CN: January 27, 2021

January 27, 2021

Making power smarter

Around Town Citizens for Modern Transit to host next ‘Talking Transit’ event on Feb. 4. Pg. 3 STLCC receives CARES Act grant for on-campus child care services at Forest Park.

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Special Section Senior Living. Pg. 5 Financial help available for families facing COVID-19 hardship. Pg. 5

Business VOTE NOW! for Best of North County. Pg. 6

Features (FLIP)

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Construction of Ameren Missouri’s new $28 million Pershall Substation in Hazelwood began this month.

Construction of Ameren Missouri’s new $28 million Pershall Substation in Hazelwood begins with planned power outages coming to the service area

By Charlotte Beard On Feb. 15, 2019, Ameren Missouri announced its Smart Energy Plan that will transform Missouri’s energy grid and change how customers receive and use energy. Since determining that more than 2,000 projects would take place over the period of five years, one of the projects – the $28 million Pershall Substation in Hazelwood – began this month and is initiating an online community meeting on Jan. 27.

Besides the new substation that will bring more reliable energy to families and business in Florissant, Hazelwood and Berkeley, utility poles will be upgraded to better withstand

storms.

“To make these upgrades, each customer in the project boundary will have a few short, planned power outages while crews are doing the work,” shared Jenny Barth, Ameren Missouri Communications. “Ameren Missouri is hosting an online community meeting about the project on Wednesday, Jan. 27. The meeting will be offered at two times (12 p.m. and 7 p.m.) to accommodate various family schedules. There is no need to register in advance.”

People who would like to join one of these online meetings can visit www.AmerenMissouri.com/PershallProject and click on ‘Com-

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

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munity Meetings.’ Ameren states that most work will happen during the day and each planned outage may last up to four hours.

Ameren also shares that while they work in a particular area there may be the presence of large equipment, crews along the road, temporary lane closures, noise, and dust.

Ameren Missouri also provides a tool for people who want to determine if the construction affects their business or home address: http://pershallprojectresources.com/ interactivemap/

Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4

See ‘POWER’ page 2

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Around Town

January 27, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘POWER’ from cover “We understand that any power outage is an inconvenience, so we will communicate with you in advance so that your family or business has time to make arrangements during any planned outage,” states Ameren Missouri’s sources.

In a 2019 interview with Community News, Kevin Anders, Vice President of Operation and Technical Services stated, “The customers that will be affected by this particular project is (approximately) 12,000 businesses and residences in North County. The area is bounded by highway 270 on the north side to West Florissant on the east side, 170 on the west side, and highway 70 on the south side. If you are in that area your reliability will benefit. It is a substation that will replace four other substations in that area that were built in the 1950s and 60s.

The energy that this substation receives will come directly from the transmission system; none of the four subs that we will replace does that. That alone will improve reliability. The transmission system is very reliable and robust, so that’s a big improvement. The power transformers, circuit breakers and protective relays that we will have in the substation are all brand-new modern technology. There has been a lot of advances made since the stuff we put in back in the 50s and 60s. The equipment is much more reliable, it is smarter – it will tell us when it needs to be maintained. It’s a lot less expensive to maintain than the old

equipment.”

Anders went on to share that the energy carried by the lines that leave the new substation and go to those 12,000 houses and businesses in the area impacted by the substation will be at a higher voltage than what is in the existing four substations.

“Because it’s at a higher voltage,” stated Anders, “there are a lot of upgrades that (need) to happen on those lines. Every single transformer that hangs on a pole in that whole area Submitted photo will be replaced with one that is brand-new. (Approximately) Construction of Ameren Missouri’s new $28 million Pershall Substation in Hazelwood began this month.

1,500 poles will be changed as part of this project. Some of the circuits that run through those neighborhoods on these new technologies and implementing them in these poles will be undergrounded. We will install (approx- areas so the customer can benefit from it.”

Anders also shared that the insulation between the imately] 25 or 30 smart switches on those distribution lines. This will really reduce that amount of time it takes utility poles and wires will be upgraded as well due to to restore power if you have damage on a distribution the higher voltage that will be carried to homes and line. Whether it’s weather-related or a pole gets knocked businesses. Insulation upgrades include those poles in down by a car, or whatever the problem is, the switch- locations where new poles are not required. Ameren eses on either side of the damaged part of the circuit will timates the replacement of 12,000 utility poles across the open and isolate that damaged part of the circuit. The state which will be a composite material that is resistant other switches that close then allow the other circuits to high winds and other harsh weather. Also, they expect to be re-energized in a matter of seconds. Right now, if to install approximately 400 miles of underground cable you get that damage on a part of the circuit, you (must) in areas and neighborhoods that first received underdispatch a trouble-man. He (must) go find where the ground cable. Its pre-existing technology is not deemed problem is, find the two switches that he can hand crank to be the best quality, which was installed in the 70s and open to isolate the damage, and find the other switches early 80s, says Anders.

Ameren Missouri advises businesses and residencthat he hand-cranks closed to re-energize it. That can take an hour or two for all of that to happen, whereas es visit https://outagemap.ameren.com/ for additional these smart technologies will make that just a few sec- information, including an estimated power restoration onds before the lights turn back on. We’re just investing time.

Normandy hires Chicago native for newly created Director of EleMiddle Education Dr. George Barnes has joined the Normandy Schools Collaborative as its Director of EleMiddle Education.

In this newly created role, Barnes will serve as the administrator of the EleMiddle (grades 1-8) schools, developing and implementing policies, programs, curriculum, and managing budgets to promote the professional development of staff and improve student achievement.

“Dr. Barnes brings a culture of discipline and leadership to this role,” said Marcus C. Robinson, Normandy Superintendent of Schools. “Our EleMiddle schools help set the foundation for our students’ success in high school and beyond. His enthusiasm and commitment to high standards will set the bar for excellence we know our students and staff will meet and exceed.”

Prior to joining Normandy, Barnes was a principal for Rite of Passage/Canyon State Academy, a residential school in Queen Creek, Arizona. He brings more than 20

years of experience to Normandy, having Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, served as a teacher and building principal at Ill. Dr. Barnes later earned a master’s degree public and charter schools in School Administration in Indiana and Arizona. from Indiana University, Barnes began his caand his doctorate in Edreer as a special education ucation Leadership from teacher in Indianapolis, the University of Phoenix.

Ind. His experience also Barnes also works with includes work in higher young people outside of education as a clinical proschool, having served as a fessor with Arizona State youth pastor while living University Teachers’ Colin Arizona. lege. He has also worked “This is an exciting time as an adjunct faculty to join the Normandy member with the Univerfamily and I am extremesity of Phoenix, Rio Salado ly proud to be a part of College, and Grand Canthe district,” Barnes said.

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative yon University.

“I am looking forward to Dr. George Barnes has joined the Normandy A native of Chicago, Schools Collaborative as its Director of EleMid- working alongside our Illinois., Barnes received dle Education. dedicated principals and his bachelor’s degree in staff to provide the best History from Butler University in Indiana. education experience available to our stuHe received his teaching certificate from dents.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 27, 2021

Assistance League brings books to deserving families at Urban League Martin Luther King Drive-Through Submitted photo

Jim and Michele Cope, of Chesterfield, (inside booth and left) were among several Assistance League of St. Louis Books From Friends volunteers who spent the afternoon of Jan. 18 at Jamestown Mall in Florissant distributing 3,300 age-appropriate books to aspiring readers at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis drive-through giveaway for food, personal protective equipment, toiletries and books. An estimated 4,000 vehicles came through a gauntlet of volunteers, including those from Assistance League, who distributed books collected through a book drive by the Girls Scouts of Eastern Missouri Troop District 12, Neighborhood 2. In the 2019-2020 fiscal year, Assistance League literacy program Books From Friends conducted multiple book festivals in elementary schools across St. Louis and provided over 13,000 books to aspiring readers.

Academic WorldQuest to hold 19th annual competition The World Affairs Council of St. Louis (World Affairs STL) – a nonprofit organization that assists the community in understanding global culture, policy, and business – will hold its 19th annual Academic WorldQuest competition on Feb. 25 beginning at 5 p.m.

This year’s virtual event is presented by Saint Louis University and the Boeing Institute of International Business at the Chaifetz School of Business.

Academic WorldQuest is a flagship youth education program of the World Affairs Councils of America. The competition – which involves four-person teams competing to answer multiple choice questions divided into 10 categories – tests high school students’ knowledge of international affairs. St. Louis Public Radio’s Justice Reporter Rachel Lippman will serve as emcee.

Nearly 5,000 students participate in competitions hosted by 50 World Affairs Councils across the U.S. This year the three winning teams from participating states will be able to compete in the virtual National Academic WorldQuest, which will be held April 17.

Students and teachers are given an official study guide to prepare for the timed question and answer competition. The topics include current events, global protests, peace in a world of conflict, and post-pandemic economy.

Founded in 1948, World Affairs STL is a non-profit, nonpartisan membership organization. The council connects St. Louis to the world by promoting global networks, embracing cultural differences, creating welcoming policies, and fostering global business in the region. World Affairs STL, which is one of 90 chapters of the World Affairs Councils of America, is located at 812 Olive St. in downtown St. Louis.

Schools must register by Feb. 15 in order for their teams to participate. For more information about participating in the Academic WorldQuest, call 314-727-9988 or visit http://www. worldaffairsstl.org.

Around Town

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Citizens for Modern Transit to host next ‘Talking Transit’ event on Feb. 4 Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) has announced plans for its next virtual “Talking Transit” event, which is set for Feb. 4, at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM. The event will highlight how despite the pandemic, work continues to positively influence the St. Louis transit system through expansion plans, a corridor study, funding strategies, a focus shift and more. The event is free and open to public. Pre-registration is required.

Area leaders will discuss the expansion of the MetroLink in Illinois and a new study just about to begin on the Northside/Southside corridor, explain the current shift in focus to Community Mobility Hubs and provide insight into the future of funding for transit. Panelists include Patrick Judge, Managing Director at Gonzalez Companies; Jim Wild, Executive Director of EastWest Gateway Council of Governments; Jessica Gershman, Assistant Executive Director, Planning & System Development at St. Louis Metro Transit at Bi-State Development; and Scott Ogilvie, Transportation Policy Planner, Planning & Urban

Design Agency.

“The region has a lot to look forward to on the public transportation front,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “We are looking forward to hearing about what all is in the works. Public transit is an essential component of the transportation system especially as we come out of this pandemic.”

Registration for CMT’s Talking Transit event can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org.

CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how Citizens for Modern Transit is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, call 314-231-7272.

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Aound Town

January 27, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Scouting for Food raises more than $21,000 for Operation Food Search Operation Food Search, a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently received $21,473 from the Boy Scouts and its annual Scouting for Food drive.

This year’s event was modified due to the current

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pandemic, and monetary donations were handled through its “text to give” campaign. Lion’s Choice, which served as a drop-off site for non-perishable food items at its 24 restaurants, collected 21,305 food items for the nonprofit.

“This year was an important year to see our Scouting for Food drive be a success, even if we had to alter the design of the drive,” said Suzie Voss, Director of Cub Scout Camping & Activities at the Boy Scouts of America’s Greater St. Louis Area Council. “We are so excited to have partnered with Operation Food Search and look forward to increasing our impact in 2021.”

“This year’s food drive looked very different compared to those in the past, but the Boy Scouts expertly shifted their efforts to make this annual event a success,” said Operation Food Search Executive Director Kristen Wild. “We appreciate

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the efforts of both the Boy Scouts and Lion’s Choice for helping to answer the immediate need of our community. Their impact resonates for those who are experiencing food insecurity during this extremely difficult time.”

STLCC receives CARES Act grant for on-campus child care services at Forest Park

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St. Louis Community College will receive $4 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Child Care Plan funding to improve the quality and availability of child care and early education programs at its Forest Park campus.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson made the announcement Jan. 6.

“Access to quality child care is critical for working families, and attending college is often a full-time job,” Parson said.

STLCC will be able to offer on-site child care by repurposing 15,000-square-feet of existing space in the physical education building. The future center will serve up to 60 children at any given time. The facility will allow students in early childhood education academic programs to gain hands-on experience. Programs and services will be modeled after those offered at the nationally recognized Child Development Laboratory Center at STLCC-Florissant Valley. It will be 12-18 months before the child care center welcomes families.

“Lack of child care is one of the barriers that prevent students from achieving their educational goals, or simply from seeking a college degree in the first place,” said Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D., STLCC chancellor. “We are grateful for receiving these funds that will help our students with children to enroll and complete a degree or a certificate that will prepare them for living-wage jobs or the chance to earn advanced degrees.”

“Child care is a retention and completion issue for our students. Many have to make the decision

between remaining enrolled in college to make progress toward completing a degree, or staying at home with a child or children,” said Christine Davis, Ed.D., STLCC vice chancellor for student affairs. “We are excited for what this grant funding means for them and their families.”

The CARES Act Child Care plan is part of Gov. Parson’s initiative to fund improvements in the quality and availability of child care and early education programs. The funds help establish or expand on-campus child care centers via a onetime grant to support and strengthen access to safe child care for 20 or more children ages six weeks to five years from low-income families receiving child care subsidies while parents work or pursue education or training. The grant period runs through Oct. 31, 2021.

“The addition of a child care center to the Forest Park campus will provide a much-needed resource for our students with children,” said Julie Fickas, Ed.D., campus president and chief academic officer, STLCC-Forest Park. “This will open up the door of opportunity to many who would like to enroll in classes, but who have not had accessible child care. With so many programs aligned with our community’s workforce needs, this is not only a win for our students, but for our overall community.”

In October 2020, five Missouri college campuses received first-round grants of more than $5 million in funding. The announcement of the second-round grant to STLCC brings the total allocation for the program to nearly $10 million.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 27, 2021

Senior Living

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Financial help available for families facing COVID-19 hardship Energy assistance dollars are still available for families in the St. Louis area experiencing financial strain due to the coronavirus pandemic. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services, has funds available. Ameren Missouri is also offering payment agreements and working with customers to avoid disconnection.

“This time of year following the holidays can come with an extra financial burden for families, and the pandemic has made things even worse,” said Tara Oglesby, vice president of customer experience at Ameren Missouri.

“That’s why we are continuing to offer payment plans with more flexible terms than normal, and doing everything we can to work with our customers during this challenging time. This includes working to ensure that families who are new to being in a low-income bracket are aware of what options are available.”

Since March, the company has helped thousands of Missourians with their statement balances and provided nearly $12 million in energy assistance and charitable contributions.

“We are encouraged because St. Louis-area families are contacting us and our partner agencies every day for help, but we know thousands more are eligible for these funds and haven’t applied,” said Connie Taylor, manager of customer advocacy at Ameren Missouri. “When customers don’t reach out, their balances keep growing and available assistance dollars go unused.”

• Have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts or investments.

• Have a household income less than 135 percent of the federal poverty level (a monthly income of $2,400 for a family of three or $2,897 for a family of four).

• Be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence.

• For more details, including a video explanation in English and Spanish, visit AmerenMissouri.com/LIHEAP. Applying for LIHEAP has never been easier. To apply: • Contact your local Community Action Agency; or • Call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) to request an application; or • Apply via a new online portal at MyDSS.MO.gov/energy-assistance.

Ameren Missouri encourages customers to utilize LIHEAP funds to get current on their energy statement, then enroll in the company’s Keeping Current program to help stay on track.

Keeping Current Ameren Missouri’s Keeping Current program makes customer energy bills more affordable by offering monthly bill credits and a reduction in past-due balances.

When qualifying customers remain enrolled in the program and stay current on their bills, they continue to receive ongoing credits along with reductions in the total amount owed.

Keeping Current is administered by contracted community action agencies. To apply, contact your local agency.

Payment Agreements Customers who owe for past due service have the opportunity to make a payment arrangement with Ameren Missouri to avoid disconnection. The Deferred Payment Agreement is a long-term installment payment option. It offers more time to pay a balance for customers who have active accounts.

The online payment assistance tool provides eligible payment assistance options based on a customer’s account status. Learn more at AmerenMissouri.com.

For a complete list of energy assistance programs, visit AmerenMissouri.com/energyassistance.

The following programs are ready to help customers who apply: Federal assistance program: Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Federal assistance is available through LIHEAP, administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Ameren Missouri works with contracted community action agencies to distribute LIHEAP funds.

Some LIHEAP agencies report an abundance of funding available, but a decrease in application volume.

LIHEAP can help in two ways; through a one-time payment for a heating bill from November through March, or through the winter Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). ECIP helps pay up to $800 toward fuel bills when a household’s energy is shut off or at risk of disconnection.

To be eligible for LIHEAP funds, customers must: • Be responsible for paying home heating costs.

www.TheSarahCommunity.com www.DeSmetRetirement.org

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Business

January 27, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Crisis Nursery receives $5,000 grant from Healthy Blue The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery has received $5,000 from Healthy Blue to support safety, education and support services for impacted children and families that may be in crisis. The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is a recognized leader in the prevention of child abuse and neglect in the region by providing a safe haven for children and premier services to families.

The grant from Healthy Blue will provide The Crisis Nursery with the much-needed support as it has remained open throughout the pandemic and continues to help the children and families of the St. Louis area.

“We are grateful to Healthy Blue for this generous grant as we have continued to keep children safe throughout this challenging year, and now we will be

able to obtain several items that we desperately need, including replacement beds and dressers, winter clothes and shoes, and large items for group play like tunnels, parachutes, and foam blocks,” said Molly Brown, Crisis Nursery Sr. Clinical Director.

“Healthy Blue is committed to supporting our members and community organizations during these uncertain times,” said Jeff Davis, Healthy Blue Interim President. “The St. Louis Crisis Nursery is providing our local children and families with the tools and resources to advance health and wellness.

This grant will make a positive impact in the St. Louis community and will continue to deliver on our mission of improving lives and communities.”

“The Crisis Nursery and Healthy Blue are

committed to serving those who need it most,” said Crisis Nursery CEO DiAnne Mueller. “We are thrilled with this partnership and extremely thankful to Healthy Blue for helping us to prevent child abuse and neglect.”

Missouri Care, Inc., an Anthem company, has rebranded to Healthy Blue, a leading managed care provider of health benefits for Missouri’s MO HealthNet (Medicaid) program. The Healthy Blue rebranding reflects the strength of its new relationship and extends brand stability and recognition of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield name to its MO HealthNet (Medicaid) members.

VOTE BEST OF NORTH COUNTY 2021 BEST OF NORTH COUNTY

-2021-

Vote for your favorite business in these North County zip codes 63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63134, 63135, 63136, 63137, 63138 Weekly voting begins January 8, and ends February 28, 2021.

Winners will be listed in a special section in the Community News on March 31 along with Thank You ads from the winners.

Awards will be presented at the Chamber luncheon on March 18.

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

Accountant

Advertising

Air Conditioning

Apartment Complex

Appliance

Attorney

Automobile Body Repair

Auto Dealership

Auto Repair

Bakery

Bank

Banquet Center/Catering

Boutique

Car Wash

Childcare

Chiropractor

Cleaning

Computers

Credit Union

Dentist

Donut Shop

Electrical Contractors

Employment Services

Financial Planning/Investment

Fitness

Florist

Funeral Home

Golf Course

Healthcare

Heating & Cooling

Home Health Care

Home Improvement

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

Insurance Agent

Jeweler

Landscape Contractors

Non-Profit

Nursing Home & Rehab Facility

Optometrist/Vision Care

Photographer

Pizza Parlor

Printing

Real Estate Agent

Restaurants/Dine In

Retirement Communities

Roofing Contractors

Sports Bar & Grill

Tax Preparation

Presented by

and the

Towing & Roadside Assistance

Travel Agent

Veterinarian

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 27, 2021

Normandy Schools Collaborative Parents as Teachers program receives national recognition

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative MacKenzie Grayson, Parents as Teachers program supervisor, holds one of the program’s participants at a family picnic.

The Normandy Schools Collaborative Parents as Teachers (NCS/PAT) program has earned a prestigious endorsement from the Parents as Teachers National Center, Inc., (PATNC) as a Blue Ribbon Affiliate, making it one of the top-performing home visiting affiliates within the PATNC’s international network.

PATNC affiliates are family-focused organizations that have chosen the Parents as Teachers’ home visiting model as one of the services they offer to families with small children.

NSC/PAT offers under-resourced pregnant women and families within the Normandy Schools Collaborative footprint the necessary resources and skills to raise children who are physically, socially, and emotionally healthy and ready to learn.

The program is strengths-based and aims to build on the foundation of parenting knowledge families demonstrate. NSC/PAT serves families and children through personal visits in their homes promoting parental resilience and knowledge of child development.

NSC/PAT is part of the PATNC’s Show Me Strong Families (SMSF) direct services initiative.

SMSF, through a contract with the Missouri Department of Health, also serves families living in some of the most distressed communities in the City of St. Louis.

Being named a Blue Ribbon Affiliate affirms that NSC/PAT is a high-quality member of the home visiting field, implementing the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model with fidelity. Families in the Normandy community and surrounding areas are positively impacted by the services delivered by this program.

The voluntary program includes personal visits in the home, group socialization connections, health and developmental screenings, and connections to community resources. It equips parents with knowledge and resources to prepare

their children for a stronger start in life and greater success in school.

“To earn the Blue Ribbon Affiliate status, we underwent a rigorous self-study and review process from the National Center. The process confirms that we are meeting Parents as Teachers’ standards of fidelity and quality,” said Normandy Schools Collaborative Superintendent of Schools Marcus C. Robinson. “Blue Ribbon Affiliates are exemplary programs, delivering the highest quality services to children and families.”

Ann Young, PAT’s director of Missouri Programming, said, “Implementation with quality and fidelity is vital in home-visiting programs as it determines a program’s effectiveness in accomplishing its original goals and intended outcomes.

It also verifies that a program is being implemented as designed.”

Parents as Teachers’ rigorous endorsement process demonstrates an affiliate’s accountability and credibility to the community, its funders, elected officials, and the partner organizations with which they work.

The Parents as Teachers Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process (QEIP) is a comprehensive process of assessing the quality of PAT affiliates’ operations and services. Each year, a designated group of PAT affiliates participates by completing and submitting a self-study.

This year, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, PATNC received 126 self-studies from dedicated PAT affiliates. Following a thorough review of these self-studies by the National Center, 112 of these affiliates earned the coveted Blue Ribbon Affiliate designation, joining the 308 other PAT affiliates that have earned the Blue Ribbon in the last five years. Blue Ribbon Affiliates met at least 75 percent of the PAT Quality Standards, as evidenced through the additional data, narrative explanations, and documentation they provided in their self-studies.

School

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Normandy names new Career and College Readiness Coordinator Shonda Gray has joined the Normandy Schools Collaborative as its new Career and College Readiness Coordinator.

In her new role, Gray will collaborate with stakeholders in the business and education sectors to develop and lead a comprehensive career readiness program for Normandy students. Gray is also responsible for ensuring that students receive the approPhoto courtesy Normandy priate guidance to develop and Schools Collaborative improve necessary post-secondary skills, introducing students to a variety of career options. She will work with these stakeholders to provide opportunities for students to explore their areas of interest by way of internships, apprenticeships, or similar opportunities.

Prior to joining Normandy, Gray was the associate head of school operations and community engagement for Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls in St. Louis. In this role, Gray was responsible for developing effective systems around the school’s operations and student success.

“Ms. Gray brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to this critical role,” said Marcus C. Robinson, Normandy Superintendent of Schools. “It is vital that our students have a viable path to career and college opportunities, beginning as early as elementary school. Ms. Gray has the expertise and knowledge to develop the relationships and programs necessary to help prepare our students for their lives after graduation.”

Gray’s previous experience also includes serving as the St. Louis Regional Director- Missouri Career Pathways with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). There she assisted school districts with identifying high-demand careers in their regions, connecting employers with educators, and helping to coordinate teacher externships. Gray has also worked in similar roles with Confluence Charter Schools and St. Louis Public Schools.

Gray earned her bachelor’s degree in Art from Fontbonne University in St. Louis. She has a master’s degree in business administration, also from Fontbonne. Gray earned another master’s degree in liberal arts from Washington University. In 2014, Gray received a certification in Effective Policy and Practice for Improving Outcomes from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

She was also selected for the Opportunity Trust Catalyst Fellowship program in 2019.

Community involvement is important to Gray. She has served with several community service organizations including Urban K-LIFE of St. Louis, Refuge & Restoration, Jobs for Life, and Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Gray also serves on the board of directors for DaySpring Arts & Education, ESA West Foundation, and the advisory board for EdHub STL.

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What’s Happening

January 27, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! at 636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.

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. 20: Writing and creative lab

North County Writing & Arts Network writing and creative lab takes place at 1 p.m., on Zoom. Writers, poets and artists can text or email for meeting link to 314-210-4774, nocowan@yahoo.com.

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.

Weekdays: Tax filing program volunteers

Seeking greeters, appointment schedulers, and tax preparers to assist older adults in the St. Louis County Tax Filing Program. Training and mileage reimbursement is provided. For more information and to start the volunteer application process, contact the County Older Resident Programs and ask for Mike Nickel at 314-615-4021.

Mondays: TOPS meeting

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. T.O.P.S.=Take Off Pounds Sensibly has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) 9135 Shelley Avenue, Overland, MO 63114. (Entrance is in the back on East Milton). TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight.

You may visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314540-5223.

Mondays: practice

Choral Arts Singers

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: Workshop meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the

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

Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane.

We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting

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

For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

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

The Gentlemen of Sound are looking for men who like to sing or want to learn. They practice Tuesdays at Lady of the Pillar school at 401 S. Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m. They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for new members. Come by or call 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.

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: Vietnam Veterans Association meeting

Chapter 794 Vietnam Veterans Association meets on the third Tuesday of each month at VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant. Meetings start at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.

Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

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.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Doors at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314921-2316.

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, 314-9943300. 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.

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.

Women’s

chorus

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 314660-1813.

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.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Fridays: Fish fry

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

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 314402-7025.

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

Thursdays: Quilting guild

Thursdays: meeting

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

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 314660-1813.

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

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 27, 2021 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: meeting

Jennings

Do-Dads

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 1-877477-6954.

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 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 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: ACES Schizophrenia Support Group 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 314-344-7220 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 636-947-0600, 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, 314-344-6157.

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 stateof-the-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 Cessation Classes:

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

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314344-6177

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.

What’s Happening

9

Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636-947-5617

Speaker’s Bureau:

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314-993-5421.

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.

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

www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral

10

Sports

January 27, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Three wins in a row for the Ambush The St. Louis Ambush plays their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).

The Ambush notched their third consecutive victory when they defeated the Tacoma Stars 5-3 recently at the Family Arena Sunday evening and the win im-

WHERE CAN YOU GET Pick up a at all 35 Dierbergs & Schnucks stores in St. Charles County and North and Northwest St. Louis County

OR READ US ONLINE AT

proved the Ambush to 3-2 on the season.

The Ambush got their first goal from J.T. Thomas who fired it past Tacoma goalkeeper at 6:47 of the first quarter.

It was not until the third quarter with the score 1-1 when the Ambush went up 2-1 on a restart when Max Ferdinand passed to Stefan Mijatovic, who was able to thread the needle through Tacoma’s defensive wall at 7:31. It would be the lone goal of the period, sending the game into the final stanza with the Ambush holding a slim lead.

The home team increased their lead to 3-1 when goalkeeper Paulo brought the ball down and was able to beat the visiting team’s goalie with his shot at 2:27 of the final frame.

The Ambush would get another score to make the score 4-3 when Ado Jahic sent a pass across the goal mouth to a waiting Duduca Carvalho, who scored at 5:24. ?

Ferdinand and Mijatovic repeated their restart performance from the third quarter as Ferdinand passed to Mijatovic, who once again made a skillful shot for his second tally of the game at 11:37 for a 5-3 Ambush lead that would hold until the final buzzer.

Paulo the goalkeeper of the Ambush made 12 saves in 15 opportunities in earning the win in goal and the home team out shot the Stars 25 to 24.

The Ambush continue their current home stand when the Florida Tropics come to town for a pair of games Jan. 29 at MYCNEWS.COM 7:35 p.m. and Jan. 31 at 3:05 p.m.

Go to www.STLAmbush.com for more details. * On a roll Lindenwood athlete makes history and

initial award of the year Lindenwood University’s junior track and field athlete Logan Kulinski was named the season’s first recipient of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Men’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Week honor, the conference announced recently.

Kulinski, who competes in throws for the Lions, reached a Division II Provisional distance in the weight throw event, recording a distance of 18.85m at the Mel Tjeerdsma Classic recently in Maryville, Missouri. This toss ranked No. 10 in all of NCAA Division II. He becomes the first Lindenwood track and field athlete to earn the GLVC’s Athlete of the Week award, and it is the first of his career. * Many more to come Hoots add infielder The O’Fallon Hoots, members of the Prospect League, play their home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon.

They began play in O’Fallon in May 2020 after relocating from Hannibal, Missouri following the 2019 season.

They announced recently the signing of Purdue University infielder Cade Hohl for the 2021 summer season.

Hohl, a freshman at Purdue with the Falcons and in the short season of 2020 collected six hits, three of which were home runs.

Go to www.OFallonHoots.com for more information. * Welcome to O’Fallon

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 27, 2021

Recipe:

Easy-to-make cookies to satisfy sweet cravings

Feature

F-1

– 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.

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 8-10 minutes

W

hether it’s a home-cooked meal, a tasty snack or a delicious dessert, sometimes the best recipes are the easiest. Take your sweets to the next level by adding an option to your cookbook that’s as simple as it is tempting and satisfying.

These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies require only three everyday ingredients that can be prepped and baked in less than half an hour. Just preheat the oven; mix the peanut butter, sugar and one egg; roll into individual balls then flatten on a

cookie sheet and bake 10 minutes.

The key ingredient is the flavorful peanut butter that packs a protein punch while delivering the taste that’ll bring loved ones back for seconds.

Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F. In bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar and egg.

Using small cookie scoop, place dough balls on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Flatten with fork to make traditional peanut butter cookie crisscross pattern.

Bake 8-10 minutes until done. Cool thoroughly before removing from cookie sheet. Store in air-tight container.

Find more ways to incorporate peanuts and peanut butter into your desserts at gapeanuts.com.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Hollywood’s take on female presidents and vice-presidents

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.

In 1984, presidential candidate Walter Mondale selected Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate, making her the first female vice-presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. Other parties had female candidates over the years, but Ferraro set a precedent for the Democrats.

Twenty-four years later, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin became the first female vice-presidential candidate for the Republican Party.

Though Kamala Harris has now become the first female Vice-President in America, Hollywood has shown women in the White House long before Harris was sworn into office. In 1964’s “Kisses for My President,” Polly Bergen played Leslie Harrison McCloud, the first woman to be elected President of the United States. Her husband Thad, played by Fred MacMurray, must adjust to his ambiguous role as the president’s spouse. McCloud tried to maintain a balance between her dayto-day global duties and the needs of her family.

Similar themes of duty and family defined “Commander in Chief,” a 2005 ABC TV series that came out of the gate strong but saw its ratings decline thanks to competition from

McDonald, a campaign advisor and a big supporter of President Allen, but even new blood couldn’t keep Mac in office.

In 1997, Harrison Ford starred as President James Marshall in “Air Force One,” a solid action movie. After he publicly stated that America will no longer negotiate with terrorists, insurgents took over Air Force One while the President, his family and members of the press were on board. The “Air Force One” photo courtesy Columbia Pictures terrorists demanded the release of General Ivan Radek, a dictator who had been “American Idol.” Geena Davis was an excellent choice for Mackenzie “Mac” Allen, an captured. Though his staff helped him into Independent candidate who was asked to run an “escape pod,” Marshall stayed on board to on the Republican ticket. After the election, take on the terrorists.

Glenn Close’s performance as Vice PresiPresident Teddy Bridges died and Mac was next in line, but members of Bridges’ inner dent Kathryn Bennett was equally as memcircle encouraged her to resign and make way orable as Ford’s. Stationed inside the White for Speaker of the House Nathan Templeton House Situation Room, Bennett kept on top of things and dealt with pressure from De(Donald Sutherland).

“Commander in Chief ” only lasted a single fense Secretary Walter Dean (Dean Stockwell) season but it had some memorable moments. to invoke the 25th Amendment. This would Donald Sutherland stirred the pot as Nathan have made her acting president, but Bennet Templeton in an effort to make the presi- was not one to succumb to pressure and she dent’s life more difficult. He even encouraged followed her own instincts.

Life finally imitated art as Kamala Harris members of her cabinet to resign. “Saved by the Bell” alum Mark-Paul Gosselaar came on took her oath of office on Jan. 20. Congratuboard late in the season as Richard “Dickie” lations to Harris and President Joe Biden.

F-2

Feature

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January 27, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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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, Pray for 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. R.H.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 27, 2021

Feature

F-3

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F-4

Feature

January 27, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: SUPER BOWL

‘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 Here it is! My Christmas wish: all I wanted was for 2020 to be over and it’s gone!

There isn’t a thing I’ll miss about it…well maybe one thing – no more pumpkin spice.

But it’s time to move on. In with the new and out with the old!

Meaning: I need to clean out my closet and the refrigerator.

First the closet. Out it all goes. I have so few items that I wear: day pajamas and night pajamas. Of course, if I’m going on an adventurous outing, I’ll change. For instance, when I’m taking the garbage can out to the curb, I don’t want to look schlubby. I’ll scrunch my hair into a messy bun and dress up in my stretchy sweatpants and head out, all because Mrs. Pilkinson next door is so judgy.

That was easy, now on to the refrigerator.

I tossed out a bunch of expired items: pickled beets, green salsa, leftovers from Thanksgiving.

I’ve saved everything just in case we had to live off it or maybe use them to barter with.

In the process of doing this I noticed an almost empty jug of milk.

“Hey Sweetie,” I yell to my husband. “We’re low on milk!”

“Okay, then let’s take a trip to the store today.”

“Really? Do you mean it?”

“Of course I mean it.”

“I’m so excited.”

“Why would that excite you?”

“Because we’re going on a trip. That means we can leave the house. I’m going to get out of these pajamas and dress up in my sweatpants. First, I’ll need to run them through the dryer to freshen them up a bit.”

“Fine, but let’s make a day of it then. I need to fill up the car.”

Day tripping “What?! A bonus outing? A gas station vacation?! I better shower then, even though there are still three days until Saturday. Hey, maybe we can pick up something at McDairyKing and have a parking lot picnic.”

I was totally stoked. I got ready and met my husband at the door.

“Um, you do realize you have your big fuzzy cat slippers on?” he said.

“Duh, ya. I wasn’t going out in my bare naked feet. I may have been away from civilization for a year, but I’ve still retained my dignity.”

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. *Starr of Super Bowl I and MVP 5. Epsom or Évian-lesBains 8. Mexican money 12. Gulf V.I.P. 13. Biblical pronoun 14. Competitive musher, e.g.

15. Saintly glow 16. From the sky and often damaging 17. Early anesthetic 18. *Halftime show performer 20. Photo editing option 21. T. S., poet 22. Chi forerunner 23. *Team with most consecutive Super Bowl appearances 25. Swindles 29. Even, to a poet 30. Slanting characters 33. Cough syrup balsam 34. Travels by air 36. “What’s up ____?”, asked by Bugs Bunny 37. Southeast Asia org.

38. German currency 39. Wb, pl.

41. 9 to 5, e.g.

42. Substitute, two words 44. Express a thought

46. Hitherto 47. Winter “fever”?

49. Brown on “Doctor Who” 51. *He has most Super Bowl appearances as a coach 55. Plural of #38 Across 56. Norse deity 57. Joie de vivre 58. *3-time Super Bowl champ, Russ ____ 59. Pasturelands 60. Ready for picking 61. Black and white treat 62. *Another form of Super Bowl entertainment 63. Command, with “at” DOWN 1. Thai currency 2. Wet nurse 3. Rub the wrong way 4. Gardener’s little helper 5. British soldier’s parade hat 6. *P in PAT 7. “____ Lang Syne” 8. *Team with most Super Bowl appearances 9. Reverberating sound 10. Slowly leak 11. NHL great 13. Opposite of atheist

14. Short version 19. ____ Island off Manhattan 22. Nervous twitch 23. Knockout 24. Below, prefix 25. *Player with most Super Bowl points scored 26. Warm down-slope wind 27. Distress signal 28. Phoenix team 29. Flock members 31. Port of Yemen 32. Tennis shot 35. *Jim Nantz’s partner 37. Savory jelly 39. A must for a comedian 40. Williams and Wright 43. Natural theology 45. Answer to “Where are you?”, two words 47. Surrendered land 48. Spy’s other name 49. Feline vibration 50. Albany-Buffalo canal 51. Cowboy’s necktie 52. Pelvic parts 53. Big letters 54. Proposal joint 55. “I” mania

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9