https://laurieskrivan.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/01TOUCHPLANE.jpgHolding HandsCOMFORT- "We hold hands everywhere. We still get comments from people who think we're newlyweds," says Wendy Mobbs, who instinctively grabs her husband hand during a flight via Boston to St. Louis. Richard and Wendy Mobbs have been married 11 years.\n https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/touchesusone.jpgtouchesusone https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/09CONTROLLEDSOULMATE.jpg09CONTROLLEDSOULMATESOULMATES- Pelagie Green Wren hugs her husband Charlie Wren at the Parkside Towers in St. Louis. Wren was the first black performer in the Muny chorus in 1962. During the run of the show, Charlie Wren was assigned to watch over her for security purposes (as there were death threats on her life.) They married several years later. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/03TOUCHFAMILY.jpgRoughousingWRESTLING - "Both of us came from families that did little touching-- almost never," says wife and mother Jacqui Turner, who watches her husband Melvin wrestle with children Langston,6, and Chandler. "We wanted to do that differently from our parents. The boys don't make it our of the house in the morning without a kiss." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/02TOUCHFIRST.jpgFirst TouchFIRST TOUCH - "It was the most special feeling I have ever felt in my life," said Kelly Weihe when her baby Allison Lynn Weihe 9lb, 9 oz., just 13 minutes old i grabbed her hand. Weihe has been trying to have a baby for the last 4 1/2 years.\n\n https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/touchpage21.jpgtouchpage21 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/06TOUCHLACKING.jpgNo ContactABSENT - "I have always wanted to touch my baby since I've been in here-- and this is the only way I can do it," said prison inmate Michael Randolph during a visit with his son Michael Randolph Jr. at the City Workhouse. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/07ESSAYTOUCHFAME.jpgTouching FameTOUCHING FAME- "I feel like I touched history," said Tim Bayless,19, who reaches for the hand of singer Sammy Hagar at his concert at Riverport. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/04TOUCHPRAYER.jpgSoaking prayerHEALING TOUCH- "Heal me father, heal me," cries Maureen Yahnke. "It feels like a gentle rain--it fills in all the cracks and cravases, soaking in where it is needed to refresh us, said Carol Striebel, left, "we are all wounded healers." she said during a Roman Catholic charismatic soaking prayer. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Touch/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/05TOUCHLOVE.jpgAffectionLOVING - "Perfect." says Amy Hattori, describing the afternoon spent with her boyfriend Bao Nguyen in Forest Park. The couple has been dating two years https://laurieskrivan.com/Contact/1 https://laurieskrivan.com/Contact/2 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ripflagbw.jpg#FergusonThe details of the encounter on August 9, 2014, may remain forever in dispute. That's when a white police officer, Darren Wilson, encountered Michael Brown and a friend walking down the middle of the street. Minutes later, the unarmed 18-year-old was dead from gunshot wounds, conflicting claims began to be aired, and a serious and sometimes violent nationwide reckoning would begin. The topic was how African-American communities are policed, and on a deeper level, how racism, bias and hate continue to convulse American society. Here are my images of uprising and unrest. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fergusonslide.jpgfergusonslide https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/lookatbwweb-copy1.jpgFace OffBrooks Bay stood silently holding his sign "no justice, no peace" as he and other marchers confront a barricade of Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers in front of the Ferguson police station on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. Marchers are entering a third day of protests against Saturday's police shooting of Michael Brown. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/crowdbw.jpgcrowdbw"He was my second cousin. It's just so wrong," said Tony Petty, who holds his granddaughter as he protests at the Ferguson police station. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/military.jpgSharp shooters Police sharpshooter sit atop a SWAT vehicle during daytime protests at Ferguson. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw02.JPGLooted"This is ridiculous. It shouldn't have resulted to this. I am embarrassed for the people who did this. They acted out of anger. Now I don't have a job, " said Marcelle Armenta of St. Louis, who surveys damage inside Sam's Meat Market & More after it was looted by rioters overnight. Rioters damaged more than 30 businesses in the area. Rioters looted liquor and the meat counter as well as stealing the safe. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw01.JPGTeachable moment"I wanted to make a photo show my friends there is nothing to be afraid of and to come down here. I believe history is being made. I hope laws change for African-Americans because of this," said Michael Taylor, who asked a portrait to make a portrait with his younger brother Amara Doukoure,7, in front of St. Louis County police officers as they stand guard in riot gear. Senator Claire McCaskill is calling for the demilitarization of the police presence in Ferguson. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw03.JPGCome together right now"I wanted to come out and help bring this community back together. And with me being older, I wanted to set an example and inspire leadership to the youth," said Anthony Clark of Arnold (far left) who helps clean up trash in front of the burned QuikTrip on W. Florissant Ave. in Ferguson. More than 100 volunteers came together to send a positive message to the community by cleaning up the businesses and areas that were damaged by looting and riots on Sunday night. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw23.JPGEncouraging PeaceRev. Renita Lamkin with African Methodist Episcopal Church talks with a protester encouraging peace. Days earlier some protesters looted and burned QuikTrip in Ferguson. Lamkin walked around the crowd trying to grab the attention of anyone who would listen to her. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/140812songsbw.jpgLeave Our Kids AloneBetty Davis stands with her daughter Rose Harrison and family friend John McFadden protest the police shooting of Michael Brown on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, near the burned QuikTrip in Ferguson. Davis' son was shot and killed by police on February 12, 2013. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONEXCESSIVE.jpgExcessive Police tackle a man who was walking down the street in front of McDonald's. The man appeared to be walking past a group that had been assembled nearby and police were telling everyone to keep walking. Moments after he turned around and exchanged words with the police that he was just walking, police took him to the ground. Although there is no curfew in order tonight, police are strictly enforcing protesters to keep moving along the sidewalk or they are subject to arrest. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw09.JPGIn chains"He's having a tough time dealing with all this, " said Deacon Marvin Peppers of St. Louis who comforts Joshua Williams, 18. Wilson and Michael Brown were friends. "We are out here for a cause. We have been dealing with this issue for too long. A young life was taken by a law officer," said Peppers. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/sunnycolorbwweb.jpgProphetic Words"I am out here because I am part of the masses of people in St. Louis and soon to be in the nation that is exhausted and fatigued with the progression of police genocide, it's not police brutality anymore, it's genocide against young black Americans," said Sunny Ford. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/carbw.jpgShut it downTeenagers ride of cars shutting down W. Florissant in the name of justice for Mike Brown. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/handsupbwweb.jpg"Hands Up, Don't Shoot""Hands Up, Don't Shoot" became the rally cry for residents protesting against Brown's death. Immediately after the shooting, witness accounts spread that Brown had his hands raised in surrender, mouthing the words “Don’t shoot” as his last words before being shot execution-style. The gesture of raised hands became a symbol of outrage over mistreatment of unarmed black youth by police. "There is no evidence upon which prosecutors can rely to disprove Wilson's stated subjective belief that he feared for his safety," a Justice Department criminal investigation found. No reliable evidence proves that Brown had his hands up when he was shot, the investigation found. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fergusonflowersbw.jpgRoses for MichaelVolunteers handed out roses for residents as they marched up and down W. Florissant for justice for Mike, Mike. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw34.JPGFERGUSONbw 34After warning protesters to disperse for unlawfully gathering, police grab a woman before using pepper spray to push protesters off the street and onto the sidewalk. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw10.JPGDad teaches children a lesson"The world is not fair," says Terrell Williams El of Ferguson, to his daughters Temika,6,(left) and Sharell, 9, after showing them the police officers in riot gear at a protest along West Florissant Rd. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, in Ferguson. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw14.JPGSinging for peaceMembers of the Church of God in Christ choir sing songs with protesters near the QuikTrip on West Florissant Rd. on Wednesday encouraging a night of peace. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/supermanbw.jpgSuperman One person died in a vehicle crash Friday morning in the 4400 block of Union Boulevard, just south of Interstate 70. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw19.JPGBlack PowerBrothers raise their fists for Black Power as they drive down protesters assembled in front of the burned QuikTrip. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw33.JPGF$% Off "Are we inconveniencing you? Good! " yells local activist Brittany Ferrell, as a driver caught in traffic gives protesters the finger after they shut down the intersection of Grand Boulevard at Lafayette Street. Months after the shooting, local activists continued to organize marchers and shut down intersections to protest for justice. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/23https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw31.JPGSeparate and UnequalAs the crowd chants "no justice, no peace" , protester Joshua Williams, 18, (left) holds a burning American flag during a night of protest and marching. It's been 61 days since a Ferguson police officer fatal shoot of an unarmed teenager Michael Brown. Jr. Protesters continue to march for justice and to stop racial profiling and police brutality. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/24https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw32.JPGDragged AwayPolice in riot gear arrest a demonstrator in front of the Ferguson Police Station.. About 150 demonstrators gathered outside the police department demanding the dismantling of the Ferguson Police Department and resignation of Mayors James Knowles III. Earlier in the day Ferguson Police Jackson turned in his resignation. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/25https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw37.JPGTear GassedTory Russell struggles to regain calm after being pepper-sprayed by police for refusing to stop protesting in the street. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/26https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/140818LSCALM06bw.jpgTony holds a rose"I am out here to stand up for our rights," said Tony Robinson of Ferguson, who marches with protestors for justice in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown on Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, along W. Florissant Rd. in Ferguson. Hoping to uplift the mood, volunteers passed out roses to the demonstrators. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/27https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw18.JPGUnseen impacts on residents"I lost my job. They kept blocking off the streets. I don't have a car and I couldn't get to the bus stop, " said Titilayo Blanchard, who took advantage of a free shuttle on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2014, to the Dellwood Recreation Center. Urban Sprouts Child Development Center hosted a Ferguson community Play Day at the center offering families affected by the unrest in Ferguson, a safe place to stay, play and rest. "This helps a lot. We need some items, " said Blanchard, a resident of the Canfield Green apartment complex. To the right sits her boyfriend Yuris Jackson. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/28https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw17.JPGGrocery Shopping"I couldn't drive to the store, the roads are blocked off. I am tired of being trapped in my neighborhood, " said Tammy Steward, who used a baby stroller to transport groceries back to her house on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014, in Ferguson. "I brought him along to help push when I get tired, " referring to her son Tyland Steward, 14. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/29https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw11.JPGGood vibes at Canfield Green"I live here but I am contributing too. I brought stuff over. I wanted to give back, to do anything to promote the unity I am feeling. Anything to promote anything positive, " said Devon Stone, (left), who watches Kevin Ephron of Florissant aka "The Grillmaster" cook up BBQ for residents on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2014, inside Canfield Green apartment complex. Ephron's sister Yolando Miller organized a tent inside the compex offering free drinks, food, school supplies, diapers for the families inside the complex. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/30https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw22.JPGFBI InvestigatesRev. Dinah Tatman with West Side Missionary Baptist Church accompanies FBI agents who were on scene interviewing residents at the Canfield Green apartment complex. The FBI launched an independent investigation into the shooting of Brown. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/31https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw04.JPGTaking up ArmsAfter some protesters burned down the QuikTrip and looted several local businesses without confrontation from the police, many owners along W. Florissant Ave. armed themselves to defend their property. "They think they are going to scare us. We are not going anywhere. They are not going to lock me out of my own house," said Brian Nickel. Nickel arrived at 1:30 AM this morning to stand guard with his AR-15 at the Papa John's Pizza. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/32https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw24.JPGNot in my storeYou need to leave, " said Charles Davis, owner of Burger Bar & More, who after asking a juvenile three times not to let anyone else into the restaurant and hearing him curse at him, took matters into his own hands on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/33https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw21.JPGChoirVernnell Warlick with the Church of God in Christ still sings as the choir leaves the area as the sun sets into night. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/34https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw25.JPGPrayer for PeaceAnthony Pitt leads his family in bedtime prayer. Days before tear gas canisters launched by police to clear protesters landed in his neighbor's yard. He has been keeping his boys inside after dark. When searching for the nightly prayer Pitt used the keyword forgiveness to select a passage from the Corinthians. Pitt is a father of four boys and married his high school sweetheart. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/35https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw26.JPGStuck InsideSisters Mackenzie Lewis,10, and Madison Stovall, 8, were not happy about being kept indoors by 7pm on Saturday night inside the Canfield Green apartment complex. Their mother Crystal Stovall has been keeping the girls indoor during the evening since the looting in the Michael Brown shooting. "They aren't too happy with me," she said. "She wanted to ride her bike and I said no." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/36https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw46.JPGInvisibleA lone protester stands in front of the gutted Prime Beauty Supply, just one of more than a dozen businesses rioters burned to the ground. Whereas many members of law enforcement and public feel protesters have been wearing masks to conceal identities from looting or other illegal activities, many have been wearing masks to highlight how they feel that they live in a society that don't see them (African-Americans) anyway. Rioting is the voice of the unheard," said Dr. Martin Luther King. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/37https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw38.JPGPolicePolice stand strong as bricks and rocks were thrown against them after the grand jury announcement. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/38https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw41.JPGRiotA rioter uses a stick to break a window at the Hunan Chop Suey Chinese Restaurant along West Florissant Ave. More than a dozen businesses were looted and burned to the ground after a grand jury declined to indict Ferguson Police Officer in the shooting of Mike Brown. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/39https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw35.JPGNo IndictmentProtesters scatter from tear gas south of the Ferguson Police Department on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. Protesters took the streets erupting in mass looting and confrontation with riot police throughout the night after the grand jury decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the Michael Brown shooting. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/40https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw45.JPGSearchingSt. Louis County police officers check for looters inside the Walgreen's that was set on fire on after a grand jury declined to indict police officer Darren Wilson. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/41https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw43.JPGTough to BreathBishop Derrick Robinson struggles to recover after being overtaken by tear gas along North Florissant shortly after police deployed tear gas on crowds who started to loot in protest of the Grand Jury decision. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/42https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw40.JPGTake a Deep BreathRev. Dinah Tatman with West Side Missionary Baptist Church prays with a protester she heard Officer Wilson was acquitted. Protesters took the streets erupting in mass looting and confrontation with riot police throughout the night after the grand jury decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the Michael Brown shooting. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/43https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw42.JPGOn My Hands and KneesA protester gets down on his hands and knees in the "Hand up, Don't shoot " as his friend takes his picture in front of Juanita's Fashion R Boutique on West Florissant Avenue early Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/44https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw50.JPGAmerica Wake Up"America Wake Up" is spray painted on an I-beam of in the rubble of the former Beauty Town that was one of 34 businesses burned down in Ferguson after the grand jury's decision not to indict police officer Darren Wilson. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/45https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw20.JPGPrayer for Dignity"I pray for dignity and respect for all people," said Bradley Ross Jackson, 8, who poses for a photo for his mother while praying at one of the memorials for Mike Brown outside the Canfield Green Apartments on Monday, Dec. 30, 2014. Jackson's mother, Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson of Kalamazoo, MI, was in St. Louis visiting family over the holidays. She and her son visited the vigil and other protesting sites in Ferguson. The Mike Brown shooting encouraged her to talk to her son as how to interact with police. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/46https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/141202LSENNINGSKIDSbw.jpgA Child's PleaSeventh grader Tia Hudson shares her thoughts on images from the recent unrest in Ferguson on her first day back at school since the riot during Honors 7th grade English class on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/47https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw57.JPGBefore I DieBrianna Howard of Ferguson writes on the "Before I Die.." list posted on the wall of the former Ponderosa Restaurant. Howard just moved into Ferguson from the St. Louis City in the spring. "My parents were trying to move us to a better place and then this happened," said Howard. She contributed two entries on the list. She wrote that she wanted to make a change and graduate from college. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/48https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fergoneyearlatertrust.jpgSkepticSt. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar visits with Felita Moore of St. Louis on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015. "He just came up to me and started talking to me about my dog. It's nice to see them out meeting with the public. We need to start somewhere," said Moore. Members of law enforcement walked the street in the evening meeting the people out along W. Florissant in Ferguson, a couple of blocks away from where Mike Brown was fatally shot. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/49https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw53.JPGNew RecruitRobert Cunningham of St. Louis (left) completes his 64th push-up with encouragement from Josh Fitzgibbons of O'Fallon, Mo. during a physical fitness evaluation part of the St. Louis County Police Recruitment Initiative. This was the first of many testing and consulting sessions the St. Louis County Police hope to hold throughout the county to diversify and educate new recruits. "I want this more than anything," said Cunningham, whose 64 push-up completion within one minute crushed the requirement for his height and weight. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/50https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw55.JPGVoteWesley Bell Jr., 18, casts his vote alongside his father Wesley Bell who is running for Ferguson City Council Ward 3 seat on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at The First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson on Darst Ave. Bell, who won his ward, become one of three African-Americans on the Ferguson City Council.... needless to say a major change. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/51https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FERGUSONbw51.JPGChampagne ToastProtesters toast the resignation of Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. About 150 demonstrators gathered outside the police department demanding the dismantling of the Ferguson Police Department and resignation of Mayors James Knowles III. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/52https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fergoneyearlaterdove.jpgAugust 9 2016Two doves are released at the spot in front of Canfield Green Apartments on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, where Michael Brown was fatally shot by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson last year. During the ceremony, the crowd stood silently stands in silence for 41/2 minutes to represent the 4 1/2 hours Michael Brown's body lay in the street. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/RIP-MIke-Brown/53https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fergoneyearlatertattered.jpgFour hours A tattered American flag lies in front of Canfield Green Apartments on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, where Michael Brown was fatally shot by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson last year and left to lay in the street for more than four hours later. “They shot a black man, and they left his body in the street to let you all know this could be you,” Ferguson resident Alexis Torregrossa, 21, said almost four weeks after the shooting. “To set an example, that’s how I see it.” https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/jirahmom-copy1.jpgGunned downTiffany Watkins hugs her younger son at a candlelight vigil for her son Jirah Campbell, 15, as her father Byron Mischeaux (stripes) and husband Thomas Daniels (right) comfort her on Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Pine Lawn. Jirah was gunned down Monday in the street, in the 6300 block of Dardanella Avenue. The vigil was held at the spot where Jirah died in the street. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/220302LSMOODYSTLOUIS0LIGHTER.jpgPopulation lossA lone car drives down Collinsville Road as the sunset glows red outlining the St. Louis skyline on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, as photographed from Monks Mound in Collinsville, ILL. The St. Louis metropolitan area, growing just 1.2% in population over the past decade, has now dropped out of the top 20 metropolitan areas in the country, according to the newest figures released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYFERGUSONBIG47.jpgFerguson UprisingA rioter uses a stick to break a window at the Hunan Chop Suey Chinese Restaurant along West Florissant Ave. Protesters took the streets, looting and burning several Ferguson businesses to the ground, after a grand jury declined to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the Michael Brown shooting. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYCOWGIRL04.jpgCompetitor"I like speed," said Madisyn Yeast,12, of DeSoto, who placed both first and second in the Pee Wee Barrell race with her horse Peppy. Yeast hopes to be a rodeo queen when she gets older. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/foundfirsttimedad.jpgFatherhood"I have always wanted to be dad." said Justin, who just lit up the site of his newborn daughter .From left to right, Jackson's grandmother, Paulette Miller, Jackson's aunt Darica Miller, Jackson's boyfriend Killen, and Jackson's mother MarQuitta Miller. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/02ESSAYTLEADBACKYARD-copy6.jpgLead Playground"I'd be lost without these here," said Elwood "Knot" Ragsdale, 78, lifetime resident of Park Hills, Missouri, referring to the chat dumps that litter the Old Lead Belt. The National chat pile, towering to a height of 250 feet in Park Hills, backs up to his backyard. "I played on the chat dump growing up. My kids and grand-kids played on them just like kids play in the park," said Ragsdale, who leads his grand-daughter up the dump for a climb. However, now that some children in Park Hills have elevated lead levels, Ragsdale, similar to other residents in the Old Lead Belt, says he is beginning to wonder if the piles could pose some possible health danger. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/241105LSAMENDMENT3PASSESweb.jpgMissouri voters end abortion banTori Schafer, Deputy Director for Policy and Campaigns of the ACLU of Missouri, celebrates the passing of Amendment 3 at a watch party on Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024, at the Marriott St. Louis Grand hotel in downtown St. Louis. The amendment establishes a constitutional right to abortion to the point of fetal viability and to other forms of reproductive health care, including contraception access and miscarriage care. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tight.jpgLiving in SanctuaryAriannaLee, 4, soaks up the final minutes of a weekend family visit, snuggling with her dad Alex Garcia while watching cartoons on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, at Christ Church in Maplewood. Alex first tried to cross into the U.S. in 2000, when he was 19, but was stopped by Border Patrol agents. Four years later, he successfully made it across the border, eventually landing in Poplar Bluff. He remained under the radar of immigration officials until 2015, when he accompanied his sister to an immigration check-in appointment at an ICE office in Kansas City. There, he was linked to the deportation order from 15 years earlier, still in effect. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/37FOUNDAMBULUANCESTUCK.JPB.jpgStucking in SandWorking along a river in a somewhat remote rural area can sometimes create obstacles during emergency response. A group of floaters feverishly try to free a sunken ambulance trying to transport their friend who was having seizures on the Meremac River Saturday. It took about 20 minutes to get unstuck. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/220804LSFENTONFLASHFLOODS03A.JPGFloodingBrayden Bannister, 10, of Bourbon searches for lost items in his grandmother's flooded backyard on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, along Romaine Creek Road on Fenton. Heavy overnight rainfall caused flash flooding in the area. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/07FOUNDJANELHEARTS.jpgSpreading loveJANEL- The last days of Janel's life she spent the afternoon decorating her hospital room for Valentine's Day. She is dying from graft versus host disease resulting from a failed bone marrow match. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/cowgirls-08.jpgCowgirls"It's our first year here. I am loving everything from the horse show to the rides," said Lizzy Schappe,12, who rides the Sizzler with her friends Trisha Gaylor,12, at the Jefferson County Fair. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/82FOUNDVONDERRIT.jpgTears for Vonderrit MyersTEAR- Friends, family and members of the community pray during a candlelight vigil held in memory of Vonderrit Myers Jr. on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, on the 4100 block of Shaw where Myers Jr. was killed Wednesday night. An off-duty St. Louis police officer shot and killed the African-American Myers Jr., who police say flourished a weapon and shot three times at the officer before the officer returned fire. Family members dispute their son had a weapon https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fishfry.jpgfishfryCrowds enjoy dances from Alma de Mexico, a Mexican folklore dance group during the first fish fry of the Lenten season on Friday, March 7, 2025, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in the Dutchtown neighborhood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250619LSSHAKESPEAREINTHEPARK06.jpg250619LSSHAKESPEAREINTHEPARK06Jack and Janice Cassidy celebrate Janice's 75th birthday while sipping a piña colada at St. Louis Shakespeare Festival's production of "Hamlet," on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Forest Park. Janice's sister surprised her with a birthday celebration at the production. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/04FOUNDROBOTDOG.jpgFutureLily, owned by Lisa Stahlhut of Alhambra, Illinois just doesn't know what to think of Robo Pet, owned by Chris Ritter, as they check each other out before the annual Beggin' Strips Krewe of Barkus Pet Parade in Soulard Sunday. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/arthillnight.jpgarthillnightA man chases his tube as sledders pack Art Hill on Monday night, Jan. 6, 2025, in the aftermath of a winter storm that hit the region. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/suitinsnow.jpgsuitinsnowJacob Allgeyer assists an unlucky motorist, who got stuck on Barton Street at S. Broadway Street on Monday Jan. 8, 2025, in Soulard in the aftermath of a winter storm. Allgeyer was just feet from his apartment when his got stuck in the exact same spot and snow angels pushed his car to freedom. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240408LSECLPISEELEPHANT1005A.jpgBeam Me UpMichael, from left, Ciaran, Maria and Finn Harkins take in the two minutes and 18 seconds of totality from the top of a boulder at Elephant Rocks State Park in Belleview, Mo., during the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/241107LSPACIFICEVACUATIONwebjpg.jpgDreading the flood"I've been up all night," said Jeff Forbus, who moves items from his sheds and yard into his house on higher ground on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, before the Meramec River crests in Pacific. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/emergencycontraceptive.jpgEmergency ContraceptiveA young woman sits with packges of emergency contraception on the evening get-together to show support for abortion access on Thursday, June 20, 2023 at the Planned Parenthood Central West End health clinic. It's been one year since Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade . https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/copsurvivor.jpgCOVID-19 SurvivorWith the song “Celebration" blasting over speakers, nurses, doctors, family and friends cheer as COVID-19 survivor Dave Tenorio, a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer, walks toward his wife after being discharged on Friday, April 24, 2020, at St. Luke's Hospital. St. Luke's believes Tenorio was the first COVID-19 patient in the region to be treated with ECMO. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/23https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/220729LSFRIDAYFLOOD02.jpgCaught without flood insurance"This year I quit paying my flood insurance. I had been pay $2500 a year since 2008," said Timothy Grotrian, who cleans out his flooded basement on Friday, July 29, 2022, at his home along the 1200 block of Waldron Avenue in University City. Grotrian said his basement took in more than 5 ft of water during the first flash flooding on Tuesday. His basement flooded again yesterday during the heavy rains, flooding with more than 2 ft. of water. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/24https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/10FOUNDGIFTLITTLEMAN.jpgThe GiftTHE GIFT- "Is this for me?" asks Mike Bolanvich,82, as he takes the colorful platypus from the small child's outstretched hand. After the children left, he just lay smiling holding his new friend. On Sunday children from the Transformation Christian Church and World Outreach Center sang a few carols and handed out stuffed animals to patients at the Benard Care Center. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/25https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/33FOUNDWATERBIRTH.jpgWaterbirth"It's mine turn to warm her up," said Nathan Jesse, as Brandy Grob hands off his newborn daughter forskin-to-skin contact with her. Grob gave birth using the natural water birth method opting out of using any drugs for pain. New medical guidelines feel water births are not safe for mothers or children. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/26https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/03FOUNDDUNKINGBOOTH.jpgDunking boothDUNKING BOOTH - Aaron Milner,7, taunts his twin brother, Eric Milner,7, from inside the cage at St. Bridget of Erin's Church on Carr Street as they play with an old fashion water dunking machine at their annual picnic Saturday. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/27https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/05TWEENDUALFACIAL.jpgLittle Grown-Up Girls- Relax "We are so cool," joke Chloe,8, and Caroline,7, as they settle down for a facial and shoulder massage. It didn't take long for the girls to grow into more adult behavior. "I wish they had cucumbers for our my eyes," said Caroline, "I had that last time. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/28https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/FOUND67PROTEST.jpg$15 and a Union "Hold the burgers, hold the fries, make our wages supersize" shouts Shermale Humphrey into a megaphone, as she leads a group of fast-food workers protesting for better wages on Thursday, May 15, 2014, inside McDonald's on Tucker Blvd. "I have to stand up myself because no one else will. I need $15 an hour and a union," said Humphrey, who has worked in fast-food industry for four years. The group protested inside for about 10 minutes before continuing to protest outside the business. Fast-food workers in St. Louis joined another round of protests this morning, part of a network of actions planned for more than 150 cities. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/29https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/kneews.jpgOn their kneesParishioners Patrick and Nicole Daub and their children kneel down to receive a blessing from Monsignor Mark Ullrich of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, who carries the monstrance on Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Old Town Florissant. Ullrich and Father Anthony Gerber exited the church with the Eucharist after Palm Sunday Mass. Ordinarily kept in a tabernacle after mass, the sacrament can be brought to the sick and dying outside the time of mass. Carrying the blessing, the two priests walked throughout the neighborhood praying to end the coronavirus pandemic before returning to the church for a final blessing. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/30https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/08FOUNDSPECIALOLYMPIC.jpgLimited Childhood "I love this," said Patrick Shaughnessy, 21, of Southview School, while rolling around in the Jupiter Jump at the Special Olympics at Pattonville High School. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/31https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/06FOUNDPOTOCARI.jpgMaking End Meet "I have no job and four kids," said Nedzaz Begovic,43, who returned to his home in the village of Potocari, three years ago. He works in the field with his wife Selma and two of his children, Nurija,5, (left) and Jakub,3. Prior to the war Begovic worked at the car battery plant. Bogovic escaped through the woods only to return to a economically depressed area. His wife lost many family members during the war. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/32https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/02FOUNDSNORKELING.jpgSnorkelingHoping to get a snorkel again before an impeding tropical storm, tourists hastily enter the water in Port Lucia, Bahamas. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/33https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/18FOUNDTHETHINKER.jpgThe ThinkerA billboard for adoption along I-64 in St. Louis. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/34https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/32FOUNDCEOEXERCISE.jpgCEO CEO Lewis- "I did just get a puppy to encourage exercise. But I use this as well," said MERS/Goodwill CEO Lewis Chartock, who exercises during a meeting Monday in his office in St. Louis. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/35https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/63FOUNDHOT.jpgHeatwave"It has not been this hot in I don't know how long. I just drink lots of water and eat t a lot of ice," said Elizabeth Strain, 70, who uses two fans in her bedroom to keep cool upstairs while watching TV upstairs in her home in St. Louis. Daytime highs have reached or exceeded 100 degrees on seven days this month. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/36https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/bonniedoorway.jpgComing out"I feel like I am two different people. I am John at work but love being Bonnie too, " said John Chaney, who dresses in drag as Bonnie Blake, for a night on the town on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, at John's Furniture and Antiques. Chaney lives upstairs in an apartment above his antique shop, and frequents the two gay bars that flanks his building. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/37https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/soldier.jpgKid Soldier"Sometimes I think, what am I doing? Will I be fighting in war? It can get scary," said Private First Class Chad Eppinette,20, riding inside a M113-APC, who is on his first tour at Camp Udali in the Kuwait desert. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/38https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/copfuneral.jpgIn the line of dutyPallbearers carry the casket of North County Cooperative Police Officer Michael Langsdorf out of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis after a funeral mass on Monday, July 1, 2019. Langsdorf was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, June 23, 2019. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/39https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/29FOUNDWALLACEFUNERAL-copy2.jpgPaying Respect"I wanted to come honor him. I have three sons who are in the service," said Jill Dobbs of DeSoto, who held onto her granddaughter Ria Malaway,3, of DeSoto, as the casket carrying Sgt. Brandon Wallace of Festus, who was killed in Iraq, passed them along Highway Z. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Found/40https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/31FOUND911FLAG.jpg911 Lawn flag"I fly a flag every day during the summer at my house so I wanted to do something big and different, something people could rally around," said Max Meyer, of South County, who touched up the giant flag with his three-year-old son Zachary Friday morning that he and family and friends sprayed on his father's lawn. The flag took the group 6 hours and 15 minutes and 17 gallons of paint to create. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/01CONTROLLEDSWAN.jpgSwan A bride wearing a white by Vera Wang ombre-printed tulle ball gown with sheer straps and a “tossed” and tousled pick-up skirt photographed floating on a pond at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/CONTROLLEDHORSEPAINT-copy1.jpgCONTROLLEDHORSEPAINT https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/19CONTROLLEDBOO.jpgBooBOO- Springtime fashion 2014 cover https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/02CONTROLLEDBUBBLEHORSE.jpg02CONTROLLEDBUBBLEHORSELuxe upscale fashions https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/07CONTROLLEDORANGESWEATER.jpg07CONTROLLEDORANGESWEATERSpring fashion 2014 https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/CONTROLLED23.jpgCONTROLLED23Bridal 2015 https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/CONTROLLEDSWIMBACK.jpgCONTROLLEDSWIMBACK https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/siblings.jpgSiblings"I was only 13 when Mike Brown was killed. I just remember seeing people looting stores and thinking it was crazy. I think things have gotten better. You don't hear about that happening much anymore and there are lots of new stores around here,"said , who posed for a photo alongside of her brother. . They were walking along Ferguson Avenue trying to find a People's Health Clinic. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/04CONTROLLEDEGG.jpg04CONTROLLEDEGGELEGANT EGG- illustration for Easter https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/05CONTROLLEDGRENFLAG.jpgAmerica is Going GreenThe new red, white and blue, Americans are rallying behind the green movement choosing to use more environmentally safe products. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/16CONTROLLEDBLUEBERRYFLOWE.jpgBlueberries https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PEARSHOT.jpgThe Regal Pear https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Controlled/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/150603-LS-TROUT-01.jpg150603-LS-TROUT-01Terrific Trout https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME01TACKLE.jpgThe Tackle St. Louis Ram #52 linebacker Mike Jones' tenacious grip stopped Tennessee Titan #87 Kevin Dyson from making a touchdown in the final minutes of the Superbowl XXXIV in Atlanta, Georgia. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME02DEJECT.jpgDefeatedTennessee Titans' Eddie George sits solo on the team's bench after losing to the Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta, Ga. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/CITYgame-winner.jpgCITYgame-winnerSt. Louis City SC forward João Klauss (9) celebrates his game-winning goal off Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver (1) late in the second half during the first half of a MLS game between St. Louis City SC and Austin FC on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/soccercelebration.jpgsoccercelebrationSt. Louis City SC forward João Klauss (9) lies on the goal celebrating his game-winning goal as teamates Jake Nerwinski (2), left, and midfielder Njabulo Blom (6), right, join the party during the second half of a MSL game between St. Louis City SC and Austin FC on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/larsweb.jpglarswebSt. Louis Cardinals right fielder Lars Nootbaar catches a fly ball by Milwaukee Brewers Joey Ortiz in the seventh inning of a game on Tuesday Aug. 20, 2024, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/juan.jpgYep YepSt. Louis Cardinals left Juan Yepez (36) comes pinches hit a two-run home run off Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) in the seventh inning of game 1 of the National League Wild Card series to give the Cardinals a 2-0 lead on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, at Busch Stadium. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME09REDFAN.jpgBeer and basemallst. Louis Cardinals fan Jeff Kettler, painted in all red cheers with the thousands of other fans attending Tuesday's division series playoff game against the LA Dodgers. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/220316LSDAY3CARDINALSJUPITERWORKOUT05.JPGRag wallSt. Louis Cardinals pitcher Génesis Cabrera fields a ground ball a the rag ball wall during the third day of team workouts on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at the Cardinals spring training facility in Jupiter, Fla. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/jumpbader.jpgjumpbaderSt. Louis Cardinals center fielder Harrison Bader (48) celebrates with Lars Nootbaar (68), who hit the game-winning RBI single in the tenth inning of a baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Cardinals beat Detroit 3-2. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/220901LSCARDSSUNDAY01.jpgA day at the ballparkBirthday girl Paisley Vaughn, 10, (center) of Mount Vernon, Ill. hopes to get a selfie with St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) at the Cardinals game against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, at Busch Stadium. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME12PUJOLS.jpgEl HombreSt. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols shakes up a bottle of champagne as he celebrates in the clubhouse after Game 4 of the National League Division Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Padres. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/220615LSCARDSVPITT02.jpgJackJackson Troutman, 9, watches St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) warm up in the bullpen before the start of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/Carepenterslide.jpgCompetitive CarpenterFirst baseman Albert Pujols tosses the ball to pitcher Chris Carpenter, who beats Elvis Andrus with a dive to first base for an out during the first inning of Game 1 of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME10STRUSTFALL.jpgTrustfallAfter initiating the new pitchers of the St. Louis Cardinal bullpen with a trust fall, opening day starter Adam Wainwright wanted a turn. "I want to trust my bullpen too," said Wainwright, as he peacefully fell into the arms of his teammates Sunday afternoon at Busch Stadium. This is the third year for the tradition. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME19JUBE.GIFNLDS ChampsNLDS WIN - St. Louis Cardinals celebrate with pitcher Trevor Rosenthal and catcher Yadier Molina after the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-0 in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME06NATIONALCHAMPS.jpgNational League Champs Cardinals celebrates after game seven of the National League Championship Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets at Shea Stadium in New York City. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME13PARADE.jpg'Fabulous' World Series parade"This is fabulous. I have lived here all my life and this is great!, " said DianeCeretto of Glen Carbon, Illinois, who cheered on World Series MVP David Eckstein as he passed her along the parade route outside Busch Stadium Sunday. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME11WANOANDYADI.jpgWAINO and YADISt. Louis Cardinals Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina celebrate after winning Game 5 Friday and the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.\n\n https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME20RITUAL.GIFFmaily tradition"We have a view of the pitcher and catcher if we line it up right," said Anthony Vincent, who watches the 2011 World Series with his son Landon, 10, from the same garage they do every postseason game. The father and son watch Game 3 of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis from the 7th floor of the Broadway parking garage. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/PASTIME13WORLDSERIESTRUCK.jpgBest seat in the houseBrooke Holder,8, watches a TV broadcast of game Game 5 of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox in the parking lot outside of Busch Stadium. The Holder family from Imperial, Mo., came down to tailgate and brought their TV so they could watch the game, an affordable option. for the family of six. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tigerfansss.jpgTiger EffectFans cheer on Tiger Woods after he hits out of the rough on the 8th hole during the final round of play of the 100th PGA Championship on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Despite hitting into the rough, Woods birdied the hole, finishing second in the tournament with a score of 14 under par. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/bosniaflare.jpgFlare Bosnia-Herzegovina fans chant with a light torch during the second half in an international friendly match between the Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Argentina men's national teams on Monday, Nov, 18, 2013 at Busch Stadium. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/23https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/CITYMARCHWEBjpg.jpgCITYMARCHWEBjpgJeremy Eckstein lights a flare during the St. Louis SC supporters march to the CityStadium stadium from Schlaflyâs Tap Room before the start of the first game of a Western Conference playoff matchup between St. Louis City SC and Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at CityPark stadium. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/24https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/petrocup.jpgFinal Skate with StanleySt. Louis Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo (27) skates around with the Stanley Cup before the start of the St. Louis Blues season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/25https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250502LSGAME5BLUES1155A.jpg250502LSGAME5BLUES1155ASt. Louis Blues forward Brayden Schenn (10)celebrates his goal against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during second period action of Game 6 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Enterprise Center. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/26https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/joy.jpgjoy https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/27https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fanswatching.jpgBreath taking historyFans watch in awe as the Stanley Cup championship banner for their 2018-2019 season before the start of the season opener against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Enterprise Center. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/28https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/crush.jpgCrushSt. Louis Blues center Oskar Sundqvist (70) flattens Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo (25) in second period action during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final between the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at the TD Garden in Boston. https://laurieskrivan.com/Singles/Pastime/29https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/game5no.jpgBoston Goal Panic Game 5"Oh my god, I am going to die," said Ben Gliedt, who can barely watch the final minutes after a goal by Boston Bruins Jake DeBrusk put the Bruins on the scoreboard during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins on Monday, June 3, 2019, at watch party at the Enterprise Center. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tigerfansss.jpgTiger EffectFans cheer on Tiger Woods after he hits out of the rough on the 8th hole during the final round of play of the 100th PGA Championship on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Despite hitting into the rough, Woods birdied the hole, finishing second in the tournament with a score of 14 under par. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fanswoods.jpgSpot in the woods"This is the best spot. We are in the shade and we can just about see the whole course. Don't tell anyone," said Mike Kaelin, O'Fallon, Mo., (left) who uses binoculars to watch the morning golfers during the second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. To his right stands his friend Gene Goen. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/brandonball.jpgTricksBrandon Stone balances a ball on his driver before teeing teeing off at the 1st hole during the second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Stone shot par on the hole. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tigerrim.jpgSide lit TigerTiger Woods grimaces as he bogeys the 12th green during the rain-delayed second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/shadows.jpgFollowFans look down the fairway for the ball Tiger Woods drove from the 14th tee during the rain-delayed second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Woods shot par at the hole. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/mirror.jpgMirror, mirror Brandon Stone putts for par at the 3rd green during the second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/brandonthinking.jpgBrandon StoneBrandon Stone consults his notebook before teeing off on hole 18 during the second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Stone shot par on the hole https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/dustin.jpgDustin JohnsonDustin Johnson hits hits from the rough at the 10th hole during the third round of the 100th PGA Championship on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Johnson bogeyed the hole and ended the day at -9 under after the third round. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/rickiefans.jpgRickie Fowler fan favoriteAmerican golfer Rickie Fowler signs autographs after he finishes a practice round at the 100th PGA Championship on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tigerlurk.jpgLurkingTiger Woods lines up a shot at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tigersandtrap.jpgSand trapTiger Woods hits out of sand trap on 6th hole during the second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Woods shot par on the hole. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/rorytoes.jpgTip toesRory McIlroy stands on his toes sizes up a a shot from the sand trap on the 15th hole during the rain-delayed second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/rorycheer.jpgBirdieFans erupt after Rory McIlroy chips in for a birdie drove at the 14th hole during the rain-delayed second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/jon.jpgJon RahmJon Rahm walks to tee off at the 4th hole during the final round of play of the 100th PGA Championship on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Rahm finished the tournament with a score of 11 under par. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/feet.jpgSun burned and swollenFan let their feet breath during the third round of the 100th PGA Championship on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/rickie.jpgRickie Fowler smirk https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fanhot.jpgHat tipDan Sheehan of Kansas City, Mo., cools off in front of a misting fan at the100th PGA Championship on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fanstree.jpgBirds eye viewFans climb a tree to get a vantage point of the tee at the 2nd hole during the second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Fowler shot par on the hole https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/rose.jpgRose misses birdieJustin Rose reacts to his putt missing for eagle on the 10th green during the second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Rose shot a birdie at the hole. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tigerhill.jpgHill top fansCrowds watch as Tiger Woods tees off the 8th hole during the third round of the 100th PGA Championship on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/thomaswoodwalking.jpgTwo legends https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/perez.jpgPat PerezPat Perez kicks in frustration as his ball misses the hole for a birdie on the 6th green during the second round of the 100th PGA Championship on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Perez shot par on the hole. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/23https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tigertee.jpgTiger tees offFans puts their phones in the air to photograph Tiger Woods teeing off at the 15th hole during the final round of play of the 100th PGA Championship on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Woods would birdie the hole, placing second in the tournament with a score of 14 under par. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/24https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tigerhops.jpgTiger hopsTiger Woods hops after driving during the third round of play of the 100th PGA Championship on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Woods finished second in the tournament with a score of 14 under par. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/25https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tigetdeject.jpgFrustrationTiger Woods drops his clubs and hangs and pauses after his misses a birdie on the 11th green during the third round of play of the 100th PGA Championship on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Woods finished second in the tournament with a score of 14 under par. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/26https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/broosmom.jpgBrooks' momBrooks Koepka's girlfriend Jena Sims (left) and mom Denise Jakows nervously watch at Koepka approaches to putt at the 18th green during the final round of the 100th PGA Championship after he shot par on the 18th green on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. He finished the day at 16-under-par. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/27https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/brooksgirl.jpgJenaAfter shooting par on the 18th green, Brooks Koepka's girlfriend Jena Sims runs to celebrate with him winning the 100th PGA Championship after he shot par on the Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Koepka finished the day at 16-under-par. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/100th-PGA-Championship/28https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/brookstrophy.jpgWannamaker TrophyBrooks Koepka kisses the massive, 27-pound Wanamaker Trophy after winning the 100th PGA Championship after he shot par on the 18th green on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country. Koepka finished the day at 16-under-par. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYME.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington“This is the race that’s going to determine control of the United States Senate,” said Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley greets his crowd of supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. “And the stakes couldn’t be higher. We are fighting now to save our country. That’s what this race is about." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/hawley.jpghawley https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYDEBATE.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to WashingtonMore than 150 people watch a live broadcast of a debate between Republican candidate and Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley and incumbent Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at the Public Media Commons outside the Nine Network. Hawley, the state attorney general, is seeking to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in the November midterm elections. She is one of 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states won by Trump in 2016. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYBUSWHEAT.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to WashingtonMissouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley's Stop Schumer, Fire Claire bus exits Highway 54 enroute to a meet and greet at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. In the final full week before Tuesday's election, Hawley hit the road, ticking off seven stops to visit with small gatherings of Republican supporters from St. Joseph on the western edge of the state to Hannibal in the east. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYKORNER.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to WashingtonA group of supporters cheer as Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Time and again, those attending the rallies listened approvingly to Hawley's stump speech message: Send me to Washington and I will support the president." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYSCOUT.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYTRUMP.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYKNEE.jpgHAWLEYKNEE"I support him because he is fighting for our constitutional rights," said Nicole Shipley, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley during late breakfast at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYWAIT.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYFRY.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYBANNER.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYEAT.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington"Sweet potato fries. My favorite. I am hungry," said Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate sneaks in a sweet potato fry while waiting for the rest of his staff's take-out lunch order at the Silver Anchor Diner to order take out lunch on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Less than two years into his first term as an elected official, Hawley, a Stanford- and Yale-educated attorney, is drawing on his small town roots to connect to with rural Americans. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYJUMP.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYCOWBOY.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYLICENSE.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEY109.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington"You get' em, go win," said Ila May Dimmitt, owner of Show-Me Antiques, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at her shop in Hannibal, Mo. Hawley stopped in after a campaign stop next door to congratulate the 99-year-old for being in business for 50 years. Josh Hawley Goes to Washington. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYFARM.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYBP.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to WashingtonWearing his standard campaign uniform of blue jeans, collared shirt and cowboy boots.Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop with his wife Erin for a meet and greet at Haymaker's on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Macon, Mo. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYBOOT.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to WashingtonMissouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley relaxes with his son Elijah, 6, on the campaign bus on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, near Macon, Mo. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/hawleycrowd.jpgJosh Hawley Goes to Washington"I am against Claire. The country is ready for Trump's agenda. I like his economy and security," said Laurie Leleu of Manchester, who donned a pari of glasses she bought at Carnival Supply at campaign stop Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Josh-Hawley-Goes-to-Washington/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/HAWLEYWIN.jpg Josh Hawley Goes to Washington“Tonight the good Lord and the people of Missouri have given us victory,” said Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley after addressing his supporters and kissing his wife Erin to celebrate his win over Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, at his victory party at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center in Springfield, Mo. Hawley, 38, will become Missouri’s youngest senator since the Civil War and the youngest member of the current Senate. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi01.jpgRiot policeRiot police march down Maryland Avenue to push back protesters still in the streets after windows in several storefronts were broken on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, in the Central West End. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/jasonpage.jpgjasonpage https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi02.jpgSwirling"I can't even wrap my mind around what is happening," said Lala Moore of Ferguson, who struggles not guilty verdict in the killing of Anthony Lamar Smith by former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. Moore, who has been active in the protest movement since the killing of Michael Brown, drives the Mike Brown mobile. She was part of small group that gathered for a press conference with clergy and activist near the scene of killing near Acme and West Florissant Avenue after the verdict was announced. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi03.jpgMarching"You keep killing our kids, we kill our economy," said a protester who goes by the name Chocolate, who leads hundreds of people protesting the Jason Stockley verdict in a march down Delmar in University. Chocolate is among the frontline Ferguson protesters, who started protesting police brutality over the police officer involved shooting of Mike Brown in Ferguson. She still marches with her torn flag from that time period. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi04.jpgstockleypoyi04Rev. Dinah Tatman quietly weeps out loud during a die-in on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, at a protest outside St. Louis Police Headquarters. More than 200 demonstrated gathered to participate in the National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi05.jpgSmirk"You think this is funny. You guys are killing us," shouts protester Meldon Moffitt, who squares off with riot police while protesting the not guilty verdict in the killing of Anthony Lamar Smith by former St. Louis former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley march down Delmar Avenue on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, in the Loop. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/CWESTOCKLEY12bw.jpgCWESTOCKLEY12bw https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi06.jpgVandalismVandals looked for whatever they could find to break storefront windows along Delmar Avenue as unrest broke out during a protest over the Jason Stockley verdict on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, in the Loop. The second day unfolded much like the first---thousands march in peaceful protests, then as night falls, and the later it gets--so does the intensity with vandalism. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi08.jpgEscapeProtesters rush to leave area as vandals started busting storefront windows along Delmar Blvd. as unrest breaks out during a protest over the Jason Stockley verdict on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, in the Loop. Police pepper sprayed and threatened to us chemical agents to disperse the gathering. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi07.jpgCaughtPolice arrest vandals who busted storefront windows along Delmar Blvd as unrest broke out during a protest over the Jason Stockley verdict on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, in the Loop. Nine people were caught and arrested as 23 businesses were vandalized. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleyrochelle16.jpgFight"It is our duty to fight for our freedom," shouts LaShell Eikerenkoetter of Jennings, who protest the not guilty verdict in the killing of Anthony Lamar Smith by former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/BRUCEstockley13.jpgRep Bruce FranksState Representative Bruce Franks arrives hours before the start of the Board of Alderman E&A board meeting where a motion for a one-year contract for department-wide deployment of police body cameras was introduced on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at City Hall. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi09.jpgMeeting for police camera legislationAmir Brandy (center) encourage members of the Board of Alderman E&A board to approve a one-year trial for police body cameras on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, in City Hall. The board approved the motion. Police brutality, community leaders and activists have been trying to get legislation passed since the Mike Brown Jr. shooting in Ferguson. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi10.jpgRIP VonDerrittThe family of VonDerrit Myers Jr., including parents VonDerrit Myers Sr. (blue) and Syreeta Myers and cousin Demetrius Myers attend an emotional gathering at the corner of Shaw and Klemm on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, to mark the third anniversary of the police shooting death of VonDeritt Myers Jr. The family has continues to questions the use of force used against their son and does not believe the testimony of the off-duty police officer who fatally shot their son. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Ya'll-Going-to-Stop-Killing-Us/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi11.jpg"If we don't get it , shut it down," chants protesters as a motorist honks in solidarity with about three dozen protesters who blocked the intersection of Clayton Road and Skinker Blvd. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/Ladygunpoint.jpgPatricia points her gun toward protestersArmed homeowner Patricia N. McCloskey, stands in front her house along Portland Place, aiming her piston at protesters marching to St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson's house Sunday, June 28, 2020, in the Central West End of St. Louis. Patricia McCloskey added, “They were not just proceeding down the sidewalk. They were coming in.” No shots were fired and the protesters marched on. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/markyelling.jpgGet out yells Mark, as protesters yell calm downMark McCloskey yells “Get out! Get out! Get out!” as a group of BLM protesters walk through the gate into the magnificent private street of Portland Place. Someone responds, “Calm down!” Another yells, “Fuck you!” The protesters chant builds: “Whose streets? Our streets!” https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/noise.jpgMarching down KingshighwayAfter gathering in the Central West End, the group of more than 150 BLM protesters march up Kingshighway making their way to Mayor Lyda Krewson’s home on Sunday night, demanding her resignation. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/gateenter.jpgGateAfter seeing the armed couple, a protester, left, encourages part of the crowd to stay out of the neighborhood. To access Portland Place, a private street, protesters walked through an iron pedestrian gate. The McCloskeys told police the protesters broke the gate to get in. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/chargingwithgun.jpgGet Off My LawnWhile Patricia McCloskey roamed her front yard, carelessly pointing her gun at protesters, several stopped to take cell phone video or photos of the incident. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/filming.jpgKeep moving"I've never seen anything like this my my life," said March organizer Rev. Darryl Gray, who tells protesters over the megaphone to keep marching as the the couple has guns pointed on the group. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/couple.jpgcouple“It got to the point where I was concerned that I might actually have to shoot," said Mark McCloskey. “I’ve been around guns my whole life,” he said. His wife, he added, “was completely terrified and had no idea how to defend herself.” https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/atching.jpgWatching the scene of unfoldA group of protesters watch and record the interaction from outside the Portland Place gates. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/couplewatch.jpgcouplewatch“It got to the point where I was concerned that I might actually have to shoot," said Mark McCloskey. “I’ve been around guns my whole life,” he said. His wife, he added, “was completely terrified and had no idea how to defend herself.” https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/couplwebargue.jpgGun couple“It got to the point where I was concerned that I might actually have to shoot," said Mark McCloskey. “I’ve been around guns my whole life,” he said. His wife, he added, “was completely terrified and had no idea how to defend herself.” https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/moveon.jpgStatement from one of the organizers Tory Russell Protest organizer, Torrey Russell, a frontline protester from Ferguson in 2014 and who has been active ever since released this statement regarding the CWE couple. This is the first part of his statement copied from a tweet he posted. A STATEMENT, JULY 1, 2020 A FEW DAYS AGO, AN INCIDENT INVOLVING PEACEFUL PROTESTORS AND THE SO-CALLED "LIBERAL ALLIES" DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WARNED US ABOUT, TOOK PLACE IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. THE VIDEOS AND PICTURES HAVE GONE VIRAL, AS EXPECTED. CALLS AND TEXTS FROM PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ASKING "IF THE ORGANIZERS AND PROTESTORS ARE ALRIGHT" HAVE FLOODED OUR FACEBOOK PAGES AND PHONES. MY YOUNG SON, WHO IS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ASKED ME IF I RISKED "GETTING SHOT" OR POSSIBLY "MURDERED" AT THE NEXT PROTEST. BUT YOU WOULDN'T KNOW THAT IF YOU WATCHED THE NEWS ON TELEVISION. THE MEDIA BIAS AND ONE-SIDED NARRATIVE OF A WHITE FAMILY “DEFENDING THEMSELVES” OR PUNDITS’ QUESTIONS OF "WHICH SIDE ACTED LEGALLY" HAVE BEEN THE FOCUS OF THE MAJORITY OF MEDIA CONVERSATIONS. THIS MOST RECENT EXAMPLE OF MEDIA BIAS IS A MICROCOSM OF HOW MANY IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA PRIORITIZE WHITE PROPERTY AND WHITE "RIGHTS" OVER BLACK PEOPLE'S HUMAN RIGHTS. MOREOVER, THE COVERAGE FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE HOW SYSTEMIC RACISM IS AT A TIPPING-POINT RESULTING IN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE FROM ALL RACES TO MOBILIZE AROUND THE COUNTRY AND FIGHT FOR JUSTICE. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stressedoutsecutiy.jpgCigarette breakA security guard smokes a cigarette as he opens a pedestrian gate, allowing protesters to exit Portland Place onto Lake Street, after armed homeowners, Mark T. and Patricia N. McCloskey, stood in front their house along Portland Place and confronted protesters as they marched to St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson's house. Neither the on duty security in the gated community or police arrived on scene during the confrontation. The entire confrontation lasted about 15 minutes. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/lydaresign.jpgResignLater in the evening, protesters painted RESIGN on the street infront of Mayor Lyda's Krewson's home. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Get-Off-My-Lawn/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/mccloskeycourt.jpgDay in CourtMark and Patricia McCloskey arrive with their attorney Joel Schwartz, right, on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2020, at the Carnahan Court House. The couple was charged last month with brandishing guns at protesters outside their Portland Place mansion in June. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Becoming-a-dad/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/comfort.jpgComfortTime 12:11 PM Father-to-be Justin Killen of Jennings keeps his girlfriend JaiDa'h Jackson company as they wait for her labor to progress on Wednesday, June 21, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond Heights. The couple has already chosen the name Blaike for their daughter. The baby's nickname will be JuJu. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Becoming-a-dad/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/covered.jpgSleepingTime 12:31 PM Father-to-be Justin Killen covers his head as he catches up on sleep before he must return to work for the night shift on Wednesday, June 21, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond Heights. Killen took of work on Tuesday (the day before) anticipating he would become a father later on in the day. His girlfriend's water broke at 4 am Tuesday. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Becoming-a-dad/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tender.jpgtenderTime 12:11 PM Justin Killen visits with JaiDa'h as they wait for contractions to start. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Becoming-a-dad/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/foot.jpgPeanut ballTime 11:18 AM Nurses use a peanut ball with JaiDa'h Jackson to add comfort for both mother and child and to progress the labor . https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Becoming-a-dad/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/joyy.jpgMized emotionsAs time passes Justin struggles to be patient. "It's taking so long," he said. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Becoming-a-dad/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/holdlegg.jpgJob to doTime 1.58 PM The nurses gave Justin a task to help him focus as birth approaches. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Becoming-a-dad/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/biirth111.jpgBirthTime 2:17 PMJust seconds after midwife Becky Hassler delivered Blaike Jackson, RN Elizabeth Mueller steadies the newborn on her mother's chest for skin-to-skin contact as assler finishes cutting the afterbirth. RN Elizabeth Mueller , RN Nicole Zadina, Hassler and RN Christa Gilbert. Hassler was able to deliver the baby vaginally in the patient's room despite a 28 hour labor. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Becoming-a-dad/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/baby.jpgHelloTime 2:28 PM After 28 hour in labor, Blaike Jackson appears wide awake as she peers up at her mother and father. Newborn Blaike shares the same birthday as her great grandmothe.r https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Becoming-a-dad/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/foundfirsttimedad.jpgFatherhood"I have always wanted to be dad." said Justin, who just lit up the site of his newborn daughter .From left to right, Jackson's grandmother, Paulette Miller, Jackson's aunt Darica Miller, Jackson's boyfriend Killen, and Jackson's mother MarQuitta Miller. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast1.jpgSelma's Celebration- Unwrapping the lambToday is no normal day. Selma, his 18–year–old daughter, would graduate that evening from Hancock High School, the first person in the extended family to graduate high school.       The Smajics arrived in St. Louis in 2001 as refugees from the vicious ethnic fighting in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conflict forced them out of their village and into the town of Tuzla, where they lived for several years. Certain things aren’t discussed in the family, but Selma Smajic knows her father survived a brutal period of internment in a concentration camp at the height of the fighting in the 1990s.Cousins Hrusto Begovic (left) and Hajro Smajic (right) prepare for a lamb roast to serve for Smajic's daughter's graduation party in his backyard on Thursday in Bayless. The lamb roast is one of many traditions that have carried over from Bosnia. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast2.jpgSelma's Celebration- making pitaUsing a Barney tablecloth as her countertop, Advija Smajic prepares pita for Selm'as graduation party. Pita is a popular Bosnian pastry often filled with meat, cheese and potatoes or spinach. Smajic spent most of day preparing a variety of homemade dishes, breads and desserts for the party. "She loves to cook. It's something all Bosnian women know how to do," said Selma, who hopes she will be as good as good as her mother one day. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast3.jpgSelma's Celebration- sharpening the hatchetHajro Smajic sharpens his hatchet which will be used to chop the roasted lamb inside his garage workshop. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/slemaroast4.jpgSelma's Celebration-- Make-shift butcher shop in garageAfter roasting the lamb for more than three hours, Hajro Smajic and Hrusto Begovic use a hatchet to chop the lamb into serving pieces. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast5.jpgSelma's Celebration- Hatchet cutting lambHrusto Begovic slices the lamb. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast6.jpgSelma's Celebration- Advija and Hajro Smajic dress for the partyBeaming with pride, Advija Smajic ties her husband's tie as they ready for Selma's graduation ceremony. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast7.jpgSelma's Celebration- Mom braids Selma's hairAdvija Smajic braids Selma's hair for gradation. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast8.jpgSelma's Celebration- Trying on robe"I grabbed the wrong size. it's too long even with my high heels," said Selma , concerned about the length. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast9.jpgSelma's Celebration- Selma tries on graduation capSelma Smajic check the fit of her graduation cap to ensure it fit over her braided hair. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast10.jpgSelma's Celebration- GraduateSelma Smajic's dad and brother gives her a stuffed monkey and flowers after her graduation ceremony at the Rickman Auditorium in Arnold. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast12.jpgSelma's Celebration- hostessSelma Smajic serves her guests homemade custard pasties. It is tradition that the hostess of the party will serve her guests. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast13.jpgSelma's Celebration- Party "We are Bosnian. We love to eat after cooking all day," joked Selma. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast11.jpgSelma's Celebration- Boyfriend"I think I might want to be teacher but I know I want to get married, probably to another Bosnian," said Selma, who hugs her boyfriend Admir Muhic. Muhic and his parents bought Selma a computer. Muhic is also Bosnian. They have been dating for several years. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Selma's-Lamb-Roast/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/selmaroast14.jpgSelma's Celebration- Men retreat to garageThe men and boys salute Selma's success by enjoying drinks and conversation at a graduation party. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/out13.JPGout13.JPGHolding his youngest daughter Amena, 2, Ajmal Arazem walks with his daughters Sumaya,7, Shogofa,11, Tamana 13, and Kojesta,9, to their ride to a hotel on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. After two and half months of travel, the family of nine from Afghanistan arrived in St. Louis. Arazem, a former security officer at a U.S. military base, said his main goal it to have his children study in a good school in the United States. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/afghantitleslide.jpgafghantitleslide https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/afganfamilyweb.jpgafganfamilywebMateullah, 4, rides the cart as his father Ajmal Arazem and his daughter Sumaya, 7, arrive with a donated lunch on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Maryland Heights., just days after arriving in St. Louis. To the left is another Afghan refugee Nazir Shirzay. The Arazems were some of the lucky refugees flown out of Afghanistan in August right before the Taliban officially took control and are among more than 1,000 Afghans who are supposed to be resettled in the St. Louis region within the next year, an unprecedented wave. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan02.JPGMake shift dinnerAjmal Arazem, right, grabs a bite to eat as his wife, Palwashah, left, calls the rest of children to sit down for dinner on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel Maryland Heights. It's been three days since they landed at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The Arazem’s situation signals the transition isn’t going smoothly. Hot meals are sporadic. The family has a small refrigerators but without microwaves in their hotel rooms, re-heating delivered meals and cooking hasn’t been an option. Lots of snack foods — cookies and chips — often make main meals. From, left, are children Amena, 1 12/, Kojesta, 9, Shogofa,11, and Mateullah, 4. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan03.JPGBlinded hide and go seekSumaya Arazem, 7, plays hide-and-go-seek with her sisters Shogofa,11, left, and Kojesta,9, on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Maryland Heights. As the days pass, the children have been creative finding games to play inside the hotel. Their parents want them to stay indoors for safety purposes. The children speak little English. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/out16.JPGSoccer fieldAjmal Arazem passes time playing soccer in the hallway with his son Mateullah 4, on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Maryland Heights. As they days goes by Ajmal shares his concerns about the uncertain future. “I have to be responsible for them,” said l Arazem. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan05.JPGBlue jeansFathers Nazir Shirzay and Ajmal Arazem distribute donated food and clothing among other refugee families staying at the hotel before dinner on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel Maryland Heights. Life has mainly been coming to families through an array of volunteer groups. Members of the Bosnian community brought shampoos, conditioners and other items. Members of the existing Afghan community, the Islamic Foundation of St. Louis and other groups brought food and clothing. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan04.JPGPutting on a showKojesta Arazem, 9, shows off her jump roping skills to Denise Rhoades with Oasis International Ministries, who is one of several community outreach groups helping several Afghan refugee families with food and daily supplies, as they wait to be put into apartments on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Maryland Heights. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan06.JPGRestlessMateullah, 4, watches cartoons with his sisters, left, Shogofa, 11, Kojesta,9, and Sumaya, 7, before going into his room to bed on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel. The family has two hotel rooms side by side. The five oldest girls share one room with the parents sharing the other with their youngest two children. Housing placements and general relocation information for the refugee family as been inconsistent. The International Institute of St. Louis, contracted by the U.S. State Department to resettle refugees, as well as volunteer groups and the existing Afghan community, are struggling to quickly place them into homes due to short staffing at the agency and a housing shortage for larger families. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/211122LSAFGHANHOTEL09.bwjpg.jpgHotel livingTamana Arazem, 13, takes a short walk outside with her brother, Mateullah, 4, and sisters Amena 1 1/2, and Shogofa,11,, as they wait for volunteers to bring dinner at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Maryland Heights. The children do not explore past the hotel entrance, playing inside their rooms or in the hallway, since their father worries about their safety. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan07.JPGWelcome A bouquet balloons and sign from Oasis International Ministries welcomes the Arazem family to their apartment inside a duplex in Affton, a suburb of St. Louis, on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021. After three and half weeks at two different hotels, the family was finally placed in a their housing. As part of the refugee relocation procedure, the US Government pays the first three months of rent and utilities. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/out18.JPGAmerican princessShogofa, 11, Kojestra, 9, and Sumaya, pick out backpacks at during a day of thrift shopping for clothing and donated furniture for their apartment at the thfirt job at Oasis International Ministries on Tuesday, December, 7, 2021. The majority of the items, including the princess crowns and wands, at the store have been donated by residents or businesses welcoming the refugees https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan08.JPGExploringKojesta Arazem, 9, beams as she explores her bedroom inside her family's duplex on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, in Affton. The house came furnished with new mattresses, bedding, a couch, a dining room table as well as some donated kitchen and dinnerware. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/out17.JPGStairwell excitementThe family race up and down the stairs as they explore their duplex on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, in Affton. Although they lived in a highrise apartment building in Kabul, Ajmal said they did not have their own stairs. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan09.JPGFirst day jitters"Going to school is a necessity of life for their future. Their mother and I studied in Afghanistan and I want my children to learn the best lessons," said refugee Ajmal Arazem, who waits with his daughter Sumaya, 7, to leave for the bus stop on her first day of school as a second grader at Mesnier Primary School on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at their home in Affton. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/happyafghanslide.jpghappyafghanslide https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan10.JPGBus stop introduction"I know how confusing the first day came be. I wanted to come welcome her family and walk with them to the bus stop," said Mesnier Primary School ESOL teacher Amy Dahlia, who introduces Afghan refugee second grader Sumaya Arazem, 7, to students at the bus stop on her first day of school on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in Affton. Arazem's father and sisters Nooria, 15, left, and Tunama, 13, wished her off at the corner. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan01.JPGPledge of AllegianceAfghan refugee Sumaya Arazem, 7, joins her second grade classmates during the Pledge of Allegiance on her first day of school on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at Mesnier Primary School in Affton. Sumaya speaks and reads little English and did not know the words but was eager to join her classmates. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/out14.JPGLearning to readSecond grader Carter Whelehon, 7, reads a book written in English and Dari out loud with Afghan refugee Sumaara Arazem, 7, the school made to welcome Arazem and help her learn English on her first day at Mesnier Primary School on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in the Affton School District. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/211217LSAFGHANSCHOOLrunsmall10A.JPGFreeSecond graders Avery Frank, 7, left, Sophie Williamson, 7, and Afghan refugee Sumaya Arazem, 7, run during a game of jump rope tag on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at Mesnier Primary School in Affton. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/out15.JPGAmerican classroomAfghan refugee eighth grader Tumana Arazem, 13, pays attention to a math lesson on her first day of school on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at Rogers Middle School in Affton. Arazem spent the day with Afghan students who had come to St, Louis a few years ago to ease with the school transition. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan11.JPGHome from schoolPalwashah Arazem hugs her daughters fourth grader Shogofa,11, left, and third grader Kojesta, 9, after hearing about their first day of school at Gotsch Intermediate School as her eldest Nooria, 15, prepares dinner on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at their home in Affton. All the girls were tired after the first day. Their school in lasted on only four hours and started at noon. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/From-Afghanistan-to-Affton/23https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/skrivanportfolioafghan12.JPGSafe streets"I am hoping to be able to buy a home in this neighborhood. This is a safe location with good schools," said Ajmal Arazem, who walks back to his apartment with his children on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in Affton Ajmal's employment visa came through and he is not looking for employment as he studies for his driver's license. “I have to be responsible for them,” said Arazem, who is trying to learn to speak and write English.. “What kind of work, I don’t know. Uber?” https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/stockleypoyi02.jpgSwirling"I can't even wrap my mind around what is happening," said Lala Moore of Ferguson, who struggles not guilty verdict in the killing of Anthony Lamar Smith by former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. Moore, who has been active in the protest movement since the killing of Michael Brown, drives the Mike Brown mobile. She was part of small group that gathered for a press conference with clergy and activist near the scene of killing near Acme and West Florissant Avenue after the verdict was announced. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/210103LSBUSHSWEARINGINDAY19.JPG210103LSBUSHSWEARINGINDAY19.JPG"I am coming from a place of understanding what it is like to be a regular person in our community. I am a registered nurse. Before I was a registered nurse I was a working in childcare making in minimum wage, trying to raise two children. I have lived unhoused, lived pay check to paycheck, with no health insurance. I live in a place where I hear gunshots throughout the night and the day.... being in this position what it means to me finally a regular person in our community have voice, not that I know it all but I will be listening to it all ," said Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush, who readies for morning press interviews inside her office in the Longworth House office building on her swearing-in day on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Washington, D.C. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/coriblessing.jpgAnointing with oilsFriends and family pray while Stephany Spaulding, anoints her long-time friend Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush with oils inside Bush’s office in the Longworth House office building on her swearing in day on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Washington D.C. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/poyiskrivanbush02.jpgFrontline Ferguson protesterCongressional candidate Cori Bush leads a Black Lives Matter protest on Sunday, June 28, 2020. "I was working as a nurse when Mike Brown Jr was shot in Ferguson. It lit something inside me. I showed up to protest. And started taking care of people. who were tear gassed, beat, shot with rubber bullets. When I see someone suffering it does not see someone suffering, it's what I have to do," said Bush. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/corimbwide.jpgForguson ForeverFrontline Ferguson protestor Congresswoman Cori Bush, D-Mo., waits for Michael Brown Sr. to place his rose during a memorial service for Michael Brown along Canfield Drive in front of the Pleasant View Gardens Apartments, formerly known as the Canfield Green Apartments, on the seventh anniversary of the police shooting of Brown on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Ferguson. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/wincori.jpgProud DadCori Bush celebrates winning Missouri’s 1st District with her father Errol Bush on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at her election party outside her campaign headquarters at North Oak Plaza. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/poycoribush.jpgpoycoribush"Ofcourse there will be lots of dancing," said Cori Bush,who celebrates winning Missouri's 1st District with her daughter, Angel, left, father Errol Bush and sister Kelly, right, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at her election party outside her campaign headquarters at North Oak Plaza. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/coristeps.jpgChivarlyAfter receiving her Congressional pin, Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush walks down the Capitol steps with assistance of staffer Jack Besser on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Washington D.C. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/coridoor.jpgSinking inSurrounded by the cheers and cameras of family and friends, Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush reacts to seeing a sign bearing her name and title outside her office in the Longworth House office building on her swearing in day on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Washington D.C. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pin.jpgQueen of SparklieKeeping true to her claim of being the "queen of sparkle", Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush nails sparkle as she touches her Congressional pin on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Washington D.C. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Congresswoman-Cori-Bush/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/squad.jpgSquad SelfieCongresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) takes a selfie with Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush, left, standing next Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other progressive members of the Squad Ayanna Pressley,( D-Mass.), Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.) and Congressman-elect Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) in the cafeteria of the Capitol before Bush was sworn in on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Washington D.C. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYBURNJEREMY.jpgJeremy"I don't want people to look at me differently," said Jeremy Burr, 12, of Ferguson, who has attended the Missouri Children's Burn Camp in Lake of the Ozarks since its beginning seven years ago. "I just want people to treat me the same," said Burr, who was severely burned in a house fire in 1995, suffering burns all over his body. Over the years the camp has increased Jeremy's self-image. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/burncampcovernew.jpgburncampcovernew https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYBURNHANDS.jpgBondingIf you don't know me, don't judge me," said LaMonica Agnew, 11,who said her self-confidence has grown tremendously at the Missouri Children's Burn Camp in the Lake of the Ozarks. "I have learned people may talk about me, but if they don't talk to me, they have nothing to say," said Agnew, who plays hand games with her friend Katie Schuchardt. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYBURNTRIO.jpgBunkmates"I like everything here. You get to meet new friends and a lot of different people," said Vika Himpel,8, of Baldwin, far left, who walks to the dining hall Friday evening with her cabin mates, from left to right, Shonta Robertson,8, of Florissant Jamie Anderson,8 of Kansas City,Mo., at the Missouri Children's Burn Camp in the Lake of the Ozarks. Himpel was burned in an apartment fire in Russia when her head caught on fire. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYBURNLAUNDRY.jpgLaundryI am just not having a good day, said first-year camper," Vika Himple, "there's always chores to do." Himple was burned in an apartment fire in Russia when her head caught on fire. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYBURNSUNSCREEN.jpgSunscreen"I look white," said Chavelle Peeples,10, of South County, who gets dosed and later rubbed down with sun screen before going sailing Saturday afternoon at the St. Louis Burn Camp in the Lake of the Ozarks Saturday. This was Peeples second year at burn camp. "I just come and be me," said Peeples. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYBURNBELLY.jpgBelly ring"I feel comfortable because everybody looks like me," said Sara Helwig,15. "When I was younger, my scars bothered me a lot so I covered a lot, now I don't care. I gradually got my confidence up. This camp helped," she said. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYBURNCLOWN.jpgAcceptance"I wish the scars were not on my face " said Logan Gillette,7, of Jonesburg,Mo., who checks out his makeup job during Clown night at the Missouri Children's Burn Camp in the Lake of the Ozarks where campers dress up in make-up and funny clothes entering a wonderful world of make-believe. Gillette was burned in March 2003 in a gas explosion when he trying to burn trash in the backyard with his brother. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYBURNCOUNSELOR.jpgCounselors"These kids great. They really care about the counselors. They thank you out loud for everything we are doing for them," said Sharone Ben Yehuda (cq), of Israel, who gets a hug from first-year camper Aquwanyae (cq) Carr,11, of Florissant Friday night at the Missouri Children's Burn Camp. Ben Yehuda, who is a counselor at Camp Sambra, stays an extra week to be with the kids for their week of camp. "The kids at Camp Sambra come to be with the friends and hang out with each other, these kids are just happy to be here. They're wonderful," said Ben Yehuda, about her first burn camp experience. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Where-Scars-Don't-Matter/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYBURNJUMP.jpgSoaring to new heightsIt's neat to see kids confidence grow as they participate in more activities said Missouri Children's Burn Camp Director Linda Diamond Hansen, (this is para phrased)The cliff jump, one of many outdoor activities at the camp in the Lake of the Ozarks, is both fun and gives kids great confidence after completion. Other activities include horseback riding, sailing, skiing, log roll, nature walk, overnight, low and high ropes courses. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/01ESSAYLEADAARON-copy6.jpg01ESSAYLEADAARONSUMMARY LIVING WITH LEAD- Kids in Missouri are sick; they have high levels of lead. The EPA, residents and government officials disagree on the most effective way to deal with the polluting aftermath of the state's mining industry and the lead smelter in Herculaneum, Missouri. TRAPPED INDOORS- After begging his mother to let him come outside to play, four year-old Aaron Warden accepts his indoor fate. "I am angry---real angry," said Robyn Warden, a resident of Herculaneum, home of the nation's largest lead production company- Doe Run. "It's nice outside. My kids should be outside playing, not sequestered inside," said Warden. When Warden's children lead levels rose, state environmental officials told Warden to shut the windows, turn on the air conditioning and not let her youngest children outside to play. June blood tests revealed that Aaron Warden's blood contained 20 micro grams per deciliter of lead, twice the amount considered the threshold for lead poisoning. High levels of lead may contribute to lowered IQ, shortened attention span, and learning disabilities. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/livingwithlead.jpglivingwithlead https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/02ESSAYTLEADBACKYARD-copy6.jpgLead Playground"I'd be lost without these here," said Elwood "Knot" Ragsdale, 78, lifetime resident of Park Hills, Missouri, referring to the chat dumps that litter the Old Lead Belt. The National chat pile, towering to a height of 250 feet in Park Hills, backs up to his backyard. "I played on the chat dump growing up. My kids and grand-kids played on them just like kids play in the park," said Ragsdale, who leads his grand-daughter up the dump for a climb. However, now that some children in Park Hills have elevated lead levels, Ragsdale, similar to other residents in the Old Lead Belt, says he is beginning to wonder if the piles could pose some possible health danger. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/03ESSAYTLEADDISPLAY-copy6.jpg03ESSAYTLEADDISPLAYA display cabinet at Doe Roe Lead Company showcases galena-- the bluish, gray, or black mineral of metallic appearance, consisting of lead sulfide that is the chief ore of lead found throughout the Old and New Lead Belts in Missouri. Missouri is still the nation's biggest producer of lead, and Washington County is one of its mine-waste cleanup sites. Since 2005, hundreds of families across rural Washington County have learned that they were exposed to contaminated soil or water because of mining that once took place here. State geologists have identified more than 9,000 places in 38 counties where lead, barite, zinc and copper once were found, and in most cases mined. In Washington County alone, federal regulators plan to spend up to $8.5 million on cleanup. So far, 213 contaminated yards here are targeted for soil removal, and bottled drinking water is being delivered to 244 homes served by private wells that contain elevated levels of lead and other contaminants. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/04ESSAYLEADCLEANVANE-copy6.jpg04ESSAYLEADCLEANVANERigorous cleaning is the only way to keep the lead dust down says Helen Davis, 69. Weekly Davis employ mops, brooms, sprays, solvents, foams, sponges in her interior cleaning regiment. Davis, a nine-year-resident of Herculaneum, the lead smelter contamination is adversly affecting her health. "My doctors don't know what's wrong with me," says Davis, who says she has lost about twenty pounds over the last year. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/05ESSAYTLEADTESTSHOT-copy6.jpg05ESSAYTLEADTESTSHOTClutching her mother Catherine Malogen's hand, Ellie Malogen,2, said"I don't want a boo-boo," as she watches her older sister Abby,6, blood drawn at the AmVet's Hall in Herculaneum Friday morning. The Jefferson County Health Department tested community members for lead and will be testing at the AmVet's Hall from 11AM-3 PM. The Malogen family has only lived in Herculaneum for a year and their children already have tested with high lead levels in their blood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/06ESSAYLEADMEETING-copy6.jpg06ESSAYLEADMEETINGAt monthly community meetings residents disagree with the EPA temporary relocation plan. "Buy us out or shut down the smelter was the general sentiment of the residents. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/07ESSAYLEADYARDTEST-copy6.jpg07ESSAYLEADYARDTESTMadison County Health Department nurses RN Teresa Clark and RN Jenny Sykes retest the soil at the Miller property as Kirsten Miller and her husband Steve and Destiny,3, watch. The Millers, who live on top a former lead mining and smelter site had their yard replaced last fall when it tested hot for lead contamination. The Health Department came back to retest the soil and make sure it was no longer contaminated since the Miller's daughter still struggles with a high lead level. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/08ESSAYLEADWATER-copy6.jpg08ESSAYLEADWATERBottled drinking water is being delivered to 244 homes served by private wells that tested with water containing elevated levels of lead and other contaminants. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/09ESSAYLEADBEIBERPLANT-copy6.jpg09ESSAYLEADBEIBERPLANTEve Rhodes and her son Cody remove the last items from their from Herculaneum home before checking into a Festus motel. The family participated in a government funded temporary relocation program of families with young children at risk of lead poisoning. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/10ESSAYLEADFREINERLAWN-copy6.jpg10ESSAYLEADFREINERLAWNSimilar to many children under the age of six in Herculaneum, three-year-old John Freiner's parents keep him inside most of the time. His mother, Kim Brock, says she hopes that limiting his exposure to Herculaneum's lead-tainted soil and air will prevent lead poisoning. The Doe Run Co. dug up and replaced contaminated soil at the home and cleaned the interior of the house of lead dust. But the family worries that pollution from the Doe Run smelter will continue to endanger John. The house is not close enough to the smelter to be included in a buyout plan announced recently. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/11ESSAYLEADLUNAR--copy6.jpg11ESSAYLEADLUNAR-State geologists have identified more than 9,000 places in 38 counties where lead, barite, zinc and copper once were found, and in most cases mined. In Washington County alone, federal regulators plan to spend up to $8.5 million on cleanup. So far, 213 contaminated yards here are targeted for soil removal, and bottled drinking water is being delivered to 244 homes served by private wells that contain elevated levels of lead and other contaminants. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Living-with-Lead/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/12ESSAYTLEADMADDY-copy6.jpg12ESSAYTLEADMADDYOn an unseasonably warm January morning Madison Shores, 3, remains inside to prevent her from elevating her lead levels. "I restrict her outside playtime," said mother Nikita Shores, who lives with her parents at their home in Herculaneum, Missouri, where 24 percent of the children are leaded. Madison levels tested in the fall and dropped to 16 when last tested in February. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN01.jpgA Mother's PainProject overview. The 2014 fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., has changed the conversation about race in St. Louis. In the three years since protesters first marched along West Florissant Avenue, the Post-Dispatch has published thousands of related stories and photographs. Judges and politicians have been ousted. Laws have changed. The Ferguson Police Department now operates under a federal consent decree. However, for many people living in Ferguson and St. Louis, political change is overshadowed by the daily struggle with poverty and violence. It was a theme I encountered again and again this past year. To show the traumatic toll of this toxic mix of poverty and violence, I spent more than a year documenting several families as they deal with a toxic mix of poverty and violence. Charisse Young weeps at her son's casket. "I know what you would say, 'Stop crying Mama, stop crying.' I can't stop crying, Dominique, because it hurts so bad, son. It hurts so bad, Dominique," she said during his wake on Aug. 14, 2015. The family had gathered on the front porch of their St. Louis home to send off a college-bound relative when gunmen drove up and opened fire on them. Young was hit. So was her niece, a nephew and a family friend. Her story is shared by many St. Louis families. Nearly 200 people were killed in 2015 in the St. Louis area and 240 people were killed during 2016. . https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/toxixstresspage1good.jpgtoxixstresspage1good https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN02.jpgSurrounded by death“She’s just angry. Everything makes her mad,” says Mardie Sonnier, 67, about her granddaughter Destiny Sonnier, 9, as the two sit outside their Ferguson home in October. “She’s been through a lot, and she’s doing a good job taking care of herself,” Sonnier says. “I made sure she’s in with a counselor.” Destiny father was murdered in 2013 and her friend Jamyla Bolden, 9, was killed in 2015. Soon after Jamyla was shot, Mansur Ball-Bey, 18, a cousin of Destiny’s, was shot and killed by police. Sonnier would like to adopt Destiny, but she says that she could never raise the adoption fee.  https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN11.jpgGrandmother MartieAfter combing his hair, Sonnier tells her grandson Anthony to stop playing around and put on his belt as they get ready for school. Sonnier is the main caregiver for Anthony and Destiny. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN29.jpgChild's play“Lord, help us make it through this day,” says Destiny, who drops to her knees after performing a cartwheel routine with her cousin Anthony. “We pray so we won’t get shot,” Destiny says. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN05.jpgRememberingFourth-grade classmates Rayell Hickman (left) and Kendal Bolden decorate the desk of his sister, Jamyla, at Koch Elementary School in September 2015. Counselors and teachers created the art project to help the children in their grieving process.  https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN-06.jpgAll over a pair of jeansChildren in Pine Lawn, Mo., (near St. Louis) peer down at the name of Jirah Campbell, 15, that was written on the spot where he was gunned down on Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Pine Lawn. Police believe the teenager was shot over a pair of jeans.  https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/150518-SHOOTING-RAW-3t.jpgClean Up"I want to clean this up before my mom comes home," said Michael Miller, 20, (right) who cleans up the aftermath of a drive-by shooting on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at 5821 Highland in Wellston. Miller, was standing outside on his steps with a group a friends when a car drove by and opened fire on them. His friend Victor Blockton who was shot in the face. "I guess that's why my mom doesn't want niggas hanging out on her porch," said Miller. The group had spoken to Blockton on the phone and it sounded like he was ok. The bullet went in and out of his nose. One of the guys said, " if we knew it was we wouldn't be here." Miller said it was just a normal day. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN10.jpgHugging sonTiffany Watkins hugs one of her sons at a candlelight vigil for her son Jirah on Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Pine Lawn. Jirah was gunned down earlier that week. Pictured at left is Jirah's older sister Caneka Stewart and Jirah's step-father Thomas Daniels. Police say that the shooting might have been over a pair of jeans.  https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN21.jpgSeeking Solace"Taking a bath is one of few things that relaxes me. I know I am depressed. I know I need help. When I start crying I can't stop. I am all alone in this life," saysYoung, who soaks in a bath around 1 a.m. to cope with her sleepless nights in June 2016. It's been almost a year since the shooting and police have no leads in the case.  https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/toxicstresspage2.jpgtoxicstresspage2 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/DARSTWEBBEPROJECT.jpgDARSTWEBBEPROJECT https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/190204-STEWART-VIGIL-01.jpgLet Me Live"We are going to miss him a lot. My older brother is no longer here. He was a genuine person" said Daryon Mitchell, younger brother of Demetrius L. Stewart, who was among more than two hundred people who attended a vigil for Stewart on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Hyde Park. Stewart was an innocent bystander to a fight at bowling alley in Richmond Heights when he was fatally shot on Feb. 2, 2019. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN12.jpgMother hen“I don’t let them go outside (alone) anymore,” says Darlene Evans, 45, as she walks with her five youngest children in front of their home in the Northwinds Apartments in Ferguson. From left to right are Warren, 10; Alex, 2; Aaron, 3; Lexi, 2; and Destiny, 9. Four days earlier, several of her children witnessed a shooting while playing outside at Destiny's birthday party. Evans is a single mother of 10 children. She lives on disability and has no car. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN15.jpgCigarettes and wine"This is how I relax. I like my glass of wine and cigarettes," says Darlene Evans as she winds down with a nightly glass of wine in August 2015. Four days earlier several of her 10 children saw a shooting across the street. In October she suffered a stroke and awoke in the hospital. She was given a walker, by December, through what seemed like her force of will, she was walking normally again. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/toxicstrees3.jpgtoxicstrees3 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN13.jpgCan't sleepDarlene's daughter Destiny, 9, struggles with the aftermath of seeing three men shoot at each other. “I always wake up early. I can’t sleep. I am afraid I will get shot,” says Destiny who watches cartoons alone at 6 a.m. on a Friday before school. “At first I thought it was fireworks. Then I saw a gun pointing. My heart was beating forever.” https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/151220DEVONTECOUSIN.jpgComfort https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN28.jpgNo heatAkeelah Kelly, 8, pauses before going to bed in November 2015. The family had gone without gas heat since September. They were using electric space heaters to warm their home. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/VIOLENCETAMARA.jpgDetermined to walk again"This is not the end. I will walk again," says a determined Tamara Collier, who was washing laundry at her mother's house in St. Louis when she was hit by a stray bullet from an assailant's assault rifle aimed at a police officer. The bullet went through a door before hitting Collier in the neck, paralyzing her from the neck down. There were 193 gun homicides in St. Louis in 2017, the highest in more than two decades. But police counted 2,439 reports of one or more people shot or fired at in the city through November 2017, considered first-degree aggravated assaults with a gun. That’s up from 2,132 in all of 2016. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/tamarabluesanta.jpgBlue SantaSanta hands out Christmas presents to Tamara Collier (top right) and her two children, Dominique, 5, and D'Marii, at Rosewood Care Center on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017. Collier, 25, was doing laundry at her mother's house in St. Louis when she was hit by a stray bullet. The bullet went through a door before hitting Collier in the neck, paralyzing her from the neck down. The Washington University Police Department adopted Collier and her two children for the holiday, collecting money and two van loads of food, clothes and blankets. Collier's cousin, Carla Austin, is at top left. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN-07.jpgBrotherJahiem Smith-Woods, 8, says goodbye to his older brother Martinez Smith-Payne, 13, at his funeral on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015. The boy was fatally shot by a homeowner when he and two other minors were caught stealing from an unlocked vehicle, police say.  https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/23https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/STRESS-SKRIVAN-26-copy1.jpgDaily struggle“I go day by day. It took me 20 minutes to put my bra on. Even the simple things are hard,” says Young while getting dressed in November 2016. Tattoos of her two sons adorn her back. Her son Dominique (left tattoo) was killed in a 2015 shooting in which she was also shot. More than 16 months later, she is recovering from a nerve graft to relieve numbness in her fingers. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/24https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/taysing.jpgSeeking the limelight"All I want to do is perform," says Taylor Merriweather, better known as a Lil' Tay around town. Taylor is the only surviving member of the former group hip hop ground Three Problems. His cousin James Johnson Jr., better known as Swagg Huncho, was shot inthe head at least twice in December 2015. While the other member Relly Rell, was sentenced to a decade in prison for second-degree murder. Their music focused on the hardship and desperate choices they and other young Black men faced in north county neighborhoods. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/25https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/fans-retonebw.jpgFansFans reach to touch with Lil' Tay during a concert. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/26https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/151221taylorcasket.jpgFinal goodbyeLil' Tay carries the casket carrying the body of his cousin James Johnson Jr., better known as Swagg Huncho. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/27https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/151221AYLORDOVE.jpgDoveLil'Tay watches a dove fly at the cemetery burial of his cousin James Johnson, better known as Swagg Huncho. During the funeral service Taylor said all he could think about was "Am I next?" https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/28https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/living-hip-hop-life-bw.jpgHip hop lifestyleDuring house arrecst, Lil'Tay performs in his bedroom around friends and family. THe entire house knows the lyrics to all his songs. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/29https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/trophiesbw.jpgTrophiesA drawing of Lil'Tay and his cousin James Johnson Jr., better known as Swagg Huncho still sits on his dresser. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/30https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/160615LSTAYBONDbw.jpgCourtTaylor waits to plea after being arrested for gun possession and fleeing the scene of car accident during a police pursuit. Taylor said a car pulled up behind him at a stop light, and he rolled through fearing it was someone wanting to kill him. He did not realize it was the police. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/A-Cycle-of-Poverty-%26-Gun-Violence/31https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/biteandbraceletbw.jpgBracelet boundWith is ankle bracelet on display, Taylor shows his mother where a police dog bit him while he was being chased after he crashed a car and ran away from the scene. He will be on house arrrest until his case. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/CHANNACOLOR.jpgImpossible choice“Online school won’t work if I don’t have power,” said single mother of six children Channa Jackson, who fights to stay awake after logging in her children into virtual school in various stages of alertness on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, at her home in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. From left to right are her children Stephanie, 12, Lamar, 11, Mekiya, 6, and Zakoria,7. Jackson just enrolled her children in school in the final days of September after a night position became available at her new job at Wendy’s. The kids school attendance fluctuates. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/workingkeeplightson.jpgworkingkeeplightson https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/Exhaust.jpgExhaustSome days of virtual learning go better than others. "It's hard to balance school and work... I don't think a lot of people understand because they are not in the position,"said Channa Jackson, who returns back to bed to rest with her 2-year-old daughter Mariyah, after oversleeping and logging in some of her children to virtual school for a while on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Jackson worked a closing shift last night.“ Days like this, when I just can’t lift my head up, teachers probably don’t understand because they have a routine job,” Jackson said. “I feel like I’m up 24 hours a day.” https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/doorway.jpgWorryZakoria Robinson, 7, steps outside after their power was shut off, listening to her mother Channa Jackson talk with the power company technician about payment options. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/turnoff.jpgDisconnetElectrician Shirley Jackson cuts off power to Channa Jackson's apartment at her home the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. "They threatened to shut off my power any day," said Channa, who has $2,000 in unpaid bills. Jackson walked outside to talk to the electrician after a computers shut off. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/nolights.jpgNo powerAfter her electricity was disconnected due to an overdue bill, Channa Jackson trips the circuit breaker at her home the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The power was reconnected after the electric company technician learned Jackson had virtual learning in the residence. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/schoolbarrier.jpgBarriersDespite being told to go inside, Lamaria Patterson, 9, listens to her mother Channa Jackson talk with the power company technician about payment options after their electricity was shut off on Oct, 8, 2020. Jackson did not want her daughter to worry. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/grocery.jpggrocery"I just spent $80 on a couple pizzas, chips, ice cream and few other items.. And that's just one day," said Channa, who borrowed food stamps from a family member to pay for children's lunch. Jackson misses the free breakfast and lunch provided by the school district. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/kisswork.jpgkisswork https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/jobstress.jpgStressChanna Jackson pauses after leaving work Wendy's around midnight on Oct, 8, 2020. Jackson has a lot on her mind. She is mulling over how long her electricity will say on and weighing the the option of sending some of her younger children back to school for in-person learning on Monday Oct. 19. In addition to weighing the health risks, Jackson needs to buy school uniforms and supplies and figure out transportation. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Working-To-Keep-the-Lights-On/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/sleep.jpgSleepAfter being logged into virtual school for less than 20 minutes, Lamar Patterson,11, falls asleep as his sister Zakoria Robinson, 7, listens to class on Tuesday, Oct, 13, 2020, at their home in the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE01.JPGOBESITYPAGE01 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE02.JPGOBESITYPAGE02 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE07.JPGOBESITYPAGE07 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE03.JPGOBESITYPAGE03 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE04.JPGOBESITYPAGE04 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE05.JPGOBESITYPAGE05 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE06.JPGOBESITYPAGE06 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE08.JPGOBESITYPAGE08 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE09.JPGOBESITYPAGE09 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE11.JPGOBESITYPAGE11 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/OBESITYPAGE10.JPGOBESITYPAGE10 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE001.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE001TEMPTATION - Taylor Sheline, 10, fights to resist leftovers from her mothers Simply Delicious home food party. Taylor, a fifth grader from Arnold, is already fighting her weight https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE002.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE002MEASURING- Jean Huesling, founder of Camp Jump Start outside of Carbondale, Ill., the only weight-loss camp in the Midwest, measures campers to track their progress. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE003.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE003FAST FOOD- Fast food is a quick, affordable option for Margaret Ricks-Hood, mother of four in St. Louis County. Both she and her husband work full-time. "I try to cook, but some nights this is the best I can do," she says. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE004.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE004BULLYING- A victim of bullying at her previous school, Sarah Chancellor, 11, faced fifth grade grade at her new school at St. Ambrose on the Hill with apprehension, but soon found the kids to be " a lot nicer," she says. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE005.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE005PANTRY OPTIONS- Sarah Chancellor, 11, looks for a snack at home in a pantry filled with options for the whole family. Sarah knows she has to watch how much she eats. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE006.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE006ACTING OUT- Sarah Chancellor, 11, crossed out the yearbook faces of schoolmates she felt teased her because of her weight. "I felt so bad at my old school. The kids were so rude. They would push me and call me names," says Sarah. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE007.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE007SELF IMAGE- "I am just glad he sees me for me. I look in the mirror and I don't think he should like me," says Mandy Eaton, 17, as she who readies herself to go out with her boyfriend to a basketball game. Mandy, who lives in St. Peters, is self-conscious about her weight. "I hide behind my hair. It's the only thing I like about myself." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE008.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE008Mandy Eaton, 17, self- portrait https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE009.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE009EMOTIONAL SUPPORT - "It just breaks your heart to see your kid struggle," says Lynne Eaton, who tries to be supportive and listen to her daughter Mandy. Mandy struggles with exercising daily and eating right. "It is hard on me emotionally. I feel drained," says Lynne. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE010.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE010SCHOOL LUNCH- Chips and candy bars are standard fare in some schools today. Second grader Ricky Harris,9, reaches for a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in the lunch line at Richard Simpson Elementary School. Parents can restrict children's access to certain snacks in school, yet most of the time they have no idea what their children eat during the day. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE011.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE011WEEKLY PE CLASSES - Students at Hancock Elementary attend P.E. on average just three times a month. "It's terrible," says physical education teacher Patty Stippec, leading her fourth-grade class in stretching exercises. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/23https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE013.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE013SISTERS - "In January, my New Year's resolution was 'You're going to eat the right food.' But I lied to myself. It's hard to stop eating the food I like. It's like I crave it all, pizza, ice cream," says Ashley Sheline,12, of Arnold, (right) as she watches a favorite wrestling show with her younger sister Taylor,10. The girls regularly snack until they go to bed at night. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/24https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE014.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE014SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE- The Sheline sisters watch television and play video games for hours during the winter. "It's cold out there," says Taylor,10, (left), who vied for top score in Ms. Pac Man. Their mom, Theresa Sheline, says the girls often spend the entire day watching television, playing video games or Barbies. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/25https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE019.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE019LOST- "I just don't know what to do. I hope coming here will help," said Theresa. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/26https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE015.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE015FITNESS CENTER- On their first day at a weekly exercise class for kids, the Sheline sisters are reluctant to join in. But their mom insists. "I am trying to encourage them to exercise. With winter, it's hard to get them out. They are not getting enough activity," says Theresa Sheline. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/27https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE016.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE016ADVERSTISING- "Please mom, Sponge Bob is my favorite," pouts Taylor,10, wanting to try the popular cartoon character cereal. "I didn't even know he had a cereal," says Theresa, who bought the box. Kids are exposed to 40,000 ads a year and food advertising aimed at kids is at an all-time high, public health advocates say. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/28https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE017.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE017DREAM - "I want to be tall and skinny when I grow up," says Taylor, one day while playing with her Barbie and Brat dolls. "I want to look like her. She is really pretty. I call her Megan though, because I hate the name Barbie," says Taylor. In real life proportions, a Barbie doll would be 7 feet tall and have body measurements of 38-18-32; no female is genetically capable of reflecting this "ideal." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/29https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE021.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE021NOTHING FITS- Miranda prepares to go with the mall with friends, but worries about wearing shorts, so she finally selected a pair of jeans. "It's really hard to find clothes. The in-style clothes are made for the little skinny people," says Miranda https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/30https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE020.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE020SWIMSUIT- "I hate my arms," says Miranda. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/31https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE023.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE023GETTING ACTIVE- Miranda's mom Leah Giunta dragged her daughter to enter a 3K race at the St. Louis Fitness Festival. "There is no way a kid can do it without the parents," says Giunta. "I should be home sleeping in bed," says Miranda, referring to the 7 a.m. start time. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/32https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE022.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE022BETTER CHOICES- "It's not fair," says Miranda, who choses a yogurt as her younger sister munches on an ice cream bar. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/33https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE025.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE025FITTING IN- "Skinny people get in last," yells Miranda, as she and her friends pile into a photo booth for her 15th birthday at St. Louis Mills Mall. Miranda hopes by losing weight she will feel better and fit in more. "I want to look pretty and get a boyfriend." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/34https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE024.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE024SEEING RESULTS- Dietician Marilyn Tanner watches Miranda on the scale at Head To Toe, a childhood nutrition class. Miranda lost 10 pounds. But she still wants to lose 100 more. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/35https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE026.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE026SHOPPING NIGHTMARE- "Nothing in here will fit me," says Miranda, while shopping with friends at Hollister. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/36https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE027.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE027BURYING WARREN- Alex McClease, 11, visits the grave of his cousin Warren Allen, 18, who died in April, a year after having gastric bypass surgery to lose weight. "I need to make changes. I do not want to be in his position. I never wanted to be big," Alex says. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/37https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE028.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE028BIG WARREN- A picture of Warren Allen, who died in April a year after having gastric bypass surgery, rests on the windowsill of Alex McClease's home in St. Louis, as Alex plays outside. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/38https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE029.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE029TEMPTATION- Alex tries to resist buying candy from the store up the street. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/39https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE030.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE030 BIG MAN- Alex McClease,11, knows he's bigger than most boys his age, such as his friends Shauron Jennings, 12, and Jimmy Vaughn, 10, who he plays basketball with in the driveway. "I want to be quicker like they are," Alex says. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/40https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE031.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE031 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/41https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE032.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE032 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/42https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE034.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE034 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/43https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE035.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE035BUNK MATES- Bananas are the 9 p.m. snack for a bunk of girls at Camp Jump Start."I am excited and want to learn how to eat right and stay that way. I feel a lot of pressure from school and home," says Nicole Petitti, 12, of Bartlett, Ill., (center top). From left to right are Olivia Parks,13, of St. Charles; Petitti; Christina Weighs,13, of Wauwatosa, Wisc.; and Danielle Dedeoglou,11, of Des Plains, Ill. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/44https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE036.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE036 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/45https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE037.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE037YUCK- Campers had to quickly adjust to the calorie-restricted, low-fat diet at Camp Jump Start. "The food is kind of weird," says Christina Weihs,13, Wauwatosa, Wisc., who admits that at home she eats junk food and the wrong portion sizes. "My family is worried because they think I could get diabetes." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/46https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE038.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE038David Clapp,11, of O'Fallon, Mo., and Andrew Bowans,11, of Iowa City, Iowa, play during one of the camp's daily visits to a lake, which required a long, hilly walk to reach. Keeping campers active was key to the weight loss of many of the children. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/47https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE039.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE039GAINING CONFIDENCE- "I'll be Supa Mac when I leave," says McKinley Adams, 13, of Richmond Heights, who showed off his creative side with his new camp nickname. He received a scholarship at camp. "I wrote a letter saying how my mom is diabetic and https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/48https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE040.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE040Dancing became a favorite night time activity at camp. "I just love to dance," says Lauren Levy,17, of Milwaukee, Wisc., who gets down as low as she can to the "Cha Cha Slide." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/49https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE041.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE041During a graduation ceremony at the end of camp, Danielle DeDeoglou,11, of Des Plains, Ill., feels the weight of the pounds -- 23.8 in all -- she lost over four weeks. "I feel lighter. I am happier," Danielle says. Her next goal: Lose another 30 pounds in four weeks and run a mile. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/50https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE042.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE042Before leaving, campers drew up a contract outlining a plan for their continued success once they went home. Drake Rallo's contact read: "This is my life. I am responsible for it. I will eat more healthy and have more portion control. I will exercise as much as I play video games in the same day. When I feel stressed, I will go for a walk or talk. I will us the magic phrases. I will play football. Please Help Me Do This!" https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/51https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE043.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE043Joy Herrington is shocked to see the change in her son Drake Rallo, 12, of St. Charles., who lost 21 pounds and seven inches around his waist. Drake's best friend, Alec Rigdon,12, does a double-take. "I can definitely tell. I could barely recognize that it was him," Alec says https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/52https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE044.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE044Sarah Pabst, 20, of O'Fallon,Mo, undergoes a heart ultrasound to check her weight's effect on her organs. She is relieved to find out her heart is in good shape, but knows she needs to lose weight. " This is no way to live, it is a way to die. I am looking at a death sentence at 35 if I don't make changes," she says. Pabst tips the scale at 325 lbs, the heaviest she has ever been. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/53https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE045.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE045 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/54https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE046.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE046"I am just now learning how to care of myself," says Sarah Pabst, who encourages overweight children and parents to address obesity earlier rather than later. "The younger you are, the more family support you have makes it easier to learn better habits." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/55https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE047.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE047Schools are trying to do a better job teaching kids how to eat right. "When all the food are different colors and textures that means you're meal is pretty balanced," says teacher assistant Sara Haag, leading the Cafeteria Station part of the Food Power Adventure at Parkwood Elementary School. Fourth graders from left to right: Patricia Paul,10, of Bridgeton; Evan Fornachon,10,of Maryland Heights; Phillip Bell,10, of Bridgeton; and Takira Harlan,10, of Maryland Heights. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/56https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE048.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE048Kids N' Motion, a fitness center for kids in Chesterfield, uses child-size version of exercise machines as educational tool. " It's an introduction to what piece of equipment is and how it works. They know what is a treadmill and how to use it ," says owner Erica Furrer, who teaches kids like students (left to right), Drew, 3, and Peter Ahlering, 6, of Town and County. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Childhood-Obesity-Pages/57https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/ESSAYOBESITYLARGE049.jpgESSAYOBESITYLARGE049Holding up his old jeans, Michael Clark, 18, of University City, (far left) shows how he went from a 44-waist to a 33-waist size pants. Standing next to him, Dominique Graham,13, of Wellston and John Suell Jr,14, show off their old clothes at a "fashion show" for the Family Weight Loss Center in Richmond Heights. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissewake.jpgA Mother's PainCharisse Young weeps at her son's casket. "I know what you would say, 'Stop crying Mama, stop crying.' I can't stop crying, Dominique, because it hurts so bad, son. It hurts so bad, Dominique," she said during his wake on Aug. 14, 2015. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/angeldeathfinalnew.jpgangeldeathfinalnew https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charisseflag.jpgFinal BreathFor months after his death, a small flag marked the spot where Young held her son Dominique as he took his last breath. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charisseprayerpower.jpgPower of PrayerPastor and family friend Robert White leads the family in prayer before the funeral for Young's son Dominique on Aug. 15, 2015. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissechurch.jpgLean On Me"The Angel of Death has entered into this city," said pastor and family friend Robert White during the funeral service at Salt Covenant Baptist Church on Aug. 15, 2015. He is pictured at center right helping carry Young, who was distraught after the service. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charisseuncle.jpgUncle's Eulogy"It hurt bro. It hurt ... You pick yourself up. You dust yourself off and you cry. You don't have darkness without sunshine," said Reginald Young, who is Young's younger brother, at the funeral for Dominique. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissecut.jpgMother's HelpYoung’s mother, Edna Black, cuts her meat for her after the shooting. More than a year later, Young still doesn’t have enough control in her hand to do simple tasks. She had earned a license in cosmetology before the shooting but now cannot cut hair because her fingers cramp up and two fingers are numb. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissexray.jpgX-rayAn X-ray shows Young's broken humerus and the metal rod doctors inserted into her arm. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissehug.jpgComfort From a FriendIn November 2015, Young finally got Section 8 housing and invited her friend, Dawn Reed, to see her new home. “I have been waiting a lifetime for this, and now it comes through, and it’s just me,” she said https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissejournal.jpgJournal EntryAfter the shooting, Young started a journal on Aug. 24, 2015. She made only one entry. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charrisse2.jpgcharrisse2 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissetub.jpgSeeking SolaceA year after her son's murder, Young still copes with sleepless nights. She finds solace in small comforts like a warm bath. "Taking a bath is one of the few things that relaxes me," said Young on June 3, 2016. On Mother's Day, she bought herself a teddy bear. After the bath, she snuggled with it for hours before falling asleep around 3 a.m. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissecrosses.jpgcharissecrosses https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissecemetery.jpgcharissecemetery https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissesteps.jpgFront Steps"We family. We take care of one another. That's why I try to hang around people who I know I love. I don't try to go around nobody different," Young said. She sits with family members on the steps where the group was shot at just a few weeks earlier in August of 2015. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissevest.jpgA Vest For MyleeYoung gives her great-niece Mylee a vest to wear for the balloon release to celebrate on what would have been Dominique's 22nd birthday on Oct. 17, 2015. Young dove on Mylee the night of the shooting in attempt to shield her from the gunfire. "She loved Dominique," said Young. "He played with all kids. He was a kid himself." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissecelebration.jpgcharissecelebration https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charisseboys.jpgcharisseboys https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charisse3.jpgcharisse3 https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissebear.jpgcharissebear https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissebabysit.jpgcharissebabysit https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/chraisseburglary.jpgBurglaryYoung gathers her belongings to move out of her house on Nov. 25, 2016, after she was robbed on Thanksgiving. "When I opened the door, I saw a light on. I saw a shadow run across the room. I was a nervous wreck. All I was thinking, they are coming out to get you. Hurry up and get away." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/‘The-Angel-of-Death-has-entered-into-this-city’/23https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/charissestruggle.jpgDaily Struggle“I go day by day. God got me. I don’t have a heart right now. Until I found out who did this to me," said Charisse Young, who struggles to get dressed on Nov. 18, 2016. Tattoos of her two sons adorn her back. Her son Dominique (left tattoo) was killed in a 2015 shooting in which she was also shot. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE03.jpgFirst Steps of FreedomâFor those who participated in my prosecution, I forgive you,â said Christopher Dunn, who takes his first steps as a free man on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, outside the Carnahan Courthouse in downtown St. Louis. âIâve got a life to live now,â he said, âItâs time to move forward." Dunn's wrongful murder conviction was overturned after spending 34 years in prison for the 1990 murder of Rico Rodgers. He maintained his innocence the entire time. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/dunntextside.jpgdunntextside https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE02.jpgHugging Mom"I have been praying for this moment for 34 years," said Martha Dunn, who reunites with her son Christopher on the steps of the Carnahan Courthouse on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in downtown St. Louis. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE04.jpgKeeping a promise- visiting dad"My father at the time of his death was my best friend....I promised him I would never be a street kid. I kept my promise," said Christopher Dunn, who visits his father's gravesite with his wife Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at Washington Park Cemetery in Berkeley. They promised to get him a proper tombstone and wrote his name on the wooden marker. Chris is the last surviving male of his father's 14 sons, most of whom died from street life. "In some ways going to prison might have saved my life," said Chris. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE14.jpgRecognized on the street"It took too long.. He should be taken care of for the rest of his life....him, his wife, his kids, for the rest of his life," said clerk Gwen Fowler, who starting taking a video of Chris after she caught a glimpse of him at the Phillips 66 gas station on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in the Kingsway East neighborhood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE05.jpgGoodbye to family"The moment you give up on each other, we ain't nothing. I could have easily gave up in jail, I would have given up on each and everyone of you all," said Christopher Dunn, as he says goodbye to his family on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at his sister's house in Florissant. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE06.jpgFear of unknown"I'm still outside looking in. That's the world out there. I am ready to live," said Christopher Dunn, who stares out of a parking garage before embarking on a cross- country road trip on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Clayton. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE07.jpgOn the road"I am leaving home to go home. I am going to miss St. Louis. But I am ready for the new adventure," said Christopher Dunn, as his wife drives through Tucumcari, New Mexico on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE20.jpgHand in hand"I am never going to take him for granted. I want every second to count," said Kira Dunn, who holds Christopher's hand on their cross-country drive Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, outside of Tucumcari, New Mexico. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE08.jpgSuccdssful feature"I am my biggest critic. I have no problem with accepting that. At the same time.... I am also my greatest and biggest advocate. I do not want to fail, "said Christopher Dunn who tries on a sport coat on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at a department store in Tulsa, Oklahoma. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE17.jpgNew world things"I have never seen a straw this thick. You can fit a McDonald's french fry inside," said Christopher Dunn, who tries a bubble tea for the first time on as he talk to his friend, "St. Louis," who is still on prison on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at a strip mall in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Throughout the trip Dunn used his phone to keep in touch with family and inmates still in prison. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE09.jpgImpromptu raceChristopher Dunn races his wife Kira to the car after a sneaker shopping on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE10.jpgPure Bliss"Every time I get to hold him longer for three seconds it's a gift. I cannot get enough, it's pure bliss," said Kira Dunn, who reciprocates a hug from her husband Christopher Dunn on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at a hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Kira met Chris 25 years and married him while he was in prison. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE11.jpgOld habits"I won't ever spit in the sink. It's a prison thing," said Christopher Dunn, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at a hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Chris says even brushing his teeth with a full-sized toothbrush is a blessing after prison where he had to use a shorter one for safety. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE21.jpgLearning technologyKira Dunn teaches her husband how to access his Google images and Gmail on his phone and computer at a hotel near on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE18.jpgRoad stopKira Dunn takes a photo of her husband Christopher on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at La Ventana Natural Arch in New Mexico. It is one of the few stops the couple made on their cross country road trip. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE15.jpgCalifornia dreaming"My dreams are what kept me alive. Waking up to this everyday right now. This is sort of a dream to me," said Christopher Dunn, who takes a nap on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, as his wife drives across New Mexico. Chris was unable to drive because he does not have valid driver's license. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE19.jpgGetting back into the swing of things"The gas won't turn off," said Christopher Dunn, who pumps gas for the first time in over 34 years on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, just over Texas border during a cross country road trip. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE16.jpgJokester"If you like this shirt, we are in trouble," said Christopher Dunn, who shows his wife an ugly shirt on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2024, at a Goodwill outside Phoenix, Arizona. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE12.jpgArrival in CaliforniaChristopher Dunn hauls his luggage into his home on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Southern California. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE01.jpgDipping toes in the ocean"I never thought it was going to happen," said Christopher Dunn, who dips his toes in the ocean for the first time in his life hile walking with his wife Kira on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Southern California. "In prison, we didn't ever get the chance to just walk and hold hands," said Chris. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/First-steps-of-freedom/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240825LSDUNNFREE13.jpgHappiness in new home"I am still kind of in the state of disbelief," said Christopher Dunn, who relaxes in his backyard on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Southern California. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/dogtownsidsmall.jpgWater break"I usually stop for some water," said Sid Graham, who takes a break at the Dogtown Little Free Food Pantry after his six-mile bike commute to his home from the Justice Center in Clayton. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/dogtownwalkout.jpgWalking outTheresa Weisbrod walks out of her house, passing two of her chickens Nutmeg, left, and Maple, to put out holiday cookie bags for visitors to the Dogtown Little Free Food Pantry that is located at the end of her backyard. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/241121LSDOGTOWNPANTRY09.jpgMessages of gratitueVisitors leave messages of gratitude on the Dogtown Free Little Food Pantry doors as photographed on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrykidscans.jpgOfferingTheresa Weisbrod, left, receives donated canned goods and household items from students with the Discovery Children's Center on Tamm Ave. as her husband, Jerry, watches. The donated items will used throughout the season for the Dogtown Little Free Food Pantry at the end of their backyard. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/dogtownmikepants.jpgGIving back"This place can save someone from starving.," said Marc Cammarata, who lived under a bridge earlier this year. " I like to pay back whenever I have the chance, said Cammarata, who donated a sweatshirt, pair of pants, toilet paper, heat warmers, and some food. Although Weisbrod has made it known she does not want clothing donations dropped off. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrytheresaflowers.jpgMaking boquets"Who doesn't like flowers. They make you happy," said Theresa Weisbrod, who decided to make small floral bouquets for visitors to the Dogtown Little Free Food Pantry. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrybusdriver.jpgSmiles"I have been watching this out my window for the last couple of weeks. I think it's so unique and sweet" said bus driver Betty Williams, who stopped for the first time at the Dogtown Free Little Food Pantry on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, for a cup of water and took delight in taking a homemade bouquet of flowers. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/dogtownboquetdetail.jpgSpreadinng love"Who doesn't like flowers. They make you happy," said Theresa Weisbrod, who arrages homemade bouquets for visitiors at the Dogtown Little Free Food Pantry. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrydogwater.jpgCooling off"It's nice they have a dog dish here," said Jim Parisi, who fills up the water dish for Rusty at the Dogtown Free Little Food Pantry. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrychris.jpgSecret Gart"The food from here is all I had last night. I am just struggling. This panty is teaching me I need to be more compassionate with giving and have more empathy towards others," said Chris Nuekum, relaxes on the glider at the Dogtown Free Little Food Pantry. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/chickenjoe.jpgChicken JoeAfter filling the pantry, Joe Weisbrod walks up with one of his pet chickens. Joe runs a popular twitter account and is known around town with the handle "Chicken Joe." https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrycookieparty.jpgVolunteers bundling cookie bagsCommunity members, from left to right, Sharon Pike, Lindsey Stevens, Sister Catherine Barkett, Sister Maureen Schmalzried and Paul Deal make holiday cookie bags at the home of Theresa and Gary Weisbrod in Dogtown. The group of 6 adult volunteers made over 120 holiday treat bags, filling them with homemade cookies, candy, hot cocoa pocket with a cup. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantryturkeyday.jpgpantryturkeyday"I knew they would have good food today. I told my boyfriend we had stop by," said Donna Gullett of Maplewood, who picks up two homemade plates of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie on Thanksgiving Day at the Dogtown Free Little Food Pantry. Gullett says she has been using the pantry for three years. She has been living at hotels and bouncing around friends's house since her house caught on fire. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrycandy.jpgCandy dishNorman Keeton lights up with a smile when he sees a recently-filled candy dish at the Dogtown Little Free Food Pantry. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrydecorate.jpgDecorating for the holidaysTheresa decorates the pantry for the holiday season. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrykiss.jpgMaking their way"I was living in my car until it was impounded. I lost everything. It's gone. The food here really helps," said Dana Chapman, who gets a kiss from her boyfriend Wayne at the Dogtown Free Little Food Pantry. The couple frequents the pantry as they are living at a warehouse nearby. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrylibrarynight.jpgPassion for reading"I am a sucker for a good book," said Gabrielle Ruess-Kneebone, who uses light on her phone to check out the library at the Dogtown Free Little Food Pantry as she walks home from work. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantrysnow.jpgGrateful"I went from feeling that life had kicked me in the teeth to saying wow God is good," said a man who said his name was Larry, after he discovered the Dogtown Free Little Food Pantry was a block down the street. " I don't even have to put my shoes, I just walk on down here to grab a few things," who walks home with dinner . Larry lost his job three years as a maintenance man of an apartment building. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Seasons-of-Love/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/pantryhearts.jpgValentine's Day"Norman, how have you been. I have not seen you for a while," said Teresa, who embraces Norman Keeton at the Dogtown Free Little Food Pantry . "I worry about him," said pantry was still decorated for Valentine's Day. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Dirt-Track/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250531LSDIRTTRACK01.jpg250531LSDIRTTRACK01Kristina Blanner, 7, does a cartwheel in the dirt on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Dirt-Track/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250531LSDIRTTRACK08.jpgMud-covered turn"You still get hit up sitting up high with dirt but not as hard," said Trenton Kersey, who brought his brother-in-law Mateo Long, 4, to his first race on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely. Kersey and his wife Takya, and daughters Aubrey,5, left, and Kensley, 3, are regulars at the track. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Dirt-Track/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250531LSDIRTTRACK02.jpg250531LSDIRTTRACK02Dirt flies off #44 driver Blaze Burwell's car during Late Model heat races for on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Dirt-Track/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250531LSDIRTTRACK03.jpgNational anthemJulie Koenigsfield donns cowboy boots as she stands for the national anthem on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Dirt-Track/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250531LSDIRTTRACK05.jpgBurger and flagsFriends Barrett Kuhn, 7, left, and Hayden Asher,7, dig into their burger and fries as they watch the drivers' race heat laps on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Dirt-Track/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250531LSDIRTTRACK06.jpgLittle carsJackson Jones, 5, plays with his assortment of racing cars and flags he brought from home on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/Dirt-Track/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250531LSDIRTTRACK13.jpg250531LSDIRTTRACK13Driver Jered Lamke works on his car in the infield during heat races on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/1https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250516LSKIRKWOODWEATHER01.secdtionretonejpg.jpgSTORM CLOUDS"I grew up in this are so tornado sirens don't faze me until I see an actual tornado," said Isabella Click, 21, wearing a neon rain coat, who takes orders in a neon rain coat from a line of customers on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 7 Brew Coffee in Kirkwood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/2https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240516LSFOUNTAINPARKTORNADO11crop.jpgSt. Louis matriarch killed when her 125-year-old family home collapses in tornadoAllen, 60, waits for the medical examiner to take away his wife Rena Scott-Lyles after she was killed by a tornado on Friday, May, 2025, inside thier house along Bayard Avenue in the Fountain Park neighborhood. The couple was running toward the basement when the house collapsed, said Chastidy Henry, Scott-Lylesâ second-oldest daughter. Scott-Lyles was trapped under a dresser in the bedroom. Lyles was blown into a wall. âThey were buried in two different spots, just five inches away from each other. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/3https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240516LSFOUNTAINPARKTORNADO06.jpgDESTROYEDAn employee reacts to damage at Kings Beauty on on Friday, May 16, 2025, after a storm and possible tornado ripped through the business at City Plaza in the Fountain Park neighborhood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/4https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/240516LSFOUNTAINPARKTORNADO09.jpg240516LSFOUNTAINPARKTORNADO09"It used to be a three stories. My home is gone," said David Lester, who stands on the second story which now opens to the sky, as he discovers an picks up an old T-shirt among the rubble on Friday, May 16, 2025, after a storm and possible tornado ripped through his house in the Fountain Park neighborhood. Lester was not home when the storm hit. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/5https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250523LSNOHOMEOWNERSINSURANCETORNADO11.jpgSleeping in carSiblings Aaliyah, 22, Ethan, 11, and Samantha Williams, 14, prepare for bedtime in their parents car before going outside the tornado- damaged home on Thursday, May 22, 2025, along St. Ferdinand Avenue in the Greater Ville neighborhood. The 14 person- family has been without power since a tornado torn their roof clean off their home. Their parents don't have home insurance and don't have any option but to stay. Their parents sleep in the cab of their dad's long-haul truck with a couple kids, while the others split between sleeping in the family car and sleeping on cots, squeezed on the first floor in cots and on the floor. They are extra worried since their home will be eventually condemned since their home received a red sticker saying the home is not livable. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/6https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250517LSSATURDAYTORNADO07.jpgSecond floor view"I have never seen anything like this," said Jerikah McCloud, 23, who looks out the destroyed second floor of her family home on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Academy Neighborhood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/7https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250523LSNOHOMEOWNERSINSURANCETORNADO04.jpg250523LSNOHOMEOWNERSINSURANCETORNADO04"I don't want to be a burden to anyone," said homeowner Arletta Bonds, breaks down after getting a some fried rice from a pastor doing outreach on Thursday, May 22, 2025, out side her destroyed home along St. Ferdinand Avenue in the Greater Ville neighborhood. Even since the EF-3 destroyed both of of her properties, Bonds has been staying with her daughter and wants to help her make rent. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/8https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250517LSSATURDAYTORNADO01.jpgHouse in ruins"My house is just gone and it was beautiful," said Curtis McGrath, who retrieves some personal papers, photos and clothes from his home of 18 years on Enright Avenue on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Academy Neighborhood. The National Weather Service has confirmed that it was a tornado that hit St. Louis on Saturday. Preliminary reporting rates the tornado at EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with winds between 136-165 miles per hour, said NWS meteorologist Patrick Walsh. A survey of the damage, which stretches from Clayton and Forest Park to the OâFallon Park area in north St. Louis, remains ongoing. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/9https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250517LSSATTORNADO2092.jpg250517LSSATTORNADO2092People survey the tornado damage along Enright Avnue on Saturday, May, 2025, in the Academy neighborhood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/10https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250517LSSATURDAYTORNADO11.jpg250517LSSATURDAYTORNADO11Adrian Abernethy helps remove a tree that destroyed his neighbor's garage and car on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Academy Neighborhood. Friday afternoon a tornado damaged several neighborhoods across the St. Louis metro area. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/11https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250518LSVILLETORNADO01.jpgFront siide house gone"I sit here until dark then I get the flash lights out," said Darnell "Hardtimes" Forrest on Sunday, May 18, 2025, who has been living in his home along Cottage Avenue since the tornado ripped off the front side of his home in the Greater Ville neighborhood. Forrest is known as "Hard Times" in the community because it once owned and operated Hard Times Autobody. Forrest does not have money or insurance and like many other residents in the area he feels he has no choice but to stay in his home. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/12https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250606LSTORNADOPRAYER02.JPG250606LSTORNADOPRAYER02.JPGMarcell Holmes, center, hugs Pastor Pamela Paul,left, and Bishop-Elect Kelvin Sykes, right, who were doing outreach to resident affected by the tornado on Friday, June 6, 2025, along St. Louis Avenue. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/13https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250524LSSUNDAYSTORMFEATURES02.jpg250524LSSUNDAYSTORMFEATURES02Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard assures concerned resident Derrin Jones that eminent domain is not happening and it's a complicated legislative procedure during a Fountain Park-Lewis Place monthly meeting that was moved outdoors from on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Fountain Park. The group usually meets at West Side M.B. Church which is not an option due to tornado damage. The residents questioned when the state and federal help would arrive, citing their concerns they would be forgotten since they live north of the Delmar Divide. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/14https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250523LSNOHOMEOWNERSINSURANCETORNADO05.jpg250523LSNOHOMEOWNERSINSURANCETORNADO05Jimmie Robinson removes debris from his aunt's tornado damaged house on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, along St. Ferdinand Avenue in the Greater Ville neighborhood. His aunt, Climmie Robinson Lawuary, said has lived in the home on an off for 30 years. She has no home insurance. "Reality is setting in, I don't know what lies ahead," Lawuary said. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/15https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250517LSSATURDAYTORNADO06.jpg250517LSSATURDAYTORNADO06"I grew up in this community. People need help and we are helping," said Cornelius Coleman, who uses a hammer to destroy part of tree blocking a resident's home on the 5200 block of Enright Avenue on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Academy Neighborhood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/16https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250523LSNOHOMEOWNERSINSURANCETORNADO07.jpgDIgging through the rubble"Is the the house I used to play in when I was little," asks Danielle Austin, as she pulls out her aunt's dress while digging through the rubble of her uncle Norbert Thompson's home on LeDuc Street on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the Kingsway East neighborhood. Her uncle does not have insurance on the home. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/17https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250523LSNOHOMEOWNERSINSURANCETORNADO01.jpg250523LSNOHOMEOWNERSINSURANCETORNADO01Outreach workers with Leonard Baptist Church Keith Phillips, far right, and Fatima Myles, far left, watch as two- year old Ava, reaches her arms out for her meal as her siblings receive a hot meal outside Myles' sister's home that survived the tornado on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, along St. Ferdinand Avenue in the Greater Ville neighborhood. Fatima Myles not so lucky and her home just a half a block block was destroyed. One of her daughter's daycare have put them up at a hotel until Saturday since the family does not have home insurance. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/18https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250525LSSUNDAYTORNADOFEATURES15.jpg250525LSSUNDAYTORNADOFEATURES15Volunteers steady Charles Culton, 9, as he helps unload a delivery truck of donations from Manos Unidas STL on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in the Save A Lot parking lot in the Penrose neighborhood in North St. Louis. The parking lot as become a grass-roots community hub for free food, water, toiletries and clothing ever since the tornado hit the neighborhood. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/19https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250524LSSUNDAYSTORMFEATURES03.jpg250524LSSUNDAYSTORMFEATURES03"I am blessed to have a community that takes care of me," said Ashley Asaro, center,who peruses the shoes as other residents pick up toiletries at a pop-up clothing donation for resients affected by the tornado on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in the old auto lot in the Greater Ville neighborhood. "I feel this was the best way I could help," said fashion designer Rayven Stokes, left, who wanted to give back after her grandmother's home of 40 years on Garfield was heavily damaged by the tornado. "You don't have to look like what you are going through," she said. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/20https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250524LSSUNDAYSTORMFEATURES06.jpg250524LSSUNDAYSTORMFEATURES06Princezetta Washington whistles while her daughter Brandi Smith waves a wave of Ameren and other utility trucks ride by Saturday, May 24, 2025, along Natural Bridge in North St. Louis. The family was finishing up an afternoon of passing out sandwiches and small bags of basic necessities. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/21https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250525LSSUNDAYTORNADOFEATURES06.jpg250525LSSUNDAYTORNADOFEATURES06"I don't know whether to laugh or cry," said homeowner Osirus Willis, who walks through her house with volunteer Bradley Tuttle through her heavily damaged home on Sunday, May 25, 2025, along Ashland in the Greater Ville neighborhood. Willis right now is trying to resolved an insurance issue that has her listed as a renter rather than homeowner. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/22https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250626LSTORNADOFEATURES07.jpg250626LSTORNADOFEATURES07"The house is falling more and more every day," said Karl Taylor, who feed his cat Goldey, in front of his nephew's house where he rented a room as photographed on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the Greater Ville neighborhood. Taylor survived the EF3 tornado that claimed his backside room and now the roof is a kilter pending immediate collapsed Taylor has been alternating between living in a ten or inside his van where he collected a few items from inside his room or from relief agencies. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/23https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250626LSTORNADOFEATURES02.jpg250626LSTORNADOFEATURES02Wayne Wilcox checks his mail on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in front of the remains of his home in the Greater Ville neighborhood that collapsed during the EF3 tornado. Wilcox built a temporary mailbox from out of a brick, before his original mailbox was recovered in the neighborhood. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/24https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250529LSDARNELLFOLLOWOVERHEAD1675.jpg250529LSDARNELLFOLLOWOVERHEAD1675 Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/25https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250605LSTORNADOFEATURES07.jpg250605LSTORNADOFEATURES07"That wall just fell about two hours ago," said Jamaal Williams, who shoots a bottle with a water gun blaster along Dick Gregory Placeon Thursday, June 5, 2025. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/26https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250715LSTORNADOFEATURES05.JPG250715LSTORNADOFEATURES05.JPG"I put the bar of soap out about a month ago," said Jesse Anderson, who washes off in the make-shift drinking fountain/sink on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Fountain Park. Anderson moved to St. Louis from Arkanasas in December 2024 and says his apartment in the Academy neighborhood was affected by the tornado. The City of St. Louis put out portable toilets and sinks while the fire department created a drinking fountain at a hydrant. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/27https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250529LSWILLIAMSLEAKYROOF01.JPG250529LSWILLIAMSLEAKYROOF01.JPGJacob Williams helps his sister Samantha drain water from plastic lining that was collected water from a leaky tarp in her parent's bedroom on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in the Greater Ville neighborhood. Volunteers put a tarp on the Williams' home after the May tornado tore off the roof off only to have to tarp start to leaking. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/28https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/260616LSTORNADOFEATURES01.jpg260616LSTORNADOFEATURES01"I like staying guard on the street," said Ed Giden, third from left, who feels the heat of a fire alongside his uncle Jak White and cousin Stephanie Maxwell outside his damaged apartment building on Monday, June 16, 2025, in the Fountain Park neighborhood. After work Giden sits outside his home until dark to keep people from rummaging through his neighbors' homes on the block before he heads downtown to sleep. June 16th marks one month since an EF3 tornado hit North St. Louis. https://laurieskrivan.com/Essay/EF3/29https://laurieskrivan.live.photofolio.com/pf-media/250605LSTORNADOFEATURES02.jpg250605LSTORNADOFEATURES02"I don't know if it can be fixed. It will cost so much money. I am thinking about moving back to Arkansas," said George Wells, who takes a rest after putting a tarp around some items inside a duplex be bought with a friend on Thursday, June 5, 2025, along LeDuc Street in the the Kingsway East neighborhood. The front side of the building and roof sustained major damage from the May 16th tornado. Wells has been staying inside his home without power.