January 19, 2022
Embracing the Dream
Around Town
COMMUNITY VOICES By Becky Ahlvin. Pg. 2
Special Section SENIOR LIVING. Pg. 5 NORTHWEST NEWS Jan. 23-27: Winter used book sale at the J. Pg. 6
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Christian Hospital honors Martin Luther King Day by recognizing local champions of civil rights and providing nursing scholarships By Wendy Todd In 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill making Martin Luther King Day a federal holiday. It became official in 1986 and is celebrated on the third Monday in January. Many St. Louis organizations and institutions celebrate the holiday to recognize the vast impact Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King had on the advancement of civil rights. Christian Hospital has a history of honoring the holiday with the community and six years ago when Rick Stevens became president, an event was created to also recognize local champions of civil rights and provide nursing scholarships. The theme has been Embracing the Dream – The Beloved Community. The MLKL Day event that took place last week is just one of the ways Christian Hospital demonstrates its vital connection to the community it serves. A fixture of the North St. Louis County area for 119 years, Christian Hospital has a commitment to being part of the region as opposed to just being located there. “As a community hospital, creating a
footprint that expands its role into the community is important,” says Necole Cheung, Executive Director of the Christian Hospital Foundation. “This celebration reflected on the importance of community and equity. Providing our neighbors with this proud tradition honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recognizing today’s drum majors, and providing scholarships to student scholars in north St. Louis County is an investment into a community of well-being.”
Health equity is a focus of the hospital. The annual celebration has been designed to be in alignment with the hospital’s mission statement that echoes the beliefs of Dr. King regarding equality and equity and makes a statement against social injustices, particularly those that negatively impact health. Christian Hospital is aware of the effect unjust socioeconomic conditions can have on the health of an
entire community and strives to ameliorate them. “Through partnerships, we take a holistic approach to address the social determinants of health hurting individuals, ultimately affecting all of us,” Cheung says. “A healthier community leads to a robust and vibrant region.” Health equity is a focus of the hospital. Part of its ongoing efforts to maintain and create equitable health services in underserved areas is by providing scholarships for nursing school to high school students in North County. As part of the MLK celebration, 35 high school students in Jennings, Normandy, Ritenour, Hazelwood, Pattonville, Ferguson-Florissant, Riverview Gardens and Incarnate Word Academy received scholarships to pursue nursing school. Additionally, Drum Major Awards were given to St. Louis residents who notably rail against social injustice. As the legacy of Dr. King endures, so do the efforts of Christian Hospital to serve its community the principles of equity, equality and dignity.
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Around Town
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January 19, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Act now to prepare your home before the next blast of winter weather Ahead of the forecasted round of freezing temperatures, Ameren Missouri is reminding customers to plan for severe winter weather in advance. This includes having proper supplies on hand for a winter storm. “Dropping temperatures come with an increased risk of strong winds and heavy ice and snow, which can cause power disruptions,” said Launders Wince, director of the Meramec Valley division at Ameren Missouri. “Our crews work safely and with urgency to restore any outages, and we want to remind customers how they can weather the storm safely too.” If you lose power during a winter storm, Ameren Missouri encourages customers to remember the following: • Notify Ameren at 800-552-7583 if damage to power lines or electrical equipment occurs near your home. • Charge cell phones in advance if there’s a risk of severe weather. Consider buying a solar or battery-powered charger to use in case of an outage. • Be cautious when using candles for light during a power outage. Blow out lit candles before leaving the room or going to bed. • If there is an electrical service interruption, turn off light switches and unplug
appliances to prevent damage and overloading circuits once the power is restored. • Block cold air from coming in by stuffing towels along windows or underneath doors. • Prevent pipes from freezing by running faucets on a drip. “In addition to the risks associated with snow and ice, we also recommend customers prepare for severe cold snaps, which can increase demand for natural gas and electricity,” Wince said. “Customers can balance their energy use and save money on their utility bills by using heat and energy thoughtfully. Simple energy-saving steps can make a big difference in your winter energy costs.” Ameren Missouri offers the following tips to keep your home safe, comfortable and efficient this winter: • Prepare an emergency kit with supplies (flashlights, radios, batteries, nonperishable foods, water, medicines, blankets, warm clothes, etc.) to use in the event of a storm. • When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat down a few degrees.
During the day, add more layers of clothing before raising the temperature on your thermostat. • Take advantage of the sun. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day and close them at night. • Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting. • Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Customers who make energy-efficient upgrades to help insulate and heat their homes for winter may be eligible for special discounts, rebates and incentives. For more home energy efficiency resources, visit www.AmerenMissouriSavings.com. If you’re having trouble paying your energy bill, Ameren Missouri has programs in place to help. Go to AmerenMissouri.com/ EnergyAssistance to learn more about your options.
COMMUNITY VOICES:
By Becky Ahlvin
Hazelwood’s 2021 year in review As we begin 2022, we look back to the amazing things our city has done throughout 2021. The city of Hazelwood provided quality programs despite severe budget cuts and staff shortages. The parks and recreation department brought us Hazelwood Day with live performances and several food trucks and continued their award-winning Hazelwood Obstacle Course Race program. They also opened the White Birch Bay Aquatic Facility for the summer and the Sports Complex for tournaments and games as we attempted to return to normal activities. The Community Enrichment Committee worked with the Green Committee, public works, and police to organize litter cleanup days throughout Hazelwood. The Green Committee, with assistance from our public works department, put on a successful Recycle Day with over 530 cars dropping items off for disposal and recycling – and the committee has already secured grant funding for another Recycle Day in 2022. The Hazelwood Fire Department started their Access Life program. The goal of this program is to place a key inside a coded lockbox outside your home. When there is
an emergency at your house, dispatchers can give the code to emergency personnel, giving them access to your home if no other access is available. The department continued safety education and fire prevention awareness outreach, assisted needy families with bills through Operation Glow, and continued Operation Warm where they donated approximately 100 coats to children at Russell Elementary School, McNair Elementary School, the Hazelwood Child Development Center, and Kids Biz Prep. And to end the year, they escorted Santa through the streets of Hazelwood and won two grants for additional fire/ EMS equipment and to hire 11 firefighters/ paramedics. From DARE and crime prevention education, gun safety seminars, and active shooter trainings to giving away safety helmets and gun locks; from participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and Safe Neighborhood Community Night to all their support of Missouri Special Olympics through torch runs and polar bear plunges, the Hazelwood Police Department is proud to support the community. Every month, the department helps the
TEAM Food Pantry unload food from trucks and stocking the shelves. And every year, the department collects toys for the Toys for Tots Drive and donations for the Families in Need program, which helps pay down utility bills, purchase gift cards for food and gasoline, purchase warm clothing, and provide presents for needy families in our community. We look forward to this year and hope 2022 is everything we hoped 2021 would be but was not. We will strive to continue providing quality service to our community. Becky Ahlvin serves as the Assistant City Manager – Economic Development for the city of Hazelwood where she manages the city’s economic development program, administering the economic development loan program, attracting new businesses and working to keep current businesses in Hazelwood. 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 19, 2022
St. Johns Bank Excellence Scholarship applications due April 15 Applications for the St. Johns Bank Excellence Scholarship Program are now available. The application deadline is April 15. The application is available on the Scholarship Central site: https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/4276. Copies of the application are also available on the St. Johns Bank website: stjohnsbank.com, or at any branch. Graduating seniors living in the Ritenour, McCluer, Pattonville, St. Charles, Fort Zumwalt, Orchard Farm, Hazelwood, Wentzville or Francis Howell school districts are eligible for this scholarship. Guidance counselors at each high school also have application forms.
Three eligible applicants will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to help further their education. Other qualifications for the scholarship program include continuing their education full-time at a community college, four-year college or university in Missouri, Illinois or Kansas, and planning to major in banking, finance or business. For more information about the St. Johns Bank Excellence Scholarship Program visit the College Center page at stjohnsbank.com or call Laurie Sybert at 314428-1000. The College Center page also contains other information about financing a college education.
Around Town
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Gateway Arch announces 2022 entrance fee-free days Four days in 2022, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. At Gateway Arch National Park, the $3 entrance fee included in each adult Tram Ride to the Top ticket and adult Documentary Movie ticket is waived. The four National Park Service entrance fee-free days for 2022 are: • April 16: First day of National Park Week • Aug. 4: Great American Outdoors Act anniversary • Sept. 24: National Public Lands Day • Nov. 11: Veterans Day
McCurdy Elementary School teacher named Hazelwood School District Teacher of the Year Sarah Hecht, a McCurdy Elementary School teacher, has been named the 2021-2022 Hazelwood School District Teacher of the Year. Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, Superintendent of HSD, visited McCurdy to surprise Hecht with the news on Wednesday. “It was a wonderful surprise visit,” Hecht said, “I am happy my students got to celebrate with me. Hecht, who has been with the district for seven years, is a second-grade teacher.
“We are so fortunate to have Ms. Hecht in our school district,” Collins-Hart said. “Her ability to connect with students and provide innovative instruction is awe-inspiring.” Hecht is also an HSD parent. Her children attend McCurdy, Hazelwood Northwest Middle School, and Hazelwood West High School. Hecht earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
www.MYCNEWS.com Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District Sarah
Saint Louis Story Stitchers is awarded funding that will support a national health initiative through the arts St. Louis-based organization Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective is being funded to create innovative dances, songs, and stories that will harness the power of the arts to engage audiences and participants of all ages in overcoming COVID-19 and influenza vaccine hesitancy. With support from the CDC Foundation, the Saint Louis Story Stitchers project Perception Isn’t Always Reality will engage Black teen and young adult artists to reevaluate messages they may have received about COVID and vaccinations and evaluate the sources of the information. Through their own brand of urban storytelling that involves collaborative work in hiphop music, krump dance, videography, photography, and podcasting, the artists will produce a body of work for the public to view on urban canvases, such as the sides of city buses, and listen to on the airwaves. “We are excited to bring the arts and science together in a really powerful way with these partnerships,” said Judy Monroe, MD, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. “Through their chosen art forms, these organizations will be able to create accessible and inspiring work that communicates essential health information about the safety and importance of vaccination in protecting communities from COVID-19 and influenza.” The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease
“Take advantage of fee-free days and experience the wonder of urban national parks with the Tram Ride to the Top and the Documentary Movie at Gateway Arch National Park!” said Pam Sanfilippo, Program Manager, Museum Services and Interpretation. “There is so much to do and see at the park, including the always-free Museum at the Gateway Arch and interpretive NPS programming, as well as shopping at The Arch Store, dining at the Arch Café and exploring the 91-acre park grounds.” Consistent with CDC recommendations, face coverings are required to be worn by everyone ages two and older in all federal buildings, regardless of vaccination status. All COVID-19 safety protocols can be found online at nps.gov/jeff.
Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. Since January 2020, the CDC Foundation, through the support of its donors, has addressed a wide variety of critical needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work has included providing personal protective equipment for frontline responders; care kits for schools, jails and the unhoused; studies examining the impact of COVID-19; work to strengthen communities and community-based organizations to improve vaccination uptake and address misinformation; more than 100 projects focused on health equity; and much more. Funding for this effort is made possible through a subaward from the CDC Foundation and is part of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) financial assistance award totaling $2,500,000 with 100% funding from CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government. More details and a schedule of events for the Perception Isn’t Always Reality project will be published soon at storystitchers.org.
Around Town
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January 19, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
2021 advancements in the St. Louis region’s freight network The St. Louis Regional Freightway played a pivotal role in 2021 in helping advance the bi-state St. Louis region as a global freight hub. It reinforced the advantages the region’s world-class freight network offers to shippers that are increasingly seeking options in the midst of continuing supply chain disruption across the nation and around the world. “The past year was extremely challenging for the global supply chain, ranging from the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the ripple effect of the Evergreen container ship stuck in the Suez Canal for nearly a week; yet the St. Louis region’s freight network continued to perform well,” said Mary Lamie. Lamie is the Executive Vice President of Multi-Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, which oversees the St. Louis Regional Freightway as one of its enterprises.
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“Considering investments already being made in our most critical infrastructure projects, potential for additional investment through the new infrastructure bill, and the innovation underway that will only add to the optionality this region offers, there is much to be positive about as we turn the page on 2021, and we’re pleased to share some of the highlights,” Lamie said. Nearly two dozen projects totaling $2.75 billion in investment on 2022 Priority Project List Submitted photo Among the initiatives led by The St. Louis Regional Freightway played a pivotal role in 2021 in helping advance the bi-state St. Louis region the St. Louis Regional Freight- as a global freight hub. way each year is the compilacongestion, improve safety, address clearance issues, tion of a Priority Projects list representing key infraand better accommodate truck and freight movements. structure needs of the manufacturing and logistics industries in heart of the nation in the Eastern Missouri Industrial Spec Activity in St. Louis Region Rivals and Southwestern Illinois area. Business and industry Pre-Pandemic Levels leaders work directly with local and state officials and Demand for distribution space has only continued to the Illinois DOT and the Missouri DOT to set infragrow, and the latest data available reveals the bi-state St. structure priorities by helping them to understand how Louis market is rebounding well from the uncertainty infrastructure and efficiency impact on-time delivery of 2020 and early 2021, and is positioned to assist disand costs. The ongoing regional effort to compile and tributors and developers to meet the growing demand. build consensus for this list remains a key accomplishAccording to the May 2021 Report by the St. Louis ment of the organization and plays a vital role in helpRegional Freightway, the St. Louis region has more than ing to ensure various parties are familiar with the pri51 million square feet (MSF) of modern bulk inventory orities before they see them on a grant application. supported by a strong labor force and an exceptional The St. Louis Regional Freightway’s 2022 Priority freight network that provides tremendous optionality Projects List features 21 projects representing a total to move goods into and out of the region. Those adinvestment of $2.75 billion, and more than $1.1 billion vantages are contributing to historic lows in vacancy of the projects on the list are already funded and under rates, with only 4.5% of modern bulk space (more than construction, expected to start in 2022, or scheduled 250,000 square feet) available in mid-2021. Local yearto begin within the next few years. Among those are end news reports reveal the overall St. Louis industrial the Merchants Bridge, which serves six Class I railroads market in the third quarter broke a decade-old record and Amtrak to cross the Mississippi River at St. Louis for the largest total net positive absorption for three and is one of the nation’s primary east-west rail corriconsecutive quarters with 7.3 MSF, with vacancy at dors serving the nation’s second largest rail hub by car 4.2%. The low vacancy rate is partially fueled by Amainterchange volume and third largest by gross tonnage. zon continuing to grow its presence in the region, most The replacement of this vital rail artery is the bi-state recently occupying an additional 202,000 square feet of St. Louis region’s top freight infrastructure priority and, distribution space at the 255 Logistics Center in Sauget after the historic installation of the first of three new Business Park in St. Louis’ Metro East area. trusses in September 2021, completion is expected in Fortunately, construction in the bi-state region also early 2023. has rebounded from the uncertainty of 2020, with Another priority project is the work to enhance key more than 1.4 MSF delivered in the first half of 2021, stretches of Interstate 70, one of 17 corridors identiand an estimated 2.5 MSF currently under construcfied by the United States Department of Agriculture tion, rivaling pre-pandemic levels. (USDA) as a High-Volume Domestic Agriculture Direct Flights from St. Louis to Europe Set to Resume Highway corridor. Funding has already been secured While they may be carrying more passengers than for a portion of this project referred to as the Wentzfreight, a recent announcement that St. Louis Lambert ville (Missouri) curve, and there is great potential to International Airport has landed the first direct flights secure funding for additional improvements needed as to Europe in 20 years is a major milestone for future a result of the new infrastructure bill. In addition, the growth as it strengthens the St. Louis region’s ability to Missouri (MoDOT)and Illinois (IDOT) Departments serve global companies operating here and to attract of Transportation are already collaborating on another new ones. Multiple St. Louis companies and organizahigh priority project - $600 million in improvements to tions committed funding to improve the region’s globthe Interstate 270 corridor in the St. Louis region – one al economic competitiveness and to help secure the of the nation’s primary east-west manufacturing and flights and that commitment underscores the imporlogistics corridors. Additional work needed could also tance of the new air service. benefit from funding included in the new infrastruc“It also becomes another offering to reinforce that ture bill. Another partially funded project that could the St. Louis region features “One Location. Global Acbenefit is IDOT’s relocated Illinois Route 3 project in cess,” Lamie said. East St. Louis and Sauget, Illinois, which will decrease
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 19, 2022
Senior Living
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St. Louis Area Diaper Bank hosts Bloody Mary Brunch The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank will hold its second annual Bloody Mary Brunch on April 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event – which includes sipping Bloody Mary’s while packing period supply kits – will be held at the Diaper Bank’s headquarters located at 6141 Etzel Ave. and is for those 21 years of age and older. Tickets are $50 per person, and all monetary donations will go toward purchasing menstrual hygiene products for the nonprofit organization. Attendees will count, sort, and pack menstrual products for those in need. Other activities include a raffle, selfie station, a wine pull, and a quick presentation about the agency’s efforts. The St. Louis Alliance for Period Supplies (STL APS) is a Diaper Bank program that collaborates with the Alliance for Period Supplies to ensure access to menstrual hygiene products. The STL APS program distributes period supplies through community partners, as well as advocates for the elimination of “period poverty.” To date
more than 450,000 period supplies have been distributed in St. Louis, with 10,800 period supplies allocated each week. Last year two-thirds of low-income women in St. Louis could not afford menstrual hygiene products, with 46% of low-income women having to choose between food and period supplies. Founded in 2014, the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank provides diaper access to the region’s low-income families, as well as raises community awareness about the causes and consequences of diaper need. The nonprofit is a member of the National Diaper Bank Network, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to eliminating diaper need and “period poverty” in America. The St. Louis Alliance for Period Supplies (STL APS) ensures access to menstrual hygiene products, which allows full participation in daily life with dignity. For more information about the Bloody Mary Brunch or to make a donation, call 314-624-0888 or visit their website.
Still In This Together:
Submitted photo
By Vicki Bahr
I miss the company of strangers I was in line at the soon to be Dollar and A Quarter Store a couple of weeks before Christmas and saw the woman behind me put some cute Christmas boxes on the conveyor belt. “What do the tops of the boxes look like?” I asked her. I liked the colors on the box, but they were upside down. She just looked at me with that semi-suspicious look we’ve all adopted the last couple of years, almost as if she didn’t really know if I was talking to her, or if it was okay to be standing so close, or if I was going to touch the boxes and turn them over myself so I could see them. Then they would be contaminated! We both had masks on, but her eyes said so much. And I was sad, right up to the moment she recovered, and flipped one of the boxes over. It said “Merry & Bright”, and it was a conversation starter as we waited in line several feet apart from each other, but almost having a friendly chat as we would have done without ever hesitating two years ago. “I’m going to use these for some of the gifts that need something a little sturdier than a bag,” she said, and I agreed they were really cute for a dollar and asked her where in the store she’d found them. I unexpectedly felt tears coming to my eyes, not for the first time in recent weeks as I’ve been out a little more often and realizing just how much I’ve missed the company of strangers. I’ve always been one to strike up a conversation, simply smiling and somehow drawing out the most interesting tidbits of information from people. My mom was a consummate expert at it, and it comes naturally. Our daughters laugh at the fact that I could always find something in common with salespeople and repairmen, grocery store checkers and restaurant waitresses. I’m curious about the people I come into contact with, or should I say, used to come into contact with. Because we all know things changed a couple of years ago. Of course, I’ve become a great online shopper, and I’m proud of it, but I feel a bit rusty at my grocery
store line small-talk skills. It’s hard to strike up a conversation when you’re distanced, and even harder to catch a smile behind a mask. Doesn’t help that my hearing isn’t what it used to be and it’s impossible to read lips for a little help when the lips are behind a very cute snowman face mask. With John’s recent knee surgery, we were even more isolated for a couple of months, and I’ll admit it was tough. Physical therapy appointments became a source of friendly conversations, as I complimented a knitted hat or someone’s newfound ability to raise himself from a chair without the help of a walker. But I just had a feeling our Omaha family’s holiday visit was going to be a gold mine, and they didn’t disappoint. Grandsons Conor and Aidan, 12 and nine, were new to the concept of putting a quarter into the chain to release a grocery cart and getting a quarter back when you replace the cart. They don’t have a nearby Aldi at home. It was fabulous. Other shoppers smiled at Aidan’s excitement as he got my cart, replaced it for a “better one” and repeated the process… a couple of times. Several customers, realizing Aidan’s innocent holiday-spirited naivete with the whole experience put their quarters into his mittened hands so he could assist them with their cart selection, and he replaced carts for other shoppers, dutifully returning their quarters. Everyone was happy and we were all caught up in the sheer simplicity of a magical holiday afternoon when we could laugh for a moment and enjoy the company of strangers once again. It was priceless. 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.VillageNorthRetirement.org
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Northwest News
January 19, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Northwest Views:
By LaTonya Thedford
HR professional: what to look for when you’re looking I would be shocked if anyone reading this article hasn’t experienced some kind of employment fluctuation during the past two years. The recession and recovery in response to the pandemic, supply chain challenges, changes in attitudes toward work – it’s a unique moment in history. Many employers are experiencing a new reality: not only do they have open positions to fill, they are increasingly competing with other employers seeking to entice the same employees. So, what does this mean for job seekers? It means they now have more choices than ever before! And for some job seekers, this opens the door to endless possibilities – including making a career change. I’ve been an HR professional for eight years, joining Every Child’s Hope (ECH) in 2018, and I’ve seen many people decide to leave behind old careers to join a nonprofit organization. Here are some things to consider when making a career change like this. Compensation isn’t just your salary. Of course you’re going to want to know what your pay will be when you apply for a job, but the real money figures happen when you look at a compensation package as a whole. You may find yourself getting paid more but
actually having less if your employer’s health insurance doesn’t meet your needs. Also, pay attention to retirement savings plans, like 401k accounts, which can reduce your taxes and help you plan for your post-work life. ECH is also a company that gives raises each year to reward employees for a job well done and help with yearly inflation increases. Some employers are also offering special incentives right now. For example, ECH offers a sign-on bonus to new hires and, during the pandemic, ECH also awarded first responders pay to all essential workers. Get passionate about how you spend your time. The last two years have caused a lot of people to take a hard look at how they spend their days, and many have decided they want to make a change in careers. Many people have decided to take a shot at honing their passions and taking a leap of faith into doing what they have always wanted to do. Think about your passion and let that be your guide. It can lead to greater satisfaction and happiness throughout your daily life. For people who enjoy working with children and families, the time is now. Jobs are available at ECH that give employees purpose. They see how they are making a real difference for children and families and get excited to continue being a part of such a great company and they can go home knowing that their work is helping the community and their passion is not sitting idle. Check out the team. We spend a considerable amount of our days interacting with our coworkers – they can become like family to you. Start by considering all your interactions during the interview process. Are they timely and courteous? Take opportunities to meet other employees to see if they seem happy and if you connect well with the team. Take the time to ask the right questions and see if you can shadow someone. Personally, I feel supported and connected to my ECH team. We listen to each other, collaborate, and have fun together. Working with a solid team has made all the difference during this stressful time for human resources. Pay attention to the company’s history and stability. It would be incredibly frustrating to go through the process of finding a new job, only to discover that your new employer isn’t set up for success. There is value in looking at how long an organization has been doing business, understanding what is happening in their industry as a whole, and how they have responded to challenges. For example, ECH has been around since the 1800s, and the need for our services has grown during challenging times. Ask questions during your interview and do your homework! It’s a great time to start your next career adventure. I wish you the best of luck! LaTonya Thedford is a Human Resource Specialist for Every Child’s Hope.
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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.
Winter used book sale at the J The Jewish Community Center’s biannual Used Book Sale returns Jan. 23-27, with offerings in every genre, including mysteries, general fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and much more. “The Used Book Sale at the J is a great place to find amazing bargains and valuable collectibles,” says Hilary Gan, Director of Literary Arts at the J. “The sale is recognized by book dealers and the literature community as being among the best in the St. Louis region.” Sunday, Jan. 23 is preview day, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with a $10 admission; free admission begins on Monday. Hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, and on Thursday customers can fill a bag for $5 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Masks and proof of full vaccination will be required for entry; thanks for helping to keep our community healthy. For updated and complete information visit https:// jccstl.com/programs/used-book-sale/.
The 27th Annual St. Louis Jewish Film Festival begins March 6 The 27th annual St. Louis Jewish Film Festival will be held virtually this spring, March 6 – 13, presenting a selection of documentary and feature films from around the world. While all films depict a piece of the Jewish experience, the themes are universal and are meant to appeal to all, regardless of faith. In addition to 13 compelling films, the festival offers discussions with filmmakers and others associated with the films. A complete list of films and discussions, including trailers, can be found at stljewishfilmfestival.org. Highlights include: “Greener Pastures” – Dov, a widower, lives in a nursing home where he feels like he’s in jail. He dreams of buying back his old house, but he has no money since losing his pension, for which he blames the State. When he realizes that everyone in the nursing home has access to state-sponsored medical cannabis, he finds the solution. “High Maintenance” - Dani Karavan has created nearly 100 environmental installations around the world and won some of the most prestigious international art awards. This is not your ordinary documentary! “Tiger Within” - The incomparable Ed Asner stars in this tender saga that recounts the story of Samuel, a Holocaust survivor, and Casey, a punk teen runaway. Despite their respective traumas and initial mistrust of one another, they manage to provide a sense of family and mutual support for each other. “Not Going Quietly” is a passionate documentary that brings light the fight against ALS. Lighter films that entertain include “Tango Shalom” and “The Conductor.” An all-Access Pass is $98 (plus fees) and individual films are $15 each (plus fees). Tickets will go on sale January 17 and films will be available for purchase and viewing at community.jccstl.org, the J’s virtual platform. The 2022 Jewish Film Festival co-chairs are Marilyn K. Brown, Jeffrey Korn and Paula Sigel. The Jewish Film Festival is a program of the Jewish Community Center.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 19, 2022
Business
Home Builders Association donates $15,000 to St. Joseph Housing Initiative On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2021 HBA President Bill Wannstedt (Consort Homes) (left) presented a $15,000 donation to St. Joseph Housing Initiative director of development Christy McCutcheon and executive director Maureen McCuen. The donation will go toward the interior renovation of a house on South Grand in St. Louis City to help cover flooring, drywall and plumbing costs, a house that will become a home for a deserving family. St. Joseph
Housing Initiative’s mission is to create vibrant communities through affordable quality housing where low- and moderate-income families can thrive, prosper and build wealth. The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.
Submitted photo
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Weekly voting begins January 5, and ends February 25, 2022.
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What’s Happening
January 19, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.
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. EVENTS
Feb. 8: Lecture series
RECURRING EVENTS
International Relations Lecture Series, sponsored by the AAUW and Tuesday Women’s Association of the Ethical Society of St. Louis, will discuss the subject of Climate Change with Dr. Carl Bender, Physics, Washington University at 10:45 a.m. on ZOOM number 384-422-5785. This is part of a four-part series each spring for 50 years.
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
www.InvinciCorp.com
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: singers
A
cappella
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 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
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.
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.
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.
Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316
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: 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.
Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314-
839-7604.
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.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 19, 2022 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
6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.
Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo 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. For further information call Angela at 314-8018594.
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
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.
Sundays: Meat shoot
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.
Sundays: Jennings DoDads meeting
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. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.
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.
Diabetes Basics:
314-344-7024 for info or 314344-7220 to enroll.
Crisis Nursery:
Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, 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: 314-768-3201. Or 636-9470600, www.crisisnurserykids. org.
Center for Senior Renewal:
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 Re-
covery Center:
Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-953-8100.
Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call
314-653-5032.
Nicotine Anonymous
Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For
What’s Happening further info call 314-822-2066 or visit www.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.
Look Good…Feel Better
SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. Info: 314-344-6090.
SUDOKU answers from page F-1
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SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre
A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-ofthe-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314-738-2599. CROSSWORD answers from page F-4
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Sports
January 19, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Sports you see with Gary B... Ambush hands team first loss of season The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the MASL with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. The Ambush handed the top team in the league the Kansas City Comets, their first loss of the season when they pulled off a 6-5 nail-biter of a win recent-
ly in front of their hometown fans. They improved their record to 4-5, while Kansas City leaves town at 6-1. St. Louis got off to a quick start when Mohamed Ndiaye scored 1:17 into the match. After that, his teammates added five more goals: • JT Thomas scored on a restart off a pass from Ndiaye • Ndiaye sent a pass across the goal to a waiting Thomas who pounded it into the net • Ado Jahic sent a long pass to Vadim Cojocov who scored • Ndiaye scored again • Tony Walls scored the game-winner at 13:32 The Ambush play three on the road, visiting the Harrisburg Heat on Jan. 28, the Florida Tropics on Jan. 30 and the Milwaukee Wave on Feb. 6 before returning to The Family Arena to host The Savage on Feb. 11. * Keep the victories going Leaders of the Ambush As of last week, the team’s scoring power consisted of: • No. 9 Mohamed Ndiaye with 13 points with 9 goals and 4 assists • No. 8 Vadim Cojocov with 10 points with 8 goals and 2 assists • No. 97 Ado Jahic with 7 points with 6 goals and 1 assist • No. 20 JT Thomas with 7 points with 5 goals and 2 assists * Many more to come More soccer coming The United Soccer League (USL) announced recently that the St. Louis Lions SC as the latest club to join the W League for its inaugural season in 2022.
In addition, the Missouri-based club will return to play in League Two’s Heartland Division for the upcoming season. “We are very excited about joining the USL W League in its first year,” said Tony Glavin, President and Head Technical Director of the St. Louis Lions SC. “We are proud to be part of the USL organization and look forward to competing and helping to make this league a great platform for our players to move on to the next level.” Founded in 2005, the St. Louis Lions SC was formed as a part of the long-standing TG Lions Academy to support players looking to pursue pre-professional careers in soccer in the greater St. Louis area. The club prides itself on its inclusive nature, providing opportunities for all players and helping to develop those players to their highest aspirations within the game. Through hard work and dedication, the club strives to build on its long-standing history in the sport of soccer to continually improve and seek to be a destination club for elite athletes in Missouri. * A kicking good time Lions have a soccer tryout camp The team will hold the event at the Crusaders field in O’Fallon on Feb. 19 and 20. For all the details go to www.STLLions.com * Show off your moves
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 19, 2022
Recipe: Nutrition and wellness to help us into 2022
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– SUDOKU –
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.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Around the New Year, people begin setting resolutions to improve their wellness. We are redefining comfort without sacrificing your health and wellness goals with this warm and savory soup! Use low fat milk and cheese to put a healthy twist on this soup to get all the powerful nutrients that dairy delivers without sacrificing any of the taste. The protein and fiber provided from the combination of milk, cheese, and vegetables, will be sure to keep you fueled to your next meal. Serve it with a crusty bread and glass of milk to make this meal a family favorite!
Feature
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8
Ingredients: 1 Tbs butter ½ onion, chopped ¼ cup melted butter
Directions:
¼ cup flour
Melt 1 Tbs butter in a skillet over mediumhigh heat. Sauté onion in hot butter until translucent.
2 cups low-fat milk 2 cups chicken stock
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
Whisk ¼ cup melted butter and flour together in a large saucepan over medium heat. Continue to whisk and cook, adding more 1 to 2 Tbs milk more.
2 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Pour the remaining milk into the flour mixture,
1½ cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
whisking constantly. Stir in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add broccoli, carrots, sautéed onion, and celery to the broth mix. Simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir cheddar cheese into soup until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.
For more information on the health benefits of dairy, visit www.stldairycouncil.org.
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9
Honoring the incredible Sidney Poitier
H
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.
ollywood writers have revisited classic movies with an eye on rebooting them with a new cast. Such was the case with “Guess Who,” a 2005 overly comedic remake of the 1967 classic “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Zoe Saldana (“Avatar”) played Theresa Jones, a woman who had a demanding and opinionated father named Percy (the late Bernie Mac). Theresa brought her boyfriend Simon (Ashton Kutcher from “That ‘70s Show”) home for her parents’ 25th Wedding Anniversary, but Theresa unfortunately neglected to tell her folks that her boyfriend was white. “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” was a groundbreaking classic and a broadly comic remake didn’t make sense, even with the race/ gender roles reversed. In the original film, director Stanley Kramer tackled race relations and interracial marriages while those topics were still making headlines. Sidney Poitier, who passed away recently on Jan. 6, delivered such a solid performance as Dr. John Wade Prentice that there was no need to remake a classic. Poitier’s performance and on-screen interactions with Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn were amazing to watch. “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” earned multiple accolades, nominations and awards, but Poitier only received one nomination for his role. Years earlier, though, he broke new
Photo courtesy Bigstock: Sidney Poitier
ground in 1963’s “Lilies of the Field. Poitier played Homer Smith, a handyman who kindly stopped to help a group of nuns fix a roof. Homer soon found himself saddled with new chores and tasks because the nuns believed God sent him to help them build a chapel. Thanks to this fine performance, Poitier became the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Over the years, the actor’s roles covered a variety of genres, especially action/adventure. In “The Defiant Ones,” director Stanley Kramer directed Poitier and Tony Curtis in a story about two convicts who were shackled together and relied on each other when they escaped. 1967’s “In the Heat of the Night” saw Poitier play Virgil Tibbs, a Philadelphia police detective mistakenly accused of murder in Mississippi. After he was cleared of the charges, Tibbs, still dealing with overt racism, helped solve a murder case before leaving town. Poitier reprised that role in the appropriately titled 1970 sequel “They Call Me Mister Tibbs!,” a phrase the character uttered to remind people of who he was and that he demanded respect. A few years earlier, Poitier’s Mark Thackery also sought respect as he taught high-spirited London students in 1967’s “To Sir with Love,” a film noted for its catchy theme song sung by Scottish performer Lulu. In the 1996 TV sequel, Thackery travelled to Chicago for another teaching job and learned surprising things about his past. Sidney Poitier was the consummate actor who could play virtually any role with skill and professionalism. No matter if he portrayed a teacher, detective, thief or just an all-around good man, he was a strong presence on-screen. Thank you, Mr. Poitier, for your inspiring life and the incredible body of work you left for us.
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COLLECTIBLES
January 19, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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January 19, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
CROSSWORD: Grammy Awards
‘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.
Moore on Life
Last meal? We’re barely into 2022 and while I hope for a better year, I have a sneaking suspicion there’s something brewing ahead. Why else would I get multiple flyers in the mail pushing affordable funeral plans? Do they know something I don’t know? Was it that enchilada I ate the other day? It was in the back of the fridge and had been there for who knows how long, but I was starving. I convinced myself that the fuzzy stuff growing on top was green salsa. So, I possibly tainted my organs, but how could the funeral people know? Are they in cahoots with the Grim Reaper? I don’t know, but I do know they’re after me. The first advertisement came in the mail shortly after the food incident. It read: “Feeling a bit queasy? Are your insides feeling like they want to be outside? Maybe you’ve eaten something well past its expiration date or maybe you’re just well past your expiration date. If it’s tomb to kick the oxygen habit then come over to Dickey’s Dearly Departed funeral home and check out our digs – literally! We put the fun back in fun-eral! Out last rites can’t be wrong!” I tossed that one immediately. I don’t want my memorial service people to be stand-up comedians. The second flyer was no better: “Hey old person, yeah that’s you! Face it sweetie, your days of being a plump juicy grape are long gone. The sad raisin days are here and running out quicker than the batteries in your hearing aid. We here at The Dirt Sandwich Café know burials are expensive and are offering a
By Cindy Moore great money-saving option on pre-owned coffins. Bring in the attached coupon for a 10% off discount on gently used models. Get ‘em before they’re gone or before you’re gone.” Hmph! I should’ve kept the comedian’s
flyer. The final shocker came just days ago. It was an unbelievable invitation and if I’m lying, I’m dying…err…scratch that choice of words. The postcard announced a presentation at a nearby mortuary. Now I’m all for gimmicks, but these guys were offering their pre-planned memorial discussions along with…wait for it… pizza! Yes, catchy cuisine and caskets! Seriously?! Just then I checked into the refrigerator. It was lunchtime and not a morsel to be found. I grabbed my husband and we loaded up in the car. “Where are we going?” he wanted to know. “Out to lunch. Free lunch!” I only hoped they weren’t using the crematorium for the pizzas. 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. Chunk of land 6. Sail alternative 9. Female sheep, pl. 13. Oak, in Spanish 14. Nucleic acid acronym 15. “____ under fire” 16. Permeate 17. Internet meme move 18. *Number of 2022 Grammy nominations for Doja Cat or H.E.R. 19. *Justin Bieber’s stuff from Georgia 21. *Gaga’s partner 23. Mauna ____, Hawaii 24. Cartoon Coyote’s first name 25. Lawyers’ grp. 28. Marine eagle 30. Like Roger Rabbit 35. Boisterous play 37. Ore deposit 39. Davy Crockett’s last stand 40. U.S. city and lake 41. Tossed starter 43. F.B.I. operative 44. Group of nine singers, e.g. 46. Gardner’s gear 47. In the middle of 48. Arctic-wear 50. Porcini mushrooms 52. In the manner of, in French
53. *Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, a.k.a. ____ Sonic 55. Decimal system base 57. *2022 Grammy nominations leader 61. *”Bad Habits” performer 65. Lacking sense 66. Unit of electrical resistance 68. Low landform 69. Grassy mound 70. Recent or new, prefix 71. Los ____, CA 72. Peasy precursor 73. .0000001 joule 74. Earp of the Wild West DOWN 1. LSD consequence? 2. City on the Tiber 3. *Swedish band with one 2022 Grammy nomination 4. Exclamation from a coop 5. Tittering laugh sound 6. Bookie’s quote 7. Registered nurses’ org. 8. Torah expert 9. Female name or a name for Ireland 10. Worker’s reward 11. Not counterfeit 12. Cobblestone 15. Genus, pl. 20. British peers
22. Will Ferrell holiday movie 24. Matrimony 25. *2022 Grammy event venue, Crypto.com ____ 26. B on Mendeleev’s table 27. Type of acid 29. *Grammy host’s last name 31. Aquarium dweller 32. #3 Down’s 1975 hit “____ Mia” 33. Means of communication 34. *Kanye’s album 36. Source of pressure? 38. Facilitate 42. Profoundness 45. Tip of lion’s tail 49. First aid one 51. Up and down playground attraction 54. Sergio of westerns 56. Very recently 57. Triathlon ride 58. Tolstoy’s Karenina 59. New Mexico art colony 60. Inwardly 61. Dirty air 62. Common “pro” follower 63. Loads 64. Egg storage 67. *”Fight for You” performer
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