CN: January 26, 2022

January 26, 2022

Dreams come true Teenaged entrepreneur from Florissant has been selected to exclusive Disney Dreamers Academy

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Maida J. Coleman. Pg. 2

Special Section

By Wendy Todd and Mathew DeKinder Michael Wren doesn’t need to wish upon a star to make his dreams come true, he’s hard at work turning them into reality.

The 14-year-old Florissant resident is already an established entrepreneur and author, and for these efforts Wren has been selected to the Disney Dreamers Academy, an exclusive educational mentorship program created and hosted by Walt Disney World Resort.

Only 100 high school students from around the country are chosen to participate each year. Wren is the only participant selected from the state of Missouri.

“The way I found out I was selected was when I was sent a package in the mail from Disney,” Wren said. “My reaction was honestly priceless. I was so happy and I was jumping up and down. I couldn’t believe I was one of the chosen 100.”

The academy takes place March 3-6, with the goal of broadening career awareness and creating exclusive opportunities for Black students and teens from underrepresented communities across America.

“We are excited and honored to celebrate 15 years of Disney Dreamers Academy with this year’s class,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney World Resort Vice President and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “We’ve embraced this opportunity to amplify the event, and we’re thrilled to introduce new experiences, new career programs and new mentors.”

Success is nothing new to Wren. At the age of eight he started Mikey’s Munchies Vending, which owns and operates vending machines in St. Louis County. Building on this experience, he wrote the best-selling children’s book “Mikey Learns about Business” as well as “Biz Is a Wiz” a book

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Pg. 7

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Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 Submitted photo Michael Wren has been selected to the Disney Dreamers Academy, an exclusive educational mentorship program created and hosted by Walt Disney World Resort.

written for early readers.

Wren is always on the lookout for the opportunity to learn from others.

“Mentors are so important because usually they have been through what you are going through at the moment so they can walk you through the hard times,” Wren said. “I have multiple mentors for different areas of my life: personal, business and spiritual.”

One of Wren’s most important mentors

and biggest cheerleader is his mother Arriel Biggs who encouraged Wren to apply for the Disney Dreamers Academy.

“When I first got the news he was accepted as a Disney Dreamer, I cried,” Biggs said.

“As a mom I want my children to experience life and have life-changing experiences that will mold them into the person that they are becoming.”

See ‘DREAMS’ page 2

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January 26, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘DREAMS’ from cover

Procure by The Women’s Creative set to open at City Foundry STL

While success in the business world is important, Wren spends much of his time giving back to the community.

He has organized toy drives, given away over $10,000 of brand-new clothing to youth in the area and hosted entrepreneurial workshops where he teaches his peers financial literacy and leadership.

While his future plans include continuing to manage Mikey’s Munchies Vending, buying his first real estate property and going off to college, Wren is currently focused on getting the most out of his Disney Dreamers Academy experience.

“I hope to gain more resources to bring back to help and teach within my community,” Wren said. “I’m looking forward to being able to learn new skill sets along with kids my age and to dream bigger than I ever have before.”

City Foundry STL and The Women’s Creative announce the launch of a women-owned, local retail experience to open in February. Procure by the Women’s Creative was developed with the intention of creating a space and opportunity for women-owned, local brands.

The store, located across from The Food Hall doors at Unit 137 Foundry Way, will feature an intentionally curated selection of items such as skincare, beauty, lifestyle, apparel, accessories, and home goods with an emphasis on wellness and self-care. To start, the retail boutique will feature over 20 brands with the Procure team welcoming others to the online store, which is set to open later this spring after the brick-and-mortar location.

“Elevating voices is at the heart of our mission at City Foundry STL, and we’re very proud to have The Women’s Creative as a partner,” says Will Smith of New + Found. “The Women’s Creative does an excellent job of making sure talented women are seen and heard, and it is with great pride that we welcome these business owners into our space with a dedicated storefront to further promote their brand and achieve their goals.”

The inspiration behind the retail concept originated from Procure Marketplace, a vendor market built

by The Women’s Creative and hosted at City Foundry STL in 2021. The market has offered space for more than 400 unique women-owned brands since its launch in 2017, and has become a well-loved shopping experience that brings the community together around women-owned, local, emerging businesses.

“We are taking what we have learned from our experience curating and leading Procure Marketplace,

and needs shared by our vendor partners to develop an opportunity for them to grow their businesses, build brand awareness and collaborate to achieve their goals,” says Christina Weaver, a co-founder of The Women’s Creative and Procure. “We believe there is power in the why. Understanding why these products exist and who is creating them is foundational to the buying experience. We are passionate about sharing the brands’ stories and amplifying the inspirational women behind them.”

Tessa Corno, co-founder of Procure and the shop’s director shared, “We are approaching retail as a service both for the consumer and our brand partners.

Our goal is to solve problems we see in the marketplace. From a consumer perspective, we know women want to support women-owned brands and businesses, but they do not have the time, energy, and space to drive around to multiple locations or spend hours researching online to find these brands. We are offering them a curated, consolidated, and convenient destination to find these brands. For the women-owned, local brands, we are providing a unique platform to sell their products, the opportunity for collaboration, and the ability to leverage adjacent brands and their communities. But more than that, we are deeply focused on the infrastructure and support emerging brands need on an individualized basis to build their knowledge and bridge gaps in access to mentors and community leaders.”

Procure will be open from Wednesday through Sunday starting mid-February for in-person shopping as well as gather, meet and work in their lounge. For information on the store, becoming a brand partner or other details please contact tessa@shopprocure.com.

COMMUNITY VOICES:

By Maida J. Coleman

Stay ready for severe weather year round In December, a season during which we expect ice and snow, record setting windstorms and tornados made their way across the Midwest.

This highlights the importance of the public being prepared for weather related emergencies year-round.

Below are some steps your family can take to prepare for weather related emergencies.

1. Sign up for Nixle’s weather alerts and warnings. Nixle is a community information service that can provide you with weather information by text message or email. Visit https://www.nixle.com/ for details on how to sign up.

2. Obtain a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather alert radio. This radio will send you an alert when a severe weather watch or warning is issued. The monitoring service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week so you would be informed as soon as a weather alert is issued.

3. Create a plan for weather related emergencies that may occur when you are at

home, at work, or when driving. Be sure to check your emergency supply kit for your car and ensure that it has items you would need in winter weather such as warm clothes and blankets.

4. Prepare an emergency kit to ensure that your family has the necessary supplies in case you must stay home for several days.

Be sure to include supplies for specific family member health needs in addition to supplies for your pets.

The Missouri Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) website features a free Consumers and Catastrophes Guide to assist consumers and other stakeholders as they prepare for and respond to weather emergencies. The guide has a section devoted to Cold Waves/Ice Storms as well as appendices with resources related to developing emergency plans for your family and pets while at home and while traveling, understanding emergency alerts and warnings, assembling emergency kit essentials, and more. The guide can be accessed here https://psc.mo.gov/.

Communication is an important part of emergency preparation so be sure to review your emergency plans with your family often.

Commissioner Maida Coleman was appointed to the Missouri Public Service Commission

by Governor Jay Nixon, effective Aug.10, 2015.

She was unanimously confirmed by the Missouri State Senate on Jan. 21. Prior to her appointment, Commissioner Coleman was the Director of the Office of Community Engagement. From 2001 until 2009, Commissioner Coleman served first as a State Representative and then as State Senator from St. Louis, becoming the first African-American woman in state history to serve as Senate Minority Leader. Coleman has a B.A. in Journalism from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis in 2008. A native of Sikeston, Missouri, Coleman lives in St. Louis.

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 26, 2022

Missouri Bicentennial Quilt Exhibition

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Eliminate the loneliness of COVID-19

Submitted photo Quilt blocks representing St. Louis and communities across the state are featured in the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt, which will be on display for a final stop in the St. Louis area at the State Historical Society of Missouri St. Louis Research Center, 222 Thomas Jefferson Library, University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Quilt blocks representing St. Louis and communities across the state are featured in the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt, which will be on display for a final stop in the St. Louis area at the State Historical Society of Missouri St. Louis Research Center, 222 Thomas Jefferson Library, University of Missouri-St. Louis. The quilt exhibition runs Feb. 1-March 11. A public reception for the quilt will be held Feb. 3 from 4-7 p.m. For the six-week exhibition, the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt will be on display during regular visiting hours at the SHSMO St. Louis Research Center.

Using one block from each of Missouri’s 114 counties and the independent city of St. Louis, the quilt showcases the diversity of Missouri’s culture, people and geography. To honor Missouri’s 200 years of statehood, the State Historical Society, Missouri Star Quilt Company and the Missouri State Quilters Guild teamed up to find quilters for each of the individual quilt blocks.

Quilters from across the state sent in 6.5 x 6.5-inch blocks to represent the county where the live or have a connection. Over the winter of 2019-2020, Missouri Star Quilt Company stitched the blocks together and gave the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt its final look.

“Due to popular demand, we are excited to extend the tour of the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt into 2022 so more people can see it in their region before

it is placed at the Missouri Quilt Museum,” said Beth Pike, Missouri Bicentennial Coordinator for the State Historical Society of Missouri. “The quilt has brought many people together to tell a story of who we are and how we see ourselves and fellow Missourians in other counties. One of our goals for the bicentennial commemorations was to help start and continue that conversation across the state,” said Pike.

Once the exhibition at the SHSMO research centers ends in September 2022, the quilt will be on long-term loan at the Missouri Quilt Museum in Hamilton. The community is also home to the Missouri Star Quilt Company, which attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year to the small town in Caldwell County, northeast of Kansas City.

Missouri Bicentennial Quilt Final Traveling Exhibition: • Feb. 1-March 11 at SHSMO St. Louis Research Center • March 15-April 29 at SHSMO Cape Girardeau Research Center • May 3-June 14 at SHSMO Rolla Research Center • June 15-July 29 at SHSMO Springfield Research Center • Aug. 2-Sept. 15 at SHSMO Kansas City Research Center

COVID-19 creates isolation. It’s unavoidable and detrimental, particularly for an older adult. Here at our community, we help our residents combat the feeling of solitude that continues to reign. We instill hope…and you can too.

Make it a priority to stay connected to your beloved senior family members and friends. A telephone call means so much to an older adult who is homebound thanks to either COVID-19 or the winter weather.

A mailed card or letter is a heartfelt gesture that shows you are truly thinking of the person.

Taking time out of your busy schedule to simply remember an older adult living in solitude is a gift to someone who is literally and figuratively disconnected from the outside world.

A homemade meal or a restaurant-deliv-

ered dinner – accompanied by a short visit, if possible, based upon COVID restrictions – can lift someone’s spirits for days. As we enter a new year, you can singlehandedly make the difference in an older adults day by sharing your time.

Chris Baechle CEO of Cardinal Ritter Senior Services www.cardinalritterseniorservices.org

www.InvinciCorp.com

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January 26, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

12th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition chooses 14 high school acts for final event On Jan. 16, forty-two metro area high school acts competed in the semi-final round of the 12th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. The acts were divided into four categories (vocal, instrumental, dance and specialty) and adjudicated by fifteen St. Louis performing arts professionals, each representing the respective categories. The judges narrowed the field to 14 acts (18 students) who will move on to the finals at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Feb. 11 at 8 p.m.

The final competition is a professionally produced production the foundation is grateful to provide as a gift to the community that is free and open to the public. General Admission tickets are required and will be available at no charge through Metrotix online at metrotix.com. Finalists include a variety of singers, musicians, dancers, and acrobats.

“We couldn’t be happier with the level of talent. The

students seem to get better and better each year,” exclaimed Mary Strauss, Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation Board President.

In addition to the excitement of performing on the Fox Stage, contestants are eligible to win scholarships, prizes, and performance opportunities. Nearly $50,000 in prizes, cash awards and college scholarships will be distributed among the top competitors.

A full list of prizes along with official event information can be found on the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation’s (FPACF) website.

The finals production will be written and directed by St. Louis native Tony Parise, Broadway actor, dancer, director, choreographer. Parise will work with choreographer Yvonne Meyer Hare and music director Steve Neale to prepare performers for the Fox Stage.

“I am so grateful to the entire Teen Talent team for keeping the competition going through the pandemic and giving our talented teens this incredible experience. We have learned a lot over the past two years,

but this year we will get back to the spectacular live event. I can’t wait to feel that magical energy once again at the Fabulous Fox!” stated Parise.

Finalist acts will be judged on technical ability, interpretation, stage presence, and originality. Judges for the finals have careers spanning music, dance, and Broadway.

The community response to this event has been significant as the program has grown over the past twelve years. Annually 120,000+ viewers have watched the Nine PBS featured program on the final competition.

Due to the pandemic, in 2020 and 2021 the final competition was filmed in front of a limited audience for a special broadcast on Nine PBS. FoxPACF is grateful for the continued partnership with Nine PBS, which will film the 2022 Finals in front of a full live audience for a special broadcast to air later this spring.

The 2021 winner was Troy Staten, a singer from McCluer High School who will return this year for a special performance.

Still In This Together: And they clapped!

www.treesbywood.net

Our six-year-old grandson, Adler, is in kindergarten this year, and is very wise in the ways of the world.

When he visited the pediatrician for his six-year checkup, he received a flu shot, but was very disappointed that he didn’t get the COVID vaccine. According to our daughter, he expressed his dismay to the pediatrician, because “she knows that I’m trying to keep my beautiful babies healthy” (his terminology for the baby brothers).

Adler is the proud big brother and excellent shepherd of twin boys, Ellis and Brady, and will share every toy in his vast collection with them, unless it says on the box it shouldn’t be given to anyone under three. Yes, he can read the boxes. He is especially vigilant with tiny Legos, his favorite toys by any measure, although he is showing his brothers how to build with the larger, safer version of the blocks. Adler explained to me that he is an excellent architect and would like the babies to work with him in his company someday when they are older.

They all wear yellow plastic construction helmets when they build with the colorful Duplo blocks.

Adler wears a mask to kindergarten, and is vigilant about his responsibility to stay healthy and help keep others in his family healthy, too.

“Grandma,” he told me, “I don’t want you or Grandpa to worry when you come to our house. I wear my mask with the lanyard on it to school, so I never lose it.”

He is truly an old soul.

So, when the opportunity arose for the children in their school district to be vaccinated at one of the elementary schools, Becca and Andy found a time that would work and signed Adler up. He was ecstatic, and counted the number of “sleeps” until he would get his COVID shot. He spoke to his baby brothers about the upcoming momentous occasion as they practiced holding onto each other for their daily morning ritual of playing choo-choo train, and Ellis and Brady clapped for him in excitement.

Becca was taking Adler, and he was so excited you would have thought he was going to the Lego Store. We called to tell him how proud we were that he was going to have his vaccination. Andy stayed home to get the twins into bed, and not long after the appointment

By Vicki Bahr

time we had a phone call from the newest responsible member of society.

Adler fairly screamed with excitement as he recounted the event.

“Grandma, Grandpa, they had coloring books and videos for us to watch while we were waiting. There were lots of kids there, but I didn’t see anyone from my kindergarten. It was really fun!”

I heard Becca prompting him in the background.

Her voice sounded a little shaky as she continued for him…

“Mom, when we finished and Adler had waited for fifteen minutes, we got up and went out into the hall to leave. There was a whole line of teachers standing there as we walked out. And as we passed…”

“Grandma,” Adler said. “They clapped for us! All the teachers clapped for us!”

Suddenly I understood why Becca’s voice was a little shaky. I started crying right along with her. What a wonderful way to support all the kids as they stepped up to do their part for their own beautiful babies at home and all the grandmas and grandpas who are part of their lives.

“And I got a sticker,” Adler said.

He deserves a hundred stickers in my way of thinking, as do all the grandkids who have so readily done their part to keep us all safe.

And to the teachers who gave up their evening to clap for Adler and the kids at the school that night…

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You will never know how much that means to us.

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.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 26, 2022

St. Louis region positioned to help address ongoing supply chain crisis The World Trade Center St. Louis recently hosted a webinar discussing the ongoing national supply chain crisis and the role the St. Louis region can play in helping to alleviate it for businesses and consumers. The event featured a panel of experts discussing the global challenges being faced and how routing it through the bi-State St. Louis region can be part of the solution.

Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, and head of the St. Louis Regional Freightway said that companies are looking for a location that is both multimodal and globally accessible, both of which are qualities the St. Louis region possesses. With the most efficient inland port in the nation and six Class I railroads, the St. Louis region offers access to all four quadrants of the United States, making St. Louis an ideal location for customers who need to quickly move during supply chain disruptions. The Mississippi River to the gulf coast supply chain also provides access to a wide array of international customers in places such as Europe, Africa, and South America.

Executive Director of America’s Central Port Dennis Wilmsmeyer called attention to the proposed merger between Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern that would put the region on par with Chicago in terms of rail connectivity. He also cited the additional advantages the region offers with its central location putting shippers just a two-day truck drive from 70% of the U.S. population, and advances with

C ont ai ne r- on - B arge and proposed Container-on-Vessel services make shipping on the inland waterways even more competitive.

Wilmsmeyer spoke about how the supply chain problem began.

At the start of the pandemic, China was the first to shut down factories and slow production at a time when the rest of the world also shut down. This led to a sudden surge in demand for things like home improvement goods and electronic computer products as people transitioned to working from home, but the supply of product coming out of major global trade hubs like China suddenly came to a grinding halt. This initiated what is an ongoing supply chain problem.

“You add to that the sheer backlog of things … going to the Chinese ports, stacking up there, then getting loaded on ships and coming to California for shipment across the United States and then the backlog there… It is an entire movement, slowly, (like) a watermelon moves through a snake, that backlog slowly moves through the system,” said Wilmsmeyer.

He added that what we are seeing now – and have experienced over the past year, especially on the West Coast – is that this whole movement has further been slowed by a shortage of workers, from truck drivers, and rail workers to dock hands.

The St. Louis region is positioned to be part of the solution to this crisis, particularly pertaining to congestion at West Coast ports.

“The St. Louis region is a reliever for other regions, such as Chica-

go,” said Lamie. “Our port system can serve as an alternative for others during national and global supply chain disruptions.”

She also called attention to the ongoing infrastructure expansion projects that are helping to ensure the region can continue to have the capacity to serve as a reliever.

Panelist Robert Shapiro, a partner with Thompson Coburn explained that there may also be certain options available to importers to speed up the shipping process by changing where they choose to clear customs, and that there is a cost-versus-timeliness tradeoff to be considered.

To learn more about the World Trade Center St. Louis and the initiatives they’re involved in, visit worldtradecenter-stl.com.

Northwest News

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Parkway assistant principal named ‘Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year’ Joey Kneer, assistant principal at Henry Elementary School in the Parkway School District was named “Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year” by the St. Louis Suburban Elementary Principals Association which is a region of the Missouri Association Elementary School Principals (MAESP).

Each of the eleven MAESP Regional Networks may nominate a MAESP member assistant principal. Criteria established by MAESP require the individual to be a full-time assistant principal supporting one or more learning communities. The assistant principal must demonstrate evidence of outstanding support and contributions to the school community and the potential to contribute to the education profession as a school principal.

www.hoodsauto.com

Submitted photo (From left) Paul Godwin, principal at Green Pines Elementary, Rockwood; Joey Kneer, assistant principal at Henry Elementary School, Parkway School District and Sheri Schjolberg, Riverview Gardens.

www.TheSarahCommunity.com

School

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January 26, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

www.MYCNEWS.com

RGSD raises long-term sub pay to $200 per day The Riverview Gardens School District raised its pay rate for long-term substitutes to from $150.01 to $200 per day. The increase was made in order to keep RGSD competitive with surrounding school districts as COVID-19 continues to put a strain on the teacher and substitute workforce.

The rate increase was approved by the Special Ad-

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ministrative Board at its Jan. 11 meeting. ESS is in charge of managing the district’s staffing for substitute teachers. The rate increase went into effect immediately. To apply to serve as a substitute teacher in the Riverview Gardens School District, please visit ESS.com

Riverview Gardens High School student awarded Christian Hospital Drum Major Scholarship Kourtney Stewart, a Riverview Gardens High School scholar, is the recipient of the Drum Major Scholarship from Christian Hospital. The scholarship award was presented at Christian Hospital’s virtual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Friday, Jan. 14, hosted

by KSDK’s Rene Knott.

The award is presented to scholars from Riverview Gardens School District, Jennings, Normandy, Ritenour, Hazelwood, Pattonville, Ferguson-Florissant and Incarnate Word Academy.

Stewart’s career goal is to become a world-renowned cardio thoracic surgeon. After attending college

Photo courtesy Riverview Gardens School District Kourtney Stewart, a Riverview Gardens High School scholar, is the recipient of the Drum Major Scholarship from Christian Hospital.

and medical school, she intends to return to her community to open a healthcare clinic.

“Desiring to become a physician in the medical field, specifically a surgeon, gives me the opportunity to use my innovative ideas to help new people every day,” Stewart said.

“I want to focus on the patients as a whole, and treat the whole body and not just the disease.”

“Kourtney is well-deserving of this scholarship award,” stated Traci Nave, principal at Riverview Gardens High School. “She is an intelligent and talented scholar who truly embodies Riverview Excellence.”

Riverview Gardens principal named a Missouri Distinguished Principal

www.hazelwoodschools.org

Sheri Schjolberg, Ed.D., principal of Danforth ElGardens School District.” ementary School was named the Missouri DistinKrey’s sentiments were echoed by Joylynn Pruittguished Principal of the St. Adams, Ed.D., acting superinLouis Suburban Region by the tendent of Riverview Gardens Missouri Association of EleSchool District. mentary and Secondary Princi“Congratulations to Dr. Schpals (MAESP). Schjolberg was jolberg for this outstanding recsurprised with an announceognition,” Pruitt-Adams said. ment of the honor at Danforth “We are grateful for her dedicaElementary on Jan. 4. tion to the scholars at Danforth “I am humbled and honored Elementary.” by this recognition,” SchjolSchjolberg will be formally berg stated. “This award reprepresented with the award at the sents the hard work of my staff, MAESP Leadership Conferscholars, families and commuence, March 5-8. She will have nity members.” the opportunity to interview Schjolberg is an active memwith a panel of prior MO Disber of the St. Louis Suburban tinguished Principals and has Elementary Principals Asthe potential to be named MisPhoto courtesy Riverview Gardens School District sociation (SLSEPA) and cursouri’s National Distinguished rently serves as the Public Re- Sheri Schjolberg, Ed.D., principal of Danforth Elementary Principal.

School was named the Missouri Distinguished Principal of lations chair. She also serves as the St. Louis Suburban Region by the Missouri Association “I would like to thank MAESP a member of MAESP and the of Elementary and Secondary Principals for the opportunity to be a part National Association of Elof such an extraordinary netementary School Principals (NAESP). work of leaders,” Schjolberg added. “I would also like “(Schjolberg is) incredible and beyond deserving to thank my loving family, my school district Riverof this recognition,” stated Lorinda Krey, president view Gardens, my wonderful husband of 23 years, of the St. Louis Suburban Region chapter of MAESP. and my amazing children for their inspiration and “We are so happy for Sheri and the entire Riverview support throughout my journey.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 26, 2022

Business

The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce taking scholarship applications The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce is currently taking scholarship applications for graduating seniors who have shown a commitment to building a better community and have demonstrated community service in the North County area. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors who reside in the North St. Louis County.

The Greater North County Chamber will award five $1,000 Merit Scholarships and one $1,000 Perseverance Scholarship to a student who has persevered in

his or her studies despite facing some tough obstacles.

The scholarship may be used for post-high school, continuing education expenses including college or university tuition, room and board, books, fees, or for expenses associated with a trade or technical school program.

The deadline for the application is Feb. 18 Applications can be picked up and submitted to the Greater North County Chamber office at 420 W. Washington, Florissant, MO 63031.

Presented by

BEST OF NORTH COUNTY

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

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

-2022-

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

You can vote online at

www.mycnews.com

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

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What’s Happening

January 26, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

Take notice . . .

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

EVENTS

Feb. 8: Lecture series

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.

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

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

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

To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674

or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Mondays: 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.

call Charlie at 314-954-1121.

Mondays: A cappella singers

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

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

www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral

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

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 636634-6582 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.

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 314-298-7444 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 314921-2316.

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: Quilting guild

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 831-3752

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 bistate region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.

Fridays: Fish fry

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

Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo 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 314-801-8594.

Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting

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

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 26, 2022 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 314-630-2671 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 shortterm, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region.

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

Center for Senior 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 Recovery 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 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.

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.

Smoking Classes:

Cessation

Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866-SSM-DOCS to register or for more information.

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314-344-6177.

Free Mammogram Screenings:

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance.

Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636-9475617.

Speaker’s Bureau:

SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636-949-7159.

What’s Happening ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314-9935421.

First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 12:30 - 2 p.m., 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314-968-3477.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

9

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9 a.m., 314.355.1516, Helpline 800-272-3900.

Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group: Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314-3834765.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

10

Sports

January 26, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

WWW.MYCNEWS.COM

Sports you see with Gary B...

Ambush players pick up hardware with excellent play The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the MASL with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

Two St. Louis Ambush players have received Player of the Week honors from the Major Arena Soccer League for Week 7 of the 2021-22 regular season.

The Ambush played two games during Week 7, defeating the Kansas City Comets 6-5 on Friday night, then coming back to beat the Chihuahua Savage 10-7 on Sunday.

Mohamed Ndiaye was named Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the two games.

Ndiaye tallied two goals and three assists in Friday’s win. Ndiaye scored the game-tying goal and then 49 seconds later he added an assist on Tony Walls’ game-winning goal with 1:28 left in the fourth quarter. He also scored a goal in the team’s 10-7 win over Chihuahua.

Goalkeeper Eduardo “Pollo” Cortes earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for his role in the two wins. Cortes was signed last week ahead of the weekend home stand and the signing paid immediate dividends. In Friday’s 6-5 win over Kansas City, which snapped the Comets’ six-game win streak, Cortes recorded 23 saves. On Sunday, he stopped 15 Savage shots to pick up the second win of the weekend, his fourth of the season.

The Ambush get the coming weekend off before playing 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.

Visit www.STLAmbush.com for more details. * On a roll Baseball Hoots add former St. Louis Cardinal to the party The O’Fallon Hoots began play in O’Fallon in May

2020 after relocating from Hannibal, Missouri following the 2019 season.

The team, members of the Prospect League, announced that St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Ray Lankford will take part in the Second Annual MLB Alumni Home Run Derby at CarShield Field on June 4. Lankford joins his former Cardinals teammate Brian Jordan and fellow former Cardinal Rafael Furcal for this event.

“When you think about former Cardinal greats, Ray Lankford is always someone who is on that list,” General Manager David Schmoll said. “We cannot wait to have Ray join us at CarShield Field and see how many he puts over the right field wall.”

Ray Lankford began and ended his 14-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He made his major league debut in August of 1990, beginning an 11-season stint with the Cardinals before a trade sent him to the San Diego Padres for two seasons. In 2004, Lankford returned to the Cardinals for what would be his final season. He finished his MLB career with 238 home runs and a career .272 batting average. Lankford is represented on a number of Top 10 all-time Cardinals’ leaderboards including runs scored (9th with 928), home runs (5th with 228) and runs batted in (10th with 829).

Be ready for one final MLB Alumni to be announced later this off-season. * A big show of talent 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 26, 2022

Recipe: Make snack time pop

J

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Poppy Chow

anuary 19 was National Popcorn Day, but it’s never too late to honor one of America’s oldest and most beloved snack foods.

Perfect served by itself or as an ingredient in whole-grain creations like Poppy Chow, a twist on a classic kid’s favorite made with peanut butter, chocolate and popcorn.

With no artificial additives or preservatives, light and airy popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free, making it a sensible option to satisfy cravings for something savory, sweet and just about every flavor in-between. Plus, wholegrain popcorn has energy-producing carbohydrates and fiber, which can help keep you satisfied longer.

Feature

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

Yield: 2 quarts

Ingredients:

Directions:

2 quarts popped popcorn

Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

In microwave safe bowl, combine butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips.

1cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Microwave 2 minutes; stir until smooth.

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn and stir until well coated.

Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over popcorn and stir until coated.

Cool to room temperature before serving.

Store in airtight container, refrigerated, up to 24 hours.

Visit Popcorn.org for more tasty snack recipes worth celebrating.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Reboots of ‘The Santa Clause,’ ‘Real Steel’ could become part of Disney+

W

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.

hile Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun: Maverick” continued to cool its jets on the flight deck, the Walt Disney Studios planned to breathe new life into two beloved cinematic characters. Tim Allen reportedly will reprise his “Santa Clause” role in a new Disney+ series while “Real Steel,” an intriguing adventure about futuristic robot boxers, could become part of the streaming service as well. It’s important to note, however, that both films dealt with the complicated relationships between fathers and sons.

Allen, the star of ABC’s hit “Home Improvement” was at the top of his game when 1994’s “The Santa Clause” debuted in theaters. His character, divorced dad Scott Calvin, was a successful toy company executive who had a fragile relationship with his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd). On Christmas Eve, Charlie heard a noise that actually was Santa Claus on the roof. Scott startled Saint Nick, who promptly fell to the ground and disappeared, leaving behind a red suit and a card with instructions. Calvin forgot to read one of the clauses on the card, however, and became Santa Claus for real.

Scott’s journey from die-hard businessman to beloved legendary figure healed his rela-

ter the rise of robotic boxing. Charlie tried to make a living with his own robots, but he would inevitably lose money betting on the matches. He bonded with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goya) on the fighting circuit while Max’s maternal aunt and her husband were on vacation. While scrounging for spare parts one night, they discovered a sparring robot named Atom that could take a lot of punishment.

Based on the story “Steel” by Rich“Real Steel” photo courtesy Dremworks Pictures ard Matheson, “Real Steel” was a box office surprise that earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual tionship with Charlie and opened the door effects in 2012. Boxing was a big part of the for two sequels. 2002’s “The Santa Clause 2” film, but the relationship between Max and revealed a second hidden clause on the card: Charlie was the heart of film. Mourning his Scott had to get married by Christmas Eve or former career, Charlie found his footing again give up being Santa forever. By the time 2006’s while travelling with his son and Atom. Af“The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” ar- ter their robot became damaged, Charlie also rived at the multiplex, the franchise was on its found a way to put his own boxing skills to last legs looking for an exit. In the proposed good use and reawaken his talents.

Disney+ series, Scott, rapidly approaching reWalt Disney has done quite well adapting tirement age, must find a suitable replacement Marvel Cinematic Universe content for their to wear the red suit. streaming platform. Reboots of “The Santa 2011’s “Real Steel” added more complexity Clause” and “Real Steel” should not pose any to the father/son dynamic. The plot followed real issues for the House of Mouse. It will be Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman), a former interesting to seek an updated look at these professional boxer forced into retirement af- characters and where the storylines take them.

F-2

Feature

January 26, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

COLLECTIBLES

HELP WANTED

www.dawcstl.com

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

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

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

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

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. B.H.

www.facebook.com/mycnews SINGERS WANTED

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

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 26, 2022

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Feature

January 26, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: Winter Olympics

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore on Life There’s a simple challenge in 2022 for all of us screen addicts. Stay away from devices for 24 hours – a healthy digital detox for a day. Easy enough.

I was in.

Day 1: I woke up late without the assistance of my phone’s alarm. Good, because I overslept which cut into my digital diet by a full hour.

Thirteen left to go.

I automatically reached for my phone to begin checking out the nonsense posted on Facebook.

Yesterday Aunt Fiona displayed a picture of her latest accident. She tripped on her icy porch and banged her head on the railing. Twelve stitches later and a close up of her swollen, bloodied Frankenstein scalp created her latest selfie. Disgusting!

No breakfast for me.

Then I realized my husband hid my phone away in some undisclosed location.

“Okay,” I thought. “I’ll just read for a bit.”

I reached for my Kindle. Nope. No screens at all.

“Whatever, I’ll watch some morning news.”

“Siri, turn on the TV,” I commanded.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “You have been banned from my services for twenty-four hours. Goodbye.”

Dang sassy woman! No wonder she’s locked in a box.

I got up to manually turn on the television just like in the old days when dinosaurs roamed the planet. Stupid Siri, I’d like to feed her to a dinosaur.

I discovered that the television plug had been pulled and the remote control was locked away by my husband in another undisclosed location – precautions taken the night before.

Arrgh! 12 hours and 45 minutes to go.

“How’s your digital detox going?” my husband cheerily asked as he walked by zipping through

Screen out

the screen on his phone.

“Oh look! The grandkids are building a snowman.”

I stretch on tiptoes behind him to snatch a look.

He pulled the phone away and said, “Ah, ah, ah! No cheaty-cheating!”

“Just one little look,” I pled. “I won’t actually hold the thing, which I’m

sure is allowed.”

“Nah, that’s a total cheat and you know it. I’m only doing this for your own good. Now run along and do something primitive. Pretend it’s 1990.”

“Like what?! I can’t do anything. My phone is my brain in a case. It contains everything I need: my GPS and camera, the weather, calculator, games, music, texting and email! Heck, I don’t even know the date or time!”

“It’s a cold morning in January and you have 12 hours and 40 minutes left to go.”

He then laughed wildly.

“Are you laughing at my pain?!”

“No. This cat video. It’s hysterical!”

That did it. The jig was up. I’ll give it another shot in 2023.

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. Sleeps in a tent 6. Horror movie franchise 9. Varieties 13. Mozart’s “Die Zauberflote” 14. Road crew supply 15. Moron 16. Workman’s cotton, once 17. Exclamation of surprise 18. Monte Cristo’s title, in French 19. *Olympic Athletes from ____, 2018 hockey winners 21. *Figure skating jump (2 words) 23. Capone’s ilk, e.g.

24. Attention-getting sound 25. Eminem’s genre 28. Cashier’s call 30. Hit-or-miss 35. It will 37. *Triple one in figure skating 39. Hustle and bustle 40. German Mrs. 41. A mile racer 43. a.k.a. horse mackerel 44. Jargon 46. Workbench holding device 47. Health club offering 48. Diner, e.g.

50. Latin for “and others” 52. ____ Aviv

53. Ill-mannered one 55. Curiosity’s victim?

57. *2022 Winter Olympics location 61. *Torch Relay starting point 64. “____ ____ the Family” TV series 65. Refrigerator sound 67. Poppy seed derivative 69. Bitterly regretting 70. Egyptian cobra 71. Part of a stair 72. Seedy source of Omega-3s 73. More, in Madrid 74. Changes to a manuscript DOWN 1. Cape ____, MA 2. Copycat 3. Carte du jour 4. Spectrum maker 5. Delilah’s lover 6. Roofed colonnade 7. Expression of satisfaction 8. Angry 9. Revered one 10. Fancy ride 11. Japanese zither 12. Pas in ballet 15. “Freezing” Marvel character 20. Letter-shaped girder 22. “____ the land of the

free...”

24. Designer’s studio 25. *Biathlon gear 26. Skylit lobbies 27. Manufacturing site 29. *2022 Winter Olympics number 31. Like Curious George 32. Monocot’s alternative 33. “Killers of the Flower Moon” Oklahoma location 34. *Olympic award 36. *Olympic sled 38. For fear that 42. Respond 45. Circling 49. Far, old-fashioned 51. Capital of Punjab 54. Early Irish alphabet 56. Sort of warm 57. Vomit 58. Twelfth month of Jewish year 59. Pelvic bones 60. Put a hex on 61. Concert units 62. Not yet final 63. Edible fat 66. *Miracle on Ice winner 68. Not Miss or Ms.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9