CN: January 18, 2023

By Wendy Todd

For many children, a blanket is a sweet treasure, providing not only warmth and comfort but also feelings of security.

The Florissant-based nonprofit, It’s Your Birthday Inc., which provides birthday parties and presents for youth in shelters, has teamed up with Project Linus, a nonprofit that gifts blankets made by volunteers to children who are ill, traumatized or

otherwise in need.

The collaboration brings together two organizations working to bring a measure of hope and caring to youth experiencing severe adversity. It’s Your Birthday Inc. plans to partner with other organizations in the future to continue serving distressed youth.

“As a part of our strategic plan, we will collaborate with more nonprofits in 2023,” said IYBI executive director, Rolanda

Finch. “When I saw the Project Linus Blankets and learned their mission, I knew it would be a perfect partnership. The blankets will be a great addition to the birthday-in-a-box we provide to children in homeless and domestic violence shelters.”

This past Monday, volunteers convened virtually to make 50 blankets to be included in birthday boxes.

‘COVERED’ from cover

The national organization, Project Linus, headquartered in Belton, Missouri, was founded by Karen Louks, who in 1995, read a piece in “Parade” about a young cancer patient who found comfort in her blanket. Louks began donating handmade blankets to her local children’s hospital, thus creating Project Linus, named after the Peanuts character, Linus Van Pelt. There are over 300 chapters across the country in all 50 states.

Finch believed the blankets would be a valuable supplement to the birthday boxes.

“In addition to having the desire to have a ‘normal’ childhood, our birthday kiddos are in need of a sense of security,” she said. “Our hope is the Project Linus blankets will become something special to the birthday kiddos during this traumatic time in their young lives.”

Project Linus has donated over nine million blankets nationwide and over 30,000 locally via the local chapter that services St. Louis and St. Charles County.

There has been a demonstrated need for

the donated blankets.

“We receive ongoing requests for blankets from many local hospitals and agencies that work with children, including Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, Sweet Babies, Community of Hope and Santa’s Helpers,” said, Megan Cannistraro, local chapter coordinator. “They see the comfort that handmade blankets can bring to the children they serve, and continue to request deliveries from Project Linus.”

Powder Valley Nature Center presents ‘An Evening with Raptors’

Bird buffs, falcon fanciers, and anyone enraptured by raptors is invited to meet the objects of their admiration during this year’s “An Evening with Raptors” event – and explore a collaboration between humans and animals first forged thousands of years ago.

The annual “An Evening with Raptors” hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center will be held on Jan. 27 from 7 – 9 p.m. The event is free and is open to all ages.

Falconry is the ultimate partnership between human and bird. The sport goes back thousands of years, and you can learn about it at “An Evening with Raptors” event.

“Several area falconers will gather to offer the rare chance to observe and learn about these fascinating feathered hunters,” said

Falconry is the art of training raptors –birds of prey like hawks and falcons – to capture wild game, so that bird and trainer essentially become hunting partners. The

use of falconry can be traced back to 700 B.C.E., and by some accounts, even farther back in time.

The falconers at the event will display their falconry tools, hoods, and other equipment, as well as live birds – the same birds that they use in their sport. Participants will also have the chance to ask the falconry team questions as they get a close-up view of the raptors in the classrooms.

“An Evening with Raptors” is free event, but advanced registration is required for each person attending. To sign up, participants should go to https://short.mdc. mo.gov/4xC.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.

Northwest Views: Blood donations impact family in more than one way

Riley was born 15.5 weeks premature on March 24, 2022. Riley spent the first five months of her life in the Intensive Care Unit. Weighing in at 1Ib 5 oz she received two red cell transfusions. Her mom Emily received a platelet transfusion after her emergency c-section to combat preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication. It is a type of preeclampsia that causes elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count.

Emily has worked as a phlebotomist at ImpactLife since September 2016, so she was aware of the live saving blood she collects every day. Never realizing that one day her and her child would need it.

Six years after she started at the Blood Center, Emily’s family held a blood drive on Sept. 24, 2022, to welcome Riley home and to show their gratitude for the products received.

“Working in the blood banking industry provides a multitude of feelings for our family. I am filled with pride knowing that I can collect products for those like us every

day. Knowing how much of an impact it has makes it easy to come to work,” said Emily.

Emily states, “We are eternally grateful for those who give the gift of life with every donation, for without them, neither of us would be here.”

Riley is now at home with her loving par-

ents, and well on her way to a normal happy childhood. Without the blood products voluntarily given by blood donors, Riley and Emily would not be with us today.

To schedule appointments for donation, please call (800) 747-5401, schedule online at www.bloodcenter.org, or by using the blood center’s mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app).

Find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn and Snapchat.

Jason Kempen is the Community Development Advocate for ImpactLife Blood Center in Earth City. He promotes the mission of the blood center through community events and media engagement and leads an Associate Board of volunteers from the St. Louis area. For more information on how to get involved with the blood center, go to bloodcenter. org or email Jason at jkempen@impactlife.org.

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

MDC Assistant Nature Center Manager, Robyn Parker. “They will also explain how viewers can get started in this age-old sport themselves,” she added.

By Jason Kempen

Emily and Riley.

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Greater North County Chamber celebrates awards at 2022 Nite of Stars

Guests enjoyed Greater North County Chamber’s Nite of Stars 2021 “Whoo-ville” on Dec. 2.

That evening, the chamber awarded the prestigious 2023 Business Person of the Year award and the 2023 Zykan Family Legacy Award.

John Londoff, Jr. was awarded the 2023 Business Person of the Year. The chamber has annually given the award to an individual(s) that embody the best qualities of community leadership through the combination of business, civic, and community activities. Londoff has devoted over 50 years of serving the community at Johnny Londoff Chevrolet.

“North County has always been home to me. What an incredible honor to be recognized by the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce as the 2023 Business person of the Year! I am humbled and forever grateful,” Londoff, stated.

Londoff is a second-generation Chevrolet dealer born and raised in North County. Londoff has been a fixture at his dealership in beautiful Florissant since he was old enough to push a broom. He graduated in 1976 from Lutheran North High School. Following graduation, he headed to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Although he attended college in Dallas, Londoff spent his summers and any other off time working at the dealership making deals.

Londoff married Mary Elizabeth “Mimi” Kennealy of Ferguson. Together they have raised four sons, two of whom work at the dealership, John Londoff, III and Samuel Londoff. On Sept. 8, 2008, Londoff officially completed the purchase of the dealership from his father. Londoff has overseen the growth of the dealership from four acres to over 14 acres with $20 million in improvements, renovations, and new construction. He has worked tirelessly promoting his business and the North County region as a great place to work and live.

“John is an exceptional human being. He has been committed to making a positive impact on our community and we are so thrilled to award him with this prestigious honor. He represents North County in everything he does! You’ll never meet a more hard-working and congenial guy,” said Venus Martz, president of the Greater North County Chamber.

Dave Otto was the awarded the 2023 Zykan Family Legacy Award. The Zykan Family Legacy Award was established to preserve the legacy of the Zykan Family and their contributions to the Greater North County Chamber and the North County community since 1955. This award was given to Otto as he has demonstrated commitment through his time, talent, and treasure towards the North County community.

"It is a great honor to be receiving the Zykan Family Legacy Award. The Zykan family has been leaders in this community for decades, and have created a true legacy in North County. Being a business owner in North County has given me the opportunity to support countless organizations, churches and schools. I have been so very fortunate to be a part of a tremendous community,” stated Otto.

Otto, is the president of Handyman Hardware in the city of Florissant. Born and raised in Pine Lawn and the Northwoods area, the Otto family moved to the city of Florissant when Otto was attending St. Louis University High School. He went on to go to the Univer-

sity of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. He has been married to Mary Otto for 44 years and has three children: Brian, Michelle, and Christine; and has six grandbabies.

Otto has been an active community leader and advocate of North County. He has served on the Chamber Board of Directors for many years, starting a threeyear term in 1987 and doing stints on the board until 2011. He was awarded the 2001 Greater North County Chamber Business Person of the Year.

“Dave Otto is an inspiration to us all! He has dedicated his life to serving the community and embodies the Zykan Family Legacy Award. Dave is kind and generous and has been such a great advocate for the North County community,” said Venus Martz, president of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber awarded the Cathy Behlmann Volunteer of the Year award to Melissa Adney, with One Way Roofing. Adney is an active member of the chamber. She has been heavily involved, serving as an ambassador, an active member of Leads 2, and is an incoming board member. She is always willing to help and give a lending hand in whatever the chamber’s doing. From events to parades, Adney never fails to always be a supporter of the chamber and chamber members.

The chamber awarded the Rookie of the Year award to Melissa Ingram, with ISSA Lifestyle. The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce began this award in 2015 to highlight a member who has been in the chamber two years or less and who became actively involved from the beginning. Ingram has made a positive presence throughout the chamber, getting involved with all the different functions that the chamber has throughout the year. From events to ribbon cuttings, Ingram tries to stay involved.

The chamber awarded the Ambassador of the Year award to David Hermann, with New York Life. The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador Committee is one of the most important committees in the chamber. Committee members attend ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours and membership luncheons. They reach out to new members, welcoming them to the chamber and encouraging them to become involved in chamber activities. Once Hermann joined the chamber, he became active wherever he could and joined the ambassador committee. Hermann has a deep belief in giving back to the community and shows it through his commitment in giving of her time.

On Dec. 2, at the Greater North County Chamber’s Nite of Stars 2021 “Whoo-ville,” the chamber awarded the prestigious 2023 Business Person of the Year award to John Londoff, Jr. and the 2023 Zykan Family Legacy Award to Dave Otto.

Submitted photo

Affinia Healthcare announces continued WIC contract

Affinia Healthcare is announcing a contract continuance to provide WIC services for federal fiscal year 2023 has been signed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program providing services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their fifth birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility. The primary services provided are healthy, supplemental food, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, health screening and referrals to health care. To be eligible for WIC, applicants must have an income of less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level and be at nutritional risk. Migrant families are also eligible.

WIC supplemental food packages are specially chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk and cheese, eggs, whole grain

bread products, hot or cold cereals, 100% fruit juices, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. The WIC program recommends breastfeeding, provides breastfeeding support, baby foods, and infant cereal. For women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infants may receive supplemental, iron fortified formula. WIC participants obtain their foods by using their eWIC cards for specific items at participating local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Studies confirm that pregnant women who enroll in WIC during the early months of pregnancy have fewer low birth weight babies, experience fewer infant deaths, see the doctor earlier in pregnancy and eat healthier.

WIC is administered in St. Louis City and County by the Affinia Healthcare. Persons interested in applying or who are in need of more information should contact Affinia Healthcare at 314-898-1701. WIC clinics are offered at the following locations:

It’s beginning to look a lot like moving Still In This Together:

I’m humming the title words to the music of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” because, well, it is. I’m writing this long before anyone will read it, seven weeks to be exact. Thanksgiving is barely over, and it’s finally okay for all the radio stations and grocery stores, television commercials and waiting rooms to be spreading good cheer and playing Christmas music, for Hallmark movies and Christmas specials, and for stores both real and online to be offering Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and pre-Christmas specials.

And I still can’t believe we’re moving. It all started so innocently, as it always has over the past 45 years when I would go to the grand opening of a new subdivision or John was pretty sure he was going to be transferred to a new city or accept a new position in another part of the country, or the kids would encourage our wanderlust and push us to look into a Pensacola Beach address, but none of the opportunities or situations ever worked out.

Looking back at all of what I considered “missed chances” with the benefit of hindsight, there was a very good reason that I am still looking out my kitchen window at the 100-year-old cottonwood tree beyond our property line that I’ve worried for years was going to blow down and crush our house, but never has. My wishes and hopes for a new address would have been so wrong for so many different reasons that I’m grate-

ful my prayers were never answered and the two white Adirondack chairs will still be sitting side by side in our back yard… for a little longer.

This time, the time that it’s actually going to happen, the pieces fell into place so effortlessly that the empty boxes in the living room, the endless papers to be signed and approved, the fresh paint on the bedroom walls and the cute little we’re moving cards I bought to send with our Christmas cards all seem surreal, and I fully expect to wake up from one of my two-hour stints of sleeping fitfully and find it isn’t true.

Except it is.

Our realtor friend of 40 years who has walked through our house at least five times over the years when we thought we were moving, went with us to talk to the builder’s representative (because, “You haven’t done this in 45 years and you don’t even know what questions to ask.”) asked all the right questions and gave us the right answers to whether or not she could sell our house for what we felt was a reasonable price.

She walked through our house, pointing out what we needed to do and what would be better left to the tastes of the prospective owners wishes and tastes and laughed out loud when we said we were going to it because, “I never thought I’d see the day that the Bahrs would have a new address! Do you know how many years I’ve been sending you magnetic calendars and Breakfast With Santa invitations and updates on the real estate market and Cardinals baseball schedules to hang on your refrigerator, (which has probably changed a few times, too, in those years)? I’m so happy I’m still an agent!”

So are we, Cathy!

We only saw the house, which was already under construction and blessedly required very few decisions to be made, once, before we decided to buy it. We didn’t know it was going to be ours, or that the very nice construction worker who asked if I was okay when my foot slipped off the curb because of some loose gravel, was actually one of the many people responsible for building our new home, the home which will very likely be our last, the one which will host our growing grandkids and possibly our future great-grandkids.

It’s the home that will be the one we never even knew we were looking for, when all the ones we thought

Affinia Healthcare Locations Date/Time

1717 Biddle St., St. Louis Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

3930 S. Broadway, St. Louis Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

2220 Lemp Ave, St. Louis Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4414 N. Florissant, St. Louis Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

5471 Dr. Martin Luther King, St. Louis Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

3737 N. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 1st & 3rd Saturdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

By Vicki Bahr

should be ours over the years never materialized. It’s our “finally a garage, main-floor laundry miracle, smaller back yard to have to mow, new area to explore now that we have the time since we’re retired” surprise blessing.

But it’s also so very frightening, filled with “what ifs” and “how can we’s,” having to decide what goes with us and what needs to be parted with after so many years of being stuck in a box under the stairs that we could always decide about later. It’s our needing to allow ourselves to ask for and accept help with the necessities of painting and packing and finishing home chores that were fine to be left unfinished when it was just us, listening to the kids’ positive reinforcement when that has always been our job as parents and hearing them laugh when I bring up something I’m nervous about.

One night as I lay awake, I actually convinced myself that I would tell John the next morning that this really wasn’t worth all the hassle we were going to have to go through and we should just stay here… before I realized it was too late for that.

We’ve put the “SOLD” sign on the new home’s plot marker, we’ve driven the unfamiliar streets, we’ve gauged the time to get to each of our children’s homes, we’ve discovered a couple of new restaurants, we’ve laughed at our nervousness as we did when we were dating and wondering about our futures, we’ve grown closer and younger and more hopeful for our lives ahead.

Because we know the memories are going with us, along with lots of stuff we probably don’t really need but we’re forgiving ourselves for taking, because we don’t have much experience with all of this and we’re just a little naïve about it all. Life has a way of working out, and by the time you are all reading this, it already will have. And the two white Adirondack chairs will be ready to be packed into the back of a moving truck.

Still together, always in this together.

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 50 years, she finds that inspiration and wonder are everywhere.

EVENTS

Feb. 18: Black

light bingo

Soroptimist of Greater St. Louis will host their Annual Black Light Bingo at JFK Center in Florissant. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at www.soroptimiststlouis.com.

RECURRING EVENTS

second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

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.

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.

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: A cappella singers

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 Kirk at 314-954-7920 .

636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

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 314-8393495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

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.

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

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-tofour 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 314513-1674 or cbanaskavich@ jfcs-stl.org.

Mondays: Choral Arts Group meetings

Choral Arts Group practices every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Connection Christian Church at 1332 Feise Rd. in O’Fallon. Auditions not required. Ages high school and older are invited to join. There will be spring and fall public concerts. For more information call Marty at 636579-9227, or email concertartsa@gmail.com.

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

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 Raoad 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

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 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

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

CROSSWORD

Recipe: Plants plus dairy equals the perfect New Year’s resolution

The term “plant-based diet” has garnered a lot of attention and headlines in recent years and for good reason. Research over many years has linked plant-based diets to lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. What better way to start out the New Year than with a new diet rich in all the vitamins and minerals that plants and dairy foods have to offer?

To learn more about how dairy and plant-based foods work together to maximize health, visit www.stldairycouncil.org and check out our “Dairy + Plant-Based Diets” under “Our Resources.” Reach Maggie Cimarolli at 314.835.9668 or mcimarolli@stldairycouncil.org. Follow the St. Louis District Dairy Council on Facebook and Instagram at STLDairyCouncil.

Start your new year with this easy, plant-based recipe for an on-the-go breakfast that will be sure to keep you fueled up all day long. With milk’s 13 essential nutrients, fiber from the oats, protein from the peanut butter and dairy foods, and not to mention the delicious taste, you will be ready to ring in the new year with a healthy routine!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup old fashioned oats

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup plain yogurt

½ medium banana, sliced, divided

Tbsp. peanut butter

Tbsp. honey

vanilla extract

cinnamon

chia seeds (optional)

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA OVERNIGHT OATS

Prep time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

When films did enough business at the box office, chances for a sequel increased. If the second film attracted similar attention, a studio could opt to make a “threequel,” the third film in a franchise.

That’s what actress, comedienne and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg wanted to do with the “Sister Act” franchise.

Directions:

Mix oats, milk, yogurt, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and chia seeds together in bowl.

Layer ½ mixture in a sealable container or jar. Top with half of

the banana slices. Repeat with remaining mixture and banana slices.

Seal container with lid and place in refrigerator overnight.

Enjoy in the morning.

– SUDOKU –

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.

Goldberg appeared on “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” in November, letting the host and audience know that, “The script came in yesterday. I really like it, but it has a lot of adults to go through.” Goldberg, who won an Academy Award for her performance in 1990’s “Ghost,” said she can’t do a third film unless Maggie Smith reprised the role of Mother Superior.

A year before “Sister Act,” however, Whoopi Goldberg kept things funny as part of the ensemble cast of “Soapdish.” Goldberg played Rose Schwartz, the head writer of the longtime daytime drama “The Sun Also Sets.” Montana Moorhead (Cathy Moriarty), a co-star with big ambitions, desperately wanted to replace Celeste Talbert (Sally Field), the current star of the show. Truth became stranger than fiction

when Lori Craven (Elisabeth Shue) arrived on the set as an extra. Lori had long believed that Celeste was her aunt but in reality, she actually was Lori’s biological mother. Fellow actor Jeffrey Anderson (Kevin Kline) was then revealed to be Lori’s father. After it arrived in theaters, “Sister Act” hit all the right notes. Goldberg played a Reno, Nevada lounge singer named Deloris Van Cartier. Her boyfriend was gangster Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel) and Deloris accidently witnessed him shooting an informant. For her own safety, the police placed Deloris in St. Katherine’s Convent in San Francisco where she became known as Sister Mary Clarence. Deloris clashed with Mother Superior and was subsequently assigned to join the convent’s choir. With

her background in music, Deloris then created a unique choir that gained lots of attention.

It’s been 30 years since the original “Sister Act” arrived, but it’s still hilariously funny. Whoopi Goldberg was the perfect actress to play a lounge singer turned reluctant nun. With Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy and the inimitable Mary Wickes in the cast, “Sister Act” became a major hit. Goldberg’s comedic timing combined with a great soundtrack opened the door for 1993’s “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.” That sequel was loosely based on educator Iris Stevenson and her experiences as choir director of Crenshaw high school in Los Angeles. After the final credits rolled, the producers added a “thank you” to Stevenson (now Stevenson-McCullough) for inspiring the film.

Although the sequel did not equal the box office success of the first film, “Sister Act 2” did feature a performance by Lauryn Hill. Based on the audience reaction on “The Tonight Show,” there seemed to be fan interest in a third film. Here’s hoping Maggie Smith will reunite with Goldberg for one more time back in the habit.

Whoopi Goldberg hopes to make a threequel to ‘Sister Act’

‘Sister Act’ photo courtesy Touchstone Pictures

‘

about Robert

Moore

Can airline travel get any crazier?

Seriously, hundreds of flights were cancelled during the holiday season and brawls between passengers are constantly breaking out 30,000 feet above the ground and now people are sneaking their pets onboard in their overhead bags. I should clarify, emotional support pets, but pets nonetheless.

Just recently someone tried to sneak their “emotional support” boa onboard a flight.

Now let me unfold the scenario if that pet owner had unraveled their snake mid-flight from the overhead compartment in “my” seat aisle.

Pet person: “Oh my, I’m feeling uneasy and need something to ease my anxiety.”

Me: “Sweetie, I know just what you mean. Flying always gets my insides into a dither. Especially when the pilot steps on the gas and hits those icy patches of turbulence then spins a few donuts just for the heck of it. But don’t fret I have an extra Dramamine that will do the trick.”

Pet person: “Thanks, but I’m going to need something more; the snuggles of my sweet sugar boy are the only thing that will get me through this. Would you mind getting my bag from the luggage bin and handing Wally to me?”

Me getting her bag down: “Sure thing. What’ve you got stowed away in here? A little kitty? A furry hamster? I’ll bet it’s one of those fuzzy baby…!” Just then a slippery creature slides out and winds around my arm.

“Sweet mother of Satan! What the holy freak is this fanged slimy snot rope doing in your underwear bag?!” I unwind it and fling it six rows back.

It lands atop a burly man who starts squealing like a baby piglet caught under a fence post! He tosses the serpent to his wife across the aisle who shrieks, turns white and faints into an unresponsive coma. Wally slithers down the aisle.

Pandemonium ensues and everyone in coach jam packs into first class. The scaly beast stays coiled up in coach for the remainder of the flight, but no one complains because we all get two packets of peanuts instead of one and unlimited beverage refills in the premium class section so win, win.

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.