Wendy Todd

In 1982, Ken Crowder, who taught history at what was then called Ritenour Junior High School, presented his sixth-grade class with a challenge. A family that had been victims of a house fire needed help. He asked his class to donate food. They came through and before long, 2,000 cans of food were stacked up in the back of Crowder's classroom.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and discussions about mental health have become a national conversation, particularly since the onset of the pandemic. According to the National Institutes of Health, anxiety, depression and substance abuse have increased since the beginning of the global health crisis. Therefore, the need for mental health counseling has been in high demand. That demand has largely been unmet in underserved areas.

Some of the top concerns for senior citizens involve finding social engagement and purpose, dealing with the loss of mobility and movement, handling daily living and lifestyle and finding effective caregivers. Seniors Helping Seniors, a national organization, was established in 1998 by couple Kiran and Philip Yocom to provide in-home services that assist seniors with the varied challenges of aging.

On May 18, as the sun begins to fade, the community farmers' market at Florissant Road and Suburban Avenue will transform into the start and finish line of the annual Ferguson Twilight Run. This is the 15th anniversary of the event, which has become a community staple.

The W.A.Y. Center is an afterschool program that was created to support underserved children and parents in the St. Louis area By Wendy Todd, Staff Writer

$2.5 million renovations on Millennium Park in Creve Coeur feature revamped playgrounds and splash pad By Wendy Todd, Staff Writer

“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”

Fiesta in Florissant takes place at the Knights of Columbus Park, located at 50 St. Francois Street in Florissant near the corner of Lindbergh and Washington St. The event will take place on Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Imagine going on a wildlife safari and not even leaving St. Louis. In 2027, that exotic excursion will be available right in North St. Louis County. The Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, a safari park and conservation center, is under development and will offer the public an authentic expedition experience.

Nonprofit organization offers programming to help others who have experienced trauma find peace and hope By Wendy Todd, Staff Writer