October 17th, 2013 edition

Forest Park Forever starts $30M upgrade

Park makes top 10 list of Great Public Spaces

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

For some, Forest Park is a 1,371-acre playground with winding trails, golf greens and ball fields. For others, it’s a cultural and experiential destination.

“Yet all agree it deserves to be cherished and protected,” said Lesley Hoffarth, president and executive director of Forest Park Forever. “And that’s the mission of Forest Park Forever.” Forest Park recently made the top 10 list of Great Public Spaces for 2013, established by the American Planning Association. The association called Forest Park, the “heart” and “crown jewel of

Tara Larthridge recently spent some quality time on Art Hill in Forest Park with her daughter Kulani Larthridge,18.

Tasting St. Louis

Isalle Brown,3,Royn Brown,2,and Kimanee Payne,6,enjoyed a snack while watching entertainment on the Children’s Stage at the recent Taste of St.Louis held downtown.

$391M TIF for updated McKee project to be taken up Friday

By Rebecca Rivas Of The

After two hours of debate on October 11, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted in favor of moving forward with developer Paul McKee Jr.’s NorthSide redevelopment plan and $391 million TIF agreement. The two bills – one to update the redevelopment plan and another to activate two areas in the TIF agreement – will go before the aldermen again on Friday for a final vote. The board and Mayor Francis G. Slay previously approved the NorthSide redevelopment plan and TIF agreement in 2009. However, several residents sued the City of St. Louis and McKee, challenging the NorthSide TIF and redevelopment plan. Because the lawsuit, which was settled in Board to vote on NorthSide

Theatre takes residency at HarrisStowe’s Emerson Performance Center

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.Louis American

The Black Rep has found a new home for its 37th season: the Emerson Performance Center at Harris-Stowe State University.

“To produce African-American theatre at an African-American institution of higher learning just adds to the sweetness,” said Ron Himes, founder and producing director for the Black Rep. “And to be able to have a wonderful, beautiful, comfortable theatre for our patrons to be able to see the work that we do is the cherry on top of this cake.”

The 250-seat theatre is the ideal size for the Black Rep’s subscription base and attendance aver-

recently on

Dr. Wilkins delivers Norman R. Seay Lecture at WUSM

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.Louis American

Dr. Consuelo H. Wilkins thinks we should shift our focus from health “disparities” to health “inequities.”

“Disparities are differences, and it doesn’t really speak to what the causes of the differences are,” Wilkins, MD, MSCI, said when recently giving the eighth annual Norman R. Seay Lecture, presented by the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, the Department of Neurology, and John C. Morris, MD, director at

A6

Photo by Wiley Price

St.Louis American

Consuelo H.Wilkins,MD,MSCI,spoke

“The Three Keys to Closing the Disparities Gap in Alzheimer’s Disease”at the Washington University School of Medicine’s eighth annual Norman R.Seay Lecture.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

T.D. Jakes rebukes ‘Preachers of L.A.’

1.1 million viewers tuned in for Oxygen’s new docu-series “Preachers of L.A.” making it the biggest Wednesday night season premiere on Oxygen to date and the network’s second highest rated series ever.

But one person who wasn’t tuning in was T.D. Jakes.

The mega church pastor took a moment to denounce the show during his Sunday sermon at The Potter’s House.

“Now, I know you been watching that junk on TV. I want to tell you right now, not one dime of what you’re sowing right now will buy my suit. I want you to know my car is paid for. I want you to know I got my house on my own. I want you to know I’m not bling-blinging. I am not shake and bake. I had money when I came to Dallas and I plan to have some when I leave.

You did not buy what I got. I had it when I came

here. You know I had it when I came here. The devil is a lie! I have sold enough books and produced enough movies. I don’t need your offering to pay for this little slimy suit. So I rebuke that spirit in the name of Jesus Christ.”

If there was any question about exactly who or what Jakes was referencing he told his congregation, I’m not from L.A. I’m from Dallas!”

Did Chris Brown confirm that Rihanna gets around?

said I told ya/Now all these rap [expletive] wanna be political/ Nah[expletive] that I’m a real lyrical/ killer.”

Future files suit after being dusted by Drake

It appears that if you say anything remotely negative about Drake, you will be excommunicated.

In a spat on Twitter a few weeks back Teyana Taylor accused Rihanna of being passed around within the industry by claiming “her body count and net worth were neck and

Chris Brown just might add weight to the statement. Brown released his unheard verse from DJ Khaled’s “I’m Still” – which includes a jab about a former girlfriend’s promiscuity.

While Brown says no names on the record he said that not only had “everybody in the industry” had a romp with a former girlfriend of his.

“Every [expletive] in the industry done [expletive] my [expletive]/ And all my[expletive]

According to The New York Post’s Page Six, Drake reportedly has kicked Future off of the upcoming Would You Like A Tour? after Future’s comments in a recent Billboard interview.

In the Billboard interview, Future claimed Drake had an “album full of hits” that did not “make you feel the way I do” with his new album Honest. According to a source with Page Six, following those comments Drake informed his touring agent “either Future gets fired, or he’ll fire him” and subsequently took him off the tour.

Drake for $1.5 million of lost wages. It is reported that Future was set to make upwards of $40,000 per show.

Chante refuses to set the record straight about Kenny Lattimore

In a recent interview with Juicy Magazine, R&B Divas: LA star Chante Moore adds fuel to the fire regarding gay rumors surrounding her former husband.

Juicy: One of the most uncomfortable moments of the R&B Divas: LA reunion show was when Wendy Williams asked about your ex-husband, Kenny Lattimore’s sexuality. Where do you think those rumors started and were you ever suspicious of his sexuality?

CM: I don’t know where they [sexuality rumors] started. I wasn’t personal friends with him for long. I was an acquaintance before we dated so I don’t know anything about that. That really isn’t a comfortable thing to talk about. Being that he isn’t my husband anymore, I leave it up to him to answer because that’s his life.

Future’s reps attempted to say Future was misquoted in the Billboard interview and negotiations to bring Future back on to the tour commenced, however with the stipulation that Future take less money. Allegedly in response to the new provisions of the contract, Future not only denied their offer but is now suing

Sources: New York Post, Allhiphop.com, Huffington Post, Billboard.com,

HPV poses cancer risk

Common STD responsible for rise in cancers

By Dr. Lannis Hall

For The St. Louis American

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Over 79 million people are currently infected and it is estimated that 14 million people become infected annually. Seventy five percent of all new infections occur in young adults between the ages of 15-24.

Risk factors for HPV transmission are related to sexual behavior, such as the number of sexual partners, the onset of sexual activity and the type of sexual activity. In the majority of individuals, HPV is a transient infection, which spontaneously resolves within two years. It is unclear why the majority of people are able to mount an adequate immune response and clear the infection, while others develop pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions. There are over 100 subtypes of HPV. Most low-risk subtypes of HPV infection may manifest as warts; other types can cause abnormal throat growths called papillomas. However, other high-risk subtypes (particularly type 16 and 18) of HPV can cause pre-cancerous cells in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer.

In 2013, it is predicted that there will be over 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer, and high-risk subtypes of HPV are responsible for 99 percent of these cancers. High-risk subtype HPV also causes other anogenital cancers including vaginal, vulva, penile and anal cancer. More recently, these same high-risk subtypes of human papillomavirus have been implicated in the alarming increase in cancers of the oropharynx (tongue, back of throat and tonsil area).

n Women over the age of 30 should undergo screening every five years with Pap and HPV test.

In the past 40 years there has been a steady decline in the incidence of head and neck cancers.

Public health officials were delighted that as a direct result of people successfully curtailing tobacco use, cancers of the head and neck also decreased. However, it became clear that cancers in one area of the head, the oropharynx, were on the rise at 1 percent a year since 1971. The incidence of these cancers in men, particularly, was increasing at an alarming pace of 5 percent a year.

Further investigation revealed that in the majority of these particular head and neck cancers, a high-risk HPV, mostly type 16, had infected the tissues of the back of the throat and were responsible in some studies for up to 85 percent of the oropharyngeal cancers currently diagnosed throughout the United States. Studies again indicated that sexual activity –in particular, multiple vaginal and oral sex partners – was associated with an increase in the risk of developing HPV in the oropharynx.

This summer the Costa Rican HPV Vaccine Trial reported four-year findings of evaluating the vaccine Cervarix in preventing cervical cancer and also high-risk type 16 and 18 HPV infections in the oral cavity. Over 7,400 women participated, and half of the women received the HPV 16/18 vaccine and the remaining women received a control vaccine. At four years the trial indicated the HPV16/18 vaccine reduced oral infections with HPV 16/18 by 93 percent. There is currently no treatment for an HPV infection and for most no signs or symptoms of infection. There are important methods to prevent HPV transmission, which include routine and consistent condom use or abstaining from sexual activity. The vast majority of cervical

cancer cases can be prevented through evaluation of the cervix with Pap test screening. All women should begin screening at the age of 21. The American Cancer Society also recommends screening every three years under the age of

30. Women over the age of 30 should undergo screening every five years with Pap and HPV test. There are currently no screening recommendations for early detection of an oropharyngeal cancer; however

signs and symptoms include a painless neck mass, sore throat and ear pain. There are now vaccines available to prevent the development of genital warts, cancers of the cervix and genitalia.

The same high-risk HPV has been implicated in the

alarming increase in tongue and tonsil cancers. The Costa Rican trial is the first to indicate the efficacy of these vaccines in preventing HPV infection in the cervix and oral cavity. These vaccines are not effective once a person is infected; therefore, vaccination must occur before sexual activity.

The importance of the dramatic rise in cancers of the oropharynx and the known risk of cancers of the cervix and genital area

make these vaccines an important discussion with your pediatrician and gynecologist. Knowledge is power and preventing disease is the ultimate goal for our young adults. Lannis Hall, MD, MPH, is director of radiation oncology at Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes–Jewish Saint Peters Hospital, and clinical trials outreach leader for the Program to Eliminate Cancer Disparities at Washington University School of Medicine.

“I

got an insider’s look

and the knowledge I needed to be even more successful.”

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PICTURED: Kim Roxie, LAMIK Beauty. Past participant of The Workshop at Macy’s.

Dr. Lannis Hall

‘It’s

Editorial /CommEntary

not a members-only club’

We are guardedly optimistic about the workforce inclusion commitments attached to two sets of vast, long-term development projects that are getting underway in the St. Louis region: $4.7 billion in reconstruction projects by the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) and $391 million in TIF-financed infrastructure projects by Paul McKee Jr.’s NorthSide redevelopment. MSD has been a prime target of minority workforce and business advocates since August 2011, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement agreement that calls for MSD to spend $4.7 billion over the next 23 years to eradicate over 350 sewer overflows in this region. One key result of more than two years of negotiation is a new “community benefits agreement” that outlines job training programs, minority participation goals, small business loan assistance and internships for public school students. As part of the agreement’s First Source Hiring program, MSD must require general contractors, suppliers and other project vendors to commit by contract to hire people from the “target community” (local, unemployed, low-income minorities and women).

Ward 21 Alderman Antonio French also attached a First Source Hiring commitment to McKee’s updated redevelopment agreement with the city that the Board of Aldermen is expected to pass tomorrow. This sets a goal for 100 percent of entry-level jobs on the project to be hired from a list of low-income city workers that the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) maintains. This new contractual commitment for entry-level positions on the NorthSide project is in addition to McKee’s self-imposed workforce commitments for his overall project, which he previously worked out with SLATE and other workforce development partners. These goals call for 25 percent of the total workforce on NorthSide

projects to be residents within the redevelopment area. McKee’s project aims to attract new businesses and residents to North St. Louis, so the people who currently live in North City who want to compete for these jobs should be registering with SLATE now, because eventually they will have additional competition from new North Siders.

Though these two sets of projects have in themselves the capacity to impact the region positively by employing and empowering low-income residents who do not, at present, contribute significantly to the regional economy, we agree with MSD Executive Director Brian Hoelscher that they will have a much larger impact if they set new standards in the entire local development community. “We can get jobs started that result in careers,” Hoelscher said.

“Our hope is that other entities will see this as a model. This would have more success if this is a St. Louis-area initiative, rather than just MSD.” It is tiresome that minority workforce and business advocates have to start veritably from scratch each time a development of scale is announced in this region. It is frustrating that we face the same fight, over and over, and only after rounds of heated meetings and legislative pressure do developers agree to concessions and suddenly say all the right things about inclusion.

“We want this to be an open process,” Hoelscher said of the vetting process this new agreement still faces in the community. “This is not going to be a closed shop. It’s not a members-only club.” Those are words that everyone in the development arena – and this must include unions, which often oppose these community commitments – must stop resisting and embrace:

“It’s not a members-only club.” To be clear, this is not an act of charity. Increasing the number of productive workers, particularly among groups who have long been excluded, bodes well for greater success for the entire region.

As I See It - A Forum for

Community Issues

Court considers race, prayer, politics

Get ready for a front row view into the U.S. Supreme Court. This year the High Court will rule on issues as diverse as campaign finance and abortion, affirmative action and prayer. Their decisions could further a conservative agenda limiting civil rights protections for African Americans. There are two cases on the docket involving allegations of racial injustice.

In Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, a Michigan referendum amends its constitution to prohibit raceand sex-based discrimination or preferential treatment in public-university admissions decisions. Last term, the civil rights community was devastated when this court ruled in Fisher v. University of Texas that, if possible, the university must replace the use of race, even as a single factor in admission.

One day after the Fisher decision, the court ruled that the pre-clearance provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which protected against discriminatory voting laws, was unconstitutional. Over the last 20 years, the court has ended protections against race discrimination in education, voting and employment. This current Michigan case may allow the court to give states a mechanism to end affirmative action, or any civil rights laws, by public referendum, because most minority groups would be outnumbered statewide.

In Mount Holly, NJ, AfricanAmerican residents challenged

that city’s redevelopment plans by bringing a case under the 1970 Fair Housing Act. Mount Holly called the homes blighted and sought to replace the community’s low and moderate income homes with new housing which would not be affordable. Historically, urban renewal policies led to a destruction of AfricanAmerican communities. Under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment, government may take private property by eminent domain, if there is no proven racial bias.

Although the community did not prove discriminatory intent, Mt. Holly v. Mt. Holly Gardens Citizens will determine if a disparate impact case can be brought under the Fair Housing Act. Like the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act was passed during the Civil Rights Movement. Nationwide, complaints about racial discrimination in housing remain high, second only to employment discrimination, according to the EEOC. There are two abortion cases on the docket. In Oklahoma, a law prohibiting the use of drugs to induce abortions is challenged in Cline v. Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice In Massachusetts, a law establishing a buffer zone, or distance protesters must stay away from abortion clinics, is challenged in the case of McCullen v. Coakley A prayer case in Greece, NY, involves whether city meetings may open with a religious prayer. All denominations are allowed to present a prayer. However, the First Amendment prohibits the government from establishing or endorsing a religion. But, “In God We Trust” is on American

Democrats raise their ante

A crazy thing is happening in shuttered, dysfunctional Washington: Democrats are pushing back.

This phenomenon is so novel and disorienting that many Republicans in Congress, especially the tea party bullies, seem unable to grasp what’s going on. They keep expecting President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to fold like a cheap suit because, well, such a thing has happened before. I guess it’s understandable that the GOP might have forgotten the difference between bluffing and actually holding a winning hand.

Late last week, Reid began demanding that Republicans not only reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling but that they also make concessions on the draconian, irrational-bydesign budget cuts known as sequestration.

Suddenly, Republicans who thought it was fine to hold the government and the economy hostage in order to nullify a duly enacted law –the Affordable Care Act – are shocked that Democrats would even suggest tampering with another duly enacted law: the Budget Control Act of 2011, which established the “sequester” cuts.

Was Reid moving the goal posts? Of course he was. That’s

what negotiators do when they have the upper hand.

It seemed clear from the beginning that House Republicans had overreached by shutting down the government in an attempt to block the health insurance reforms popularly known as Obamacare. For one thing, many of the Affordable Care Act’s provisions were already in force. For another, any residual questions about the law had been thoroughly litigated in last year’s election.

Indeed, an NBC News/ Wall Street Journal poll released Thursday pronounced a devastating verdict: Fiftythree percent of those surveyed blamed Republicans for the shutdown, as opposed to 31 percent who blamed Obama – a worse pounding for the GOP than the party suffered when Newt Gingrich shut down the government during the Clinton administration.

Such stunning numbers not only threaten to dash the GOP’s hopes of winning control of the Senate next year but also challenge the party’s ability to hold its majority in the House.

So there’s no question who’s winning and who’s losing. Still, it’s refreshing to see Democrats act accordingly.

The standard pattern since Republicans captured the House in 2010 goes something like this: House Speaker John Boehner makes outrageous demands. Obama negotiates a “compromise” package heavily weighted toward Republican priorities, but Boehner can’t deliver his caucus.

Letters to the editor

Nothing less than callous

Gov. Jay Nixon has requested a cut in food stamps. I implore the governor to think back just two years ago, when he visited a St. Louis Area Foodbank and saw irst-hand the suffering and economic hardships our citizens are enduring in this economic downturn. It has not gotten any better.

currency. “One nation under God” is recited in the Pledge of Allegiance. The U.S. Senate has a chaplain named Barry C. Black, an African-American, who is Seventh-day Adventist. The Greece, NY v. Galloway case raises many concerns about religion’s role, directly or indirectly, in government.

Politics and money are before the court in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission. Shaun McCutcheon is a wealthy Alabama businessman who wants to contribute more than the legal limit to Republican candidates. McCutcheon challenged the Federal Election Commission current biennial limit of $74,600 to political parties and $48,600 to political candidates..

However, Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr. argued financial contributions without limits will lead to a “corrosive appearance of corruption.”

In 2010, the court ruled 5-4, in the much debated Citizens United case, that corporations have a First Amendment right to free speech in politics leading to billions of dollars spent in the 2012 presidential election. Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative, said he saw nothing wrong with “big money in politics.”

The U.S. Supreme Court begins each term in October and ends in June. Nine justices will hear about 200 appeals chosen from thousands of civil and criminal cases tried in America’s State and Federal courts. With power equal to the president and Congress, their decisions create the law of the land.

Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, an associate professor of constitutional law at John Jay College, is a writer covering the U.S. Supreme Court and major legal cases.

Missouri ranks second in the nation for severely hungry individuals and is ranked seventh for “food insecurity,” which deines hunger as a person’s insecurity as to the time and place of their next meal.

Cutting food stamps at this time is nothing less than callous, and I will use every and all means to organize and mobilize opposition to this uncommonly cruel action by our governor.

State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed St. Louis

Heartless and unwise

Missourians currently suffering with under/ unemployment are facing additional challenges in 2014 if a proposed rule put forward by Gov. Nixon’s administration is approved in its current form.

The new proposal to limit food stamps for some jobless Missourians is estimated to impact on more than 100 Missouri counties. Missouri would be one of only six states to reject available federal benefits which currently bring millions of dollars to Missouri grocers and their surrounding communities, while also alleviating hunger.

For the past 12 years, with both Democratic and Republican governors, Missouri has consistently sought to protect jobless Missourians from hunger, applying for the broadest exemption possible from application of the very harsh food stamp time limit provisions in the 1996 welfare reform law. That law limited food stamps for able-bodied adults without dependents to three months out of every three years, unless in an approved work activity for 20 hours per week, but put no money into job training.

The Missouri State

It is understandable that the activist Republican base might think victory through blackmail was the natural order of things. It’s not. It’s a distortion of American democracy that weakens the nation.

The fact that the GOP controls the House means that its views cannot be ignored. But the fact that Democrats control the Senate and the White House means that Republicans have no right to expect that they will always get their way. This concept of basic fairness is the sort of thing most of us learned in second grade. Apparently, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was not paying attention. Before the tea party tantrum that caused the shutdown, Democrats had already agreed to sequester-level government funding of $986 billion – the number that Republicans insisted on. Because of sequestration, funding will suffer a further $21 billion cut in January.

Senate Democrats now want only a brief extension at the sequester level, along with further negotiations that could raise government funding closer to $1.058 trillion, the number they originally sought. Republicans reacted with shock and horror, most of it feigned. This is the way politics is supposed to work. Obama and Reid are now in a position to win gracefully by compromising on their new spending demands. Republicans could then portray the outcome as something other than a rout.

Hunger Atlas (2013) shows that Missouri has not yet recovered from recession, as food insufficiency surged to 16.7 percent, surpassing the national average of 14 percent. Currently, 1.3 million Missourians don’t have enough to eat, causing Missouri to rank in the Top Ten of Food Insecure States. MASW (www.masw. org) will partner with other not-for-profits, families, and individuals to combat this latest assault on neighborhood stability. MASW encourages utilization of a statewide exemption from the time limits for as long as it is available from the federal government. Gov. Nixon should join us in demanding that federal legislators repeal this heartless and unwise part of the 1996 law.

Jeanette Mott Oxford, executive director Missouri Association for Social Welfare, St. Louis

HOA horror stories

“Be careful what you wish for” is one of those admonitions that most everyone heard from a parent while growing-up. It’s good advice to remember.

The Post reported that developer Paul McKee Jr. was bowing to the wishes of North Side residents who desired more community input. McKee says he’ll create a Master Homeowners’ Association which will allow residents of his newly created community to have input with regard to its development. Be careful what you wish for! Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are, in essence, private government established by contract via the association’s bylaws. The Missouri law governing HOAs gives little protection to the individual homeowner and nebulous power to the Board of Managers of the HOA. And it is common practice for the developer to write the bylaws, in which homeowners cede many of their lawful rights to the HOA. This convoluted contractual situation results in a variety of horror stories.

The majority of those buying property under the control of a HOA are unaware of the

detrimental ramifications of the bylaws by which their lives will be governed. Most would flee if they did know. McKee’s HOA offering is not a good idea. Google “HOA horror stories” for more information.

Michael K. Broughton, Green Park

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Guest Columnist Gloria J. BrowneMarshall

Metro transit no longer accepting pennies

As of October 14, Metro transit in St. Louis is no longer accepting pennies as payment on its MetroBus vehicles. In addition, several months ago, the Agency began phasing out rarely used 50-cent coins and $2 bills. The fareboxes will still accept $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar coins. As with the old equipment, the new fareboxes will require exact change or a valid Metro pass or ticket.

MetroBus customers may email questions or feedback about the new fareboxes to buildingbettertransit@metrostlouis.or g or they can call Customer Service at (314) 982-1406 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Free dental clinic

Each October, Give Kids ASmile hosts free dental clinics for local children in need. Children are identified with the help of local schools, churches and other organizations.Openings remain for the upcoming clinic set for Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26. If your child or a child you know is Medicaid-eligible, qualifies for a school lunch program or needs dental assistance due to other circumstances, call Give Kids ASmile at 636-3976453 or log on to www.gkas.org to register for the clinic to be held at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education.

Strutting sistas

County urges flu vaccination

Flu season has arrived and the Saint Louis County Department of Health is urging all residents six months of age and older be vaccinated against the seasonal flu.

“Getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself. It’s also about protecting others,” said Dr Dolores J. Gunn, director of the health department. “If you don’t catch the flu, then you can’t spread the flu.”

Other standard precautions being urged by the county health department are: wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, try to maintain a distance of three feet between you and others, stay home when you are sick or think you may be getting sick. To find out where to go for seasonal flu vaccinations, visit www.SaintLouisCountyFlu.com.

Go forit

By Lydia Douglas

It’s time to refocus on your dreams and visions. It’s time to ask yourself an all important question: Am I on the right path of finding the right career for me? Will I be happy with the choices I am about to make?

We are empowered from within to succeed in whatever career we desire to be in. One thing to remember is to decide what’s right before you decide what’s possible.

Empowerment is not “Giving Power to the People.” No one can give you power, it has to start with you. Rather, it is showing and encouraging you to release the knowledge, desire, potential, experience, self-motivation and pride you already have within.

The key to success is having the ability to identify and develop our own particular talent. And that starts with us going deep within ourselves and figuring out what it is that we are created to do and become.

You cannot make progress without making decisions. Just remind yourself along the way that you have a tremendous reservoir of potential and therefore you are quite capable of doing anything you set your mind to do.

Minds are like parachutes: They only function when they are opened.

The only thing that stands between a person and what he/she wants to do in life is the will to try and the faith to believe that it is possible. When you absolutely believe in your ability to succeed, nothing can stop you.

So, as you think of your dreams, goals and visions for your future, begin today to take those very important steps to make them come alive. Remember that there are no limitations on what you can become, have, or do, except the ones you place on yourself.

So how do you tap into this power?

You look deep within yourselves and decide what it is that you want in life, where you want to be. You must bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.

Bring your body, mind and spirit together to effectively realize your dreams.

Select and prioritize your goals in the most effective way.

Empowerment isn’t magic. It consists of a few simple steps along the way, and recognizing there may be some setbacks, but with some persistence and perseverance, change can and will take place.

You can make your dreams and visions come alive when you see what it is you want for yourself, and the directions you have to take to get there.

We all have a purpose in life, we just need to find out what that purpose is.

Remember, you cannot allow anything or any circumstance to abort future opportunities.

Success is waiting for you. Go for it.

Lydia Douglas

Sakinah Ali and Muthonni Tyreesa Sims walked in the name of all women who are survivors of breast cancer recently during the 4th Annual Sista Strut in Forest Park.

Photo by Wiley Price

Continued from A1

St. Louis” for its enduring design, cultural institutions and 137-year history.

“It’s hard to imagine that just 20 years ago this cultural and historic icon was in an embarrassing state of disrepair,” saidPaul Farmer, the association’s chief executive officer.

Just within the last decade, the park has largely completed a carefully planned $100 million restoration funded through an ambitious public/private partnership. Many local residents may remember the crumbling steps at Grand Basin and the dilapidated boathouse. Those are gone now and have been replaced with majestic fountains, all-access stairs and

WILKINS

Continued from A1

Washington University School of Medicine.

“When you talk about health inequities, you are really focusing on the fact that there are systematic and unjust reasons for the differences.

paved pathways, and many other upgrades. Yet, Hoffarth said there is much more work to do. The organization is now embarking on a $30 million capital improvement plan to renovate the bathrooms, expand the paths and trails, give the horse police a new stable, and revamp the Muny parking lot –among other improvements.

The first change people will see is new way-finding signs on the roads and paths next spring. Being the nation’s seventh largest urban park – 60 percent larger than New York’s Central Park – it’s not hard to get lost.

“The thing people want to see the most is better direction,” Hoffarth said. Next year, they will start renovating the restrooms. During the winter months, the park closes down all but two

Health inequities mean that there are other issues that are underlying the differences that we see.”

Unequal access to education, health care, housing and transportation are among social determinants that negatively affect treatment and health outcomes.

“If there is unequal distribution of these resources, then

bathrooms and most water fountains to ensure that the pipes don’t freeze and burst. Park planners recognize that it’s inconvenient for park goers, so they will turn several bathrooms into heated yearround restrooms. And rather than isolated huts, they will also look more like “gathering spots” with benches, bike racks and plantings.

For residents who ride or walk into the park from the entrances on Clayton and Skinker, it can be tricky crossing the street with no crosswalks.

“It’s a tough place for pedestrians and bicycles,” Hoffarth said. But that will change as well with a comprehensive plan to make it safer to cross the busy roads.

The trails around the park are mostly well connected, but some paths drop off in the

they can also drive some of the differences in the outcomes that we see,” Wilkins said.

“Racial discrimination is certainly one of those causes of inequities.”

Aformer Alzheimer’s

researcher and professor at the Washington University School of Medicine, Wilkins is now executive director of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance

middle of the park, Hoffarth said. Along with improving entrances, project leaders will be sewing up any gaps in the trail system, including routing a cross-park connector.

The parks waterways also will be improved. Currently, some ponds and streams aren’t accessible because of tall grasses and weeds. But in other areas, park engineers have already put flat rocks around the water, so people can sit and get close to the water. Hoffarth said they will continue to do that throughout the park. Engineers also will connect some park ponds with its river to aerate the water and reduce the park’s dependence on tap water.

Every year beer festivals and other events take place on the Muny parking lot. Forest Park Forever wants to encourage more of that by redesign-

and assistant professor of medicine at both Vanderbilt University and Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Wilkins, also the former health accuracy editor for The St. Louis American, returned to St. Louis to speak about the topic “The Three Keys to Closing the Disparities Gap in Alzheimer’s Disease.” She was

ing the lot to be more attractive and pedestrian-friendly. Construction will most likely begin in 2015.

“It’s in really bad shape, and we want to make it more sustainable and enhance the look of the area with shade trees to cool off the parking lot and protected walkways,” Hoffarth said. Other future plans include building a playground and walking paths off of Carr Lane and upgrading Central Field, where the balloon race and LouFest are held, with pathways and more accessible restrooms. Service vehicles will also be able to use these paths during events.

The capital projects will be funded through a$30-million bond agreement between the City of Saint Louis and Forest Park Forever, signed in April 2013. As part of the agree-

introduced by Dr. Morris, who is also the Harvey and Dorismae Hacker Friedman Distinguished Professor of Neurology, with opening remarks by Larry J. Shapiro, MD, the executive vice chancellor of Medical Affairs and Dean of Washington University School of Medicine.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of the many forms of dementia, characterized by memory problems and changes in behavior, which typically begin subtly and progress over time.

“People would rather say ‘dementia’than ‘Alzheimer’s.’

The perception is that Alzheimer’s has no cure, there is nothing we can do about it, and so we’d rather not say ‘Alzheimer’s,’” Wilkins said.

“But, most of the dozens of dementia also have no cure, so it’s not necessarily better to say you have dementia, as opposed to Alzheimer’s. The key thing is to understand what the underlying cause is, and right now Alzheimer’s has the most approved treatments.”

Wilkins recommended a patient-centered approach to Alzheimer’s that individualizes education, diagnosis and treatment.

She also called for an increase in minority participation in research, because researchers need a broad range of races participating in studies for more targeted treatment.

She said research shows

ment, project leaders will follow the city’s minority inclusion goals of contracting at least 25 percent minorityowned businesses and at least 5 percent women-owned businesses. The organization also will raise private donorfunds and purchase city bonds. Then the city will use the bond proceeds to execute city contractsfor design and construction in Forest Park. Forest Park Forever has already started raising money for these projects.

“We have 13 million visitors every year, and it takes its toll on the park,” she said. “We are hoping that people will understand that it always needs dollars to help care for it.” For more information and to contribute, visit http://www.forestparkforever.or g/ or call 314-367-7275.

that education and reading level are two predictors of Alzheimer’s, but much about the disease and its onset remains unknown.

“We have to be able to understand what some of the other predictors are so we can focus our screening efforts,” she said. “But also so we can think about how to prevent or increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease in certain populations.”

Abrief question and answer session followed the wellattended public lecture. An information table was staffed by the Alzheimer’s Association and a reception by the St. Louis Chapter of Links, Inc. was held in Wilkin’s honor in the atrium of Farrell Learning and Teaching Center.

Civil rights leader Norman R. Seay attended the lecture named in his honor, and the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Washington University sponsored it. Seay is chair emeritus of the African American Advisory Board of the Knight Center.

“Mr. Seay has also contributed a lot to the development of the Alzheimer’s disease Research Center and its program,” said Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., executive vice chancellor of medical affairs and dean of Washington University School of Medicine, “and that’s why this lectureship was established.”

Ron Himes, founder and producing director for the Black Rep,and Constance Gully,interim president of Harris-Stowe State University, in the Emerson Performance Center at HarrisStowe State University.

McKEE

Continued from A1

BLACK REP

Continued from A1 favor of McKee on appeal, delayed the project for more than three years, the legislation had to be updated and reconsidered by the board.

This time, aldermen added a few more guidelines for McKee. Last week in committee, aldermen passed amendments to create a one-time $250,000 fund for home repairs for residents in the redevelopment area and a potential $1 million fund for other neighborhood projects, as part of the TIF agreement.

Ward 21 Alderman Antonio French said the aldermen also passed an “excellent amendment” on the redevelopment plan by obligating McKee to follow the First Source Jobs policy.

This policy says developers who receive city incentives must hire low-income city residents for all the projects’ entry-level jobs. It sets a goal for 100 percent of entry-level jobs to be hired from a list of low-income city workers that the city compiles.

“That is some of the largest numbers I’ve ever seen on any project,” French said, “and it’s only fitting that since this is the largest TIF in the City of St. Louis that it should have some of the largest goals for employing low-income, unemployed people in the city.”

The policy also has teeth, French said, allowing alder-

men to take back some of the TIF if the policy is not followed.

However, aldermen rejected two new amendments to the TIF bill French proposed. The amendments would have given McKee a deadline to identify the buildings he plans to rehab and to secure those structures.

“His buildings should already be secured because they are vacant buildings,” French said. “If you drive through this area, you see building after building owned by the developer unsecured. They’ve been like that for years, and they continue to fall into disrepair.”

First, French proposed to add a July 31, 2014 deadline to identify and secure the potential rehab buildings. When that failed, he proposed another amendment with a deadline of December 2014.

French’s proposals incited two hours of bantering among the aldermen. Ward 28 Alderman Lyda Krewson questioned why he did not propose the amendments while the bills were in committee or contact aldermen who sponsored the bills.

“We have been talking about this development on the Board of Aldermen for years,” Krewson said. “I don’t think it’s necessarily unreasonable to place a date anywhere, but did you ask any of the sponsors or the developer prior to springing this on us this morning?”

Ward 13 Alderman Fred Wessels said that the amendments must be posted among

ages, Himes said.

“We see it as a perfect fit for Harris-Stowe as an educational institution and the important role that the Black Rep plays in educating St. Louis,” said Constance Gully, interim president of HarrisStowe State University.

“We’ve gone from a teacher education institution to one with 15 degree programs. And to bring in the Black Rep – one of the cultural centers of St. Louis – is not only about theatre and the arts, but about history and our community.”

Gully said the university’s Board of Regents is “excited and encouraging” about the decision. Board Chair Thelma V. Cook, Gully said, “has been a season ticket holder at the Black Rep since its inception.”

“Since the St. Louis

city public records for 10 days before the aldermen could vote on them. And he was not willing to hold the project back that much longer.

“This developer has already litigated for three and a half years,” Wessels said.

In an interview, French said the amendments would not have slowed down the voting process, and he never heard of a time when they had to wait 10 days to vote due to an amendment.

“I proposed the simplest of things that had been recommended,” French said. “I don’t

think that it was a fair criticism at all.”

Ward 19 Alderman Marlene Davis also opposed the rehab amendments and took personal offense to them.

“What is taking place is ridiculous,” she said, “I know what needs to be boarded up in my ward, and I have good service providers. Now you are saying I’m not doing my job?” Krewson asked the aldermen representing the project area why they don’t already have a list of these buildings.

If it were her ward, she said, she would already have the list

Avenue days,” Himes chimed in, referring to one of the troupe’s venues before the Grandel Theatre. Over the summer the Black Rep lost access to the Grandel Theatre, which it had called home for the past 20 years, when the building was sold by Grand Center.

Himes and Gully are still hammering out the details.

The partnership could include the Black Rep aiding the university’s theatre program –including its resident theatre troupe, The HSSU Players –and hosting master classes, workshops and symposia on campus.

“Which says a lot about the opportunity that will be available to our students,” Gully said. “It’s perfect for the mission of Harris-Stowe.”

Himes said he is not aware of any other AfricanAmerican theatre company in the nation taking residency at an HBCU campus.

“Both of our organizations have rich histories,” Himes

in hand and the buildings would be secured.

Ward 8 Alderman Stephen Conway said the board’s overall handling of the project has been embarrassing, and he accused aldermen of manipulating the project for their own interests.

“This is the third time we’ve put this guy through the ringer,” Conway said of McKee. “What person in their right mind would want to come down here and put their time and money into the City of St. Louis?” However, Ward 24

said. “We both have a commitment to AfricanAmerican excellence and the arts.”

The move means the Black Rep season will open one month earlier than usual. This year their season will start in December with Black Nativity It is yet to be determined if the Black Rep will stay on campus beyond this upcoming season.

“We’re talking,” Himes said. “We’re seeing how this season goes, and we certainly hope that there will be some vestiges of this relationship that continues into the future.”

The Emerson Performance Center is located at 3031 Laclede Avenue, on the campus of HarrisStowe State University. For more information about the Black Rep, visit www.theblackrep.org or call 314534-3807.

Alderman Scott Ogilvie defended French.

“Our role is not to represent developers,” he said. “Our role is to be representative of our residents. This is a big incentive. I object to the suggestion that all we think about is our own personal interests. These are amendments so that people living here gain a little piece of this large incentive package.”

The TIF bill passed, 24-3, with

voting against it. The redevelopment plan bill passed, 24-2, with Tyus and Villa voting against it.

Ward 1 Alderman Sharon Tyus, Ward 11 Alderman Tom Villa and French

Photo by Wiley Price

Drake to deliver Homer G. lecture

WUSTL

medicine also will honor city, county directors of health

American staff

Michael V. Drake, MD, the chancellor of University of California – Irvine, will deliver the 18th Annual Homer G. Phillips Public Health Lecture on Friday, October 18 at the Washington University School of Medicine, Eric P. Newman Education Center, 320 South Euclid Ave. Cocktails are at 5:30 p.m.,

followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture at 7:30 p.m.

“Chancellor Drake has led the launch of new programs in public health and nursing sciences, as he endeavored to provide a diverse group of highly trained professionals to meet the nation’s health needs,” said Will Ross, M.D., M.P.H., associate dean for diversity and associate professor of Medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Dr. Drake was recognized with the AAMC’s Herbert W. Nickens Award for outstanding contributions to promoting social justice in medical education and health care. He was a member of the Institute

of Medicine committee that produced the landmark 2004 report “In the Nation’s Compelling Interest: Ensuring Diversity in the Health Care Workforce.”

Michael V. Drake, MD, chancellor of University of California –Irvine

At the event, Dolores Gunn, MD, director of the St. Louis County Department of Health, and Pamela Rice Walker, MPA, CPHA, interim director of the St. Louis City Department of Health, will be honored.

“They are being recognized for their regional collaboration in improving the health of the St. Louis community and for outstanding leadership as co-chairs of the St. Louis Regional Health Commission’s Health Status Reporting Task

Force, which recently released the report, Decade Review of Health Status,” Dr. Ross said.

“The report has been widely acclaimed by every sector in the St. Louis region as it chronicles both the improvement in health status in several leading health indicators, while outlining the persistent challenges in reducing health disparities in the St. Louis city and county.”

Free parking is available on surface lots, and validated parking is available in the North Garage, across the street from the Center for Advanced Medicine Building or the Metro garage. Please bring your parking ticket to the lobby.

Please call 314-362-6854 or email Michelle Patterson at mpatterson@wustl.edu to RSVP.

Calloway Award goes to Roberts, Rafanan

CBTU awards dinner Oct. 19

President Cecil Roberts of the United Mine Workers of America and Martin Rafanan, the community director for the St. Louis Fast Food Workers, will receive the CBTU Ernest & De Verne Calloway Award on Saturday, October 19 at the Renaissance Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave. Reception and cash bar is at 6 p.m., with dinner and program at 7 p.m. The awards are given in honor and memory of Ernest Calloway, former director of education for Teamsters Local 688, and his wife De Verne Calloway, who was the first female African-American state representative elected to the

Missouri Legislature. CBTU National President Reverend Terry Melvin will serve as keynote speaker. Other speakers will include, Bob Soutier, president of the St. Louis Labor Council; Mike Louis, secretary/treasurer of the Missouri AFL-CIO; Laura Granich, director of Jobs with Justice; Gary Elliott, business manager of the Eastern Missouri Laborers’ District Council; and Missouri State Rep. Karla May. Awards will be presented by CBTU Chapter President Lew Moye. For information, contact Moye at lewcbtu@aol.com or 314-495-5635.

Rebecca A. Boldin

Rebecca A. Boldin passed from this life on September 26, 2013 at age 83. It’s only been a couple of weeks but seems like a lifetime. We miss you dearly. You will never be forgotten. You will live in your hearts forever my dear sweet mother, now that you are back in the arms of your first love, Ted Boldin Sr. May you both rest in peace. From your children, Ted Boldin Jr. (Cassandra) Phillip Boldin (Regina) Vincent Boldin (Agnes) Connie Cornell, Reginald Boldin, Eula Dee, and Brigitte Curtis (Dennis) a host of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Bernice H. Bell

Bernice H. Bell died on October 6, 2013 at Beauvais Manor on The Park from Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on November 19, 1921 in St. Louis, MO, the tenth of twelve children born to Louis Arthur and Minnie West Bell.

Bernice was educated in the St. Louis schools, having graduated from Charles Sumner High School. She matriculated at Stowe Teachers College, graduating in 1942. She did further study at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA and Wayne State in Detroit, MI. She received her MA degree in 1957 from

Columbia University in New York.

In the St. Louis public schools, Bernice was a classroom teacher and a specialist in the Room of 20 program. She gained certification as a counselor and became the first elementary school counselor in the school district, where she excelled. She was chosen to move to the central office of the Pupil Personnel Services Division, working with the Director to increase,in two years, the number of elementary counselors to 30. Bernice’s role became that of working with various district school staffs in the most effective use of counselor services by teachers, parents, and especially those students designated as having handicapping conditions. She retired in 1983. Bernice was a dedicated member of the Episcopal church, serving as Senior Warden at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church before becoming an active member of Christ Church Cathedral. Bernice was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and served two terms as president of the local chapter and was Regional Director for the Central Region of the sorority.

Memorial services will be on Saturday, October 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 13th and Locust Streets.

Surviving are her sister, Alvia Atkinson, brothers, Edward (Leona) Bell and Maurice Bell (St. Louis) as well as nieces, Dr. Patricia Whitelocke (St. Louis) and Jo Ann Bradley (Philadelphia, PA), Evelyn Joyce Bell (Los Angeles, (CA) and nephews Jeter (Louisa) Thompson, Harold (Gwen) Thompson and Howard (Hericene) Thompson all of St. Louis and godchild, Carol (Bennie) Beasley, (Euclid, OH).

Rebecca Boldin Bernice Bell

Nixon appoints Mavis Thompson as license collector

After two false starts –Alderman Terry Kennedy took himself out of consideration and state Rep. Karla May was passed over – the EYE finally got Gov. Jay Nixon’s appointment of Michael McMillan’s successor as St. Louis license collector right last week – that is, for those who could decipher the riddle at the end. On Friday, as we had hinted he would, Nixon appointed Mavis T. Thompson, who was sworn in on Monday and spent the week emptying, and filling, desks and offices.

Jo Mannies and Jason Rosenbaum of The Beacon either couldn’t decipher last week’s riddle, or didn’t read it. They described Nixon’s appointment as “a surprise decision.” Only some people were surprised.

“Thompson will complete the unexpired term of Michael McMillan and will run for election in August 2014,” a press release from the License Collector’s Office stated blandly, passing over in silence a controversy that started cycling through the rumor mill the moment the appointment was announced. A supporter of Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, who campaigned for this appointment, was hinting that Thompson is in on a deal with Boyd to serve as a placeholder until Boyd can run and (presumably, according to this rumored conspiracy) win.

Alderman Donna Baringer –who was yet another hopeful

in a crowded field of wannabe appointees – is another threat to run next August.

If Boyd’s supporter (unnamed here, at that person’s request) is correct about Thompson’s intentions, then that comes as a surprise to the new license collector herself.

“Absolutely not,” Thompson told the EYE, when asked if she only took the appointment as a placeholder. “The governor chose me expecting that I would be willing to run for reelection, which is what I plan to do.”

Why would Boyd’s supporters be spreading the rumor that she won’t seek reelection?

“I can’t speak for them,” Thompson said. “I can only speak for myself.”

To elect or not to elect?

With proposals to streamline city government, create greater city/county cooperation and consolidate redundant public services all the rage these days, Thompson inherits all those controversies regarding her new office. She spoke to those controversies – starting with the currently chic notion of candidates seeking an elected office with the promise to assist in taking the “elected” part out of the office, or do away with the office altogether, once elected.

“I have always stood for the idea that elected offices are up to the voice of the people,”

Thompson told the EYE. “If the voice of the people say they want the office shut down, so be it. But I don’t think that should be legislated without the will of the people. It’s a citywide elected position. First of all and foremost, the city needs to get a say.”

The EYE thinks voters will like the sound of that. Keep that one, Mavis.

Baringer, on the other hand, is the reform hawk. “And reform, in this instance,” Baringer said in a press release, “means eliminating the elected office of license collector.”

But Thompson is not unaware that reform is in the air. She knows that some government entities are inefficient and are likely to face an increasingly furious fight to better manage dwindling tax revenues, especially in Rex Sinquefield’s Missouri. She understands all this and is not anti-reform.

“There needs to be a serious look at consolidation,” she said. “Not shut down the office, but consolidate some duplicated services without any loss of service.”

Thompson is seasoned enough to know that mere talk is inexpensive in the realm of politics, so she backed up

Lacking the necessary working capital, many small and minority businesses in the St. Louis area are unable to bid on public and private construction projects. At Reliance Bank, we realize it’s hard to grow your business when you’re not allowed to compete. So, working with Justine PETERSEN, a leading local community development and housing organization we’ve created an innovative new program that provides much-needed working capital to businesses like Rena’s Final Cleaning Co. And, it’s allowing those businesses to do what they do best — compete.

Just one more way Reliance Bank is making money a little more available for the whole community..

her talk with some historical support. “Remember,” she said, “when I was appointed circuit clerk, I took the same stance as I am taking now.”

When she was appointed

Ah, when she was appointed circuit clerk ... That was the giveaway clue in the riddle in last week’s EYE: “The EYE is told that Gov. Jay Nixon will nominate a state government worker who has been appointed to a different elective office in the city before, which this person then lost in a reelection bid.”

As of last week, Thompson was a “state government worker,” working for the State of Missouri’s Division of Employment Security Appeals Tribunal. She also “has been appointed to a different elective office in the city before, which this person then lost in a reelection bid.”

Thompson was appointed circuit clerk by Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr., but then lost her 1998 reelection bid to Mariano Favazza. That elected office has since gone the way of the dodo bird. In 2010, Favazza lost his own reelection bid to Jane Schweitzer, who

said if she were elected she would fight to see that the position would no longer be an elected position. She kept her word (unlike Favazza, by the way, who previously won election as circuit clerk making a similar claim, but subsequently kept seeking election to the position).

2014 and 1998

Betting the horse races being an addiction for insiders in St. Louis politics, political diehards are already handicapping Thompson’s reelection bid next August, presuming she is telling the truth about her intentions and Jeffrey’s friends are not. The EYE will refrain, for now, from trying to call an election next August for which it is not even possible to file at this time. But Thompson does not sound too worried.

“I never come from a position of playing defense,” she said. “I can play defense, but I am very visionary in thinking, very strategic and methodical. I play offense, offense, offense, and always stay positive. I say ‘me,’ but I mean me and my team. It’s a team effort, with me heading up the team.”

As for her offense, offense, offense, the EYE hopes, for her sake, that in 2014 she does not play offense like it’s 1998.

History

Thompson’s journeyman status as a political hopeful has earned her a place in St. Louis history. As the License Collector’s Office press release notes, she is the first African-American female to serve the City of St. Louis in two different citywide elected offices.

She has a lot of other interesting stickers on her professional luggage. A lawyer and a nurse, Thompson obtained her undergraduate degree in nursing and law degree from the University of Missouri. She is also a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government program at Harvard University.

She also has worked as an attorney in private practice, an assistant attorney general in the Medicaid fraud unit during Nixon’s tenure as AG, and staff attorney for the cities of Berkeley and Wellston. She is the most immediate past president of the National Bar Association, the largest and oldest association of AfricanAmerican lawyers and judges.

“When I was president of the National Bar, I would see the governor at political events across the country,” Thompson said of Nixon, which led the EYE to grill her on what evidence she observed, on the road, of Nixon’s national political ambitions. She wanted no part of that. “I can’t speak to the governor’s future ambitions,” she said.

Mavis T. Thompson was sworn in as St. Louis license collector at City Hall on Monday by Judge Anne Marie Clarke, attended by Rev. Duane Burch, interim pastor at Mt. Herald Missionary Baptist Church.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Holmes to lead Harris-Stowe presidential search

Michael Holmes, president of Rx Outreach, will chair Harris-Stowe State University’s presidential search committee, Thelma V. Cook, chairwoman of the university’s Board of Regents, announced last week. The search will begin in early November and conclude in the spring of 2014.

“This is an exciting time for the university,” said Holmes. “It’s an opportunity to get a dynamic leader who can build upon the great tradition of Harris-Stowe.”

The search committee includes representation from

Harris-Stowe students, faculty, staff and alumni, in addition to prominent members of the St. Louis community.

Holmes has led human resources departments at Express Scripts and Edward Jones. He is a member of numerous not-for-profit boards, including BJC Health Care, United Way, St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Ascension Health Care.

Holmes, who currently leads a not-for-profit that provides affordable medication to lowincome individuals, is one of the founding members of the

Harris-Stowe African-American Business Leadership Council. The Anheuser-Busch School of Business advisory board was created to support HSSU.

“Michael Holmes has extensive experience in the area of HR,” said Cook. “He also

Michael Holmes, chair of HarrisStowe State University’s presidential search committee, and Thelma V. Cook, chairwoman of the university’s Board of Regents

has vast knowledge of both the St. Louis and Harris-Stowe communities.”

Constance G. Gully was appointed Harris-Stowe’s interim president on September 1, 2013.

Treasurer hosts parking forums

The City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office will host four town halls dedicated to the current and future state of parking in St. Louis. The Treasurer’s Office issued an RFP for parking meter management and processing on October 4 in efforts to modernize operations. The town halls will provide more information on the RFP selection process and opportunities for citizens to provide feedback. The town halls will take at the following locations:

Tishaura O. Jones

• Schlafly Branch Library, 225 N Euclid Ave., 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 23

• Central Library, 1301 Olive St., 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 29

• Carondelet Park Recreation Complex, 930 Holly Hills Ave., 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 6

• O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex, 4343 W Florissant Ave., 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 12.

Cease fire

ESL firefighter layoffs averted for now

With a federal grant running out and 19 East St. Louis firefighters scheduled for layoffs at the end of September, negotiations between union representatives and the city have resulted in a postponement of cuts that would have reduced ESL’s fire department by more than one third.

According to ESL City manager Deletra Hudson, she has asked the fire department to consider delaying the repayment of $382,259 in back pay in exchange for averting the proposed layoffs.

With those layoffs, there would be an increase in response time and a decrease in coverage for a city which already struggles with safety challenges.

On the positive side, Hudson has stated that, should the layoffs take place, as many as eight firefighters would be rehired “longterm” in January, based upon budget projections.

Firefighter and union representative Brian Gregory claims that ESL has an extra $525,000 in the budget which has yet to be earmarked for any specific purpose.

Brandon Drake, the budget director for the East St. Louis Financial Advisory Authority (the city’s oversight panel), has asked the city to keep the firefighters on the job through 2013 while negotiations continue.

Whatever the outcome, the citizens and the firefighters of ESL have been given a temporary reprieve from what would have been a disastrous outcome.

A reduction in firefighters would inevitably bring with it a substantial increase in the already obscene insurance premiums for ESL homeowners and businesses like the Casino Queen..

Let’s hope so, because ESL’s fire department responds to as many as 1,800 calls in a 14-square-mile area annually. The last thing that’s needed is a reduction in that safety net, especially with the winter season approaching and an increase in the use of portable heaters and other devices which, if unattended, have the potential to start fires.

To their credit, ESL officials and firefighters could teach those responsible for the U.S government shutdown a thing or two about sublimating their egos and negotiating in the best interest of their constituents versus legislation through temper tantrums. Hopefully, this will be a long-term solution to an ongoing problem which continues to plague an already struggling community which just can’t seem to right a slowly sinking ship.

Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com; Twitter@ JamesTIngram.

James Ingram

Shontae Fluelen-Hays

Sandi

Gateway Classic hosts Teen Summit

‘We talked about politics, school, accreditation, poverty, violence’

By Ciera Simril For The St. Louis American

The St. Louis Gateway Classic recently held its 2013 Young Professionals Board Teen Summit at Washington University. The summit brought together students from public and private schools in Illinois and Missouri to explore social issues in a sit-down setting.

“We talked about politics, school, accreditation, poverty and violence,” said Ashley

Whisenton, vice president of the Gateway Classic Young Professionals Board. “They didn’t want to leave the conversation once we started.”

She said that students were particularly concerned about what brings crime to their neighborhoods and how they can change it.

The students also attended workshops, sponsored by area organizations, designed to teach responsibility, such as Dollars and Sense (US Bank), Nutrition & Healthy Lifestyle Choices (BJC), Volunteerism (YMCA), Financial Aid (Cardinal Ritter), College 101 (St. Louis Graduates) and Landing the Perfect Internship (St. Louis Internship Program).

State Rep. Courtney Curtis (D – 73rd District) said the

students “showed passion” and “were engaged” at the workshops he observed. He was impressed that students “shared personal experiences among the sessions.”

“This is a great experience that engaged the students,” he said.

This year’s event reached 115 students and 42 parents. Jessica Denham, treasurer of the Gateway Classic Young Professionals, said she hopes that next year’s summit will reach even more students and families. Parents, chaperones and group leaders are welcome to attend sessions next year with their students.

For more information, visit http://www.stlgatewayclassic. org/ or call 314-621-1994.

The St. Louis Gateway Classic recently hosted its Young Professionals Board Teen Summit at Washington University .

Photo by Wiley Price

Mother Geneva Gentry passes at 101

Special to The American Mother Geneva Gentry was born on May 12, 1912 in Waynesboro, Mississippi. She was the only child born to the late Daisy (Robinson) Dent. Mother Gentry dedicated her life to the Lord at an early age. She moved to St. Louis with her mother at the age of nine. She was one of the first students to attend Vashon High School at its original location on Laclede Avenue. Mother Gentry married the late Joshua Gentry in 1942. To this union two children were born, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph Gentry and Dr. Marabeth Gentry. After 48 years of marriage, the Lord called Brother Gentry home on March 27, 1990.

At the age of 14, after an invitation from Reverend Pa Allen, she joined Christ’s Southern Mission Baptist Church under the Pastorate of the late Reverend Herman Gore Sr. Mother Gentry had great love and respect for the late Reverend Herman Gore Jr. and her current pastor, the Reverend Lamarr Goldman.

At Christ’s Southern Mission, she served as president of the Willing Workers Ministry for over 60 years, member of the Mother’s Board, sponsor of the Mother Gore’s Mission Ministry, mother of the Adult Choir and served on the board of the Mother Gore Scholarship Committee. Under Reverend Gore’s leadership, she became a missionary and later traveled with him doing the work of an evangelist. A part of this work, she was a member of the Golden Voice Team, which was an evangelistic singing ministry. Mother Gentry will long be remembered for her strong contralto voice.

In 1939, Mother Gentry became active in the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Inc. (NCGCC), which was founded by the late Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey. It was at the Dorsey Convention where Mother Gentry was introduced by the late Madam Fannie Foster to the handsome and illustrious Joshua Gentry, the love of her life. Following the death of Brother Gentry, she started a scholarship fund at the NCGCC in his name.

Mother Gentry served as the National Consecration coordinator for the convention. She was the oldest living member and beloved Mother of the convention. Mother Gentry along with her spiritual son, the late Bishop Kenneth H. Moales Sr., attended their last convention together in Orlando, Florida in August of 2010.

In 1943, Mother Gentry and her husband organized When Singers Meet, Inc., a gospel music extravaganza. This annual event, held on the first Sunday in March, spotlights local and national gospel artists. When Singers Meet has featured such gospel talents as Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, Roberta Martin, The O’Neal Twins, Minister Hosea’ E. Gales, Sara Jordan Powell, Robert Anderson, David Peaston and Dr. Bobby Jones.

Mother Gentry was a charter member and chaplain of the Yeatman District Community Corporation and helped to organize the Yeatman ParentChild Center. She served as co-chairman of the Women’s Division of the Billy Graham Crusade in 1973. She also gave service to the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Mission which began in 1967. Mother Gentry was a member and volunteer worker for the Home Mission and Evangelistic Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. She was a lifetime member of the Board of Volunteers of the Metropolitan Psychiatric Center. She also worked for many years with the late Reverend Joseph D. Linton and the Progressive Baptist Church in their Food for the Hungry Outreach Program.

Mother Gentry received numerous awards for her work, including Gospel Historian Music Award, Dr.

Martin Luther King Pioneer Award, Gospel Pioneer Award presented by the Announcers Guild of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, a Lifetime Certificate of Membership to the Gospel Music Workshop of America, 50 Year Service Award from the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Washington University Continuing Education Award, the Clarence Hayden Music Guild Award and the Heritage Award from the McDonalds Gospel Fest.

Mother Geneva Gentry lived a long and glorious life. This legacy of love continues

Mother Geneva Gentry

through her son, Lt. Col. (Ret.)

Joseph Gentry of Colorado Springs, Colorado and her daughter, Dr. Marabeth Gentry of St. Louis; granddaughters, Stephanie Gentry of Lafayette, Louisiana and Janeen (Duane) Gentry-Bowen of San Antonio, Texas; four greatgrandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of cousins, spiritual children, her Christ’s Southern Mission family, her NCGCC family and many friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 19 at the Christ Southern Mission Baptist Church, 5630 Page, in St. Louis.

Headquarters

Financial

Branch

Join Us

We have opportunities available at our headquarters and at branch locations across the country. For more information, visit www.careers.edwardjones.com

IN EDUCATION

Exercise

Nutrition Challenge:

You get home from school and you’re hungry. You grab the closest snack you can find. But do you really know what’s in the food you’re about to eat? Take a look at the Ingredients Listing found on all food labels. Two key things to remember are:

What comes first? — Ingredients are listed by the amount of that item the food contains. In other words, if the first ingredient is sugar (or corn syrup, fructose, etc.) you know that food contains a lot of “empty” calories. This means that the food probably won’t provide many nutrients, just a lot of calories.

Exercise Challenge:

This time of year there are many different charity walks and fundraisers. Find out how you and your family can get involved. Perhaps you can take “pledges” to raise money for an organization like the American Heart Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Most of our childhood we are taught to share. But there are some things that should never be shared! These include eating utensils such as forks, spoons, straws and even napkins. But some other

CornINGREDIENTS:WholeGrainCorn,Sugar, Meal,CornSyrup,Canolaand/orRiceColorBranOil,CocoaProcessedwithAlkali, ArtificialAdded,Salt,Fructose,Naturaland Flavor,TrisodiumPhosphate,BHTAddedtoPreserveFreshness. VitaminsandMinerals:Tricalcium IronPhosphate,CalciumCarbonate,Zincand

Healthy Kids Kids

Keep it short! — You want the list to be short: not many ingredients. Generally the shorter the ingredient list the more natural the food, and healthier for you. Avoid foods that contain a lot of chemicals and preservatives in the ingredients list.

Discussion: Why aren’t there ingredients lists on fresh fruits and vegetables?

Learning Standards:

HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 2, NH 3, NH 5

Many of these are 5K which stands for 5 kilometers; this is just a little over 3 miles. You should always start slowly and build up your strength, speed and endurance. You could begin by walking a mile every day, then try walking three

items to keep to yourself are your brush, comb, toothbrush, headbands and make-up. Germs,

blocks and running one. Keep this up until you can switch that to running three and walking one block. Eventually you’ll be able to run the full mile. But of course, if running’s not your thing, you can always walk the 5K instead. Just make sure you walk briskly (quickly) to increase your heart rate while raising money for charity.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 6, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

(such

LaToya Daughrity, Assistant Nurse Manager

Where do you work? I work at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Hillcrest High School (outside of Chicago). I then attended Southern Illinois University (Bachelor of Science in Sociology) and Rush University (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). My job requires a high school and college degree.

What does an assistant nurse manager do at St. Louis Children’s Hospital? I take care of very small babies, less than one pound. I listen to their small lungs to make sure they are breathing, and I listen to their soft heartbeats. Why did you choose this career? I chose to be a nurse because I wanted a job where I could help people who are sick get better. When I was a little girl I would ask my mother to take me to the hospital to visit my sick grandmother. I would watch everything the doctors and nurses did to help her feel better.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? The best part of my job is watching very small babies get well enough and big enough to go home with their dads and moms.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

lice)

Presented By

CLASSOOM SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE CORNER

How A Computer Mouse Works!

Click, click, click! This may be a familiar sound as you sit at the computer using your mouse to navigate, but did you ever wonder how a mouse works? A computer mouse consists of several parts that work together to translate motions from your hands into data the computer understands.

Ball: Sometimes, a mouse will have a ball that rolls when moved over a surface.

Rollers: Usually a mouse has two rollers, one to detect motion on the x axis, and one to detect motion on the Y axis.

Shafts: Each roller connects to a shaft.

Disks: the shafts connect to a disk with holes in it. These disks will spin when the rollers roll.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Processor: This will read the pulses, changing them into digital signals for the computer.

Infared LED sensors: These sensors are found on either side of each disk, and the LED light beam is broken by the holes to create a pulse that the sensor detects. This pulse is able to control the speed and distance the mouse is able to move.

For more information, visit: http://www.ehow.com/video_4950925_a-computer-mousework.html

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

Can An Optical Mouse Work on a Black Surface?

In this experiment, you will determine if an optical mouse can perform on a black surface.

Materials Needed:

Optical Mouse • Computer • Black

Surface (such as a black desk or black mousepad) • Traditional Mousepad (one that is not black)

• Notebook • Pencil

Procedure:

q Use the traditional mousepad first. Using a word processing program, find the mouse’s icon on your screen.

MATH CONNECTION

w Move the optical mouse around to see how the mouse moves. Is it easy to navigate and move in the direction you want it to?

e Next, use the optical mouse on a black surface. Try to repeat the same movements you did in step one.

Observations: Does the mouse move more easily, the same, or with more difficulty on the black surface? Write your observations in your notebook.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete a task. I can make predictions and record my observations.

Compute these problems!

How quickly can you “compute” these math problems? Have a partner time you to see how long it takes.

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

“Stewardesses” is the longest word which can be typed with only the left hand. “Typewriter” is the longest word that can be made using letters on only one row of a keyboard.

SCIENCE STARS

AND EDUCATOR:

Bryant York

Bryant York was born on May 15, 1945, in Boston, Massachusetts. York grew up in the Orchard Park Housing Projects with his five siblings and attended Boston Latin School. He attended a summer mathematics program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and was inspired to pursue a career in computer science. York graduated from high school in 1963 and received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Brandeis University four years later.

While working towards his master’s degree, York worked as an actuarial analyst at John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1976, he received his master’s degree in computer science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. From there, York worked at the IBM research lab in San Jose, California, while working on his doctorate degree in computer science, which he received in 1981 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. York worked as a software engineer with the Digital Equipment Corporation and then became an associate professor at Boston University in 1986 and also served as a program director at the National Science Foundation (NSF). York also worked as a professor and research director at Northeastern University and became a professor and research director at Portland State University in 2001. York’s research focuses on computer vision, software engineering, and computer assistance for people with disabilities.

In 2006, York was named one of the 100 Most Important Blacks in Technology by the Black Engineer of the Year Awards. He was a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery and received the first University of Massachusetts at Amherst Alumni 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award.

Questions:

q What kind of jobs did Dr. York have throughout his career and how do you think those experiences impacted his research?

w If you were a computer scientist, what topics would you study?

e What is your favorite video game or computer game? What components go into designing a video game or computer game?

r Part of York’s focus in doing research has been to develop computer programs that can assist people with disabilities. If you could create an invention that would assist people with disabilities, what would it be? Who would it help?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the field of science, technology, engineering, and math.

MAP CORNER

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Activity One: Scan the newspaper for basic science-related terms (explore, analysis, discovery, theory, experiment) and write definitions for these words based on their usage in the newspaper. Compare your definitions with the definitions in the dictionary.

Activity Two: Compute the time difference between your city and various cities featured in the main news section of the newspaper.

Learning Standards: I can locate information in nonfiction text. I can use context clues for definitions. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve problems.

AFRICAN AMERICAN COMPUTER SCIENTIST

Photo: Wiley Price / St. Louis

Craig

Mark

GOOD DEEDS BY GOOD PEOPLE

When you become a member of United Way’s African American Leadership – Charmaine Chapman Society, you are doing good. Lots of good. In fact, more than $2 million worth of good deeds. Meet hundreds of driven local leaders who share the same vision of making a diference in our community. Join the premier African-American philanthropic society in the country and see how much fun it is to be good. Contact Jerilyn at jerilyn.sinskey@stl.unitedway.org.

Robert Crumpton Ken Danridge Jimauria Evans West Ewing

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Crystal (Ross) and Patrick Smith

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Michael

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Karen

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Roger

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Steven

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Anita R. White, Ph.D.

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Johnetta Carver

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Ida H. Early & Dr. Gerald Early

Honorable Jimmie M. Edwards

and Mrs. Stacy M. Edwards

Mr & Mrs James Farmer

Cris Gavin O’Neal

Regina L. Greer

Stephanie Grise

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Carla Louise & Samuel Jay Hudson

Ms. Shirley Jones

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Paula D. Knight

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Lynn

Barbara

Vernon and Adrian Bracy

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L. Brown

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Leroy J. Shumpert, Jr.

Carmen Smith

Susan M. Arceneaux

Ms. Darlene Y. Sowell

Ms. Veronica Dario Stacker

Dr. Monica A. Stewart

Susan A. Stith

Mr. Halbert Sullivan, MSW

Mr. Chris Tabourne

Katrina Tatum and James Tatum

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Dr. Dorris J. Walker-McGahee, D.D., Th.D.

Vanessa Wayne

Ms. Pamela A.

Westbrooks-Hodge

Jennifer A. Willingham

Wanda Wyatt

Builder $1,000 - $1,499

Ms. Adriann Adams-Gulley

Kittrell Adewunmi

Dr. Nathaniel Anderson Ed.D.

Ms. Tamiko Armstead

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Mrs. Patrice Ashford

Nishelle Bailey

Cleo Ball

Brittany Banks

Rhoda Banks

Mrs. Ebony E. Beattle

Kimberly R Beck

Kelvin B. Belle

Mr. Stephen Bergeon

Karlos Bledsoe

Mr. Sam Blue

Ms. Courtney D. Bond

Erica Bosley

Cenia K. D. Bosman

Errin Braddock

Angela D Bradley

Carolyn Renee Brewer

Ms. Alfreda Brown

Amanda C. Brown

Darryl Brown

Ms. Vergia A. Burrell

Rachel A. Burse

Faith Community Bible Church

Janet R. and Kevin S. Cahill

Creola Henderson

Ms. Taylor M. Calvin

Monica Campbell

Alishea Carter

Ms. Tia F. Cashaw

Ms. Tiffany R. Chandler

Ms. Ingrid Clark-Jackson

Frank and Darnetta Clinkscale

Henry L. Colbert

Nicole Colbert

Mrs. Patricia Coleman

Darryl and Kenita Collier

Margaret M. Collins

Brenda Joyce Conway

Wilbon Cooper

Roland Corvington

Byron and Kim Crawford

Ms. Krystal Cray

Gale Crenshaw

Anita Shanks Cross, Esq.

Mr. and Mrs. John E.

Cunningham

Ms. Trishana D. Dailey

Ms. Christina L. Dancy

Ms. Nakia Daniels

Donna Roberts Dansberry

Ms. Venita Davidson

Ms. Chandrea L. Davis

Daronda Davis

Lisa Monet Davis

Mrs. Sacoyya N. Davis

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Kahalah Dixon

Mrs. Erika Dominick

Ms. Shirley Doss

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Douglas

Helen Douthit

Ms. Irasa L. Downing

Ms. Latonya Draggs

Ms. Renita D. Duncan

Saundra L. Eckstadt

Andre L. Edison

Mr. Timon W. Edwards

Mr. Udonna Eke-Okoro

Arica Evans

Dione M. Farria

Mr. and Mrs. Lathon Ferguson

Vince Fitzpatrick

Mrs. Andrea M. Flynn

Mr. Tyrone Ford

Mr. William K. Freeman

Mr. and Mrs. Savoy Gardner II

Tara Gause

Dawna R. Gilbreath

Gayle D. Gill

Keith Gooch

LaMont Gordon

Ms. Trisha Gordon

Ms. Lisa G Gould

Mr. Michael D. Granderson

Ms. LaToya Greenwood

Mr. Gerald Grier

Bert Griffin

Michelle N. Griffin

Ms. Sheena R. Hamilton

Ms. Sandii Handrick

Kenya Haney, MSN, RN

BJC Healthcare

John D. Hardiman

Lena Harness

Freddie L. Harris

John Harris

Ms. Victoria A. Harris

Denise Harrison

Ms. Falishia G. Harrold

Walter L. Hawkins

James Heidelberg

Karan P. Henderson

Mr. Odell Hendricks

Erica Hill

Sean C. Hill

Mrs. Traci L. Hodges

Ms. Darlene Holland

Ms. Yvonne Holland

Ms. Leslie Holloway

Desarie Holmes, Ph.D.

Linda Hopkins

Mr. Jeffrey Houston

Ms. Burena Howard

Mr. Phillip Huiswoud

Ms. Osereme L. Imeokparia

Ms. Kristina R. Ingram

Paulette Isaac-Savage and

Rev. Gerald L. Savage

Ms. Carla Jackson

Ms. Demetria R. Jackson MBA

Mr. Dennis Jackson

State Representative

Eddie L. Jackson

Francella Jackson

Keith S. Jackson

Ms. Sylvia Jean Jackson MCRP

Ms. Terneicesa N. Jackson

Ms. Tina Jackson

Ralonda M. Jasper

Keisa M. Johnson

Sheila Johnson Raegan Johnson

Mrs. Carla Jointer

Debbie Jones

Denyse Jones

Ms. Lora L. Jones

Mrs. Mareka M. Jones

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Mrs. Latriece N. Kimbrough

Ms. Sharon A. Kitchens

Mr. Marvin Lampkin

Sabrina Wilson LeBeouf, PhD

Brian K. Leonard Sr.

Jerilyn C. Leonard

Dana Lewis

Ms. Peggy Lewis LeCompte

Ruth and Floyd Lewis

Ms. Wendy E. Lewis

Mark G. Loggins

Toni Love

Mr. Michael Love

Ms. Patricia Lovings

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Mr. William Luster

Keisha Mabry

Brenda Mahr

Mr. James A. Maniaci Jr.

Arlett McCain

Ms. Camille McCaskill

Rita McIntosh

Cheryl McNeil

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Mr. Matthew Mickens

Breanna Moore

Annette C. Morris

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Reverend Earl E. Nance, Jr.

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Hafiz Nasiruddin

Andre Nelson

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Wilbert Peebles

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Celeste Player

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Countess Price

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Raymond Saunders

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Craig Sherrill

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Denise P. Sleet, Ph.D.

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Ms. Kiaundra Smith

Mark L. Smith

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Safiyah Spann

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David J. St. James

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Jeffery B. Taylor

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Mr. Joe E. Wiley

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Ernest P. Williams III,

Marian M.

Michael R. Williams,

Lori O. Willis

Early Wilson

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Cynthia Young

Mr. Ron A. Young

Already in 2013, more than 450 African-American Leadership – Charmaine Chapman Society members have generously given $1,000 or more to help our community through United Way of Greater St. Louis. As of 10.10.13, nearly 60% of the $2.6 million goal has been realized. Thank you for all that you

2013 AAL-CCS MEMBERS

BUSINESS

OCTOBER 17 – 23, 2013

Teens compete in national challenge

Aliyah Wilson wins Elevator Pitch with ‘Cool Aid Crutch Wear’

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St.Louis American

Local teen entrepreneurs Tiara Gibson and Aliyah Wilson competed recently in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in New York City.

Tiara and Aliyah were among 34 competitors from across the country vying for $25,000 in cash and prizes that included startup capital, consulting and business coaching services, and scholarship money. Maxine Clark, founder and former CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Bob Fox,

“Of the six finalists, I would have invested my own money in at least three of them.”

– Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop

founder of NewSpace Inc., hosted a formal send-off reception and dinner for the girls prior to their departure at the St. Louis Club in Clayton.

In June, Tiara and Aliyah were part of the first-ever Start It Up St. Louis BizCamp: Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, held at the Saint Louis Science Center’s Taylor Community Science Resource Center. The NFTE-run BizCamp, sponsored by MasterCard Worldwide, offered a free fullday, two-week intensive program designed to teach entrepreneurship and business concepts to low-income high school students. NFTE, with headquarters in New York City, has 19 U.S. program sites and 12 internationally serving 500,000 students world-

See WILSON, B2

Beyond black and white

2013 Corporate Diversity Awardee Centene takes holistic approach to inclusion

By Rebecca S.Rivas

American

Of The St.Louis

Centene strives hard to move beyond the traditional thinking of “black/white,” “male/female” when it comes to diversity, said Karen A. Bedell, chief diversity officer at the Centene Corporation.

Centene will receive the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2013 Corporate Diversity Award at the Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon, to be held Thursday, November 14 at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton. The networking reception begins at 11 a.m. and the luncheon program starts at noon.

“At Centene, we strive to provide a work environment where each person is valued for his or her perspectives, skills and tal-

ents and is encouraged to develop to his or her full potential as a contributor to the company and the communities we serve,” said Michael Neidorff, chairman, president and CEO of Centene Corporation. The Centene Corporate Diversity Council was formed in 2011 with the mission to “enhance the workplace through diversity and inclusion initiatives and in so doing, achieve competitive advantage,” Bedell said. The council does this by advising senior leaders on ways to achieve the company’s diversity goals, reporting accom-

Michael Neidorff, chairman, president and CEO of Centene Corporation

plishments every year and recommending diversity education tools.

Centene established “Affirmative Action Plans” for each of its business units to set positive goals for hiring, promotion and retention over 10 years.

“While each of our locations is compliant with all federal and local requirements,” Bedell said, “we seek to go beyond what is required and do what is right, both for individuals and for our business.”

Centene partners with the Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP) to organize an externship

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Leah Merrifield

The Centene Corporate Diversity Council was formed to “enhance the workplace through diversity and inclusion initiatives and achieve competitive advantage.”

program that connects St. Louis high school students with local corporate businesses. This externship program has been developed to expose, empower and encourage students of color to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and other

See CENTENE, B3

Leah Merrifield is the new assistant vice chancellor for community engagement at Washington University. She will lead a new precollege programand complete a college education at a selective fouryear university. She previously has served WUSTLas director of community relations, special assistant to the chancellor for diversity initiatives and executive director for academic-civic engagement.

Kenneth R. Garrett III has been appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon as a circuit judge for Division 2 of the 16th Judicial Circuit, which covers Jackson County. Judge Garrett has been on the bench for three years as an associate circuit court judge for Jackson County after serving six years as an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and working as an assistant attorney general representing various state agencies.

Rhonda Broussard has been named one of seven 2014 USAEisenhower Fellows by Colin L. Powell. Broussard is founder and president of St. Louis Language Immersion Schools. As an Eisenhower Fellow, she will travel on an intensive fiveweek individualized professional program to Finland and New Zealand to conduct a study of education infrastructure, pedagogy and community practices.

Lloyd Bruce has recently joined St. Louis-based ApexITConsulting Group as director of business development. Leveraging over 22 years of experience in the information technology industry, including 17 years at IBM, Bruce will focus on sales management, marketing, and developing innovative solutions to midmarket business clients.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Sweet Potato Project partners with SLU Nutrition and Dietetics

Saint Louis University has partnered with the Sweet Potato Project to provide entrepreneurial tutoring through its Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Sylvester Brown Jr., director of the Sweet Potato Project, credits Steve Jenkins, assistant professor and director of SLU’s Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, for reaching out to discuss the educational and food production possibilities available through his program.

“This presents a wonderful opportunity for our young people to learn the business side of preparing, packaging and distributing their products,” Brown said.

For more information, visit sweetpotatoprojectstl.org or call 314-341-4071.

Arch Grants honors Maxine Clark with inaugural EntrepreneurAward

Arch Grants, the global startup competition that provides $50,000 non-dilutive grants to early stage ventures, honored Maxine Clark, founder of BuildA-Bear Workshop, with the inaugural Arch Grants Entrepreneur Award. Clark served as “Chief Executive Bear” of Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. from its inception in 1997 to June 2013. She is a member of the company’s Board of Directors and is chair of the BuildA-Bear Workshop Foundation. She is also a member of the board of Footlocker, Inc.

“I consider St. Louis to be my adopted hometown,” Clark said, “and I appreciate the work that Arch Grants is doing to promote economic development and entrepreneurism in our region.”

Aldi will open new store on North Kingshighway

On November 1, Aldi will open a new store at 702 N. Kingshighway Blvd. This store will replace the location at 1315 Aubert and Page, which will officially close on October 29. Aldi will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m. Friday, November 1 to which the public is invited to attend. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Aldi has more than 1,200 U.S. stores located in 32 states.

Aliyah Wilson makes her pitch at the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge held at the Saint Louis Science Center’s Taylor Community Science Resource Center.She eventually won the Elevator Pitch Challenge and $2,500 for her Cool Aid Crutch Wear business proposal.

Photo by Wiley Price

Kenneth R. Garrett III

Rhonda Broussard

Lloyd Bruce

Reevaluate yourbenefits needs during open enrollment

By Jason Alderman

If you’re among the 170 million Americans who receive health insurance through an employer-provided plan, you’ll probably receive your 2014 open enrollment materials shortly. Although it’s a pain to wade through all that information, simply opting for your current coverage could be a costly mistake. Here’s why:

Health insurance has undergone major changes since the 2010 Affordable Care Act was passed, including the elimination of annual and lifetime coverage limits and preexisting conditions exclusions, expanded free preventive care and allowing children up to age 26 to remain on parents’plans.

In response, many employers have altered their benefit plans. Plus, if your family or income situations have changed since last year, your

WILSON

Continued from B1

wide. In St. Louis, 40 students representing 16 high schools in seven school districts, including Normandy, FergusonFlorissant and St. Louis Public Schools, participated in the pilot program. MasterCard supports NFTE programs around the world and was instrumental in NFTE’s expansion into the St. Louis market, according to Amanda Gioia, senior business leader of Worldwide Communications at

current plans may no longer be the best match. And, if your employer offers flexible spending accounts and you’re not participating, you’re leaving a valuable tax break on the table. Here’s what to look for when reviewing your benefit options:

Carefully compare all costs and features of the different plans offered and note how your existing coverage may be changing next year. Common changes include:

ï Dropped or replaced medical plans.

ï Increased monthly premiums, deductibles and copayment amounts.

ï Revised drug formularies.

ï Favored doctors or hospitals withdrawing from a plan’s preferred provider network.

PERSONAL FINANCE

ï Changes to the number of allowed visits for specialty care (acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, etc.)

If offered, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can significantly offset the financial impact of medical and dependent care by letting you pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses on a pre-tax basis; that is, before federal, state and Social Security taxes are deducted from your paycheck. This reduces your taxable income and therefore, your taxes. You can use a healthcare FSAto pay for IRS-allowed medical expenses not covered by your medical, dental or vision plans. Check IRS

Publication 502 for allowable expenses. Dependent care FSAs let you use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses related to care for your child, spouse, parent or other dependent incapable of selfcare.

Here’s how FSAs work: Say you earn $42,000 a year. If you contribute $1,000 to a health care FSAand $3,000 for dependent care, your taxable income would be reduced to $38,000. Your resulting net income, after taxes, would be roughly $1,600 more than if you had paid for those expenses on an after-tax basis.

Remember these FSA restrictions:

ï Employee contributions

are limited to $2,500 a year for health care FSAs and $5,000 for dependent care.

ï Health care and dependent care contributions are not interchangeable.

ï Estimate planned expenses carefully because you must forfeit unused account balances. Some employers offer a grace period of up to 2 ? months after the end of the plan year to incur expenses, but that’s not mandatory, so check your company’s policy.

ï Outside of open enrollment, you can only make midyear FSAchanges after a major life or family status change (marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, birth or adoption, etc.) If one occurs mid-year, re-jigger your FSAs accordingly for maximum savings.

ï You must re-enroll in FSAs each year – amounts don’t carry over from year to year.

Compare your employer’s plans alongside those offered by your spouse’s employer, particularly when deciding where to insure your children. Also remember that if you marry, divorce, or gain or lose dependents, it could impact the type – and cost – of your coverage options.

It’s worth spending a few minutes to review your benefit coverage options for next year, especially when you consider the potential financial consequences.

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

“The school districts that we’re speaking to have shown a real interest in entrepreneurship and small business education.”

– Victor Salama,NFTE

MasterCard. Additional support came from NFTE organizational partners College Bound, Urban League and the Science Center’s Youth Exploring Science (YES) program. St. Louis BizCamp students were involved with one of the three programs; Tiara and Aliyah are both YES participants. At the culminating event of the camp, Tiara and Aliyah were among six finalists who presented their original business plans to a panel of judges.

“Of the six finalists,” said Clark, who was the keynote speaker, “I would have invested my own money in at least

three of them.”

As first-place winners, Tiara and Aliyah each won a $400 cash prize and were assigned coaches to help the girls polish up their business plans before the national competition.

“After we won in June, I thought that we were on our

“This was the perfect opportunity for me to take my new philosophy of not being the CEO of anything anymore, but to inspire the CEO in others.”

– Maxine Clark, founder and former CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop

own,” Tiara said.

“I think that was one of the best ideas that NFTE could’ve ever come up with,” Aliyah said, “because we needed help.”

During the send-off, Tiara, founder and CEO of Quik Squeeze Bottles, was first to

present her business plan to a small, but intimidating, audience of superintendents, NFTE partners and seniorlevel executives. Tiara described Quik Squeeze as a revolutionary 24 oz. water bottle featuring a filter and all natural flavor cubes in an eight-and-a-half minute presentation.

Aliyah, founder and CEO of Cool-Aid Crutch Wear, came prepared with a visual aid, a prototype of a customized pair of fuchsia pink and zebra-print crutches. Aliyah said she was inspired by an injury she sustained last year that resulted in four major foot surgeries that left her dependent on crutches for months.

Their presentations were followed by brief Q&Asessions with members of the audience, who later submitted feedback forms on things like gestures, eye contact and speed.

Bert Vescolani, president and CEO of the Science Center, asked Tiara and Aliyah a series of questions after their presentations that concluded with their thoughts on heading to New York.

“I’ve been to New York before so I’m not too nervous,” Aliyah said. “I just want to win.” The audience chuckled.

And, she did just that.

NFTE said via Twitter, “Congrats to Aliyah W! She and her business ‘Cool Aid Crutch Wear’have won the

Elevator Pitch Challenge and $2,500!”

Clark said she was inspired by what she called the “BuildA-Bear generation” to get involved with NFTE and is leading the charge of those actively working to expand the St. Louis BizCamp into 2014 and beyond.

“This was the perfect opportunity for me to take my new philosophy of not being the CEO of anything anymore, but to inspire the CEO in others,” Clark said. NFTE aims to foster and support entrepreneurial culture in the St. Louis region. NFTE’s goal is to serve more than 1,000 youth over the next three years by introducing classroom-based, inschool programs taught by NFTE-certified teachers and raise a total of $750,000 in operating costs. To date, NFTE has raised $108,000 toward its one-year goal of $170,000.

“It’s extremely important to be in communities that have a need,” said Victor Salama, vice president of business & international partnerships.

“The school districts that we’re speaking to have shown a real interest in entrepreneurship and small business education.”

For more information about NFTE, visit http://www.nfte.com/. Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

MSD commits to community benefits

Board agrees to MBE participation and support in $4.7B in projects

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

The Metropolitan Sewer District Board of Trustees approved a historic agreement on Oct. 10 to ensure job opportunities for local residents in the district’s $4.7 billion reconstruction efforts over the next 20 years.

The “community benefits agreement” outlines job training programs, minority participation goals, small business loan assistance, internships for public school students and hiring guidelines to help get unemployed skilled laborers back to work.

St. Louis is among several cities nationwide that have recently entered into legal settlements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, requiring them to make multi-billion-dollar improvements to their water waste systems. However, St. Louis is the only city with a community benefits agreement that ensures unemployed, lowincome minorities and women will be employed as part of that spending, said Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St.

CENTENE

Continued from A1

careers.

“DAPand Centene have partnered to develop this invaluable opportunity for high school students in St. Louis as a pipeline to potentially change their futures forever,” Bedell said.

Centene sponsors programs with many diverse institutions in the community, including the Consortium for Graduate

Louis City NAACP. “It incorporates living-wage law requirements, first-source hiring and a strong MBE/WBE business support program that addresses the most significant impediment for minority- and women-owned businesses’ growth – bonding and access to capital,” Pruitt said.

The agreement’s guiding points came out of MSD’s ongoing stakeholders meetings, which the district has held for about two years.

The idea for the agreement came shortly after MSD’s settlement. In June 2007, the State of Missouri and EPA filed a lawsuit against MSD –in part, because untreated sewage was flowing into the Mississippi River. In August 2011, the EPAannounced a settlement agreement that calls for MSD to spend $4.7 billion over the next 23 years to eradicate over 350 sewer overflows.

Twenty years of reconstruction can make a significant impact in St. Louis’workforce, said MSD Executive Director Brian Hoelscher.

“We can get jobs started that result in careers,” Hoelscher said. “Our hope is

Study in Management, InSight St. Louis, the Urban League, National Black MBACareer Fair, the Missouri Black Expo Career Fair, St. Louis American’s Newspapers In Education STEM Program and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

It also participates in the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative’s fellowship program, where three of the company’s mid-level managers participate.

“These fellows bring back ideas and insight that they

“It addresses the most significant impediment for minorityand women-owned businesses’growth –bonding and access to capital.”

– Adolphus Pruitt,NAACP

that other entities will see this as a model. This would have more success if this is a St. Louis-area initiative, rather than just MSD.”

The sewer improvements will present more job opportunities, but they will also take a toll on local resident’s sewer bills.

In June 2012, St. Louis County and city residents voted 85 percent in favor of the $945 million bond issue, which will allow MSD to fix

share with their fellow managers and implement these ideas in their own and other Centene departments,” Bedell said. In moving beyond traditional “diversity” thinking, Centene actively supports local disability organizations and is recognized as a “role model company” by the Starkloff Disability Institute.For the past several years the company has worked with Starkloff and other groups to enhance hiring opportunities for those with disabilities. It has also spon-

“This would have more success if this is a St.Louisarea initiative, rather than just MSD.”

– MSD Executive Director Brian Hoelscher

the system’s environmental hazards and raise sewer bills gradually. With the bond issue’s approval, residents will see their wastewater bills increase monthly from $28 to $43 by July 1, 2015. Proponents of the community benefits agreement said the higher rates will adversely affect lower-income families. Creating employment opportunities among low-income families would be one way to indirectly take the pressure off the

sored internship opportunities at the corporate office for people with disabilities.

“Several of these internships have resulted in fulltime job offers with Centene and other companies,” Bedell said. Bedell said Centene strives for a working environment where what is typically thought of as diversity (race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability and sexual orientation)is respected and valued –and more. The goal, she said, is to create a corporate culture “where the unique perspec-

cost increase.

As part of the agreement’s First Source Hiring program, MSD must require general contractors, suppliers and other project vendors to commit by contract to hire people from the “target community” (local, unemployed, low-income, minorities and women).

With the downturn in the economy, apprenticeship programs have become almost obsolete in the construction industry – making it nearly impossible for young African Americans and minorities to obtain employment in these fields. As part of the agreement, MSD will provide $150,000 annually for job training for sewer-related occupations, which also could include pre-apprenticeship programs and other support services.

Access to capital is one of the biggest barriers for minority businesses in landing contracts with MSD. As part of the agreement, MSD will coordinate with governmental, private and community organizations to develop a low-interest working capital loan program to assist minority and women

tives, contributions and life experiences of employees come together to make the sum of the parts greater than the whole.”

The 14th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, networking reception at 11 am, luncheon program at noon. Call 314-533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

business enterprises.

The proposed agreement would also obligate MSD to establish an internship program at MSD facilities for public school students. The internship would be similar to a STEM program (science, technology, engineering and math) and give hiring preference to participants. An MSD-funded scholarship program would also be a part of this program. Now with the approval of MSD’s trustees, the next step for the agreement is to meet with the “signatories” within 60 days. Signatories include people from community, labor and church-based groups who will be the driving force in implementing the agreement. Hoelscher said about 23 people were involved in the agreement’s creation and will be some of the first signatories. However, anyone can participate in these discussions and become a signatory, he said.

“We want this to be an open process,” he said. “This is not going to be a closed shop. It’s not a members-only club. We are still going to hear residents’concerns.”

“That is just tasteless and tactless.I was extremely heated at that.”

– Houston Texans running back

Arian Foster,after the home crowd cheered quarterback Matt Schaub’s injury in last week’s game against the Rams

PREP FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

With Earl Austin Jr.

Undefeated, two to go

With two weeks left in the regular season, there are still eight teams in the St. Louis metro area with undefeated records. On the Missouri side, there are Hazelwood Central (70), Brentwood (7-0), ChristianO’Fallon (7-0), Kirkwood (6-0) and John Burroughs (6-0). On the Illinois side, you have Edwardsville, Highland and Columbia, who are all 7-0.

Parkway Central (6-1) will visit Kirkwood (6-0) in a battle of two of the area’s top teams.

Big games on tap

Parkway Central (6-1) will visit Kirkwood (6-0) in a battle of two of the area’s top teams. Both teams are also in a battle for the Suburban South Conference title along with Webster

Kevin Cunningham has his next championship contender from STLin Stephan Shaw

words aren’t directed at the fighters whose names he helped make synonymous with 21st century St. Louis boxing, nor are they intended for Sakio Bika, the former Contender turned champion under Cunningham’s tutelage. Today, Cunningham is training his newest prize pupil, Stephan Shaw. Why should you care about Shaw? It’s simple. The towering 6-foot-5, 250-pound fighting phenom is out to prove that the road to the next great American heavyweight goes down I-70 to the STL. Shaw recently capped off a

stellar amateur boxing career in spectacular style after winning the 2013 PALNational Championship in Oxnard, Calif. by first-round KO. It was the second national title of the year for the Hazelwood Central graduate. He also won the USANational Championship by KO in April.

Watching Shaw in action, it’s easy to see why the 21year-old has been so successful in his amateur career. He possesses a rare blend of size, strength and agility inside the ring. It’s evident that boxing

Groves. Kirkwood graduated 27 seniors from last year’s Class 5 state championship team, but the Pioneers have reloaded quite well to race to its undefeated season. Quarterback Will Hadler is enjoying an excellent year and the Pioneers feature a stable of talented receivers and running backs. Parkway Central finished 11-2 a season ago with both of those loses coming to Kirkwood. The Pioneers defeated Parkway Central in the state semifinals en route to winning the state title.

See PREP, B7

Saturday showdown in ESL

Aloss might mean no playoffs for the Flyers

The East St. Louis Flyers and the Belleville West Maroons both have a lot on the line for Saturday’sSouthwestern Conference showdown at Clyde C. Jordan Stadium.It is a 1 p.m. kick-off for the Homecoming queen and her court. Both theFlyers and Maroons fans have had this date circled for some time now. Belleville West

put them in danger of not making the playoffs. I say that because the Flyers have played a schedule where 5-4 MIGHTget them in. Plus, they have to beat Collinsville in their final game.

Avictory by East Side will keepcoach Darren Sunkett’s “one game at a time” approach intact and make his team one of the most dangerous units when the Class 6A statepairings come out next week. Also on the line are bragging rights between the two cities, and the bell. It is a tradition that goes back over 50 years, and there is plenty of talking from Belleville West fans that their program is now better than East Side’s. Really?!

A lot of the black players’ parents for Belleville West will have no problem finding their way to Jordan Stadium in ESL.

The Maroons do have plenty of players familiar with the City of Champions athletic tradition in East St. Louis. In fact, a lot of the black players’parents for Belleville West will have no problem finding their way to Jordan Stadium. Some might be within walking distance.

The Maroons come into this Southwestern Conference showdown with only one loss –to league champion Edwardsville Tigers, 4514, on the Maroons’Homecoming night.

See EAST SIDE, B7

Maurice Scott

The Northwest Academy Hornets’Jose Jackson (2) sprints past Vashon defenders Isiah Nelson (87),Tryountay Harrington (30) and Ian Hines (26) during their 30-24 victory over the Vashon Wolverines.

Photo by Wiley Price

With Maurice Scott

Earl Austin Jr.

The towering 6-foot-5, 250-pound St.Louis heavyweight Stephan Shaw recently capped off a stellar amateur boxing career in spectacular style after winning both the 2013 PAL and USA National Championship s.Previously trained by his grandfather Buddy Shaw, he now has Kevin Cunningham in his corner.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

James Franklin and the haters

The biggest win for Mizzou in at least 30 years took place when the Tigers went to Georgia and beat the Bulldogs. The bigger story, for now, is the health of quarterback James Franklin, who injured his shoulder and will be out a few weeks. That’s unfortunate news to those who know him and the work he puts in.

The funny thing is that most who project Matty Mauk as that can’t-miss player have never seen him take a snap.

Others revel in his misfortune, as the Matty Mauk era appears to be around the corner. Mauk is the so-called savior of the program in the eyes of some. The funny thing is that most who project him as that can’t-miss player have never seen him take a snap. I have never been able to embrace the mindset of those who get caught in the hype of high school athletes who are supposed to be the Messiah of a program – in most cases, sight unseen – because they do not like the incumbent. In Franklin’s case, he has been accused of not being able to play hurt. His laidback and collected style led some to infer that he either was not trying hard or was not smart enough to understand the system. Those claims, I might add, are pure insanity, but this is the world we live in. OK, haters. You now have your man at the helm. Let’s see how many excuses you can come up with if it does not go well. Mind you, this is not about Franklin versus Mauk. It is about common sense versus personal agendas. I hope common sense wins out.

Concussions on the ‘Frontline’

Are more injuries in the NFLthis season happening to really good players? Each week the injury report seems to include more players whose

names we recognize. You have to wonder how many players go through the season without missing a game or finding their name on the weekly injury list. The league will tell you that’s the norm or that a study is underway. I would not believe this league when it comes to the welfare of its players. Don’t believe me? Watch the recent edition of Frontline on PBS and see the story about what the NFLknew about concussions and when they knew it. The NFLshould be ashamed of how they have misled players, media and fans when it comes to concussions. They are flat-out liars when it comes to this subject. The Players Association also has let

its players down far beyond what you see on the surface. According to the Frontline story, experts have determined that any youth that plays football under the age of 14 is at a much greater risk of serious repercussions from concussions. This program is a mustwatch for every parent who thinks they have the next Heisman Trophy winner. You say it could not happen to your kid? Perhaps you should talk to parents who thought the same thing before their lives changed.

Buyer beware

I have always wondered

Continued from B5

isn’t just a hobby for Shaw, it’s in his DNA. For years he was trained by his grandfather Buddy Shaw, one of the top trainers of amateurs in Missouri.

“Boxing is the first sport I was introduced to,” Stephan Shaw said. “It’s a family tradition.”

The elder Shaw’s influence is evident in the way his grandson works behind his jab to set up his concussive overhand rights and vicious left

why parents send their kids to private school to play sports only to find politics come into play. Some parents will tell you that it is the best thing for little Johnny and his education. That’s a reasonable and acceptable explanation. What about when he does not play because he scores poorly on the SATor ACT? What happens when, instead of moving onto Notre Dame or some other so-called prestigious institution, they have to settle for a lesser school, or perhaps a junior college, when it comes to academics?

I am not an advocate for either public or private education. It’s about being there for the right reason. Education is

hooks to the body. His use of effective lateral movement is uncommon amongst the big, plodding heavyweights often seen today.

“What impresses me most is that Stephan is a big, strong heavyweight but has the athleticism and skill level of a welterweight,” Cunningham told The American.“

Under Cunningham’s watchful eye and intense training regimen, Shaw feels he’s ready to take his career to the next level and continue his ascension as a professional. He recently signed a managerial contract with Al Haymon. Haymon’s influence is

the most important thing that comes with the opportunity to play a sport. When parents choose a school for its sports program and think the rest will take care of itself, that is where the problem lies. Reality may someday set in that the kid is not that good on the field, but may be better in a classroom.

Post-season slowdown

I am a fan of baseball’s post-season when the Cardinals are in it. Other than that, it can be hard to watch as the pitching just dwarfs the offense on most nights. It can prove to be a rather slow

immense, as the behind-thescenes businessman also manages the careers of stars such as Alexander, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Danny Garcia, Adrien Broner and Marcos Maidana.

When asked about his favorite fighter, the answer comes without hesitation –Mayweather, one of the hardest-working fighters today.

Shaw hopes to emulate Mayweather’s success both inside and outside the ring and is willing to make the necessary sacrifices to make it happen. So he trains relentlessly six days per week in order to get stronger, faster and sharper. He is preparing for his professional debut Nov. 30 on the undercard of Alexander’s upcoming fight versus Shawn Porter in San Antonio.

Shaw’s ultimate goal is to earn championship status like Mayweather and his other managerial stablemates.

“My goal is to be world champion, in God’s will, and that takes staying focused and staying disciplined” said Shaw.

“My father [Brian Shaw] showed me that hard work and dedication will bring you success.”

While the young fighter is undoubtedly attracted to the money, fame and acclaim that come with championship success, those things are far from his motivation during those early morning runs, grueling heavy bag sessions or bruising blows inside the ring. That lays solely in the tiny hands of the smallest person inside his inner circle – his eight-month-old

event. There are some who say this is what the game is all about. OK, I get it but how about a little more offense? Would I would love to see a few more games that feature a few more runs and hits? Yes, but not at the cost of tricking out the game. There are enough tricks in sports as it is.

Trophy,please?

Seldom do you see a sports weekend like we saw in St. Louis last weekend, and yet not one game won any sort of championship. It was a great weekend that we may not see again. If we do, how about a trophy or two?

son.

“Before my son, [boxing] was a self-pleasure thing. Now that he’s in my life, I have to give it 110 percent because his future is in my hands. He motivates me every single day,” Shaw said.

According to Cunningham, over the next 18 months, it’s very likely the Ukrainian-born Klitschko brothers, who have dominated the heavyweight division for the past decade, will both head towards retirement. That means there will an open opportunity in what was once boxing’s glamour division but has languished worldwide without a viable, exciting heavyweight contender. Both Cunningham and Shaw believe the young fighter can eventually fill that void.

“With his skillset and my teaching, I see this kid going all the way,” Cunningham said. Shaw appears to have the right mindset to make his trainer’s vision come true. While other young adults his age are hitting the clubs, he has managed to sidestep the temptations of smoking and drinking. Instead, he studies boxing history, watches every fight he can and meticulously hones his craft.

“Outside the ring, I’m a student. Inside the ring, I’m the teacher,” said Shaw, showing just a hint of Mayweatheresque swagger. “I’m ready to revamp the American heavyweight division. I believe I have the skills to beat anybody – in due time.”

Mike Claiborne

An injury to Mizzou quarterback James Franklin is cause for celebration to those who think the Matty Mauk era appears to be around the corner.

EAST SIDE

Continued from B5

Belleville West would no doubt enjoy ruining the Flyers’ festivities on Saturday in the “House Of Pain.”

The Maroons are coming off an impressive bounce-back game after the Edwardsville loss, having thumped the Collinsville Kahoks last Friday, 41-20. Antione Davis and reserve quarterback Brian Hill combined for six touchdowns in the win. Hill replaced injured Belleville West starting stand-out quarterback Sherand Boyd, who suffered a knee injury in the Edwardsville game.

Meanwhile, the East St. Louis Flyers (4-3 overall, 3-2 in SWC play) have won three in a row and have chance to get a signature win against one of the state’s top Class 7A teams. They are led by a stingy defense and freshman wide out Jeff Thomas, Kyron Watson, Dominic Nelson and Greg Taylor on offense. This team has the talent to run the table all the way to Champaign, IL Thanksgiving weekend for the IHSAstate championship.

Darren Sunkett’s Flyers should shut up the people and fans who jumped off the team’s bandwagon after consecutive losses to 5-Apower Lombard Montini, Edwardsville and O’Fallon a month ago. I have witnessed some of the fans who were not supporting the team during the losing streak. You know who you are and the stripes and colors you wear.

PREP

Continued from B5

St. Charles County will be the site of another big showdown when Francis Howell Central (5-2) visits Francis Howell (6-1) for the Gateway Athletic Conference South Division title. Howell is enjoying another dominant year after last year’s first ever Show-Me Bowl appearance. The Vikings have been rolling over the competition with their only loss coming to Ohio-state powerhouse Cincinnati Elder. Howell Central has emerged as a strong team this season. The Spartans scored a big 56-31 victory over Fort Zumwalt West last Friday to set up the showdown. Senior tailback Kendall Morris has rushed for 1,376 yards and 18 touchdowns for Howell Central.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

There are also some very interesting non-conference games on the schedule this weekend.

Class 6 power CBC (6-1) will head to Mid-Missouri to face Class 4 power Jefferson City Helias (5-2) on Saturday afternoon. The Cadets are coming off a thrilling 14-11 victory over rival DeSmet to win the Metro Catholic Conference championship. Helias fields a strong unit that played for the Class 4 state championship last season. Two weeks, the Crusaders defeated a strong Class 6 team from Columbia Rock Bridge 59-21.

St. Charles West will visit Festus on Friday night in a battle of 6-1 teams in Jefferson County. Another non-conference game involving two 6-1 teams will be on Saturday when Fort Zumwalt North visits Ladue.

Prep Athletes of the Week

Eric McWoods

Kirkwood – Boys Soccer

The senior standout scored five goals to lead the Pioneers to two victories last week.

McWoods scored three goals in the Pioneers’4-0 victory over Pattonville. He followed up with two more goals as Kirkwood edged Lindbergh 2-1.

McWoods is currently among the area’s top scorers with 28 goals. He also has two assists and has been credited with seven game-winning goals. McWoods has scored 75 goals in his four-year career. During the summer, McWoods was a star player for the Lou Fusz Geerling U17 team that won the National Cup XII title in Colorado. He has committed to Xavier University.

Isaiah Holman

Lutheran North – Football

The 5’9” senior receiver enjoyed another big performance in leading the Crusaders to a 49-7 victory over Principia last Saturday. Holman had five receptions for 102 yards and four touchdowns. He scored on pass plays for 15, 22, 39 and 15 yards from quarterback Justin Baker. Holman also rushed for 125 yards on just eight carries. For the season, Holman has 44 receptions for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 339 yards on 52 carries and three touchdowns, giving him a total of 14 for the season. The Crusaders are riding a three-game winning streak.

Lutheran North will visit Trinity on Friday night at 7 p.m.

Three of last four

The Cahokia Comanches started the season off at 0-3, but they have been playing some good football in the last month. Cahokia has won three of their last four games to grab a share of first place in the South Seven Conference. Cahokia defeated Mount Vernon last weekend 45-32 in a high-scoring affair. Keenan Hogan rushed for 235 yards on 14 carries and four touch-

Renell Wren selected to Team USA

Lutheran North football standout Renell Wren was recently selected to play for the USA Under-19 National Team.Team USA will play against Team Canada in the 2014 International Bowl on Feb.7,2014 in Arlington,Texas.Wren received his Team USA jersey in a pre-game ceremony from St. Louis Rams offensive tackles Roger Saffold. Wren was joined on the field by his parents, Alex and Renee,his sister Alliyah,the St. Louis Rams cheerleaders and a representative from Team USA Football.The 6’5”Wren is one of the area’s top defensive ends.

downs. Keveion Adams rushed for 113 yards and added two scores on an 80 yard run and an 80-yard kickoff return. The Comanches will host South Seven rival Belleville Althoff on Friday night.

848 yards

Cleveland Naval Jr. ROTC has struggled through a 0-7 season, but the Commanders have a bright spot in senior Michael Wells, who has rushed

Financial Focus

By Aaron Ezell

Check out this week’s PARTYLINE

‘Happy Guitar’ forms foundation

Gregg “Happy Guitar” Haynes will perform with his students Steve Moore IV and 11-year-old singer/percussionist Kamron Lawrence at the “Ambassadors for the Kingdom” concert 7 p.m. Friday, October 18 at West Side Missionary Baptist Church, 4675 Page.

Brandon McGee, rookie cornerback for the St. Louis Rams.

Wardrobe provided by DNA, 1308 Washington, Ave. Styled by Danie Rae, The Style Broker.

Baller with style

Rams rookie Brandon McGee speaks on swag and personal brand

By Danie Rae, Style Broker For The St. Louis American

It’s been awhile since I’ve interviewed some of our local celebs who are “style broker certified.” But I’m back with a stylish, young chap who is not only humble, but he possesses that classic, boy-next-door charm that will get him far in his career.

The newest addition to the Style File roster is rookie cornerback for the St. Louis Rams, Brandon McGee. He’s not only a good addition to the Rams organization, he’s eager to be an overall household brand name. Coming from humble beginnings, Brandon knows what it takes to make it in today’s media-saturated society, and he’s conscious of his privilege to be a part of a professional football organization. He was picked in the 5th round and 149th overall in the 2013 NFL draft.

He’s not your average, cliché ball player. He has an overall laidback style and prefers to be at home compared to the club. Peep the file and get familiar with the dude.

West Side MB

‘Ambassadors for the Kingdom’ benefit concert Friday at

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St .Louis American

“I’ve done many concerts, but because of the purpose I count this as the number one concert I’ve ever done in my life,” said Gregg “Happy Guitar” Haynes.

On Friday, October 18 he is formally kicking off his Happy Guitar Music & Arts Foundation (HGMAF), by hosting an inaugural benefit concert.

The “Ambassadors for the Kingdom” concert will feature a 10-piece band. Some of the area’s finest musicians are performing alongside eight-year-old singer/guitarist Steve Moore IV and 11-year-old singer/percussionist Kamron Lawrence, two of the students Haynes has been serving since before he formed the organization three months ago.

Haynes hopes to inspire, educate and entertain through HGMAF. He plans to offer free lessons for children ages 8-12, monthly clinics and more.

“I want this to be a musical pulse of hope for our community,” Haynes said. “So many times a child’s dreams have fallen by the wayside because of the lack of available resources and opportunities.”

It’s a reality Haynes learned first-hand growing up in the Pruitt-Igoe housing projects.

“When I was eight years old, I desired to play the guitar,” Haynes said. “I didn’t realize that I was financially disadvantaged and couldn’t afford to take guitar lessons. But my mother was a religious woman and she prayed and laid hands on me and asked the Lord to anoint me to play.” He began to learn theme songs of sitcoms while watching television. He learned songs and played them by ear. He was allowed to perform during church services.

Over the next 40 years he would play all over the city, country and world.

But Haynes had a well-guarded secret, as

See HAPPY, C4

NAME: Brandon McGee AGE: 22

OCCUPATION: Cornerback, St. Louis Rams

BIRTHPLACE Miami, FL

Danie Rae: What’s your game day style? Brandon McGee: For away games, we have to wear

Visionary artist from ESL

Work by Abraham Lincoln Walker at 10th Street through Nov. 9.

By Chris King Of The St.

Louis American

A retrospective of work by multistyled East St. Louis native Abraham Lincoln Walker opened recently at 10th Street Gallery, 419 N. 10th St., and remains open through November 9.

“Abraham Lincoln Walker was an inspired, self-taught, reclusive, AfricanAmerican artist of great talent,” said curator Jacquelyn Lewis Harris, associate professor of education and director of the Connecting Human Origin & Cultural Diversity program at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

She said his work is best described

Triumph in ‘Defeat’

Child actors Skylan Brooks and Ethan Dizon shine as Mister and Pete

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

The Sundance Film Festival selection “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete” opened in theatres nationwide – including two in St. Louis – on October 11. What little buzz there has been about the indie film’s debut included initial comparisons to “Precious.” Both films tell the story of adolescents forced to make their own way in the world thanks to tragically flawed mothers who are completely detached from their households in the roughest of inner-city New York neighborhoods. But that’s where the similarities end.

While Precious all but succumbs to her circumstances, Mister’s resilience and unyielding determination to be the master of his fate manages to illuminate a glimmer of hope from the gutters of his Brooklyn housing project.

Michael Starrbury’s screenplay is formulaic and somewhat predictable as eighth grader Mister unwillingly totes and fends for a younger neighborhood boy while navigating a summer that’s anything but a vacation. “Mister and Pete” could have easily gone down the path of yet another stereotypical cautionary tale from the hood. But director George Tilman Jr. makes the most

as “visionary narrative, with an insightful combination of social commentary and artistic expression.” He produced mono-prints, paintings on butcher paper (“the most surreal of all his works,” Harris said) and an occasional drawing. His paintings, she said, are “visionary in scope and content, containing hundreds of detailed faces and forms hidden in a rich, textured, monochromatic background.”

The artist came to East St. Louis before he was five years old to live with his maternal aunt and uncle. By the time he was seven, he had become

See GALLERY, C4

Skylan Brooks and Ethan Dizon play the title characters in George Tilman Jr.’s film “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.”

See FASHION,

Untitled work by Abraham Lincoln Walker

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com OR 2.Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

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

concerts

Fri., Oct. 18, 8 p.m.,The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Puerto Rican trombonist and band leader William Cepeda. This promises a mix of jazz and folkloric music with a hot Puerto Rican band and dancers! 3648 Washington Blvd, 63108. For more information, visit www.sheldonconcerthall.org or call (314) 5339900.

Fri., Oct. 18, 8 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Abyssinian: A Gospel Celebration feat. the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Chorale Le Chateau. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121.For more information, call (314) 516-4949 or visit www.touhill.org.

Sat., Oct. 19, 8 p.m., Tommie Reno presents One Night with AlexanderO’Neal & Cherelle. With special guests Coleman Hughes Project feat. Adrianne Felton. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 869-9090 or visit www.vitalculture.com.

Sun., Oct. 20, 5 p.m., The Royal Vagabonds Foundation, Inc. presents St. Louis’Own Cheryl Brown

Proceeds benefit Royal Vagabonds Scholarship Fund. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 488-4769 or (314) 882-3419.

Oct. 23 – 26, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents ANight in Treme feat. The Donald Harrison Quintet Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Sun., Oct. 27, 3 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents The Barry White Experience. Known for his distinct bass that is the voice of romance, Barry White is a legend. The STLSymphony performs White’s popular hits including “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” and “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe.” Eric Conley will perform vocals. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700 or visit www.stlsymphony.org.

Wed., Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m., Childcare Worldwide presents The Ugandan Orphans Choir. Come experience the music and dance of Africa! First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, 17103 Wild Horse Creek Rd., 63005. For more information, visit www.firstbcc.org.s

CALENDAR

Wed., Oct. 30th, 8 p.m., SHEMEKIACOPELAND: Part of The Listening Room Series. Old Rock House, 200 S 7th St., 63104. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Sun., Nov. 3, 4:30 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall 25th Anniversary Celebration feat. Oleta Adams. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.sheldonconcerthall.org or call (314) 533-9900.

Tues. Nov. 19, 8 p.m., The Scottrade Center presents The 20/20 Experience World Tour: Justin Timberlake. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.scottradecenter.com or call (314) 6225435.

Dick Gregory “Live In Living Color.” See COMEDY for details.

local gigs

Sun., Oct. 20, 5 p.m., The Royal Vagabonds Foundation, Inc. presents St. Louis’Own Cheryl Brown Proceeds benefit Royal Vagabonds Scholarship Fund. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 488-4769 or (314) 882-3419.

special events

Sun., Oct. 20, 6 p.m., Pretty In Pink Fashion ShowGala with a Taste of Elegance featuring a unique line of African garments and & The Great Gasby Fashion Showcase, The Jewel Box in Forest Park. Pink and Black attire preferred. For tickets or more information, call (314) 537-0239.

Oct. 17 – 20, The Scott Trade Center presents Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 622-5435 or visit www.scottradecenter.com.

Sat., Oct. 19, 6 p.m., 2013 Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation Black & Gold Scholarship Ball. The mission of the Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation is to promote and uplift the education of youth and the advancement of community. Crowne Plaza Hotel Airport, 11228 Lone Eagle Dr., 63044. For

more information, call (314) 531-0051.

Sat., Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m., The Professional Organization of Women Scholarship Breakfast In honorof Frankie Muse Freeman. This year P.O.W. will award four non-traditional female undergraduate students with a $5,000 scholarship and laptop. Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 963-5287 or visit www.powincstl.org.

Sun., Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m., The East St. Louis Branch of the NAACP presents 59th Annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet: Game Changers. Renaissance Grand Downtown St. Louis, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (618) 271-4698 or email eslnaacp@eslnaacp.org.

Sat., Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m., Patty Long’s RiverBottom Saloon presents Sixth AnnualGuess the Grape. Dinner party will help support programs and services of St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired.Exceptional evening of great wines, a gourmet meal, luscious desserts, and an exciting auction. 12 Sidney St., 63104. For more information, visit www.slsbvi.org or call (314) 968-9000.

Sun., Oct. 20, 11 a.m., 2013 Harvest Festival. Celebrate the best autumn has to offer: delicious eats from St. Louis area restaurants, a farmers’ market featuring fresh local produce, arts and craft wares, family activities, and more. Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Rd., 63127. For more information, call (314) 615-5278 or visit www.laumeier.org.

Sun., Oct. 20, 4 p.m., Entertaining Around Heaven All Day. This is the 4th Jazz Heaven Series. Aseries filled with music, songs and poetic artistry to highlight the lives of some of the most legendary vocalists, musicians, artists on whose shoulders we still stand. Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Etta James, Charlie Parker, Phyllis Hyman, Lou Rawls just to name a few. Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit http://www.wendylgordonsings.com.

Sun., Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m., The East St. Louis Branch of the

NAACP presents 59th Annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet: Game Changers. Renaissance Grand Downtown St. Louis, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (618) 271-4698 or email eslnaacp@eslnaacp.org.

Fri., Oct. 25, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents ArtSounds: Divas and Designers. Featuring vocal divas Erin Bode and Coco Soul and a high-end fashion show by Neiman Marcus and Distinctions. The evening benefits the exhibitions and education programs of the Sheldon Art Galleries. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Oct. 26 – 27, WOWNational OutdoorRecreation & Conversation School presents Exploring, Discovering, Learning. Discover how much fun the great outdoors can be at an overnight camping experiencing. Activities include fishing, archery, rocking climbing, and more. Also, experience the outdoors during an overnight campout. Registration is required and the deadline is October 11. Forest Park. For more information, call 1-800-334-6946.

Oct. 26, 11 a.m., Natural HairExpo, 4227 Race Course Ave, St. Louis, MO. 63110. Light refreshments, prizes, raffles, products, facials, jewelry. For tickets call 314-566-9401

Sat., Oct. 26, 6 p.m., 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis presents Annual Gala 30 Years and Still in the Spirit with Carol Daniel as Mistress of Ceremonies. The Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 367-7778 or visit www.100blackmenstl.com.

Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m., 13 Black Katz presents Sin Masquerade City. Costume contest with $1,000 prize for best male and female. Ritz Carlton St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105. For more information, call (314) 477-4249 or visit www.13blackkatz.com.

Tue., Oct. 29, 7 p.m., An Evening with STAX SongwriterDavid Porter The program will feature an onstage interview with one of the most successful songwriters of the 1960s. Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more

information, visit http://www.nationalbluesmuseum.org/programs.

comedy

Mon., Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m., Stand Up Comedy presents Monday Night Funny, Host Chuck Jackson performers Roy Gokenbach, Tony Nugen and Jimell J., The Gaslight Theater 358 N. Boyle 63108. For more information, call 314-8524641.

Fri., Oct. 25, 9 p.m., The Inspot Dessert Barand Lounge presents Costumes and Comedy Halloween Party. Halloween Costume Party featuring comedy sets by some of the hottest comedians in St. Louis. Hosted By Comedian Will C. 5458 Delmar Blvd. 63112. For more information call (314) 5938660.

Sat., Oct. 26, 3 p.m., Dick Gregory “Live In Living Color” October 26, 2013, 3pmatBeaumont High School,3836 Natural Bridge Ave. For tickets, call 314.361.7793,314.385.9843 or info:sumneralumniassn@ yahoo.com

Nov. 2, 8 p.m., The Peabody Opera House welcomes Sinbad. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market. For more information, visit www.peabodyoperahouse.com or call (314) 499-7600.

literary

Thur., Oct. 17, 6 p.m.,St. Louis Public Library and Left Bank Books host author John Bemelmans Marciano, author of Madeline and the Old House in Paris. Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 206-6779 or visit www.slpl.org.

Fri., Oct. 18, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts authors Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin, authors of Five Days in November. On November 22, 1963, three shots were fired in Dallas, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and the world stopped for four days. Now Secret Service Agent Clint Hill commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the tragedy with this stunning book containing more than 150 photos, each accompanied by Hill’s incomparable insider account of those terrible days. Central’s Auditorium, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 206-6779 or visit

www.slpl.org.

Wed., Oct. 30, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Bennett Sims, author of AQuestionable Shape. Central’s Carnegie Room, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 206-6779 or visit www.slpl.org.

theatre

Through Oct. 20, The Fox presents Evita. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award®-winning musical returns. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1678.

Oct. 25 – 26, 7 & 9 p.m., COCA presents The Turn of the Screw. Recommended for teens and adults. 524 Trinity Avenue, 63130. For more information, call (314) 7256555 or visit www.cocastl.org

Fri., Oct. 25, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. doors), FTMBC Performing Arts Teampresents “Tell Them Today,” free admission, Friendly Temple M.B. Church, 5515 Dr. MLK Drive. For more information, call314352-4857.

Oct. 31- Nov. 3, Touhill Performing Arts Center presents ForColored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf performed by UMSL’s Theatre, Dance and Media Arts Departments. One University Blvd. 63121. For ticket information log on to www.touhill.org or call (314) 516-4949 One University Blvd. 63121.

Through Nov. 10, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Fly. Based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen, this inspiring story follows four courageous young African-American pilots as they train to fly combat aircraft during World War II. 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-4925 or visit www.repstl.org..

arts

Fri., Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m., The St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum presents Breakfast with the Curators. Guests can learn more about the works on view and talk directly with the curators. 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

Tue., Oct. 29, 6 p.m., Contemporary Art Museum

St. Louis presents From the Collection of… An art auction to benefit the Museum’s exhibitions and programs. This festive gathering will feature a silent auction of artwork donated by CAM’s Board of Directors from their own private collections, encompassing a range of price points, artists, and media.3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 535-4660 or visit http://camstl.org/calendar.

Through November1, “Curious Industry,” a new installation by poly-media artist Eto Otitigbe that combines sculpture, performance and moving image, will be on display Oct. 7-Nov. 1 at the Gallery of Contemporary Art at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave. The opening reception will be 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, with a performance at 7:30 p.m. The gallery is located in the Library building. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or by appointment.

Through Nov. 4, 10th Street Gallery’s presentation of East St. Louis native Abraham Lincoln Walker (1921-1993). This unforgettable exhibition was curated by Dr. Jacquelyn Lewis Harris, Associate Professor of Education andDirector of the Connecting Human Origin & Cultural Diversity program at the University of Missouri, St.

Louis. 419 N. 10th Street. For more information, call 314436-1806 or visit www.10thstreetgallery.com.

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

Sat., Oct. 19, 9 a.m., High CaliberFirearms Training LLC presents Concealed Carry Training. Training for concealed carry permit in Missouri and 38 other states. Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 971-9737 or visit www.highcaliber.us.

Mon., Oct. 21, 6:00 p.m., MetroLinks 20th Anniversary Celebration. Citizens for Modern Transit will lead a discussion about Metro Services in the region. Join and learn about how St. Louis is Moving Transit Forward. Forest Park Visitor Center,5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park, 63112. Register by calling(314) 862-4859 ext. 24.

Thur., Oct. 24, 5:30 p.m., Fontbonne University presents Graduate Studies Preview Night. Learn about financial aid, admissions, and

minutes. No appointments necessary. Anyone testing positive will be linked with quality HIVmedical care and there is assistance available for those who are uninsured. Washington University Infectious Disease Clinic, 4570 Childrens Place, 63110. For more information, call (314) 747-1237 or (314) 7471237.

Sat., Oct. 19, 9 a.m., Beyond Housing presents Destination: Healthy Community. Community 5K Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. Health Festival begins at 10 a.m. and includes entertainment stage with cooking demos, fitness, demos, free flu shots, health screening, and a Children’s Health Village. St. Vincent Park, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63133.

career services. 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www.fontbonne.edu/stla.

Sat., October26th, 8 a.m., Healing & Mending Ministry hosts 1st Annual Building Bridges & Making ConnectionsConference

Domestic violence affects not only the victim, but the family as well. The effect of domestic violence on children is a widespread problem. It is estimated that between 2.3 and 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year. Come enjoy workshop, food, resources, raffle and music. Comfort-Inn at Westport Plaza, 12031 Lackland Rd., 63146.

Wed., Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m., The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis presents Financial Aid Basics Workshop. Students and parents are introduced to the basics of paying for higher education and learn to identify people, organizations, and sources of information that can help them as they prepare to address the financial aid challenges associated with attending college. 8215 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 7257990 or visit www.sfstl.org.

health

Monday – Thursday, 9 – 12 a.m. & 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Free Confidential HIVTesting. Results are available in 20

Sat., Oct. 19, 12 p.m., Sistahs of Soul & Sassy Sistahs presents: Lets Slide ForACure. Proceeds to help fight cancer. Come line dance to some of your favorite slides. Food will be provided. Some proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Society and the Breakfast Club. Legacy Books & Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63018. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (314) 4032156 or vist www.slideforthecure.event brite.com

Oct. 18, 7 p.m., Happy GuitarMusic & Arts Foundation inaugural benefit concert featuringGregg “Happy Guitar” Haynes featuring his 10 piece band, the area’s finest musicians & vocalists The Special Guest will be Saxophonist, Merlon Devine of Washington D.C. West Side Missionary Baptist Church, located at 4675 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Sat., Oct. 19, (Nov. 16 & Dec. 21) 1:30 p.m., Jacob’s LadderMinistries Presents “Flying High in the Friendly Sky: Is there an Addict Hiding in you?” An interactive Workshop discussing the problem of addictions in the church, the workplace and schools. Facilitated by Alfred T. Long, Sr. St. Louis County Library – Florissant Valley Branch, 195 New Florissant Rd. Florissant, Missouri 63031.

Sun., Oct. 20, 5 p.m., The New Northside Missionary Baptist Church Annual Concert 2013. Special guest Cheryl Young. 8645 Goodfellow Blvd., 63147.

Jazz St.Louis presents Abyssinian:A Gospel Celebration feat.the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Chorale Le Chateau.See CONCERTS for more information.

Mackie, Jordin Sparks and Jeffrey L. Wright. They eloquently lend themselves to uplifting the performances by the young actors playing the two title characters.

is to bide time until he cashes in on his opportunity. But things never come easy for Mister – and this summer is no different. He faces never-ending, insurmountable odds in his quest to survive his present and thrive in the near future.

More familiar names in the “Mister and Pete” cast include Jennifer Hudson, Anthony

HAPPY

Continued from C1

musical director for gospel stage plays. He couldn’t read music.

“I faked it, but if they put music in front of me to read, I couldn’t do it,” Haynes said. “And I said, ‘I’ve got to do better. I’ve got to teach this next generation of musicians coming up.’”

What finally motivated him to enlist his wife Shirley Haynes and a handful of other renowned local musicians to kick off the foundation was one of the stars of tomorrow night’s concert. Steve Moore IV came to Haynes when he was six years old, wanting to take lessons.

“I said to myself, ‘I am not going to have a babysitting class,’” Haynes said. “But for a year and a half, this little

Hudson is barely recognizable as Mister’s mother Gloria. Torn down by ‘hood life and addiction, she shows a sincere sense of shame about the world she’s forced her son to navigate, even if he’s clearly not her priority.

Jordin Sparks also shines as Angie, a former girl from the neighborhood who can’t help

kid stalked me. And he had the cutest smile. I hated to see him coming.”

When the boy’s grandmother convinced Haynes to give the boy a chance, he showed up for lessons with “his little guitar,” Haynes said. “He reminded me so much of myself when I was a boy.”

Watching Moore retain the information he was taught and seeing his hunger for more musical knowledge at such a young age was the catalyst.

“That’s when it hit me that I could reach these kids that wanted to learn but needed some mentorship and an opportunity,” Haynes said. Moore will sing and play alongside established adult musicians in Friday’s concert.

“We are going to take people on a journey,” Haynes said. “We are going to borrow from the different genres and styles of gospel, from traditional to quartet to the

n It’s impossible not to be inspired by the tenacity, courage and strength they bring to their roles.

but look out for Mister.

At 14, Brooks carries the weight of the film like an established pro. He is downright masterful on screen. And 11-year-old Ethan Dizon is the perfect sidekick as Pete. It’s impossible not to be inspired by the tenacity, courage and strength they bring to their roles.

“The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete” is now open in theatres nationwide. The film is rated R with a running time of 119 minutes.

FASHION

Continued from C1

suits, but if it’s a home game, I try to stay in a fresh fit, and cop something new like True Religion, or Crooks and Castle jeans.

Danie Rae: Being a professional athlete, is there huge pressure to always stay fresh? Do you have to always be on trend?

Brandon McGee: I feel like you’re always being watched. So you want to take pride in your image, that’s definitely important.

Danie Rae: How important is it to be mindful of your image and being a brand?

Brandon McGee: I think I do have to make a conscious effort to always be mindful of what type of energy I’m putting out there. It’s very important that I gain the trust of the city and hope that translates nationwide.

Danie Rae: So, you know the ladies are gonna want to know what attracts you to the opposite sex.

Brandon McGee: Intelligence and knowledge and not necessarily looks are most attractive to me. Now, of course we’re physical creatures, so I will be attracted to the obvious, but intelligence gets me interested.

Danie Rae: So what would be a turn off?

Brandon McGee: There’s so many! But definitely a woman that’s caught up in the social networking life.

Danie Rae: Oh, like the Instagram celebrity chick?

Negro spirituals to the jazz feel of gospel.” Haynes will also recognize certain individuals as “Ambassadors for the Kingdom” for their work in ministry, music, education, mentoring and entrepreneurship. Honorees include Ms. Ida Woolfolk, Dr. Doris Wilson, Dr. Levi R. King Sr., and Reverend Dr. Ronald L. Bobo Sr. He’s looking forward to the concert, as well as the future work it will support. “I don’t want to just leave my legacy,” Haynes said. “I want to live my legacy.”

The “Ambassadors for the Kingdom” HGMAF kickoff concert will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, October 18 at West Side Missionary Baptist Church, 4675 Page. For more information, e-mail happyguitar@aol.com or visit www.happyguitar.com.

Brandon McGee: YES! Man! It’s just too much! My dad taught me to move in silence. You don’t have to put everything out there to be seen.

Danie Rae: How do you express your personal style?

Brandon McGee: I express myself not just through fashion, but throughout my entire lifestyle, even with the music I listen to. And I try and keep a positive approach to everything.

Danie Rae: Where do you get style inspiration from?

GALLERY

Continued from C1

an evangelistic, inspirational speaker in the Church of God in Christ, accompanying his aunt on her evangelistic tours of African-American

www.stlamerican.com www.stlamerican.com

n “I feel like you’re always being watched. So you want to take pride in your image, that’s definitely important.”

– Brandon McGee

Brandon McGee: First and foremost, I would have to say my dad. HE IS FRESH! Like old-school fresh, with “playa playa” style. He’s the first one to put on different colognes and knows the importance of always looking sharp. But some current guys that I admire would be Curren$y, A$AP Rocky, Rocky, J. Cole.

Danie Rae: What would you never be caught dead in?

Brandon McGee: I have to be selective, don’t wanna block any endorsements! But I’m definitely not into the skirt trend!

Danie Rae: How do you make your style stand out on the field?

Brandon McGee: It’s certain restrictions as to what you can do to your uniform, but I’ve gotten personalized cleats. And this month is Breast Cancer Awareness, so a lot of guys are rocking the pink.

Danie Rae: How would you

communities. During his adolescent years, he served as his uncle’s apprentice, decorating and painting houses. Walker’s childhood poverty, religious conviction and concern for the AfricanAmerican community color all of his work.

However, it was the 1963 East St. Louis riots that provided the catalyst for his first series of large paintings. “The anger, frustration and confusion of this time inspired the artist to begin painting in earnest,” Harris said. “Many of his earliest paintings depict the aftermath of the riots.”

describe your style of football? How do you play the game?

Brandon McGee: I’m very aggressive. I go from sidewall to sidewall, until the whistle blows. I stand out with my physicality. I’m a bigger cornerback, so I use my size to my advantage.

Danie Rae: Being new to the Rams, what are you going to bring to the team and the city?

Brandon McGee: Overall, competitiveness – and just to help put the team in the contender spot. Also, my overall energy and physical ability is an asset to the team.

Wardrobe provided by DNA, 1308 Washington, Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. Styled by Danie Rae, The Style Broker. Follow Brandon McGee on Twitter @B_mcgee21. Follow Danie Rae on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @danierae_ stylebroker.

After his retirement in 1990, he devoted the majority of his time to developing a surrealistic painting style “to encapsulate the many visions which came to him in the early evening hours,” Harris said. “He was self-taught and guided by spirit.” The artist passed in 1993.

Abraham Lincoln Walker’s “A Body of Work” Retrospective Exhibition will be at 10th Street Gallery, 419 N. 10th St., and remains open through November 9. Call 314-436-1806, e-mail pat@10thstreetgallery. com or visit http:// www.10thstreetgallery.com.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

By Melanie Adams

‘Avenues of Activism,’ circa 1968

Scholar of grassroots movements in St. Louis to speak at History Museum

The Missouri History Museum is proud to welcome Clarence Lang, PhD on Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m. as part of the Avenues of Activism Series. Dr. Lang is no stranger to St. Louis. He received his PhD at the University of Missouri St. Louis and served as a research fellow at the Library and Research Center while completing up his dissertation. His lecture based on his book, Grassroots at the Gateway will focus on the activities of social movement organizations of the 1960s and specifically in St. Louis.

Though the series Avenues of Activism, the History Museum facilitates programs aimed at showcasing both historic and modern-day forms of activism. These programs range from forums on domestic violence against women to poverty simulations to a documentary about civil rights leader Bayard Rustin. The goal of each program, regardless of the format, is not only educate the community but to also inspire action. The St. Louis community and specifically the AfricanAmerican community have a long history of activism of fighting against injustice.

I am currently researching the St. Louis segregation ordinance of 1916. As early as 1912 the St. Louis Realty Exchange organized a committee to work on passing a residential segregation ordinance in the city. Simply put, the purpose of the ordinance was to restrict African Americans mobility by confining them to certain parts of the city, usually the most undesirable. The African-American community came together to fight this ordinance with the NAACP taking the lead with the support of the clergy and the press. For almost a year they kept the issue in the public eye talking about the evils of the segregation through editorials, pamphlets, and public meetings.

The idea of African-American agency during this time period should not be a surprise to anyone who has studied St. Louis’s rich AfricanAmerican past. What did surprise me while scrolling through microfilm was the two-prong approach taken by the activists to prevent the passing of the ordinance.

In an effort to increase participation in the campaign, the strategy was to fight it on the ground and in the courts. While lawyers George Vaughn and Homer G. Phillips were filing injunctions to stop the ordinance, J.E Mitchell was taking the fight to the people by writing weekly editorials calling for action and displays of racial pride. This type of collaboration was possible because the community believed in and supported uplift for all instead of uplift for some. If the segregation ordinance passed it would prevent the mobility of the entire community, and this was not acceptable.

Unfortunately, in the end the ordinance passed, but was later overturned as unconstitutional based on a similar law in Louisville, Kentucky. The fight against the segregation ordinance is just one of many

Clarence Lang will speak at the Missouri History Museum 7 p.m. Thursday, October 17 as part of the Avenues of Activism Series.

examples of African-American agency exhibited by the community in their fight for equality. Dr. Lang’s lecture will build on the history of this activism and focus on issues starting during the interwar period and moving to the turbulent year of 1968. Below you will find some of the programs associated with the 1968 exhibit. For the complete calendar please check out the museum’s website at www.mohistory.org.

Grassroots at the Gateway Clarence Lang Thursday, October 17th at 7pm Lee Auditorium • FREE

Talking Circles: What Were you Doing in 1968

Tuesdays, October 22nd and 29th

6pm • Millstone Room • Free Facilitated discussion on issues associated with 1968 Incarcerations in Black and White

Tuesday, October 29th

6pm: Reception and Photo Exhibit 7pm: Panel Discussion Lee Auditorium • FREE

Dr. Christi Griffin, author of Incarcerations in Black and White, retired Missouri Court of Appeals Judge James Dowd, and former Missouri Supreme Court chief judge Michael Wolff discuss current and historical views incarcerations in the United States.

Anniversaries

Happy Anniversary to our parents, Clytee and Richard Brown Sr., who celebrated 56 years of marriage on October 5.

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont High School class of 1969 is preparing for its 45th reunion in 2014. Contact info LaDonne Felton at beaumontclassof1969@yahoo.com for more information.

Beaumont High School Class

of 1984 is holding meetings to plan its 30 year class reunion. For information contact Rochelle Williams 314 6808404 or leave a message in the class email at beaumont_1984@yahoo.com.

Lynn-Haven Block Unit 1113F celebrates its 25th year on Friday, October 11 at Charlatte Hall, 8707 Riverview, at 6 pm.

SumnerAlumni Association AnnualMaroon & White Homecoming Week Oct. 1419, 2013. Bowling Party Mon., Oct. 14, 7pm at North Oaks Bowling Alley$10 w/Bowling Shoes.Family Skate Party Tues.,7pmat Skate King $6

Birthdays

Happy 80th Birthday to Clara Clemons on October 22. She has seven children, 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, four stepchildren, Karen, Linda, Thomas Jr. and Olando. We all love you, and may God bless you with many more years. Love you! Your daughter, Iris

Happy “Sweet Sixteen” to Bobby James Sanders on October 20! Bobby attends Clayton High and loves football. He is my one and only son. Mama loves you!

Oksanna Muhammad (14) — October 10

Alan Phillips (14) — October 15

Adv/Door.Alumni Happy Hour Wed.,at Deja Vu’II Café 6pm (no cover charge). AlumniBasketball Games Thurs. atVashon6pm $5 Adv or $7/$3 Door.Alumni Dance Fri., 8pm at the Machinist Hall $15 Adv/$20 Door (Vendors $50/request application).

Sumner’s Homecoming Parade Sat. 10am (Cars, floats, SUV’s, Marching Bands, etc.; request application), Tailgate Party at noon,Sumner vs. Vashon Football Game 1:30pm at Sumner’s Tuskegee Airmen Field.Alumni contact Michelle Elgin 314.452.1275 orSheila Goodwin SHS 314.371.1048 or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo.com.

Kamorah Price celebrates her 6th birthday on October 17, Happy Birthday Sugar! From: Nannie and Papa

SumnerClass Of 1974 has started planning its 40th class reunion. Meetings are held each 3rd Saturday of the month from 2-4 p.m. atNew 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 or 314484-1552.

SumnerClass of 1979 is looking for classmates to participate in activities leading up to its 35th Class Reunion, June 20-22, 2014 in Lake of the Ozarks, MO.Please forward contact information to sumn-

LaKisha Williams — October 16

Gerald Howard — October 15

er1979@ymail.com or call Sara at 314-482-1558.Various activities are planned and we want as many classmates as possible to participate.

Vashon vs. Sumner4th Annual Alumni Hoopfest (Basketball Game), Thursday October 17, 2013 at Vashon High School. $7/door, High School Students $3 /ID, Kids 12 and under free.1st game at 6 pm: Classes 1991 and over (Co-Ed). 2nd game: Classes 1990 and under (Males). Contact Brenda Hayes (Vashon Alumni) or Eric Oliver (Sumner Alumni) for $5 tickets.

OF CHARGE

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

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

Regina and Melvin Askew will celebrate 6 years of marriage October 19. Regina also celebrates her birthday October 17.

Church kicks off ‘Faith Works’ Capital Campaign

Washington Metropolitan AME Zion raising funds for ministries

American staff

Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church, the mother church of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church west of the Mississippi, has embarked upon a five year “Faith Works” Capital Campaign from 2013 to 2018.

Washington Metropolitan “preaches and teaches the gospel of Jesus Christ and reaches to serve human needs to build on an inclusive community of faith,” according to its mission. According to organizers, the campaign was created to address the current and future needs of Washington Metropolitan’s ministries, congregation and structure.

For nearly 100 years the church has responded to the needs of its congregants and surrounding communities “through ministries that respond to God’s mandate to serve,” organizers said.

The first of many events benefiting this Capital Campaign was the Jazzin Up The Runway fashion show, luncheon and silent auction which took place Saturday September 21 at the Marriott Airport Hotel Grand Pavilion. The Bosman Twins provided entertainment and Michael McMillan served as honorary chair.

There was a special tribute given to Climer Nelson Taylor, a renowned model who received countless awards and whose career spanned four decades. Her career took her to Greater Antilles, London, England, Germany, Paris, Italy and Russia, to name a few locales. Climer traveled through the South during her early years of modeling, not without adversity. However, through her resilience and encounters she was able to help break the color barrier for AfricanAmerican models in the South.

Washington Metropolitan honored this great lady, Climer Nelson Taylor, a member and great leader throughout the church for over 60 years with a tribute. She worked tirelessly for God, family and community and we thank her for helping to pave the way for our young black models of today.

Reverend Anthony Witherspoon is the pastor of Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church, located at 613 North Garrison Ave.

Christian Benefit Concert for Breast Cancer

A Christian Benefit Concert for Breast Cancer will be held

Above: Elaine Young and Shirley Early White at the Jazzin Up The Runway fashion show to benefit Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church’s “Faith Works” Capital Campaign

Right: Teresa Rice Scurlock and Vickie M. Denson at the Jazzin Up The Runway fashion show

7 p.m. Saturday, October 26 at Live Kingdom Citizens, located at 2003 Chambers Rd. building#1 in the Christian Faith Center Church campus. An all-female lineup will feature BLACC, Pecola Jaye, Chi Mathias, Dana Marie, Toi Willis, Ashleigh Sky, Georgia Haynes, KeeKee Roc and more.

All proceeds will go towards the Susan G. Komen 3Day Fund. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 314-327-4625.

Pay What You Can at church coffee house

The Merge Coffeehouse will launch its PWYC (Pay What You Can) PERKS program on 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, October 12. All sales and donations from Saturday’s event will help provide PWYC PERK vouchers to those in the community who cannot afford full price on The Merge’s regular menu items. The PWYC menu will go into effect on Monday, October 14 at the coffeehouse, located at 4141 N. Cloverleaf Dr. in St. Peters.

The Merge is a coffeehouse, church, and concert venue. The mission of The Merge is to experience real life in Christian community and live as real Christians in the community. The Merge Coffeehouse hours are currently 7-11 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit http://www.themergestl.com.

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

We were not meant to run our own lives. As much as we want this to be true, it is not.

Society and our flesh drive us to be independent from everyone, even God. But that’s just not how God operates. He created us to be in an intimate relationship with Him. In that relationship God wants us to depend on Him for everything. Even our plans must be submitted to Jesus.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” – Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

Sometimes we think we know, but we just don’t. Think back to childhood. There were so many times where plans just made sense to our undeveloped minds. As a child, Bugs Bunny had me to believe I could dig a hole straight to the other side of the world. Really all I was doing was messing up the front yard!

So parents have to step in and be the voice of reason.

The same pattern goes through life with counselors, advisers and mentors. We rely on those with more knowledge and experience to lead us. Think back to all those times

where you thought you knew. Where your knowledge is limited, God’s is infinite. He’s the ultimate father, counselor, advisor and mentor. Even though your plan just seems right, God sees what you can’t. His blocking you may just be a blessing. Remember God knows more than you.

“A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?” – Proverbs 20:24

NKJV

Every time a situation comes up, we try to do it our way. When that doesn’t work, then we go to the Lord. Usually we don’t like what He says and we continue to do it our way. Then the inevitable happens. We fall flat on our faces. Broken and humbled, we finally submit to the Lord’s plan. In hindsight we realize He was right all along. Do you believe that Jesus knows more than you? Then live like it. God knows your life’s plan. God made your life’s plan. Seek Him first in your decisions. Understand that His mind is greater than yours. Even when He tells you to do something that seems ridiculous, just listen to Him. God knows, and He cares. HCAnarrowWAY.com InspIratIonal M

The American is accepting Inspirational Messages from the community. Send your column (no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican.com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg ile. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

H.C.

Armstrong

Monsanto Fund grant supports math education in ESL

Also, STLCC hosts job fair and business, ITcareer sessions

American staff

East St. Louis School

District 189 received a $90,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund for the purpose of supporting the district’s efforts to strategically improve math performance. Specifically, the award has been used to purchase new math curriculum books for students in grades K-3 that are aligned to the Common Core state standards and utilize evidence-based methodology.

“We appreciate the Monsanto Fund’s support in helping to provide textbooks that will align with the more rigorous standards of the Common Core,” said Dorland Norris, deputy superintendent.

“The new books follow the key shifts of the Common Core to solid conceptual understanding and a high degree of procedural skill and fluency. Teachers participated in training around the math curriculum, and we have prioritized our funding to continue professional development in this area.” Norris added that parents should start to see students doing math assignments that involve a lot more problem solving and critical thinking.

“What you should not see are a lot of worksheets,” Norris said.

To help provide more information to parents and the community on the Common Core standards and how the district has been implementing them, a special Key Communicator Network meeting on the Common Core will be held at 6 p.m., Nov. 18 in the Board Room at the Board of Education, 1005 State St., East St. Louis, Ill. At this meeting, members of the organization Advance Illinois will present information on Common Core

State Standards for Illinois. Parents and community members are encouraged to attend. Educational resources on the Common Core can also be found on the district’s homepage at www.estl189.com.

The goal of the Core Coalition (www.CommonCoreIL.org) is to help parents understand the new learning standards and what they mean for Illinois children.

Record enrollment at MSU

Official enrollment for the Missouri State University system is up for the fall 2013 semester with 23,838 students enrolled, a new system record.

The previous record was 23,092 established in fall 2010.

Atotal of 21,798 students are enrolled on the Springfield campus, up 739 students from 21,059 last fall. Springfield students represent every Missouri county, every other state and the District of Columbia, and 85 other countries. On the West Plains campus, 2,123 students are enrolled, an increase of 21 students over last fall’s total of 2,102. Some 83 students are enrolled on both campuses; these students were only counted once in the system total.

Highlights for the official fall enrollment report include: There are 2,693 first-time freshmen enrolled, up 202 (8.1 percent) during a year when Missouri saw a drop in the number of high school graduates. Their average ACTis 24.0, well above state and national averages; 85.2 percent were in the top half of their graduating class; and 60.5 percent had a high school GPAof 3.50 or higher

The total number of transfer students is 1,754, up 139 (8.6 percent), a record for fall semester transfers.

The number of underrepresented students is 2,413, up 172 (7.7 percent).

Missouri State remains the second largest university in the state. The fall 2013 official enrollment figures are based on the 20th day of classes, the State of Missouri’s official

enrollment census date. For information about admission to the Springfield campus, call (417) 836-5517 or (800) 492-7900 or visit www.missouristate.edu. The university encourages students to apply early in their senior year. On Nov. 2, the Springfield campus will host Showcase, a special recruitment event for prospective freshmen and transfers.

Two students at Miles Davis Kindergarten Center using new math books purchased through a $90,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund.

STLCC-Forest Park hosts job fair

St. Louis Community

College-Forest Park is hosting a Fall Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Cafeteria.

Students, alumni and the community are invited; admission is free. The Career Coach mobile vehicle will be parked

from noon to 2 p.m. on the staff lot near the Student Center. Visitors will be able to access computers to learn about employment prospects of careers they want to research. Professional attire is recommended. Various employers will be on campus to recruit for full-time, parttime, and internship positions. For more information, call 314-644-9225, or stop by the Career and Employment Services office located in Rooms F-330 and F-342. STLCC-Forest Park is located at 5600 Oakland Ave.

Accounting,business and IT sessions

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow by 17 percent through 2020, and jobs in computer and information technology fields are projected to grow by 22 percent during that same timeframe. Find out how to start a career in business, accounting and information systems fields by attending a special Career Connections Session 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, in Room 105 in the Business Administration building at St. Louis Community College –Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Road in Kirkwood. The session focuses on careers in accounting, business management, business administration, computer networking, IThelp desk/end user support and network engineering. Participants will learn about labor market needs and job options, talk to program coordinators about academic requirements and curriculum, and learn how to get started at STLCC and prepare for a high-demand career. Information also will be available on short-term, noncredit training to earn certificates in Lean Six-Sigma, project management and small business essentials offered through continuing education. Register now at www.stlcc.edu/visit. For more information, call 314-9847159.

St. Louis Community College is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you have accommodation needs, call 314-984-7159 within two working days of the scheduled event to request needs. Documentation of disability may be required.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

El’s redemption song. I was all prepared to title this “What in the El?” and give y’all a mishap-filled rundown of the El DeBarge makeup concert. Especially after I peeped that promotional video. But I must say that things went off mostly without a hitch. The folks came out in droves to The Ambassador Saturday night. And aside from him not knowing the city where he was performing – or what band he was originally in – everything was great! The opening act seemed to give the folks life with his blues covers… Christopher Williams was in the building and gave the folks a taste of his best Marvin Sapp. But El DeBarge and sounded great. But I have NEVER seen him put on a bad performance. EVER. That being said, when he announced “Feels good to be back in Detroit,” I didn’t know what to expect, especially considering how sensitive we are about our city. But only El could bounce right back. I thought the boos would echo, but he’s so charming that the folks got over it quickly – I think his silky hair and angelic voice secret weapons had everything to do with that. Then I quietly believe he thought he spent a short stint in the Commodores, because he made the band carry on with “Brick House” for at least 10 minutes – at least. I was like “this ain’t Switch.” But other than that and his abrupt end, it was great. Now I know (because he made a point to tell someone to pass it along) that promoter Lamont George is still hot with me about what I said about the DeBarge replacement debacle that went down. While I don’t take any of it back, I must give him props for being a man of his word as he gave the people an opportunity to enjoy the DeBarge they actually paid to see. And to do it so quickly also deserves a pat on the back as well. Hot’s mix masters. I must say that I caught life from the idea of the Hot 104.1 DJs battling it out in prime time and when it all went down Boogie D, Don Juan, Thurl and Cuddy (who tied…naturally) and DJ Krisstyle came away with their respective crowns. I know the folks were acting a fool by way of social media – especially with the upset Don Juan pulled on Nappy DJ Needles. I talked to the judges personally and they said that song selection had everything to do with the ruling – and I can’t say that I was mad once they explained. I’m still trying to figure out how there could be an STL Classics mix and nobody thought to do “Trick With a Good Rap,” Shorty’s “Wop, Wop Wow,” “Right Thurr” “Breath In, Breath Out.”…shall I go on? Oh well, the mix battle was a great listen and I hope they do it again.

Michel’le live. Because she had such a beautiful spirit and wonderful personality, I have to kick things off with what was good about “R&B Divas: LA” star Michel’le’s visit to the Coliseum last Friday as part of their Friday Night Live R&B set. She was so nice and personable that it was infectious. She was GORGEOUS and her outfit was life more abundantly. Okay, now I have to –as much as I hate it – get on with what was wrong about her visit. Yeah, so…um…pretty much everything about her performance sums it up. She didn’t sound terrible, but there was something so “community center talent show honorable mention” about it that it made me question how she ever got famous in the first place. I just found myself saying, “girl, wait… what?” more than once. And when she called herself dropping it like it was hot…I accidently laughed in her face. But the 23 or so folks who came to see her seemed to be pleased. As much as it hurt me to say it, there it is. Even after everything she put me through with her stage show, she’s so cool I would still hang out with her.

A soulful finale with Raheem DeVaughn. The self-proclaimed love king closed out the concert series that Café Soul presented at The Pageant Sunday night and I must say aside from the absence of an opening act it was a good look for the ladies. Deevine Soundz held it down for a nice little while, so the time went by rather quickly. When the curtains pulled back, Raheem was perched at his throne the way our aunties and elderly cousins used to strike a pose in The Polynesian Room’s legendary wicker wingback seat, but he made it easy to forgive him for it. He worked my nerves with his “I love you too baby, touch yourself,” response whenever somebody professed their adoration for him. But he rocked the stage with his neo-soul musings as gave the crowd their money’s worth plus twenty more dollars. He sang, he worked the crowd and even danced across the built-in tabletops and stayed til they all but set him out as he took time to sign autographs, meet the fans and sell CDs after the show was over. I’m not the biggest Raheem fan, but I can see why people go all out for him. I can’t wait to see what the ladies of Café Soul have up their sleeves next.

Coughing with Christopher Williams. I was so caught up with Raheem DeVaughn that I essentially missed Christopher Williams at the Sound Bar. And let me tell you, he looked fantastic! He must have dusted off his P90X box set and put it to use. And while he sounded great with his impromptu gospel minute with El – I was thinking he should have saved that sip of voice for the folks who came to see him, because he sounded a weathered mess for that “don’t wake me…I’m dreaming” that I did catch.

A Soho State of Mind. I could really be mean if you think about the name of club and the reputation of the celebrity guest, but I won’t. Vixen Delicia

Cordon is pegging herself a fashion designer these days, but she gave the boys an eyeful of the store bought goodies that made her hood famous when she came to host “Soho State of Mind” Saturday night. I’ll tell you what…the way the fellas reacted to her had me thinking “maybe I’ll put a deposit on some curves of my own.” But then I remembered no one would see them because of all of my fluff. But back to Soho… Chingy, Laurence Maroney, Niddy and a whole gang of the STL stars were in the building as Mocha Latte was on the mic and A. Eye ripped the tables – including b-day girl Tamar

Brendolyn was able to get some one on one time with’ R&B Divas: LA’ star Michel’le before her performance Friday night @ The Coliseum

Topher

Birthday girl Paris and Kendall got a dose of the best in new school R&B thanks to Nikko Smith’s R. Kelly Tribute Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Tricky with Close to Famous with model turned fashion designer Delicia Cordon as she hosted CTF and LouFlicks joint venture Soho State of Mind

Chingy, Mocha Latte and Niddy were some of the STL celebs on deck for Close To Famous and LouFlicks Soho State of Mind party Saturday night

Raheem DeVaughn left his heart on the stage and then spent some quality time with the lovely ladies of Café Soul Sunday night @ The Pageant

Driyah and Mya made their way to the Pageant to get an earful of the Love King Raheem DeVaughn Sunday night

R&B Divas

Nikko Smith brought the music and Cornell Boone and his Shift58 brand helped bring the crowd for the R. Kelly Tribute show Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

American staff

Cardinal Ritterprep teacher honored as leaderin education

Shante’Lyons is 2013-14 Peabody Energy Leader in Education

In the words of a student, Lyons is “more than an educator. He is a guidance counselor, confidant and role model to each of his students.”

Shante’Lyons of Cardinal Ritter College Prep in St. Louis was named a Peabody Energy Leader in Education for the 2013-14 school year, and awarded $1,000 for his dedication and commitment to students. As Cardinal Ritter’s history, AfricanAmerican studies and leadership teacher, Lyons believes that leadership within education should be studentfocused, collaborative, creative and submissive. He is dedicated to promoting an educational experience that engages students and his fellow faculty members. An alumnus of Cardinal Ritter, Lyons brings his experience in continuing the legacy of the school’s mission. In the words of a student, Lyons is “more than an educator. He is a guidance counselor, confidant and role model to each of his students.”

Shante’Lyons,a teacher at Cardinal Ritter College Prep,was joined by school staff and students when he was honored as a

Energy Leader in Education for the 2013-14 school year.

Lyons also serves as assistant football coach and is the Brotherhood moderator for the school.

The Peabody Energy Leaders in Education program rewards dedicated education professionals, from teachers and coaches to librarians and counselors, who inspire and motivate youth to succeed. Award recipients are selected

throughout the school year by a committee of top educators and business leaders. “Outstanding educators like

Shante’Lyons are the heroes who help students find their true potential to succeed,” said Greg Boyce, chairman and chief executive officer of Peabody Energy. “We are pleased to honor Mr. Lyons as a Peabody Energy Leader in Education, and we thank him for working diligently to transform the lives of his students.”

The Leaders program was developed in Missouri in 2009, and reflects Peabody’s commitment to make a positive impact in the communities where the company’s employees live and work by honoring those who inspire students.

The 2013-2014 award program is continuing to accept nominations and is open to educational professionals of public, private and independent schools in designated communities where Peabody Energy employees live and work. Honorees are selected from a diverse group of educators. They can range from veteran teachers to individuals in support staff roles such as administrators, coaches or counselors. Each 2013-2014 Leader in Education will be honored at an awards gala after this school year, where one will be named Educator of the Year and awarded $5,000. Nominations may be made at: www.PeabodyEnergyLeadersIn Education.org.

Peabody

Students ‘Crowned’with scholarships

American staff

In recognition of outstanding leadership in his community and on campus, AaronMichael Blackman was awarded the Anheuser-Busch Legends of the Crown Scholarship. He is a Florissant resident and senior at Howard University, He is one of 30 scholars –selected among hundreds of applicants from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country – to receive a $5,000 scholarship and trip to St. Louis for a two-day leadership symposium at the Anheuser-Busch headquarters. Blackman will also receive an Anheuser-Busch executive as a mentor to help provide guidance and counsel throughout the school year. The Legends of the Crown

scholarship program was inspired by the “Great Kings and Queens of Africa” art collection, a series commissioned by Anheuser-Busch in 1975 that has been viewed by millions to date. Each of the 30 paintings, created by 25 unique artists, depicts an African leader, celebrates African history and honors the legacy of African Americans. The second annual Legends of the Crown leadership symposium included a special viewing of the “Great Kings and Queens of Africa” art collection, which was on display at AnheuserBusch throughout the event. To open the symposium, keynote speaker, actor, author and activist Hill Harper gave an interactive address to the scholarship recipients and representatives from UNCF as he underscored the power that

having an impact and leaving a legacy can have in a person’s lifetime. During the event, stu-

dents also took a private tour of the St. Louis Brewery and participated in workshops with

Aaron-Michael Blackman (middle right) is awarded a $5,000 Anheuser-Busch Legends of the Crown Scholarship at the company’s headquarters in St.Louis,joined by actor and author Hill Harper (right),Margarita Flores,VP of community affairs for AnheuserBusch (middle left) and Leslie Holloway,area development director for United Negro College Fund (left).

Anheuser-Busch leaders that covered important careerbuilding skills, including

Big band dreams

resume-writing and interview techniques.

On the final day of the symposium, the students joined several “Great Kings and Queens of Africa” artists to participate in a one-of-a-kind volunteer project to beautify Kingdom House, a local social services organization. St. Louis-based artist Cbabi Bayoc designed four distinctive panels with scenes representing leadership. While on site at Kingdom House, scholarships recipients painted the panels, with the help of several “Great Kings and Queens of Africa” artists, and enjoyed a performance from an African drum and dance troupe. The finished panels will hang on the walls of Kingdom House to leave a lasting impression on visitors and constituents for years to come.

Westminster alum turned director has vision for music program

Special to The American It’s been said that where words fail, music speaks. For Eric Taylor, band director at Westminster Christian Academy, music beckoned loudly to him in 7th grade. After a difficult elementary school experience, Taylor transferred to middle school at Westminster. He felt an immediate connection to the school’s friendly community. Socially, the fit was perfect, but Taylor also wanted to find his musical niche.

“I played viola in orchestra at my old school,” says Taylor.

“At the time that I switched schools, Westminster didn’t have an orchestra, so I decided to join band, which was something new for me.”

He says he remembers well his first day of class. “I brought my new instrument to band, but didn’t even know how to put it together!” he said.

During high school, Taylor’s love for band evolved into something more personal.

“I became especially interested in music education and teaching,” he says. “I started thinking about how I would love to lead a band, though I

never thought I’d end up back at Westminster!”

Taylor graduated from Westminster in 2008 and attended Belmont University to pursue a degree in music education. The uncertainty of post-graduation plans loomed ahead for Taylor after completing his degree.

“I didn’t have any marching band experience,” says Taylor. “So after I graduated, it was

difficult to find a job. But it’s funny how God opens and closes doors to make things work in ways we could never imagine. It just so happened that a job opened up at Westminster.”

August 2013 marked the start of a new school year and a new position as band director at Westminster. While only two months into the job, Taylor has big dreams and vision for the school’s band program.

“My primary goal is to encourage students to stay in band year after year,” he says. “I want to create a passion and drive in them for music.”

“My primary goal is to encourage students to stay in band year after year.I want to create a passion and drive in them for music.”

– Eric Taylor

Ultimately, Taylor hopes his students will come to see music not merely as an expression of ability but as a form of worship, too.

“It’s a tool that we can use to worship, and I emphasize that especially in class. Like I tell my students, ‘Do this for God’s glory.’” For Taylor, focusing on this higher purpose fuels his passion to make his vision a reality and propel into an exciting future for Westminster’s band students

Eric Taylor

Catholic parishes collaborate in school federation

The 11 Catholic parishes in the Northeast Deanery participate

American staff

The start of the 2013-14 school year marked the beginning of the fourth year of collaboration among the 11 Catholic parishes in the Northeast Deanery as the Federation of Catholic Schools. Established in 2010, the Federation aims to strengthen Catholic elementary schools with leadership, activities and programs that foster academic excellence and evangelization, while embracing diversity and Catholic identity.

North County has a long history of supporting Catholic schools, dating back to the early 1800s when St. Rose Philippine Duchesne taught and lived right here in our community at what is now known as the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine.

This longstanding commitment to Catholic education does not go unnoticed. St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson, when speaking about his priorities for Catholic schools as part of the Alive in Christ Mission Advancement Initiative, frequently shares the Federation as one example of an effective model for collaboration among Catholic parishes and schools.

Pastors and principals from each parish and school continue to lead the Federation by convening for quarterly meetings to review and approve collaborative programs.

In Professional Learning Teams (PLTs), all teachers participate in these learning com-

munities, segmented by grade level and/or subject area, sharing teaching tools and best practices to enhance student learning in their classrooms.

Joint marketing efforts help to spread the good news about Catholic schools in new and creative ways, inviting all parents to consider a Catholic education for their children.

Summer Academy was offered at the end of July to students entering grades 3-8 who needed additional help to prepare for the next grade level.

CatholicFIT, a values-based fitness and nutrition education pilot program, will be implemented for 6th grade students and families in January.

Local Catholic elementary schools are welcoming over 200 new students, many who have this opportunity to attend a Catholic school for the first time thanks to the financial assistance available through the Alive in Christ Scholarship program. These newcomers, along with their classmates, will experience the benefits of

a Catholic education including faith, academic excellence, service, discipline and morals, all rooted in developingthrough prayer - a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Federation of Catholic Schools is a formal agreement between the pastors of the eleven parishes in the

Families from eight Federation schools came together recently for Math Night at St.Rose Philippine Duchesne School,featuring over 20 interactive activity stations with hands-on math activities.

Northeast Deanery of the Archdiocese of St. Louis to work more closely together in support of the mission of Catholic education in the North County community. To learn more about the programs and goals of the Federation, please visit www.FederationofCatholicSch ools.org.

PRIVATESCHOOLS

SLU’s student-run clinic gets new office

Dr. Eva Frazer, Steven Roberts donate space on N. Kingshighway

ByRobert Joiner Of The Beacon

Each Tuesday evening, some of the most medically underserved residents in St. Louis gather at a clinic in the Victor Roberts Building on the north side for generous access to medical advice. The discussions focus less on pills and prescriptions and more on wellness and prevention, with primary emphasis on measures the patients can take to improve their health.

“One of the areas I feel very strongly about is preventive medicine.”

– Dr.Eva Frazer

These unusual doctor-patient sessions are led by Saint Louis University medical students under the guidance of university physicians.

The clinic itself, known as the Health ResourceCenter, marked its 20th anniversary with a move this fall from a church basement to more spacious facilities on the second floor of the Roberts Building, 1408 North Kingshighway. The new facility was dedicated on Monday.

Donating the free space were Dr. Eva Frazer, a former SLU trustee, and her husband, Steven Roberts, a businessman and former alderman.

“This is an excellent location for a health center,” Frazer says. “We’re on three bus lines, and we have great access to parking.” Plus, she says, the facility offers space not only to practice medicine but to promote patient education, such as the Tuesday night sessions

between med students and patients.

“One of the areas I feel very strongly about is preventive medicine, teaching people the skills they need to maintain their own good health and prevent health problems, like diabetes, like high blood pressure, through good nutrition and education.”

She says such issues are particularly crucial to the health of a patient population that tends to be uninsured and wouldn’t otherwise have access to health care. She adds

that the clinic also reflects the university’s Jesuit identity and service mission.

The students are particularly excited about the potential of the healthy living sessions, says Matthew DeCuffa, a second year med student on the clinic’s leadership team. He says the sessions reach out to community groups, such as churches, to encourage residents themselves to do more on their own to improve health. The activity is similar to some of those that The Beacon has organized recently

Dr.Eva Frazer talks with Dr.Mary Tillman during the opening of the new Saint Louis University Health Resource Center Monday afternoon in the Victor Roberts Building at 1408 N. Kingshighway. The free student-run clinic was previously in the basement of St.Augustine's Church at 1371 Hamilton.

“It’s not just providing information but setting goals for the patients as well and seeing how they improve, how they progress each week.”

An example, he says, is that patients are encouraged to walk a certain number of hours one week and return the next week to discuss how well them performed, set new goals or talk about what might have prevented them from achieving their current goal.

He says the students also are reviewing medical charts of previous patients to determine which health problems, such as diabetes and other illnesses, the patients might face and refer them to the Tuesday evening program.

“We’re going directly after those patients we can help the most,” he says. “It’s not stopping with this program. It’s going to be an evolving process, starting with the healthy living program. There are also plans to start a diabetic clinic, a cardio clinic. These haven’t happened yet, but there is a lot of excitement about growing the services.”

Photo by Wiley Price

through its Fit City project, which promotes healthy initiatives by reaching out to the community through churches on the north side.

“We were fortunate to have the facility donated to us,” he says. “We’re really focused on trying to take the patient’s whole health into account and not just the reason they came to the clinic. We don’t want to just treat the symptoms but teach them how to help themselves and improve their lives.”

The clinic was formerly sit-

uated in the basement of St. Augustine Church, 371 Hamilton Ave., serving more than 1,000 patients last year. About 73 percent of them were uninsured.

“It was a little cramped,” DeCuffa says. “This clinic looks like a professional doctors’clinic. We’re making an effort to provide patients with more privacy and better conditions to serve them.”

He says med students especially enjoy the chance to interact more with the patients in the healthy living sessions.

In addition, he says, obesity is “absolutely a concern. It’s something that the healthy living group addresses during their talks.”

The healthy living sessions are only a small part of the operation. The clinic has six patient exam rooms and can accommodate up to 20 patients for primary care on Saturday mornings. Appointments are not accepted. Patients can find information by calling 314389-0008 or sending an email to sluhhrc@gmail.com.

Reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

PRIVATESCHOOLS

Private student loan crisis

Borrowers need enforcement and repayment flexibility

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

Earlier this year the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) asked for public comments on private student loan debt affordability. By the April 8 deadline, over 4,300 organizations and consumers answered. The volume of these requests suggests that the more than $1 trillion of debt already incurred by student loans, is on the minds of many Americans. Clearly consumers want repayments to be manageable; but there are also concerns for fairness and when needed, enforcement. As a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting family wealth and working to

eliminate abusive financial practices, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) had strong advice to offer CFPB.

For communities of color, the specter of a second major financial dilemma does not bode well.

According to CRL, “First, no student loan modification or refinancing program should take the place of enforcement actions against predatory private student lenders. Some lenders have engaged in a variety of unfair, deceptive and abusive practices, trading on students’ hopes to better themselves through education.” In its call for strong oversight and enforcement action against private student lenders, CRLnoted that Sallie Mae recently issued private studentloan backed securities. This publicly-traded corporation originates services and collects

on student loans. Currently, it manages accounts for more than 10 million borrowers and $180 billion in related debt. CRLreminded CFPB that mortgage-backed securities, the secondary market’s purchase and bundling of sub-prime loans, was a major contributor to the housing crisis and the lingering Great Recession.

“This demand could drive increased originations of student loans and degrade underwriting standards, similar to mortgages in the early-and mid-2000s. The Bureau should stay vigilant as the private student loan market grows,” added CRL.

In CFPB’s own October 2012 report, the Bureau independently found that just like with problematic mortgages,

private student loan borrowers were complaining about servicers who placed their loan accounts in default – even though they were continuing to pay what they could. Further, if servicers of student loans are unable to process the volume of distressed borrowers, as in mortgage servicing, student loan borrowers will suffer again from the same lack of responsive by servicers, lost documents, and other dysfunctional errors.

For communities of color, the specter of a second major financial dilemma does not bode well. With a trillion-dollar loss of wealth due to foreclosures, and unemployment double that of the rest of the nation, consumers of color in many cases turn to student loans to finance much of col-

lege education costs. In many instances, students are encouraged to take out a higher-cost private loan even when they have not fully utilized their eligibility for cheaper federal student loans. In other instances, for-profit schools target lowincome and minority students and steer them towards the higher-cost private loans.

If private student loans follow the same secondary market trends as that of mortgages, i.e. sold, packaged and serviced similarly to mortgage loans, it is conceivable that two generations of the same family will suffer long-term financial stress, shortchanging the older generation’s preparation for retirement; and delaying – if not denying the younger generation’s ability to buy a first home.

Add to that looming likelihood, a recent research report funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation advised that public colleges are going to find it difficult to keep raising

tuition in response to reduced public funding of public institutions. Statistics from the Center on Budget Policy Priorities recently found that state spending on higher education from 2008-2013 declined 28 percent nationwide. Additionally, the states of California, Florida, Washington and Georgia had public tuition rates rise from 60 to 72 percent. In a March address before the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education noted that black college enrollment has grown by 15 percent from the fall of 2008 to the fall of 2011. It would be an agonizing loss if these young peoples’ pursuit of higher education only brings a lifetime of debt. Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

Women lawyers host female students

American staff

The U.S. Courts at the Eagleton Courthouse in St. Louis is partnering with the Women Lawyers’Association of Greater St. Louis for a Law Day event for local high school students. On Thursday, October 17, a diverse group of judges from state and federal courts, and other legal professionals from the St. Louis area, will interact with female high school students from Innovative Concept Academy, at the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse.

The Innovative Concept Academy is a one-of-a kind school located in St. Louis.It is the only school in America overseen byacourt system dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of delinquent teens.Frustrated with seeing juveniles leave his courtroom only to return to the streets and a home life fraught with problems, St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Jimmie Edwards opened the school in the fall of 2009.

Law Day event features careers options in the courts

The school offers a chance to break that cycle.With a full curriculum of math, science, Englishand history (plus extra-curricular programs to challenge their minds) the Academy’s students are being given their first real chance at changing course and building a productive, meaningful life.

This event is the first of its kind in St. Louis, and a new service project for the Women Lawyers’Association. It

The girls will visit a courtroom to see how it works, and talk with a judge, a court reporter, and a courtroom deputy about careers in the courts.

reflects the group’s commitment to serving the community, and to providing enriching opportunities for local youth.

While at the courthouse, the girls will visit a courtroom to see how it works, and talk with

a judge, a court reporter, and a courtroom deputy about careers in the courts. They will also visit the unique Judicial Learning Center, located on the first floor of the Eagleton Courthouse.

BakerRoby addresses student leaders

State Department and Meridian International cohost program

Linda Baker Roby, university professor at Southern Illinois University, recently addressed20 undergraduate students from Bangladesh, Burma and Nepalon how our government is organized and functions with an emphasis on how public policy evolves. She spoke from the perspective of her experience as a state agency cabinet director for several Illinois governors and her role as the chief executive of the largest state agency in Illinois.She addressed the role of the bureaucracy in shaping public policy in the state.

Baker’s presentation at the Illinois Capitolwas one of a series of sessionswith practitioners of government and politics. The participants were selected by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. This States Institute for Undergraduate Student Leaders program is one of four 2013 programs in a consortium organized by Meridian International in Washington, D.C.

The 2013-2014 Women Lawyers' Association of Greater St.Louis Board of Directors takes the oath of office on September 11. The board has two African-American members,Sheena R. Hamilton of Armstrong Teasdale and Chanekka S. Buckingham of SSM Health Care.

Lunch will be provided by the Women Lawyers’ Association. During lunch, the students will be joined for oneon-one interactions with judges, other members of court staff, and women lawyers from the Association. To wrap up the day, a U.S. District Judge

will address the group. The mission of the Women Lawyers’Association of Greater St. Louis is to promote and assist women to obtain positions of influence and leadership within their workplace, the legal profession, the judiciary, and the community; raise awareness of and fight biases against women within the community at large, the legal profession, and under the law; promote and effect diversity, equality, and justice under the law and within the legal system; support women lawyers in their personal and professional lives; provide opportunities for volunteerism and advocacy on issues affecting women; and collaborate with other individuals and organizations to improve the status of women. For more information, visit http://wlastl.org/.

Charlene Crowell

Linda Baker Roby,university

PRIVATESCHOOLS

Educational ‘larceny’– oropportunity?

Debating a loophole in the school transfer law

ByDale Singer Of The Beacon

State Sen. Maria ChappelleNadal knows firsthand about the ins and outs of transferring from one school district to another.

When she was a student growing up in University City, her family moved to the city of St. Louis, where she attended a private school for a year. Then, she took advantage of the area’s voluntary desegregation plan and transferred to school in Clayton.

Now, the Democratic lawmaker thinks that students living in unaccredited Riverview Gardens and Normandy who want to take advantage of the law that allows them to attend class in a nearby accredited district should have to wait for the same amount of time before they are allowed to transfer.

To be able to just move into an unaccredited district, then turn around right away and transfer elsewhere, amounts to “educational larceny,” says Chappelle-Nadal, who also serves on the U. City school board.

It’s hard to get precise numbers on how many families have engaged in that kind of switch, what state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed calls going in the front door and going out the back door. And it’s difficult to find a family willing to talk about doing so.

But it’s clear that while what they are doing may seem unfair to some, it’s perfectly acceptable according to the transfer law that the Missouri Supreme Court upheld in June.

Thatlawsays simply that if a school district is not accredited, according to standards set up by the state, it has to pay tuition “for each pupil

resident therein who attends an accredited school in another district of the same or an adjoining county.”

The law has no requirements for how long a student who wants to transfer must have lived in the unaccredited district. There isn’t even a requirement that the student had to attend class in the unaccredited district, only that he or she lives there.

The issue prompted one of the more contentious exchanges earlier this month at ahearing in Jefferson Cityby a joint House-Senate education committee looking into possible changes for the transfer law when lawmakers reconvene in January. At one point, Nasheed questioned Chris Nicastro,

Missouri’s commissioner of elementary and secondary education, about what Nasheed called a “loophole” in the transfer process that allowed families to move into an unaccredited district, then turn around and have their children transfer.

“That’s a massive problem I haven’t heard any of you discuss,” Nasheed, D-St. Louis, said. “What they are doing is playing the system.”

Nicastro replied that legal counsel for DESE had looked at the issue, and “no one could find any legal basis for denying any child who is a resident of a sending district the opportunity to participate in the transfer program.” To change that situation, she said, changes would have to be

State Sen.Maria Chappelle-Nadal reads to students at Garrett Elementary Schoolin the Hazelwood Public School District.She says,“I think it’s educational larceny for people to move into a community from another community just so they can attend another school.”

feel they have to move.”

made in the law itself.

Nicastro, who once served as superintendent in Riverview Gardens, went on to say what the current superintendents there and in Normandy have said as well, that a transient population has long been a problem in their districts, one that makes acceptable student achievement levels more difficult to reach.

“Whether or not people are intentionally moving into a district in order to get an education I would suggest is not a new event,” Nicastro said.

“It’s about finding options. Right now people are participating in the transfer program because they don’t see another way to go.If they were to have quality education in a community, people wouldn’t

Defending the system

Kate Casas, state director for theChildren’s Education Alliance of Missouri, agrees. She noted that Normandy Superintendent Ty McNichols told the Jefferson City hearing that his district has a mobility rate of 56 percent, “so how does he (or anyone else) know that these families were not part of this natural pattern of mobility?”

In an email, she said that even if families did move into Normandy or Riverview Gardens solely for the purpose of taking advantage of the student transfer option, “they are well within their right to do so. No one ever blames a middle-

class family who can move from St. Louis city to Clayton to access better schools. However, many would have us believe that the families who move into Normandy to access better schools are somehow either morally or legally corrupt.”

Further, she said, access to better schools has always been a reason for families to move.

Citing an argument many have made – that the transfer program will undermine already weak neighborhoods because families that care about education will send their kids elsewhere – Casas countered if families are moving into Normandy or Riverview Gardens for educational reasons, they are demonstrating the exact opposite.

“If families are moving to a neighborhood that was otherwise seen as undesirable because of poor-performing schools,” she said, “then I would say the student transfer program is doing just the opposite of destroying the fabric of Normandy communities.”

Finally, she said that “the notion that we would force a family who moves into an unaccredited district to send their child to that unaccredited school is really shortsighted public policy. It would not only truly destroy neighborhoods (because no one would ever move there), it would be the worst possible thing you could do to a child. It’s like saying ‘wait, this failed school hasn’t had a chance to fail you yet, give us some time to not educate you and then you can go someone else.’”

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

History repeating itself

Missouri choosing not to expand Medicaid was an ironic twist of events considering the state’s past history. Because in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson traveled to Independence, Missouri and signed Medicaid and Medicare into law at the Truman Presidential Library in honor of the legislative groundwork that President Truman had begun in the 1940’s. The state that witnessed that important historical milestone was the same state 50 years later who chose not to extend the freedoms of healthcare to its citizens. How swiftly times changed!

As politicians argue and debate today about the Affordable Care Act, their antics are no different than those held by their predecessors of the 1960’s. How quickly we forget how past legislators were also against enacting Medicare. There were multiple alternative recommendations to solve the crisis of elderly care and cost containment of hospital care. For example, one such program supported by labor groups was to build upon the existing Social Security programs and would focus on hospital care, post-

hospital nursing home care and home health services. However, due to the vehement opposition from the American Medical Association (AMA), outpatient care would be excluded from coverage. The AMA also supported allowing states to direct who would ultimately be covered and how doctors and hospitals would get paid. In contrast, however, was the position of the National Medical Association, the voice of the African American physicians. The NMA was a proud supporter of Medicare and believed it would make a positive impact on the lives of its constituents and the rest of the nation.

Anderson

Therefore, please allow me to make a very important connection for you regarding the alternative recommendation. During this segregated time of history, essentially under the AMA’s proposal Southern states could have continued to discriminate against its African American citizens and be justified in doing so. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 insured the equal distribution of services and would be crucial in the implementation of Medicare in future years. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

Your Health Matters

A bi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American

OCTOBER 17 - 23, 2013

Your Health 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

stated that “no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal assistance.”

Implementing ACA is no different than implementing Medicare. During that time, there were many logistical hurdles to overcome: information had to be disseminated to the public, hospitals, and healthcare providers and similar to our present contentious debate people questioned if the program would even work. But no one today would argue the humane decision of not allowing our elderly to die unnecessarily from a lack of proper medical care. Many of the same people jumping on the bandwagon to complain about ObamaCare and screaming that the government should not be involved in their healthcare are also the same individuals who don’t want any cuts to their Medicare, a government managed insurance plan. In psychiatry, we define this type of spastic confabulation as schizophrenic!

With any new innovation, the process of producing the final product is initially quite painful. Our human nature does not adapt well to change. We naturally resist, convince ourselves and others of the catastrophic outcomes that could result, and we cease being constructive in our disagreements because by this point are arguments have become personal character attacks instead of respectful

dialogue amongst intelligent gamechangers. Doesn’t this sound like the current state of affairs in our nation’s capital?

If we were to abandon every plan that met opposition, where would our country be? The Ford brand of vehicles would not be on the road today if Henry Ford had allowed the naysayers to direct his future. He had been jobless before the infamous race against Alexander Winton and if he had not won, he would not have been able to attract investors to finance the Ford Motor Company. He persisted and Ford’s F150s were the top selling vehicles for years.

Even though this current process seems tedious and absent of a definitive decision, our country has to remain patient and stay the course. The ACA is far from perfect and will need many future iterations before it will function as well as we need it to be. Yes, the website to sign up for the exchanges was down for a while and yes we still have congressmen who are desperately trying not to fund it. But these minor setbacks should only fuel us to fight more intensely against the health inequalities of our fellow citizens.

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

Denise Hooks-

M.D.

Don’t hesitate, breast health STARTS NOW

In 2009, her husband was killed.

In 2010, she lost everything in a house fire.

In 2011, when Carla Drayton of Belleville, Illinois found a nickel-sized lump in her breast, a health provider at a Belleville facility reportedly told the uninsured woman to ignore it.

“They told me that it was ‘tissue’ and sent me home with 800mg of ibuprofen,” Drayton said. “I kept telling them, ‘No, this is not tissue; it’s something wrong. It’s something there.”

She looked for other places to have the lump assessed further.

“Doors kept getting shut in my face everywhere I went or they wanted me to fill out a pamphlet which was really thick and they said it wasn’t a guarantee that I would get approved for any type of insurance in order to see what this lump is,” Drayton said. “No one would go into depth on what is this lump. It was in Belleville, it was in East St. Louis. It was everywhere.”

The lump was becoming more painful and she was becoming more prayerful.

Drayton said she woke up in the middle of the night and saw an American Cancer Society television spot about where to call if you had a lump or thought you had cancer.

“I gave them a call and told them the situation and they connected me with the Illinois health district in East St. Louis, and I wasn’t old enough to have a mammogram so they had to do a breast exam on me,” Drayton said. “They said if they find the lump I am speaking of, then it would go from there, the mammogram would be free.”

Drayton said the examiner felt the lump instantly.

That overnight public service announcement was the lifeline she needed to get health services and put to her in contact with the START NOW program, funded for the past six years by the St. Louis Affiliate of Komen for the Cure.

“START NOW means we want the women to get up and be more proactive and take better care of their breast health needs,” said breast health navigator Debra Custer.

Before its inception in 2008, there were significant groups of women who were not receiving breast health services in southern Illinois, Custer said, either because they didn’t know services were available or they didn’t have the money.

“Our program is to empower, educate and also make sure they are getting the services they need in a timely manner,” Custer added.

START NOW offers screening and diagnostic mammograms, patient navigation, and breast health education for underserved/uninsured individuals in Metro East including Madison, St. Clair and Clinton counties in Illinois.

“From that day forward from when I met Deb, she was there day 1; any step I had to go through, she was right there,”

Drayton said. “I didn’t have family members here and we are all spread out,

through it,” Drayton said.

And, at 35 years old, Drayton said she “didn’t want to walk around looking like a boy.” She eventually sought another opinion – this time in St. Louis.

n “Our program is to empower, educate and also make sure they (patients) are getting the services they need in a timely manner,”

Debra Custer, Breast Health Navigator

Carla Drayton of Belleville, Illinois speaks to residents of the Metro East about breast health awareness and the importance of self-breast exams and mammograms following her own breast cancer diagnosis, double mastectomy and reconstruction.

everyone in each state and it was really rough on me, so START NOW was just really awesome. They were more than an organization that just helps people with cancer, they are an organization to me that grew into a friendship.”

After a mammogram and biopsy, Drayton said one doctor told her she would need a mastectomy and in another six months, reconstructive surgery.

“I just didn’t want to go through it, I wanted to see if I could pray my way

As her boss recommended, she eventually contacted Dr. Lannis Hall at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Peters, Mo.

“They were just really awesome. I said, ‘Oh, that was a male’s point of view; let me get a woman’s point of view,’” Drayton said. “By the time I got through speaking with her she introduced me to [surgeon] Dr. Amy Syr.”

A diagnostic mammogram revealed cancer in both breasts. It was recommended she have a bilateral mastectomy.

Drayton said the male doctor who examined her in Illinois didn’t check the other side.

“It never dawned on him to check my other breast,” Drayton said.

“By the time anything happened, [the lump] was 95 percent of my breast, because it was very aggressive,” Drayton said, however, the cancer was still contained in the breasts with no spread to the lymph nodes.

She knew what had to be done, however, considering everything she had endured over the last couple of years, Drayton decided she would do nothing about the cancer at all and have no surgeries, letting nature take its course. Her breast health navigator didn’t try to talk her out of it. Custer just asked Drayton to sleep on it.

“I encouraged her to think about things, gave her more information about breast cancer, what stage that she had and that this was something that basically she could recover from,” Custer said. “I just let her talk to me. If I can’t fix it or if I don’t have the resources within my organization, we have other links to organizations and resources to make sure

HealtH Briefs

Pedal the Cause bikes in funds for local cancer research

More than 2,161 St. Louisans took to the streets of downtown over the weekend to “Pedal the Cause” for local cancer research. This year’s Pedal the Cause cycling challenge, founded in 2010 by Bill Koman, raised over $1.6 million, and the entire amount be used to fund research at the Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The presenting sponsor was Edward Jones; other major funding partners were ACW Alliance, Weber, Clayco and Michelob ULTRA.

Pedal participants were able to ride, spin, volunteer or donate to be part of the event. All courses started and ended at Soldiers’ Memorial, 1315 Chestnut St. in downtown St. Louis. Rides of 15, 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles featured flat and rolling terrain. The 75-mile and 100-mile Savvis Century rides included a chip-timed competitive loop at Babler State Park in west St. Louis County.

Now in its fourth year, Pedal the Cause has donated $4.2 million to fund 33 cancer research projects at the Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Fundraising continues through Oct. 31. The check presentation, where the final amount will be announced, is November 21st. More details to come.

St. Louis region tackles obesity with Jump N2 Shape

October

29

Kickoff at SLU medical campus

Recording artist Nelly joins St. Louis St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and the City Health Department in its effort to reduce obesity in St. Louis by 5 percent with its fitness effort, Jump N2 Shape.

It encourages residents throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area to unite to improve health, motivate one another and to participate with activities associated with the Jump N2 Shape challenge.

“We have high hopes that we can

make a real impact in our regional health outcomes,” Slay said. “In order to have a prosperous city that is economically healthy, we need to make sure our citizens are healthy.”

Two-thirds of area residents are carrying around unhealthy weight. A Regional Health Commission 2011 report finding that 33 percent of St. Louis residents are overweight and 31 percent are obese. In St. Louis County, 32 percent of adults are overweight and 29 percent of adults are considered obese.

“Through Jump N2 Shape, we are not only drawing attention to health issues such as poor nutrition

FDA approves Perjeta for breast cancer treatment

First drug approved for use in preoperative breast cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently granted accelerated approval to Perjeta (pertuzumab) as part of a complete treatment regimen for patients with early stage breast cancer before surgery (neoadjuvant setting). Perjeta is the first FDA-approved drug for the neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer.

Perjeta was approved in 2012 for the treatment of patients with advanced or late-stage (metastatic) HER2-positive breast cancer. HER2-positive breast cancers have increased amounts of the HER2 protein that contributes to cancer cell growth and survival.

Perjeta’s new use is intended for patients with HER2-positive, locally advanced, inflammatory or early stage breast cancer (tumor greater than 2 cm in diameter or with positive lymph nodes) who are at high risk of having their cancer return or spread (metastasize) or of dying from the disease. It is to be used in combination with trastuzumab and other chemotherapy prior to surgery and, depending upon the treatment regimen used, may be followed by chemotherapy after surgery. Following surgery, patients should continue to receive trastuzumab to complete one year of treatment.

and obesity, but we are equipping citizens to make small lifestyle changes that will lead to overall better health,” said Health Director Pamela Walker.

The Jump N2 Shape kickoff event takes place from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28 at Saint Louis University’s medical campus stadium, located at 1200 Compton Ave., St. Louis, 63104. It will include a health fair, exercise opportunities, a performance by Team Trickset and giveaways.

To participate in Jump N2 Shape, call 314-657-1480 or visit www. JumpN@Shape.com.

“We are seeing a significant shift in the treatment paradigm for early stage breast cancer,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “By making effective therapies available to high-risk patients in the earliest disease setting, we may delay or prevent cancer recurrences.’’

In May 2012, the FDA issued a draft guidance about the use of pathologic complete response (pCR), defined as the absence of invasive cancer in the breast and lymph nodes, as an endpoint to support accelerated approval of a drug for neoadjuvant treatment of high-risk, early stage breast cancer. Under the FDA’s accelerated approval program, patients are provided access to promising drugs to treat serious or life-threatening conditions while confirmatory clinical trials are conducted.

Perjeta is marketed by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, based in South San Francisco, Calif.

St. Anthony’s Breast Center in St. Louis donates mammography unit to help save women in Nigeria

Park Lane Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria, The African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) and St. Anthony’s Medical Center in south St. Louis County are allies in the ight against breast cancer.

Next month, the government hospital in Nigeria will donate space to establish a breast cancer center, in partnership with the AWCAA and the Enugu State Women & Children Committee. St. Anthony’s Medical Center will donate a mammography unit to the center.

“Our organization (AWCAA) in partnership with Enugu State Association in the USA, will be leaving for a medical mission to Enugu State on Saturday, December 14, 2013 where the mammogram machine will be formally donated to the State and the Hospital,” Ify Anne Nwabukwu, RN, BSN, executive director of the African American Women’s Cancer Awareness Association, said. “It is a one week medical mission and we will return to the USA on Monday, December 23, 2013.”

This is not the irst time Nwabukwu helped arrange a mammography unit donation from St. Anthony’s. In 2008, the Medical Center donated a mammography

unit to the Yardua Teaching Hospital in Katsina State in Nigeria. It was the irst time the teaching hospital had such a unit.

“This is just awesome,” said Nwabukwu, a native of Nigeria, and a Maryland resident whose own mother died of breast cancer. “Since the first mammography unit, the hospital has screened more than 300 women. The mammogram machine has been a blessing, because women in the northern part of Nigeria most times, due to cultural and religious beliefs, do not readily avail themselves for early screening. With this second unit, we can now establish a breast cancer center at another hospital. Putting the unit in the teaching hospital allows us to make sure the unit is operational and the center is staffed.”

St. Anthony’s Medical Center and the AWCAA came together through National Consortium of Breast Centers, where Nwabukwu sent an e-mail asking for help.

“I immediately responded, saying, ‘I just happen to have the piece of mammography equipment you need,’” said Judi Elston, manager of the Breast Center at St. Anthony’s. “We converted to digital mammography and don’t use the

traditional unit anymore – it is obsolete in our stage of advanced technology. It has no value to us, but tremendous value to them. What an impact that will make in their country, to be able to detect breast cancer in women before they develop a lump.”

Judi Elston, Manager, OutPatient Imaging and Breast Center at St. Anthony’s Medical Center and Ify Anne Nwabukwu, Executive Director of the African American Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA). St. Anthony’s has donated a second mammography unit to a second hospital in Nigeria.

For more information on St. Anthony’s, visit Health StAnthonys 17.doc.

For more information about The African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association, visit awcaa.org.

Young women with breast cancer often overestimate the benefit of having second breast removed

Young women with breast cancer often overestimate the odds that cancer will occur in their other, healthy breast, and decide to have the healthy breast surgically removed, according to a survey conducted by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute investigators. The survey also shows that many patients opt for the procedure – known as a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, or CPM –despite knowing it will be unlikely to improve their chance of survival.

The study, published in the Sept. 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, shows a certain disconnect between what many patients know on an abstract, intellectual level – that CPM has little impact on survival rates for most women – and the choices they make after receiving the anxiety-inducing diagnosis of breast cancer, the authors said.

n They estimated that 10 out of 100 women with cancer in one breast would develop cancer in the other breast within five years. The actual risk of that happening is approximately 2 to 4 percent.

“An increasing percentage of women treated for early-stage breast cancer are choosing to have CPM,” said the study’s lead author, Shoshana Rosenberg, ScD, MPH, of the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at Dana-Farber.

“The trend is particularly notable among younger women.”

Rosenberg said the survey results suggest that many patients are going into

this decision with an unrealistic sense of the benefits of CPM, and of the risks.

“Improving the communication of those risks and benefits – together with better management of anxiety surrounding diagnosis – and providing patients with the support they need to make decisions based on solid evidence – are worthwhile steps,” said Rosenberg.

To explain this apparent contradiction,

the authors wrote, “Most women acknowledge that CPM does not improve survival, but anxiety and fear of recurrence probably influence them during the decision-making process.”

The survey also indicated that women who don’t inherit an increased genetic risk of breast cancer tend to overestimate the chance that cancer will develop in both breasts. They estimated that 10 out of 100 women with cancer in one breast would develop cancer in the other breast within five years. The actual risk of that happening is approximately 2 to 4 percent.

By contrast, respondents who did have an inherited predisposition to breast cancer – as a result of a mutation in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2, for example –more accurately perceived their risk for cancer in both breasts.

food outreacH recipe

Tofu and Shiitake Stack with Bok Choy-Ginger Puree

Ingredients

For the tofu:

1 cup of low sodium vegetable broth

2 tablespoons of sesame oil

1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon of agave syrup, honey or sugar

1 teaspoon of rice vinegar

1 block of firm tofu

For the puree:

One-fourth cup of leftover prepared marinade (above)

One-half tablespoon of fresh grated ginger

3 cups of bok choy

One-fourth teaspoon of salt

8 Fresh shiitake caps, stems removed

Preparation

1. Slice block of tofu into 12 slices. Place between several

layers of paper towel and set a few cookbooks on top to press out moisture. Let set for 10 minutes.

2. Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large and shallow glass dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Flip the tofu to fully coat.

3. Place ¼ cup of the marinade into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add in the ginger and sauté for 1 minute.

4. Add in the bok choy and allow to soften for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add to a blender and allow to cool while you prepare your tofu.

5. In the same pan, add in about 3 TB of the marinade and the tofu. Increase the heat to medium. Allow to sauté for about 5 minutes. Check the bottom of the tofu—if it is nicely browned, flip it over, then allow to sauté for an

additional 5 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate to slightly cool.

6. Add 3 TB of the marinade to the pan. Place the shiitake caps into the pan, then cover. Allow to steam for 3-5 minutes, and remove them from the heat.

7. Puree bok choy and ginger until smooth, adding a little bit more of the marinade if needed.

8. To serve, stack the tofu and shiitake, then drizzle with the bok choy puree.

Nutrient Information Serves 4 (per serving)

Calories 185

Fat 12 g

Saturated fat 2 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Carbohydrate 10 mg

Fiber 3 g

Protein 13 mg

Sodium 215 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.

START NOW

continued from page 3

they receive the services that they need.”

Custer’s attentiveness and support was a godsend to Drayton, who said she appreciated that Custer didn’t insist she do anything and let the decision be hers. By the next morning, Drayton had changed her mind.

On the morning of her surgery, Drayton’s prayer warrior friend, along with her spiritual mother and father from her church, Miracle Deliverance Temple in Cahokia, Illinois, were with her.

Drayton underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction using muscle and tissues from her stomach. One would think a built-in tummy tuck would be bonus byproduct of having to undergo such a radical procedure, but it comes with its own issues, like residual pain. Removing muscles from the abdomen force the remaining muscles to compensate and do work for which they were not initially intended.

“They were able to save my tattoos, praise God, because they remind me of who I am, my original,” Drayton said, “so it didn’t make me feel so bad.”

Drayton also had a less than pleasant experience in the hospital as well, thanks to an uncaring employee who Drayton said was harsh and unwilling to assist her in moving or tending to her basic body functions. Eventually a friendly, helpful nurse working on the next shift took the place of the inconsiderate worker, Drayton said. She happened to be a minister’s wife.

When she was discharged from the hospital, women from her church took turns being at her side around-the-clock to get her through the roughest days.

Within about two months, Drayton was back on her feet, praising God for her life and talking to everyone she could about her experience with cancer.

Thanks to Komen funds, which come from community events, private and corporate support, Drayton paid nothing out of pocket for any of her treatment for breast cancer.

Drayton is now a spokesperson for the regional Illinois chapter of American Cancer Society, about the importance of breast health awareness, selfexams and getting mammograms and necessary follow-up care, if needed.

“The no show rate in our area is kind of high,” Custer said about clients they reach out to in the STARTNOW program. Some of the excuses she has heard from women includes, “I heard that a breast mammogram hurts,” “I just don’t have time,” or “I am taking care of other family members.”

“They are putting themselves on the back burner, and part of our empowerment is to make sure that they know if you don’t take care of yourself, who is going to take care of their family?” Custer asked. “ [We] help them understand how important they are in the family equation.”

For more information on the START NOW program in Southern Illinois, call 618-332-6130 or visit touchette.org/start-now.htm, or contact the Maryville Metro East Regional Office of the American Cancer Society at 618-288-2320.

Susan G. Komen St. Louis is accepting grant applications for 2014-15

Applications for 2014 grant cycle due Dec. 6, 2013

Susan G. Komen St. Louis is accepting grant applications for its upcoming community-based grant awards cycle, which runs April 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015.

Komen St. Louis’ community grants program supports non-profit organizations and governmental institutions in its 17-county Missouri/Illinois service area that provide innovative, non-duplicative, evidence-based breast health/breast cancer screening, treatment, education and support programs targeting services not otherwise available to medically underserved populations.

All grant applications must meet eligibility requirements and be completed and submitted through the Komen Grants e-Management System (GeMS). Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2013. Grant awards are for one year (April 1-March 31). Organizations receiving Komen St. Louis grant funding must re-apply each year.

Komen St. Louis’ service area includes the City of St. Louis; the Missouri counties of Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Montgomery, Perry, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Warren and Washington; and the Illinois counties of Clinton, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair.

Komen St. Louis funding is limited and awarded through a competitive process. All grant applications meeting the eligibility requirements undergo rigorous review by an independent panel of local professionals from varied backgrounds, including medicine, business,

public health, and breast cancer survivors. This panel is responsible for making the final decisions regarding grant awards.

Komen St. Louis has identified four funding priorities:

1. Increase regular breast cancer screenings and ensure access to quality breast cancer treatment and support services for African-American women in St. Louis County

2. Increase breast cancer screenings in Jefferson County, particularly targeting women age 40 and over who have never been screened

3. Increase breast cancer screenings in rural counties within the Komen St. Louis service area, particularly in Madison and Washington counties in Missouri and Clinton County in Illinois

4. Increase breast cancer screening, treatment, education and support services for underserved women in the entire Komen St. Louis service area

For more information about community grants eligibility requirements and the application process, call 314-5693900 or visit www.komenstlouis.org/grants.

SLU clinical trial to assess gene therapy in patients with poor heart function

Saint Louis University has enrolled its first patients in a new clinical trial that will further assess the efficacy of gene therapy in patients with advanced heart failure.

The new study, “CUPID 2b”, follows the initial exploratory study, “CUPID” that enrolled 40 patients nationally and tested whether MYDICAR – a genetically-targeted regulatory protein replacement therapy – could repair heart muscle that was damaged by a prior heart attack or cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease. The new trial will enroll a total of 200 patients in 52 sites worldwide.

“This trial is the next important step in advancing gene therapy as a treatment for advanced heart failure,” said Paul Hauptman, M.D., professor

of internal medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and principal investigator of the study. “With this new study we will now be able to assess whether the early impressive improvements seen in CUPID can be replicated in a much larger number of patients.”

The therapy involves infusing a gene – a type of regulatory protein called SERCA-2a – down the coronary arteries that may help heart cells utilize calcium better, which is similar to an engine getting better gas mileage. This outpatient procedure is performed in a cardiac catheterization lab and aims to increase the level of SERCA-2a, which is reduced in the individual heart muscle cells in patients with heart failure and can thereby

change the way those cells function “This study provides a truly novel therapy to help the heart improve its ability to function for patients who are suffering from symptoms related to poor heart function,” said Michael Lim, M.D., who serves as director of the division of cardiology at Saint Louis University and performs the catheterization procedure.

“A patient will undergo a heart

catheterization procedure to have the therapy delivered, which will not be any different from a catheterization procedure that they have received before.”

SLU is the only medical center in the region and one of only 33 in the nation that is participating in the study. To participate in the trial, please contact the Cardiology Research Office at Saint Louis University at 314-577-8876.

Helpful Resources

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 314-839-3171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons affected by criminal acts. Email peggy@ supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (6523673) 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.

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. to address health management issues. 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 (866-776-3627).

Health Partnerships

The Center for Community Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for

Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial communityacademic 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

Boys & Girls Clubs Dental & Vision Clinic at Herbert Hoover Club, 2901 N. Grand, St. Louis. Open year-round for members at no additional fee by appointment only. Teeth cleaning, braces, x-rays, root canals, some extractions; vision mobile unit, comprehensive exam and glasses, if required. Make an appointment by calling 314-355-8122.

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 for the Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

Prostate Cancer

The Cancer Center of 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

St. Louis ConnectCare Retail Pharmacy –Offers a $4 generic prescription program. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri., no weekends or holidays. Located at 5535 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis, Call 314-8796208.

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

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

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

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

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

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers

Thurs., Oct. 17, 12 noon - 5 p.m., Free Flu Shots, St. Louis Metropolitan Urban League – Vandeventer, 935 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, MO 63108. Ages 6 months & up by Barnes-Jewish & St. Louis Children’s hospitals.

Thurs. Oct. 17, 23, 24, 30, 31, 5:308:30 p.m., Girls Holla Back HIV/ AIDS Prevention Program for African American Females ages 12-17 at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health Dome Center, 5400 Arsenal, St. Louis, 63139. For more information, call 314-877-6487 or visit http://www.girlshollaback.org.

Sat. Oct. 19, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., People’s Sister Connection Community Action for Breast Cancer Awareness, 5701 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis. Free clinical breast exams with screening mammograms; register for family resources, holiday assistance, healthy living and life skills classes; food, makeup sessions, facials, massages, door prizes and giveaways. Contact Lanisha Thomas at 314-367-7848 x.1277 or Lillie Franks, 314-367-7848 x.1205.

Sat., Oct. 19, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Free Flu Shots, Beyond Housing - St. Vincent’s Community Center, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121. Ages 6 months & up by Barnes-Jewish & St. Louis Children’s hospitals.

Sat. Oct. 19, 11 a.m. – Noon, 8 Ways to Prevent Cancer, Consumer Health Information Speaker Series speaker is Monique Norfolk, MPH of the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PEDaD) at Washington University School of Medicine at Julia Davis Branch, St. Louis Public Library, 4415 Natural Bridge Rd., 63115. For more information, call 314-383-3021.

Sun., Oct. 20, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Free Flu Shots, Vietnamese Health FairResurrection Church, 3900 Meramec, St. Louis, MO 63116. Ages 6 months & up by Barnes-Jewish & St. Louis Children’s hospitals.

Mon., Oct. 21, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Free Flu Shots, South City Family YMCA, 3150 Sublette, St. Louis, MO 63139. Ages 6 months & up by Barnes-Jewish & St. Louis Children’s hospitals.

Tues., Oct. 22,10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Free Flu Shots, BRIDGE - Centenary United Methodist Church,1610 Olive

HealtH calendar

St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Ages 6 months & up by Barnes-Jewish & St. Louis Children’s hospitals.

Fri. Oct. 25, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. & Sat. Oct. 26, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Give Kids A Smile Free Dental Clinic, Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education at Dreiling-Marshall Hall, 3220 Rutger St., St. Louis 63104. For children up to age 15 who are is Medicaid-eligible, qualifies for a school lunch program or needs dental assistance due to other circumstances. Comprehensive services include X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as restorations, endodontics and oral surgery as needed. Appointments are required. Call 636-397-6453 or visit www.gkas.org.

Sat. Oct. 26, 9 a.m. American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, St. Louis Forest Park/Upper Muny Parking Lot. 5K and 1 mile run. For more information, call 1-800-2272345 or go online to makingstrides/ acsevents.org.

Sat. Oct. 26, Free Flu Shots, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center – Ambulatory Care Clinics, 1465 S. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, 63104 for ages 3 and up. Walk in or reserve a time by calling 866-SSM-DOCS (776-3627) or register online at www.ssmhealth.com/ flu.

Sun. Oct. 27, 12Noon – 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Spare Nothing For The Cure, Brunswick Zone in Chesterfield and St. Peters, Mo. $25 per bowler and $150 per lane (team of six bowlers). For more information, call 314-569-3900 or visit www.komenstlouis.org.

Sat. Nov. 2, 8 a.m. – Noon, Free Flu Shots, SSM DePaul Health Center – May Center, 12303 DePaul Dr., Bridgeton, MO 63044 for ages 9 and up. Walk in or reserve a time by calling 866-SSM-DOCS (776-3627) or register online at www.ssmhealth.com/flu.

Sat., Nov. 2, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Free Flu Shots, St. John’s United Church of Christ Health Fair, 4136 N. Grand, St. Louis, MO 63107. Ages 6 months & up by Barnes-Jewish & St. Louis Children’s hospitals.

Sat. Nov. 2, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Black

Thurs. Oct. 17, 23, 24, 30, 31, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Girls Holla Back HIV/ AIDS Prevention Program for African American Females ages 12-17 at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health Dome Center, 5400 Arsenal, St. Louis, 63139. For more information, call 314-877-6487 or visit http://www. girlshollaback.org.

Women and Breast Cancer, The Knowledge is Power Conference, Millennium Student Center, UMSL North Campus. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please bring non-perishable canned food items to support Food Outreach. Space is limited to 300 for this free event and registration required by calling 314-516-5994 or online at http:// tinyurl.com/UMSL-BWBC.

Thurs., Nov. 7, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Children’s Asthma, “Building a Healthy Community Together,” by the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation at Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 5503 Gillmore Ave., St. Louis, 63120. RSVP by Oct. 31 to 314-545-KIDS (5437) and press 3 to register.

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 for Life” support group – free weekly

meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug 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.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 1807 Biddle Street. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-9624670.

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

HealtH Q&a

Q. I’m practically broke. Do I still have to buy health insurance?

Edited and reprinted with permission, Consumer Reports

Health

A. No. But in many states you’ll now be eligible for Medicaid, so you can get insurance without having to buy it. That includes states that, as part of the new health care law, agreed to expand this federal health insurance program for people with very low incomes.

Under the new rules, the new cutoffs for qualifying for Medicaid are $15,282 for a singleton, $20,628 for a couple, and $31,322 for a family of four. If you’re in this situation, you’ll be glad to know that there’s no asset test. You can have a house, a car, savings, even a retirement account; it’s only your income that matters.

where you get insurance, you won’t have to pay a fine if you don’t buy it because your premiums would eat up more than 8 percent of your household income, or if you earn so little that you don’t have to file an income tax return.

But you should think twice about skipping buying coverage, even if technically you don’t have to. Here’s why: The average three-day hospital stay costs $30,000, and so does having a baby. And a standard course of breast-cancer treatment can easily top $100,000. And you might be surprised how affordable the plans are turning out to be.

Now, no matter who you are and where you get insurance, you won’t have to pay a fine if you don’t buy it because your premiums would eat up more than 8 percent of your household income, or if you earn so little that you don’t have to file an income tax return.

But in the states that are not expanding Medicaid [including Missouri], people below the poverty line who don’t qualify for existing Medicaid programs (for specific groups like low-income disabled people and pregnant women) still won’t have a source for affordable coverage. Why? Because back in 2012 the Supreme Court decided that it should be up to the states to decide whether or not to expand Medicaid to cover all residents below a certain income level. (In the original law, that was required of all states.) And many states, mostly in the South, are not doing it. Those people are out of luck. Now, no matter who you are and

Editor’s note: The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) recently approved a one-year extension of the St. Louis Gateway to Better Health demonstration project, which provides primary, specialty and urgent care coverage to uninsured adults in St. Louis City and County, ages 19-64, through a network of community providers. It is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Social Services in partnership with the St. Louis Regional Health Commission. The temporary coverage is in effect until 2015.

For new Gateway eligibility information, please visit http://www. stlgbh.com.

Shontae Fluelen-Hays

Sandi