CN: January 29, 2020

January 29, 2020

Improving station to station

Around Town Catholic school student art show launches Jan. 31 at Good Shepherd Art Center.

Pg. 3 Somera Road Inc. partners with city of Hazelwood to award grants to local entrepreneurs. Pg. 4

Business Head of St. Louis Community College’s Florissant Valley Campus named NCI Board Chair. P.5

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Submitted photo Construction is underway for upgrades to the Central West End MetroLink Station which is being funded by Washington University School of Medicine and BJC HealthCare, in partnership with Metro Transit for $7.5 million.

$7.5 million construction upgrades to the Central West End MetroLink Station is currently underway as MetroLink looks to enhance security and accessibility

By Charlotte Beard As of the week of Dec. 23, 2019, construction began for upgrades to the Central West End MetroLink Station which is being funded by Washington University School of Medicine and BJC HealthCare, in partnership with Metro Transit for $7.5 million. In approximately one year, riders are expected to experience less congestion at the station and an improvement to safety and visibility.

“For MetroLink riders traveling to and from the Medical Campus, the updates to

the Central West End station will enhance safety, security and accessibility, while also helping people who get on and off the train at our stop feel welcome,” stated Melissa Rockwell-Hopkins, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Assistant Dean for Operations and Facilities Management at Washington University School of Medicine. “We’re excited to be working again with BJC HealthCare and Metro Transit to improve the experience of riders in the region, including

that of our students, employees, patients and visitors.”

Leadership was not accessible for a response, but when asked what identifiable issues the medical campus or BJC patrons have experienced with transit in the past, Kim Cella, Executive Director for Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and the Missouri Public Transit Association provided input.

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Around Town

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‘STATION’ from cover “The Central West End station is the busiest station on the alignment with more than 4,300 riders boarding trains there every weekday,” stated Cella. “Those passengers and future riders (will) benefit from the improvements. You (will) see a whole new redesign of the Central West End station. That would not be possible without the funding and partnership being provided by Washington University and BJC HealthCare. CMT as the region’s transit advocacy organization, is very interested in seeing work to develop, support, and enhance programming and initiatives that ensure safe, convenient, and secure transit for everyone. We salute (Washington University and BJC) for being leaders on this because they really understand the need. The station’s platform was overcrowded. By having this true public-private partnership between Washington University, BJC HealthCare, and Bi-State Development (the improvements are) going to be a reality. Without their support these enhancements would not be possible and that is important from the rider’s perspective.”

CMT members have played key roles in the passage of funding measures for the expansion of MetroLink and other transportation improvements in the region. Cella shared that BJC HealthCare and Washington University Medical Center were key partners in CMT’s feasibility study conducted in 2014 for a possible new station. She explained that the study laid the groundwork for the Cortex station which opened in 2018 near Boyle and Duncan Avenues in the Central West End. Cella also shared that Metro Transit is using the Cortex as an example of one of the most developed stations on the alignment.

“The feasibility study, the actual implementation and construction of that station would not have been possible without their help,” stated Cella of the past partnership with BJC HealthCare and Washington University Medical Center.

According to Cella, Missouri’s transit system receives $1.75 million annually from the state for 34 transit providers across Missouri which equates to approximately less than $5,000 for some of the system providers. Metro Transit has a $300 million annual budget and receives less than .2 percent of their budget from the state.

Redesign for the Central West End’s station will address safety and security by implementing new monitored entrance and exit at the street level from Euclid Avenue on the west end of the station.

According to Cella, CMT has been pushing for more security for several years and did a pilot access study for the station in 2018. The upgrades to Central West End’s station will allow staff to monitor who accesses and exits the platform.

“Metro is working on a whole new security plan,” stated Cella. “They’ll have contract security, transit security specialists, and you’ll also see law enforcement. Access Control is a tool for Bi-State security forces to better manage these stations. It will allow for fare checking and (enable security personnel) to know what’s going on at the station.”

The west end will also feature a welcome center at the top of the stairs that lead down to the MetroLink platform. In addition, to better accommodate passengers, patrons will have access to a wider staircase with a center handrail connecting the new Euclid Avenue entrance/exit to the platform.

Safety measures include implementation of a speed bump, stop sign, and new lighting at the entry to the MetroBus area of the garage which connects to the east entrance/exit of the platform. The project also includes upgraded platform lighting and an expanded canopy to cover 70 percent of the MetroLink platform replacing the one that covers only 30 percent of the platform.

The project will address the concerns for congestion by relocating the elevator on the station platform. Metro Transit’s sources state the MetroLink platform will remain open during construction, but the elevator at the west end of the station will be closed for demolition and reconstruction. They advise patrons who are unable to use the stairs on the west end of the Central West End Station, to access or exit the platform from an accessible walkway, located at the east end of the platform, which connects to the MetroBus Transit Center. A shuttle van will operate between a stop located at Children’s

Submitted photos Construction is underway for upgrades to the Central West End MetroLink Station which is being funded by Washington University School of Medicine and BJC HealthCare, in partnership with Metro Transit for $7.5 million.

Place and Taylor, and a stop just north of the station’s west entrance.

Throughout the project, temporary modifications and closures will be made to the station entrances/exits to enable safe access to the platform.

“Public transit has a significant economic impact on the St. Louis region,” stated Cella. “We just completed an economic impact study last fall. The St. Louis system alone has a $2.65 billion impact on the St. Louis region, and it supports 21,000 jobs. So, any improvements to the most used station is only going to help build more ridership on this system and help with the economic impact in the region.

Washington University and BJC HealthCare are some of the largest employers in the region, yet they are understanding that it is essential that we have good well-serviced transit for not only their employees, but their students, patients and their customers as well.

By them stepping up to the plate this is impacting economic opportunities across the region by having a system that is well used and accessible.”

For the latest updates on the Central West End Station visit https:// www.metrostlouis.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 29, 2020

Around Town

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Cinema St. Louis to receive $15,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts National Endowment for the Arts has approved 1,187 grants totaling $27.3 million in the first round of fiscal year 2020 funding to support arts projects in every state in the nation, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $15,000 to Cinema St. Louis for the 29th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF).

The Art Works funding category supports projects that focus on public engagement with, and access to, various forms of excellent art across the nation; the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence; learning in the arts at all stages of life; and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life.

“The arts are at the heart of our communities, connecting people through shared experiences and artistic expression,” said Arts Endowment chairman Mary Anne Carter. “The National Endowment for the Arts is

proud to support projects like the St. Louis International Film Festival.”

The 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival will be held Nov. 5-15. The fest will screen more than 300 animated, narrative, and documentary feature and short films, and will host master classes, special events, and an ambitious Cinema for Students program. Panels and Q&As with filmmakers and documentary subjects will accompany a third of the screenings. Programming streams will include the Women in Film Spotlight, Race in America: The Black Experience, and the Human Rights Spotlight.

The nonprofit Cinema St. Louis (CSL) produces SLIFF, one of the largest and highest-profile international film festivals in

the Midwest. The fest has been lauded in USA Today’s 10Best list. CSL also annually produces the locally focused St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, the LGBTQ-centric QFest St. Louis, the Classic French Film Festival, and Golden Anniversaries (festival of films celebrating their 50th anniversary).

Catholic school student art show launches Jan. 31 at Good Shepherd Art Center Student artwork will light up the walls of the Good Shepherd Arts Center in Ferguson this winter. Eight Catholic elementary schools are participating in an art show, which will begin with an opening reception at the gallery during Catholic Schools Week on Friday, Jan. 31, 4 – 6 p.m., running during regular gallery hours through Feb. 22.

The show is titled “The Work of Our Hands” and will feature the creations of students in preschool through eighth grade in Submitted photo a variety of media. Participat- Sarah Bogaski, art teacher at Sacred Heart School in Florissant, demonstrates the paper ing schools include All Saints weaving project for students in her classroom on Jan. 16. Bogaski is organizing a student Academy at St. Ferdinand, St. art show at Good Shepherd Arts Center in Ferguson, which will feature student art from Norbert, and St. Rose Philip- the eight Catholic elementary schools in North County. The show opens Jan. 31 and runs pine Duchesne Parishes in Flo- through Feb. 22. rissant, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta School in Ferguson, Christ Light of the Nations School in Spanish Lake, Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Cool Valley, Sacred Heart School in Florissant, and St. Ann School in Normandy.

Sarah Bogaski, art teacher at Sacred Heart School and leader of the Professional Learning Team for art teachers in the Federation of Catholic Schools, is working with her colleagues to organize the art show.

“I love showcasing student’s artwork outside to the community,” says Bogaski. “Students feel very special when their art is displayed for others to see, and I want each of them to know that their individual creations are important.”

Sr. Glynis McManamon is the executive director of Good Shepherd Arts Center and says one of her favorite things to do is to have student artwork on display in the gallery.

“We hope to see many visitors during this art show,” says Glynis.

“You won’t be disappointed if you take the time to come and experience the inspiring work of these students’ hands!”

Good Shepherd Arts Center is located at 252 S Florissant Rd. in Ferguson. The gallery is open to the public Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, 12 - 5 p.m. and other hours by appointment.

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Aound Town

January 29, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Somera Road Inc. partners with city of Hazelwood to award grants to local entrepreneurs Somera Road Inc., a New York-based commercial real estate firm, announced a strategic partnership with the city of Hazelwood and the Hazelwood Industrial Development Authority to award grants that will enable and empower entrepreneurs in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

The grants will provide the recipients with start-up capital and free rent in Village Square Center, an office and retail property located at the intersection of Lindbergh Boulevard and Interstate 270. The space is currently undergoing a significant redevelopment and revitalization effort ultimately inspiring and igniting the community’s interest.

“One of the most challenging expenses for any business - especially small business - is real estate costs,” noted Michael Ervolina, Somera Road. “The Village Square small business grant will empower entrepreneurs in the community by providing a financial package to invest

Submitted photo This artistic rendering shows what the completed Village Square Center will look like after grant winners move in.

in their space, allowing them to open new businesses at the new and improved Village Square. Additionally, we are excited to provide the space at zero base rent, which will allow recipients the flexibility to focus on what’s most important – fulfilling his or her dream of launching a business. There is enormous potential in Hazelwood and we are excited to tap into the ambitions of the local community in partnership with city officials.”

Interested candidates are invited to apply using the Grant’s website and online application. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28 and winners will be selected in a “Shark Tank”-inspired competition in April. Businesses such as restaurants, clothing boutiques, hair salons, among others are encouraged to apply. The program is available for local individuals and businesses with small, existing operations or new endeavors looking for retail space.

Recipients will be awarded funds up to $10,000 to be used for startup costs associated with building out their space at Village Square. Instead of a fixed monthly rent pay-

ment, rent will be based on a percentage of sales above a predetermined threshold, which incentivizes all parties to improve sales and to have their business be successful.

“Village Square has been a shopping destination and staple of the Hazelwood community for many years and is currently undergoing significant and much-needed renovation efforts,” noted Rebecca Ahlvin, Community and Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Hazelwood. “We are inspired to see this center become the vibrant, exciting place it once was and we see this partnership and grant program as the vehicle to kickstart that initiative.”

“We have found from our work around the country that a successful town center is one that is embraced and intertwined with the community and its stakeholders,” Ervolina added. “It is with that knowledge that we roll out this program in parallel with our redevelopment plans so that the center can once again become the actual ‘village square’ and central community hub that it once was.”

To apply for the Village Square Small Business Grant, visit www.villagesquaregrant.com and for more information about Somera Road Inc., visit www.someraroadinc.com.

HSD principal to be featured guest of Missouri History Museum Program Hazelwood East High School Principal Dr. The program will be held Feb. 11 from 6:30 to Chauncey Granger will be the featured guest at 8:30 p.m. in Lee Auditorium at the museum at an upcoming Missouri History 5700 Lindell Blvd. in St. Louis.

Museum event.

Granger has more than 20 years of experience in education Granger will be the focus of “Inspiration by Example,” a proin various roles including truancy officer, special education gram celebrating the lives of St. Louis-area African American teacher, adjunct professor at Lintrailblazers. denwood University, and assistant principal.

“It’s an honor for me to take part in this program and share Prior to his role as East High my experiences in education,” School principal, Granger was Granger said. the principal at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School for six “I’m proud to represent HaPhoto courtesy Hazelwood School District zelwood East High School, our years and assistant principal at school district, and the Spanish Lake community Hazelwood East Middle School for one year. every day and look forward to this opportunity.”

Business

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 29, 2020

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Head of St. Louis Community College’s Florissant Valley Campus named NCI Board Chair The board of directors of North County Incorporated (NCI), a regional development association, elected Dr. Elizabeth Gassel-Perkins, the campus president and chief academic officer for St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, as its board chair for 2020. Perkins has served on the board since 2016. She succeeds Rick Stevens, president of Christian Hospital, who has served on the NCI board for three years.

“As someone who was born in, lives in, and works in North County, there are few things that give me as much pride as serving as chair of North County, Inc.,” said Dr. Perkins. “We have crucial work to be done this year, including supporting the 2020 Census, continuing our work around equity, and sharing stories about people, places, and progress with the True North campaign. I’m excited to work with my colleagues on the board of directors and the incomparable NCI staff to reach each of our goals to support the needs and development of

North St. Louis County.”

Perkins joined STLCC as provost of the Florissant Valley campus in August 2016 and served in that role until the title of provost was changed to campus president and chief academic officer in January 2019. In addition to her role as campus president, she serves as the administrator for the College’s dual credit, dual enrollment and early college partnerships.

“We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Perkins, outstanding educator and community leader, serve as our board chair,” said Stevens, former NCI chairman. “Elizabeth will effectively guide and ensure the continued economic development advocacy work NCI does for the North County community.”

Perkins was recognized by North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU) in 2019. Dr. Perkins is also a board member of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce.

Submitted photo The board of directors of North County Incorporated elected Dr. Elizabeth Gassel-Perkins, the campus president and chief academic officer for St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, as its board chair for 2020.

VOTE BEST OF NORTH COUNTY 2020 BEST OF NORTH COUNTY

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Vote for your favorite business in these North County zip codes and the

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Deadline to vote is March 1, 2020 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 Bank/Credit Union

Bar/Grill

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Chiropractor

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Funeral Home

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Heating & Cooling

Ice Cream Stand

Insurance Agent

Jeweler

Landscaping/Lawn Care

Optometrist/Vision Care

Photographer

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Printing

Real Estate Agent

Rehab/Skilled Nursing Care

Remodeling/Roofing

Restaurant

Senior Living

Specialty Shop

Travel Agent

Veterinarian

Bakery/Donuts

6

What’s Happening

January 29, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS

call 314-831-6121.

call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 29: Karaoke

Feb. 5: Karaoke

Feb. 8: Flea market

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 31: Chicken dinner

Chicken dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 1: BB shoot

BB shoot at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois from 1 to 4 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 7: Steak dinner

Steak dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 8: Breakfast

Breakfast at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 to 10 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information

Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 12: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 14: Country fried steak or meatloaf

Country fried steak or meatloaf dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 19: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 21: Pork steak dinner

Pork steak dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 22: Heart fair

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2020 Heart Fair Love Your Heart takes place at Christian Hospital Detrick Building Atrium. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 11 a.m. Lectures are from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Screenings and informational booths are from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Space is limited and registration is requested, so call 314-747-WELL (9355) and register today. Free screenings for cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure, EKG (must register separately for EKG screening), informational displays, ask the experts, stress and heart disease information, refreshments and much more.

Feb. 26: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 28: Chicken dinner

Chicken dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 29: Bingo

An inaugural bingo event, the Second Annual Blacklight Bash, hosted by Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis will take place at the JFK Community Center at Koch Park in Florissant. Proceeds will benefit the Live Your Dream Award. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and bingo starts at 7p.m. Tickets are $35/person and

price includes beer, wine and soda.

Over $1,300 in cash prizes, 50/50 raffle and basket raffles.

March 15: Snowman building contest

Looking for best snowman in Florissant. Build the biggest, have a theme and make it cute then enter the contest. Build your most creative and unique snowman and send in a photo.

Until March 15, anytime it snows build a snowman. Take a picture of yourself and the snowman, and send it to the James J. Eagan Community Center at #1 James J. Eagan Drive Florissant, MO 63033 along with an application. Prizes will be awarded.

The Youth Advisory Commission will be the judges of this contest. You must be a Florissant resident to enter and 15 years of age or younger. For further information, call 314-921-4466 or 314921-4250.

April 10: Fish fries

A fish fry will be held on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. through April 10 at American Legion Post 444 at 17090 Old Jamestown Rd. in Florissant.

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.

Weekdays: Volunteer drivers

The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you! No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314-615-4516.

Mondays: TOPS meeting

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

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

Mondays: Choral Art 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. This session will include performance at St. James Cathedral, Chicago on June 25.

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.

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • January 29, 2020 Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

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

Tuesdays: Food pantry

Every second Tuesday of the month, food pantry takes place from 9 - 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. – noon at St. Andrew United Methodist Church at 3975 N. US Highway 67 in Florissant. Other times by appointment, call 314-8374233.

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 314-9212132.

Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)

(Take

off

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.

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.

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.

Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?

Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 a.m. at Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant.

Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314-921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314994-3300. 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 314-6535331.

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 314-8310988.

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: checks

Blood

pressure

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: meeting

Women’s

chorus

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. Ma-

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

Fridays: Fish fry

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

What’s Happening

a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m.

For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support

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

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

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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

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.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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

Saturdays: Yoga

Come check out the benefits of yoga at Calvary UCC, at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Call Angela at 314801-8594 for more information.

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

7

www.nccsedy.org

8

Sports

January 29, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

River City Rascal players join Gateway Grizzlies The Gateway Grizzlies have found themselves at the bottom of the Frontier League for the past five seasons. The addition of the Rascals players will likely be a new beginning for the organization, with the leadership of Steve Brook along with current 500win manager Phil Warren the Grizzlies should be in for an exciting 2020 season.

The River City Rascals announced on Aug. 12, 2019 that they were going to cease operations, ending their run that began in 1999. The Rascals responded by winning the Frontier League Championship in 2019, a fitting end to what was a sad story for the community of O’Fallon.

**Pitchers •

Taylor Purus - 1-2, 2.70 ERA, 29 games Purus, a left-handed pitcher from Hudson, North Carolina spent his first professional summer pitching out of the bullpen for River City.

•

Jason Zgardowski - 2-1, 2.38 ERA, 30 games Zgardowski, a right-handed pitcher from San Antonio, Texas spent his college career at Angelo State University. Signed as a free agent in 2014 by the Philadelphia Phillies, Zgardowski spent two years in the Phillies system before being released. He also played with the St. Louis Cardinals, making it Double-A Springfield.

Zgardowski returned to the River City Rascals in 2018 and become a key piece of the Rascals bullpen in 2019.

Former Rascals turned Grizzlies: •

Steve Brook - Grizzlies Pitching Coach During his tenure, Brook led River City to a record of 542-415 (.566). The Rascals brought home the Frontier League title twice over the course of Brook’s regime (2010, 2019). River City appeared in the Frontier League championship six times

Champions in 2019.

during that span.

•

Austin Dubsky - 1-1, 3.00 ERA, eight starts Dubsky made his debut in the Frontier League in 2017 with the Southern Illinois Miners pitching 27 games mostly out of the bullpen. In 2018 and 2019 Dubsky won a total of 11 games before being moved midseason to the River City Rascals **Position Players •

•

infielder Trevor Achenbach - .259 BA, 14 HR, 45 RBI Achenbach, a NAIA starter at Oklahoma Wesleyan University where he compiled a .476 batting average that included 21 home runs, 86 RBI, 10 doubles, and six triples his senior season.

infielder Andrew Penner - .285 BA, 4 HR, 45 RBI Penner, a utility player from Frazier Park California, played his college ball at California State University of Bakersfield before making his professional debut with the River City Rascals in 2019.

Penner’s versatility has continued at the professional level playing both the outfield and shortstop for the Frontier League

•

outfielder Nick Anderson - .242 BA, 10 RBI, (two HR in playoffs) Anderson, a Sugarland, Texas native played his college ball in state at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

2019 was Anderson’s first professional season playing 50 games for the River City Rascals.

Anderson’s biggest impact came in game three of the Frontier League Championship Series where he hit a walk-off homerun against the Florence Freedom.

•

outfielder Kameron Esthay - .267 BA, 8 HR, 45 RBI Esthay, was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 26th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Before entering the minor leagues, Esthay spent three years at Baylor University where he had a career .303 batting average.

Esthay spent two years in the Nationals minor league system before joining the River City Rascals in 2019 where he appeared in 92 games.

•

catcher Tanner Murphy - .221 BA, 6 HR, 25 RBI Murphy, a native of Poplar Bluff, Missouri was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Murphy spent seven seasons in the Braves system moving all the way up to AAA Sacramento before being released by the organization in 2018.

Murphy signed with the River City Rascals in 2019 where he played in 66 games, providing stability behind the plate. * New team, different results, time will tell

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.langinsurance.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 29, 2020

Recipe:

A fun, fruity, refrigerated treat

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.

Kristoff Ice Box Cupcakes Prep time: 20 minutes, plus chill time | Serves: 12

S

ave time on family desserts with make-ahead recipes like these Kristoff Ice Box Cupcakes. By using kid-friendly treats that add nutrition to appealing flavor, you can solve busy evenings just by reaching into the fridge. This and other family-friendly recipes are part of Dole’s healthy-living alliance with Disney’s “Frozen 2.”

For details, visit dole.com/Disney. #Dole #DoleRecipes

Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas 1 container (8 ounces) fat-free whipped topping, thawed 7 low-fat honey graham crackers, coarsely crushed 1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered

Directions: Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In large bowl, mash bananas; fold in whipped topping.

Fill muffin cups halfway with graham cracker pieces, banana mixture and strawberries; repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

Refrigerate cupcakes 4 hours; serve in cupcake liners.

Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 cupcake): 78 calories; 3 calories from fat; 0 g fat; 0 g trans fat; 0 g polyunsaturated fat; 0 g monounsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 25 mg sodium; 164 mg potassium; 18 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 1 g protein; vitamin A 0%; vitamin C 25%; calcium 2%; iron 2%; vitamin E 2%; thiamin 2%; vitamin B6 8%; phosphorus 2%; magnesium 4%; manganese 10%.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Oscar contender ‘1917’ is stark, violent and engaging

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.

With films like “American Beauty,” “Road to Perdition” and “Skyfall,” Sam Mendes proved himself to be an able storyteller. As director, co-writer and producer of “1917,” Mendes worked overtime on a tale of two soldiers tasked with a seemingly impossible mission during World War I. It’s a harsh and gritty story about the horrors of war as well as the shining bits of humanity that emerge under the worst of circumstances.

British Lance Corporals Tom Blake (Dean Charles-Chapman from “Game of Thrones”) and Will Schofield (George MacKay from “Captain Fantastic”) are stationed in France when they receive orders to hand deliver a message to the Devonshire Regiment. Although it appears that the German army has retreated, reconnaissance planes discover that the Germans moved to a more strategic position in order to attack the regiment. Blake and Schofield must deliver this information on foot and hopefully save hundreds of lives.

On the surface, “1917” is a very simple story about two young men doing their duty.

At first, Corporal Blake isn’t aware that their

for a few precious moments.

When the two soldiers get into what’s called “No Man’s Land,” they must crawl over the bodies of men and horses in order to move forward.

Mendes’ continuous shooting style puts the focus on Charles-Chapman and MacKay. Surprisingly, even with their fine, tireless acting, neither man was nominated for an Oscar. Mackay is exceptional as a soldier who Photo courtesy Dreamworks has a lot to lose by taking on an apparent suicide mission. task means crossing dangerous ground. He Charles-Chapman’s Tom Blake is highly mopicks Schofield to come with him because he tivated to succeed because his brother might thinks they are simply going to get supplies perish if they fail. The Academy of Motion for the troops. Their path takes them across Picture Arts and Sciences overlooked two battlefields littered with the dead and through fine very performances here. an abandoned German bunker. Blake is espe“1917” is, however, up for a Best Picture cially motivated to keep moving because his Oscar, facing films like “Ford v Ferrari, “Jokbrother is part of the Devonshire Regiment. er” and “Little Women” that earned acting Director Mendes filmed this epic to make it nods. Even without those nominations, Dean look like one continuous shot. In that way, the Charles-Chapman and George MacKay shine audience is walking along with Tom and Will in this film and help make it an Oscar conas they navigate some decidedly hostile terri- tender. tory. Mendes starts the action in the British “1917,” rated R for violence, disturbing trenches, showing war-weary soldiers claim- images and language, currently is playing in ing little bits of space to escape from the war theaters.

Feature

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AUCTION

January 29, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 29, 2020

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Feature

January 29, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: The Oscars

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

Moore On Life Blue Monday just happened. It is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year and rightly so. For beginners, if you’re a northerner, the weather conditions ahead look grim. On top of that, the fun and frolicsome holidays are over and the New Year’s resolutions are typically broken by this time.

But since I’m an overachiever, I got a jump on it and broke mine weeks before Blue Monday. I chose the typical resolution: lose a few pounds. My diet began on January one. It ended on January two.

In my defense, I was in a vulnerable position and already developing a bad case of the shimmy shakes from going eight hours without proper sustenance. I started to forage around in the refrigerator looking for some beet tops and grain husks to put in my low-cal smoothie.

Then from out of nowhere (actually, it was hidden behind the cottage cheese and not very well I might add) I was violently accosted by a wedge of butter cream chocolate cake with sprinkles. Yeah, it wasn’t pretty. Yeah, I’m not proud. Let’s just leave it there.

To add another layer of misery to this time of year, the after-Christmas sales have ended.

If you got a late jump on exchanging or taking back gifts--too late. That ship has sailed.

Me: “I’d like to take back this Christmas sweater I got for my cat. He claims it’s too scratchy.”

Blue funk

By Cindy Moore Sales clerk: “Ok, I can give you the sale price.”

“But it’s still new and even has the price tag on it.”

“Oopsie. It’s already been clearanced. I can give you 87 cents.”

“But I paid thirty bucks for it.”

“Sorry. The season is over. But we’ve got a nice selection of flip flops that have just arrived. You can Photo courtesy Bigstock exchange it for those.”

“I don’t think my cat would keep them on.”

So, I was stuck with my purchase. On top of it the weather started to act up--snow and sleet.

Such a depressing time of year.

I went home and made some hot cocoa and put on a warm sweater. The cat was right. It was too scratchy.

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. Cracked open 5. Protrude 8. *”Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood” supporting nominee 12. Eggnog time, traditionally 13. Pol request 14. Capital of Senegal 15. *Jo Van Fleet won for her role in “East of ____” 16. Augmented 17. Shoemaker without shoes, e.g.

18. Ones full of desire 20. VSCO girl’s shoes 21. New Zealand native 22. “The Nutcracker” step 23. Boiled bread product, pl.

26. Guarapo de jagua fruit 30. Edith Wharton’s “The ____ of Innocence” 31. “____ ‘er ____!”

34. *1935 Best Picture nominee “A ____ of Two Cities” 35. Plant a.k.a. golden buttons 37. *Dustin Hoffman was nominated for role in “____ the Dog” 38. Does like Matryoshka 39. Narrative poem 40. Brunch drink 42. Gumshoe 43. 10-sided polygon 45. Qatar native

47. Greek R 48. “Friends” favorite spot?

50. Fodder holder 52. *Oscar winner for “The Revenant” and 2020 nominee 55. Uses a paring knife 56. Twelfth month of Jewish civil year 57. Whirlpool 59. *The first to refuse his award, for “Patton” 60. *He was nominated for “Lost in Translation” 61. Sunburn aid 62. Negative contraction 63. Chi precursor 64. *”The Marriage Story” nominee DOWN 1. Reply to a captain 2. *Renée Zellweger’s role 3. Away from wind 4. Dub again 5. *Movie with most 2020 Oscar nominations 6. First cradles 7. *Oscar-winners Gore, Fonda and Cameron did this talk, pl.

8. *South Korean black comedy thriller 9. Image in an Orthodox church 10. Soaks in rays 11. The old college one 13. With numerous veins 14. Backless sofa

19. Campaign trail gathering 22. Coach’s talk 23. Diminished 24. Open-mouthed 25. Relating to a gene 26. Garbage in, garbage out 27. Primo, on Italian menu 28. What tailor shops do 29. *He won an Oscar for role in a Scorsese movie 32. *Oscar-winning writer Julius Epstein to Oscarwinning writer Philip Epstein 33. Ewe’s mate 36. *She’s nominated in 2020... twice 38. Civil rights org.

40. Jersey call 41. Sudden increase in wind 44. *Whoopi Goldberg scored an Oscar for this movie 46. *”Phantom ____,” 2018 nominee 48. Locomotive hair 49. Round openings 50. Cul de ____, pl.

51. *Meryl Streep won for “____ Lady” 52. Mortgage, e.g.

53. Not in action 54. Skunk’s defense 55. Tire measurement 58. Japanese capital SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9