CN: February 6, 2019

February 6, 2019

Healthy mom, healthy baby

Around Town

By Rick L. Stevens. Pg. 3

Special Section Vote for your favorite Business in North County. Pg. 10

Business Vendors sought for St. Louis Riverfront. Pg. 7

Features

Photo by Kate Edmonson

Fresh Rx Program participants Nausha Russ (left) and Jessica Lester hold their newborns.

Operation Food Search launches program to provide low-income women the opportunity to experience healthier pregnancies and babies

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1

By Charlotte Beard

CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3

Last year Operation Food Search (OFS), the hunger relief organization, expanded on its Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to feed children 18 years of age and younger.

They have expanded once again with the announcement of their Fresh Rx – Nourishing Healthy Starts program. The program, announced on Jan. 31, is a fresh food prescription program which uses food-as-medicine to address food insecurity during pregnancy.

OFS plans to provide low-income women the opportunity to experience healthier pregnancies and babies.

Trina Ragain, Director of Advocacy and Research for OFS, shared that they began piloting the program with a small group of expectant mothers in September 2018. The group of women were instrumental in providing the necessary feedback to launch the

program live last week.

Ragain shared that the idea of this program began with an NPR news story someone sent her that was published almost two years ago about the Geisinger Health System and its grant in Pennsylvania. The system started the Fresh Food Farmacy on the grounds of a hospital.

“The (Geisinger) Health System created a small healthy corner store on their campus where diabetic patients who were food insecure could have the opportunity to go shopping for whole grains, lean meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy. What they were able to find in the first eight months of implementing it, was that their A1C scores dropped on average two points in that eight months. They calculated healthcare costs savings of $24,000 per participant.”

The results were so impressive that Ragain, who once worked for the March of Dimes, wondered about the outcome if they implemented a similar program for a population of expectant mothers. She shared that use of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for infants born prematurely or at a low birth weight is one of the most expensive types of care that is paid for within the healthcare system.

Ragain stated, “So, we set out with this project to essentially recruit participants and look at if we address food insecurity during pregnancy how it would improve or impact outcome for both the pregnant woman as well her baby. Literature tells us that women who are food insecure are more likely to have See ‘HEALTHY’ page 2

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Around Town

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February 6, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘HEALTHY’ from cover complications such as things like gestational diabetes. We know that babies born to mothers who are food insecure during pregnancy are more likely to be born with birth defects, as well as being born at a low birth weight. Both of those outcomes send babies to NICUs. Across the country care averages around $5,000 a day for a baby in the NICU (and there are) long-term impacts on a baby when they are born too small, too soon, or with birth defects.”

Ragain then began to look for long-term solutions.

“So, we wanted to test this out.

‘Is food medicine?’ is the question that we’re trying to answer,” she said. “If your insurance company is willing to pay for an insulin prescription or another Photo by Kate Edmonson medication to treat a chronic condition, and we know that Sara Hale (left) and Jamie Choler are the owners and founders of Fair Shares which curates food from regional farmers for the Operation Food condition would be impacted Search Fresh Rx Program. by you not having enough nutritious food to eat, why can’t we start writing prescriptions for food? approximately 70 percent of the participants did not have access In the long run, food is so much less expensive than a prescription to reliable transportation. When participants enter the program, medication. Through this work we are trying to look at the re- the social worker will assess the transportation needs to determine turn on investment. If we’re providing $35 worth of food to each whether the delivery option is required. Food will either be picked family per week that they are in the program, are we able to offset up each week at the OFS headquarters located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. complications during pregnancy or with the baby that could show or delivered to their home, work location, or other location for the it would be a good investment for our state to make for Medic- participant’s convenience.

Ragain stated, “While we’re spending about $35 per week per aid-insured women and children as well as other health-insured (individuals) who might be food insecure and see how that’s im- participant, it is all going right back into the St. Louis region economy. These are local farmers. Earth Dance (Farm) in Ferguson is pacting the overall cost of healthcare in our country?”

There are a host of partners that are making the Fresh Rx pro- one. A lot of the (providers) are in a 90-mile radius in St. Louis. gram possible for soon-to-be moms. “Our first funder was An- Not only are we providing the food we’re providing them localthem Foundation/Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of MO,” stated ly grown food. And we’re going to provide them with the opporRagain. “We also received funding from Monsanto Fund and the tunity to meet the farmers who are growing food for them. The farmers that are participating are really interested. Some of them Episcopal Presbyterian Health Trust.”

In addition, Wallace Center at Winrock International is one of are multi-generation farmers – farming has been in their family Fresh Rx’s funders. The program’s implementation partners are because that’s what their family has always done, and they have a the OB Care Center at SSM DePaul Hospital-St. Louis in Bridge- passion for it for that reason. But for some of them this is giving ton and Fair Shares Combined Community Supported Agricul- them some new inspiration – they know it’s going to help families that may not otherwise have food to eat that night.” ture (CCSA).

OFS is providing the women two cooking classes during the “Fair Shares is run by sisters,” shared Ragain, “and they curate food (protein, fruits and vegetables, dairy), from regional farmers. day and two evening classes. Program participants will be able to So, everything they have is from Southern Illinois and the Missou- sign up online for the cooking classes of their choice. The classes are rotated weekly and taught at OFS, which is equipped with ri area. All of the food for the most part is locally grown.”

Women who have their prenatal care appointments at the OB a commercial kitchen. OFS pays for childcare, which is provided Care Center at SSM DePaul Hospital are screened for food inse- on site during classes, as well as the participant’s transportation to curity to determine their eligibility to participate in the program. and from classes via Uber, if needed. A chef teaches all classes in “There is a two-item screener that was initially developed for use collaboration with a registered dietician. The classes provide nuwith the pediatric population; pediatricians were implementing this trition education for each stage of a woman’s pregnancy as well as hunger vital sign,” stated Ragain. “So, we took this screener that we after child birth. In addition, the classes assist with culinary skills knew had been validated by pediatricians and we have worked with and proper storage for certain produce that may have never been Dr. Carolyn Pryor, who runs the OB Care Center, and she has had it purchased. One support person from the participant’s household is also welcomed to attend. incorporated into their in-take at the OB Care Center.”

Over the next four years OFS and its healthcare partners will Participants in the program can expect these benefits: a weekly share of local protein, dairy, grain and produce for their entire be looking at the impact on mothers and infants to assess the furhousehold; one-on-one nutrition consultations with a dietitian to therance of the program past the current four-year funding for the benefit themselves or someone else in their household; in-home program.

Ragain stated, “There has been a lot of attention in our region to and online nutrition and cooking tutorials; culinary skills and nutrition education classes; and financial counseling, workforce the fact that we have such a high rate of infant mortality. So, one of the things we will be looking at is how we tie in some of the already development and diaper assistance.

During the piloting phase of the program it was discovered that existing initiatives that are happening here in the St. Louis region.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 6, 2019

St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center performs 500th heart transplant St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center is now the first pediatric heart transplant program in the Midwest, and one of just a handful of programs across the nation, to reach an historic milestone after performing its 500th heart-only transplant. The Heart Center team worked overnight from Jan. 23 to the morning of Jan. 24 to perform the 10-hour surgery.

This Heart Center performed one of the Midwest’s first heart transplants in 1986 and has consistently performed the highest volume of heart transplants than any other program in the Midwest ever since. Today, patients are referred to the St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center from all over the country and this program is known for giving hope to the families of high-risk cases turned down by other hospitals.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital performed its first heart transplant on Jan. 10, 1986, just 18 months after a Denver four-year-old became the world’s first successful pediatric heart transplant. This pioneering legacy has continued over the past 33 years as St. Louis Children’s Hospital became one of the first to offer pediatric heart transplants in

the youngest of children to whom this lifesaving procedure was not previously an option.

Today, the St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center averages 15-20 heart transplants per year, including 17 heart-only transplants and two heart-lung transplants in 2018. According to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), patients who received transplants at St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center had better-than-expected survival rates a year later, including a 97.56 percent one-year patient survival rate for heart transplant recipients. The current national average is 93.81 percent. SRTR provides data on organ transplantation that is used to help prospective patients make decisions about which transplant program to choose.

St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center is the largest heart center in the region, caring for nearly 5,000 pediatric and adult congenital heart disease patients over the past ten years. In many cases, they are creating the new standards of care for children with complex heart conditions.

COMMUNITY VOICES Do you know your numbers?

Being informed can save your heart – and life!

By Rick L. Stevens We all have our own numbers that are linked to each of us – like our age, birthday, phone number and even our Social Security number – but I want to remind everyone of more important numbers we each have and should know to keep our hearts healthy.

As we observe the American Heart Association’s American Heart Month in February, this is the perfect time to learn important numbers like your blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, as well as your blood glucose level, or triglyceride level. More importantly, you need to know what these number should be. Knowing these important heart health numbers could very well save your life.

There are some free and convenient screening opportunities in the community this month to learn your numbers, as well as to get expert advice from health care professionals on any action you need to take to improve your heart health.

One such opportunity that I invite you to attend is the 2019 Christian Hospital Heart Fair on Feb. 16, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Detrick Building Atrium at 11133 Dunn Rd., where you can participate in free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose, as well as get a complimentary EKG scan. An EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart through small electrode patches that a technician attaches to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. To regis-

Around Town

3

Transit riders ‘Wake up to a Sweeter Commute’ on Valentine’s Day Transit is a safe and cost-effective transportation option utilized daily by thousands of St. Louis area residents. To spread a little love to these riders, the MetroLink Police Unit is teaming up with Citizens for Modern Transit, Metro Transit, St. Clair County Transit District and the University of Missouri – St. Louis to host “Wake up to a Sweeter Commute” events. On Feb. 14 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., police officers, security officers and representatives of the partnering organizations will be at the Civic Center Transit Center, North County Transit Center and Fairview Heights Transit Center handing out boxes of Conversation Hearts – some of which will include free two-hour, one-day, weekly and monthly passes for the transit system.

To add to the fun and serve as a “conversation starter” on social media platforms, TapSnap Studio Photo Booths will be set up at each site. Riders can get a commemorative photo taken to share on social channels explaining why they are #CrushingOnTransit. Y98 street team members will be at the Civic Center Transit Center with music, games, prizes and free samples of bubly Sparkling Water.

“The goal behind this effort is simple – we want Metro Transit riders to know we appreciate them, while raising awareness about the many benefits of public transit,” said Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development and a frequent transit commuter.

“We show this appreciation by providing customers what they want, not only a safe ride, but a comfortable ride, a ride where they can use the time on our system to return emails, read a book, or sit back and relax.”

Kimberly Cella of Citizens for Modern Transit, added, “A safe, reliable public transit system also plays a key role in stimulating economic development, attracting and retaining business, establishing healthier communities, connecting individuals to job opportunities, furthering equality and building sustainable communities.” visit us at

– WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MYCNEWS

ter for the Heart Fair, call 314-747-9355. If you want a free EKG, please make sure you register separately for this test when you call.

Also, at the Heart Fair health care professionals will be providing lectures on stroke prevention, healthy habits of diabetes, advances in cardiac care, along with a healthy cooking demo from the BJC executive chef.

With Valentine’s Day celebrated this month, I can’t help but once again mention that love is good for the heart too – whether it be romantic love, or love for family members, friends or pets. That open-hearted feeling of love simultaneously fills us with vitality and peace. Heartbreak, on the other hand, can create cardiac stressors and lead to depression, making mental health services and support groups important to overall wellbeing and heart health.

With all this in mind, there’s no time like the present, especially during Heart Month, to take advantage of the easiest way to start a hearthealthy journey – get screened!

Take charge of your heart health and know your heart health numbers!

Rick L. Stevens is President of Christian Hospital.

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.BridgeAtFlorissant.com

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Around Town

February 6, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

WWII veteran to be honored by VFW Post 4105 and the Friends of Veterans of Florissant VFW Post 4105 and the Friends of Veterans of Florissant will be honoring VFW Post 4105 Member First Lt. Eugene Ulrich for his acts of heroism and the contributions he made to our nation during World War II and after on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. at the VFW Post 4105 located at 410 Rue St. Francois. First Lt. Ulrich will be turning 100 years old on Feb. 7.

He flew over fifty air combat operations and received many prestigious medals which included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, African-Mid-

overseas in December 1942. dle Eastern Campaign Medal and While stationed with 12 AF 301st the Distinguished Citation Medal.

Bomb Group, 352nd Bomb Squadron, Ulrich was born Feb. 7, 1919 in and First Lt. Ulrich completed over 50 Cape Girardeau, Missouri and afcombat missions before heading state ter graduating from high school at side back to Cape Girardeau in Septhe age of 16 he attended two years tember 1943. He married his sweetat Missouri State Teacher’s Colheart Jane Collins from El Paso on lege, (now Southeast Missouri State Sept. 29, 1943.

University). Knowing he would be Ulrich was then assigned to Dyersdrafted, he joined the U. S. Army burg Army Air Force Base in TennesAir Corps and was stasee and then to Clovis AAFB in New tioned in Montgomery, Mexico where at both bases he was Alabama until he passed a test to attend Officer Photo courtesy city of Florissant heavily involved in the training of new B-29 bomber crews for the final asCandidate School at This World War II vintage photograph is of Kelly AFB in San Anto- First Lt. Eugene R. Ulrich who was assigned sault on the Axis Powers. He was honnio, Texas. to the 301st Bombardment Group 352nd orably discharged in September 1945.

Ulrich and his wife Jane have four He was commissioned Squadron as a Military Occupational Specialchildren, Eugene Russel Ulrich II; lieutenant and became ty (MOS): Navigator.

(Retired Navy 30 years); Carolyn a navigator stationed at Alamogordo AFB in New Mexico, Biggs (Kandy) Jane Ulrich (Pignataro); Elwood Randolph Air Force Base in EI Paso Texas, Salina Ulrich; and Constance (Connie) Lanier Ulrich RoyAir Force Base in Topeka, Kansas then to bal. They are blessed with eight grandchildren; and six Florida flying in a new B-17F and headed great grandchildren.

MDC celebrates 50th anniversary of Urban Fishing Program in St. Louis

www.aperioncare.com

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Urban Fishing Program (UFP).

MDC plans to spend the year celebrating and invites metro area anglers to join in.

The UFP was originally initiated in 1969 by the federal government during a time when civil unrest was causing tensions in many cities across the country. Their goal was to bring close-to-home fishing to people and infuse a positive influence into urban communities. The program launched in six cities, including St. Louis with the cooperation of MDC and the St. Louis Parks and Recreation Department.

It was a resounding success in the Gateway City. MDC took over the UFP in 1972 and eventually expanded it into St. Louis County and Kansas City.

What started out mainly as a warm weather fishing program got a cold weather boost in the early 1990’s when winter trout stocking and fishing were added. The UFP also eventually lead to funds for lake and habitat improvements being made available in the form of cost share arrangements with city and county partners. These Community Assistance Program agreements created both better accessibility for anglers and habitat for fish, in many cases developing self-sustaining populations of sportfish such as bass, bluegill and crappie.

The program currently includes 17 lakes within St. Louis City and County. It remains the oldest and one of the largest urban fishing programs in the nation.

To celebrate this 50th anniversary, MDC will

Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

stock approximately twice the number of lunker rainbow trout during the winter trout seasons with some fish weighing up to 10 pounds A new urban fishing website with tools to help metro area anglers catch more fish has been created at https://bit.ly/2Fru9p6.

Competition among metro area high school angling teams will continue in the Fish St. Louis Cup (#FISHSTLCup), as the series of fishing challenges culminates in tournament finals this spring.

Urban anglers are invited to share photos of their catches throughout the year on the “brag board” by posting to their favorite social media account and tagging with #MoUrbanFishing.

Look for other special updates and announcements during 2019 as the 50th anniversary of the UFP carries on. For a complete list and details on St. Louis’ urban fishing lakes, go to https://bit. ly/2FzGlnc.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 6, 2019

Northwest News

City of Clayton announces new fire chief John Paul Jones has been appointed as Chief of the Clayton Fire Department effective Jan. 22.

“I am both excited and gratified to accept the opportunity to lead the Clayton Fire Department as its next chief,” said Jones. “There is a great sense of pride within this department.

The commitment to excellence in providing the highest level of service to the community is what attracted me to the Clayton Fire Department. I look to the future with great pride and anticipation, knowing the men and women of this department are among the finest fire and emergency medical providers anywhere.”

Jones joins the city of Clayton after serving for over 30 years with the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD). His last ten years with KCKFD were spent as fire chief overseeing an annual budget of approximately $54 million and 457 employees. Jones brings an extensive background in fire and emergency medical service and holds a BS from Kansas State University and a Master of Science in Fire Administration and Emergency Management from Oklahoma State University.

“Chief Jones obviously has an impressive record of accomplishments that matches the top

professional reputation of the Clayton Fire Department,” said City Manager Craig Owens.

“His experience with a much larger department will serve us well as we strengthen regional capability.”

Jones has served on regional, statewide, and national committees giving a voice to frontline fire and emergency medical service providers.

Jones has a been an advocate in working with community leaders to develop and increase minority and female presence in the fire and emergency medical service field and established programs to support their access and advancement. He’s served as the Co-Chair of the Homeland Security Policy Committee for the Kansas City metropolitan region and President of the Missouri Valley Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Additionally, Jones has a proven track record for innovation including the implementation of new technology and mobile data as well as the community-wide initiatives of HeartSafe, “hands only” CPR, and PulsePoint, an app empowering citizen to serve as responders that Clayton has just implemented.

www.pallotinerenewal.org

Northwest Views: Veterans deserve the right to

purchase a home using a VA loan

By Anthony Smith According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, there are approximately 20 million veterans in the United States. Of that 20 million, about nine percent of them are aware of, or use a VA loan to purchase a home.

On June 22, 1944, under the signing of the GI Bill, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the VA loan program which provided veterans guaranteed home loans with no down payment. It was designed stimulate jobs in the housing market, as well as providing assistance to veterans and their families. That benefit still exists; however, there has been little education as to how to access and use the benefit. Many feel that is too complicated. It is not! Many in the industry de-

fault to what they are comfortable with such as FHA and Conventional type products and never discuss a VA loan with or even ask if the customer is a veteran.

Veterans have earned the benefit of a VA loan and has every right to use it. The sacrifices that veterans make defending our freedoms and way of life, in many cases giving their lives or limbs should be acknowledged and every benefit earned should be made available. You cannot have more “skin in the housing game” than to be a veteran.

In a simple side-by-side comparison, which is rarely presented to a veteran, the choice is clear:

Product

Loan Amount Down payment

MI

APR

Payment w/o tax/ins

FHA

$300,000

3.5% ($10,500)

$211

5.395%

$1501.74

Conventional $300,000

20% ($60,000)

0

4.389%

$1475.00

VA

0%

0

4.432%

$1844.77

$300,000

Anthony Smith, MA, MSgt. USMC Ret., is St. Louis Chapter President of Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP).

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.TheSarahCommunity.com

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School

February 6, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Normandy ELA teacher is 2018 ‘Courageous Educator of the Year’ Dr. Inda Schaenen has been named as the recipient of the Educators for Social Justice 2018 Courageous Educator of the Year Award.

Schaenen is an English Language Arts teacher at Normandy High School in the Normandy Schools Collaborative (NSC).

Schaenen formed Project Lab St. Louis in 2015 designed to implement multidisciplinary, hands-on studies. Currently embedded in Photo courtesy Normandy Schools the NSC curriculum, The Project Lab courses include the student newspaper, The Viking Times; nationally recognized, award-winning literary magazine, The View from Here; and Normandy Crosscurrents, an interscholastic, cross-cultural opportunity for students from different backgrounds to meet and discuss everyday issues and social concerns.

Schaenen will be recognized at the Educators for Social Justice Annual Conference on Saturday, Feb. 9 at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School at 7539 Manchester Road.

Hazelwood West High School hosts Festival of Nations Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Hazelwood West High School held its 12th annual Festival of Nations on Jan. 24. Twenty-four countries were showcased by students in this celebration of diversity; students wore traditional clothing from different cultures, performed song and dance routines, and prepared several different foods for attendees to try.

Hazelwood School District Support Staff of the Year announced The Hazelwood School District 2018-2019 Support Staff of the Year recipients have been chosen.

“Our support staff are vital to the mission of Hazelwood School District and helping to provide a safe and supportive learning environment,” Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart said. “It is with great pride we recognize these individuals whose contributions influence students, teachers, and administrators every single day.”

The Support Staff of the Year recipients are: • Security – Ladonna Vaughn • Social Worker – Carla Sheppard (North Middle School) • Nurse – Dee Davis (West High School)

• Maintenance – Christopher Kahl • Transportation – Denise Jennings • Food Service – Christine Dalton (Grannemann and Keeven Elementary) • Custodial - Martel Coleman (East High School) - David Mann (Garrett Elementary) • Teacher Assistant/Building Aide - Nathaniel Williams (Larimore Elementary) - Lisa Hackmeister (McNair Elementary) • Clerical - Alecia White (District Communications) - Keisha Jackson (Arrowpoint Elementary) - Paula Manis (West High School)

Opportunity Center student receives scholarship from Christian Hospital Foundation

www.treesbywoody.net

Carlenzia Gilbert, a senior at the Hazelwood Opportunity Center, received a $500 scholarship from the Christian Hospital Foundation on Jan. 18.

Gilbert received the scholarship at the second-annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon, hosted by the foundation.

Scholarships were given to eight local students who plan to pursue a career in health care.

Gilbert plans to attend Southern University and pursue a double major in Health Administration and Hospitality Management.

She was recognized for her leadership within the Hazelwood School District, as she is a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board and an exceptional building leader at the Opportunity Center.

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 6, 2019

Business

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Vendors sought for St. Louis Riverfront Looking to sell unique merchandise, souvenirs and gifts, or a tasty menu of food and beverage offerings in an area where 2.5 million people visit each year? Or maybe you want to rent out recreational equipment or run programs and experiences like tours? Vendors are currently being sought to enhance and enliven the St. Louis Riverfront underneath the Gateway Arch.

A request for proposals is now available for entities wishing to have a seasonal presence on the St. Louis Riverfront from mid-May to mid-August 2019. Ten dedicated spaces are available on Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard below the Gateway Arch.

Gateway Arch partners are seeking diverse and creative entities, including but not limited to: vendors for food, beverages, souvenirs, merchandise, recreation and equipment rentals. Interested parties could be businesses, nonprofit organizations or other entities

that wish to activate the space. Collaborations are encouraged; parties may want to join forces to rotate a variety of offerings through one space or combine efforts to make staffing possible.

Responses are due Feb. 22. Bidders can request one or two spots for one year, with the option to renew one or two more years without re-bidding (subject to the committee’s approval). Full details, including measurements, specifics about lighting and electricity, and the full permitting process are available in the RFP, posted at www.RiverfrontVendors.com.

On the renovated St. Louis riverfront, ramps on the east slopes of the Gateway Arch National Park provide accessible routes from the Gateway Arch all the way to the cobblestone levee, where it greets the

North County Inc. elects Christian Hospital president as 2019 board chair The board of directors of North County Incorporated (NCI), a regional development association, elected Rick Stevens, president of Christian Hospital, as 2019 board chair. Stevens will serve a one-year term and succeeds Dr. Chris Kilbride, superintendent for the Ritenour School District.

As president of Christian Hospital, Stevens is responsible for positioning Christian Hospital as a provider of quality critical health care services in north St. Louis County. Stevens provides strategic leadership and oversees daily operations of the 220-staffed-bed hospital.

“We are delighted to benefit from Rick’s leadership,” said Rebecca Zoll, president and CEO of NCI. “To witness the important changes, he has made at Christian Hospital to improve patient care including the new Siteman Cancer care center being built is exciting. Rick is a connector, and under his guidance he and the board will further our mission for advocating for economic and community growth in North

Mississippi Greenway, Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and the mighty Mississippi River. The 1.5-mile area has been raised to reduce flooding and allow for residents and visitors alike to visit the front door to the region.

The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch and Gateway Helicopter Tours are located on the Mississippi River below the Arch.

w w w. s e n i o r s h e l p i n g s e n i o r s . c o m / s t l o u i s c e n t r a l

County.

Stevens has received numerous accolades throughout his health care career including the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2017 “Diverse Business Leader” award, the 2006 Louisville YMCA Black Achievers Award, Modern Healthcare’s “2005 Up and Comers Award,” and the National Association of Health Services Executives’ “2002 Young Healthcare Executive” award.

“I look forward to serving as board chair for North County Inc. and partnering with the board, Rebecca Zoll and her staff,” said Stevens. “North County has a lot to offer. It’s a strong community with areas of expertise and excellence, and we will seek out opportunities with community partners for the betterment of North County.”

Stevens holds a master’s degree in public health from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. And a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University.

www.valleyind.net

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What’s Happening

February 6, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS Feb. 6: 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. 8: Country fried steak or meatloaf dinner

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. 8: Valentine’s dinner and dance

Valentine’s dinner and dance takes place at Eagan Ctr. in Florissant from 5 – 9 p.m. Cost is $12 per person (resident) $15 per person (non-resident).

Price includes admission, dinner and light snacks; beer, wine and soda available for purchase. Call Senior Office in Florissant City Hall, 314839-7605 for tickets and information.

Feb. 9: Winter Ball Karneval

The St. Louis-Stuttgart Sister Cities, Inc. organization will hold their 59th anniversary, at their 32nd Annual Winter Ball Karneval event - this year with the theme of “Hollywood Red Carpet”- taking place from 6 p.m. until midnight at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel at 9801 Natural Bridge Road in St. Louis. Immediately following the Winter Ball, a ticketed after party will commence from 11:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, featuring German food and Gemütlichkelt, German beer and wine and live entertainment from the SLSSC Band.

The funds raised through the Winter Ball Karneval support the organization’s cultural, educational and business/trade events and programming for members and the general public alike. Tickets to the 32nd Annual Winter Ball Karneval event are $85 per person and include complimentary parking and breakfast the

following morning. The after party tickets are $25 per person. To purchase tickets online visit www.stl4stuttgart.com or contact Harrison Billy at 314-609-6734.

Feb. 9: 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 9: 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. 10: Concert

The St. Louis Theatre Musicians Orchestra, featuring vocalists Charles Glenn and Patricia Scanlon, will make up the band stand on stage for a night of great theatre music at 2 p.m. as part of the Florissant Fine Arts Council’s Applause /Applause series. Live on stage at the Gary Gaydos Theatre, located in the Florissant Civic Center at Parker Road and Waterford Drive.

Reserve seat tickets are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors and $13 for students.

Call the box office 314-921-5678 for tickets and information or go online at www.florissantfinearts.com.

Feb. 13: 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. 13: Community empowerment workshop

The Hazelwood School District is offering a three-session community empowerment workshop series in partnership with Alive and Well Communities. The first session will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hazelwood East High School at 11300 Dunn Road in St. Louis. The series will focus on topics like historical oppression, discipline policies, how

trauma affects adults and youth, and how to respond to those who have experienced trauma. The workshops are free and open to the public; a light dinner and childcare will be provided. Registration is required, and those interested should call 314-9535160 or email sjackson@hazelwoodschools.org to reserve a seat.

Feb. 16: Free concert

Justin B. Funk presents “A Love Affair” with Funksession featuring Thedarox from 7 – 9 p.m. at Hwy 67 BBQ at 1752 New Florissant Rd. in Florissant. Free entry and all ages are welcome. For more information call 314-455-2999.

Feb.18: Making schools safe for students “Turn it Around...Hands Down” is a program that raises student’s self-esteem, reduces bulling and stresses a peacemaking approach in the school climate. Carol Kuhlengel, who designed and implements this innovative program at Riverview Gardens School District and JoAnn Klees who works with her, will discuss this acclaimed program. The American Association of University Women Ferguson-Florissant (North County) branch meeting will be at 10 a.m. in the Educational Building of Immanuel UCC Church at 211 Church Street in Ferguson. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 314-921-7109, 314-5220414, or 314-831-5359.

tice, will run through Feb. 23. This art exhibit was made possible by a generous grant from the FSC Foundation.

Feb. 27: 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.

March 9: Summer camp fair

Join Ferguson-Florissant School District and Blueprint4Summer St. Louis for the 2019 Summer Camp Fair. Parents can explore a variety of summer opportunities for schoolage children at the Summer Camp Fair. Representatives from local and regional providers will be available to talk about summer camps, programs, internships, and volunteer activities.

During the fair, parents can meet program staff, pick up information and registration forms. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at McCluer North High School Gymnasium at 705 Waterford Dr. in Florissant. The fair is free and open to all families within any school in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

March 30-31: Holistic fair

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.

Internal Spirit Holistic Fair takes place March 30 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Machinist’s District 9 Hall at 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd. in Bridgeton. A $5 admission provides access to a variety of alternative healers, inspirational and educational lectures, vendors, jewelry, crystals, shamans, bio-mat, aura photo, astrologer, psychic/mediums and more. Free gift bag to the first 50 participants each day. For more information visit www. internalspiritholisticfair.com.

Feb. 21: Community forum

RECURRING EVENTS

Feb. 20: Karaoke

The Hazelwood School District will host a community forum with its superintendent and board of education on from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hazelwood West High School at 1 Wildcat Lane in Hazelwood. A panel consisting of Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart and three board members will host a discussion centered on district updates, the Strategic Plan, and answering questions from attendees.

Parents, students, district staff, and community members are invited to attend. This is the second of three community forums in the district this school year; the final forum will be held April 4 at Central High School.

Feb. 22: 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. 23: Art exhibition

“History in Technicolor: North County Students Reflect on Black History Month” is now open at Good Shepherd Arts Center at 252 S. Florissant Road in Ferguson. The exhibit, sponsored by North County Churches United for Racial Harmony and Jus-

Any time: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine by appointment

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant.

Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314-921-7582, Vicki Wittman Email: vicray01@aol.com.

Monthly: Free legal services

Every month CORP Legal Services provides: legal document preparations such as wills, deeds and power of attorneys at no cost to St. Louis County seniors 60 years and older.

There is an income limit. Contact the coordinator at 314-615-0931 for more information.

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: 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: 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-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: 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: 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 6, 2019 Tuesdays: Vietnam Veterans Association meeting

Thursdays: Bingo

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.

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.

Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)

Thursdays: Quilting guild

(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 or Connie 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 314.921.2316.

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, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs.

Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group 3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331.

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: 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 first Thursday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.

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

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

What’s Happening

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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

Saturdays: Clothing sale

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

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

Saturdays: Grief support

On the fourth Saturday of each month, grief support meeting “A Way With Words Ministry” meets at 12:30 p.m. at Community Christ Fellowship, rear, at 121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood, 1/4 mile south of Hwy 270 off Florissant Rd. There are a variety of topics monthly. You are not alone. Come help your heart heal with others. For more information call 314-605-3949.

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop

www.byerlyrv.com

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

6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314.731.9330

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752.

Fridays: Celebrate Recovery

For 25 years Celebrate Recovery has been helping everyday folks find freedom from whatever difficulty you are experiencing in your life. This Christ-centered, 12-step program is based on the Beatitudes.

We meet every Friday at 6:15 p.m. for dinner ($5); 7 p.m. large group meeting; 8 p.m. Small groups sharing; 9 p.m. dessert at First Christian Church of Florissant at 2890 Patterson Rd. in Florissant. For more information call 314-837-2269 or visit http://www.fccf.org/ or Facebook page Celebrate Recovery-FCCF.

Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting Everyone is welcome to attend

CROSSWORD answers from page F-2

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.

www.TheVillaAtRiverwood.com

9

10

February 6, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

VOTE BEST OF NORTH COUNTY 2019

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www.villagenorthretirement.com

BEST OF NORTH COUNTY

-2019-

Presented by

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www.autospaetc.com

Vote for your favorite business in North County!

and the

Winners will be listed in a special section in Community News and awards will be presented at the Chamber luncheon on March 20.

Deadline to vote is March 1, 2019 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

Accounting

Attorney

Apartment Complex

Auto Dealership

Bank/Credit Union

Bar/Grill

Car Wash

Catering

Chiropractor

Child Care

Computer

Dentist

Electrician

Fast Food/Carryout Restaurant

Financial/Investments

Florist

Funeral Home

Golf Course

Heating & Cooling

Ice Cream Stand

Insurance Agent

Jeweler

Landscaping/Lawn Care

Optometrist/Vision Care

Photographer

Pizza Parlor

Real Estate Agent

Rehab/Skilled Nursing Care

Remodeling/Roofing

Restaurant

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Specialty Shop

Travel Agent

Veterinarian

Auto Repair

Bakery/Donuts

VOTE TODAY!

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 6, 2019

Recipe:

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Healthy mealtime inspiration in your pantry

One of the secrets to ordering less takeout and serving more nutritious homemade meals may be as simple as keeping a well-stocked pantry of canned foods. By cooking with canned foods, you can cut down prep time, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time with family.

Canned foods can also help reduce the amount of perishable fruits and vegetables purchased then thrown away. Consider how many times

Feature

you’ve opened the fridge only to find the fresh produce you purchased only days ago has already spoiled. Because fresh fruits and vegetables are harvested at the peak of ripeness and canned within four hours, sealing in their nutrition and flavor, your family can have access to seasonal, ready-to-use fruits and vegetables year-round.

Simply reach in your pantry – or your “cantry” – and get cooking.

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.

Panzanella Salad Prep time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients: Dressing: 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper Salad: 1 pound day-old Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 8 ounces romaine lettuce, chopped 2 cans (10 ounces each) tomato wedges 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) garbanzo beans 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) artichoke hearts 1 can (3.8 ounces) olives 1 can (1 1/2 ounces) sliced radishes

Directions: To make dressing: In small bowl, stir together olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Set aside.

To assemble salad: In large bowl, toss bread cubes, lettuce, tomato wedges, beans, artichoke hearts, olives and radishes; drizzle with dressing.

For more information about the benefits of cooking with canned foods and to find more flavorful recipes, visit CansGetYouCooking.com.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘Wonder Woman,’ ‘Black Panther’ harness the true power of superhero movies

B

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.

efore Marvel Studios became a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, superhero movies were not taken seriously, especially during awards season. 1989’s “Batman,” for instance, was wildly popular with Michael Keaton playing the dual role of Bruce Wayne and his crime-fighting alter ego. The film did win an Oscar for Best Art Direction/Set Direction and Jack Nicholson won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the Joker. Critics still dismissed the genre as “popcorn movies”, though.

Twenty years after Nicholson’s victory, Heath Ledger received a posthumous Oscar for his nuanced performance as the Joker. Ledger’s work in “The Dark Knight” captured the unstable, vicious and homicidal aspects of the comic book character. In the years following his death, various news sources, including CNN, examined the possibility that immersing himself deeply into the role may have led to his demise.

A decade later, superhero movies are finally getting the respect they deserve. Credit must be given to “Wonder Woman,” arguably the best film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), for opening the door. Created decades ago by William Moulton Marston, the character has been a fixture on the comic book pages and earned her own 1970’s TV series starring Lynda Carter.

Patty Jenkins directed Gal Gadot in a solid

Photos courtesy Warner Bros. & Marvel Studios

solo adventure and one that deserved a Best Picture nod. Gadot embraced the character of Diana, a young woman who grew up on the isolated island nation of Themyscira. She leaves home with Captain Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) to fight in World War I. Unfamiliar with the outside world, Diana adjusts and becomes a valuable ally against evil forces. A

sequel already is in production.

“Wonder Woman” harnessed the power of superhero movies and now “Black Panther” has become the first Best Picture nominee from that genre. The title character, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, originally appeared in the pages of the “Fantastic Four” and has been both a supporting player as well as the star of his own solo titles. Before the film’s release, the Black Panther was not as well known as Iron Man or Spider-Man, but that changed opening weekend.

The film focuses on the technologically-advanced nation of Wakanda, which is a source of Vibranium, a valuable commodity. The metal absorbs and stores kinetic energy and was used in part to create Captain America’s shield. T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, became leader of Wakanda following his father’s death. He also assumed the mantle of the Black Panther, a hero whose powers come from a “heart-shaped herb” that’s affected by Vibranium.

“Black Panther” came out a few months before “Avengers: Infinity War” and played a big part in that film. In a post-credit scene, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) is even shown recuperating in Wakanda. “Black Panther” also has become a firm part of the popular culture. With all this exposure and momentum, the film has enough power to take home Oscar gold.

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February 6, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

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F-3

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F-4

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February 6, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Civil Rights

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life There I was minding my own business having a staring contest with one of my cats when it came over the airwaves loud and clear, “Be prepared. Something cold and menacing is coming your way!”

“Sweet Mother!”

I thought. “The radio has somehow obtained insider information and is announcing one of my mother-in-law’s visits!”

An alarm went off in my mind: “This is not a drill…repeat…this is not a drill!”

I wasted no time. I got straight up and grabbed my Q-tips and bleach bottle then sanitized the entire house; disinfecting every nook once and cranny twice. To make sure I passed her white glove test, I even vacuumed the ceiling.

I collapsed into an exhausted heap and tuned in for further details about the upcoming visit.

“Make sure you get to the store and load up on the essentials: bread, milk, eggs and candles.

Don’t forget the candles!”

“What the heck?” I thought. “That’s every ingredient for French toast; sounds like the woman’s demanding a candlelit breakfast. The nerve!

Alrighty then, off to the store.”

I was met with traffic and scads of people along with unending lines at the check-out.

I voiced my concern out loud. “Is everyone’s mother-in-law coming to visit? Did I somehow miss that it was National Drop-in-Unannounced-and-Complain-Day?!”

A concerned little old lady nudged up to me and said. “No Dearie. Haven’t you heard? The polar vortex is coming and she’s a beast!”

“So you’ve met my mother-in-law?”

“No, Honey. This is a chilling, numbing bag of frigid wind that does not show mercy on its victims. It will literally suck the life out of you within minutes of contact.”

“Yep, that’s her.

And she wants French toast…with candles.”

“Sweetie, the lady couldn’t make it here even if she tried. The roads are closed and flights are canceled. No one’s getting through this thing.”

I made it home just in time to meet my husband.

“Quick!” he said. “We need to get inside. I heard a bitter, frosty air mass is heading our way so dangerous it could freeze your eyeballs inside their sockets if encountered!”

“Calm down. The airports are closed. Your mother’s not coming.” *disclaimer: dedicated to all the misbehaving mother-in-laws, of which mine is not one.

Doomsday

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. Forever and a day 5. Organ of balance 8. What Jack Sprat couldn’t eat 11. Quinceanera or bat mitzvah 12. Wagon part 13. You can count on these 15. Heart of the matter 16. Perceive by touch 17. Fedora part, pl.

18. *Voter test, now illegal 20. Ireland’s other name 21. Written corrections 22. One from Laos 23. Kind of acid 26. *Segregation laws 30. *Stop segregation, e.g.

31. 40 winks 34. Zeus’ wife 35. Nadya Suleman’s children, e.g.

37. Subject of “Philadelphia” movie 38. Kind of southern pie 39. Chico or Groucho 40. Cured sausage 42. Member of Shoshonean people 43. *Montgomery Bus ____ 45. Produced by inbreeding 47. Brown league

48. Kind of ray 50. Flying toy 52. *He challenged nonviolence 55. Juice alternative 56. Craving 57. Evening in Italy 59. Dead to the world 60. Harry Potter’s mark 61. Wet nurse 62. Ottoman officer title 63. Café alternative 64. Kind of bean

14. French bun 19. Authoritative proclamation 22. Not to be given to those in authority 23. Manhattan Project invention 24. Chocolate tree 25. “Dear Diary...” note 26. Cup of joe 27. Happen again 28. Do like Demosthenes 29. What moon did 32. Not this DOWN 33. Bupkis 1. *”The ____ of the 36. Oscillator, e.g. moral universe is long but 38. ‘70s Ford model it bends toward justice” 40. Farm pen 2. Lena Dunham or Allison 41. Meat grinder, e.g.

Williams, 2012-2017 44. For all to see 3. Red carpet purse 46. Model-builder’s wood 4. The Brady Bunch of choice, pl. children, e.g.

48. *____ on Washington 5. Permission for absence 49. Blue-Green scum from a college 50. *Nobel Peace Prize 6. Smart ____, pl winner 7. Be dependent 51. Light bulb 8. *____ Housing Act 52. Necessary thing 9. Climber’s destination 53. Office dispatch 10. “____ the season ...” 54. Roentgen’s machine 12. *Mandela presided over 55. Langley, VA org. its southernmost country 58. “Eureka!”

13. Perpendicular to the SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9 keel