1. family and parenting
2. children

April 8, 2015
On the move in Maryland Heights
Recipes
Simplify Weeknight Meals
11
Around Town
5
Razzle Dazzle Ball
Submitted photo
Patrons enjoy the live music at The Jive and Wail, a new dueling piano bar that opened in Maryland Heights in November of last year.
Several new businesses have opened their doors in the
past few months
By Sara Hardin
Business is booming in Maryland
Heights, including several new locations that have opened in the area.
Whether you’re hungry for a cold beer
and a fish taco, need a quick fix on your
car, or you’re eager to kick back with
drinks after a long work week, Maryland Heights has what you’re looking
for.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a taco hotspot
that opened a new location in Westport Plaza on Feb. 19. With pre-existing
locations in Webster Groves and West
County, owner Scott Bonner has high
hopes for building a new customer base
in Maryland Heights.
“We’re very excited about this new
location,” said Bonner. “Our hopes are
that we can bring Fuzzy’s to people who
haven’t experienced it, and that we have
a long-lasting relationship with the
community here.”
Unlike the other locations, the Westport Fuzzy’s offers a full bar; but it still
offers the same menu full of a variety of
delicious tacos and ice-cold beer. Bonner says that the location’s introduction
into Westport has been a smooth transition, thanks to the business-friendly
atmosphere that Maryland Heights
provides.
“Maryland Heights is very helpful
and very easy to work with. I don’t think
we could be teamed up with a partner
better than Westport. They have been
unbelievably helpful in promoting our
business and helping us along the way.
I’m just so excited about what’s going
on in Westport, and I’m sure that in the
next year or two we’re going to see it really boom.”
After getting your taco fix, stop by for
drinks at The Jive and Wail, a new dueling piano bar that opened in November
of last year.
“We like to say, ‘When you come to
The Jive and Wail, it’s always different,
always fun,’” explained Joty Padda, representative for the Marketing and Promotions Department for The Jive and
Wail.
The Jive and Wail offers a full restaurant menu and bar that strives to cater
to groups of all kinds; whether it is for
a birthday party or a corporate get together. It’s the live entertainment; however, that makes the experience truly
unique.
“It’s a very high-energy, requestdriven, interactive show,” said Padda.
“It’s basically controlled by the audience members; they give requests to the
piano players and we have two piano
players playing at all times. Each night,
depending on the crowd make-up, the
requests and the players that are on
stage, you’re going to get a different experience.”
When at The Jive and Wail, it will
come as no surprise that the piano players are nothing short of world class,
with repertoires so extensive that each
player can fulfill almost any song request on command.
“We love the support from the local
community, whether it’s the municipal
folks, the Chamber of Commerce, the
fellow business owners, or just the general public,” said Padda.
A name that may very well sound
familiar, Car-Doc Automotive, Inc.,
opened the doors to their new location in Westport Business Park on Jan.
2 of this year. Owner Mark Schenberg
opened Car-Doc Automotive’s first location in a tucked-away converted office building in 1989, and since then the
business has built a loyal customer base
See ON THE MOVE page 2
Feature Section
7
NCCS Student of the Month
Over the Fence
16
Schools: Yesterday vs. Today
Movie: “Furious 7”
FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com
9
Around Town
2
Vol. 17 No. 14
April 8, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
ON THE MOVE
Spring into action and donate
blood with the Red Cross
from cover
In This Issue...
3
Around Town
Groundbreaking ceremony
held for Staybridge Suites in
Maryland Heights.
7
School
FFSD names Teacher and
Support Employee of the
Year.
8
9
10
11
12
14
16
Learn and Play
Take a peek at the local
author spotlight and check
in with Cindy Moore.
Movie
“Furious 7” a fitting sendoff
for late star Paul Walker.
Sports
Local sports with Gary B.
Recipes
Simplify weeknight meals.
What’s Happening
Classifieds
Over the Fence
Joe Morice brings his
unique views to the
Community News.
Get your event or good
news published in
Community News:
email your information in
calendar and article formats to
[email protected].
A ribbon cutting for The Jive and Wail was held on March 26 in Westport.
Submitted photo
and has grown into a trusted name in the automotive repair industry.
“We’re no longer the best-kept secret, which is a good thing for
us after 25 years,” said Stacy Schenberg, wife of Mark Schenberg
and co-owner of Car-Doc Automotive.
Customer service comes first at Car-Doc Automotive, and they
display this belief expertly by going out of their way to provide amenities that competitors do not.
“What makes us unique is that within our service area for the individual customer, they can drop off their car, and we have a courtesy shuttle that will get them back to work, or even their home if it’s
close by,” explained Stacy Schenberg.
After 25 years of service, Car-Doc has gained not only loyal customers, but also loyal employees, some of whom have been with the
business for 20 years.
“Our employees were key to the decision that we made moving
to this new building,” explained Mark Schenberg. “Because this was
from the dirt up, we designed this from scratch, so we had multiple
meetings with employees where we said ‘What do you want to add
to this business, and what features work well for you?’ We had a lot
of input from our staff when deciding how this move was going to
work.”
“With this move, we wanted to be able to not only expand our
customer base, but also be able to build a building that is custom to
not only meet the needs of our customers, but also those of our dedicated employees,” said Stacy Schenberg. “We brought every single
person with us because they had major input in the business and the
enhancements that we made.”
The future is bright for Car-Doc Automotive, and the new central
location allows them much more exposure for continuing to build
their growing customer base. Both Mark and Stacy Schenberg give
appreciation to Maryland Heights for being a business-supportive
and progressive community.
“I think there’s so much potential here in Maryland Heights, particularly down in the Westport Plaza area,” said Mark Schenberg.
“We’re kind of in the beginning of a new era here. There’s a lot of
growth that has yet to come, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to
make a difference in the lives of patients this spring by giving blood.
Donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished
to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only
42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component, and
are always needed by hospitals.
Eligible donors can give red cells through either a regular whole
blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. Double red cell donations yield twice the usual amount of red cells in a
single appointment and are accepted at select donation locations.
Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria,
which will be determined at the donation appointment.
Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with
types O negative, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be
donated every 56 days, and double red cells may be donated every
112 days, up to three times per year.
To find a donation opportunity or make an appointment to give
blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Saint Louis County
Bridgeton
4/17/2015: 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bridgeton Community Center,
4201 Fee Fee Rd
4/19/2015: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Beautiful Savior Lutheran, 12397 Natural Bridge
Saint Louis
4/18/2015: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Ronnies 20 Cine, 5320 South Lindbergh
4/20/2015: 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Oakville Elementary School,
2911 Yaeger Rd
4/20/2015: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., St Louis Institute of Religion,
10445 W. Clayton
4/26/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., South County Baptist Church, 12995
Tesson Ferry Rd.
4/27/2015: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kenrick Seminary, 5200 Glennon Dr
4/27/2015: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Annunciation Catholic Church, 12
West Glendale
4/29/2015: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., St Anthony’s Medical Center, 10010
Kennerly
Saint Louis City
4/16/2015: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Barnes-Jewish Hospital, One Barnes
Hospital Plaza
4/18/2015: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., This Way Ladies, 5840 Hampton Ave
4/28/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., St Louis University Hospital, 3635
Vista Avenue
4/29/2015: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Jones Lang LaSalle, 1 Metropolitan
Square, 211 North Broadway
www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 8, 2015
Groundbreaking ceremony held for Staybridge
Suites in Maryland Heights
The
Maryland
Heights Chamber of
Commerce and Midas
Hospitality held a
groundbreaking ceremony for Midas Hospitality to welcome
their newest property
Staybridge Suites located at 25 Progress
Parkway in Maryland
Heights on March 24.
The Maryland Heights
Mayor, Fire Chief
Steve
Olshwanger,
Major Joe Delia Chief
Deputy, CVB Executive Director, Karen
Krispin and Chamber
of Commerce President, Sherry Huibonhoa were in attendance to
help welcome this luxurious property, due to
open in December 2015. The four story, 122 all-
Around Town
Check out our
Home & Garden Section
in Classifieds page 15
Submitted photo
suite development will host such amenities as:
fully equipped kitchens, free hot breakfasts, free
weekday evening socials, indoor pool, fire pit
with soft seating and more.
Season tickets now on sale for
Hawthorne Players’ 70th Season
Season tickets are now on sale for Hawthorne
Players’ 70th season. Season ticket holders will
see the world, from small-town Mississippi to
America’s Wild West and from a village in Maine
to a convent in New Jersey. Hawthorne has the
country covered with four shows that will tickle
the funny bone and touch the heart.
The season opens in April with Beth Henley’s
delightful play “Crimes of the Heart,” followed on
May 30 with a Best of Hawthorne revue entitled
“Cowboy Swing.” In July, Hawthorne will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s glorious musical “Carousel.” In November, we will join the Little Sisters of Hoboken
in “Nunsense,” as they try to produce a variety
show to raise money to bury sisters accidentally
3
poisoned by the convent cook. The five nuns will
have your stomachs aching, too, as they valiantly
perform amidst chaos and calamity.
Season tickets to all four shows at the Florissant
Civic Center Theatre are only $48 for seniors/
students and $52 for adults and may be ordered
at the box office or by calling 314-368-9909.
“This is going to be an especially fine season,”
notes Hawthorne president Larry Marsh, “and
we hope to see lots of new faces in the audience!
I know folks will enjoy these high quality shows,
made even more attractive by such truly reasonable prices. And the ample parking is free!”
More information about Hawthorne Players
and their 70th season can be found at www.hawthorneplayers.com
St. Louis HELP acquires second truck to pick up
home health equipment donations
St. Louis HELP, the non-profit organization
that freely loans home health equipment to people who need it, has acquired a second box truck
to pick up donations of used home health equipment, thanks to support from the St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District.
“It is eight years old, but we love it like a new
baby,” says Executive Director Laura CannonSinger of the 2007 GMC box truck that St. Louis HELP recently bought to gather used home
health equipment donated by people and organizations in metro St. Louis.
“We are very grateful to the St. Louis-Jefferson
Solid Waste Management District for support
that enabled us to acquire this truck, which is the
second box truck in our ‘fleet,’” Cannon-Singer
says. “It’s just in time for our Home health Equipment Donation Drive coming up on Saturday,
May 2, 2015.”
“In many cases, we are asked to pick up equipment donations at homes or offices, which we will
gladly do, even though our warehouse in Olivette
accepts equipment donations collected throughSubmitted photo
out the year,” she says.
St. Louis HELP has acquired a second box truck to pick up donations of
“We collect, clean and repair the items before used home health equipment, thanks to support from the St. Louisloaning them for free to people and families for Jefferson Solid Waste Management District.
as long as they need the equipment. In 2014,
we loaned 6,193 items including hospital beds, non-Singer says.
St. Louis HELP accepts donations of nearly
wheelchairs, scooters, elevated toilet seats, lift
every
type of home medical equipment in good
chairs, walkers, and other home health equipment that we cleaned and reconditioned. In this working condition except oxygen and medicaway, we divert about 140 tons per year that would tions. For information, visit http://www.stlhelp.
otherwise end up in the solid waste stream,” Can- org or call 314 567 4700.
www.FKNursery.com
4
Around Town
April 8, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
The city of Black Jack holds appreciation dinner
The city of Black Jack recently held their annual appreciation dinner for members of the city’s
boards, commissions and committees. The event
was held at Garden Villas North and recognized
the efforts of the volunteers to make the city a
great place to live, work and play.
“Volunteering gives you a great opportunity
to learn about your community. Several current
city officials began their political career by volunteering” said Mayor Norm McCourt.
On April 18 the city will also honor volunteers,
city officials and employees that have served the
city for 15 plus years at a special celebration in
front of city hall at the new Memorial Gardens
Site. Honorees will have a brick with their name
engraved on them placed in the walkway path
leading to the site. The event starts at 2 p.m. and
is open to the public. Black Jack City Hall is located at 12500 Old Jamestown Road.
Crisis Nursery observes National Child
Abuse Prevention Month
Statewide, one in four children suffers physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and neglect each
day at the hands of a parent, guardian or caregiver. Children are our future. We must protect
their well-being by offering
child abuse/neglect prevention services that address the
social, financial, emotional,
and health concerns of at-risk
parents who, without access
to these prevention services,
will make an unconscionable
mistake—forever changing
lives.
During the month of April
(and throughout the year),
Crisis Nursery wants to increase awareness of its child
abuse and neglect prevention services by helping community members understand its critical role in
promoting and developing the social and emotional well-being of vulnerable children and their
families. Building on the strength of a family
promises a safer community and healthy, stable
children.
Established in 1986, Crisis Nursery offers yearround, 24-hour care at five Nurseries in the city
and county of St. Louis, St. Charles County and
Wentzville. Whether a parent discovers the need
for help in the early morning, during the midday
or in the late evening, Crisis Nursery child abuse
prevention services are available at no cost and
without judgment.
Following are tips to help prevent child abuse
and neglect, courtesy of Prevent Child Abuse
America:
Be a nurturing parent.
Children need to know that
they are special and loved.
Educate yourself about a
child’s development process
so you can have reasonable
expectations about what
children can and cannot do.
Help a friend, neighbor
or relative. Someone you
know may be struggling with
his or her parenting responsibilities. Offer a helping
hand.
If your baby cries. It can
be frustrating to hear your
baby cry, especially when nothing you do seems
to work. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop
crying. But, NEVER shake a baby!
Report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping
children safe is the responsibility of every adult
in our community. If you have any reason to believe a child has been—or may be—harmed, call
the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.
Parenting is not easy, and it does not have to
be done alone. Together, let’s save babies’ lives,
keep kids safe, and build strong families. Parents
in need of care for their children may call Crisis
Nursery at 314-768-3201.
Celebrate International Compost Awareness
Week and the International Year of Soils
www.villaatriverwood.com
St. Louis Composting invites you to join in celebrating International Compost Awareness Week
(ICAW), May 3-9. This year’s theme is “Be Loyal
to Your Soil- Compost!” This fits in perfectly since
2015 is also the International Year of the Soils.
“Healthy soil is the
foundation that ensures
working farms and
ranches become more
productive, resilient to
climate change and better prepared to meet the
challenges of the 21st
century.” US Department of Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack
stated this past January.
However, healthy soil
is not just important to
the farmers and ranchers. Soil is a limited and
nonrenewable natural
resource and is the foundation of our food supply
system. Soil is the number one building block for
growing food crops and biofuels components as
well as animal feeds and natural fibers. Soils are a
location of nutrient cycling and a range of ecosystem functions as well as being the starting point
for a source of clean water.
ICAW focuses on building awareness of composting and its environmental benefits. Year
after year, innovative programs help improve
community sustainability and promote the use
of compost. Join us in celebrating International
Compost Awareness Week and get hands-on with
St. Louis Composting with a heaping helping of
compost!
To celebrate, St. Louis
Composting will host
events at three of their
composting facilities on
May 5, 6 and 9. Enjoy a
complimentary lunch
with experts and talk
compost.
• May 5 – Fort Bellefontaine facility in
Florissant, Mo. (13060
County Park Road) –
11a.m.
• May 6 – Belleville, Ill.
facility (5841 Mine Haul
Road) – 11a.m.
• May 9 – Pacific, Mo. facility (18900 Franklin
Road) – 11a.m.
On Saturday, May 9, SLC will host a ZERO
waste lunch from 11 – 12:30p.m. Experts will
educate you about compost, soil and the benefits
of both together.
Home composting equipment and bins will be
available for purchase at each event. Kitchen composters will also be raffled throughout the week.
www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 8, 2015
Around Town
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s Annual
Razzle Dazzle Ball earns $334,000
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s Fire & Ice themed
Razzle Dazzle Ball, hosted
at the Sheraton Westport
Lakeside Chalet, raised a
record breaking $334,000 to
protect vulnerable children
in need.
The gala, presented by
CENTENE
Charitable
Foundation, is the agency’s
largest fundraiser. It included the highly anticipated
and sold-out “Champagne
& Diamonds Extravaganza,” sponsored by Don and
Submitted photo
Gretchen Gerber; entertainKMOV-TV’s
Emily
Rau
&
Andre
Hepkins
with
Nursery
CEO
DiAnne
Mueller.
ment by Harris Stowe State
University Honeycomb Maees: Shop ‘n Save, Distinguished Corporate Citijorettes and Arvell & Comzen; Don Fitzgerald, Man of the Year; Cynthia
pany; and dynamic silent and live auctions.
Master and Mistress of Ceremonies Andre Doria, Woman of the Year, Kara & Mike Gatto,
Hepkins and Emily Rau of KMOV-TV News 4, Couple of the Year; and Dr. Mollie Spire and Napresented Tiffany & Co. designed awards to Cri- retha Hopson, Young Professional “Heroines” of
sis Nursery’s 2015 H.U.G.S & K.I.S.S.E.S. Award- the Year.
Black Jack announces tree limb pickup dates
Below is the schedule and information concerning the annual spring tree limb pick-up for
the residents of the city of Black Jack.
PICK-UP SCHEDULE
Week 1: Only along both sides of Arterial
Roads (Old Halls Ferry, Old Jamestown & Parker) Starting Monday, April 6. Note: Week 1 is the
only week that Old Halls Ferry, Old Jamestown
and Parker will be picked up
Week 2: Along all residential streets west of
Old Halls Ferry Road starting Monday, April 13.
Week 3: Along all residential streets east of Old
Halls Ferry Road starting Monday, April 20.
Week 4: Whitney Chase Area and South of
Parker Road starting Monday, April 27.
Your Limbs must be at the curb on the first day
(Monday) when your area pick-up begins. The
Public Works Department will not double back
and pick up limbs on the same street. If your
limbs are not at the curb when the rest of your
block is picked up, you will be responsible for
disposing of the limbs on your own.
Please go to www.cityofblackjack.com to review the pickup guidelines, stop by Black Jack
City Hall for a copy of the full guidelines, or
please phone 314-355-0400, Monday through
Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Arts and Education Council and Maritz
announce $25,000 in grants
The Arts and Education Council – in collaboration with Maritz - announced that it has
awarded $25,000 in grants to eight arts education
projects in the St. Louis bi-state area through the
award-winning Maritz Arts and Education Fund
for Teachers. Maritz and the Arts and Education
Council partner to offer this unique funding opportunity to individual schools and nonprofit
organizations to support projects and opportunities that encourage creativity in the classroom;
the grants are administered by the Arts and
Education Council and supported with a leadership gift from Maritz. The distinctive funding
program enables teachers to apply directly for
a grant. Awards are granted at the beginning of
the school year.
The Maritz Arts and Education Fund for
Teachers has a substantial effect on students.
McCluer High School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, a four time recipient of the
Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers,
found that the average school attendance rate increased by more than 10 percent and the average
ACT score and grade point average increased by
nearly 40 percent for students participating in
the programs supported by the Maritz Arts and
Education Fund for Teachers. Moreover, in the
past five years McCluer High School students
participating in the Maritz funded program received more than $300,000 in college scholarships.
“Maritz has stepped in and provided funding
for arts education at a time when budget cuts are
forcing schools to reduce arts programming,”
said Cynthia A. Prost, president, Arts and Edu-
cation Council.
The local 2014-15 grant recipients are:
• Central Visual Performing Arts High
School (St. Louis) – Drum Line
This project will fund the necessary instruments to create a drum line ensemble and provide access to meaningful and relevant musical
experiences for St. Louis students this year and
continuously in subsequent school years.
• McCluer High School (Florissant) – Legally
Blonde, the Musical
Students in grades Kindergarten through 12
from eight different schools in the Ferguson area
will produce the musical Legally Blonde. Special
guest artists will attend a rehearsal and give students insight into the show.
• Normandy School Collaborative (St. Louis)
– Operation Elementary Piano Lab
With the purchase of electronic keyboards elementary instrumental music students will have
the opportunity to explore music theory, performance and composition from the perspective
of the piano. Students will be introduced to the
concept of the “ensemble” as they prepare for
performances.
• Scope Alternative School (St. Louis, MO) –
Art & Gardening as Therapy
Using raised bed carts students will decorate
and use the beds for a gardening display. The
purpose of this design will allow students participating in gardening and art work as therapeutic
while gaining knowledge of natural concepts of
gardening and the science behind plants growth.
www.moccwfirearmstraining.com
www.ssmhealth.com/now
5
6
Around Town
April 8, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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Gateway Spotlight ChorUS to compete
in first regional competition
Submitted photo
The Gateway Spotlight ChorUS of St. Charles will compete in their first Regional Competition in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on April 18.
www.thistleandclover.com
The Gateway Spotlight ChorUS of St. Charles
will compete in their first Regional Competition
in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on April 18. They will
sing The Bandstand in Central Park, and Angry/
Bill Bailey Medley, done in four-part barbershop
harmony, for their competition set.
The members of Gateway Spotlight ChorUS
are from all areas of St. Charles, St. Louis, and
many Illinois communities. Since chartering
with Sweet Adelines International in Decem-
ber 2013, they have performed for many senior
communities, the St. Louis County Library, and
the Making Strides Cancer Walk. In addition to
other “sing-outs” this summer, they will perform
a pre-show at The Muny in June.
To learn more about Sweet Adelines International and how to become a member of the Gateway Spotlight ChorUS, visit www.GatewaySpotlight.org, or call 636-256-6823.
Free seminar can help residents apply for
Florissant’s annual Home Improvement Program
www.rayrockwell.com
COMBINING
QUALIT Y AND
COST IS ONE OF
THE THINGS
W E D O B E S T.
Knowing the families in our
community, we understand
quality service and cost
are both important. We
also know people are more
comfortable when they have
choices. Our list of services
assures your family the
dignity they deserve at a cost
you determine. If you ever
have a question or would
like more information, feel
free to call or stop by.
Florissant home-owners who would like to apply for Florissant’s Home Improvement Program
can learn about the resources that are available,
what qualifications are needed and how to fill out
an application. The seminar will be held at the
Florissant City Hall in the Council Chambers on
Thursday, April 9 at 6 p.m.
Florissant’s Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) office provides no-interest loans
of up to $5,000 to a limited number of low-tomoderate income Florissant homeowners who
qualify. The loans can only be used for home repair and to address code violations.
Loan applications are available for pickup or
on the city’s website. Completed applications
will be accepted during regular business hours (8
a.m. - 5 p.m.) at the Government Building May 1
on a first-come-first serve basis.
Applications are reviewed by Florissant’s Community Development Office on a first-come-first
serve basis. Please note that failure to complete
or submit all required information will result in
a declaration of ineligibility for the applicant. All
applicants will receive written notification of the
acceptance or denial of their application for the
program.
More information about the loans and who
may apply is available on Florissant’s website
www.florissantmo.com or by contacting the
Community Development Office at 314-8397680 or [email protected]
Florissant Building Division releases
active first quarter report
2014 was a remarkably active year in the
Florissant Building Division. With a surging
workload staffing levels were increased to assist
meeting escalating public demands. Building Division staff levels were increased by two multiinspectors and one full time clerk. Wait time for a
housing inspection has been reduced from twothree weeks to between five and seven days and
wait time for complaint-based inspections has
been reduced to two-three days.
The added staff has enabled the Building Division to accomplish certain tasks which have
not been possible for several years such as a full
commercial sign inventory. Soon they will begin
proactive commercial property maintenance inspections.
Large construction jobs are peaking, such as
Walmart and school district building projects,
and require daily inspections. Higher staffing
levels will also assist meeting our property-maintenance goals, which will continue inspecting every home in the city twice and every commercial
property once annually.
The increased inspector-generated workload
will require a reevaluation of clerical needs. Restructuring of clerical assignments and continued implementation of data management technology has been required to increase efficiency,
accountability and ease of data retrieval. One full
time clerk has been dedicated to the rental license process almost exclusively. The city has approximately 3,300 single family rental properties.
Responding to police and fire departments 24
hours-a-day remains a high priority. The majority of these calls are fire-related emphasizing the
need for continuing enforcement of high community health and safety standard.
www.comfortsystems.info
Stygar Florissant
Chapel & Crematory Center
13980 New Halls Ferry Road.
(314) 830-1500
Stygar Mid Rivers
Funeral Home & Crematory
5987 Mid Rivers Mall Dr.
(636) 936-1300
www.stygar.com
www.Stygar.com
www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 8, 2015
School
7
FFSD names Teacher and Support Employee of the Year
NCCS Student of the Month
The Ferguson-Florissant School District has
named Erin King as its 2015 Teacher of the Year
and Kathy Hilliker as the Support Employee of
the Year.
King, a math
teacher, department
chair and alumnae of
McCluer North High
School, has worked
in the district for 10
years. She was selected for the honor
because of her many
contributions to education. She instills
a love of learning to Photos courtesy the Ferguson-Florissant
School District
all her students by
providing them with Erin King was named the 2015
instruction tailored Teacher of the Year for the Ferguto individual needs son-Florissant School District.
and learning styles.
King’s classroom is a wildly creative environment
in which her students are taught to become risktakers and problem solvers, capable of critical
analysis.
“Ms. King is a student-first teacher who is a
Pictured are Tom Pflederer - counselor, Josiah Brown and Brian Goldman – Chamber President
top-notch representative of all the great teaching
that occurs in the Ferguson-Florissant School
District,” said Lawrence Larrew, acting superintendent.
Hilliker, an office manager at LeeHamilton Elementary School, is a 17-year
employee of the district. She consistently goes above and
beyond office manager
expectations,
mentoring students,
developing and nurturing relationships Kathy Hilliker was named the Support Employee of the Year for the
with families and Ferguson-Florissant School Disworking hard to sup- trict.
port all staff members
at Lee-Hamilton. Hilliker’s nomination stated,
“She juggles all of the demands of a busy office in
an elementary school seamlessly.”
Both employees were recently surprised at their
respective work sites with the announcement of
their recognition. They will also be recognized
at the March 11 Board of Education meeting.
Submitted photo
Josiah Brown was honored at the Northwest Chamber of Commerce membership meeting on March 12. Josiah is a senior and has
attended North County Christian School since fourth grade. He has
a 3.9 GPA, is on the Principal’s List, National Honor Society, yearbook staff, track team, and serves as student drama director.
Josiah loves to serve others and volunteers his time at Emanuel
Food Pantry and Covenant of Hope.
Josiah plans to attend university of North Texas with a major in
broadcast journalism.
Hazelwood principal and superintendent
recognized for their commitment to education
During the Hazelwood School District’s
monthly principals’ professional development
session, the prize patrol team from the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals
(SASSP) recognized Dr. Audrey Lee, associate
principal at Hazelwood Central High School,
as the SASSP High School Assistant Principal
of the Year.
Following the first presentation, SASSP also
surprised Dr. Grayling Tobias, superintendent
of the Hazelwood School District (HSD), as
Photos courtesy Hazelwood School District
Educator of the Year.
After receiving the Educator of the Year (left) Dr. Audrey Lee, associate principal at Hazelwood Central High
School.
award, Tobias thanked SASSP and graciously
(right) Dr. Grayling Tobias, superintendent of the Hazelwood School District.
recognized HSD students and staff.
“I would like to thank SASSP for this recogSince winning these awards, they are now in
nition,” said Tobias. “However, I can’t do this work
consideration for the state-level award in their realone. I must acknowledge the support of the HSD
spective categories. State-level awards will be deBoard of Education and our hard working staff,
termined later this year.
individuals who work tirelessly
to help our students achieve
academic success. Therefore, on
behalf of the more than 18,000
HSD students, Board of Education and staff, thank you, as I
accept this award for the entire
school district.”
Lee and Tobias were both
nominated by one of their peers
and selected from among 700
educators throughout St. Louis
metropolitan area.
During the impromptu ceremony they were both presented
a letter of recognition and balloons as the other school principals and staff looked on. In addition, they were each awarded
a $250 scholarship which they
may gift to a deserving student
or staff member of their choice
toward a book grant, summer
www.babykidexpo.com
camp, post-secondary education or training.
Furthermore, Lee and Tobias
will join the ranks of other educators on April 23 at Syberg’s in
Maryland Heights where SASSP
will recognize eight St. Louis
area administrators for their
commitment to education and
service to the community, during an awards banquet.
www.goodshepherdstl.org
Celebrate Your Graduate
Rachel Parks
Congratulate your graduate in
the May 20th Community News
with a 3x4 inch colored
ad for only
$
Name of School
“May your every dream come true”
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Mail completed form,
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Or go to www.mycnews.com
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button to sign up online. All credit cards accepted.
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Reserve your space now, check or credit card due with order.
Deadline for placement is May 13, 2015.
8
Learn & Play
SUDOKU:
April 8, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making
sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box
includes all the digits 1 through 9.
See solution on page 13
www.mycnews.com
Local Author Spotlight:
Joshlyn Racherbaumer
Whether reading or writing,
Joshlyn Racherbaumer has found
the key ingredient to a beautiful
life. While enjoying the riches of
God’s abundant glory, she lives in
St. Louis with her very own Prince
Charming and her three babies: two kitties and a dog
(August, Oliver & Dexter). A family-focused person,
she spends a great deal of her free time with her loved
ones and is an avid animal rescuer.
In Joshlyn’s book “The Purpose,” when Audrey
Landrow finds herself alone, beaten down and living
in fear, she has two choices. She can succumb once
more to the perpetual abuse and control of her exboyfriend, or she can turn the key to a new adventure,
free from her worrisome past. All signs point to freedom as she moves to a new place, changes her number
and starts anew. She has spent years tucked under the
thumb of the devil’s distant cousin and for once, her
life story is hers alone to write.
Without any expectations, she tries her hand at
various measures in life --- determined to find what
suits her. When the bottom finally drops out and Audrey finds herself inevitable back at square one, the
truth inside emerges and she is able to
see the sweet silver
lining to friends
found, loves lost
and the ability to
simply breathe once
more. She is the key
to happiness and
whatever passion
she falls for, it will
be her choice.
“The
Purpose”
is available for
check-out at the St.
Charles City-County Library District.
By Cindy Moore
Stop the Madness
Although the football season has passed, a new
menace has come along. It seems like my husband barely uprooted himself from his favorite
chair after watching 967 games of helmet heads
playing keep-away. Afterwards, he stretched his
legs long enough to relieve any blood clots which
may have formed then headed straight to the
little boy’s room. Next, he made a plate of sandwiches and went right back to his chair.
Just when I thought I’d get a break and a chance
to regain his attention, the Madness of March
basketball began.
Like football, each of these games is all-important. But this time he has involved himself
in something sinister called a “bracket.” I don’t
know exactly what that is, but it rhymes with
racket and that involves the mafia so it can’t be
good.
I would like a little adult conversation and
some help around the house. Is that too much to
ask?
I tried to converse with him mid-game. That
was a mistake.
“Your mother called to invite us for dinner,” I
say.
Silence.
Maybe a bit of neighborhood gossip would tear
him away. “The Johnson’s had a new baby. Funny
thing, since she’s 63 and he’s been neutered.”
Nothing, except for the drone of a basketball
announcer.
This called for an emergency maneuver--a bit
of hyperbolic drama.
I stand up and scream
while waving my arms,
“We’ve
been
robbed!
Three psychotic ninjas tore
through here. They took all
of our valuables and set the car
on fire then ransacked the fridge
and stole ALL of the meat for your sandwiches!”
Without turning, he handed me his empty
plate and said, “Why yes, I’ll have another sandwich,” then continued watching the game.
Hopeless. As I leave I say, “You need to at least
feed the cats.”
No answer.
“Don’t push me, mister. I know where the fuse
box is and so help me by all that is sweet, holy
and merciful, I will ram a screw driver right in
that TV’s shut-off valves!”
I come in later to find him still sitting, but with
an opened bag of country cluck chicken kibble
on his lap. Both cats’ heads are submerged in it
neck-deep munching away.
Progress!
Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids,
servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one
nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and
hilarity in strange and unusual places including public
restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most
recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird
feeder.
The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s
alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of
Community News.
Crossword Puzzle
Theme:
Gardening
ACROSS
1. Like something fit for a king
6. ___ Testament
9. *Some cities turn abandoned ones into gardens
13. Savory taste sensation
14. 7
15. Wassailing composition
16. Hundred Acre Wood creator
17. “___ show time!”
18. Bizet creation
19. *Type of garden bed
21. *Comes from certain refuse
23. *Plant need
24. Deal with it
25. Greenwich time
28. Not final or absolute
30. Mourner’s emotion
35. Lyric: “____, born is the King of Israel!”
37. Low-____ diet
39. Lacking guile
40. Orbison’s “____ the Lonely”
41. Asci, sing.
43. ____ gin
44. Silk fabric with wavy pattern
46. Loser’s reaction
47. Kept together
48. Protective embankment
50. Wading bird
52. Old operating system
53. Birthday ____
55. Last word of a story
57. *Begonias and zinnias, e.g.
61. *Small shovel
64. Brag
65. Williams sister’s return
67. Was rebroadcasted
69. George or Jennifer
70. Follow ems
71. Exclude
72. Barely got by
73. *Nutrient-dense ___soil
74. Winter driving hazard
DOWN
1. Cuba Libre ingredient
2. Arab ruler
3. Apple variety
4. Embryo sacs
5. A dead body that ____ __ state
6. “Metamorphoses” poet
7. English course
8. Studio 54 genre
9. Member of nomadic Scandinavian people
10. Black and white treat
11. High rocky hills
12. *Some use fences of it around their gardens
15. Chop-chop
20. Writer _____ Jong
22. Activities, as in military
24. Type of court
25. *Garden ornament
26. Spanish monkeys
27. Denoting the final end or purpose
29. Back talk
31. *Develops after touching poison ivy
32. Ticked off
33. Convex molding
34. *Unwanted plants
36. “Musical” constellation
38. *Tulip starter
42. Bode Miller, e.g.
45. Cheap substitution
49. Afghan monetary unit
51. Saws logs
54. Florida Key, e.g.
56. Persistently complain about
57. “Willing and ____”
58. Barnes & Noble reader
59. Back of neck
60. Second-hand
61. Recipe description
62. PA city and lake
63. Use a ladle
66. Lennon’s partner
68. *Protector from birds
See answers on page 13
www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 8, 2015
Movie
“Furious 7”
9
By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG-13
“Furious 7” a fitting sendoff for late star Paul Walker
Without its solid emotional center, a popcorn film
franchise such as “The Fast and the Furious” would
not have lasted 14 years. When the adrenalinesoaked first installment arrived in theaters in 2001, it
seemed fresh and intriguing. In many ways though,
the seventh film is a parody of the whole premise.
Over the years, the producers did assemble an engaging group of actors, in particular Paul Walker and
Vin Diesel. Their characters evolved from enemies
to friends to brothers-in-arms. The relationships that
developed and grew within this franchise are the reason for its popularity.
“Furious 7” shows Brian O’Conner (Walker) adjusting to life as a family man, but his wife Mia (Jordana
Brewster) knows he misses the thrills of his former
life. Her husband gets his wish, however, when Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) targets the team for elimination. Seeking revenge for his brother’s crippling
injuries, Shaw blows up the home of Dominic Toretto
(Diesel).
When taking the fight to Shaw, Toretto’s team runs
into Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell), a mysterious man
with his own security force and other expensive resources. He volunteers to help them find Shaw in exchange for a few favors. At the same time, Jakande
(Djimon Hounsou), another big player, makes life
more difficult for Toretto and his family.
When it comes to action, “Furious 7” really delivers the goods. The stunt team evidently worked overtime in scenes that range from jaw-dropping to the
absolutely absurd. Cars aren’t designed to fly, but the
vehicles here take flight in more than one unforgettable sequence. Tej (Ludacris) also performs technical miracles that don’t seem possible or probable in
the real world.
Despite the flashy cars and camera work, the real
draw here is the late Paul Walker. The actor died in
a single-car accident 18 months ago and his death
put the future of the franchise
in jeopardy. Seeing him onscreen one last time proves
Walker was a big reason audiences returned for the sequels.
Director James Wan turned
the final minutes into a beautiful
tribute to the actor, sending him off
with grace and style. In a voice-over, Vin Diesel reveals his feelings for his late co-star, referring to him
as his brother. The other cast members also get to say
their own gentle good-byes.
When all is said and done, “Furious 7” is a crowdpleaser that offers closure to Paul Walker’s fans.
Without the actor, though, the franchise may not
have enough gas to keep going.
“Furious 7,” rated PG-13 for prolonged frenetic sequences of violence, action, and mayhem, suggestive
content, and brief strong language, currently is playing in local theaters.
“Furious 7” photos courtesy of
Universal Pictures
Born and raised
in South St. Louis,
Steve Bryan is now
based in Anaheim,
California, and has
been allowed access
to movie and television sets to see actors and directors
at work. Though his
writing has taken him
far from St. Louis,
Steve is, at heart, still
the same wide-eyed
kid who spent countless hours watching
classic movies at
neighborhood
theaters.
www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral
Open 7 Days
a Week!
on a
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CONSIGNMENT SHOPPE
The Place to Shop, The Place to Consign.
• Custom Furniture Painting
• Gently Used Home
Décor & Furniture
1982 Zumbehl Road in St. Charles
(In Zumbehl Commons, Next to Schnucks)
636-949-5959
www.DesignOnADimeConsign.com
Like Us
10
April 8, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Sports
www.mycnews.com
www.byerlyrv.com
Record
set
at
Lindenwood in women’s
field hockey
The Lady Lion’s goalie Rachel Ortell set a
school record for saves,
and led number-3-ranked
Lindenwood to a 14-5 victory
over Grand Valley State recently in Allendale,
Michigan.
The Lindenwood
squad was outshot
in the game by a 2524 margin, but Ortell
was the difference.
She made 13 saves,
including nine in the
final half. She broke
the school’s singlegame record by one Photo courtesy Lindenwood University
save, and had a .722 Lindenwood University field hocksave percentage in the ey goalie Rachel Ortell set a school
record for saves.
contest.
The St. Charles team found the back of the
net led by Morgan Judd who led the team with
four goals, and she had the game-winning goal
for the second straight game. Melissa Menchella
had three goals and Lyndsey Palmer recorded
a team-high three assists and one goal. Jordyn
Constance had three points with two goals and
an assist.
Other team leaders for Lindenwood were Bailey Knapton with four draw controls, Judd and
Kara Wendell with three groundballs, and Maddi Ossello and Wendell with two caused turnovers.
* Thanks to Lindenwood’s Tyler Scheller-Sports
Information Graduate Assistant
Rascals have talent behind the plate for 2015
The River City Rascals play their professional
baseball at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O’Fallon.
The River City team had tough backstops last
year in Josh Ludy, Joe Staley, and Saxon Butler
who each caught in at least 32 games last season.
This year the position is wide open and the Rascals have multiple options.
Halfway through the 2014 season, what professional team in the majors signed Josh Ludy?
A) Oakland Athletics; B) Cincinnati Reds;
C) New York Mets; D) Kansas City Royals;
E) Chicago Cubs
Answer at end of article.
* 37 more days before baseball in O’Fallon
St. Louis Attack drop first home game at
Family Arena
The St. Louis Attack play in the indoor football
X-League,
After a victory on the road against the Corpus
Christi Fury 34-16 last week, they opened their
home season this past weekend with a defeat at
the hands of the Rio Grande Valley Sol 60-43.
Despite having over 4,000 in the stands and
special guests in the presence of former St. Louis
Rams legend Isaac Bruce and the Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th century, Jackie JoynerKersee, coach Chris McKinney was not able to
get the team to produce more.
The offensive downfall of the Attack was the
lack of pass completions, on 39 percent.
Scoring touchdowns for the Attack was Johnnie King, Marcus Dickinson, Chris Headd and
Daryl Grady.
The Attack only plays three more home games
at the Family Arena with the next one at 7:35
p.m. when they host the Bloomington Edge this
Saturday, April 11.
Go to www.TalkSTL.com for more information and hear each game with Todd Blackstock,
David Solomon and Mike Mcmillan, former
Carolina Panther player.
* They will bounce back
Minor league basketball at the Family Arena
There is a basketball league that was founded
in the summer of 2014 by native St. Louis businessman C. Edward “Ed” Schumer to help reinvent the minor league basketball landscape in the
United States.
The Midwest Professional Basketball Association started January of this year with two teams
in each of Chicago and St. Louis, with one in
Bloomington and Champaign, Illinois.
The St. Louis RiverSharks and the Gateway
Swarm are the two Missouri teams and will be
starting their playoffs after the 20 game schedule
that just ended yesterday.
Go to www.TheMPBA.com to get all the information on the teams and the playoff brackets.
* Sorry about the late notice, just found out they
are playing here...thank you Mr. Klein
ANSWER TO Rascal’s TRIVIA: A) Oakland
Athletics
Tune into Your Health Plus Radio Show, Every Saturday
at 8 a.m. on KSLQ 104.5 FM
For more information go to www.YourHealthPlus.info.
One-hundred percent natural products to help focus, reduce stress, more energy, curb your appetite, healthiest
coffee, anti-aging serum and more…
Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in
business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or
an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a
radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City
Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.
www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 8, 2015
11
Recipe: Simplify weeknight meals
Busy weeknights call for meals you can prepare
quickly, but there’s no need to compromise on
flavor and quality.
One way to save time is combining fresh ingredients with frozen sides.
Don’t be fooled by the complex flavors of these
dishes — they’re surprisingly fast to prepare, requiring only about thirty minutes of hands-on
time (or less).
For more time-saving recipes featuring real
ingredients that serve-up exceptional taste, visit
www.alexiafoods.com.
Southern Sweet Potato Hash
Hands-on: 35 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 (1 1/4 cups hash with 1 egg each)
Chicken Paella with French Green Beans
Hands-on: 30 minutes | Total: 60 minutes | Servings: 6 (1 2/3 cups each)
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into
1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 1/2 cups parboiled white long-grain rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes,
undrained
1 package (11 ounces) Alexia French Herb Green
Beans
1/3 cup sliced ripe olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf)
parsley
lemon wedges
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh hot Italian turkey sausage, casings
removed
2 packages (11 ounces each) Alexia Southern
Sweet Potato Blend
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
4 cold eggs
Directions:
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat; add sausage. Cook 5–7 minutes or until crumbled, stirring
occasionally. Drain.
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large deep skillet or Dutch
oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt and
pepper. Cook 7–9 minutes or until golden brown on
all sides. Transfer to plate.
Add sweet potato blend. Cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and cook 5–7
minutes more or until vegetables are cooked, stirring occasionally. Stir in onions and cilantro.
Meanwhile, fill saucepan with about 3 inches of
water. Heat until water simmers gently; stir in
vinegar. Break 1 cold egg into small dish or saucer.
Holding dish just above simmering water, gently
slip egg into water. Repeat with remaining eggs.
Cook eggs in gently simmering water 3–5 minutes
or until white is set and yolk is cooked to desired
doneness. Remove eggs with slotted spoon. Drain
on paper towels.
Divide sweet potato mixture among 4 plates. Top
each with poached egg.
and cook 12 minutes.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to skillet and heat. Add onion, garlic and paprika.
Cook 3–5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring often. Stir in rice; cook 1–2
minutes or until coated well.
Stir in frozen green beans; cook covered 8–10 minutes more or until rice is tender
and chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat; let stand covered 5 minutes.
Stir in broth, tomatoes and chicken; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover
Stir in olives. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Italian Herb Corn and Rice Zucchini Boats
Hands-on: 25 minutes | Total: 50 minutes | Servings: 4 (2 halves each)
Almond Crusted Tilapia with Parmesan Peas
Hands-on: 30 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 (1 filet and 1/2 cup peas each)
Ingredients:
1/3 cup dry unseasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup finely chopped almonds
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 tilapia fillets (6 ounces each), or any
white-fleshed fish such as cod, haddock or sole
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 package (12 ounces) Alexia Parmesan Peas
Lemon wedges
Directions:
Combine bread crumbs, almonds and cheese in
shallow dish.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on fish. Coat fish with
flour; shake off excess. Dip in egg until coated well.
Place in bread crumb mixture and turn to coat completely.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add fish; cook 3–4 minutes
on each side or until fish flakes easily with fork and is golden brown (145°F
internal temperature).
Meanwhile, prepare peas according to package directions. Serve peas and
lemon wedges with fish.
Ingredients:
4 medium zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 package (12 ounces) Alexia Italian Herb Corn
with Sundried Tomatoes
3/4 cup cooked white basmati rice (or quinoa for
added protein and fiber)
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Using melon baller
or spoon, scoop out zucchini flesh, leaving about
1/4-inch border.
Brush zucchini halves with oil. Sprinkle with garlic, salt and pepper. Place zucchini on parchment
paper-lined baking sheet. Bake 13–15 minutes or
until tender.
Meanwhile, prepare corn according to package
directions. Toss corn with rice and cheeses. Spoon
mixture evenly into zucchini halves.
Return to oven. Bake 8–10 minutes more or until filling is hot. Place zucchini under broiler for
golden brown top. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
www.paynefamilyhomes.com
12
What’s Happening
April 8, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to [email protected] and we'll print it!
Events
April 8: Karaoke
Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post
4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 8
p.m. – 12 a.m. All profits go to support
veterans. For more information call
314-831-6121.
April 9: Women’s happy hour
Join other women interested in changing the current climate for women’s
issues in Missouri at a casual women’s
happy hour sponsored by the FergusonFlorissant Branch of the American Association of University Women. The
event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at
Hendel’s Cafe (on the porch) at 599 St.
Denis in Florissant. Refreshments will
be served and door prizes awarded.
This event is open to the public. For
more information, call 314-831-5359,
314-831-6884 or 314-921-4138.
April 10: Chicken fried steak dinner
Chicken fried steak dinner at Florissant
Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410
St. Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits
go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.
April 11: Soft rock dance
Resident and non-resident senior citizens are invited to sit and watch this
performance or get up and dance to
all your soft rock favorites. From 7 –
10 p.m., the band Rocky and Michelle
will perform in the gym at the James
J. Eagan Center. Tickets are just $8 if
purchased prior to the dance in the Senior Office in Florissant City Hall and
$10 at the door the night of the performance. Light snacks are provided and
beer, wine and soda are available for
purchase. Call the Senior Office at 8397605 for more information.
April 11: Flea market
Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW
Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois
from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Richard
at 314-837-7057.
April 11: Breakfast
Breakfast at Florissant Valley VFW Post
4105, located at 410 St. Francois from
8 – 10 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314831-6121.
April 11: Texas hold ‘em
Texas hold ’em with at $10 buy in and
great prizes at the Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St.
Francois starts at 5 p.m. All profits go to
support veterans. For more information
call 314-831-6121.
April 12: Saint Louis Chamber Chorus concert
The Saint Louis Chamber Chorus
presents the fifth concert of the season
“Kodaly and Vaughn Williams” at St.
Mary of Victories Catholic Church at
744 South Third Street in downtown St.
Louis from 12 – 3 p.m. Tickets are $30
in advance, $35 at the door and $10 for
students. To purchase tickets visit www.
chamberchorus.org or call Executive
Director Linda Ryder at 636-458-4343.
April 12: Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy Ozzie’s Spring Training Skills
Clinic
Boys and girls will work on hitting,
pitching, fielding and base running in
this one day baseball or softball clinic at
Koch Park Field #4. For ages 7-14 event
runs from 3 – 5:30 p.m. Cost for residents is $33 and $37 for nonresidents.
For ages 4-6 (Mini Hitters) the event
runs from 3 – 4 p.m. Cost for residents is
$17 and $21 for nonresidents. Registration is in progress. For further information call 314-921-4466 or 314-921-4250
April 16-18: Book sale
Friends of Ferguson Library (FLIERS)
Spring Book Sale will take place on
April 16 from 5 - 7:30 p.m., April 17
from 9 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. and April 18
from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the library auditorium at 35 No. Florissant Road.
April 17: Trivia night
The Hazelwood West Marching Band
is hosting a Variety Trivia Night. Doors
open at 6:30 p.m. Game begins at 7
p.m. Location is at Florissant Church of
Christ at 16460 New Halls Ferry Road.
Cost is $120.00 per table or $15.00 for
single tickets. Contact Ann Libby at
314-953-7894 or email her at alibby@
hazelwoodschools.org to leave reservations/tickets. Look for silent auction, raffles and 50/50. Soda, water and
popcorn provided. Bake sale items for
sale. (Please no adult beverages, this is a
school function.)
April 17: Pork steaks dinner
Pork steak dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St.
Francois from 5 – 8 p.m. All profits go
to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.
April 18: Mouse races
Mouse races with a $10 entry fee, free
draft beer during the race and some
snacks provided at the Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St.
Francois starts at 7 p.m. All profits go to
support veterans. For more information
call 314-831-6121.
April 18: A Taste of The Bridge Open
House
Come enjoy some culinary delights and
see what Florissant is talking about from
1 – 3 p.m. at the Bridge at Florissant at
1101 Garden Plaza Drive. Event is free,
RSVP to 314-831-0988.
April 18: Free concert
The St. Louis Chordinals, an a cappella
women’s chorus, is performing a free
concert at 1:30 pm. The concert is part
of the 50th anniversary celebration of
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church located at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd, next
to the Bridgeton City Hall. No tickets
needed. Doors open at 1 p.m. Refreshments after the concert. Everyone is
welcome to attend.
April 18: Support Dogs Tacky Ball 2015
Event runs from 6 - 11 p.m. at the Hy-
att Regency St. Louis Riverfront (at the
Arch) located at 315 Chestnut Street.
Evening includes dinner, open bar, and
entertainment, live and silent auction.
Cost is $150 per person. Special Hyatt
reservation rates available. For more information or to make a reservation, call
314-997-2325.
at 9:00 a.m. The cost of registration is
$30 per person, $10 for kids under 10
years of age. Race day registration is
$35. Individual and team participation
is welcome. Awards will be given to the
top three fundraisers. Enjoy clowns,
face painting and other activities for the
kids.
April 18: Legacy Fundraising Dinner
and Silent Auction
North County Christian School
(NCCS) will host their annual Legacy
Dinner and Silent Auction at 6 p.m.
in the school cafeteria. The fundraising dinner will celebrate the ongoing
legacy of excellence in Christian education established by the school in its 50+
year history. Dr. Glen Schultz, founder
of Kingdom Education Ministries, will
be the featured speaker for the event.
Current families, alumni, and friends
of Christian schools are encouraged to
attend. Tickets are $25 per person, or
$200 for a table of eight and must be
purchased by April 10. Call 314-9726227 for more information or to purchase tickets. NCCS is located at 845
Dunn Rd in Florissant.
April 18: Rummage sale
Large indoor rummage sale will run
from 7 - 11 a.m. at Florissant Presbyterian Church at 660 Charbonier Rd.
in Florissant. Housewares, tools, toys,
seasonal decorations, shoes, clothing and more. Parking at the rear of
church.
April 18: Spring Trivia night
Trinity Catholic High School Spring
Trivia Night sponsored by the Trinity
Parent Organization doors open at 6:30
p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Tables
of eight - $120, beer and soda provided
- players are welcome to bring in anything they wish to eat or drink. Must be
21 years of age or older to attend. For
reservations e-mail Mary Pat Grumich
at [email protected] or call 314740-2356.
April 18: Trivia night
In addition to trivia there will be a silent auction, games and raffles. Three
beer tickets, light snacks and soda provided; no BYOB, please. Cash prize for
first and second place. Doors open at
5:30 p.m., trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. at
St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church at 2900
St. Catherine Street in Florissant (opposite McCluer North High School).
Cost is $20 per person/$160 per table.
For tickets or for more information call
314-837-7113.
April 18: Walk/run fundraiser
Lung Cancer Connection, Inc. will hold
its 6th Annual Walk/Run at the Chesterfield Amphitheater. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The Walk/Run starts
April 18: At Taste of The Bridge Open
House
From 1 – 3 p.m. enjoy A Taste of The
Bridge Open House with some culinary delights and see what Florissant
is talking about at 1101 Garden Plaza
Drive. Event is free, RSVP to 314-8310988.
April 20: Humane Society speaker
Sue Gassner, Director of Education at
the Humane Society of Missouri, will
speak about the link between cruelty
to animals, children, and domestic violence. The meeting will be held in the
Educational Building of the Immanuel
UCC Church, Ferguson. It’s sponsored
by the Ferguson-Florissant (North
County) Branch of the American Association of University Women and is
free and open to the public. For additional information, call 314-831-5359,
314-831-6884, or 314-921-4138.
April 21: Forum on sexual assault
awareness
St. Louis Community College is partnering with St. Louis Family Violence
Council agencies to offer special forums for staff, faculty and students
designed to raise awareness about
sexual violence, as well as initiate
discussion about risk reduction, responses to lessen the impact of trauma
on survivors and those who are close
to them, and develop prevention strategies aimed at creating long-term solutions to sexual violence. The event will
be held at STLCC-Florissant Valley at
9:30 a.m. in the Student Center Multipurpose Room. A special session also
will be conducted at the STLCC Board
of Trustees meeting on April 23, at the
Florissant Valley campus. The meeting
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begins at 7 p.m. in the Student Center
Multipurpose Room. For more information, contact Bill Woodward,
STLCC’s associate vice chancellor for
student affairs, at wwoodward5@stlcc.
edu.
April 21: Seminar
From 2 - 3:30 p.m. Beck Elder Law presents “Protecting your Retirement Plan”
Event is free, RSVP to 314-831-0988.
April 22: Senior resource fair
The city of Florissant has partnered
with the Tri-Parish Nursing Ministry,
Memory Care Home Solutions, St.
Catherine Retirement Community, and
Life Care Center of Florissant to provide
this wonderful free event for all North
County senior citizens called the “Aging My Way Resource Fair.” Gift cards
will be raffled, there will be give-a-ways
at the booths, free donuts and coffee
will be served, and there will be over
75 booths of senior citizen information
at this event that will run from 9 a.m.
– noon at the James J. Eagan Center at
#1 James Eagan Drive in Florissant. Call
the City of Florissant Senior Office at
839-7604 for more information.
April 23: Women’s interfaith conference
You are cordially invited to attend
the35th Annual Women’s Interfaith
Conference, “Women of Faith: Embrace
Responsibility, Compassion, Peace.”
We will gather from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30
p.m. at Central Reform Congregation
at 5020 Waterman (at Kingshighway).
The conference costs $12 per person,
including lunch. Additional parking
is available at First Unitarian Church
(across Waterman).
You can apply online at www.womeninterfaithstl.org, click registration
and simply enter the necessary information. For those not applying online
please contact Jerri Livingston at 314469-3553.
April 24: Charity gala
Rainbow Village, the only local nonprofit dedicated exclusively to providing safe, affordable homes for individuals with developmental disabilities,
will host the 19th annual “Somewhere
Over the Rainbow” gala at the Four
Seasons Hotel. The evening features
the presentation of the 2015 Tice Humanitarian Award. At the gala, guests
will enjoy dinner and dancing as well
as a silent and live auction.
please contact Myra at 314-921-5120 or
Tom at 314-740-1072.
April 25: Trivia night
The annual trivia night fundraiser for
TEAM (The Emergency Assistance
Ministry) will be held in the parish
hall of Sacred Heart Catholic Church
located at 751 N. Jefferson St. The
trivia night is being sponsored by the
Florissant License Office – Florissant
Rotary Club. Entry fee is $200 per
table with a maximum of eight people
per team. Entry fee includes drinks,
popcorn and attendance prizes. Cash
prizes for first, second, and third places
and best theme decorated table will be
given out. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.,
trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m. Checks
should be made payable to TEAM and
mailed to TEAM Food Pantry, P.O. Box
1520, Florissant, MO 63031-1520. To
register, volunteer, sponsor, or make a
donation, please contact Kate Moore at
[email protected].
April 30: Open house baby shower
SSM DePaul Health Center will offer a
free Open House Baby Shower from 6
to 8 p.m. Attendees will meet the nurses
who care for new moms and babies,
learn about breast feeding, baby care
and what to expect during childbirth.
They also can take a personalized tour
of DePaul Health Center’s Family Birthplace and enjoy light refreshments.
Plus, expectant moms will be able to
register to receive a free car seat from
Kohl’s4Kids. The event is free, but registration is required. To RSVP, please call
866-776-3627 by April 27.
May 1: Awards gala
The 2015 Celebration of Entrepreneurs
Awards Gala will recognize and honor
entrepreneurs in the greater St. Louis
metro area for outstanding contributions to humanity, innovation, and service to their customers, employees, and
community. Hosted by Pursue Your
Purpose CEO and Founder Tamiko
Cuellar, ticket proceeds will benefit The
Future Business Leaders of AmericaClyde C Miller Academy Chapter.
What’s Happening
make your appointment.
May 2: St. Louis Strollathon
The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF), now known as Rettsyndrome.org, will host its eighth annual
St. Louis Strollathon with registration
starting at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning
at 10 a.m. The one-mile family-friendly
stroll, which will be held at Tilles Park’s
13
Gloria Rodgers Shelter located at 9551
Litzsinger Rd. in Ladue, includes a visit
from Fredbird, entertainment and food.
All proceeds will benefit Rett Syndrome
research. Donations are appreciated.
For more information, call Strollathon
chair Joyce Opinsky at 314-878-0868,
e-mail her at [email protected],
or visit the organization’s web site at
www.rettsyndrome.org.
May 1: Fund raising opportunity
The Knights of Columbus are providing midway booth rentals for this year’s
Valley of Flowers from May 1 – May 3.
For more details, contact Bob Belaska
at 314-837-4393.
May 1: Pursue Your Purpose 2015
Celebration
of
Entrepreneurs
Awards Gala
First Bank (Florissant Dierbergs) will
serve as a co-sponsor for the Pursue
Your Purpose 2015 Celebration of
Entrepreneurs Awards Gala, an event
that will kick off National Small Business Month by celebrating local entrepreneurs at the Renaissance Hotel,
Airport and hosted by Pursue Your
Purpose CEO and Founder Tamiko
Cuellar, the awards gala will honor
entrepreneurs in the St. Louis area
for their outstanding contributions to
humanity, innovation, and service to
their customers, employees and community. To purchase tickets, nominate
entrepreneurs or for sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.PursueYourPurpose.com/2015Gala.
April 30: Free seminar
From 2 - 3:30 p.m. Beck Elder Law
presents Protecting your Retirement
Plan at the Bridge at Florissant at 1101
Garden Plaza Drive. Event is free. RSVP
to 314-831-0988.
May 2: Blood drive
Women’s Missionary Society of Christ
Our Redeemer AME Church is sponsoring a Red Cross Charles Drew
Blood Drive from 10a.m. – 2 p.m. We
are located at 13820 Old Jamestown
Rd. in Black Jack. Call 314-741-4222 to
SUDOKU answers from page 8
CROSSWORD answers from page 8
April 25: Salad/bingo luncheon
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit
444 is holding a salad/bingo luncheon
at the Post at 17090 Old Jamestown
Rd. in Florissant at noon. Cost is $12
and event consists of lunch, bingo, silent auction, raffle, 50/50 drawing and
attendance prizes. Profits help support
veteran projects and activities. RSVP
by calling 314-868-3612.
April 25: Florissant garage sale
Florissant residents can haul down the
clutter from their attics and treasures
from their garages and organize accumulations from their barns for the 6th
Annual Florissant Garage Sale which
will be held at the James J Eagan Ice
Rink area from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Only
Florissant residents receive a space to
sell. The selling of craft items will not
be approved. Fill out an application
and return it by April 17. Applications
will be are available at the JJE and JFK
Center and at www.florissantmo.com.
Space is limited. The fee is $15 residents
only. The Florissant Garage Sale is free
to attend! For additional information
call 314-921-4250 or 314-921-4466.
April 25: Trivia night
Kiwanis trivia night will be held at the
Hazelwood Community Center White
Birch Park located at 1186 Teson Road
in Hazelwood. Doors open at 6:30
p.m., trivia begins at 7:00 p.m. Cost
is$20 per person, eight per table (maximum). Net proceeds to support children and children’s charities. Popcorn,
soda and beer included, you may bring
your own food and beverages. To make
reservations or for more information
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April 8, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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NOVENA
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be
adored, glorified, loved and preserved
throughout the world, now and forever.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St.
Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us.
St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray
for us.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be
adored, glorified, loved and preserved
throughout the world, now and forever.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St.
Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us.
St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray
for us.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be
adored, glorified, loved and preserved
throughout the world, now and forever.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St.
Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us.
St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray
for us.
Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days,
then publish. Your prayers will be
answered.
It has never been known to fail.
Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days,
then publish. Your prayers will be
answered.
It has never been known to fail.
Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days,
then publish. Your prayers will be
answered.
It has never been known to fail.
Thank you, St. Jude
D.B.
Thank you, St. Jude
D.M.
Call Brooke at
636.697.2414
Thank you, St. Jude
H.L.
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April 8, 2015 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Over the Fence
By Joe Morice
Schools: yesterday vs. today
I went into my “I remember” mode again after observing
several teenagers texting on cell phones while waiting for a
school bus. After the bus stopped, they continued texting as
they scrambled up the
bus’ steps. “Great coordination,” I thought. “Only one
of them stumbled and fell.”
This made me think of what we did to pass
idle time in our rural school days back when
dinosaurs roamed the earth, as my offspring
refers to it. We didn’t have cell phones. In
grade school, we had recess and played various games or capered on playground equipment. Screaming, shouting and giggling
at each other were the popular means of
communication. This was besides passing
notes to each other in class when the teacher
wasn’t looking. Shooting spit wads and related mischief was optional.
High school didn’t allow recess…probably
because mischief became more creative with
puberty. Personal computers weren’t around
yet so we explored the school library to find information for homework assignments
or hid behind shelves to avoid the librarian’s evil eye and dollar-a-gallon perfume.
During breaks to change classrooms, we did the usual teasing, yelling and shoving
in the halls along with slamming locker doors and gobbling sweets if we could get
them – which was seldom.
When we rode the school bus, the driver was in charge. If we misbehaved, he
would stop and straighten us out…physically, if necessary. Teachers and principals
had the same option. Some used a device
called “The Whistling Canoe Paddle.”
We communicated face to face. If you
smarted off to someone, chances were, they
retaliated. Bullies and gangs were just as
prevalent then as now but they didn’t use
guns. Thankfully, I could run fast. Yet it
was all part of growing up and learning to
survive in the real world, such as it was. I
believe we have more trouble with bullies in
today’s schools because expelling them is almost impossible.
I also remember something called “reform
school.” This is where the chronic troublemakers sometimes ended up. I’m not sure
how they operated but I assume it included
corporal punishment. This would send today’s politically correct crowd into frenzied
apoplexy.
If students failed in my school, they were held back. Our high school graduating class had several graduates who were older than we were. I remember one in
particular who later became semi-wealthy. We had dropouts, too. I’m told one did
time for something unbecoming a pool hall denizen.
If a teacher passed a student who couldn’t read, it would have
shocked the entire town.
There were flaws in the system back then. Nothing is ever perfect. Some of the teachers weren’t very good. Rural schools often
couldn’t afford the best. On the other hand, most of them were
great.
I wonder what they would think of today’s schools where a student can cuss out a teacher without fear of a solid right hook. I
bet I know.
“We expect our teachers to handle teenage pregnancy, substance
abuse and the failings of the family. Then we expect them to educate our children.” -John Sculley (1939-present) Past President of
PepsiCo and Apple Computer.
“Teachers are educators. Children’s behavior is a parental obligation.” Joe Morice- (Mesozoic-present) Columnist, Dumbfounded.
Joe Morice is Community News’s blue-collar philosopher. He was born
and raised in Missouri and spent most of his childhood on a farm and
adulthood operating heavy equipment. He has no formal training as a
writer, unless a lifetime of writing about any and everything counts.
The opinions expressed in this column are Joe Morice’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.
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