CN: January 12, 2022

January 12, 2022

Protecting pipes

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Tasmyn Scarl Front. Pg. 2

Special Section SENIOR LIVING. Pg. 5 Sharp increase in demand for COVID-19 testing in Missouri.

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Business START VOTING NOW! for Best of North County. Let your favorite businesses know.

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Features (FLIP) Photo from Bigstock

Water main breaks become more prevalent in cold temperatures, but can be prevented with routine maintenance

By Wendy Todd Winter had a relatively balmy start in St. Louis with the temperature on Christmas Day having reached the 60s. But now more typical winter-like weather is here. And as the temperature drops, water main breaks become more prevalent. Nearly 20 in the St. Louis area have been reported in the first week of January. Over 850 water main breaks take place daily throughout the United States. Fluctuations in temperatures are the main cause.

When the temperature drops the ground freezes and puts pressure on the pipes. Over time, the expanding and contracting of the pipes weakens the pipe material. Corrosion of pipes, conditions of soil and the move-

ment and age of the ground can also be factors. Conversely, high temps can cause the ground to shift and damage pipes causing a main break. Aging pipes also contribute to main breaks.

According to Pentair Pelican, a water service company, “Many pipes currently in use date back to the 1980s, and are made of iron, which can crack during extreme temperature changes.”

Water main breaks can lower the pressure of the water in the home causing a health hazard.

Though a water main break doesn’t always present a health issue, there are occasions when contaminants and pathogens from septic systems, surrounding soil and nearby industrial and agricultural facilities can

enter the drinking and cause illness. Illness isn’t the only concern with main breaks.

They can be costly to repair as well.

According to Home Advisor, the average cost of water main break repair is just under $1,000. The cost depends on the size and length of the pipe and the hours of labor.

Main break repair averages between fourto-six hours. Missouri American Water, the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, suggests several precautions to prevent a water main break: Prior to frigid temperatures: • Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, See ‘PIPES’ page 2

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Around Town

January 12, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘PIPES’ from cover you’ll want to shut the water off immediately.

• Protect your pipes by wrapping them with insulation.

• Know which areas in your home are most vulnerable to freezing, such as basements, crawl spaces, unheated rooms, and outside walls.

• Eliminate

cold

air

sources near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces, and eliminating drafts near doors.

When freezing or below freezing temperatures become consistent: • Allow a small trickle of water from both your cold and hot water faucets to run overnight to keep pipes and meters from freezing. (The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe.)

• Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing.

With knowledge and preparation, the occurrence of water main breaks can be reduced.

Parkway West student awarded first prize in the Congressional App Challenge Parkway West High School freshman Sasha Tripathi was awarded first prize in the Congressional App Challenge. His app - Skin Doctor - uses machine learning to predict the likelihood of a skin discoloration being a melanoma.

The Congressional App Challenge is the most prestigious prize in student computer science. The Congressional App Challenge is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Members of Congress host contests in their districts for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. Each participating Member of Congress selects a winning app from their district, and each winning team is invited to showcase their winning app to Congress during our annual #HouseOfCode festival.

Participation in the challenge has grown exponentially and has reached underserved, diverse, and rural student populations. The winning apps from across the country are displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year and the winners are invited to participate in the #HouseofCode event in the spring following their win. In the first four years of the challenge, 14,000 students from across 48 states have participated.

You can learn more here https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/.

Photo courtesy Parkway School District Sasha Tripathi, Parkway West High School pictured with Congresswoman Ann Wagner.

COMMUNITY VOICES:

By Tasmyn Scarl Front

Make your own wintertime fun I imagine I am not the only one who finds that winter holidays – despite always happening around this time of year -- somehow manage to sneak up on me. My family celebrates Hanukkah, and this year it started right as most people were still finishing off their Thanksgiving leftovers.

Since Hanukkah often falls well before winter break, we don’t get the chance to spend a leisurely day opening gifts and eating latkes (the traditional fried potato pancakes), but instead quickly light the menorah and open a few small gifts before the kids rush off to do homework. Since what we lack during these times seems to be quality family time, I wondered if there weren’t some type of low/no-cost activity we could do as a family once winter break does start, so I went in search of low-tech winter-worthy STEM activities that I might be able to even convince my 17-year-old son to join in on. Here’s what I came up with: Marble Run Challenge ‘Tis the season for wrapping paper rolls!

Give everyone a pile of paper plates, scissors, tape, a wrapping paper roll, whatever other recyclables you have on-hand, and a few marbles. Give everyone 30 minutes to build

something. Give awards for the longest run, the fastest, slowest, most creative, etc.

Ice Cube Challenge Ever wonder what salt does to ice on the road? See the power of salt with this challenge: Give everyone a bowl of ice water, some string, and then leave the salt shaker on the table. Challenge everyone to see if they can lift the ice cube up by just using the string. How does this work? (Check out the link for details to complete this challenge, and the science behind it.)

Six-Sided Snowflakes Take your paper snowflake game to the next level by making them six-sided, just like the real things. Fold your circle in half, then fold that into three overlapping pizza-slice shapes (each will be 60 degrees). Fold it in half one more time, and cut away! Check out our links for additional snowflake patterns for the serious science enthusiast.

Star Hop One of the most well-known constellations, Orion, is visible on winter evenings in the south-eastern sky. Look for an hour-glass shape with that famous belt of three stars along the middle. (The other stars mark the hunter’s shoulders and knees.) Follow the

belt in a straight line to the right and you’ll see a V of stars – that’s the head of Taurus the Bull. Follow Orion’s belt to the left and you’ll see the brightest star in the night sky: Sirius.

On a clear St. Louis night, you can see that Sirius marks the chest of stick-figure dog, Canis Major.

You can find links to these and more activities on the Challenger Learning Center’s website.

Tasmyn Scarl Front is the Executive Director of the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis and has over 25 years of experience in informal science education. Tasmyn serves on the board of directors for New City School, Challenger Center for Space Science Education, and the Jewish Community Relations Council, and as a steering committee member of the St. Louis STEM Ecosystem. She is a marathon runner and leads a local running group, the Missouri Running Club.

Tasmyn graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with a degree in Industrial Design.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 12, 2022

Hazelwood Parks and Recreation launches esports lounge Hazelwood Parks and Recreation will be launching their new esports lounge on Jan. 15 with a Launch Party and Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament. The event is free to attend, but entry into the tournament is $10. Anytime between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., stop by the Hazelwood Community Center at 1186 Teson Rd. to check out the Esports Lounge. The tournament registration will start at 10 a.m. and the tournament itself will start at noon.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with several colleges, including St. Louis University, University of Missouri – St. Louis, Missouri Baptist University, Fontbonne University, and the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, to learn more about their esports programs. There will also be a raffle for a HyperX prize package. The launch party and esports lounge are generously sponsored by Riot Games and HyperX through donations of equipment.

To use the esports lounge, participants must have either a resident or a non-resident card, which can be picked up at the Hazelwood Community Center.

Around Town

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Ten candidates file for Parkway Board of Education

Additionally, hourly rates start at $5 per hour and all games must be rated T or E – no M-rated games are allowed. The lounge will have five PCs and two Nintendo Switches available for use.

Hazelwood’s esports program is intended for children in middle school and high school and built on three pillars. For the first pillar, Hazelwood Parks and Recreation will work with the St. Louis Science Center to incorporate education on esports, from the industry and jobs available, to PC building and future college scholarship opportunities. The second pillar will include information on health and nutrition for esports athletes. The final pillar is focused on recreational fun, including open game time, leagues, and tournaments.

Watch our esports social media channels to follow the lounge set-up and to keep up-to-date on the latest Hazelwood Esports information:

Ten candidates have filed for the two open positions on the Parkway Board of Education. The candidates, in order of filing and as their names will appear on the ballot, are: 1. Jeffrey Spector

6. Wayne Hartmann

2. Robert Riti

7. Kathryn (Marla) Čolić

3. Hallie Baker

8. Jacob (Jake) Wagoner

4. Phillip Caldwell

9. Tony Spielberg

5. Barbara Butchart

10. Scott Winfrey

The election is April 5.

The terms of Pam Hill and Sam Sciortino expire in April.

• Twitter: @HZMOesports • Instagram: @cityofhazelwood

TEDxStLouis introduces Innovation Alley

Submitted photo Pictured is Jim McKelvey, Serial Entrepreneur and CEO of Square/Invisibly, who gave a TED talk titled “The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time.”

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TEDxStLouis – a nonprofit community of learners and change-agents in St. Louis – showcased its new interactive Innovation Alley venue at its recent “What Now?” and “What Next?” two-part series.

Innovation Alley was created to showcase forward-thinking companies and organizations that highlight design, sustainability, diversity plus other focuses meant to uplift the St. Louis community. More than 10 local organizations were on display at the TEDxStLouis event. Guests engaged with various businesses and nonprofits including Harmonee, Pianos for People, and PocketParks STL. The “What Now?” TEDxStLouis Women’s event, which was sponsored by US Bank CDC, spotlighted the forward-thinking nature of St. Louis women in various fields. The TEDxStLouis “What Next?” Innovation event was sponsored by MiTek and highlighted cutting-edge leaders who approach their fields from new directions.

“Innovation Alley was a natural extension of the talks we presented at our recent event,” said Mich Hancock, Co-Founder and License Holder of TEDxStLouis. “We provide our audience with opportunities – both from the stage and off the stage – to experience cutting-edge leaders and organizations who are committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive future for our area citizens and throughout the globe.” Hancock added that “the recent live TED event served as a playground for the forever-learners who want to be involved and in the know of what’s next.”

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. Founded in 2013, TEDxStLouis, formerly TEDxGateway Arch, provides the community with events, connections, and ongoing information.

For more information, visit www.tedxsaintlouis.org.

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Around Town

January 12, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Northwest Views:

By DiAnne Mueller

Family crises don’t take a holiday “Tis the Season to Be Jolly” is a melody often heard throughout the holiday season, but the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery knows that the holidays often carry more stress than merriment.

For some, holiday stress might mean going slightly over budget to find perfect gifts, attending holiday events, cooking a large holiday meal, and spending time with a disgruntled family member. For others, the holidays carry reminders of grief and loss of loved ones, past hurt and trauma, and the burden of current crises, such as lack of food, heat, or housing. When these difficult circumstances are coupled with parenting, caregivers often find themselves overwhelmed.

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, at the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, we do everything we can to ease these burdens for families across our region. Parenting can be difficult under any circumstances, but especially when families face a crisis without resources and support. This is why the Crisis Nursery provides a 24-hour Helpline for immediate crisis intervention, short-term respite care for children, and ongoing support for parents and caregivers.

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s 24Hour Helpline is available 365 days a year. Yes, even on holidays! The Helpline is staffed by highly-trained professionals ready to provide immediate crisis intervention and referral to helpful community resources.

When families face an emergency like homelessness, lack of utilities, domestic violence, or overwhelming parental stress, the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery offers a safe place for their children. The Nursery’s 24-Hour Crisis Care services provide children, birth through 12 years old, a shortterm stay at any of our five Nursery locations. As their children receive nurturing care from our compassionate staff, parents and caregivers receive the time, space, and resources necessary to address their crisis.

While these services provide immediate support and relief, the Crisis Nursery’s Family Empowerment Program offers families ongoing support after their children’s Nursery stay. As parents and caregivers work toward long-term safety and stability, our Family Empowerment Staff help address any barriers standing in their way.

For 35 years, Saint Louis Crisis Nursery has remained dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, knowing that parenting is all the more difficult when caregivers are feeling particularly stressed. The Crisis Nursery’s compassionate team is always available and ready to help so that even in the most difficult of seasons, every family has access to safety, support, and happiness.

DiAnne Mueller is the CEO of Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

Citizens For Modern Transit to host next ‘Talking Transit’ event on Jan. 19 Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy organization – has announced plans for its next virtual “Talking Transit” event, which is set for Jan. 19, at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM. This event will highlight the trajectory of transit in the St. Louis region in 2022. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org.

Those in attendance will get updates on various transit projects currently underway, including light rail expansion to MidAmerica Airport, the expanded Northside/Southside Study with St. Louis City and St. Louis County, and the Brickline Greenway’s integration with transit. The discussion will feature a panel that includes Patrick Judge, Principal, Gonzalez Companies and project manager for the IL LRT project; Jennifer Obertino, Senior Vice President, AECOM, and lead on the Northside/Southside Study; and

Mark Vogl, Project Manager-Planning, Great Rivers Greenway, and lead on the Brickline Greenway.

“There is a lot to be excited about as it relates to transit in the St. Louis region,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “We encourage those with an interest in the impacts of public transit access to join this online forum.”

CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system.

These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

STLCC-Florissant Valley and NCCU’s 2022 Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration is now virtual St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is now virtual.

The decision to offer the program virtually instead of having both in-person and virtual options was made to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance regarding avoiding large gatherings in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The virtual celebration is Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. and will include an opportunity to hear inspiring speeches, celebrate excellence in the community with a formal award presentation and more. The community is invited to enjoy the event by visiting stlcc.edu/go/fvmlkday or 89.5 KCFV-FM “The Wave.”

Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides social services, will speak on the celebration’s theme, “We’re Better Together.”

McMillan is a member of the boards of directors of numerous organizations and has received hundreds of awards and commendations from various organizations. Most recently, he was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame as its youngest member and named the 2020 Person of the Year by the St. Louis American.

Keeping with tradition, north St. Lou-

is County students will lead and participate in the celebration. Tyler Hoskins, a freshman, graphic communications student at the College, will serve as emcee. Beyonce’ Hightower and Javon Spearman, freshmen, general transfer students at the College, are the student speakers. Participants will also hear winning speeches from NCCU’s Oratorical Contest and a musical performance of James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Alayna Epps, University of Missouri-St. Louis vocalist, accompanied by Paul Higdon, DMA, professor of music and pianist.

In addition to being inspired by rousing speakers and a musical performance, virtual attendees will learn more about why Emerson Electric Co. is being honored with the 2022 Dr. Rance Thomas Excellence in Community Partnership Award.

“I can’t begin to count all the ways Emerson has shown its support. Most recently, thanks to Emerson, STLCC-Florissant Valley is home of the Emerson STEM Academy, a program that ensures students are ready for STEM careers and majors after graduating from high school,” said Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D., campus president and chief academic officer at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley.

The contingency date for the celebration, should the college close due to inclement weather, is Jan. 20 on the same time schedule.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 12, 2022

Senior Living

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Sharp increase in demand for COVID-19 testing in Missouri With the increase in COVID-19 activity, and the introduction of the Omicron variant, there has been a sharp increase in demand for COVID-19 testing. The increased demand represents an important step taken by the public to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to media reports, it has become increasingly difficult to locate available rapid COVID-19 tests on retailers’ shelves or obtain an appointment from a provider. Separately, state-operated testing resources have been stretched during the recent holiday influx of demand, but resources remain available and are being expanded further.

The state of Missouri has continued providing drivethrough community testing sites throughout the state and is actively working to add locations and available hours. The state is also responsible for supplying several entities across the state with testing supplies for their populations, especially the most vulnerable living or working in congregate settings.

Community testing events: Testing event capacity was increased prior to the holiday season, and more is being added in Kansas City and St. Louis. These are drive-through testing events hosted at sites throughout the state. Locations and availability is determined based on current demand in the area and level of transmission. Some sites require pre-registration and scheduling; others allow walk-ins. Review the schedule of

community testing events at health.mo.gov/communitytest. Patients do not need to be Missouri residents to be tested through this process. A government-issued ID is not required, but if available, will shorten the onsite registration process. The test used at these community testing events is a PCR test done by an anterior nares swab to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Once tested, individuals will be notified of results no later than 72 hours from the end of the testing event.

At-home test kits: This testing option is available to Missouri residents only. These tests were authorized for emergency use by the FDA, and an individual is able to order the free testing kit online, and the kit will be delivered to the home in two days. The kit is good for six months and comes with easy-to-follow instructions.

Once the individual performs the collection by nasal swab, the testing kit needs to be returned to a FedEx collection site within 24 hours. Shipping is also free, and test results are provided via email.

Testing remains a key tool to keeping Missourians safe. Testing is not only for those who are symptomatic, but important for periodic surveillance especially when interacting with vulnerable populations and crowds.

A COVID-19 test is a one-time assessment, and will only show if the individual is infected at the time of the test. For those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, testing is highly recommended. Those who have had

Still In This Together: Safe haven My phone rang, and I remembered it was parent teacher conference night for our Omaha grandsons.

Our daughter Katie, who is a teacher herself, was struggling to speak when I answered the call.

“I’m on my way home, but I had to call you, Mom,” she stammered. “Conor’s teacher, Conor’s teacher, she…”

Katie was crying on the other end of the call.

“Are you okay, Katie?” I asked. “Do you need to pull over?” Husband John overheard and turned around to look at me as I quickly switched my phone to speaker mode.

There was silence for a moment as Katie composed herself.

“Yes, I’m fine. It was just…I’ve never heard a teacher use those words. And I could tell she was having trouble finding a way to describe what she wanted to tell Tim and me about Conor’s classroom influence.”

John and I seen both boys’ report cards already, so we knew there wasn’t a problem in the grade regard. Conor is the older of the two boys, 12, and in seventh grade this year. Works hard and makes good grades.

“His teacher said she could only describe Conor as a ‘safe haven,’” Katie continued.

She said she’s never used those words before, never had a reason to, but he has made a profound effect in her classroom and she wanted us to be aware of it.”

Katie was sniffling as she shared that Conor’s teacher told them that Conor makes sure to be a friend to everyone, finding a common interest or subject, telling a joke, talking about a football score, something to make every classmate feel comfortable. And that if someone is alone on the playground, he makes a point to include the student in a conversation.

At that point, I was crying, too, very aware that the 12-year-old we used to call “Mr. Mayor” when he was four because of his ability to charm a roomful of people

significant contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 should also consider being tested.

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 vaccine: • Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for availability by vaccine type.

• Call the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (or TTY 1-888-720-7489). Help is available in multiple languages.

• Locate local vaccination events in Missouri at MOStopsCovid.com.

• Seniors can make arrangements using information at MOStopsCovid.com/seniors – Missouri DHSS COVID-19 Public Hotline • 1-877-435-8411 • Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 test: • Utilize one of the state’s free community testing sites.

• Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program.

• Find a free testing option near you through the federal pharmacy locations.

By Vicki Bahr

with a joke or a song or a hug, has kept his ability to make everyone feel comfortable, and valued and loved. It is Conor’s gift, and it is a joy.

Conor’s teacher also shared with Katie and Tim that in preparation for a change in classroom seating for the next quarter, she asked each student to write the names of three friends they would like to be seated near. Conor was on nearly everyone’s list.

“How wonderful,” I breathed. “He is such a sincere, open, unassuming kid. He lives the example he’s been taught.”

And Katie started crying again.

“Thank you, Mom. We’re sure trying.”

Later that night, long after Katie’s phone call, I realized just how powerful the words “safe haven” actually are.

It’s what every one of us as human beings seeks: stability, comfort, meaning, purpose. We search for a way to peace.

Conor, at 12, has shared of himself and I’m sure will continue on his mission to be an example to those around him. A safe haven. How could any parent or grandparent be prouder?

And how can we not take that innocent example and run with it ourselves, making the little part of the world we have contact with a better place, a happier place, a shared experience of hope?

Safe haven. Safe passage. Safe travels. Happy 2022!

Vicki Bahr is an inveterate word lover and story sharer, a published author in magazine, newspaper and blog forms. As a mom of four, grandma of nine, and wife of one for nearly fifty years, she finds that inspiration and wonder are everywhere.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.TheSarahCommunity.com

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School

January 12, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Financial aid tip for students After completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students can take other steps to ensure they receive as much money for college as possible, according to KHEAA. Submitting the FAFSA is especially important for students who are expecting to receive financial aid from programs with limited funds or with early deadlines.

In the meantime, students should apply for as many scholarships as they can. Thousands of scholarships are offered by schools, companies and other organizations.

Once students submit the FAFSA, it will take several days for the application to be processed.

Students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that recaps the information from their FAFSA. Students should review the SAR to ensure the information is complete and accurate. If they need to make changes, they can do so at studentaid.gov under Apply for Aid. The SAR will also be sent to each college students list on the FAFSA. Students should check with the financial aid offices at the schools to which they’ve applied to make sure the SAR was received and if the school requires more paperwork.

Students should also contact schools if their family’s situation changes in a major way after completing the FAFSA. They may be able to request a review from the school to see if they may qualify for more funds.

KHEAA is a public, non-profit agency established in 1966 to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents. KHEAA also helps colleges manage their student loan default rates and verify information submitted on the FAFSA. For more information about those services, visit www.kheaa.com.

In addition, KHEAA disburses private Advantage Education Loans on behalf of its sister agency, KHESLC. For more information, visit www.advantageeducationloan.com.

Making the grade

By Wendy Todd

Second grade at Conway Elementary has been named Emerson Teacher of the Year and takes a look back at her career Dr. Audra Smith, who teaches second grade at Conway Elementary has been named Emerson Teacher of the Year. The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, which is in its 32nd year, recognizes educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area from kindergarten teachers to college professors who provide exemplary service. Smith, who has over 25 years of experience and has been with the Ladue School district for 10 years, is one of 80 teachers to receive this honor.

“To say I was shocked when I won this award is a complete understatement,” says Smith. “I have been working hard over the past 25 years to become the best educator for my students, and winning a recognition award was the last thing on my mind.”

The St. Louis native who grew up in Creve Coeur credits her parents for their support in her journey to become an educator. But the journey wasn’t linear.

Smith had originally chosen a different path.

“I actually didn’t choose teaching as my first career.

I wanted to go to medical school to become a forensic pathologist, “Smith says. “Somewhere along my junior year I had a deep discussion with my mom, who is also an educator, that changed my perspective.”

Giving back to the community has been a long-standing value in Smith’s family. And the practice of giving back has shaped Smith’s approach to teaching.

“The why behind everything we do has to be about the students and their wellbeing,” Smith says. “Every single decision that is made has to focus on students’ voice and choice for their learning needs. There have to be plenty of opportunities for equitable learning environments so that every student has access to resources and best practices they need at the right moments in their journeys.”

Though Smith is clearly dedicated to her profession and students, it doesn’t mean that commitment comes without difficulties.

“The hardest part of being an educator is wearing so many different hats during the day,” Smith says. “It’s challenging when you have to jump through so many hoops to get the very best for all of your students.”

The typical challenges a teacher faces have been greatly exacerbated by the pandemic.

Many educators have changed professions due to the added pressures of teaching through COVID-19. But Smith adapted and pushed forward in an unprecedented circumstance that tested and upgraded her skills.

“I was chosen to be the virtual teacher for second grade in my school,” Smith says. “I wasn’t expecting that to happen.

The challenge was to make sure my students were getting the best instructional and inter-

active practices as possible. I taught live online the entire time and it created a great opportunity for me to work on my pedagogy. Seeing their faces every day and the bonds Submitted photo we created was so Dr. Audra Smith, who teaches second grade amazing. I learned at Conway Elementary has been named Ema great deal about erson Teacher of the Year. myself in the process and it made me a stronger teacher.”

Smith’s students help keep her focused on providing the best learning experience possible.

“One thing that keeps me going is the fact I personally have to be there for my kids,” says Smith. “Students don’t necessarily have the same tools in their tool belts as adults to deal with all of the changes and challenges. Knowing they have a constant and safe learning environment is the most important thing we can give our students. Seeing their faces last year when they were finally able to get back into the buildings was so heartwarming.”

In addition to her students, Smith has had mentors that have directed her toward her full potential.

“My most recent mentor is my former principal Dr. Lane Narvaez,” Smith says. “She was the catalyst to lighting the fire for me to return to school to get my master’s as well as my doctorate. She introduced me to the Differentiated Learning Model and supported my quest to continually work on assessing deeper learning for both myself and my students.”

The training, dedication and ability to adapt to student needs takes a lot of effort, but Smith obviously believes it’s a worthwhile endeavor.

“The best part about being a teacher is the connections I build between the students and our community,” says Smith. “The Ladue Motto is #SeeServeConnect, and it helps to provide a pathway to building bridges between our schools to their homes. I love being with my kids laughing and learning together on a daily basis. Many students know me throughout the school and their waves, hugs, fist bumps and acknowledgements make the days bright.”

For those seeking to become a teacher Smith holds the door wide open as teachers are in need right now.

She also offers some insights “It is a worthy and noble profession to be a part of,” she says. “We can’t control what happens when our students leave our doors, but the moments in between are amazing. We definitely can’t go back to the way we operated before, but we still have the capability to change the course of education in the future.”

Though typical obstacles that exist in the field coupled with the pandemic have been deterrents for others to join or remain in teaching, Smith’s dedication has not waned.

“Education fits so many of my interests,” Smith says.

“I have loved every minute in my chosen profession.

I teach and will continue to because I absolutely love what I do.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 12, 2022

Business

7

Saint Louis Crisis Nursery receives $4,800 grant from Bayer Fund The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery received a grant for $44,800 from Bayer Fund, which will be used for the Crisis Nursery’s Food and Nutrition Program.

DiAnne Mueller, CEO of the Crisis Nursery, explained, “With the help of this generous Bayer Fund grant, we will be able to assist many families and children who are experiencing food insecurity now more than ever.”

The Bayer Food and Nutrition Program will provide 18,000 meals for more than 2,000 at five Crisis Nurseries throughout the greater St. Louis Region.

This grant will additionally allow the Crisis Nurs-

ery Family Empowerment Centers to supply 2,700 emergency food bags to low-income, food-insecure families who have been hit hard by the 18-month global pandemic.

“Throughout the years, the grants given through Bayer Fund have helped strengthen our communities across the United States,” said Al Mitchell, President of Bayer Fund. “We’re proud to be able to provide support to develop programs that help combat challenges such as food insecurity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and support services to patients and families managing

an illness or disease.”

In 2020, Bayer Fund awarded more than $17 million to over 3,400 charitable and nonprofit organizations to help address essential needs in food and nutrition, STEM education, and community development. Over the last five years, nonprofit organizations across the U.S. have received more than $80 million.

To learn more about the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, visit CrisisNurseryKIds.org.

To learn more about Bayer Fund, visit www.fund. bayer.us.

Presented by

BEST OF NORTH COUNTY

Vote for your favorite business in these North County zip codes 63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63134, 63135, 63136, 63137, 63138, 63140 (Only businesses operating in the zip codes listed above are eligible to win)

Weekly voting begins January 5, and ends February 25, 2022.

-2022-

Winners will be listed along with congratulatory ads in a special section of the paper on March 30. Winners will also receive a certificate and window decal.

You can vote online at

www.mycnews.com

or you can clip this and mail to: Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 You can only submit one ballot per week.

Accountant

Apartments

Attorneys

Automobile Body Repair

Automobile Dealer New and Used

Automobile Repair

Bakery

Bank

Banquet Center

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Car Wash

Child Care Center/Pre-School

Chiropractor

Consultant

Credit Union

Dentist

Dispensary

Donut Shop

Electrical Contractor

Event Planning

Financial Planning Consultant

Florist

Funeral Director

Gift Baskets

Golf Course

Healthcare

Home Health Care

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Insurance Agent

Jeweler

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Photographer

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Sports Bar & Grill

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Towing & Roadside Assistance

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8

What’s Happening

January 12, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it!

Take notice . . .

The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.

RECURRING EVENTS

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop

with clients.

Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Mondays: TOPS meeting

Come, join and take off those

extra pounds. T.O.P.S.=Take Off Pounds Sensibly has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) 9135 Shelley Avenue, Overland, MO 63114.

(Entrance is in the back on East Milton). TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight. You may visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314540-5223.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. New singers are welcome.

Auditions are not required.

See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays: City council meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular city council meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: meetings

Workshop

City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays:

A

cappella

singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting

If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cordially invited to a meeting of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Association. Meetings take place at the VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant on the second Monday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132. For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food Pantry Clients Monday through Thursday

www.InvinciCorp.com

www.hoodsauto.com

from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are available. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@ caastlc.org for additional information.

Tuesdays: Bingo

Florissant Elks Bingo takes place at 16400 New Halls Ferry every Tuesday. Doors open at 4 p.m., bingo starts at 6 p.m. No outside food or drinks allowed per St. Louis County. Food and drinks available for purchase. Maximum 150 players. Must wear mask to enter. Social distancing followed.

Tuesdays: singers

A

cappella

The Gentlemen of Sound are looking for men who like to sing or want to learn. They practice Tuesdays at Lady of the Pillar school at 401 S. Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m.

They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for new members. Come by or call Charlie at 314-954-1121.

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

Chair Zumba every Tuesday from 2:15 – 3 p.m. at The Bridge At Florissant at 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. (Parker @ Arlington). For more information call 314-831-0988.

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery Tuesday meetings take place at 6 p.m. with a Saturday Bible Study at 9 a.m. at LifePoint Church at 424 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information visit www.lifepointministries.church/celebrate-recovery or call (men) Steve D. at 636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting

6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Bingo takes place every Wednesday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland.

Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Life Care Center of Bridgeton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, welcome all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m.

Light refreshment will be served. Please RVSP at 314298-7444 with the month you will attend and number of people attending.

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m.

- 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant.

For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314-994-3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul McConnell, 314-831-5476. www.treesbywood.net

Show-me Stitchers is the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. We meet on the second Tuesday, Sept.-June at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO. Learn needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, and more.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers:

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314-921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314-

839-7604.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 12, 2022 Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314-653-5331.

Thursdays: Bingo

Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on the third Thursday of each month starts at 2 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more information call 314-831-0988.

Thursdays: guild

Quilting

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 8313752 for more information.

Thursdays: Women’s chorus meeting

Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis.

Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www. cityvoiceschorus.org.

Fridays: Fish fry

A fish fry takes place every Friday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.

Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo

For further information call Angela at 314-801-8594.

Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting

Everyone is welcome to attend Toastmasters Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Normandy United Methodist Church at 8001 Natural Bridge Road (across from UMSL). For more info call 314-402-7025.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org.

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys.

Fill your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support

On the fourth Saturday of each month, grief support meeting “A Way With Words Ministry” meets at 12:30 p.m. at Community Christ Fellowship, rear, at 121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood, 1/4 mile south of Hwy 270 off Florissant Rd. There are a variety of topics monthly.

You are not alone. Come help your heart heal with others.

For more information call 314-605-3949.

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop

6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

Sundays: Meat shoot

2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314-831-3752.

Saturdays: Yoga

Yoga returns to Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30.

Masks and social distancing are required in the building and participants should bring hand sanitizer with them.

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 4445 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Rd. between Sinks Rd. and Lindbergh starting noon Sept. 15 thru Nov. 17; and in the spring, Feb. 2 thru March 8 rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.

Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot Sundays

in

September

through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314630-2671 or 314-330-7269.

Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.

Sundays: Jennings DoDads meeting

Diabetes Basics:

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue.

Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www. jenningsdodads.org.

CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group

Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314-741-3737.

HEALTH Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation

Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon–1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1-877-477-6954.

1st Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone.

For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-2915210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314291-3021 Email: dbland@ sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts.

Wednesdays: Schizophrenia Group

ACES Support

6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

314-344-7024 for info or 314-

What’s Happening 344-7220 to enroll.

Crisis Nursery:

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides shortterm, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region.

24-hour helpline: 314-7683201. Or 636-947-0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org.

Center for Senior Renew-

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

9

al:

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314653-5123.

Nutrition Education:

SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314344-6157.

Christian Hospital Recovery Center: Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-953-8100.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

10

Sports

January 12, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral

Lindenwood hockey player picks up honors Lindenwood University’s defenseman Casey Adimey has been named CHA Defenseman of the Month, as announced by the league for her outstanding play during the Lions four-game winning streak to close out 2021.

The Amhurst, New York native compiled six points on three goals and three assists across those four games, including four points against St. Thomas, which helped her earn CHA weekly honors. In game one against the Tommies, Adimey netted the game-winning goal in the overtime session, her first goal of the year.

The senior defenseman continued her strong play in game two, finding the back of the net at the 17:50 mark of the first period, which extended Lindenwood’s lead. Adimey picked up a helper on a score by Rachel Goff early in the final frame and then sealed the victory, finding the empty net with 1:56 to go.

Opening the month of December against RIT, Adimey registered a pair of assists in two victories, seeing her point total rise to eight on three goals and five assists through 18 games played. The eight points are second most among Lindenwood defenseman.

Lindenwood will return to the ice when the Lions take on No. 2 Ohio State in a two-game series. * Well deserved Ambush win first game of 2022 on the road The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the MASL with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The team’s recent win was against the Tacoma Stars with a 7-3 triumph at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington and improved the Ambush to 3-4 on the season, while the Stars lost their second game.

St. Louis wasted no time finding the back of the net as Vadim Cojocov scored just 31 seconds into the match. It would prove to be the lone goal of the opening quarter, which expired with the visitors leading 1-0.

Cojocov made it 2-0 at 9:44 of the second period.

In each of Cojocov’s tallies, he went on a breakaway and found himself one on one with Tacoma goal-

keeper Danny Waltman, and Cojocov prevailed both times.

St. Louis went up 3-0 when Niko Karidis fired a long shot from outside the arc that found its mark at 11:13 of the second frame. Tacoma got on the board but after that neither team scored again in the quarter, giving St. Louis a 3-1 lead at halftime.

The Ambush were the first to score in the second half when Pepe Junqueira scored at 6:49 of the third stanza. Less than a minute later (7:32), Richard Schmermund made it 5-1 for St. Louis.

Tacoma found the back of the net reducing the deficit to three resulting in a 5-2 Ambush lead heading into the final quarter.

St. Louis got off to another fast start in the final period as they did in the first one. This time it was Ado Jahic who pounded the ball into the net just 15 seconds into the fourth quarter to make it 6-2.

The Ambush got one back after Tacoma scored when the ball found the foot of St. Louis’ Mo Ndiaye, who was able to lob it into the net at 10:34.

St. Louis held on until the final buzzer to solidify the 7-3 win.

The victory was the first for Jeff Locker as interim head coach. Locker took the reigns of the team on Wednesday after the resignation of Greg Muhr.

The Ambush kick off a two-game home stand, welcoming the Kansas City Comets to The Family Arena on Friday, Jan. 14 at 7:35 p.m. followed by a visit from the Chihuaha Savage on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 3:05 p.m. CST. * Great start to the New Year

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, among many other activities. I am currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com. It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 12, 2022

Recipe: A secret ingredient for winter wellness Orange Honey Glazed Carrots

Orange Juice Mint Mocktail

Directions:

Ingredients:

2 cups sliced carrots

Steam carrots until tender.

2 cups Florida Orange Juice

ice cubes

1/4 cup Florida Orange Juice

In saucepan over medium heat, whisk orange juice, honey, cornstarch, salt and ginger.

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup carbonated water

1/4 cup water

2-3 mint leaves

1 teaspoon cornstarch 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger fresh parsley, for garnish fresh chives, for garnish

Cover, whisking constantly until sauce thickens.

Pour sauce over steamed carrots.

Top with parsley and chives.

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon honey

Feature

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

Directions: In pitcher, stir orange juice, lemon juice and water.

Divide mocktail evenly among ice-filled glasses and top with carbonated water.

Garnish with mint leaves.

Visit floridajuice.com to find more recipes for winter wellness.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Honoring the inimitable Betty White

I

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

n 2010, Betty White accepted the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award from Sandra Bullock, the actress who starred opposite White and Ryan Reynolds in the 2009 romantic comedy “The Proposal.” Bullock, like the rest of the world, adored Betty White and delivered a great tribute to the star on live television. While accepting her award, White, never at a loss for words, turned to Bullock, then nominated for “The Blind Side,” and said, “Isn’t it heartening to see how far a girl as plain as she is can go?”

Although it seemed she might keep us laughing forever, the inimitable Betty White passed away on New Year’s Eve at the age of 99.

She left behind a legacy of memorable characters, movie roles and her love for animals. In the 1960’s and 70’s, the actress became a regular on television game shows, including “Password,” which was hosted by future husband Allen Ludden. Her appearances on “Match Game” were classics and, in the 1980’s, White herself won a

(Lefgt) “Golden Girls” photo courtesy NBC. (Right) Betty White at Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2010 photo courtesy Bigstock

Daytime Emmy Award for hosting the game show “Just Men!” Betty White also became a key player on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” As Sue Ann Nivens, the energetic host of “The Happy Homemaker,” White offered up cooking and housekeeping tips while keeping an eye out for attractive men. The character could be sweet to the point of nausea, but when the cameras were off, Sue Ann told everyone what she really thought. When the sitcom left the air, White was offered a self-titled CBS series about an actress in a police drama but, unfortunately, it did not last long.

White also made a few appearances on “The Carol Burnett Show” and played Ellen Harper Jackson in the “Family” sketches. Ellen was a daughter of Thelma Harper (Vicki Lawrence) and sister to Burnett’s long-suffering Eunice. The segment where Ellen told Eunice what really happened to her pet rabbit was pure genius.

Betty White later reprised her character on the spin-off series “Mama’s Family,” which can still be viewed on retro TV stations.

Betty White struck more comedic gold in “The Golden Girls,” a 1980’s sitcom about four single women sharing a house in Miami.

White played Rose Nylund, a Norwegian American woman from St. Olaf, Minnesota (she made frequent references to her hometown throughout the series). After Bea Arthur left the show, White joined the spinoff series “The Golden Palace,” but it did not last nearly as long as its predecessor, though.

Although she didn’t make it to her 100th birthday, “Betty White: A Celebration” should arrive in theaters on Monday, Jan. 17. White’s life gave us plenty of laughs and tears and it’s only right that we celebrate her amazing life on the big screen.

F-2

Feature

January 12, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

COLLECTIBLES

HELP WANTED

www.dawcstl.com

The City of St. John currently has an opening for a full time Court Clerk. Regular hours would be 8am-5pm, Monday thru Friday. Court days will require additional hours based on the length of the court for that particular day. Main duties include working with the: public, police department, attorneys and prosecuting attorney’s office. Job duties include, but are not limited to, answering phones, processing communications and correspondence for the Judge, court notices to defendants, organization, ling of les and attendance at all courts. The successful candidate sel must be a self-motivated person. Prior experience in the municipal court eld is highly desired. Certiication with IMDSPlus and experience with the Show Me Courts softwares are a deenite plus. Must be proocient in Windows 10 Pro, MS Word and Adobe PDF, as well as general computer skills.

An attractive beneet package includes fully paid health insurance for employee along with a percentage for dependents’ cost; thirteen paid holidays throughout the year, vacation and sick leave beneets, term life insurance, retirement plan in LAGERS, service and longevity awards, a tuition reimbursement policy including college incentive pay. Starting salary is $31,200. Apply at the City of St. John, 8944 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 100, St. John, MO 63114 or send resumes to Connie Poteet, Asst. City Manager (cpoteet@cityofstjohn.org). Applications will be acc accepted until the position is lled.

Check it Out!

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V/E-VERIFY

www.MYCNEWS.com

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. B.H.

www.facebook.com/mycnews SINGERS WANTED

45

CLASSIFIED $ SPECIAL! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items.

CALL

636-379-1775

for the first week (1.5” x 1” ad) $15 each additional week after that. $30 for a 1.5” x 2”

www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 12, 2022

Feature

F-3

CLASSIFIEDS

www.semopest.com Dannegger Brothers Contracting, Inc

Published Every Week Since 1921

• Foundation & Basement Repairs • Waterproofing • Piering • Mudjacking • Stress Bracing • Concrete Flatwork

Family-Owned & Operated

314-993-1833

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AREAS OF CIRCULATION Our FREE publications are available in over 39 convenient supermarket locations, including every Schnucks and Dierbergs

www.DanneggerBrothers.com www.danneggerbrothers.com Insured | Experienced | Local | Quality

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F-4

Feature

January 12, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: American Authors

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

By Cindy Moore

Moore on Life A new year is upon us and time to kick 2021 into the can and leave behind these memories: The year found the supply chain in a hot mess with the container ships circling around the ports like a game of musical chairs minus the chairs.

Because of that, it looked like slim pickin’s for Christmas gifts. My husband and I needed something that showed both our classiness and generosity. This year we gave everyone on our list a pound of bacon, which caused the gossip to swirl that we had struck it rich.

Not hardly. We filled up the car with exorbitantly priced gas then drove across state to search for the tasty pork strips. We ended up buying some on the black market, off the back of a truck from a guy named Buford. Our attached greeting card strongly recommended that the receivers not actually consume the bacon, but instead take it out periodically for display to impress friends.

Pig products were not the only things that went up…literally.

Strange things up in the sky were validated.

UFO’s were proven to be legitimate things. The Pentagon released video evidence of various funky, floaty, flying objects speeding above us.

This could be proof there are actual aliens coming to earth.

Suspiciously, this all came around just about the same time Prince Harry and Meghan Mar-

kle landed on our shores. Coincidence? I think not!

Strange beings weren’t the only ones zipping around in orbit.

Last year even a few celebs blasted off towards the heavens. Star Trek’s Captain Kirk became one of the few civilians to shoot off towards the stars and finally make himself an official space traveler. I guess he can now guiltlessly cash all those space exploration checks that have been accumulating in his top drawer.

And lastly, Betty White took flight as well.

She’s gone to a brighter celestial world; a true loss for our planet, but a gain for the heavens beyond.

In the rearview mirror

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation?

Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

ACROSS 1. Cause for a duel 5. Nelson Mandela’s org.

8. “____ in the shade” 12. Andean people’s chew 13. “White Wedding” singer 14. Like a haunted mansion 15. South American tuber, pl.

16. Type of cotton fiber 17. Desired forecast?

18. *”The Underground Railroad” author 20. Like West Wing office 21. Not silently 22. “When We Were Kings” subject 23. Hand over (2 words) 26. Barbecued 30. The Jackson 5 1970 hit 31. Repressed 34. “Alice Doesn’t ____ Here Anymore” 35. State of dishonor 37. Three, to Caesar 38. Brightest star in Cygnus 39. Performer’s time to shine 40. “No.1 Ladies Detective ____” book series 42. African migrator 43. *”The Night Watchman” author

45. *”Little Women” author 47. Poor man’s caviar 48. Analyze 50. Canter or gallop 52. *”A Farewell to Arms” author 56. Latin dance 57. Club on the links 58. Kind or courteous 59. Los ____, CA 60. Round feed storage 61. Not odd 62. Colonial times laborer 63. Band performance 64. Theodores, to friends DOWN 1. Flat-bottomed boat 2. Scottish lake 3. Antioxidants-rich berry 4. Popular primo dish in Italian restaurant, pl.

5. Bye, to Edith Piaf 6. Wanderer 7. Garbed 8. *”Moby Dick” author 9. Length times width 10. Call someone, in the olden days 11. Poetic “ever” 13. Apple invention 14. Food contaminant 19. Run off to wed

22. Jean of Dadaism 23. Out of style 24. Find repugnant 25. Burn with coffee, e.g.

26. *Ursula K. Le ____ 27. Jargon 28. It happens at a certain time and place 29. First novel, e.g.

32. Near in space or time 33. Not a win nor a loss 36. *”Song of Solomon” author 38. *”Chronicles” author and songwriter 40. *NY Times bestselling author Atkins or playing card 41. Gambling venue 44. Smidgins 46. Young swan 48. Eagle’s nest 49. Young salmon 50. *”Miss Lulu Bett” author 51. Highest adult male singing voice 52. Snake’s warning 53. Take as a wife 54. Got A+ 55. Desires or cravings 56. Sticky substance SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9