CN: February 8, 2023

Making sweet dreams

By Wendy Todd

Getting quality sleep can have significant health benefits including boosting the immune system, healthy weight maintenance, stress reduction and even lowering the risk for heart disease and diabetes. But without a bed, getting quality rest is a challenge. Many in the St. Louis region have been in need of beds and the Assistance League of St. Louis is addressing that need.

The Assistance League of St. Louis is a volunteer-led nonprofit that offers a number of services to the St. Louis communi-

ty including distributing books to youth, providing clothing and shoes and offering supplies for women’s shelters that include toiletries, new clothing and other household items to help women who are getting back on their feet.

The nonprofit also runs a thrift store, Fantastic Finds, and “upscale resale store” which was listed in “St. Louis Magazine” on the “A” list last year. The store helps raise money for the organization.

The league has partnered with Bed Bath and Beyond to help community members get beds, as it has become apparent that it’s a great need in the region. The association

with the home merchandise retailer began via a casual conversation with a volunteer and an associate in the store who helped direct them to affordable items the league could purchase and distribute to the community. The manager of the store, Norm Frisch, learned more about the organization and wanted to help it obtain beds to donate to those in need.

“We have always been willing to provide beds for people,” said Diana Huey, who has been co-chairing the initiative along with Sue Dugan. “Initially it was just a few,

The Assistance League of St. Louis works to provide beds to people in the region in need as demand for their services surges

Around Town

‘DREAMS’ from cover

but with so few charities providing beds, word got around quickly that we would provide them, and the requests for beds has over doubled in the past year.”

The need for beds is typically discovered through those in social work who refer individual and families to nonprofit organizations including the league.

“When the social workers contact the families, they often find that families are sleeping on the floor,” Huey said. “This situation often leads to tardiness or absenteeism on the part of the children. These families are often transitioning from being homeless into stable housing. While they are able to afford this housing, they do not have the funds for items such as beds. The flooding last summer has also contributed to this need.”

It’s estimated that between 175200 beds will be distributed this year. Beds will go to those in need attending St. Louis public schools, the Missouri Department of Mental Health and other reginal organizations.

COMMUNITY VOICES:

By Marillyn Baner

Self-care: what’s your favorite?

In our turbulent times, it is more important now than ever to take care of ourselves. We have been overwhelmed with negativity and violence on the daily news and social media –untether yourself from devices that offer this unprecedented amount of information and accessibility. The path toward a healthier you involves your spirit, mind and body for optimal success and all three aspects of self-care is right here in your community at Pallottine Retreat and Conference Center.

Spiritual health is the way in which someone finds self-worth and soulful healing, and it can have a profound positive impact on mental and physical health. The last several years we have lived in a virtual world –even connecting virtually for congregational services.

It is time to emerge from the pandemic. Gather your group and take a few days and retreat – a time to reflect with god, refresh your spirt and renew your faith at Pallottine. A couple’s retreat can rekindle a relationship. A lady’s retreat can restore friendships. A man’s retreat can remind him who God made him to be. A youth retreat can reignite their commitment to their faith. Take a break – disconnect. On many retreats, the guests are asked to turn in their phones. This gives a new opportunity to be inspired

by a great speaker, reconnect in small group discussions, and worship together in the beautiful chapel in the round.

A healthy mind is another solid foundation and first step toward an optimal lifestyle. This spring, Pallottine is launching a low-ropes challenge course. This is an outdoor interactive course where teams are guided through several physically and mentally challenging tasks. Completing this outdoor skills course as a team will invigorate and renew participants.

Detach your employees from their computers and connect them for team-building skills. A change of location, environment and mindset can improve work performance. Low- ropes courses have been proven to enhance communication and leadership skills as they navigate through the course. Revitalize your employees in a safe, friendly environment.

Offer this ropes course program to your youth groups - draw them away from their electronic devices. Help them see the benefits of being outdoors while fostering personal development of character and conflict- management skills in a fun and creative way.

Optimizing nutrition and exercise, combined, provide excellent ways to improve

Submitted photos

our overall health and quality of life. Rejuvenate your body – get it moving! Join one of the yoga classes offered in the PRC Studio on campus. Our four certified teachers offer day, evening and weekend classes. Participate in the aquatic exercise program in our heated indoor pool. The pool at Pallottine is suited to meet the unique requirements of warm water exercise. This has an especially beneficial therapeutic value for those who have debilitating illness like arthritis, or are afflicted with Parkinson’s, Fiber myalgia, obesity or any joint-mobility deficiency.

Pallottine Renewal Center is right here in your backyard on eighty-three beautiful acres with winding wooded trails. Many opportunities for self-care await you, and they are all just a phone call away. Pick your favorite self-care method and let us help you get there. www.pallottinerenewal.org (314837-7100).

Marillyn Baner is Executive Director of Pallottine Retreat and Conference Center.

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

Bottom photo: The Assistance League of St. Louis Board of directors are (front row, from left) Vice President Treasurer Edna Merz; Vice President Fund Development Carol Weber; President-Elect Denise McKibben; Vice President Marketing Communications Lynne Turley; Parliamentarian Marilyn Panter; (back row, from left) President Pam Bogosian; Vice President Membership Mindy Hellmich; Vice President Strategic Planning Kathy Lordo; Secretary Cindy Williams; Vice President Education Jane Marschner and Vice President Philanthropic Programs Sandy Brody.

A frozen future

By Wendy Todd

Ice skating is one of America’s favorite winter past times. Whether you’re a novice or pro, gliding along the ice can be a fun activity with family and friends.

Residents of Creve Coeur and beyond have been enjoying the Ice Arena since it was built in 1970. And now the iconic rink is getting an upgrade so it can be enjoyed for even more years to come.

The indoor ice rink, located within the Dielmann Recreation Complex and open year-round, hosting over 75,000 skaters per year, is scheduled to undergo a refrigeration system replacement. The type of refrigerant that’s been used in the past is no longer being manufactured.

The rink will need to be upgraded to accommodate a new option, which is scheduled to begin between March and August of 2024. The repair will cost at least $2 million. The city of Creve Coeur is still figuring out funding for the project.

The hope is that the repairs will sustain the rink and keep it from being intermittently closed as it was several times last year.

The Ice Arena has not only operated as a place of recreation but has also served as a venue for sports clubs and education. The arena has a youth hockey organization, The St. Louis Rockets, which also offers a “learn to play” program, the Creve Coeur Figure Skating Club, that boasts over 125 members and the St. Louis Curling Club, which, along with opportunities to join the team, offers learn-to-curl classes.

There are also a number of other programs offered at the arena.

The Stick and Puck program, which occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, helps participants work on their passing and shooting. The Freestyle program, which happens on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, lets skaters practice sport specific maneuvers and skills.

The arena is also available for rental for parties and group activities.

The Creve Coeur Ice Arena has been a community staple for over five decades and with the upcoming repairs, will remain a viable local attraction for all to enjoy.

The 50-year-old Creve Coeur Ice Arena will need to undergo upgrades and renovations to keep skaters gliding for the next 50 years

Submitted photos

THEATER REVIEW:

The musical “Six” is the mashup you never knew you needed: British history and pop divas. Two great tastes that taste great together.

The six wives of Henry VIII are given center stage and each is allowed to tell her own story with soaring vocals, flashy costumes and upbeat dance moves.

The show, which is now playing at the Fox Theatre through Feb. 5, is a high-energy romp that commands your attention from the moment the curtain rises.

While these women are best remembered for the manner in which their husband burned through them (as the opening number “Ex-Wives” breaks down their fates: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived) “Six” reminds us that each of them were forces to be reckoned with in their own right.

Catherine of Aragon (normally played by Gerianne Perez, but gamely payed by Cecilia Snow on opening night) is the first to step to the forefront. With her song “No Way” she describes the indignity of being cast aside for her inability to produce a male heir.

Anne Boleyn (Zan Berube) is next up and with

her perky and punky song “Don’t Lose Ur Head” she shows the rebellious spirit that landed her on the chopping block.

After Anne came Jane Seymour (Amina Faye), a dutiful wife who loved her husband but died while giving birth to a son. Her ballad “Heart of Stone” puts her love and loss on full display.

Anna of Cleves (Terica Marie) suffered the indignity of being chosen by Henry from her portrait alone and then being rejected shortly thereafter Henry met her in person. But as her boastful song “Get Down” reminds us, she got a cushy divorce settlement that left her set up with her own castle and left to her own devices. Her romp onstage is one of the show’s highlights.

Henry’s next wife Katherine Howard (Aline Mayagottia) was an object of desire, but through her steamy song “All You Wanna Do” she tells us how this objectification led to her execution.

Finally, Catherine Parr (Sydney Parra) gets her turn and becomes the voice of empowerment in “I Don’t

And along came February Still In This Together:

PoorFebruary. Last month of winter, shortest month of the year, and not a whole lot at all to recommend the 28 days we’re faced with every calendar year.

Kind of makes you want to be a groundhog, doesn’t it, when you’re allowed to crawl out of a hole, squint at the folks gathered around you, and waddle right back in for a long nap.

And yet, I’m almost positive, after long study, some of which I was actually awake for, that February serves a very distinct purpose by not really having a purpose.

After the past few months of excitement building upon excitement: Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas and New Year’s, all rushing merrily and noisily and nonstop at us, with sales clearances before each holiday has even made its arrival, maybe we all need a month that is nondescript and boring and nonjudgmental. Because January certainly was a month to resent for its platitudes and resolutions, feelings of failure, incompetence and worrisome attitudes.

We’ve earned February, just by shopping and racing and baking and partying, staying awake too late trying to finish everything and then feeling somehow that it will never be enough. It’s time for binge-watching television in our sweatpants, no longer needing to create multiple grocery lists or thank-you notes, no need to stay up late, no need…period. We can huddle in our bulky clothes and heavy coats and enjoy a snow day or two.

February is our lovely take-a-break month, beginning very appropriately with National Dark Chocolate Day, continuing merrily with National Pizza Day on the 9th, and National Chocolate Mint Day on the 19th, No Brainer Day on the 27th and National Public Sleeping Day on the 28th.

Instead of wishing February away, I think it’s time we recognize the gift that this short little unassuming month is: it’s like the calendar’s version of a nap…a

By Mathew DeKinder

Need Your Love” where she shows that all of these women are worthy of being remembered as more than just one of Henry’s wives.

“Six” blows in like a breath of fresh air, an energetic kick that reminds us that there’s more than one side to a story and that history has a powerful voice if we are willing to listen.

“Six” is now playing at the Fox Theatre through Feb. 5. For tickets call 314-534-1111 or go to metrotix.com.

By Vicki Bahr

sweet little chance to catch our breaths, snuggle with our valentines (the truest sort of valentine who loves us without the pressure of unrealistic expectations and unreachable perfection), and bask in the glorious dayto-day normalcy and nothingness that is February.

February accepts us as we are, smiles, and hugs us as a true friend does, wrapping us in the warmth of companionship and constancy, soothing as a cup of hot cocoa, revitalizing as a bowl of steaming chicken noodle soup.

I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for February and its no-pressure attitude. It’s happy with us for just tagging along as it prepares the way for robins and dandelions, Easter eggs and spring finery. All in due time, all after we’ve had a chance to breathe, catch a last snowflake or two on our tongues and wear our favorite bulky sweaters and mittens one more time.

Don’t discount the importance of this lazy little month. February knows better than we do exactly what we need, and it’s seeing to it that we are rewarded with the chance revel in its sweet taking-its-time kind of attitude. It’s the short month that we need, and February just makes us believe that everything’s going to be alright and we should take a deep breath, enjoy a slice of pizza, and take a little nap…in public.

What a wonderful way to enter into a new season, fully appreciative of February’s lazy, snuggle-in-afleece-throw attitude of the “little month of respite.”

Enjoy it!!

Vicki Bahr is an inveterate word lover and story sharer, a published author in magazine, newspaper and blog forms. As a mom of four, grandma of nine, and wife of one for 50 years, she finds that inspiration and wonder are everywhere.

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

‘Six’ is a fabulous number

Submitted photo

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-tofour 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 314513-1674 or cbanaskavich@ jfcs-stl.org.

Mondays: Choral Arts Group meetings

Choral Arts Group practices every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Connection Christian Church at 1332 Feise Rd. in O’Fallon. Auditions not required. Ages high school and older are invited to join. There will be spring and fall public concerts. For more information call Marty at 636579-9227, or email concertartsa@gmail.com.

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 Raoad 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: Bingo Florissant Elks Bingo takes place at 16400 New Halls Ferry every Tuesday. Doors open at 4 p.m., bingo starts at 6 p.m. No outside food or drinks allowed per St. Louis County. Food and drinks available for purchase. Maximum 150 players. Must wear mask to enter. Social distancing followed.

Tuesdays: 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 Kirk at 314-954-7920 .

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 infor-

mation 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.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Home Builders Association donates $20,000 to Love the Lou

Home Builders Association donates $15,764 to Youth In Need

On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2023 HBA President Jeremy Roth (Elite Development Services/McBride Homes) (left) presented a $15,764 donation to Youth In Need director of philanthropy Demetria Lightfoot.

On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2023 HBA President Jeremy Roth (Elite Development Services/McBride Homes) (left) presented a $20,000 donation to Love the Lou LIVE director Tawana Lawson (center) and LINK director Rodney Tucker (right).

The donation will be used to assist in the full renovation of a vacant apartment building that is part of the organization’s revitalization plan in North St. Louis.

Love the Lou’s mission is to enrich lives and environments in North St. Louis by creating where there is nothing, healing where there is brokenness and joining where there is good. Its STL|LIVE program works with community volunteers to rehab homes in the area, which are then presented to identified residents with little access to home ownership through a “rent to own” lease agreement. STL|LINK is an apprenticeship program designed to connect North St. Louis residents to career opportunities. The renovated apartment will be home to several young adults involved in the program.

The HBA is a local trade association of nearly 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.

The donation will be used to renovate a bathroom at the organization’s emergency shelter. The updates will ensure the youth have a safe home while in crisis and provide vulnerable young adults with a space that is comfortable, clean and updated. The youth in the emergency shelter have experienced significant, and often traumatic, life challenges. Youth In Need’s goal is to help prepare them with the skills needed to live a successful, independent life, and provide a warm and aesthetically pleasing space that they call home, even if temporarily.

The HBA is a local trade association of nearly 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.

Greater North County Chamber installs 2023 chairwoman

Kitty Harrison, Marketing Manager with Johnny Londoff Chevrolet, has been named the Chairwoman of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2023.

Harrison was inducted at the 2023 Installation Luncheon held at Orlando’s Event and Conference Center on Jan. 18.

Harrison has served on the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce board since 2019. She is a past board secretary, treasurer, and vicechair. She has chaired many committees including: Marketing, Community Service and the Nite of Stars. Harrison has also served on the MODOT Community Advisory Group.

Harrison has extensive volunteer experience for many organizations. She is past president of the St. John and James Board of Education, Incarnate Word Board of Education, Ferguson Swim Team and Hunters Ridge Neighborhood Association. Harrison is a past member of the Incarnate Word Pastoral Council, Room at the Inn Host Team Co-Chairperson, Rosati House Meal Preparation Team, Incarnate Word Speech Team Chair, Notre Dame High School Auction Committee and Fall Festival Committee, CBC High School Auction Committee, CBC High School Parent Board, and St. John and James Parish School Organization. She also served as a Girl Scout Leader and youth sports coach. Kitty has chaired many events through the years. She currently volunteers for Incarnate Word Parish, where she is Hospitality Captain, a lector, and a Eucharistic Minister. Harrison also volunteers for St. Louis ARC, Old Newsboys, and Valley Industries, to name a few.

Harrison married her high school sweetheart, Craig Harrison. They have four amazing children, a daughter, Catherine and three sons, Ryan, James, and Robert. Craig and Kitty have also been blessed with one granddaughter and seven grandsons. Kitty loves to

cook and entertain and hosts a Sunday Family Dinner every week.

“Kitty is talented, amazing and I’m looking forward to her leadership in this upcoming year!” Venus Martz, President of the chamber stated. “She has shown dedication to the North County community for many years, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have her chair our board of directors.”

“I am completely humbled to be named Chairperson of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to a great year working with the Chamber staff to grow our Chamber membership and strengthen our North County business community,” stated Harrison.

The Greater North County Chamber 2023 Board of Directors is listed below:

• Kitty Harrison, Chair, Johnny Londoff Chevrolet

• Scott Palermo, Vice-Chair, A Skeetz Production

• Dana Grimm, Secretary, Daniel & Henry Co.

• Bret Berigan, Treasurer, Christian Hospital

• Carl Lathan, Past-Chair, Sarah Community

• Melissa Adney, One Way Roofing

• Yolanda Allen-Jackson, A Savvy Employment

• Whitney Brasil, SSM Health DePaul Hospital St. Louis

• Lorenzo Boyd, St.ifel Nicolaus & Co

• Dr. Greg Clark, North County Christian School

• David Hermann, New York Life Insurance

• Dr. Robyn Lawrence, Get Well Family Chiropractic

• Brittany Lewis, Central Bank

• AJ Overkamp, Servpro

• Morgan Teague, Teague & Associates

• Kate Tegtmeyer, Berkshire Hathaway

Kitty Harrison, Marketing Manager with Johnny Londoff Chevrolet.

Submitted photo

Recipe: Red velvet for your valentine

Onthe sweetest day of the year, a day full of flowers, love and sweets, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate opportunity to try a different dessert meant for two.

It’s hard to resist a perfectly blended, rose-red, luscious Red Velvet Mug Cake.

It’s the perfect size, with just a handful of instructions, and it’s easily cooked before your eyes in the microwave.

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

30 drops red food coloring

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened

Directions: In 12-ounce mug, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add milk, butter, vanilla and food coloring; mix until blended.

In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth.

Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter until covered.

Servings: 1

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.

Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.

Remembering ‘James at 15/16’ star Lance Kerwin

Asa young actor, Lance Kerwin racked up impressive TV credits, including appearances on “Emergency!”, “Police Story,” “Little House on the Prairie” and “Wonder Woman.” In the “Bionic Woman” episode entitled “Jaime and the Prince,” Kerwin played Prince Ishmael, a royal whose new tutor was Jaime Sommers (Lindsey Wagner), the Bionic Woman. She had been sent to Monte Carlo to tutor the prince while also protecting the Shah from assassination.

Kerwin passed away in San Clemente, California on Jan. 24, at the age of 62.

Kerwin starred in “The Loneliest Runner,” a film inspired by the childhood of “Little House on the Prairie” star Michael Landon.

Kerwin played John Curtis, a 12-year-old boy struggling to stop wetting his bed. His domineering mother shamed her son daily by hanging his soiled sheet out in the backyard for everyone to see. Each afternoon, he would race home from school to take down that sheet. His father was more understanding and admitted that he too had been a bedwetter. Landon, who played the adult John Curtis, said that his real-life mother did hang his sheets outside the bedroom window

while he was at school.

Created by Dan Wakefield, author of “Going All the Way,” “James at 15,” a 1977 coming-of-age series, appeared on NBC. My high school classmates and I were old enough to appreciate Kerwin’s character, James Hunter. A dreamer and amateur photographer, James balked when his father (Linden Chiles) moved his family across the country to take a teaching job in Boston. A frustrated James then ran away to be with his girlfriend (Melissa Sue Anderson), but she had moved on to another boyfriend. New friends Marlene (Susan Myers) and Ludwig “Sly” Hazeltine (David Raynr) helped him navigate

his new world. James was sometimes led astray, however, by new acquaintances, in particular a rich student who took James on an unsupervised California trip.

“James at 15” hit home for students who were coming of age at the time and dealing with young adult issues. In one episode, James befriended Pam (Terri Nunn), a girl who reportedly had a bad reputation. James also felt a strong bond with his pregnant teacher in the “Mrs. Carson” episode. Midway through the season, the title changed to “James at 16” to reflect the character’s birthday. He also fell in love with a Swedish exchange student played by Kirsten Baker. A young Rosanna Arquette also appeared on the series as Karen Waller, James’ school newspaper colleague who had a drinking problem.

For me and my friends, this coming-of-age drama arrived at the right time. There were things I hadn’t experienced in high school, in particular underage drinking and physical love. When I saw the character of James stumbling through the same teenage mistakes and awkwardness, I felt that I wasn’t alone. Thank you, Lance Kerwin, for bringing James Hunter to life. You will be missed.

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.

‘‘James at 15’ photo courtesy 20th Century Fox Television

Red Velvet Mug Cake

FindmorerecipesanddessertideasforeverycelebrationatCulinary.net.

Moore on Life: It’s a gas

Icalled my husband from the store the other day to see what brand of ice cream he wanted, only to hear clattering in the background.

“What’s going on there?” I asked.

“Oh, nothing much. Just cooking up a little dinner.”

Huh? Totally out of the norm! Highly suspish! Hmm, something was up besides the price of eggs! He’d never do a chore he doesn’t like to do without a threat or a bribe. That is unless he broke something or totaled the car or ran over one of my cats or…?!

“I knew it! I knew it,” I yowled! “You’re having an affair with the neighbor lady!”

“What the heck are you yammering about?! Can’t a guy barbeque a few cheeseburgers without being accused of criminal conduct. Besides I’d choose your sister over that old shrew and you know how I dislike your sister.”

It all made sense. He was grilling. There’s no way he’d cook over a hot stove with a frying pan, but give him a meat fork and a hunk of beef and he was in heaven.

“Oh sorry,” I said. “It’s just so unlike you to make dinner without threat of physical harm.”

“Now you’re being mean. I’m just preparing us for the inevitable. Haven’t you heard?”

“Heard what?”

“The government is going to outlaw gas stoves. I’ll have to grill from now on,” he snickered gleefully.

“Yes, I heard. Along with gas-powered vehicles. I guess they want us back with the Flinstones pushing

our cars along with our bare feet.”

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD: SUPER BOWL

“Well, your feet are already calloused enough. We’ve got some really good brake pads when that happens.”

Not funny. Just for that sassy remark I decided I’d get a carton of peach mango ice cream – my favorite and his least favorite.

“Hey, while you’re at the store, get a big bottle of barbeque sauce, maybe a six-pack. We’re gonna need it for the future,” he said.

I didn’t want to rain on his parade, but I felt he needed to know. Besides, his foot joke was still boiling my behind.

“Ok. Well, gotta go. Oh…you do know that you’re still cooking with gas, right? Propane is a gas. It’ll be next on the list to be banned.”

I quickly hung up. I hate to hear grown men cry.

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.

LIFESTYLE: Easy ways to say ‘I love you’

If gift-giving isn’t your strong suit, occasions like Valentine’s Day are likely to bring on stress and worry, but procrastinating will only serve to elevate your unease.

Follow these steps to simplify your shopping, and while you may not come to love the task of finding the perfect gift, your loved one will undoubtedly appreciate your effort.

Browse for ideas online. Many retailers offer special promotions and gift idea sections on their websites, so finding inspiration can be as easy as visiting the sites of your loved one’s favorite stores. There are also dozens of articles online to help get the ideas flowing. Searches such as “gifts for horse lovers” or “Valentine’s gifts for a new boyfriend” will reveal a long list of ideas to peruse.

Keep it simple. Although the advertising industry works hard to convince consumers otherwise, Valentine’s Day isn’t really all about the bling. Sure, a pretty bauble is a welcome gift, but there are plenty of ways to show your affection that don’t require spending a month’s salary. A heartfelt card paired with a memento of a meaningful event or place in your relationship sends the same loving sentiment.

Make it a (different) date. For many couples, navigating the demands of work, kids and life make spend-

ing time together a luxury. Instead of fighting crowds at busy restaurants on the official date, celebrate your love on a day of your own choosing, when you can relax and enjoy the time together without the pressure to rush through dessert so your table can be flipped for the next waiting couple.

Give blooms a boost. A dozen long-stem red roses is a beautiful gesture, but unless your intended rose receiver is a strictly traditional type, try adding a little spice to your floral arrangement. Go for a bouquet in her favorite color, or have the flowers arranged in a practical vessel she can reuse to remember the occasion, such as a cocktail shaker or a watering can.

Go ahead, gift yourself. It may seem counter-intuitive, but finding a gift you’ll enjoy may inspire an idea for your loved one. The trick is finding something you can share together, whether it’s tickets to a show or his and hers mugs for enjoying your favorite brew. Just be sure the item is something your intended will share your enthusiasm for, or you may as well go buy a blender.

Find more ideas to simplify every occasion at eLivingToday.com.

ACROSS

1. COVID tester

5. Pep rally syllable

8. To overlay with thin gold coating

12. Sky bear

13. Abundant

14. Worrier’s worry?

15. Fishing spot

16. Blackhearted

17. Full of coral

18. *2023 Super Bowl stadium sponsor

20. Research facil.

21. Egg cell

22. King Charles to Prince Harry

23. Thief’s target

26. *2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show

star

30. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo”

31. Bob Marley’s music

34. Yarn spinner

35. “The Poky Little ____”

37. Skedaddle

38. 18-wheelers

39. “Guilty,” e.g.

40. Fabric inset

42. One of the sibs

43. *Super Bowl advertiser’s purchase

45. Anatolian language

47. Decay

48. “There it is,” à Paris

50. “Hold on!”

52. *Home of the Ravens, for both Super Bowl appearances

56. Cuckoo for these puffs!

57. Curved molding

58. Medicinal plant

59. Court orders, e.g.

60. Sonny & Cher and Abbott &Costello

61. Talk like a drunk

62. Actor Danson and character Lasso

63. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” band

64. *Star of the most-watched Super Bowl Halftime Show

DOWN

1. Paddleboarding acronym

2. Court order

3. Between ports

4. Hungarian composer Bela

5. *Either one of the opposing Super Bowl teams

6. Flambé

7. Position of leadership

8. *2023 Super Bowl AZ location

9. Frosts, as a cake

10. Hit the road

11. Like certain humor

13. Disprove

14. Dickens’s Heep

19. Each and all

22. One of a set of dice

23. Father, colloquially

24. Round openings

25. Pickled garnish

26. *Last year’s Super Bowl winners

27. Nimbus, pl.

28. Nigerian money

29. Torcher’s crime

32. Elmer’s, e.g.

33. Found at the pump

36. *Team with most Super Bowl appearances

38. Signing tool at the cash register

40. Greenwich-related acronym

41. Superior ones

44. Itsy-bitsy bits

46. Patterned table linen

48. Lacking clarity

49. Bread spreads

50. Donned

51. As opposed to base in chemistry

52. Snatchers’ quest

53. Cantina pot

54. *Overwhelming Super Bowl defeat

55. Fear-inspiring

56. 100 lbs.