivas

31.8 percent MBE inclusion in $23M in contracts for Central Riverfront

Of The St.Louis American

Great Rivers Greenway

The MBE firms selected for the project include X-L Contracting,Pangea Group, Centrex Electrical, Riley Ready Mix and MAR II.

approved $23 million in construction contracts for seven local firms on the CityArchRiver 2015 project last week. The contracts are part of the Central Riverfront portion of the Gateway Arch project, which will improve access and prevent flooding on the riverfront. For the Central Riverfront contracts, 31.8 percent of the work went to minority business enterprises (MBE) and 18.7 per-

cent went to women business enterprises (WBE), for a total of 50.5 percent disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation, which exceeds the DBE

goals established for the project.

“We are thrilled these qualified firms were interested in helping us and CityArchRiver 2015 fulfill our mission, and we look forward to working with them,” said Susan Trautman, executive director of Great Rivers Greenway. The Central Riverfront proj-

See ANDERSON, B6

Business Salute has hometown feel

Jimmy Williams, a McDonald’s franchisee, was honored as 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year at the 14 annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon held Thursday at the Ritz-Carlton, St.Louis.

Awardees express love of STL, ESL and community

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

The 14th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon held Thursday at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis was also a celebration of St. Louis as a region for African Americans to live and do business. 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year Jimmy Williams, a McDonald’s franchisee, choked up and wept when he opened his remarks to a soldout crowd of 450 by simply saying the name of his hometown: “East St. Louis …”

2013 Non-Profit Executive of the Year Adrian E. Bracy, CEO of YWCAMetro St. Louis, described her joy at returning to St. Louis to accept her current leadership position: “I had the opportunity to go back to the best city in the world, in my opinion.”

2013 Corporate Executive of the Year Rodney Gee, a principal at Edward Jones, said, “I grew up on the North Side of St. Louis, so it is possible to be successful in St. Louis.”

Keith Williamson, executive vice president and general

“I grew up on the North Side of St.Louis, so it is possible to be successful in St.Louis.” – 2013 Corporate Executive of the Year Rodney Gee,a principal at Edward Jones

counsel at Centene, accepted the 2013 Corporate Diversity Award for the company. He said, “This award serves as a reminder that there is more work ahead of us in helping to make St. Louis a better and more diverse place to live and work.”

Lifetime Achiever in Community Service James H. Buford, fresh from a National Urban League meeting in New York where he was appointed to the national Board of Trustees, praised the St. Louis Urban League staff he led for 28 years, naming many of them personally.

Emcee Carol Daniel, KMOX news anchor, said it is love of the St. Louis communi-

See SALUTE, B2

Adrian E.Bracy,CEO of YWCA Metro St.Louis,was honored as 2013 Non-Profit Executive of the Year at the 14 annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon held Thursday at the Ritz-Carlton,St.Louis.

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

James H. Buford

James H. Buford, former president and chief executive office of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, has been appointed to the national Board of Trustees of the National Urban League. Buford led the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for 28 years before retiring in May. During his tenure, he increased the number of people served annually by the organization from about 20,000 to 73,000, while increasing the budget tenfold.

Dr. Rebecca Frazier recently became the first African American to be named chief audiologist at the non-profit Center for Hearing & Speech, where she oversees audiology services offered for adults age 60 and over at the Water Tower Health Center, 4414 North Florissant Ave.She is a licensed audiologist with 10 years of professional experience. She holds an AuD from Central Michigan University and is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology.

Angela L. Brown, MD, has been named president of the St. Louis Division Board of Directors for the American Heart Association for a two-year term. In this role, she will help lead the association’s mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke through oversight of local revenue generation and health impact activities. She is an associate professor, Internal Medicine Cardiovascular Division, at Washington University School of Medicine.

Jack Wang has joined Hazelwood School District as communications and media relations director. Wang has more than 20 years of experience in the communications industry. Most recently, he served as the senior community relations specialist for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). He was responsible for leading all internal publications including MoDOTemployees’newsletter.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

SBAteams with Operation HOPE to encourage entrepreneurship

The U.S. Small Business Administration and Operation HOPE, Inc. signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum to encourage entrepreneurship and economic empowerment through increased collaboration on entrepreneurial and financial education for small business owners. Operation HOPE, Inc. is America’s first nonprofit social investment bank and a national provider of financial literacy and economic empowerment programs.

Paraquad honors Sansone, Webster, Clayton, Mercy, Monsanto, Tucci

On November 14, Paraquad presented the 2013 AccessibleSTLShine the Light Awards to Sansone Group, Webster University, the City of Clayton, Mercy and Monsanto. The award honors organizations and individuals whose actions and policies exemplify the goal of promoting a fully accessible community for people with disabilities. J. Kim Tucci, co?founder andpresident of The Pasta House Co., received the Legacy of Excellence Award for hislifetime contributions to equality for people with disabilities.

State general revenue collections up 2.5 percent forfiscal year

Fiscal year-to-date net general revenue collections for 2014 have increased 2.5 percent compared to 2013, from $2.42 billion last year to $2.48 billion this year, according to State Budget Director Linda Luebbering. Net general revenue collections for October 2013 increased by 1.7 percent compared to those for October 2012.

AT&Tdoubles hiring goal forveterans and family members

More than 3,600 veterans have started new careers at AT&Tso far this year, and AT&Tis doubling its hiring goal for veterans and their family members to 10,000 over the next five years. AT&T has a veteran career site (http://att.jobs/military) that includes tools for veterans to match their military skills with AT&Tjobs, we well as a military spouse career (http://Www.att.jobs/milspouse).

Rebecca Frazier

Angela L. Brown

Jack Wang

Photos by Maurice Meredith

By Jason Alderman

For something whose nickname sounds so innocent, the “kiddie tax” certainly can wreak havoc on unprepared taxpayers’yearly returns.

Congress first introduced the kiddie tax as part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to discourage wealthy parents from sheltering their investment income in accounts under their children’s names, thereby avoiding paying taxes on the amounts. The rules have been tweaked periodically ever since. Although the kiddie tax once applied only to the unearned income of children under 14 (hence the nickname), it now impacts all children under age 19 (as well as full-time students under 24),

Understanding the ‘Kiddie Tax’

provided their earned income does not exceed half of the annual expenses for their support. Moreover, the kiddie tax is not just a wealthy person’s problem: Any outright gifts parents or grandparents bestow on young children, whether to avoid triggering the gift tax or simply out of generosity, could actually be generate investment earnings that would be subject to the kiddie tax if they exceed a threshold amount. Here’s a primer on how the kiddie tax works and whom it impacts: As it does with adults, the IRS differentiates between income children earn (paper routes, summer jobs, etc.) and unearned investment income they receive such as interest,

PERSONAL FINANCE

dividends and capital gains –usually by way of accounts opened in their names by parents.

Taxation of the first $1,000 of a child’s unearned income is generally offset by the $1,000 standard tax deduction for dependents and thus won’t be taxed; the next $1,000 is taxed at the child’s own income-tax rate (e.g., it’s 10 percent for taxable income up to $8,925). However, all unearned income over $2,000 is taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate, which can be as high as 39.6 percent for married couples with taxable income over $450,000.

There are two ways to report your child’s investment

income to the IRS: File a separate return for your child using IRS Form 8615; or include it on your own tax return, using IRS Form 8814 – the latter only works if they had no earned income to report. The tax owed will be the same either way.

Important note: Although including your children’s investment income on your return may be more convenient, doing so could increase your adjusted gross income so much that you become subject to the alternative minimum tax or ineligible for certain income-based deductions and credits. For example, eligibility for the American Opportunity

Tax Credit begins phasing out for individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $80,000 ($160,000 for married couples). Other kiddie tax rules:

ï To be considered full-time students, children must attend school full time during at least five months of the year.

ï The kiddie tax does not apply to children who: are 19 to 23 and not full-time students; provide more than half of their own support from earned income; are over 24 and still dependents of their parents; or under 24 but married and file a joint tax return. These children are all taxed like adults at their own tax rate.

Good economic news gone untold

Lower deficits, faster economic growth and a doubled Dow

Remember, gifts themselves are never taxable to the recipient. If a gift generates unearned investment income, however, that’s when taxation comes into play. Also, any gifts over $14,000 per individual, per year, will trigger the gift tax – although most of us will never come close to the $5.25 million lifetime gift exemption. For more details on tax filing requirements for children, see IRS Publication 929, “Tax Rules for Children and Dependents.”.

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

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

The economy is growing much faster than expected. Inflation is basically nonexistent. The federal budget deficit has been slashed dramatically. The stock market is reaching all-time highs. One of our long-running wars is over and the other is winding down. The status of the United States as the world’s pre-eminent economic and military power is unchallenged.

So why is everyone so depressed?

The sour public attitude toward elected officials in general – and the Republican Party in particular – is understandable. Indeed, the wonder is that pollsters can find anyone beyond paid staffers who will express approval of Congress. And as for the White House, the rollout of the Affordable Care Act does not scream competence and effi-

CONTRACT

Continued from B1

ect – the second component of the CityArchRiver 2015 initiative to break ground – will

ciency. But overall, whether by accident or design, things are actually going rather well. Years from now, when someday the nation is mired in another recession or bogged down in another ill-conceived war, these may be remembered as the good old days. The recent announcement that the U.S. economy grew at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the third quarter was stunning. It came with caveats, of course, because everything seems to come with caveats these days. Some doomsayers warned that it was the wrong kind of growth, for various arcane reasons. But even the gloomiest of analysts had to acknowledge that the figure — almost a full percentage point higher than predicted — showed the economic recovery is more robust than previously believed. That news was followed by the October employment numbers, which were also promis-

improve the safety and accessibility of the Mississippi Riverfront and Gateway Arch grounds. Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard will be transformed into an enhanced 1.5-mile-long corridor with more plantings, lighting and a separated bike

ing: a total of 204,000 new jobs. This would have been enough to keep unemployment on its well-established downward trend – if not for the government shutdown, which furloughed enough federal workers to send the jobless rate up a notch to 7.3 percent. Let’s have another round of applause for Congress. In isolation, these numbers look pretty good. Compared to the rest of the world, they look really good. The United States doesn’t have structurally high unemployment (like Europe), an addiction to overheated growth rates (like China) or mounting inflation (like major developing nations). Slow and steady may be boring, but it’s

better than many exciting alternatives.

The federal deficit for fiscal 2013 was just $680 billion. That sounds like a lot of money – all right, it is a lot of money – but it’s an incredible 37 percent less than the deficit for fiscal 2012. Sharply lower deficits plus faster economic growth add up to a significantly brighter long-term fiscal outlook. The nation’s $17 trillion debt remains a problem to be sensibly addressed and solved. But it can no longer be represented as a crisis requiring an immediate decision to deny Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits to Americans who need them. If you listen to President

lane and pedestrian walkway that will connect into Great Rivers Greenway’s system of trails, parks and greenways. The project also includes elevating Leonor K. Sullivan further above the Mississippi River floodplain to help reduce flooding.

The work on the $33 million project was split up into 10 project packages to encourage local companies to bid and to help keep the work in the region, said Great Rivers Greenway leaders. More than $23 million of the contracts were awarded to St. Louis companies.

Castle Contracting, located in downtown St. Louis, was chosen to oversee demolition

and earthwork, while X-L Contracting in Hazelwood will be responsible for asphalt paving, installing pavers and providing temporary flood protection. Wentzville-based LanDesign will be in charge of the landscaping around Leonor K. Sullivan, Goodwin Bros of Crystal City will oversee work on the concrete, and Fentonbased Gerstner Electric will be responsible for the electrical work on the project. Arnoldbased St. Louis Bridge Construction Company will install the metals and rails, Festus-based D&S Fence will be in charge of signage, and Pangea, which is located in South St. Louis city, will be responsible for sewers and

Obama’s critics, especially his Republican adversaries on Capitol Hill, you’d think the economy was wheezing its last gasps. But investors obviously disagree, since the Dow has nearly doubled since Obama took office. Put simply, money talks.

Meanwhile, the nation is –almost – at peace, with Obama having brought the troops home from Iraq and announced a withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. The fight against widely dispersed terrorist groups continues, but that’s a different kind of war. Polls show minuscule public support for a return to the days when hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops were sent halfway around the world in an attempt at reshaping nations and regions that did not want to be reshaped. Critics howl that U.S. power and influence are somehow being surrendered. But who really believes that? The

plumbing work. The MBE firms selected for the project include X-L Contracting,Pangea Group, Centrex Electrical (subcontractor of Gerstner Electric), Riley Ready Mix (subcontractor of Gerstner Electric), and MAR II (subcontractor of LanDesign).

BSI Constructors, the project manager, worked with Great Rivers Greenway, the Federal Highway Administration and MoDOTto review the bids and select the firms. Recently, project leaders held a DBE networking event to provide firms a chance to network for collaborative bids on the project.

The Central Riverfront project will be split up into two phases to maintain access to the existing riverfront tourist amenities. Phase I will include

SALUTE

Continued from B1

ty that drives Donald M. Suggs, president of the St. Louis American Foundation, which produces the event in partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Regional Chamber.

“He is driven simply by his love of this community,” Daniel said of Suggs.

Suggs used his own brief remarks to emphasize “the value of diversity and inclusion in business,” which, he said, “has to start at the very top with enlightened, forwardthinking leaders.”

The future of the community also was acknowledged with the presentation of a Donald M. Suggs Scholarship (up to $10,000 annually) to HarrisStowe State University student Erica Harper.

Four accomplished business professionals also were honored with Excellence in Business Performance Awards: Dexter Evans, senior director of manufacturing at

notion that peace would blossom in the Middle East if only the United States were willing to invade a few more countries is absurd. The notion that any other nation has an equivalent capacity to take decisive military action — when it is necessary — is ridiculous. Of course our allies are complaining about naive, wrongheaded thinking in Washington. That’s what allies have always done and will always do. This is not to say that the Obama administration hasn’t made mistakes. But by historical standards, the United States is doing well domestically and internationally. And by any objective measure, the trend lines are positive, not negative. Perhaps this is why politicians and commentators have enough time on their hands to occupy themselves – and worry everyone else half to death – by pretending that the sky is falling.

work from Choteau Avenue to the Grand Staircase and will be completed in fall of 2014. In Phase II, contractors will add accessible river walk pathways from the Arch to the riverfront and will complete the work from the Grand Staircase to Biddle Street. The Central Riverfront project will be completed in time for the Gateway Arch’s 50th anniversary celebration in fall 2015.

“We’re proud to be a part of this transformational project, and we are grateful to our partners for their help,” said Trautman. “This project will improve the quality of life for the entire region by promoting tourism, providing real transportation alternatives along the riverfront and connecting communities.”

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals; Rhonda Denise Jones, director of immigration at Emerson; David Rodgers, vice president of real estate management for Brown Shoe Co; and Michelle D. Tucker, senior vice president of Bank of America.

Eleanor Higgins, an African-American leadership coach who moved to St. Louis from Milwaukee and attends this event every year, said she was inspired by the luncheon, as always. “I come for the networking,” Higgins said. “It’s a great opportunity to see what other businesses are doing to better not only their businesses, but the community. It’s motivating, energizing and inspiring.”

Ann Marr, vice president of human resources for lead sponsor World Wide Technology, was even more plainspoken and downhome. Addressing the awardees collectively, she said, “We’re very proud of you guys, and World Wide Technology is honored to be part of this event.”

Eugene Robinson

“Football, the way they call stuff these days, it’s watered down.It ain’t real no more.”

– San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks,on the controversial penalty called against him after his hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees last Sunday

Earl the Pearl

St.Louis American sports editor Earl Austin Jr.had his jersey No.41 retired at his alma mater,Lindenwood

Charles on Tuesday night before the Lions’games against Maryville University.Earl is joined at midcourt

Austin,Lindenwood head coach Brad Soderberg and Lindenwood President Dr.James Evans.

One more game

The road to the state-championship game has one more step left for nine St. Louis metro area teams who have their sights set on spending Thanksgiving weekend at the Edward Jones Dome or in Dekalb, Ill. Here is a look at this weekend’s upcoming state semifinals games. Class 6 Undefeated Hazelwood Central travels to

PREP FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

With Earl Austin Jr.

Mid-Missouri to take on Columbia Rock Bridge. The Hawks (12-0) edged CBC 26-24 to qualify for the semifinals. Their powerful offense has carried them all season long, but they have also done well in winning close

Homegrown hoopsters

The local line on the NBA

By Ishmael H.Sistrunk

As I chronicled a few weeks ago in my “Memoirs of a free-agent fan,”it’s tough being an NBA fan in a city without a team. Yet the lack of a ball club hasn’t prevented the St. Louis area from becoming a hotbed of hoops talent. So while we

So while we all root for different teams and wear different jerseys, the homegrown talent gives us a common rooting interest.

area hoops, two names stand out above all. First is former Chaminade standout and current Golden State Warriors PF David Lee Lee gets top billing for two reasons: 1) He’s an All-Star and 2) He’s a key contributor on a playoff team. The 6-foot9 strongman is off to another impressive start, putting up 17.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for the 8-3 Warriors. Lee was a double-double mon-

ster last season, leading the league with 56. His fast start is impressive considering he’s coming off a serious hip injury suffered during his first ever playoff game last season. Because of the injury and newfound depth at the forward and center positions, Lee has been limited to around 30 minutes per game. Once he and coach Mark Jackson get more comfortable with his hip health, expect his minutes to go up and those rebounding numbers to bounce up into digits.

Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal may not have All-Star credentials attached to his name yet, but he certainly won’t lack that classification for much longer. Chaminade’s latest contribu-

wife

games. Central quarterback Mike Glass has a chance to be the quarterback in the Show-Me Bowl for the second consecutive season. Last year, he was Francis Howell’s starting quarterback in the state title game before he transferred to Central. In the other semifinal, Eureka (11-1) faces the daunting task of taking on visiting Blue Springs, the defending state champions. Eureka is making its first semifinals appearance since 2004, when the played in the Class 4 Show-Me Bowl. The Wildcats will need

See PREP, B5

as

ESLto host Semis

Oak Lawn Richards at Jordan Stadium on Saturday

as

80

downfield in the

of their IHSAClass 6Aquarterfinal game against

Lennox Providence. East Side trailed 26-19, but they were on the move. On fourth down and two, Nelson’s roll-out run for a touchdownpulled East St. Louis to within one point –26-25 with one minute remaining. Coach Darren Sunkett reached into his playbook and decided to go for two points. With some hometown fools from the “street patrol” barking from the stands for Sunkett to kick the game-tying extra point, I thought to myself in my Red Foxx voice, “Are you crazy?!”

Saturday’s game against Oak Lawn Richards will be the Flyers’first semifinals appearance since 2009.

It turns out that Darren Sunkett knows football, and didn’t even consider going for a PAT. He dialed up a play that left his talented freshman wide-out Jeff Thomas with man-on-man coverage, and Nelson hit the freshman sensation with a perfect pass to put the Flyers up 27-26. The Flyers’defense held Providence Catholic on their side of midfield to seal the win.

With the win, the Flyers moved into Saturday’s state semifinals against Oak Lawn Richards at Jordan Stadium in East St. Louis. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. Providence Catholic was good. Running back Dominic Lagone rushed for 123 yard on 17 carries. And Ohio State recruit Miles

Maurice Scott

See EAST SIDE, B4

Photo by Wiley Price

Earl Austin Jr.

Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal,Chaminade's latest contribution to The League,is showing that his rookie success was no fluke as the 6-foot-5 two guard is putting up more than 20 points per game this season.

University,in St.

by his

Judy

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

Neverright to use the ‘N’word

Just when you thought that human civility had found its way into mainstream America, think again. Say hello to the “N” word. You know, the one that European soccer fans use at games?

But wait, I am talking about black Americans who use it in normal jest and white Americans who use it at the dinner table. Either way, it is a word that has been described as deplorable when used by the other. If it’s not Richie Incognito’s freedom of usage, which appears to be condoned by his confused AfricanAmerican teammates, or the defiant response by the likes of the most confused Charles Barkley and the always eloquent Michael Wilbon, who have made it perfectly clear they will continue to use the word. While most of us have used the word for a variety of reasons, nothing justifies its usage by anyone. Yes, we are all guilty as charged. Guilty for picking and choosing when the word conveniently fits our needs. Guilty for frowning upon someone else for using it in front of the “wrong” people, only to use it ourselves when they leave the room. Guilty in encouraging our young people to use the word in lyrics and in so-called “art” without their understanding how demeaning the word is and the price people have paid over the years so that a race of people would not have to hear it said without punishment to those who say it. And yet, where are we going with this subject? Simple answer, nowhere.

People selectively get mad at its use, and it’s easy for those who use it in a disparag-

ing manner to say that “your own people use it.” The best retort is, “Yeah, but you are

not one of my people.” That’s telling them. In sports, its use is as com-

mon as fair or foul or off-sides or a dunk. It is used by players and fans alike, and yet when it comes out of the wrong mouth many cover theirs in disbelief.

It took the late Richard Pryor a trip to Africa to understand the meaning of the “N” word to the point he vowed never to use it in his act ever again. Pryor had to travel that far to feel the hurt it caused. We have people in the sports world who happen to be black who may need to take a trip to Africa to hopefully understand the big picture. One problem. They should take their white counterparts with them. There is no gray area on this matter. The word, no matter who says it, is hurtful. What it has stood for all these years is as low as you can go, and yet athletes use it with little penalty. The Philadelphia Eagles’ Riley Cooper was caught on YouTube dropping the “N” word, and the worst he got was a few days off from training camp.

“Your own people use it.”

Wilbon and Matt Barnes who say they will continue using this offensive word, shame on you. Spare me with “I am not a role model” speech, as you are in the business to be watched or read so it comes with the territory to set a sane, educated example.

I had come to have great respect for what they all have done in their fields. Barkley is a Hall of Famer who has made his NBAon TNT work must-watch TV.

The best retort is, “Yeah, but you are not one of my people.”

Incognito had the stupidity actually to believe that the word is an accepted word by both blacks and whites in the locker room these days. Sad thing is no one in his locker room was smart enough to call a time out and remind him what the word means to black people, at least when white people say it. That’s a sad collection of black people in the Miami locker room, to say the least. They are not alone.

For the likes of Barkley,

EAST SIDE

Continued from B3

Boykin had eight catches for 106yds.

But lost in all the drama at the conclusion of the ball game, once again, was the play of senior running back Gregory Taylor. Playing on both sides of the ball, Taylor rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor scored on runs of 3, 11 and 62 yards. Taylor’s 62yarder was the most electrifying of the game. The University of Mizzou recruit jolted off right tackle behind All American Terry Beckner Jr. for a sensational touchdown run on the first play of the second half. It took the life out of the 5,000-plus Providence fans.

Wilbon is the gold standard for African Americans, if not all people, who aspire to venture into this industry as he has not taken the bait of being in the buffoon club in order to stay on the air. Barnes is a tough guy in the NBAwho has no problem defending his teammates, which is almost a lost art. While he is of the younger set, he should know better about the word and its impact.

I am wondering how those who keep the “N” word fire burning would explain the “N” word and its impact to Isaac Phillips and his family? Phillips woke up recently to see the word painted on his house. Phillips is a high school football player in Worcester, Massachusetts, who comes from a bi-racial family and has been the subject of various hate crimes that are now being investigated by the FBI.

beating Elgin Larkin the following week, 19-15, the Flyers – a team which I was a member of – went on to win its first of now seven state championships.

I thought to myself in my Red Foxx voice, “Are you crazy?!”

Saturday’s game against Oak Lawn Richards will be the Flyers’first semifinals appearance since 2009. The Flyers and the Bulldogs have a little history dating back when legendary coach Bob Shannon’s defense manhandled Richards 38-6 at historic Pardons Field in a 5Aquarterfinals. After

On Saturday, the No. 1 seed Bulldogs of Oak Lawn Richards will unleash a stud on offense in junior quarterback Hasan Muhammad-Rogers. He has several Division 1 offers on the table, including Illinois. Richards’ defense has been downright nasty in its own right during the season and playoffs. The Bulldogs’ defense had only allowed 1,897 yards total all season and only 723 yards on the ground with six shutouts, including two in the playoffs. The Flyers have not lost since the daytime nightmare on Sept. 21st against O’Fallon. Riding an eight-game winning streak, a win will advance them to the class 6AState Championship game on the campus of Northern Illinois University next Saturday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. In addition, it will be the last home game for the seniors. What a way to end the career at the House of Pain with a victory!

Mike Claiborne

The Philadelphia Eagles’Riley Cooper was caught on YouTube dropping the “N”word, and the worst he got was a few days off from training camp

RAMS ROUNDUP

With Palmer L.Alexander III

4-6 with 6 to go

The St. Louis Rams are coming off a bye this week and will be facing the Chicago Bears at home over the weekend. The Rams presently sit 46 with six games remaining in the season. So far this season has been up and down. These St. Louis Rams are good at being inconsistent. Sure, this is one of the youngest teams in the NFL, and this is only Jeff Fisher’s second season under the helm here. And we were cautioned that there will be some growing pains with such a young NFLteam. There have been plenty of growing pains for the Rams from both the young and veteran members of this team. That’s one of the reasons the Rams are 4-6 instead of 6-4.

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

tion to The League is showing that his rookie success was no fluke as the 6-foot-5 two guard is putting up more than 20 points per game this season. Beal scored a career-high 34 points recently against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That definitely won’t be his only foray into 30 point land this season. Together, Beal and point guard John Wall have transformed the Wizards from the laughingstock of the NBA into one of the most feared guard tandems around. The tremendous guard play hasn’t yet resulted in wins, but as the Wizards build around their newfound nucleus, expect them to become a playoff con-

At the beginning of the season it looked like the Rams were going to spread the field and air it out. Jared Cook came out of the gate strong against the Arizona Cardinals, but since then he hasn’t been very visible and he’s been dropping way too many passes. I’ve heard lately on some of these stations that the Rams are in need of a veteran presence at wideout. No. The Rams need the presence of players catching the football. It’s not just only Cook but all the receivers and tight ends. And since Sam Bradford is out for the remainder of the season, any throw made by Kellen Clemens needs to be corralled in order to give the Rams a legit shot at winning. But, it wasn’t until after the Rams lost to the San Francisco 49ers 35-11 that Jeff Fisher decided to change the philosophy to run first, run second, and if necessary pass the football. It worked. The Rams offense has rushed for over

tender in the coming years.

Wellston’s Ben McLemore was drafted with the seventh overall pick of the 2013 draft by the Sacramento Kings. McLemore and the Kings are still trying to figure out what role the talented rookie will fill. He has started three games so far, but hasn’t yet found his shooting touch, averaging 7.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Still, McLemore has shown flashes, such as his 19 point effort against Lee and the Warriors, but it’s clear he’s still adjusting to the fast pace of the NBA. The Kings won’t win too many games this season, so expect McLemore to be given the reins and the green light at some point this season to jumpstart his development.

Rounding out the St. Louisarea connection is Tyler Hansbrough, better known as

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

140 yards in their last three contests, led by rookie Zac Stacy, who now has 537 rushing yards with an outside shot at getting 1,000.

The change in philosophy early in the season had many of us wondering what the hell is really going on. My first initial thought was Fisher lost confidence in his quarterback. I’ll admit I was completely wrong about that. Coach Fisher knew that this is the most practical approach when you have a young team, with especially so many new faces on offense.

Plus, he knew he could count on the defense to help out and pinch in. The defense is still the heart and soul of the Rams, and Robert Quinn has proved beyond a doubt that he’s the guy teams now fear.

Overall, the Rams are still exciting to watch, and nobody knows how and what Jeff Fisher will do to get his team lathered up over the final six weeks of the season.

“Psycho T.” The Poplar Bluff graduate is sporting a new uni this season after parting ways with the Indiana Pacers and heading up north to the Toronto Raptors. The 6-foot-9 power forward is averaging 7.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game off the bench. Hansbrough was brought to Toronto to bring a physical presence off the bench. While he can be an intimidating player to some, Hansbrough isn’t a fool. When he got bumped hard from behind during a pre-season game, he turned around wideeyes and ready to rumble until he saw Metta World War Peace standing behind him with that look. Hansbrough quickly apologized for getting in Peace’s way. Smart man.

Note: The No. 3 overall pick St. Louis native and

Prep Athlete of the Week

Rob Thompson

Webster Groves – Football

The junior quarterback enjoyed a big performance in leading the Statesmen to a 42-39 victory over Jackson in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.

Thompson completed 18 of his 30 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored on a 1-yard run. For the season, Thompson has completed 148 of 264 for 2,220 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has also scored eight rushing touchdowns.

Thompson will lead Webster Groves (9-4) into Friday night’s state semifinals against Parkway Central on Friday night at Moss Field in Webster Groves.

PREP

Continued from B3 a great effort from its threeheaded offensive monster of Mason Bendigo, Adam Yancey and Brett Geisz to topple nationally-ranked Blue Springs. Both games are on Friday night at 7 p.m.

Class 5 Webster Groves will host Parkway Central in a rematch of Suburban South rivals on Friday night at Moss Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. The Statesmen defeated thenunbeaten Parkway Central 287 in Week 5. Webster Groves has been getting excellent play from junior quarterback Rob Thompson and big-play, twoway performer Cameron Hilton. The visiting Colts are a power team with big athletes on both sides of the ball. Senior running back Augie Brooks is one of the top rushers in the St. Louis area. The winner will face either Lee’s Summit West or Kearney for the state championship.

Class 3 John Burroughs will host Seneca on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The Bombers are no strangers to the Final Four, having won three consecutive state semifinal games. Burroughs is seeking its fourth consecutive trip to the Dome. Junior tailback John Moten has been leading the way for Burroughs. He has scored 30 touchdowns. Senior Trevor Bain has been an excellent player as well as a receiver, defensive back and kicker. The winner will face either Maryville or California for the state championship.

Class 2

Lutheran North will host two-time defending statechampion Lamar on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The Crusaders have won 10 consecutive games after their 0-4 start. Senior Isaiah Holman has been one of the area’s top offensive performers, with more than 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving and 29 touchdowns. Quarterback Justin Baker has thrown 30 touchdown passes. Lamar has dominated the Class 2 scene in foot-

Signing Day at Incarnate Word

Nationally-ranked girls basketball power Incarnate Word Academy had three players sign National Letters of Intent during the beginning of the early signing period last Wednesday.McKenna Treece (left) signed with Kansas State,Gwen Adams (middle) signed with Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Nakiah Bell (right) signed with Iowa State.The Red Knights finished 31-0 and won the Missouri Class 4 state championship last year.

Sikeston product Otto Porter Jr. (Washington Wizards) and St. Charles’ Josh Harrellson (Detroit Pistons) are on their respective team’s active rosters but have yet to see game time during the regular season.

Mizzou crew

The University of Missouri has sent several players to the NBAin recent years. The most productive player right now is DeMarre Carroll, the starting small forward for the Atlanta Hawks. The 6-foot-8 swingman is averaging 9.5 points and 5.6 rebounds as a do-it-all “glue guy” in first season in

Atlanta. Carroll has never been the flashiest or highest profile alum from Mizzou, but is quietly carving out a solid, but well-traveled, career in the NBA.

Boston Celtics reserve point guard Phil “Flip” Pressey surprised some when he elected to forego his senior season in Columbia to enter the NBA draft. The diminutive was a star in college, but seemingly lacked the size to succeed at the next level. Pressey was passed over in the draft and signed with Boston as a free agent. The man generously listed at 5-foot-11, 175lbs. has proved his doubters wrong by sticking in the league. While his modest averages of 3.1 points and 1.9 assists per game don’t jump off the scoreboard, Celtics coach Brad Stevens is seemingly impressed with the development the underdog point guard has shown since the summer. With many expected the rebuilding Celtics to deal Rajon Rondo once he is healthy, Pressey could have a real future in Boston. He signed a three-year deal with Boston with the first year being fully guaranteed. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @IshmaelSistrunk and on Google+.

ball in recent years. They have been crushing every team in its path this season. It should be a good one.

Illinois side

The Edwardsville Tigers (12-0) are one game away from making their third IHSA Class 7Astate-championship game appearance. Standing in their way is the mighty Caravan of Chicago Mount Carmel (11-1), which is one of the top programs in the Midwest. Edwardsville advanced with a thrilling 21-14 victory over Lincoln-Way East in the state quarterfinals. Standout junior quarterback Dan Marinko led a last-minute drive, which culminated in his 22-yard TD run with just over a minute to play.

The East St. Louis Flyers will host Oak Lawn Richards in the Class 6Asemifinals on Saturday at Clyde C. Jordan Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

The Flyers scored a thrilling 27-26 victory at New Lennox Providence to advance. East Side (9-3) has won eight consecutive games after a 1-3 start.

Palmer L. Alexander

‘Young Professionals’ network at Art Museum

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) of the Regional Business Council recently hosted its Fall Networking Event at the Saint Louis Art Museum – East Building and announced the YPN Leadership 100 for 2014. This group of diverse young professionals was selected by their peers because of their demonstrated leadership and service to the community.

The popular YPN event provides an opportunity for the area’s most influential diverse young professionals, from business executives to community leaders and political officials, to meet and mingle. Now with 2,000 members, the YPN is open to ethnically diverse professionals under the age of 45 “who share a common interest in changing the face of St. Louis,” organizers

said. The YPN aims to support emerging talent in three ways – through business development, social connections and civic engagement.

The Regional Business Council launched the Young Professionals Network in 2008 to attract and retain young talent in the region and to give future leaders unique opportunities.

Financial Focus

By Veronica Coleman

To

Photo courtesy of the Regional Business Council Courtney Bass,Scottrade Inc.;Kewana Regans,UMB Bank;and Naretha Hopson, Ever Appropriate Etiquette Institute mingled at the Fall Networking Event held recently by the Young Professionals Network of the Regional Business Council at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

POTPOURRI

WITH DANA G. RANDOLPH

By Liam Otten Washington University

Judy Austin ‘makes it big’

St.

Louis native wins national plus-sized model competition

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“At the end of March, I get a phone call,” Judy Austin said, “and my ID box said ‘Making it Big.’

And I said, ‘No way.’” Way!

Dana G. Randolph

Isaac “Bud” Stallworth of Lawrence, Kansas and Robin Smith of St. Louis, Missouri married on 11-12-13 – that’s Tuesday, November 12, 2013. The happy couple chose Robin’s family church All Saint’s Episcopal Church in North St. Louis for the private ceremony. Father Michael Dunnington served as officiate. The bride’s brothers Wayman Flynn Smith, Esq. and Christopher Meaux Smith, Esq. gave the stunning bride away to the enthusiastic groom. The Stallworth’s marriage is the fifth generation of weddings in the bride’s family to be held at All Saint’s. Robin is one of St. Louis’ most popular anchors (KMOV4). For you sports aficionados, Bud is a retired NBA player and KU Executive. While at KU (Rock Chalk Jayhawks), Bud scored 50 points against our beloved Mizzou, a record he still holds to this day. During his career he played for the Seattle Supersonics, Denver Rockets and New Orleans Jazz. The newlyweds will retain residences in both Kansas and Missouri. Congratulations and blessings, Robin and Isaac! The St. Louis chapter of Girl Friends, Inc. revived an old St. Louis GF tradition by hosting a Fall/Summer Picnic at the lovely home of Lannis Hall, M.D. Summer schedules didn’t allow for optimal attendance, so fall it was and members and families enjoyed a memorable afternoon. Teens played

See POTPOURRI, C4

The plus-sized clothing company

Making it Big was calling to let Austin, a first-grade teacher, know that she had been selected out of a pool of thousands as the m.i.b. model search winner. She would be featured in their winter preview catalog alongside professional models.

“I started screaming and jumping down like, ‘OMG! OMG!’” Austin said.

How ironic that 30 years ago – when she was 100 pounds lighter – she was told she was too big to be a plus-sized model!

She recently lost more than 200 pounds. When she saw that the catalog was once again seeking

contestants for a model search, she thought she would throw her name in the hat.

“Because I had lost all of this weight, I felt a little more confident and a little better about myself,” said Austin. “I said, ‘Let’s just see if other people see what I think I might see.”

They did.

Last month, she took an allexpense paid trip to Cotati, California (about an hour from San Francisco) for a photo shoot. Images of Austin grace the inside cover and back of the m.i.b. catalog – two of the most coveted locations for a fashion spread. Not bad for her first time in front of the camera.

“I really just saw myself as a mannequin for the clothes,” Austin said. “I wasn’t so much thinking about me as much as I was presenting myself in a way that would make the clothes look good.” She loved the idea of modeling for m.i.b.

Malena Amusa

Sharita Davis is celebrating the grand opening of Vitality Holistic Spa in Florissant Nov. 22-23.

See HImES, C4

Newlyweds Robin and Isaac Stallworth Photo by Suzy Gorman

Left: A photo from the m.i.b. catalog

Above: Judy’s entry photo

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

holiday haps

Fri., Nov. 22, 5 p.m., Kiener

Plaza in Downtown St. Louis presents Macy’s Festival of Lights. Downtown St. Louis will hold the official start of the holiday season by turning on the Christmas lights. Special holiday activities and a fireworks display will be held.

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. with an after party from 7:30 p.m.9:00 p.m. 500 Pine St., 63101. For more information, visit www.christmasinstlouis.org.

Wed., Nov. 27 – Wed., Jan. 1, WinterWonderland in Tilles Park. Formore information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Thur., Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m., Inaugural Thanksgiving Hungry Turkey Trot 5K. To benefit Operation Food Search. 6th and Market, 63102.

Thurs., Nov. 28, 8:45 a.m. Downtown St. Louis presents Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Midwest’s best holiday parade features colorful floats, bands, storybook characters, carriages, equestrian units and Santa Claus as it winds through downtown St. Louis to kick off the holiday season. The parade begins at North 4th Street and Washington Avenue, proceeds South on North 4th Street to Market Street, continues West on Market Street and ends at 10th Street. For more information, visit www.christmasinstlouis.org.

Nov.29 – Dec. 1, The America’s Centerplaza presents Holiday Magic. Celebrate the holidays at this familyfriendly weekend show that offers a variety of entertainment and shopping options, including full-scale carnival rides, trackless train rides, and a vendor district full of exhibitors and gift ideas.

Photos with Santa are also available. 701 Convention Plz., 63101. For more information, visit

www.stlholidaymagic.com

Fri., Nov. 29, 7 p.m., Lift for Life Gym host Black Friday Gym Store Donation Drive Gym members rely on the Black Friday shopping event to stock up on much needed supplies for the winter. Support our youth by donating twin comforter sets and sheets, pillows, blankets, long johns, pajama sets, house shoes, sleeping bags and space heaters. Email lmosby@liftforlifegym.org for donation drop off dates and times. 1415 Cass Ave., 63160. For more information, call (314) 588-8921 or visit www.liftforlifegym.org/mainstreet/events.html.

Fri., Nov. 29, 8 p.m., Zeta Charitable Foundation of St. Louis and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Epsilon Lambda Chapter invite you to the2nd Annual Holiday Party. Alpha House, 3615 N. 19th St., 63107. For more information, call (314) 479-2423.

Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, The America’s Centerplaza presents Holiday Magic. Celebrate the holidays at this familyfriendly weekend show that offers a variety of entertainment and shopping options, including full-scale carnival rides, trackless train rides, and a vendor district full of exhibitors and gift ideas. There will also be hands-on arts and crafts projects for kids, and photo opportunities with Santa along withlive entertainment. Photos with Santa are also available. 701 Convention Plz., 63101. For more information, visit www.stlholidaymagic.com.

Sat., Dec. 7, 9 a.m., Tower Grove Park host Ugly SweaterRun. A5K and Kids Reindeer Shuffle, which will benefit Living Well Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to create healthier individuals and families though experiential learning across the life cycle. 4256 Magnolia Ave.,

CALENDAR

The 13 Black Katz welcome Kindred:The Family Soul.See CONCERTS for details.

63110. For more information, visit www.LivingWellVillage.org.

Sat., Dec. 8, 8 p.m. doors, Le Syndicate presents AHoliday Jubilee and Toy Drive featuring KC “The 4th Son, Admission: $5.00 or ANew Unwrapped Toy, Jazz On Broadway, 554 East Broadway, Alton IL62002. For tickets call Corey at 618.381.2829; Erica at 314.669.1702 or Miguel at 314.732.9955.

Sun., Dec. 8., 3 p.m., Powell Symphony Hall presents St. Louis Children’s Choirs Holiday Concert 2013. Enjoy a St. Louis family tradition for the holiday season! See all six ensembles of talented young singers of the communitybased St. Louis Children’s Choirs performing holiday favorites and works by master composers. This concert is recommended by music teachers, musicians, and families. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit http://www.slccsing.org/

Tues., Dec. 10 & Wed., Dec. 11, 10 a.m., The Sheldon presents Charles Glenn Holiday Concert. Vocalist Charles Glenn is a fixture on the St. Louis music scene, from opening for national acts such as Smokey Robinson to performing the National Anthem at major sporting events. Glenn will perform a

heartwarming blend of holiday favorites and jazz standards, perfect for the season. Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries at before the concert. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington BLVD. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111 or (314) 5339900.

Tues., Dec. 10, 6 p.m., Brentwood High School Small Gym hosts Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy Holiday Basketball Clinic. A slam-dunk of a holiday basketball clinic. Collegiate athletes, from the Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy, will teach the “Big 5 Skills” of basketball - dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding and defense. The instructors make their best shot, assuring that you have fun learning basketball skills. 2221 High School Dr., 63144. For more information, call (314) 963-8689.

Wed., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis Big Band presents ELLINGTON’S NUTCRACKER SUITE, Jazz at The Bistro, 3536 Washington. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Thurs., Dec. 12, 6 p.m., Saint Louis University Black

contribution to help meet basic needs. 110 N. Elm Ave., 63376. For more information, call (314) 918-3321 or visit www.epworth.org.

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., The Deco Fortress presents New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Ball This year’s theme: “The Great Gatsby.” Live music starts at 9 p.m. from one of the Hottest Jazz BANDS in town! Open Bars, hors d’oeuvres, Dance contest, Costume contest, CASH Prizes. 3624 S. Broadway, 63118. For more information, call (314) 5391142.

concerts

Through Sat. Nov. 23, Jazz St. Louis welcomes The Regina CarterQuartet, Jazz at The Bistro, 3536 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 34-1111.

Alumni Association presents their Annual Holiday Bash Meet and mingle with fellow alumni over food and drinks. Raffle prizes will be given out throughout the evening. Il Monastero 3050 Olive St., 63103. For more information, and to RSVPto the event, visit http://alumni.slu.edu/baaholidaybash13.

Sat., Dec. 14, 7 p.m.,St. Louis Symphony presents Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. The modern symphonic arrangements of Christmas songs made famous by Chip Davis include favorites like “Carol of the Bells,” “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls” and more. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.stlsymphony.org

Fri., Dec. 20, 7 p.m., Powell Symphony Hall presents Holiday Celebration. Enjoy your favorite carols, a visit from Santa and holiday music performed by the St. Louis Symphony and Holiday Festival Chorus inside a splendidly decorated Powell Hall. See why more than 10,000 St. Louisans make this a holiday tradition. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700.

Tues., Dec. 24, 7 p.m., Epworth Children and Family Services host Adopt a Youth orFamily for Christmas! For nearly 150 years, Epworth Children & Family Services has provided the St. Louis community with essential youth development services that have helped thousands of children overcome severe emotional and behavioral challenges caused by abuse or neglect. There are many ways you can help. Provide gifts for youth and families who won’t otherwise receive any. Make a financial

Fri., Nov. 29 – Sat., Nov. 30, Jazz St. Louis welcomes Jeremy Davenport, Jazz at The Bistro, 3536 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 34-1111.

Nov. 30, 13 Black Katz welcome Kindred: The Family Soul, Grand Renaissance Hotel, 800 Washington. For more information, call (314) 288-9988 or visit http://13blackkatz.com/

Wed., Dec. 4, 7 p.m., The Sheldon presents Lynne Fiddmont feat. Jazz Saxophonist Keith Fiddmont Besides touring with Stevie Wonder, Lynne has explored many musical ventures with artists such as Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Babyface, Queen Latifah, B.B.King, Elton John, Nancy Wilson, Dave Brubeck, George Duke, Kenny Loggins, Eric Benet, and many more. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit ww.metrotix.com.

Tues., Dec. 10 & Wed., Dec. 11, 10 a.m., Charles Glenn Holiday Concert, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington BLVD. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111 or (314) 5339900.

Wed., Dec. 11, 7 p.m., The Would You Like a TourTour starring Drake with special guest Miguel, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com

Sat., Dec. 14, 8 p.m., The Mrs. CarterWorld Tour starring Beyoncé, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit www.livenation.com

Fri., Dec. 27, The Holiday Jam starring Kem, Faith Evans and After7, Chaifetz Arena. Formore information, visit

www.ticketmaster.com

Fri., Dec. 27 – Sat., Dec. 28, Jazz St. Louis welcomes Good 4 The Soul, Jazz at The Bistro, 3536 Washington. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Friday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m., Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly with Anthony Hamilton and Joe, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

local gigs

Fridays through December, 8 p.m., The Precinct presents R&B Saxophonist Tim Cunningham. 1900 Locust Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 588-8899 or visit www.timcunningham.com.

Saturdays, 3 p.m., The Kendrick Smith Quartet, Premier Lounge, 5969 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. For more information, call (314)385-5281 or e-mail crusadersforjazz@hotmail.com.

Sundays, 6 p.m., Chuck Flowers Live, InSpot, 5854 Delmar.For more information, visit www.artistecard.com/cflowers

Sundays, 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Jazz @ Eventide, featuring Black and White Trio Sip N Savor, 286 DeBaliviere, 1/2 block north of the Forest park Metro link. For more information, call (314)3612116.

special events

Sat., Nov. 23, 9 a.m., ManchesterUnited Methodist Church host Annual FairTrade Market Market filled with Fair Trade goods, including chocolate, from all over the world! Enjoy the huge selection of home décor, holiday decorations, jewelry, clothing, toys, food, and much more. Fair trade means that artisans, farmers and producers earn a living wage for their work and much more. 129 Woods Mill Rd., 63011. For more information, visit www.manchesterumc.org/ftm.

Sat., Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m., Twenty-nine outstanding area educators will receive the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. ~ Alpha Zeta Chapter’s prestigious “Apple forthe Teacher” award at

its thirty-second annual event held in recognition of American Education Week. The program will be held at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel, 10700 Pear Tree Lane, St. Louis, MO 63134. Contact Mrs. Judy Ferguson Shaw, the program chairperson at 314837-3904 or jshaw4u@aol.com for reservations and or ad information.

Sat., Nov. 23, 6 p.m., The Monsanto Family YMCA presents 13th Annual Tuxedo & Tennis Gala: Celebrate Heritage. Come help us celebrate our vibrant community and the achievements of those who inspire us all. Proceeds from the gala benefit the Monsanto Family YMCA Strong community Campaign to continue providing financial assistance to youth, families and seniors. The night includes entertainment, auction, awards, dinner, and dancing. Millennium Hotel, 200 S. 4th St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 367-4646 or visit www.ymcastlouis.org.

Sat., No. 23, 8 p.m., Better Family Life Unity Ball, 5415 Page Blvd. For more information, call (314) 381-8200.

Sat., Nov. 30, 1 p.m., Monsanto Family YMCA hosts Homeless Ministries 2nd Annual Benefit Basketball Game. Come out to cheer on your favorite church team while also donating to a great cause. Requesting donations of new blankets, socks, hats, and gloves so that they can be donated to the homeless population in St. Louis. 5555 Page Ave., 63112. For more information, call (314)367-4646.

Sat., Nov. 30, 8 p.m., Celebrate the birthday of Ronnie Devoe of New Edition, Crowne Plaza STL Airport. For more information, call 314-456-4826.

Fri., Dec. 6, 5 p.m., Sistas Entertaining U Toy Drive Happy Hour, make a donation for a child in need. MVP Sports Bar & Grill at West Florissant and Lucas & Hunt (formerly Northland Shopping Center)

Thursdays, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. practice), The Cultural Bop Society Of St. Louis Continuing the Bop with Style (CBS) Free Bop Lessons and Bop Set Every Thursday Night, 7555 Olive Blvd. in UCity, St. Louis, MO 63130.

literary

Sun., Dec. 1, 1 p.m., St. Louis

Genealogical Society hosts

author Charlie Brennan, author of Amazing St. Louis. A collection of some of the world’s strangest oddities and curiosities that just happened to take place right here in the Gateway City. 4 Sunnen Dr., Suite 140, 63143. For more information, call (314) 6478547.

Wed., Dec. 4, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts

author Erin Jade Lange, author of Butter. Alonely obese boy everyone calls “Butter” is about to make history. He is going to eat himself to death-live on the Internet, and everyone is invited to watch. 1301 Olive St., 63103.

theatre

Through Dec. 1, The Fox Theater presents SisterAct. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1678.

Dec.4 – Dec. 22, The Black Rep presents Black Nativity – AHoliday Celebration Harris-Stowe State University Emerson Performance Center. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www.theblackrep.org.

Thurs., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., The Fox Theater presents A Christmas Carol. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Dec. 17 – 29, The Fox Theater presents ELFthe Musical. Ahilarious tale of Buddy a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North

Through Jan. 6, Rashid Johnson: Message to Our Folks. Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Washington University, One Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-4523.

lectures

visit

www.zumbawithqueenb.com

Pole. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Jan 8 – Jan. 26, The Black Rep presents The Meeting, Harris-Stowe State University Emerson Performance Center. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www.theblackrep.org.

arts

December6 – 17, Framations

Art Gallery invites artists to enteran exhibit called “Simple Treasures”, a celebration of giftable art forthe holidays...and the simple ways of giving back to the community. This is an exhibit with no judge, theme, or commission. It is simply an exhibit of work priced $100 and under. It does also coincide with a food drive for the St. Louis Area Foodbank. Artists who bring in items for the food drive will save $2 off their entry fee, making it only $6 for each piece. There will be a drawing for the Gift Certificates at the Opening Reception on Dec 13 from 6-8pm. Framations is located at 218 North Main Street in St. Charles. The full entry details can be found on www.framations.com.

Sat., Nov. 23, 1:30 p.m., St. Louis Science Center presents Family Med School Basics: Brain and Nervous System. Come and spend an afternoon with medical students and researchers from the Washington University Medical School. Learn about human anatomy and physiology, as well as diseases and ways to stay healthy. Each session is limited to 40 participants. Parents must accompany their children (5th grade and older). 5050 Oakland Ave., 63110. For reservations, call (314) 289-4424.

Thur., Dec. 5, 7:30 a.m., St. Louis University High School presents Institute forPrivate Business SpeakerSeries Event - Curt Jones (Dippin’ Dots). In 1988, Dippin’Dots founder, Curt Jones changed the way the world enjoys ice cream. Curt Jones, a microbiologist that went to school at Southern Illinois, Carbondale, pioneered the process of cryogenic encapsulation, a scientific way of saying he used super-coldfreezing methods to make little beads of ice cream. Event will be held at John Cook School of Business Atrium, 4970 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 977-3850.

health

November25, 7 p.m., MONDAYNIGHTDANCE/FITNESS PARTY, Slides ( Line Dancing) ZUMBAFITNESS, KICKBOXING, LUNGES, Squats and Much More! Bring a towel. Water will be provided.North Oak Professional Bldg, 2nd floor, 23 North Oak Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information call 314.456.0044. (24 hr text) (508) 50 QUEEEN or

Sat., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel hosts Arthritis Foundation SilverBall. The Silver Ball is one of the most elegant black-tie galas in St. Louis and the largest annual fundraising event for the local Arthritis Foundation. Guests enjoy fine dining, exciting silent and live auctions, energized music and generous dance time. 999 N. Second St., 63160. For more information, call (314) 991-9333 or visit www.AFSilverballSTL.org.

Sat., Nov. 23 8:30 a.m., People to People Ambassador Programs and The Heartfelt PrayerMinistry of Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church All-You-Can Eat Pancake and Sausage fundraising PrayerBreakfast, Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 3200 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, please contact: Priscilla Williams (314) 475-3593 or Jeannie Robinson (314) 732-3811.

and Step and Line Dancing.

Participants can also dive into Timbuk Fitness, a new African dance-based workout created and launched by Diadie Bathily, artistic director of Afriky Lolo.

“So many people sign up for a gym membership and never go, or start a diet and never finish,” Davos said. “We give you a personalized and fun experience, while yielding high results. We meet you where you are, and help you get to where you need to go.”

A spunky mother of two, Davis most prides herself on Vitality’s 12-week youth fitness program for kids ages 4 to 16. The Vitality Kids VClub offers dance classes such as Creative Crunk for boys, African funk, and pom and cheer dance, plus nutritional guidance, small group attention and support.

“It’s important we engage

popular video games while the adults enjoyed catching up and the St. Louis Rams game of the day. In addition to Lannis, hostesses were Dianne Powell Holly Cousins and Kay Royster. A few of the members and guests enjoying the fantastic bar-b-que prepared by Lannis’ Aunt Caterer Doris Roberson and other potluck delights brought by members included Susie and Dale Anderson, MD Mary Ellen Anderson, PhD., JoAnn Adams Sandra and Nat Murdock MD Clarence and Alison Nash Dula, MD, Billie Jean Randolph Steve Cousins, Esq., Kelley Powell, Homer Nash, MD, Jeralyn Williams James Janet Jackson Williams, Chapter President Linda Wilson with hubby Vern, Ingrid Taylor, MD and Judge Charles and Kay Shaw. The members of St. Louis Paupers enjoyed a “Fly” outing last month. A group trip to view the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ presentation of “Fly” based on real life experiences of four Tuskegee Airmen. It was a memorable production. The group was hosted by members Wanda Ware, Gail Allmon Angela Brown Tracy Shepard, Susan Smith, Albernice Fagen, Sheila Word Geneva Richardson and Dana Scott Saulsberry It was good to see Steve and Judi Coleman in from Chicago, Don McCullin with

the youth in healthy lifestyles,” Davis said. “We need to break the generational curses of diabetes, hyper-tension, and obesity.”

Like many Americans, she grew up on a diet of high-fat, greasy foods. While Davis has always been petit, by the age of 18 she had full-blown cellulite. At 19, Davis shed the cellulite while in the U.S. military, but the effects of a poor diet still took its toll. The young soldier was riddled by digestion problems which caused pain, cramps, chronic constipation, disturbed sleep and even vomiting and irritability.

Doctors diagnosed Davis with Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). She took pork and beef out of her diet. “With those things taken out, I saw an immediate improvement in my digestion and lessening of cramps,” she said. “Over the years I realized ice cream, milk, and cheese gave me problems, so I began talking those out. When I did, I had even better digestion and my mood improved.”

Realizing the power of diet, Davis set off on a journey to master wellness. In 2003, while practicing massage therapy, she saw the need to help transform the whole person, by integrating fitness, diet and nutrition into her work.

“People need to be renewed through fitness,” she said. “It’s my job to motivate people and provide the programs to transform their bodies, their habits, and their lives.”

The night before the grand opening, Davis will host Vitality’s pre-grand opening soiree at the spa on Friday, Nov. 22.

Vitality’s free Grand Opening Fitness Extravaganza for adults and kids is Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Vitality Holistic Spa, 1766 N. New Florissant in Florissant. Vitality’s Pre-Grand Opening Soiree is Friday, Nov. 22, 8-11 p.m. at Vitality. Class sizes are limited. To RSVP call, 314-329-5802, email vitalitystl@gmail.com or visit www.VitalitySTL.com for more info.

Timberlake’s soulful ‘20/20’ triumph

Justin Timberlake gave the sold-out crowd of Scottrade Center a heavy dose of soul and left his heart on the stage for the St. Louis leg of his 20/20 Experience Tour on Tuesday. He captivated the crowd and held their attention for three hours with a set list that exceeded 30 songs – and highlighted the signature sound that marked his meteoric return to the music scene earlier this year.

HIMES

Continued from C1

English language.

“Mr. M is a man of peace,” says William Whitaker, senior lecturer in the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences, who will direct the show Nov. 21-24 in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre.

“He believes in language and ideas,” Whitaker says. “He resists apartheid, but he will not do so with violence.”

Yet Mr. M’s principles are put to the test as a prize student, Thami Mbikwana, grows increasingly militant.

“Thami is a brilliant young man, someone who could take the torch and carry it on,” Whitaker says. “But he’s tired of suppression. He’s tired of waiting.

“He falls in with a group that wants to set fires and pull down statues.”

Set in 1984 in a small,

semi-desert town in Easter Cape, the story opens with a high school debate. Thami, the best student in his impoverished school, proposes that young women should follow different curricula from young men.

Leading the cast of three is Ron Himes, the Henry E. Hampton Jr. artist-inresidence, as Mr. M. Junior Kiki Milner is Isabel, with graduate student Daniel Hodges as Thami.

The production represents a rare return to the college stage for Himes, an actor, director and WUSTL alumnus best known as founder and artistic director of The Black Rep.

“Ron is a remarkable actor, and this is a terrific ensemble,” Whitaker says.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for both students,” he adds, noting that the small cast lends rehearsals a particular intensity. “It’s just four people talking about how to get this play, which is full of big ideas, right.”

My Children! My Africa! begins at 8 p.m.

lovely daughter Cheryl Susie Cunningham was escorted by her handsome son Joshua Shaw Also relishing an outing to see “Fly” were members of St. Louis’ Mound City Medical Forum including President Kenneth Poole Jr., MD Otha Myles, MD, William Gray, MD, DMD and David Mosley, MD. This group stays busy and involved in the community. They recently hosted a Healthcare Professionals Networking Happy Hour at Lola. The event was a success and the $25 donation will help to provide funds for minority area medical students attending Washington University and St. Louis University Medical Schools. Looking forward to this group’s Christmas offering! And that’s not all the news from Dr. Kenneth Poole Jr. Congratulations to Kenny and his lovely wife Megan Poole on the birth of their second child, Carter James Poole,

born November 11, 2013. Love the name. Sounds like a future politician.

Poetry Scores will make its international film festival debut at the 2013 St. Louis International Film Festival. Their film Go South for Animal Index: a Fable of Los Alamos will screen 6:30 p.m. Sunday, November 24 in the new theater at the new KDHX, 3524 Washington Ave. Tickets are $12, and proceeds go to Cinema St. Louis to help fund the festival. There are no box office sales before 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 at KDHX building. Advance tickets are $13.41 with the service fee from Brown Bag Tickets www.brownpapertickets.com. Theater capacity is only 125, so advance tickets are encouraged. Kudos to first-time screen actors Sherman George and Mama Lisa and to the proud director, our St. Louis American managing editor Chris King! Blessings! Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com.

MODEL

Continued from C1

“I like them because they use real plus-sized women –plus-sized women that look like me, and not the women who claim they are plus-sized because they wear a size 10 or 12,” Austin said.

Several years ago, before the contest was conceived, she even wrote them willing to pay for her own expenses if they would consider featuring her as one of their models.

“It felt good to be able to represent that type of woman,” Austin said. “I don’t look like the average plus-sized model. I’ve got rolls, I’ve got layers, I’ve got a belly and I have big upper arms. But a lot of my big

sisters are shaped like me.”

Her mindset falls right in line with the mission of the catalog. In addition to providing clothing options, from casual to cocktail, for women sizes 2X-8X, m.i.b. wants to help plussized women celebrate how beautiful they are.

“They did a mini interview with me out there, and they asked me, ‘What do you want to say to other women about how they should feel about themselves?’” Austin said. “And I basically said that you’ve got to learn to be comfortable in your own skin.

Beauty doesn’t always have to be thin.”

The style and makeup team gave her an extra dose of confidence that she will carry with her from now on

“It was a life-changing experience – one of the best

experiences I’ve ever had,” Austin said.

“Their makeup artist did a fantastic job. I started boohooing, and they were like, ‘You’re going to mess up your make up.’ But I was like, ‘You made me look so pretty.’ I felt really special.”

Her husband, St. Louis American Sports Editor Earl Austin Jr., knows what that meant to her.

“All the attention was on me,” she said. “I looked pretty. I felt pretty. Everyone was making a fuss over me, and my husband will tell you I love that.”

For more information about m.i.b. clothing, visit www.MiBplussize.com. To read about Judy Austin’s experience, visit www. MiBplussize.com/meet-judy

Set design is by senior Kristen Nowotarski. Costumes are by Sallie Durbin, costume shop supervisor. Lighting and sound are by sophomore Alexander Booth and senior Simeng Zhu, respectively. Senior Rachel Blumer is assistant director. Junior Megan Yeh is stage manager. Junior Chelsea Whitaker is dramaturg.

William Gray, MD, DMD; Kenneth Poole Jr., MD; Otha Myles, MD; David Mosley, MD

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

JT tore it up! When I tell y’all that it is by the grace of having bills that y’all are even hearing from me, because I had to talk myself out of taking to the road and following Justin Timberlake on EVERY.DOGGONE.STOP of his 20/20 Experience Tour after seeing him put it all the way down at the Scottrade Center Tuesday night. We all but spent the night up in there thanks to three hours of non-stop energy and all kinds of soul. Now I know plenty of folks are thinking that JT is a bit too general population for the Partyline, but anyone in the building knows that I would be justified (get it…probably not. Never mind.) in dedicating the whole back page of the paper to him and his Tennessee Kids (smoking hot band) the way they threw down…and it was all types of R&B – top to bottom, inside and out. Now there were more of us in Justin’s band than in the whole sold out Scottrade, but I fit right in with the middle-aged soccer moms, twenty somethings and scattered tweens because we were all getting all types of life in perfect harmony. I did see Sunday Best

Winner Amber Bullock looking quite worldly and quietly a mess in a witness protection wig that channeled the burgundy bangs of Charlie Baltimore, and makeup choices that were clearly selected with the intention of using glowstick hues to shield her identity. But hearing her perfect pitch and sickening tone chime in with JT and his singers from several rows away made up for her aesthetic challenges. I also ran into Ira DeWitt, Jami Ballentine Dolby, celebrity trainer Donta Wade, Angela Brown (of course) and a few of my other favorite folks on the scene. I know y’all didn’t necessarily come here to hear the high praises of JT, but know that if you had been in the house and watched him do 30-plus songs without missing a beat or a note you wouldn’t be mad. The set including him singing every song he has ever done – even a few that he didn’t that ranged from Elvis and Michael Jackson to BBD and Jay-Z. Can you tell that I’m now officially obsessed? Don’t answer that. And I know folks thought the show was long, but if he said that he was going to start from the beginning I would have sat through the whole thing again. He went easier on the dancing than usual, but he still wasn’t playing – and went TWICE AS LONG as the average concert, without appearing the least bit labored. Somebody needs to tell King Bey that she better get to rehearsing if she thinks she’s going to own the concert of the year slot when she hunches through here next month, because Justin slayed. He truly channeled MJ and left every sip of himself on that stage!

Giving back through good music. Since I’m already talking about Angela Brown, I might as let y’all know that she is bringing me all types of tidings and joy thank to a Christmas benefit concert she’s pulling together on December 5 with the support of her Café Soul family. A Very Soulful Christmas Benefit Concert is going down Thursday after next at Lola and 100% of proceeds to benefit Gateway 180 - A valuable resource for homeless women and children (http://www.gateway180.org/). Festivities will be hosted by Will Robinson and the talent roster includes, Tish Haynes – Keys, Chuck Flowers, Tiffany Elle, TBII, Olivia Neal, C. Jay Conrod, Karla White, Justin Hoskin, Kelvin Saxman Evans, Giovanni, Stephanie Songbird Ivy & Jason Gupton. There is a $15 donation ($10 with an unwrapped toy). I’m so with it y’all don’t understand!

Twice baked jokes with John Witherspoon. After seeing Sinbad rip the stage to pieces at The Peabody Opera House I had high hopes for the next comedy vet to rip the stage. John Witherspoon’s two-show set at the Lumiere Theatre Friday night was up next. Well, he tried it. But the end result was the vicious cycle of recycling jokes and bits for dear life. I must give him credit for packing out the house – and word on the curb is that he did so for both shows. But that’s where the props end for me because I’ve seen him re-emblact pieces of that tired show back when “Boomerang” was in style. I know you have classic elements that made you a household name but rotate plenty of new stuff in there so comedy regulars like me don’t get bored and start making a black Friday must-have-list in our heads to pass the time. I will say that Mr. Witherspoon was the nicest ever (even if it was to be enterprising) for giving fans an opportunity to pose for a picture keepsake with him for a not so small fee and walk away with the photo on site thanks to his space age camera contraption. And by space age, I mean The Jetsons. Help, I haven’t seen people shaking instant polaroid pictures following a special event in droves like that since the Polynesian Room was still poppin’.

Invasion of the self-made models. You know that the vixen/model scene has reached epidemic proportions when the “models” outnumber the regular people at the party. And that was exactly the case when I popped into Mo Spoon and ‘nem’s Model Behavior event Friday night at Soho. I scooted up in there and thought “dang, I should have stopped and bought me some curves and a catsuit on the way over, because I’m the only chick in here not posted up posing. Help. Anyway, the lovely Ms. Ashley Monroe served as the hostess with the mostess and those curves in that leopard print freakum dress had the folks gawking all night long. She was already a brick house to begin with, but she has clearly had some top to bottom tweaks that have the folks lusting nationwide. Overall it was a good look for her and the MPAC crew, but I was expecting more ordinary people to even things out against the alleged models as they did the most to let folks know they’ve done at least five Instagram photo shoot exclusives.

Kindred and the Katz. It would be dead wrong of me not to mention that the 13 Black Katz are bringing one of the most underrated artists in the soul music game to St. Louis next Saturday (Nov. 30). Husband and wife duo Kindred and The Family Soul will most certainly bring the house down at the Grand Renaissance Hotel, so y’all better make sure your calendar is clear, because I’m willing to bet they are going to bring it. And you know the Katz always have a good time with whatever they do!

Marquita and Charlotte made themselves a girls’ night out Saturday @ Soho

Malcolm, Phil, Jessie Taylor have been consistently bringing the funny since they teamed up to launch LOL Sundays @ The Ambassador

Shonell, Tameccia, Birthday girl LaCresha and Shunta exhaled @ EXO for the weekly Relax and Breathe set Friday night

Jasmin and Ebony couldn’t help but get a taste of the great food specials as they prepared to get their party on Saturday night @ The Rustic Goat

Mo Spoon and the lovely Model Ashley Monroe @ Model Behavior Party Friday night @ Soho

Cherry and Fred were ready to chuckle as they waited on John Witherspoon to bring his signature funny Friday night @ Lumiere Theatre

Lysa, Cara, Chenita and Karess posed for the camera @ BFree Paparazzi and Night Society’s My type of Party Saturday night @ Lola

Sonya the birthday day girl sharing memories with Reggie Saturday night @ The Rustic Goat

Jeremy and Danny set their weekend off by peeping the scene @ The Coliseum Saturday night

It was indeed their type of party as Tasha celebrating her birthday with Naté thanks to BFree Paparazzi and Night Society Saturday night @ Lola

Veteran comedian and actor John Witherspoon had the city in stitches for his two-show engagement Friday night at The Lumiere Theatre. Alex was one of the many lucky fans who able to meet him after the show.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant and Arlis Davis of 6iam Photography

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Birthdays Anniversaries

Reunions

Robert E. and Fredonia Coleman celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary on November 21. Robert also celebrated his 91st birthday on October 28 and Fredonia celebrated her 84th birthday on November 17.

Happy 2nd Birthday Nadyah Akua Darko on November 23. You are our blessing!

Happy 5th Birthday to Ayanna Nunn on November 21….Daddy loves you!

Happy 20th Birthday to JonVette Palmer on November 21. May God continue to shower you with blessings. I love you and Happy Birthday! Justin

the 46th Class Reunion Picnic. For more information email bhsco1968@att.net or call 869-8312.

Beaumont High Class of 1969 is preparing for its 45th reunion in 2014. Contact beaumontclassof1969@yahoo. com for more information.

Beaumont High Class of 1968: Meeting December 7,2013 at 3 pm at St. Louis County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge to organize and plan

Keyshia Barge celebrated her 6th birthday on November 18. God has a part in your life and so do I, and between the two of us, you are going to have a wonderful life! Love, Your father (Melvin Harden)

Barry Cannon Jr. and Lisa Cooksey-Cannon celebrate their one year anniversary on November 21. “Heavenly Father, please continue to bless our marriage today, tomorrow and always.” and we want as many classmates as possible to participate.

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

name, address, telephone number, and/or email to Patricia Wells Sheltonat (314) 8392214 or patricia.shelton@att.net or Carol Strawbridge at (314) 524-8504 or strawu@AOL.com.

All reunion announcements can be viewed online! 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

Beaumont High School Class of 1984 is looking for participants to begin planning its 30 year class reunion. Please provide your contact information to: beaumont_1984@yahoo.com.

SumnerHigh Class of 1974 has started planning its 40th class reunion. Meetings are held each third Saturday of the month from 2-4 pm at New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, 4055 Edmundson Rd. 63134. Please contact Marsha D. Roberts-Moore at sumnerclassof1974@yahoo.com, 314367-3159 or Joyce BushCruesoe at cruesoe2195@att.net, 314-4841552.

SumnerHigh Class of 1964 is looking for classmates we have lost contact with. Please call or email any changes to your

SumnerHigh Class of 1979 is looking for classmates to participate in activities leading up to its 35th Class Reunion, June 20-22, 2014 in Lake Ozarks, MO. Please forward contact information to sumner1979@ymail.com or call Sara at 314-482-1558. Various activities are planned

SumnerHigh Class of 1984 will have its PreThanksgiving Dance Saturday, November 23, 2013, 8:00 pm-1:00 am at The Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO. $10 in Advance/Door. Call R. Allen 314-369-9549, Ms. Prissy 314-556-3944 or Jerome Fellows 314-603-4684 for tickets/info.

‘Making Sense of Faith and Grief’

Unity Hospice presents at Veterans Affairs Medical Center

American staff

n “Making Sense of Faith and Grief” highlighted ways to help understand culture, faith and spirituality as it relates to the hospice patient.

On behalf of the Hospice Veterans Partnership, Unity Hospice Bereavement Coordinator/Community Liaison Beverly Lee recently hosted a gathering at the VA (Veterans Affairs) Medical Center in St. Louis. Lee’s discussion, titled “Making Sense of Faith and Grief,” highlighted ways to help understand culture, faith and spirituality as it relates to the hospice patient. Unity Hospice of Greater St. Louis LLC offers bereavement services that provide individualized attention from grief specialists, social workers and chaplains. This support system allows Unity Hospice bereavement staff to remain in contact with families to help them cope with the passing of loved ones. During her presentation, Lee discussed important techniques that will help caregivers understand the faith

Feeling the Spirit

Faithful members of the Church of God in Christ felt the Spirit when COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. delivered his message during Sunday service in America’s Center at COGIC’s 106th Holy Convocation held recently in St. Louis. Photo by Wiley Price

St. Louis riverfront with the mission of caring for the poor and sick of the St. Louis area. For the past two years, the FSM Leadership Team has been working on the transition. SSM Health Ministries will assume ultimate responsibility for ensuring SSM Health Care retains its Catholic identity and values. The body will also serve as SSMHC’s liaison with the Vatican.

SSM Health Ministries will consist of six individuals – three Franciscan Sisters of Mary and three lay people. They will help to ensure that the FSM legacy of compassionate care will continue in the health care system.

Sisters Rose Mary Dowling, Susan Scholl, and Sandra Schwartz will serve as the first FSM members of SSM Health Ministries. Lay members of the leadership team have extensive board and not-forprofit experience.

For someone who grew up when I did, the question of Jesus Christ continues to mystify many of my friends, when it comes to my newest hero. I mean if you think of Christianity as some kind of sanitized version of European colonialism, then there is no wonder that many regard this faith as a cop out when compared to the ancient older religions of the world, particularly Africa.

However, when you do due diligence and study, then it becomes clear how the religion of Christ has been manipulated down through the ages for political purposes. But isn’t that the case with every religion? Man still kills in the name of God; whatever name that might be.

man

SSM transferred to SSM Health Ministries

After receiving Vatican approval, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary will transfer SSM Health Care to a new sponsoring body, SSM Health Ministries on Friday, November 15 during a special afternoon ceremony at The Sarah Community. The sisters chose his date to commemorate the official beginning of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary. On November 16, 1872, Mother Mary Odilia Berger and her four companions landed on the

and beliefs of various cultures and how it will pertain to the grieving process. As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Healthcare Systems nationwide provide care by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans. The St. Louis VA Medical Center hosts quarterly meetings in which area hospice organizations are present. Founded in 1992, Unity Hospice LLC serving Illinois and Missouri is a full-service hospice and palliative care organization committed to providing comprehensive care, support and education to people facing life-limiting disease. For more information, visit http://www.unityhospice. com/. To learn more about bereavement services offered by Unity Hospice of Greater St. Louis LLC, visit http:// www.unityhospice.com/theunity-difference/bereavement/.

The lay members are Jennifer Grantham Stein, board member of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin; Thomas M. Gunn, president of The Gunn Group, Inc.; and Thomas E. Hilton, president of the Board of Governors for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, director of Forensic and Valuation Services Group for Anders Minkler Huber and Helm LLP and adjunct professor for the John Cook School of Business, Saint Louis University.

FSM said the transfer of sponsorship will not in any way affect the everyday administration of SSMHC for employees, physicians, patients or families.

And so it has been and so it is now. Religious conflict is still the single reason most people die at the hands of their fellow man (see Middle East, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan to name a few). Faith seems to be a dangerous commodity in this world.

Before I go too far down that road, allow me to merely put forward the life of Christ as one, that has caught and held, not only, my attention but, my admiration, my respect, my praise and my worship.

This man was a teacher, a provider, an obedient son, respectful of His elders, a blessing to all who would listen and I suppose you could characterize him as larger than life.

I’m not trying to convince you of anything. I’m just trying to give you some perspective on why He is my lord and Savior. God or godliness aside, this is a man I’ve come to admire; so much for what He stood for as also for what He said. I mean c’mon, the man died for me. They tell me there is something special about leading men who would die for the cause you represent. I mean, who wouldn’t want to change the hearts and minds of people to be more tolerant and accepting of that which makes us all part of the same family known as mankind? Who among us cannot accept the concept of a love so strong that even unto death, it cannot be weakened but yet as a result, is strengthened for all time? People have and continue to die for simply trying to practice what he stood and died for. I just encourage you to read for yourself what has been written about him. Too many would distort His reality to keep you down in order to keep themselves up. There are Jesus Hustlers among us who use His name for their personal gain.

As I’ve said many a time, Jesus was and is and will ever be a bad man. Folk can say whatever they want to but this guy was a man’s man. He was a rebel, a revolutionary and, dare I say, probably a socialist, if you take his stance on feeding the poor into consideration. He was definitely antiestablishment. I can’t think of anyone who was more anti-status quo than Christ. He was outspoken, selfless, self confident, shameless, giving and loving, and who was more committed to their beliefs?

James A. Washington

American staff

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Candice Blake awarded nursing scholarship

Plus, SIUE Pharmacy and SLU to offer online certificate

Candice Blake, a nursing student at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, and two other students are the recipients of the STLCC Foundation Nursing Scholarship Fund - Tobie Chapman Honorary Scholarship.

“Receiving the scholarship was an unexpected surprise and I am truly grateful,” said Blake. “It is a very humbling experience because I had no clue I was even being considered, and I am so appreciative to be recognized in such a positive manner.”

Other recipients include Christa Poole from the Forest Park campus, and Shira Siegel Krause from the Meramec campus.

Chapman, a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in education, retired from the STLCC nursing faculty in summer 2013. Faculty and staff donated a total of $480 to the STLCC Foundation Nursing Scholarship FundTobie Chapman Honorary Scholarship in her honor. The donations will be distributed as a $160 scholarship to one student at each of the three campuses.

Nursing faculty chose all three scholarship recipients based on their traits that most closely match the descriptors they used to describe Chapman.

The words used to describe Chapman include dedicated, professional, caring, intellectual, thoughtful, committed, detail-oriented, kind, elegant, astounding, reliable, respectful, encouraging, wonderful, loyal, welcoming, pleasant, knowledgeable, calm, leader, integrity, mentor, gentle, sincere, patient, expert, thinker and

pensive.

The one-word descriptors were then assembled into a “Celebrate You” collage and presented to Chapman as a keepsake.

“We do this to honor longtime faculty who retire from the district nursing program and to honor nursing students who most remind faculty of the retiring faculty member,” said Karen Mayes, director of nursing education at St. Louis Community College.

SIUE Pharmacy and SLU to offer online certificate

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy and Saint Louis University School for Professional Studies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in late October for the advancement of pharmacy education.

The MOU was developed to provide SIUE pharmacy students, as well as SIUE School

of Pharmacy alumni, the opportunity to earn an online certificate in organizational leadership and/or an online certificate in healthcare information systems from SLU.

These certificates offered online make it easier for current students and alumni to take the classes at their own pace. The flexible format also offers up to nine credit hours of completed coursework from SIUE to be transferred.

“This MOU gives students

director of experiential education; and Dr. Ann Boyle, SIUE interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs also were involved in developing the agreement.

Jeffrey Forrest, Tobie Chapman, Candice Blake and Karen Mayes.

and alumni an excellent opportunity to earn certification in two key areas that have the potential to give them an edge in the job market,” said Dr. Gireesh Gupchup, dean of the SIUE School of Pharmacy.

Dr. Matthew Grawitch, interim dean for the SLU School for Professional Studies; Dr. Ellen Harshmann, SLU interim vice president for Academic Affairs; Bill Wuller, SIUE School of Pharmacy clinical associate professor and

This new partnership is the only kind in this region, creating advancements for students and alumni in the job market.

“This partnership and these certifications will provide pharmacy students with additional opportunities for tailoring their education to meet their long-term career goals in a way that does not conflict with their primary area of study,” said Grawitch.

The certificate in organizational leadership allows students to develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to assume leadership and administrative roles in corporate and non-profit settings. Students acquire knowledge and skills in a variety of areas including human resources, marketing and leadership.

Students, who earn a certificate in healthcare information systems, gain the tools necessary to succeed in an information technology (IT) role in the health care industry. Abackground of information systems and technology, cloud computing and virtualization, programming, database design, network fundamentals, healthcare information systems terminology and ITsystems for health care organizations is acquired through coursework. Students and alumni can begin taking classes now. For more information, contact Connie Stamper-Carr at pharmacy@siue.edu or (618) 6505159.

St.Louis Outlet Mall is hiring St. Louis Outlet Mall has more than 280 seasonal jobs at its 33 retailers, including Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic Factory Store, Bath & Body Works, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Cardinals Clubhouse, Carter’s, Charlotte Russe Outlet, The Children’s Place, Claire’s Boutique, Crazy 8, DEB Shops, Earthbound Trading, Finish Line, Gap Outlet, GUESS? Factory Store, Gymboree Outlet, Hibbett Sports, Hot Topic Outlet, Kitchen Collection, Levi’s Outlet, Motherhood Maternity Outlet, Nine West Outlet,

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.Louis American

Scholarwants to combine love fornursing and travel

Victoria Crigler knew she wanted to attend nursing school to become a nurse, but she had to figure out how to pay for it.

After applying for school loans, the Hazelwood East High School graduate received a welcomed surprise last the summer when The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis informed Crigler that she had a Deaconess scholarship among her financial mix.

“It meant a lot of me because I didn’t think I was going to receive in any scholarships,” Crigler said.

Crigler is one of several nursing school students who received scholarships through a collaborative effort by Deaconess Foundation, The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and the St. Louis American Foundation. The foundations have committed more than $100,000

annually in resources and support over the next five years to assist future nurses in their education and training.

Another surprise for the freshman at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Crigler said learning to be a nurse is not as easy as she initially thought.

“I’m working on focusing more so I can continue on with school and keep striving to become a nurse,” she said.

While nursing will provide a solid career footing, she wants to journey as she uses her medical training.

“I want to be a traveling registered nurse,” Crigler said.

Health facilities depend on the travel-

ing nursing force to fill in during temporary or unanticipated shortages in various nursing specialties. With critical shortages, the short-term (13-week) work assignments of traveling nurses can command top pay.

“I have mostly nurses in my family and I have one cousin that travels and I like to go on vacations so I want to go to different hospitals and help people in different cities.”

Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarships are awarded to 10-15 students annually (avg. award $6,000). Students must be permanent residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area and pursuing nursing (RN, BSN) at an accredited, nonprofit school. The awards are based on

financial need, strength of character, and academic potential.

Applicants are required to have a valid email address when beginning the application as all correspondence will be arrive by email.

To apply, students are required to complete the two applications by April 15: the Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship and The Scholarship Foundation Interest-Free Loan in Scholarship Central atwww.sfstl.org.

If selected, Deaconess Scholarship recipients may also be given an opportunity to accept or decline an interest-free loan or other grants through SFSTL.

For more information, call The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis at 314-725-7990 or via email at info@sfstl.org.

For applications, select the link, “Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship” at https://stlouisgraduates. academicworks.com.

Victoria Crigler

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.Louis American

Actorchanges life to change roles

Although his television exposure has picked up considerably as of late, you have probably seen a lot less of actor/comedian and St. Louis native Gary “GThang” Johnson. About 70 pounds less.

“I got tired of going in for the same old character roles; the security guard, the fat lover, the dude who is eating the sandwich while he is waiting on the train,” Johnson said.

“No doctor told me that I needed to lose weight. There was no health scare or anything like that. To be honest, I went in to prove a point to somebody that I can do it for myself and I wanted to go in for more leading man roles.”

By taking action to get the weight off, Gary Johnson dodged many diseases that obesity puts so many persons at greater risk, like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and sleep apnea.

Health-wise, Johnson was lucky. He initially weighed 267 pounds on his 5’10-1/2’frame. By taking action to get the weight off, he dodged many diseases that obesity puts so many persons at greater risk, like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, breathing problems, breast, prostate, colon cancers and even an early grave.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a dramatic increase in obesity with more than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2 -19 years being considered obese.

About 97 million adults in the United States are overweight or obese, according to The National Health Lung and Blood Institute. Women with waistlines greater than 35 inches and men with waist circumferences greater than 40 inches are at higher risk for a number of diseases because of the excess abdominal fat.

“I got to a point when I went from a 44 to a 34 in the waist,” he said. “Yeah – it’s not a game. I was excited … I was able to order clothes out of the maga-

zines then. It wasn’t no, ‘let me get that 2X or 3X; let me get that large, that will fit right or let me get that slim fit.”

Johnson’s daily regimen over the past

Left:Actor Gary “GThang”Johnson as he currently looks after his recent weight loss.

Below:Actor Gary “GThang”Johnson in a scene from the 2008 “Disaster Movie,”part of the “Scary Movie” franchise.

two-and-a-half years added the exercise while he also scraped unhealthy food off his plate.

“I do 300 sit ups, pushups/pull-ups a

day. I do maybe three miles a day walking and running.

See ACTOR, page 6

Self-control during the holidays

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

Many of you reading this are mumbling under your breath: “Hear she goes again telling us what we should and shouldn’t eat! Can’t we just eat what we like, when we like it and in the amount that our inner cravings desire? My simple answer to that is “not if you want to live a long, healthy and abundant life!” Each of us has to be honest with ourselves and admit that during the holidays we tend to go overboard with our portion sizes and over-indulge in everything: food, liquor, and sweets. We also indulge in other practices during the holidays such as those occasional hook-ups with old flames from high school and collegebut that is a whole different column and conversation! Stay tuned!

Thanksgiving and Christmas have to be the number one holidays for family gatherings and parties. This is the time of year when everyone’s best dishes hit the tables: sweet potato pie, banana pudding, turkey and dressing, caramel cake and homemade macaroni-n-cheese. And for the most part, we are not talking about dishes made with Splenda, low-fat

cheeses, or lite cream cheese. We are talking about the artery clogging, waist expanding, and hip spreading kind of ingredients- the kind that make you close your eyes, inhale and let out your pants!

Many of you now are reminiscing about previous gatherings where there was no shortage of amazing homemade cuisine. African Americans have a long tradition of family events centered around food. We all remember the movie “Soul Food” and how those particular relatives would gather together every Sunday for dinner with “Big Mama.” If there were issues to be discussed, it usually came out during that time and everyone could provide their input whether it was appreciated or not.

Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D.

If you recall from the movie, when “Big Mama’s” grown daughters would enter the kitchen they automatically would fall right in line with whatever needed to be done: chopping the greens, making the cornbread, or setting the

table.Recipe cards were not utilized because those dishes had been prepared so many times that each sister knew exactly what to do. Their behavior was familiar to us because we also continue to make items that have been passed down from generations.

However, many of us don’t realize that some of these methods used in our households were practices that began all the way back in slavery. Fat-back and all the other miscellaneous parts of the pig were considered scraps by the slave owners and in some instances were given to the slaves because it was believed at the time that this would make them work harder and give them more energy. It was the ingenuity of the slave women who learned how to make “trash” into something quite tasty for their households and even their masters.

meal is to nap, awaken a little later and eat a few more times. Because I am a zealous advocate for preventative medicine, I’m certain my family hates to see me coming!

When I arrive, I usually start inquiring how the food was cooked. Was it fried, is there pork in it, or is the casserole made with beef? I also give side-eye glances to my uncle who knows he has been hospitalized for his uncontrolled high blood pressure and blood sugars in the past and who should recall how eating massive amounts of this food would not be good for him.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I do enjoy a lot of the foods that are routinely served but I do not eat that on a regular basis and I work out at a minimum of four days per week. The key to the holidays is MODERATION and EXERCISE. Instead of just sitting around having cocktails and playing bid whist, encourage your family to take a walk around the block a few times. Buy some jump ropes for the kids. Have a hulahoop contest.

Join me in starting some new traditions for the holidays! Our new motto should be: “When we know better, we will do better!” Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

I called home a few days ago to inquire about the menu for the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner in Arkansas with my maternal family. My mother rattled off quite a spread which included all kinds of deserts and soda. Now keep in mind that almost everyone in my extended family is overweight, obese or morbidly obese and several of them have the unfortunate circumstance of having hypertension and diabetes. In addition, the usual routine after eating such a rich

Yours in Service, 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 21, 2013

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

Decline in eye contact seen as earliest autism markerforinfants

Astudy published this month in the journal Nature reveals that eye contact in early infancy may be a key to early identification of autism.

The study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), reveals the earliest sign of developing autism ever observed-a steady decline in attention to others’eyes within the first two to six months of life.

“Autism isn’t usually diagnosed until after age 2, when delays in a child’s social behavior and language skills become apparent. This study shows that children exhibit clear signs of autism at a much younger age,” said Thomas R. Insel, M.D., director of NIMH.

“Autism isn’t usually diagnosed until after age 2, when delays in a child’s social behavior and language skills become apparent.This study shows that children exhibit clear signs of autism at a much younger age.”

Thomas R. Insel,M.D., director of NIMH

“The sooner we are able to identify early markers for autism, the more effective our treatment interventions can be.”

Developing children typically begin to focus on human faces within the first few hours of life, and they learn to pick up social cues by paying special attention to other people’s eyes. Children with autism, however, do not exhibit this sort of interest in eye-looking. In fact, a lack of eye contact is one of the diagnostic features of the disorder.

Researchers Warren Jones, Ph.D., and Ami Klin, Ph.D., of the Marcus Autism Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Emory University School of Medicine followed infants from birth to age 3. The infants were divided into two groups, based on their risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder. Those in the high risk group had an older sibling already diagnosed with autism; those in the low risk group did not. Eye-tracking equipment was used to measure each child’s eye movements as they watched video scenes of a caregiver. The researchers calculated the percentage of time each child fixated on the caregiver’s eyes, mouth, and body, as well as the

non-human spaces in the images. Children were tested at 10 different times between 2 and 24 months of age.

By age 3, some of the children – nearly all from the high-risk group – had received a clinical diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. The researchers then reviewed the eye-tracking data to determine what factors differed between those children who received an autism diagno-

sis and those who did not.

“In infants later diagnosed with autism, we see a steady decline in how much they look at mom’s eyes,” said Jones. This drop in eye-looking began between two and six months and continued throughout the course of the study. By 24 months, the children later diagnosed with autism focused on the caregiver’s eyes only about half as long as

did their typically developing counterparts.

The next step for the researchers is to translate the findings into a viable tool for clinical use. For more information, visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasivedevelopmental-disorders/index.shtml.

ACTOR

Continued from page 3

After I do the cardio, then I start doing all the sit-ups, pushups, and pull-ups. And if you do that, you tone up your whole body,” Johnson said.

Additionally, he said some people think you can just exercise like that, then go home, and “eat a whole hog.”

“You can’t do that,” Johnson reminded. “I cut out all the meat. I eat fish, but I cut out all the meat, all the starchy foods’all the breads, no salt. And no sodas, no juices. Now I do juice sometimes but no pure orange juice and stuff like that with all that acid in it. Not only does it make you feel better and look better, it makes your skin beautiful too.”

He also drinks a lot of water.

Johnson said repetition and consistency is the key to getting results via exercise, rather than lifting heavy weights.

“Alot of people think they need people to work out with. You don’t. You can do it on your own. Use your own motivation,” Johnson said. “You’ve got to trick your mind in order to work out.”

He said all those compliments at the comedy clubs keep his mind in trick mode to further his acting career.

“I want to be able to take the shirt off; that was my goal, to get to that point,” he said. “Overall, it makes you feel better and you are not breathing heavily.”

Johnson’s metamorphosis into a healthy body continues to bring in desired results with the ladies and for quality screen time.

“I’m doing a movie right now with Jamie Kennedy where I play an undercover detective, and where I am playing a model in one of them, because we go to break up a sex ring,” he said. “And then I’m doing another show; it’s about rules of engagement, where they are going to have a handsome guy talk about relationships.”

Johnson recently made guest appearances on the Arsenio Hall Show, Tom Joiner Morning Show radio program and “The Real Husbands of Hollywood. Three weeks ago, Johnson returned to St. Louis to launch the multi-city promotional tour of his upcoming television special, “I’m Almost Famous,” to include a health message for his audience.

“I’ll tell anybody if they are starting off this wanting to lose weight, take your time and don’t just rush your heart into doing anything it is not prepared to do,” he said. “Let your heart come to walk with you. Alot of people can over-stain their heart by trying to get it all in one day. You can’t do that. Just pace yourself so you don’t pass out.”

Johnson said he is tucking in his new clothes so others can see he now has a waistline.

“That’s love,” he said. “The fat dude don’t get to kiss nobody in the movie, so I want to tongue-kiss somebody in the movie, so I said, ‘let me cut it off so I can have sex with my shirt off now.

HEALTH BRIEFS

Experts recommend universal diabetes testing at first prenatal visit

Endocrinologists recently issued a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) to help health care professionals provide the best care to pregnant women who have diabetes. “Diabetes and Pregnancy: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline” appeared in the November 2013 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM).

Experts acknowledge that cases of diabetes in pregnant women are being missed by traditional screening methods, said Ian Blumer, MD, of the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, and chair of the task force that authored the guideline. The CPG recommends that all pregnant women who have not been previously diagnosed with diabetes be tested for the condition at their first prenatal visit. The test should be done before 13 weeks’gestation or as soon as possible thereafter.

“Many women have type 2 diabetes but may not know it,” Blumer said. “Because untreated diabetes can harm both the pregnant woman and the fetus, it is important that testing for diabetes be done early on in pregnancy so that if diabetes is found appropriate steps can be immediately undertaken to keep both the

woman and her fetus healthy.”

As many as one in five women may develop gestational diabetes, which begins during pregnancy. Women who go undiagnosed and are at increased risk of having an overly large baby, which can complicate delivery.

“The CPG advocates for using lower blood glucose levels to diagnose gestational diabetes,” Blumer said. “Using these lower levels will allow for the detection of gestational diabetes in many women when it would otherwise go undetected using the older diagnostic thresholds. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment can be given to help the fetus grow normally.”

“Thanks to important new studies of the interplay between diabetes and pregnancy, diabetes specialists and obstetricians have identified best practices for caring for pregnant women with this condition,” Blumer added. “The guideline synthesizes evidence-based strategies to support women who have diabetes during pregnancy.”

More on gestational diabetes can be found at http://tinyurl.com/NIDDK-gestational-diabetes.

Eating specific

Researchers from the USA, the UK and Singapore examined the association of individual fruit consumption in relation to type 2 diabetes risk and found that eating more whole fruits, particularly blueberries, grapes and apples, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, with greater fruit juice consumption having an adverse effect.

Finding of the study were published recently on bmj.com.

Increasing fruit consumption has been recommended for the prevention of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

Data for the study as derived from three prospective cohort studies among US adults: the Nurses’Health Study (NHS 1984 – 2008), the Nurses’Health Study II (NHS II 1991-2009) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS 1986 – 2008).

It included 187,382 male and female participants. Those who reported a diagnosis of diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline were excluded.

whole fruits reduces diabetes risk; more fruit juice has opposite effect

Ten individual fruits were used in the study: grapes or raisins; peaches, plums or apricots; prunes; bananas; cantaloupe; apples or pears; oranges; grapefruit; strawberries; blueberries. Fruit juice included apple; orange; grapefruit and other fruit juices.Food frequency questionnaires were used every four years to assess participants’habitual diet, asking how often, on average, they consumed each food in a standard portion size.

Information was gathered on participants’body height and weight, cigarette

Researchers found that eating more whole fruits such as blueberries and apples helps lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

smoking, physical activity, multivitamin use and family history of diabetes.

Information for women was collected on menopausal status, post-menopausal hormone use and oral contraceptive use.

Results showed that 12,198 out of 187,382, or 6.5 percent of participants developed diabetes.

Total whole fruit consumption correlated positively with age, physical activity, multivitamin use, total energy intake and fruit juice consumption. Three servings per week of blueberries; grapes and

raisins; apples and pears significantly reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, greater consumption of fruit juice was associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk. Substitution of whole fruits for fruit juice was associated with a lower risk, except strawberries and cantaloupe.

Replacing three servings per week of fruit juice with individual whole fruits reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 7 percent.

The researchers conclude that there is a significant difference in the associations between individual fruits and the risk of type 2 diabetes and that greater consumption of specific whole fruits “particularly blueberries, grapes and apples was significantly associated with lower type 2 diabetes risk whereas greater fruit juice consumption was associated with a higher risk”. They say the results support recommendations to increase the consumption of a variety of whole fruits as a measure for diabetes prevention.

Photo by Healthy Black Woman.com

CALENDAR

Wed. Dec. 4, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Affordable Care Act Seminarin St. Louis by the Small Business Administration St. Louis District Office, 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 10.103. Please allow time to go through security of government building. RSVPrequired to Nicki Massie at 314-539-6606 or via email at Nicholson.massie@sba.gov.

Wed. Dec. 4, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., St. Louis Safety Net Community Meeting, Metropolitan Psychiatric Center, 5351 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 63112. Updates on the Safety Net, Gateway to Better Health and Medicaid transformation in Missouri. For more information, call 314-446-6459, email sdisario@stlrhc.org or visit http://www.stlrhc.org.

Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I-270/Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

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

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

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group

This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Women under60 with diabetes at greaterrisk forheart disease

Results of a Johns Hopkins study published recently in the journal Diabetes Care found that young and middle-aged women with type 2 diabetes are at much greater risk of coronary artery disease than previously believed.

Generally, women under 60 are at far less risk for coronary artery disease than men of the same age. But among women of that age who have diabetes, their risk of heart disease increases by up to four times, making it roughly equal to men’s risk of this same form of heart disease.

“This study tells us that women of any age who have diabetes are at a high risk for coronary artery disease,” said Rita Rastogi Kalyani, M.D., M.H.S., endocrinologist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and lead study author.

While men generally have a higher incidence of heart disease than women, the study found that diabetes had little or no effect on men’s heart disease risk.

Kalyani and her colleagues analyzed data from more than 10,000 participants in three widely regarded studies: the GeneSTAR Research Program, the MultiEthnic Study of Atherosclerosis and the National Health and Nutrition Examination

Survey (NHANES) III. None of the participants had a history of heart disease. All three studies yielded similar gender differences in rates of diabetes and the risk of developing heart disease.

“Our study adds to growing evidence that gender differences exist in the risk of coronary artery disease brought on by diabetes,” Kalyani said.

Interestingly, in both women and men, these findings were unrelated to differences in obesity and other traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking.

Kalyani and her colleagues offer several possible explanations for the increased risk. There may be distinct genetic and hormonal factors related to the development of heart disease by gender. Differences in adherence to heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors, compliance and treatment of cardiovascular treatments between genders are also possible but need to be further investigated, Kalyani said. Also, the relationship of diabetes duration and glucose control to risk of heart disease remains unclear.

OASIS offers ‘BetterChoices, BetterHealth-Diabetes’workshops

Nazaree Glasco knows very little about how to manage living with diabetes, but she is ready to learn. She just joined a free Better Choices, Better Health – Diabetes workshop offered by OASIS to do just that.

“I found out just a few weeks ago that I have borderline type 2 diabetes. I’m not on medication yet, and hope I won’t need to start. I am here to find out what I can do.”

“This workshop teaches you not just what to do, but how to create an action plan to stick with it,” said Ruth Clerkley, a volunteer leader for the Better Choices, Better Health – Diabetesworkshop. Clerkley is co-leading the six-week program at the Natural Bridge Library.

Aretired nurse and social worker, Clerkley has a personal stake in helping people with diabetes change their lifestyle.

“My son has diabetes and his children are at risk because they eat the same way he does. That really hits me hard,” said Clerkley. “Learning how to help him modify his lifestyle caught my interest. If Dad doesn’t do it, the kids won’t do it.”

Clerkley participated in a 32-hour training program to become certified to teach the Better Choices, Better Health –Diabetes program Developed by Stanford University, the program is nationally recognized as an evidencebased approach that helps people make changes that can improve their health. OASIS is partnering with Stanford University and the National Council on Aging on a research study to measure the impact of the program on healthcare costs.

OASIS is offering a series of free workshops across the St. Louis area in early 2014. The program is helpful both for people who have lived with diabetes for a while and those who are just finding out about it.

Clarice Lumpkins learned she had type 2 diabetes 13 years ago around the time she lost three loved ones within a year.

“It was a stressful time for me, and stress plays a big part in my health,” Lumpkins said. Right now my energy level is really low. I eat two meals a day and food doesn’t taste good to me. I want to learn how to eat better so I will feel better.”

Through the six-week workshops, participants learn what and when to eat while still enjoying it. Other topics include managing blood sugar, adding physical activity to your daily routine, getting support from family and friends

Clarice Lumpkins,Nazaree Glasco and Ruth Clerkley meet weekly with other adults at the Better Choices, Better Health – Diabetes free workshop held at the Natural Bridge Library.More workshops will be offered in January around the St.Louis area.Call 1-855-805-6168 for more information.

and communicating better with doctors and other medical professionals.

Participants meet people who understand what they are going through. Hearing how others are learning to live with the condition is an important part of the workshops.

“It helps to know that you are not alone,” Lumpkins said.

“We encourage the buddy system so they can check in on each other’s progress and support each other,” added Clerkley.

OASIS will provide free training for

persons interested in becoming peer leaders for the program.

Adults interested in taking the class or the peer leading training should call 1855-805-6168.

For more information on OASIS, visit www.oasisnet.org

HEALTHY Q&A

It is imperative that diabetics make eye care a priority

Q. Why is good eye health particularly important forpeople with diabetes?

A. The answer comes from board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Edward Kondrot, founder of the Healing The Eye & Wellness Center in Dade City, Florida.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the country. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications with some 7.7 million diabetics experiencing it. The good news is

that there are things that diabetics can do to help protect their eyes.

It is imperative that people make prevention a top priority. Action should be taken to help prevent eye diseases prior to becoming diabetic, as well as after becoming one.

Here are five tips to help diabetics protect their eyes:

Diet do-over. Eliminate sugar and eat healthy raw organic foods to keep you healthy. Add stevia as a sweetener. It taste great, satisfies your sugar craving and actually strengthens your pancreas.

Pull out the scale. Reduce your weight in order to reduce the stress on your pancreas, as well as reduce the need for insulin.

Have frequent eye exams. Sightthreatening conditions can develop without any symptoms, making early detection important.

Take chromium, which improves insulin sensitivity by increasing the number of insulin receptors on the cells. It also helps stabilize blood sugar spikes after meals by boosting the action of

HEALTHY RECIPE

Zucchini Lasagna

insulin.

Considerchelation treatment. The NIH sponsored a study (TACT) that showed that diabetics receiving chelation had a 39 percent lower rate of vascular problems.

“While blindness can occur from diabetes complications, it doesn’t have to happen,” added Dr. Kondrot. “Through prevention and natural treatment diabetics can maintain good eye health, too.”

Ingredients:

1 lb 93-percent lean ground beef or turkey

3 cloves garlic

1/2 onion

1 tsp olive oil

salt and pepper

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

3 medium zucchini, sliced 1/8” thick

15 oz part-skim ricotta

8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup fresh Parmesan Cheese

1 large egg

Preparation:

1. In a medium sauce pan,brownmeat and season with salt. When cookeddrain in colander to remove any fat.Add olive oil to the pan andsautégarlic and onions about 2 minutes.Returnthe meat to the pan,addtomatoes, basil, salt and pepper.Simmer on low for at least 30-40minutes, covered. Do not add extra water, the sauce should be thick.

2. Meanwhile,slicezucchini into 1/8” thick slices,addlightly salt andset asideor 10 minutes. Zucchini has a lot of water when cooked, salting it takes out a lot of moisture. After 10 minutes, blotexcess moisture with a paper towel.

3. On a gas grill or grill pan,grillzucchini on each side, until cooked, about 12 minutes per side. Place on paper towels to soak any excess moisture.

4. Preheatoven to 350 degrees.

5. In a medium bowlmixricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and egg.Stir well.

6. In a 9x12-inch casserole,spread

some sauce on the bottom andlayerthe zucchini to cover, thenplacesome of the ricotta cheese mixture, thentopwith the mozzarella cheese andrepeatthe process until all your ingredients are

used up.Topwith sauce and mozzarella and cover with foil.

7. Bake45 minutes covered at 375 degrees, then bake uncovered 15 minutes. Letstandabout 5 - 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritient Information (per serving)

Calories 270

Fat 11 g

Saturated fat 6.5 g

Cholesterol 90 mg

Carbohydrate 11 g

Protein 31 g

Sodium 135 mg

Established in 1988, Food Outreach continues to be the only nonprofit organization in greater St. Louis that focuses on providing critical nutritional support to low-income men, women and children battling cancer or HIV/AIDS. The on-staff Chef and Registered Dietitians are pivotal to the program. Through a combination of freshly prepared frozen meals, groceries and nutrition counseling, clients have access to critical nutrients to help them best optimize their treatments and enhance their quality of life. In 2012, Food Outreach provided more than 500,000 nutritious meals at no cost to 2,053 clients living in 174 Missouri and Illinois zip codes. For more information, call 314-652-3663 x121 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

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 314-8393171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons who have been affected by criminal acts. Emil peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims.org.

Bike helmet safety

The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www.tinyurl.freebikehelmets.

HEALTH RESOURCES

Breast Cancer Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. 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. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-7763627).

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.

Information

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

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.

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.

St. Louis Milk Depot - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is a breast milk depot. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

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.

Prescription Cost Help

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers certain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Respiratory Health

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

Sexual Health

Free, confidential testing, counseling and treatment at the North Central Community Health Center, 4000 Jennings Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. Call 314-679-7800 for info.