CN: February 5, 2020

February 5, 2020

Welcoming neighbors to St. Louis Welcome Neighbor STL functions as a community group that supports immigrants and refugees as they begin a new life in St. Louis

Around Town Operation Food Search launches new cooking program. Pg. 3

School

By Charlotte Beard Downtown has its annual Taste of St. Louis event but Pallottine Renewal Center in North County is set to host a more intimate cultural event that will provide a dinner of Syrian cuisine and education for a good cause.

Welcome Neighbor STL’s traveling Supper Club dinner, which will benefit the refugee women who prepare the dinner, will take place Feb. 29 from 6 – 8 p.m. at 15270 Old Halls Ferry Road, in Florissant. Tickets can be purchased online at https://welcomeneighborstl.com/events.

Welcome Neighbor STL functions as a community group that supports immigrants and refugees as they begin a new life in St. Louis. According to the founder of Welcome Neighbor STL, Jessica Bueler, the organization closed out 2019 having completed its 99th Supper Club event with proceeds to date for refugees totaling $152,324.

At the close of 2019, the dinners resulted in service to 5,349 attendees.

Pallottine Renewal Center approached Bueler about hosting one of its dinner events after Marcia Wilderman, Retreat and Event Coordinator for Pallottine attended one of the Supper Club dinners.

“She really liked the format of how we had an amazing spread of Arabic cuisine,” stated Bueler. “After everyone gets their food and (is seated), we start our program. We have a Q and A session where people can ask questions of the refugees that they may be wondering about or may not know. We see so much misinformation in the media and on social media. This is a way for people to break down those bearers and get to know someone that is different from themselves. So, when I met with Marcia and took a tour of (Pallottine) and we looked at the

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Charles J. Pearson. Pg. 6

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4 Submitted photo Welcome Neighbor STL’s traveling Supper Club dinners benefit the refugee women who prepare the dinner.

different spaces, we thought this would be the perfect thing to do (at Pallottine). We have not done any event in North County.

(Most) of our events have been in St. Louis City or close to the dividing line of St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Most of (the hosting of) our events have been (due to) word of mouth. So, when I talked to Marcia, she said she would really like to bring this to North County. I told her that was something I’d been thinking about too, but we hadn’t been invited.”

Based on the refugee women that Welcome Neighbor STL supports, “would-be

Weather hosts” have a variety of menu options for planning the type of Supper Club dinner they would like to have. Some of the menus are Afghanistan, African, Dubai and Lebanese. There is also an international offering.

For dinners where there is no onsite kitchen, food is prepared at the location of one of Welcome Neighbor’s partners (i.e., church, etc.). Bueler shared that if their grant application with the Spirt of St. Louis is approved, they will be able to use a new kitchen space at STL FoodWorks downtown at 408 North Sarah.

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February 5, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘WELCOMING’ from cover According to Bueler, Welcome Neighbor utilizes Restaurant Depot for purchase of its Supper Club meal needs at a reduced cost and tax-free due to their nonprofit status. To prepare for a supper event, Welcome Neighbor assesses its ticket sells two days prior to the event and uses incoming funds to purchase what is needed. The refugee cook(s) is included as part of the shopping process.

The proceeds are divided equally between cooks when there is more than one cook for a dinner event. Bueler further explained that the women are fully involved in the process in deciding who prepares what dishes to ensure fairness in the preparation times as well as ensure their desires are not lost in the process.

“For the first three years of the program 100 percent of the proceeds went to the refugee cooks. Just beginning now in this year 2020, 90 percent of the proceeds will go to the cooks. We wanted to keep it at 100 percent but as the organization is growing, we have larger expenses. Now we have office space and accounting (needs). We have almost 50 refugee cooks that have passed the (SERV Safe) Food Handler’s class. So, to be able to keep all of that accounting straight we have to make sure we have enough money in our budget to take care of those items.”

Bueler also shared that some of the women they assist use their food preparation credentials to work in restaurants instead of participating in the Supper Club program.

Though the organization began in November 2016 it didn’t receive its 501c3 status until May 1, 2019 in partnership with START, Inc. (St. Louis Teens Aid Refugees Today). START, Inc. was founded by two St Louis teens, Adam Saleh and Luke Braby, to benefit refugees in the St Louis area.

“As we were talking about becoming a nonprofit,” stated Bueler, “we had been working closely with this group from Priory High School. Instead of becoming two separate nonprofits we (decided to) combine our resources and became a nonprofit together.

So, Welcome Neighbor STL is a program under the START nonprofit umbrella.”

Bueler states that she started the initiative after she read about four refugee boys beaten outside their home in the newspaper who had come to St. Louis from Syria. Bueler utilized social media to connect members of the community in the area where the Syrian family lived to see what could be done to assist the family.

Her request resulted in the community donating clothing, shoes and personal care items.

Bueler shared that Welcome Neighbor has been funded by all individual donations with as little as $1 to as much as $5,000.

“We’re very excited that we’re a nonprofit so that we can start applying for grants and hopefully take our program to the next level.”

Bueler also shared that the organization’s more than 450 volunteers have helped make the initiatives sustainable.

“When a refugee family reaches out to us (for assistance) we try to find people who live close to them in their community to help create a support system for that family,” stated Bueler. “If we had a family where the children needed help with tutoring, we would try to maybe match them with someone who was a retired teacher living in the area. If we had a parent who’s disabled, we would try to pair them with a (group) where they go out together – to parks, picnics, etc. The goal is to create a support system for the family in whatever way that works best for them.

We find it’s important to partner several American families with one refugee family because we don’t want it to be overwhelming for the American family. We try to do it as a group so we can help together.”

Bueler shared that Welcome Neighbor’s volunteers also serve other needs as they arise, including the organization’s newest quest to use the community center at its office location connected to St. John’s Episcopal Church on 3672 Arsenal St, as a warming shelter on nights when temperatures are below 20 degrees.

The office administrative needs are provided by volunteers who

Submitted photos Welcome Neighbor STL’s traveling Supper Club dinners benefit the refugee women who prepare the dinner.

serve various areas not limited to writing thank you cards to financial contributors, organization of the office, and phone calls that require bilingual skills. Most recently these services have been provided by women from Morocco, Egypt, and Syria.

In addition to helping women earn money as food preparers, Welcome Neighbor STL in partnership with START, Inc. also provides citizenship classes at its community center and driving lessons are provided for the women who have never learned to drive a car.

“We want to help women create their own independence,” stated Bueler.

To learn more about Welcome Neighbor STL, its Supper Club and how to donate toward any of its initiatives visit https://welcomeneighborstl.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 5, 2020

Heartland Hospice would like you to volunteer with your heart in 2020 Everyday people say, “I would like to be a part of helping someone” and just don’t know where to start…you can start here. Perhaps you cannot help others financially but you can give of your time and self which is priceless.

Hospice is a special kind of care designed to provide sensitivity and support for people in the final phase of a terminal illness. Heartland Hospice’s goal is to provide palliative and supportive services to meet physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families in a health care facility or other residential settings. Volunteers can provide one-on-one attention to residents who are lonely or cut off from their families, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and contributing to their sense of belonging.

Veterans dedicated to visiting with other veter-

ans are also needed in hospice care. The benefits are endless when one can make a difference.

Heartland Hospice depends on hospice volunteers to help provide the extra love and care clients and their families need at this time in their life. Heartland volunteers offer support, companionship and practical, caring help to this special group of people. Staying with the patient so family members can take a break, reading scripture to patients, or holding their hand.

All assignments are in close proximity to your home, work or school. You can donate as little or as much of your time as you desire. Contact Virginia at 314-453-0990 if you would like to bring something special into someone’s life. Be sure to inquire about the next training class.

Around Town

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Operation Food Search launches new cooking program Submitted photo

www.treesbywoody.net

Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently launched Operation CHEF: Building Culinary Habits to Empower Families. This sixweek nutrition-focused cooking course teaches fundamental culinary skills through hands-on lessons. Nutrition education is incorporated into every recipe, discussion and cooking lesson.

The afterschool program covers topics such as eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, increasing whole grain intake, and understanding MyPlate. Through the use of hands-on and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) focused educational activities, the students have fun while learning about cooking and nutrition. Current program partners include Boys and Girls Clubs, Jennings School District, St. Louis Public Schools, and many more.

Operation CHEF consists of 12 participants at each six-week course and is currently open to those ages eight through 12 who are encouraged to share what they learn with their entire family.

In addition to the new course, OFS offers nutrition education programs to low-income kids, teens, families, parents and adults which focus on how to plan, shop and prepare healthy meals that are affordable and delicious.

“Operation CHEF is designed to best meet the nutritional needs of children through hands-on learning,” said OFS’s Executive Director Kristen Wild. “We added flexibility to the program and activities that are very interactive. We look forward to teaching kids how to get – and stay – healthier by building better food skills.”

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Northwest News

February 5, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

City of Creve Coeur seeks nominations for fifth annual business awards The Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee is seeking nominations for the 2020 Creve Coeur Business Awards. The program, which is in its fifth year, recognizes Creve Coeur businesses and organizations for achievements and commitment to the city of Creve Coeur. Award categories include: • Heart of the Community honors a Creve Coeur business or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the community by making a positive impact in Creve Coeur or the St. Louis region.

• Most Innovative Business honors a Creve Coeur business or organization that has demonstrated innovation, unique achievements or significant advancements in their field.

• Green Business Award honors a Creve Coeur business or organization that has made sustainability (e.g., energy efficiency, recycling, composting, use of native landscapes, etc.) an integral part of its business practices.

• Favorite Restaurant honors a Creve Coeur restaurant nominated by its customers for its outstanding service and food quality.

All Creve Coeur businesses or organizations are eligible. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 2 at 5 p.m. Nominations may be submitted online at www.crevecoeurmo.gov/businessawards.

For more information on the Business Awards program, contact Melissa Orscheln, Public Information Officer and Management Analyst, at morscheln@crevecoeurmo.gov or 314-442-2081.

Northwest Views:

Domestic violence is one of the biggest public health issues currently facing our society

By Megan Owens

www.TheSarahCommunity.com

The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation heavily increases the likelihood of a homicide occurring. Nationwide, more female homicides are committed using a firearm than any other weapon. A perpetrator’s access to a firearm increases the risk of “femicide,” the intentional murder of women and girls, by 400 percent.

Although some states or local regions have implemented regulations that would prohibit perpetrators of domestic violence offenses from possessing firearms, there are almost no federal regulations to support those local efforts. Many states, including Missouri, do not have such regulations. Currently, Missouri is ranked the 13th state in the nation per capita for women murdered by men. Domestic violence is one of the biggest public health issues currently facing our society.

In a report by the Center for Disease Control, it was found that about one in four women and one in 10 men have experienced some form of sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three female murder victims and one in 20 male murder victims are killed by an intimate partner.

Measures such as orders of protection, which are a tool intended to prevent escalation of violence or homicide, often have the opposite effect. One in five of homicide victims with a temporary order of protection was murdered within two weeks of obtaining that order and one in three was murdered within a month.

Intimate partner violence impacts a huge portion of the population in the United States and costs the economy approximately $9.3 billion a year, in addition to the emotional and financial

impact it has on survivors and their families. This includes costs associated with medical care for injuries, lost productivity at work, the criminal justice procedures, and more.

To address this public health issue, changes and interventions that have a demonstrated impact on homicides related to domestic violence must be utilized. States that have restricted access to firearms by abusers who were subject to orders of protection related to domestic violence saw a 13 percent reduction in homicides related to intimate partner violence. As a society, we can prevent more homicides from occurring in our communities by keeping firearms out of the hands of perpetrators of domestic violence. ALIVE serves individuals of all genders experiencing intimate partner violence and their services can be accessed by calling the 24/7 crisis line at 314-993-2777.

Megan Owens obtained her master’s degree in social work with an emphasis in policy, planning, and administration from the University of Missouri School of Social Work. She has been working in the field of domestic violence for several years now and recently began her position at ALIVE as the Volunteer Coordinator.

ALIVE’s organizational mission is to provide counseling, emergency sanctuary, and other critical services to adults and children impacted by domestic abuse, as well as to increase awareness in order to create a supportive community. People can learn more about ALIVE’s services or how to get involved at alivestl.org.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 5, 2020

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School

February 5, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Charles J. Pearson

Getting students ready for the future

www.nccsedy.org

Imagine a ninth-grade student’s first day of high school. He sits with his counselor and has the first of several conversations about his future. The counselor begins by taking the student to a newly developed website designed especially for him. The website lays out the process for developing a four-year plan for the student. The student commits to doing this planning to impact his or her future.

This link on our district homepage is part of a comprehensive “Success Readiness” plan for every student entering Normandy High School. A success-ready student has the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and experiences to achieve personal goals and contribute in all facets of life.

Available at: https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness The Why? Why are we implementing such a comprehensive plan? The facts tell the story: • By 2020, 60 percent of all jobs nationally will require postsecondary education and training.

• Fifty-three percent of all jobs in Missouri fall into the mid-skill category, which requires credentials and certification.

• Children who entered kindergarten in 2017 must be prepared for jobs that are not yet to be imagined. The majority will ultimately hold jobs that did not exist in 2018.

In response to these facts, Normandy Schools Collaborative has implemented a four-year plan that will, at a minimum, lead to reaching the following benchmarks: • 10 percent of graduates will be credentialed for the mid-skill jobs.

• At least 20 seniors will graduate with an associate degree through Gateway to College.

• 43 percent of graduates will attain college credit during high school.

• 58 percent of graduates will pursue postsecondary training/education.

The How? Normandy uses a strategic planning model that identifies S.M.A.R.T. goals for the next three-to-five years and then identifies priority projects in each year that will achieve those goals. The S.M.A.R.T. Goals for 2019-2020 are already being acted upon beginning July 1, 2019.

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1. Create three options for students to earn college credit in high school through dual credit, dual enrollment, and/or early

college.

2. Realign current career pathways to local industry needs and include industry recognized credential and post-secondary credit options in each program of study.

3. 100 percent of seniors will participate in a career presentation or college preparation seminar and identify a post-graduation goal.

4. Implement a counseling structure that ensures 100 percent of freshmen will complete an Individual Career and Academic plan and select a pathway.

The Who? A collaborative team working with the Office of College and Career Readiness will employ a range of tools and strategies to meet these goals. These tools include developing the student website, workforce alignment, and partnerships with both local colleges and corporations.

The When?

This work began last spring and continues with a sense of urgency. This sense of urgency encompasses a very intentional focus on actions that we believe will make a difference for our student. We are beginning this work in grades 9-12, with the intent of pushing down to the middle grades in the next phase.

School districts throughout the region are looking at necessary actions that will lead to more of our students being successful in life, not just school. This success requires us to see education as truly being a lifelong journey. “Lifelong Learning” is much more than an aspirational phrase. It is a critical way of thinking and being.

We are committed to preparing our young scholars for opportunities to succeed. Normandy Schools Collaborative remain focused on our students not just having a job or a career, but are dedicated to them creating jobs and careers.

“Changing Lives Today. Educating for the Future!” is about “Success Readiness.”

Dr. Charles J. Pearson is currently the Superintendent of the Normandy Schools Collaborative. He has been committed to serving in the public education arena for over 35 years. Pearson received his doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University in 2007. He is married to Betty and they have three adult children and live in Normandy.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 5, 2020

Home Builders Association donates more than $11,000 to Marygrove On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), HBA Executive Vice President Celeste Rueter (left) presented an $11,197 donation to Courtney Noto, director of development for Marygrove.

The donation will be used to remove, repair and refinish industrial-grade metal cabinets in two of Marygrove’s residential treatment units – Aspen and Rosewood. Marygrove is dedicated to providing a safe living environment for children and youth while addressing their mental health needs. Marygrove serves approximately 225 children and young adults each day (approximately 1,300 each year) who are strug-

Business

Submitted photo

gling with behavioral, emotional or other mental health issues. These challenges are often the result of abuse, neglect or other early childhood traumas. The desired outcome for each child is to learn how to manage their mental health condition and develop life skills so they can move to a less restrictive environment.

The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

VOTE BEST OF NORTH COUNTY 2020 BEST OF NORTH COUNTY

-2020-

Presented by

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

63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63135, 63136, 63137, 63138

Accounting

Attorney

Auto Dealership

Auto Repair

Barber/Hair Salon

Car Wash

Computer

Winners will be listed in a special section in Community News and awards will be presented at the Chamber luncheon on March 18.

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

Catering

Chiropractor

Child Care

Dentist

Electrician

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Financial/Investments

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Funeral Home

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Ice Cream Stand

Insurance Agent

Jeweler

Landscaping/Lawn Care

Optometrist/Vision Care

Photographer

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Real Estate Agent

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Remodeling/Roofing

Restaurant

Senior Living

Specialty Shop

Travel Agent

Veterinarian

Bakery/Donuts

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What’s Happening

February 5, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS Feb. 5: 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. 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. 7: First responder night

Hazelwood West High School will host First Responder Night at the West High vs. Mehlville boys’ basket-

ball game at 6 p.m. at 1 Wildcat Lane in Hazelwood All first responders and their families will be admitted into the game for free with a badge or while in uniform. Refreshments will be provided for first responders and their families along with opportunities for attendance prizes.

Feb. 8: Texas hold’em.

Texas hold’em at Atonement Lutheran at 1285 N North Florissant Rd. starts at 6 p.m. For more information call: Greg Viehman at 314-422-2657 or Dan Sullivan at 314-541-1931. All profits go to Feed My Starving Children.

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 call 314-831-6121.

Feb. 8: Flea market

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

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.

tact Carolyn at 314-837-4674 or email Altepeterc@gmail.com. All money raised will support Feed My Starving Children.

March 15: Snowman building contest

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.

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.

March 21: Trivia night

Trivia will take place at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Rd. in Ferguson. Doors open at 6 p.m. trivia starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $25 per person (eight players per table) $200 per team. Soda and light snacks will be provided. To register call Rev. BJ Arnold at 314518-1505. All money raised will support Feed My Starving Children.

March 27: CultureFest 2020

CultureFest is a celebration of the many cultures of Christian Hospital staff, St. Louis communities and patients that takes place from 11 a.m.

– 3 p.m. at Christian Hospital Atrium and Parking Lot at 11133 Dunn Rd. Community program booths, retail vendors, and health initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and equity will be present. There will be a world map for all participants to indicate their ancestral origins as part of CultureFest’s celebration of diversity and inclusion. Free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose will be provided. Food trucks will be present from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

March 30: Historic Florissant’s Annual Benefit Dinner

Historic Florissant’s Annual Benefit Dinner will be held at Hendel’s Restaurant at 599 St. Denis Street in Florissant. Cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m. and dinner service will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets will be $50 per person and $100 per person for a VIP table.

To purchase a ticket, please send a check to: Historic Florissant, Inc., 1067 Dunn Rd, Florissant, MO 63031 or call 314-565-1468 to purchase using a credit or debit card. All proceeds benefit Historic Florissant, Inc. a nonprofit organization working toward the preservation of Florissant’s rich history.

April 4: Mystery dinner theatre

Mystery Dinner Theatre will take place at Unity Lutheran Church at 8454 Glen Echo Dr. in Normandy.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., play to follow. Cost is $25 per person. For reservations con-

April 10: Fish fries

April 25: Dueling pianos

Dueling Pianos will take place at Atonement Lutheran Church at 1285 N New Florissant Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., music goes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There will be a silent auction, wine pulls and 50/50. For reservations call Rick Brown at 314-249-3418. All money raised will support Feed My Starving Children.

May 15: Fish fry

Zion Lutheran Church Fish Fry starts on Feb. 28 and runs every Friday through May 15. Doors open from 4 to 7 p.m. Dine in or carry out cod, catfish, shrimp, chicken, drinks and sides featuring homemade desserts.

For more information call at Andi 314-522-0100.

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 5, 2020 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.

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 314-921-2132.

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.

What’s Happening

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 SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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.

www.christianhospital.org/5k

9

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.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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Sports

February 5, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Soccer team looking to add players The St. Louis Lions men’s club was founded in 2005, the team plays in the USL League Two (Formerly the Premier Development League), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference. The team plays its home games at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in nearby Cottleville.

The mission of the team is to provide a professional setting for players that desire to excel and develop into the professional game. The Lions provide added exposure nationwide and worldwide for the college player.

Head coach Tony Glavin along with coaches Geoff Lorimier and Kyle Rudy, will be evaluating players for all positions on the team.

There will be two days of tryouts on Feb. 15 and 16 and will be held at St. Dominic High School (Crusader Stadium) in O’Fallon. Check in will be at 12 p.m. and will run from 1 – 5 p.m.

(Additional tryouts may be scheduled due to Division 1 player restrictions or player invite.)

Go to www.STLLions.com for more details. * Great opportunity to play professional soccer Two student-athletes reach 1,000 career points in same week The two student-athletes play in the Hazelwood School District and reached a career basketball milestone on consecutive nights.

Both Mykel Mathews a senior of Hazelwood West High School and Nariyah Simmons a junior of Hazelwood Central High School scored their 1,000th career point for their respective school recently.

Both players said they weren’t focused on the achievement, but were quick to credit their teammates for helping them reach it. * Leaders of the team Lindenwood’s women’s senior guard scored her 1000th point Lindenwood University’s Lindsay Medlen scored her 1,000th career point in a 81-68 loss to Southern Indiana. She is the 17th Lion to

reach the milestone, joining teammate Kallie Bildner. The defeat drops the Lions to 11-7 overall and 7-5 in conference games.

Highlights of game: • Lindsay Medlen scored 15 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists. Additionally, Medlen now has 376 assists, four away from matching the Lindenwood NCAA record of 280 set by Jenny Rocha from 2012-16.

• Kallie Bildner led the Lions with 25 points and 12 rebounds with two steals and two blocks. Of her 12 rebounds, seven came on the offensive glass. Bildner was 8-13 from the field, 3-6 from three and 6-7 from the line.

• Devin Fuhring was second on the team in scoring with 21 points on 6-15 shooting (6-6 from the line).

• It is the fourth time this season that Bildner and Fuhring have both scored 20 points in a game.

The Lions have had two 20-point scorers in the same game five times this season.

The Lions are 7-5 in the GLVC and rank fifth in the GLVC Point Rating System (338 points on average). The top eight teams in the Point Rating System advance to the GLVC Championship. There are eight games remaining in the 2019-20 GLVC slate. * Great goal to accomplish 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 • February 5, 2020

Recipe:

Sweet, luscious snacks for loved ones

Frosted Watermelon Cutouts

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F-1

– SUDOKU –

Watermelon and Chocolate Dessert Board

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.

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients: 1 seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-3/4-inch thick slices

4 brownie bites 1 cup frosting (any flavor)

Directions: Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut shapes out of watermelon slices or simply use cut watermelon wedges, if desired. Top heart shapes with brownie bites and add frosting as desired.

Ingredients: 1/2 medium seedless watermelon, cut into wedges and cubes 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 cup fresh red cherries 1 cup strawberries, trimmed and halved 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup roasted, salted cashews 1 cup chocolate covered almonds 1 bar dark chocolate, broken into

squares 1 cup coconut chips mint leaves, for garnish Directions: On serving board, arrange watermelon in center and surround with raspberries, cherries, strawberries, cranberries, cashews, almonds, chocolate and coconut chips. Scatter mint leaves around board for garnish.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Find more Valentine’s Day inspiration and recipes at watermelon.org

Things to look for at Oscars 2020

A

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.

s a die-hard movie lover, the Oscars are my Super Bowl, the time where creative minds in Hollywood come together to celebrate their art and reward the best of the best in the individual categories. Although the biggest race is arguably the one for Best Picture, there are other awards that are just as intriguing and exciting this year.

A few months ago, Clint Eastwood’s “Richard Jewell” looked like a solid Oscar contender. Eastwood’s film examined the furor and suspicion that surrounded the man who found a bomb in Olympic Park. Jewell helped evacuate the area at the 1996 Olympics, saving a lot of lives in the process. He quickly went from hero to suspect, though, and the mainstream media went on the attack. The true bomber was later revealed to be American terrorist Eric Robert Rudolph, but Jewell’s life was never the same.

Clint Eastwood is no stranger to the Oscar stage. His “Million Dollar Baby,” for instance, was a big winner at the 77th Academy Awards.

During this awards season, however, Kathy Bates received the only Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for “Richard Jewell.” Bates played Bobi Jewell, Richard’s mother who

Speaking of animation, one surprise this year was “Missing Link,” an underappreciated film that recently won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. This stop-motion film was up against a power block of Disney films (“Toy Story 4”, “The Lion King” and “Frozen II”) and still walked away a winner. “Missing Link” tells the story of a kind and gentle Sasquatch looking for his family. With its Golden Globe win, this feature could take home an Oscar as well.

As witnessed by the current crop of Oscar nominations, Greta Gerwig doesn’t get as much love from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as she should. Two years ago, Gerwig directed the brilliant and funny “Lady Bird” and earned a directing nomination in the process. Her nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for “Little Women” this year also is well-deserved, but she should be in the Best Director category as well. Her chances for an Oscar in 2020 are still good, though.

Along the way to the award for Best Picture, Kathy Bates, Greta Gerwig, “Hair Love” and a lovable Sasquatch will make for some interesting viewing.

The 92nd Academy Awards will be broadcast on Sunday, Feb. 9.

“Hair Love” photo courtesy Sony Pictures Animation

stood by her son while he was being persecuted in the press. Despite strong competition from Laura Dern (“Marriage Story”), Bates could take home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance.

The Best Animated Short Film category is another one to watch. This year, the short that stands out is “Hair Love,” the story of a father trying to help his daughter on a very important day. Written and co-directed by former NFL wide receiver Matthew Cherry, this short has little dialogue, but the faces of the characters speak volumes. Cherry’s work here is solid and he and his team are leading the pack in this category.

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Feature

February 5, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

COLLECTIBLES

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

RECORDS WANTED Cash paid for 78, 33 & 45 RPM records

House calls made Call Bob 636-296-5240

SCHOOL HELP WANTED

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.

Check it Out!

www.MYCNEWS.com

SINGERS WANTED

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 5, 2020

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Feature

February 5, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: Be My Valentine

‘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 The doldrums have hit.

Doldrums are defined as: A period of inactivity, stagnation or depression. Yup, that sounds like them alright.

This is the time of year when the feasting and merriment of the holidays are over; the weather is gray and spring is still months away. There’s not much to look forward to. I’ve already broken my New Year’s resolution. Hey, I couldn’t let the chocolatey treats from my Christmas stocking go to waste. Now they’ve gone to waist, and hips and thighs and yeah…especially there too. Thanks for noticing; yet one more thing to add to my list of depression.

I thought about going to the mall to check out the long-after Christmas sales and maybe get some exercise too. That would get me off the couch and stimulate my system. But, no! Just as I was about to leave, the Centers for Disease Control just announced there’s a dangerous, murderous new virus out there wreaking havoc across the globe. I better stay put and douse myself with Lysol then gargle some bleach and don my surgical mask until it’s been taken care of.

Besides, the weather outside looks ominous and is brewing a nasty storm. I fear we may be in the path of another bomb cyclone headed our way. Holy moly, bomb cyclone! That sounds like the type of meteor thing that eliminated the dinosaurs. I may be as old as a dinosaur, but I’m not ready for extinction just yet. I’m not taking any chances. I’m staying inside till spring.

I grabbed my cats and curled up on the couch to watch a little TV. I flipped through the channels and nothing came up but impeachment hearings

Survival of the fattest and more impeachment hearings. Blah, blah, blibitty-blah!

Non-stop torture.

Fun fact, Congress is also defined as: A large member of government inactive, stagnated and depressing.

Hmm, I thought to myself, homicidal virus and cyclone bomb outside or inside non-stop blathering from demented politicians whose antics would slowly drive me insane.

I grabbed my coat and keys. I figured I had a much better chance of survival outside.

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. *Abélard to Héloïse 6. C.E.O.’s degree 9. a.k.a Snowmobile 13. Make amends 14. Over, poetically 15. Garlic unit 16. ____ lazuli 17. New, prefix 18. Bumpkin 19. *St. Valentine’s Day Massacre city 21. James Bond’s drink of choice 23. Building annex 24. Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____” 25. MD, familiarly 28. Land of Nod, in relation to Eden 30. Hire for work 35. Part of an eye 37. Feudal laborer 39. Request from Amazon 40. Waterproofed canvas 41. Bunch of bees 43. Black cat, e.g.

44. Apollo of “Rocky” 46. Roofed colonnade 47. X in a letter 48. Medicinal herb 50. Tangerine-grapefruit hybrid 52. Tennis barrier 53. Hold as a conviction 55. End of a fuse?

57. *____ Valentine,

a.k.a. humorous Valentine 61. *One of star-crossed lovers 65. Beyond’s occasional partner 66. E.T. transporter 68. Wombs 69. Hansen’s disease patient 70. Young canine 71. *Flirt 72. *They used to be each other’s Valentines 73. Attempt 74. Passover meal DOWN 1. Barber’s supply 2. Arizona’s neighbor 3. Serengeti antelope 4. *Like a bottle of champagne 5. “Goodwill Industries” business 6. *Unfortunate consequence of kissing?

7. Busy as a what?

8. *Pleasant bouquet smell 9. Vegas bandit 10. Mischievous Norse deity 11. ____-tempered 12. Sub station 15. *Roxane’s pen pal 20. “Heart of ____,” Blondie’s hit 22. Well-kept secret, for

some 24. Strata, sing.

25. *Go ____, or split the cost of a date 26. Estrogen maker 27. The smallest dwarf planet 29. Uses a Singer 31. Get the picture 32. Short for administrator 33. Goslings, when they grow up 34. *German artist or Young’s partner 36. “Singes” in “La Planète des Singes” 38. *Mr. Right, pre-kiss 42. Tiny European republic 45. Jackie Robinson, e.g.

49. Princess tester 51. “My two cents,” pl.

54. Do like Vesuvius 56. *Héloïse to Abélard 57. Wide river valley 58. Wild goat 59. Uh-uh 60. “The Three Faces of ____,” pl.

61. Printer button 62. Old paint hazard 63. Gaelic tongue 64. *Wedding cake layer 67. “___ Elise”

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9