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Neighborhood News July – August 2012

Mercy Neighborhood Ministry | 3660 Gravois | St. Louis, MO 63116 | 314-865-0927

www.mercy.net/stlouismo/practice/mercy-neighborhood-ministry

Our Staff Inside This Issue: Our Mission

Sharon Neumeister, RN Director

Terri Miller Outreach Coordinator

Cheryl Schorr Outreach Coordinator

Dennis Turek Administrative Assistant

Karen Libby Summer Flex Student

Sr. Jonella Rhoda, RSM Volunteer

Sr. Marilynn Wittenauer, RSM Volunteer

Mercy Mission Volunteer Effort

Mercy Lab Olympics

Washington News

Health Screenings

City Greens Market

Community Agency Spotlight

Summer Music Events

Back to School Resources

YMCA Book Fair

And MORE

Mercy Neighborhood Ministry, a department of Mercy Hospital St. Louis, connects the economically underserved with appropriate health and social service resources. In partnership with community organizations, we improve access to care and quality of life for those in need.

Mercy CFO Named Top in Health Care

Congratulations to Cheryl Matejka, Mercy East, CFO, who was named top CFO in health care in St. Louis by the St. Louis Business Journal in May. The recognition is indicative of her ability to go beyond the traditional role of her position in making a difference in growing Mercy. The panel of judges consisted of local business executives.

(I wonder if she’d take a look at MY checkbook?? )

Karen Libby

Usually, Mercy Neighborhood Ministry must say good-bye to our Gateway Vincentian Volunteer each year at the end of June, but not so this year. Our GVV/AmeriCorps volunteer, Karen Libby, will be working at the Ministry in July and August as a Mercy Summer Flex Student. Karen is staying in St. Louis and will begin her RN training at Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College in August.

Please join us in wishing Karen great success in nursing school.

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Mercy Mission Department on a Mission

Mission leaders from Mercy Hospital St. Louis organized an evening of service as part of the team’s ongoing Mercy formation process. The leaders shopped, prepared and served the evening meal on Wednesday, May 30, at Father Dempsey’s Charities, as well as enjoyed sharing conversation with the residents.

“As always seems to be the case, I think all of us received more than we gave,” said Sharon Neumeister, Director of Mercy Neighborhood Ministry. “I spent about an hour talking with a Texas A&M graduate who also has a law degree from St. Louis University. His battle with depression and low self-worth are hard for many of us to understand, but is the reality this man faces each day.”

Father Dempsey’s Charities is located at 3427 Washington Ave. in St. Louis and has provided transitional housing and a safe place to give a fresh start to men without a home since 1906. “Our home was founded as a hotel for working men by Father Tim Dempsey, a charismatic and big-hearted priest who wanted to create ‘a decent home for men who want to be decent’,“ explained Martie Aboussie, Executive Director.

Today, Father Dempsey’s provides services to 60 men, many of whom are Vets, including a place to live, meals, assistance with job hunting, obtaining

medical treatment and accessing government benefits available due to military service, age, or disability.

For more information, visit Father Dempsey’s Charities website at www.archstl.org/fatherdempseyscharities.

Mercy Lab Olympics

The Lab Department at Mercy Hospital St. Louis held an olympic-themed competition in May with activities taking place over a one week period. Co-worker “athletes” represented various department “countries” including Anatomic Pathology, Blood Bank, Donor Room, Core Lab (days), Core Lab (nights), Lab Admin/School, Micro, Outreach, and Support Services. Each “country” created their own flag and particiated in events such as Olympic/Greek Trivia contests, bowling, etc. Prizes were awarded:

Gold medalists received a pizza party.

Silver medalists received bagels from Bread Company.

Bronze medalists received a dessert.

The winning department drew for 2 Cardinals Club Seat Tickets!!

The highlight of this fun-filled week was a collection drive that brought in loads of sporting goods and equipment, all of which was donated to De LaSalle and Marian Middle Schools!

On behalf of the schools and Mercy Neighborhood Ministry, we thank all the Lab athletes for their generous donations!!

“For it is in giving that we receive.”

― St. Francis of Assisi

Pictured: Diane Daly, Fertility Care Services; Sr. Miriam Nolan, RSM, and Sharon Neumeister, Neighborhood Ministry

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Washington Corner

Town & Country Fair

Visit Washington MO on August 1 – 5 and you’re sure to find something the entire family will enjoy at the Town & Country Fair!

Carnival rides Motor sports

Livestock judging Bull riding

Talent show Petting zoo

Zip line And more!

Fair visitors will also enjoy live concerts by Jake Owen (“Barefoot Blue Jean Night”), Gretchen Wilson (“Redneck Woman”), REO Speedwagon (“Riding the Storm Out”), and Jerrod Niemann (“Shinin’ On Me”).

Fairgrounds are located at 200 Grand Ave., Washington, MO 63090. For ticket information, times and directions visit www.washmofair.com. The County Fair is sponsored in part by Mercy.

Breast Health Screenings

The Mercy Mammography Van is in the community helping uninsured women between the ages of 40-64 access breast cancer screenings and will soon be visiting the following sites:

Where: When:

Mercy Breast Center 12348 Old Tesson Road St. Louis, MO 63128

Wed, July 11 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

St. Trinity Lutheran Church 517 W. Koeln St. Louis, MO 63111

Wed, July 18 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Mercy Breast Center 12348 Old Tesson Road St. Louis, MO 63128

Tues, July 24 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

CHIPS 2431 N. Grand Avenue St. Louis, MO 63106

Wed, July 25 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Shalom House 1040 S. Taylor Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110

Wed, August 1 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Mercy Breast Center 12348 Old Tesson Road St. Louis, MO 63128

Wed, August 8 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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Washington County Health Dept. 520 Purcell Drive Potosi, MO 63664

Wed, August 15 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Mercy Breast Center 12348 Old Tesson Road St. Louis, MO 63128

Tues, August 21 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Community Action Agency 2709 Woodson Road St. Louis, MO 63114

Thurs, August 23 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Eureka United Methodist Church 215 N. Central Eureka, MO 63025

Mon, August 27 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the David C. Pratt Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital St. Louis – (314) 251-6300 or toll free (800) 446-3742 then press “0”.

City Greens Market

Did you know there was a community market in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood? City Greens Market, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities Midtown Center, opened in 2009 as a collaboration between Midtown and local Missouri farmers.

“At City Greens we believe nutritious food is an essential component of a happy and healthy life. Food is our body's fuel. Our community should have access to healthy, fresh, and affordable choices to fuel our bodies and minds....“ 11am -

5:30pm / Fridays 11am - 5:00pm

All produce comes from local farmers in Lincoln County, Missouri within two days of being picked. In addition to produce, the market sells locally grown

vegetables, dairy and meat products, breads, and canned goods. All items are sold at or below cost and they accept S.N.A.P./Food Stamps/EBT cards.

Where: When:

City Greens Market 1202 South Boyle St. Louis, MO 63110

Thursdays 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Fridays 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

To learn more, visit their website at www.midtowncitygreens.org.

Can’t make it to the market? Catch the “Veggie Mobile” each Wednesday at these four locations and find not only the same vegetables as at the market, but also fruit, eggs, meats and staples:

Casa de Salud at Chouteau & Compton – Gate District neighborhood

3120 Lafayette Ave – Gate District neighborhood

39th & Russell – Shaw neighborhood

4068 Shenandoah – Shaw neighborhood

“Mercy Neighborhood Ministry (MNM) has recently become a Business Member of the City Greens Market,” said Sharon Neumeister, Director. “Through support of the market, MNM helps address the community health issue of proper nutrition and obesity. We share in the mission of the market which is to provide access to affordable, healthy foods, promote healthy living in the community, provide space for members to interact, and support local farmers and businesses.”

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Stay Cool This Summer

It’s summer in St. Louis and that means temperatures soar to high 90’s and even 100+! For information about cooling centers call United Way of Greater St. Louis at (800) 427-4626 (from a landline phone dial 2-1-1) or visit www.211helps.org/Heating-Cooling-Sites.

Also, Cool Down St. Louis is distributing air conditioners to qualified applicants. For more information call (314) 241-7668 or visit www.cooldownstlouis.org.

Helpful Cooling Tips

Check on neighbors, young children, those without air conditioning, people with medical conditions and the elderly.

If you do not have an air conditioner, go to an air conditioned place during the warmest times of the day.

Drink plenty water. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine. Avoid alcohol or large amounts of sugar. Never wait until you are thirsty to drink.

Keep shades, curtains and blinds closed during the day.

Shalom House

Founded in 1968, Shalom House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves women who are homeless and/or chronically homeless. Through a multidisciplinary team, Shalom House provides a temporary home and life changing support that enables women to address the root causes of their homelessness in order to acquire and maintain permanent housing.

Additionally, Shalom House helps educate the community on these issues and serves as an advocate on behalf of their clients.

Shalom House conducts a 24-hour/90-day Emergency Shelter Program, a 24-hour/2-year Transitional Housing Program, an Aftercare Program and will be soon be launching a Permanent Supportive Housing Program to meet their mission and vision. By providing direct services to chronically homeless women with severe mental illness and chemical dependency, Shalom House is helping break many cycles that directly influence the entire community.

Shalom House is also an active member of the St. Louis City Continuum of Care for Ending Homelessness.

Shalom House 1040 S. Taylor Avenue Saint Louis, MO 63110 (314) 534-1010 www.shalomhousestl.org

Community Agency Spotlight

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CommUNITY Art Collaborative

Through art, homeless individuals may rediscover movement. Once they are moving, the path out of homelessness can become clearer. Please join us for this participatory multimedia performance inspired by the men and artists of the community collabARTive at Peter and Paul Community Services, which has provided housing and supportive services to the homeless population in St. Louis for 30 years.

In collaboration with the community collabARTive, this event is sponsored in part by the Regional Arts Commission, the Missouri Arts Council, Jean Kerr, Franklin Productions, and Peter and Paul Community Services.

Where: When:

Missouri History Museum Lee Auditorium Lindell & DeBaliviere in Forest Park

Tue, July 10 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free. For more information call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Free Summer Concerts & Live Music

Summer is here and gone sometimes before we have the chance to pack away our winter sweaters. Let’s get up and get out of the house! Enjoy the numerous free outdoor concerts in the St. Louis area this summer. Here are just a few of the live music events that are scheduled.

Outdoor concerts held each Wednesday night for nine weeks in the beautiful setting of the Missouri Botanical

Garden. Musicians this year include Marquise Knox, Vince Martin and Aaron Kamm and the One Drops.

Garden admission is free after 5:00 p.m. The concerts start at 7:30 p.m.

A wide variety of musicians, including the Bob Kuban Band, Abbey Road Warriors and Mystic Voyage perform Sunday evening concerts at 6:00 p.m. in Carondelet Park in South St. Louis. (August concerts begin at 5:30 p.m.)

Live on the Levee is now officially called Celebrate St. Louis Summer Concerts. It's held at Soldiers Memorial, instead of the riverfront. This year, there will be two weekends of free music featuring Neon Trees, Michael Franti and Spearhead, The Offspring and Nelly.

For more information on these and other outdoor music events scheduled for this summer, visit this website:

St. Louis Free Summer Concerts & Music Events

“Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.”

― Robert Fripp

Whitaker Music Festival May 30 – July 25

Carondelet Summer Concerts June 3 – August 19

Celebrate St. Louis Summer Concerts (Live on the Levee) July 13 & 14, 20 & 21

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Street Soccer for Homeless

What is Street Soccer? Soccer played by those who are homeless, both men and women. In tournament and league competition, four-on-four teams play 14-minute games on an enclosed surface about the size of a tennis court. Games are exciting, fast paced, often high scoring and, most of all, fun.

Street Soccer USA organizers estimate one-third of those who play the sport leave homelessness behind for good.

The 2012 Street Soccer USA Cup will be held on July 27 – 29 in New York City. St. Louis will be represented by The St. Louis Roadies, a team from Peter & Paul Community Services. Good luck to The Roadies!!

National Night Out – Tuesday, August 7

Get the family out of the house and organize or participate in your block’s efforts to prevent crime and drug use in your neighborhood. This year marks the 29th Annual National Night Out crime/drug prevention event.

Residents are asked to “Light Up the Night” by keeping their front porch lights on all night and are encouraged to organize activities, such as block parties, “Meet and Greets”, cookouts, parades, visits from police, fesitvals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs, contests, rallies and meetings.

National Night Out is designed to:

Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness

Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs

Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships

Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Contact your local municipality to register your block and obtain authorization to block off your street for a few hours that evening, if possible. St. Louis City residents should call (314) 657-1392 before July 20.

CWIT is Looking for Mentors

The Center for Women in Transition (CWIT) assists women in the criminal justice system in making a successful transition to their families and communities through practicing and promoting restorative justice.

One of their programs is a one-on-one mentoring partnership between female non-violent ex-offenders and volunteer mentors for a period of one year. Currently, they are in need of 8-10 volunteer mentors. If you are interested or

would like to learn more about Center for Women in Transition, visit their website at www.cwitstl.org or call them at (314) 771-0066.

Center for Women in Transition 7529 South Broadway Saint Louis, Missouri 63111

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Back to School Resources

First Day of School

Some say, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Children of St. Louis Public Schools will start classes, Monday, August 13, 2012. For a complete school year calendar, visit their website at www.slps.org.

Watch for advertisements in your area for upcoming health fairs and back-to-school events so children are prepared to start school on that day.

FREE Electronics & Computer Items

WITS will have refurbished/donated televisions (less than 19”), computer accessories, printers, music items, cd’s, movies, stereos, radios, and other household electronic items available for free at their upcoming event. All items are in working condition, tested and ready to go.

Admission is free. Computers and laptops will also be available at reduced prices, but this event is focused on the FREE items. Other higher value items (microwaves, lawnmowers, televisions over 19”, etc.) will be available for $5 to $20. WITS will also be accepting electronics and computers to recycle on these days.

Where: When:

WITS, Inc. 647 E. Holly St. Louis, MO 63147

Fri, Aug 10 – Sat, Aug 11 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sun, Aug 12 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For more information contact WITS at (314) 382-1650 or visit their website at www.witsinc.org.

Tax Free Weekend

Missouri has yet to set the date for the Tax Free shopping weekend, but most likely it will be August 3-5. Save on school supplies, clothing and computers by not paying State tax. Local taxes may still apply.

To save even more money, watch for sales and compare prices online before you go shopping. Try to use coupons whenever you can.

Register to Vote

Be sure you are registered to vote in the upcoming elections. Check your local government for requirements and upcoming issues in your area.

Upcoming Elections

Aug 7 – Presidential Primary Election (last day to register – Jul 11) Nov 6 – General/Presidential Election (last day to register – Oct 10)

Registration Requirements

To register to vote, you must be:

About WITS

WITS, Inc. is a St. Louis non-profit organization that recycles and refurbishes electronics, computers and surplus equipment from businesses and residents by fixing or replacing what may be broken and putting it back into the community for educational use.

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18 years of age by Election Day

U.S. Citizen

A resident in the county you will vote

How to Register

Generally, there are several ways you can register to vote:

At your neighborhood library

At the office of the Board of Election Commissioners

At a driver's licensing office while applying for or renewing a driver's license

At a designated state agency while obtaining services

By downloading a voter registration form with mailing instructions

Be sure to bring all proper documentation, such as ID/Drivers License, Social Security Card, etc., when you go to register.

YMCA Book Fair

The YMCA Bookfair is an event that you have to see to believe. It takes some 400 volunteers and 8,000 volunteer hours to pull off one of our region's most notable bookfairs.

Where: When:

Kennedy Recreation Center 6050 Wells Road St. Louis, MO, 63128

(Near Meramec Bottom Road & I-55, 10 miles south of Historic Carondelet YMCA building)

Fri, Aug 17 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sat, Aug 18 – Wed, Aug 22 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Admission is $10. For more information call (314) 353-4960 or visit the Book Fair website:

www.ymcastlouis.org/carondelet-park-rec-complex/about-bookfair

Book donations will be accepted until August 1 at participating branches of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis. You will find blue collection barrels in the lobby or foyer of each YMCA branch.

“So many books, so little time.”

― Frank Zappa

You Don’t Need a Home to Vote Project

Because many states have registration restrictions that can limit voting abilities for many elderly, students, minorities and persons who are homeless or poor, this fall the National Coalition for the Homeless will be organizing the National Homeless and Low Income Voter Registration Week during the week of September 30th to October 6th, 2012. To learn more, visit www.nationalhomeless.org.

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Festival of Nations

Come to the International Institute’s “Festival of Nations” in Tower Grove Park, August 25 & 26, for the region’s premier multicultural celebration! Features include over 40 ethnic food booths, non-stop dance and music, arts and crafts, and an international bazaar with unique gifts from around the world.

Admission is FREE! A shuttle service will provide complimentary rides on designated routes during operating hours. Parking is available in the park and at lots and streets in surrounding neighborhoods.

Where: When:

Tower Grove Park (Grand & Arsenal – Southeast corner) St. Louis, MO 63116

Sat, Aug 25 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sun, Aug 26 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.festivalofnationsstl.org.

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,

Sing like there's nobody listening,

And live like it's heaven on earth.”

― William W. Purkey

Thank you for reading our newsletter. We hope you’ve enjoyed it. For community health resources and other information, please visit our website at:

www.mercy.net/stlouismo/practice/mercy-neighborhood-ministry

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Mercy Co-worker Volunteer Opportunities

The community volunteer opportunities below are available to Mercy co-workers. To sign-up, or for more information, call or email one of these individuals at Mercy Neighborhood Ministry:

Sr. Marilynn Wittenauer (sr.marilynn.wittenauer@mercy.net or 314-865-0927 ext. 7)

Terri Miller (terri.miller@mercy.net or 314-865-0927 x6)

Community agencies and organizations with volunteer needs may call Mercy Neighborhood Ministry to discuss collaborative opportunities.

St. Vincent’s Church Meal Program 1408 South 10th St. St. Louis, MO 63104-3275 www.stvstl.org

Ten co-workers needed to serve dinner to homeless or low-income individuals and families. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Jul 26

Jul 30 (Full)

Aug 23

Aug 27 (Full)

Peter and Paul Community Services Emergency Men’s Shelter 711 Allen St. St. Louis, MO 63104 www.ppcsinc.org

Five or six co-workers needed to spend one-on-one time visiting with the men who come to the shelter.

Departments or groups may also sign up to cater the evening meal which typically serves 75 men (see below).

None scheduled in July or August

Peter and Paul Community Services Meal Program 816 Allen St. Louis, MO 63104 www.ppcsinc.org

Call the Neighborhood Ministry for information on how departments can provide and serve the evening meal to the hungry. The meal is served in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Hall located in the Soulard area. Groups need to be there from 4:15 – 6:30.

Jul 11 (Full)

Aug 16 (Full)

Food Outreach, Inc. 3117 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63103-1212 www.foodoutreach.org

Cook & Pack Fifteen co-workers needed on Saturdays to assist with food preparation, cooking, and packaging home-cooked meals for persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer.

8:00 – 11:00 a.m.

None scheduled in July or August

Food Distribution Five to ten co-workers needed to fill food orders at on-site "grocery store" for persons living with HIV/AIDS or Cancer.

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Jul 21

Aug 11

St. Vincent DePaul Society Thrift Stores www.svdpstlouis.org

Ballwin 14660 Manchester Rd, 63011

St. Charles 1069 Regency Parkway, 63303

Dellwood 10052 West Florissant Ave, 63135

South City 4928 Christy Blvd, 63116

If you would like to volunteer at one of the Thrift Stores, please contact Mercy Neighborhood Ministry.