CN: February 17, 2021

February 17, 2021

Building the joy of reading

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Larry A. Brown. Pg. 2

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UMSL receives $5.1 million literacy grant that it will distribute to 40 area schools to improve reading and writing skills for children of all grade levels

By Charlotte Beard The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is one of 11 state education organizations to recently receive large grants from the United States Department of Education for its Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program. DESE will be responsible for distributing $18 million over five years to benefit the literacy skills for children through 12th grade. On Jan. 15, DESE announced the 40 schools that will benefit from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) $5.1 million literacy grant distribution.

Missouri’s DESE sources state, “The goal of the project is to support educators’ working knowledge of evidence-based literacy strategies to effectively teach reading and writing to all students. This includes providing professional development to pre-service teach-

ers in institutions of higher education, early childhood education teachers and K-12 educators to enable them to provide effective instruction.”

“UMSL is home to the Gateway Writing Project and part of the Missouri Writing Project Network,” states Shea Kerkhoff, Assistant Professor of Literacy at UMSL. “A network with five local projects throughout the state and connected to the National Writing Project. As a statewide network, we approached DESE about partnering on writing the grant.

DESE brought in two other statewide literacy organizations, the Missouri Reading Initiative and the Missouri Language and Literacies Center. We worked collaboratively in the spring of 2020 to design and write the grant and were thrilled when we learned that Missouri won one of the federal awards. Through

the three organizations, we will be providing professional learning for preschool, elementary, and secondary school teachers about foundations of reading, family literacy, culturally responsive reading instruction, digital literacy, and integrating reading, writing, speaking and listening.”

According to UMSL, Kerkhoff; Katie O’Daniels, Assistant Teaching Professor of Literacy; and Nancy Singer, Associate Professor of English Education, secured the funds as part of the larger grant to the state of Missouri in September 2020.

Kerkhoff states that UMSL’s contribution will focus on working with teachers within the schools that have been selected for their program.

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Around Town

February 17, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘READING’ from cover “UMSL is excited to work with 40 schools in St. Louis and surrounding areas,” stated Kerkhoff. “We will be collaborating on literacy professional development that is evidence based and culturally responsive and supporting teachers with the difficult task of teaching reading and writing. We hope that our work together will be impactful for young people across the region.”

In addition to some St. Louis Charter Schools, St. Louis Public Schools, Francis Howell Schools, Greenville R-2 Schools, Hancock Place Elementary, Potosi R-III Schools, and University City Schools, the Hazelwood, Jennings, and Normandy Schools Collaborative districts are among the 40 schools that will be involved in two projects that according to UMSL are designed to promote evidence-based literacy strategies and create digital literacy resources, with a particular focus on schools in Promise Zones.

“Highly skilled professionals make all of the difference in a strong literacy program,” shared Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, Superintendent of Hazelwood School District. “The opportunities this grant can provide will help expand the resources available to our teachers. We value and appreciate this grant and believe it will open more avenues to help our faculty continue to

grow and learn.”

The Hazelwood schools participating in UMSL’s CSLD program are Grannemann Elementary School, Hazelwood East High School, and Hazelwood Southeast Middle School.

Dr. Art McCoy, Superintendent of Schools for Jennings School District credits Dr. Vernice Hicks-Prophet, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education for the district with helping its Hanrahan Elementary School and Woodland Elementary Schools secure participation in UMSL’s program.

“I am excited that we have been selected to participate in the CLSD program,” states Prophet. “Teaching students to read is one of the most important skills students need to master (to) do well in school and in life. It is also imperative that teachers are taught to understand the science of reading and how to teach reading. The CLSD literacy professional development will be an asset and an additional resource that will further develop our teachers’ and administrators’ knowledge on the science of teaching reading and how to transfer that knowledge into effective instructional practices. We look forward to this five-year commitment.”

Ann E. Shaw, Head of School for Woodland Elementary adds, “Woodland Elementary is honored to be one of the 40 selected schools to receive the prestigious grant. In receipt of the grant, it is our goal to expand our culturally responsive texts, garner a research-based literacy curriculum that will assist in closing the achievement gap, increase the use of technological tools, and enhance educational opportunities for both 21st-centu-

COMMUNITY VOICES

ry educators and young-scholars. We look forward to strengthening our school community and district as we move forward in educational excellence.”

Normandy Schools Collaborative will have five schools participating in the literacy program: Barack Obama School, Jefferson, Lucas Crossing, Normandy High and Washington.

“This intensive professional development in literacy is a game changer for our students as teachers hone their craft to become even more supportive of our students as they learn more about how to identify learning concerns and then apply the best methods to support students in closing learning gaps,” states Normandy Schools Collaborative’s Dr. Crystal Reiter, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.

With the funds that will be distributed by DESE over five years, UMSL’s educators – Kerkhoff, O’Daniels, and Singer will implement two projects. UMSL states that its literacy experts will coach the schools’ educators on culturally relevant practices and practices associated with a concept called the science of reading. The practices include phonics instruction, reading practice with varied texts to develop fluency, and the development of vocabulary and content knowledge to improve reading comprehension.

For UMSL’s second project in its CLSD program, literacy instruction resources such as seminars and podcasts will be developed and turned into modules hosted on DESE’s website.

COVID-19 has been taken under consideration as plans develop.

By Dr. Larry A. Brown

Letting things pass Often, we “let things pass” because of the consequences we imagine that we may have to face. The person may become belligerent, or the person may become hostile. We may feel that our relationship with the other party might suffer. We may feel that it may not be worth taking an issue with. We may even feel that we will lose our comradery with the other party or render irreparable damage to the relationship. We may even feel that our grievance might be wrong and rationalize our withdrawal by suggesting to ourselves that “each person is entitled to their own opinion.” We may feel that our status among our peers might suffer.

When we do this, we often have cause to regret not having raised the issue, because we may never know what the other person’s response would have been. Sometimes we think the issue might pass in time, but each time we see the other individual, we wonder what their response would have been. We, therefore, have less than a genuine encounter with that person because of what lingers in the back of our mind.

This is not healthy for the relationship, nor is it good for us individually to harbor these kind of feelings for long periods of time. It also affects how we relate to, or shy away from mutual acquaintances.

If we aren’t careful, we may find ourselves

raising the issue with third parties who may know both of us, to get an expression from them relating to whose side they would be inclined to support. This, then, could damage the relationship that the third party may have with us or the other person, unnecessarily. We have a tendency to want a reason to exonerate ourselves from negative decisions even when they happen to be decisions that we, ourselves, have made.

The fact is, no one is right all the time, but what is of extreme importance is the desire and will, to address each “negative” situation in an honest and positive way so that no matter what the outcome or end decision might be, the parties involved on both sides of the issue still remain in good relationship and continue to be on a positive tract in their relationship with each other.

In this manner, both parties will be comfortable in the future to have honest and open discussions with each other and allow the relationship to continue and flourish. It’s the same as professional athletes in contest with each other so that after the contest is over and the winner declared, the relationships are maintained. “No bad blood will exist as long as the contest was engaged fairly.”

We learn with experience that we cannot be right all the time, but many of our young people and people who live in abnormal

conditions, never get the opportunity to experience this and therefore, their lives sometimes are negatively impacted even unto death just because of this lack.

That is why Grace Chapel Ministries has taken on the responsibility of working with as many young teenagers who will become adults in the future so that they have respect for “life” and know how to engage and manage controversy.

To assist in this process or to obtain more information, you may visit their website at www.gracechapelministries.org or contact them at 314-995-5013.

Dr. Larry A. Brown is a retired Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Worknet, Inc., which has a national ten year contract with the Social Security Administration to find jobs for people with disabilities who are interested and qualified to enter the traditional workforce. He is also co-founder and president of Grace Chapel Ministries, former president of National Cable Training Centers, and president of Woodstock Industrial Products Group.

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 17, 2021

Around Town

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$25,000 Christian Hospital Medical Staff donation continues partnership with Crisis Nursery The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery received a very generous $25,000 donation from the Christian Hospital Medical Staff.

The partnership between the Crisis Nursery and Christian Hospital began in 1994 when the hospital started hosting the Crisis Nursery – North location on the hospital property, providing supportive maintenance services, security, and nutritious meals for the children in Crisis Nursery care.

Together, the partnership has ensured that North St. Louis County families in crisis have immediate access to crisis intervention, parenting support, and therapeutic respite care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since 1994, the North County Crisis Nursery has provided more than 1.1 million hours of nurturing care for 28,702 children facing a family crisis.

“The medical staff at Christian Hospital can see firsthand the incredible work the Crisis Nursery does in North County and the difference they are making for families and children,” said Duane Moore, MD, MHA Chief of Emergency Medicine Christian Hospital Northeast & Northwest Healthcare, “We are happy to be able to help this important work.”

“The generosity of Christian Hospital continues with this fantastic donation from the Christian Hospital Medical Staff,”

said Denise Weinhardt, Program Coordinator for the Crisis Nursery – North. “With this help, we will provide nurturing emergency care and crisis intervention for 75 children experiencing immediate risk factors for abuse or neglect with nowhere else to turn.”

At any given time, the North County Crisis Nursery has space to accommodate ten children, ages birth through 12 years, whose families are experiencing a crisis that places them at high risk for abuse or neglect. Families reaching out for support from the Crisis Nursery are among the most vulnerable in the region, commonly facing homelessness, domestic violence and extreme poverty/inability to meet children’s basic needs, utility crisis, or overwhelming stress related to parenting. Of the children receiving care at the North Crisis Nursery this past year, • 74 percent were under the age of six; • 90 percent were from single-parent families; • 85 percent were from extremely low-income households; and • 20 percent were homeless or transient.

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers continues services through WIC Program Betty Jean Kerr Peoples Health Centers WIC Program has signed a contract to continue to provide WIC services for the federal fiscal year 2021 with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Under the terms of the contract, Betty Jean Kerr Peoples Health Centers WIC Program will serve 3,889 persons eligible for WIC every month. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program providing services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility.

The primary services provided are health screening, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion, and health care referrals. Nutritious supplemental food is provided at no cost to participants. To be eligible for WIC, applicants must have an income of less than or equal to 185 percent of the poverty level and be at nutritional risk determined by a health professional.

Migrant families are also eligible.

WIC supplemental food packages are specially chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk and cheese, eggs, whole grain bread products, and hot or cold cereals, 100 percent fruit juices and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. The WIC program recommends breastfeeding, provides breastfeeding support, baby foods, and infant cereal. For women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infants may receive supplemental iron-fortified formula.

WIC participants obtain their foods by redeeming food checks for specific items at local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Studies confirm that pregnant women who enroll in WIC during the early months of pregnancy have fewer low birth weight babies, experience fewer infant deaths, see the doctor earlier in pregnancy, and eat healthier.

WIC is administered in St. Louis by Betty Jean Kerr Peoples Health Centers WIC Program. Persons interested in applying or who need more information should contact the Betty Jean Kerr Peoples Health Centers WIC Program at 314-361-5728. WIC clinics are offered at 5701 Delmar Boulevard; at Health Care for Kids at 4055 Lindell Boulevard and 11642 West Florissant.

For more information about Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers visit: www.phcenters.org

Submitted photo The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery received a very generous $25,000 donation from the Christian Hospital Medical Staff.

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Aound Town

February 17, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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University of Missouri–St. Louis student nurses administer vaccines across greater St. Louis area More and more greater St. Louis area residents have able to breathe a sigh of relief for the first time in nearly a year thanks to a jab in the arm administered by a doctor, nurse, fireman or first responder.

This week, those vaccine recipients began seeing a new variety of friendly face – nursing students from the College of Nursing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

On Feb. 1, UMSL BSN students began administering vaccines at sites across the greater St. Louis area as part of the fight against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The students are volunteering in groups of eight under the supervision of an UMSL nursing faculty member with BJC Health’s Christian Hospital Northeast, SSM Health DePaul Hospital and the St. Louis County Public Health Department.

Before volunteering, the students passed an educational module and quiz comprised of materials from the Centers for Disease Control and received a COVID-19 vaccine. In early January, UMSL nursing faculty members piloted the program with SSM Health as preparation.

“Our mission and our

Photo courtesy UMSL On Feb. 1, UMSL BSN students began administering vaccines at sites across the greater St. Louis area as part of the fight against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

goal at the UMSL College of Nursing is to respond to the needs of the community and to promote health and prevent illness in our communities,” said Roxanne Vandermause, interim dean of the College of Nursing. “That’s been the call of nursing for generations.

Our students are experiencing an uncertain and novel type of pandemic, and they’re learning to understand and manage its effects.”

The College of Nursing had been in communication with several area partners prior to Christmas. Additionally, Associate Teaching Professor of Nursing Diane Saleska reached out to Alex Garza, the head of the St. Louis Pandemic Task Force, in December and asked him to consider using nursing students for the vaccine rollout. He connected Saleska with SSM Health.

Since then, Director of Clinical Operations Shawne Manies has been coordinating requests for student services at various locations around the region, working with faculty to adjust schedules and seeing that community partners’ needs are met. The College of Nursing anticipates expanding its contribution and assisting its clinical partners across the region as the vaccine supply

increases.

“Nursing students are a really powerful force that needs to be tapped into,” Saleska said. “I want people to be aware of the incredible manpower resource that student nurses can be.”

Thanks to the CDC materials, the students are prepared to field questions about the vaccine, including the different manufacturers, the period of waiting between the two shots, the mRNA vaccine and the intramuscular technique.

Saleska notes that it’s not only the vaccine recipients that will benefit from the arrangement.

There’s a lot for student nurses to learn about community needs, communicating with the public and managing a large-scale health crisis.

“There’s so much more to it than just giving an injection,” Saleska said. “This really helps to show our students how nurses step up to the plate when there’s a larger societal need. It’s not just about their individual place of employment. This is a national need right now, and this is what nurses do. You roll up your sleeves, and you go in there, and you do what needs to be done to keep people safe and to make people healthy.

There’s so many lessons for our students to learn.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 17, 2021

Still In This Together:

It’s okay to embrace our inner four-year-old selves

It happened again yesterday on our FaceTime visit with our grandson. I lined all the books up on the couch to let four-year-old Adler pick the one he’d like me to read to him. It doesn’t matter what order they’re in, he invariably picks the same book. Not a particularly good book, with very forced rhymes, but he loves it.

Then, I have to walk through the house with my phone and show him the same things in the same rooms in the same order, finally culminating in the bedroom with the ritual touching of “the magic lamp.”

Once to turn it on, twice to make the light brighter, three times for the brightest light, then one more time to turn it off. Only after the FaceTime routine can we talk about the flowers he found on his walk or the new things his baby brothers are doing these days, or what he had for lunch.

And I realize, once again, just what the youngest participants in our current uncertainty can teach us.

There is comfort in the expected, and solace in repetition. Keeping a routine, marking even the simplest accomplishment I’ve done each day, making a list and delighting in crossing things off it help me keep a sense

of control and sanity when so much around me is uncertain.

Monotony is necessary right now. John and I found it almost mind-boggling to have to choose something to watch on Netflix. Reruns of “The Andy Griffith Show” or “Everybody Loves Raymond” fit the bill many afternoons, and while I initially reveled in the opportunity to pick some serious reading material being offered at no charge on my Kindle, many sleepless nights I find myself wrapped in a comfy blanket on the couch, reading a sappy romance novel.

Ditto our culinary choices. It seemed the perfect time to try some new recipes, but more and more these days we’re choosing comfort foods from our childhood, and homemade bread. The sure things, the routine choices, the comfortable options bring smiles to our faces.

What amazing lessons the four-year olds can teach us. Just as it’s okay for Adler to feel comforted by the same stuffed animals arranged in the same places under the same soft blankets as he drifts off for an afternoon nap, it’s comforting for us as adults to be surrounded by the things we can have some control over.

Five ways to help prevent the spread of illness This year, as cold and flu season converges with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to take precautions to help prevent the spread of illness and infection both in and out of the home.

The similarities between cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms can be confusing, and a spike in the seasonal flu could place additional strain on already tight health care resources. To help ease confusion and provide guidance, Dr. Darria Long-Gillespie, ER physician and Clorox spokesperson, outlined these best practices that can help keep you and your family healthy.

Develop a Household Plan: Make sure everyone in your household and immediate family is on the same page about how to best prevent the spread of illness within your home. Consider an informal “household contract,” where each member will alert the household if he or she comes in contact with an infected person or starts showing symptoms. This is important to help protect everyone in the house as well as visitors to your home, particularly those who are at-risk (such as older relatives) and can allow you time to prepare should any family member need to self-quarantine.

Don’t Skip the Flu Shot: Your first line of protection against illness is a flu shot, which not only reduces your risk of getting the flu, but also helps protect your community and conserve health care resources. This is especially important this year, since some of the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu overlap and can be difficult to tell apart. Because accessing the flu vaccine may be more challenging this year for many Americans due to the pandemic, Clorox has donated $1 million to Direct Relief, Visiting Nurses Association of America and Families Fighting Flu to help provide access to, and

Senior Living

spread awareness of, the importance of flu vaccinations.

Maintain Regular Healthy Habits: One of the best defenses is a good offense, and the same is true when preparing for cold and flu season.

Aiming for a well-balanced diet full of non-processed foods, staying hydrated, exercising and keeping a regular sleep schedule are all keys to keeping illness at bay. Disinfecting high-touch surfaces with a disinfectant that’s approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can also help support prevention, especially if you have members of the household leaving frequently for work or school.

Attend Necessary Medical Appointments: It’s important for you and your family to attend annual physical exams and other necessary medical appointments – whether it’s virtually or while following appropriate safety precautions in person. These checkups are crucial for keeping up to date on your prescriptions and general well-being, identifying any potential medical issues and monitoring recurring issues.

Contact your doctor’s office to see if it is open for in-person or telehealth appointments in order to make the best decision for receiving care for you and your family.

Create Prevention Packs: Keep illness prevention items, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves and disinfecting wipes, in one centralized spot at home. Also keep additional kits in easy-to-reach areas like the center console of your vehicle or inside your purse or backpack for when you’re on the go.

Find more tips for fighting illness this cold and flu season at Clorox.com.

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By Vicki Bahr

All the big plans to organize closets and clean out the basement now that we have to be home anyway, or to take advantage of the downtime to finally get out the paint we bought last year and change things just aren’t that appealing.

There’s a value in the known, the routine, the less than stellar reading material and comfort food. We need to be able to embrace our humanity and know that there are no expectations, and that it’s perfectly okay to laugh with Barney Fife while holding a great big slice of buttered bread in our hands.

Time enough for the adult stuff tomorrow.

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 nearly 49 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.

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February 17, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Greater North County Chamber Anniversary Special Chris and Kathy Helfer Chris and Kathy Helfer are recipients of The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year award. This award is given to an individual(s) who embodies the best qualities of community leadership through the combination of business, civic and community activities.

The Helfer’s have always been active in the community. They support Valley Industries, participating in the Mayors Ball, as well as providing cakes for their worker of the month. In addition to their support of the TEAM Food Pantry, they participate in the St. Ferdinand community Thanksgiving dinner yearly.

Helfer’s won first place in the Taste of Ferguson in 2019, and did much of the baking for the annual “Polar Express.” Chris was also active in the Lions Club.

Helfer’s has hosted “business after hours” for years, as well as providing meeting space for many groups and organizations. They have been members of and supported the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Florissant for many years.

Chris and Kathy have four daughters and are expecting their 17th grandchild. One of the biggest reasons for wanting to open a business in Florissant, was so that they could spend more time with their children and their school and sports activities. They continue this with their grandchildren, bringing them into the bakery and teaching the importance of family and hard work.

~ Congratulations ~ CHRIS AND KATY HELFER Chris and Kathy Helfer embody the idea of family, community and service. They are an important part of the business community in Florissant and North County. You can stop by Helfer’s for a cup of coffee, a pastry, order a wedding or specialty cake, as well as enjoying something from their great deli menu.

Missouri State Senator Gina Walsh Missouri State Senator Gina Walsh is the recipient of the Greater North County Chamber Zykan Family Legacy Award. This award is given to an individual that has demonstrated commitment through their time, talent and treasure towards the North County Community.

Walsh was elected to the Missouri State Senate in 2012, pledging to honor the hard work, aspirations and faith of the people of North St. Louis County.

Walsh is working to create affordable opportunities for consumers, businesses and families to foster innovation for tomorrow, and to stand with parents as they educate and care for their children. In November 2016, Walsh was elected to a second senate term and was chosen to serve as the democratic floor leader.

Prior to her service in the Senate, Walsh served four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, representing North St. Louis County’s 69th District, which included Bellefontaine Neighbors, Dellwood, Glasgow Village, Jennings, Moline Acres, Riverview and Spanish Lake. While serving in the house, Walsh built a reputation as an independent voice, working with both Democrats and Republicans to find common sense solutions to the problems facing Missouri.

Walsh is a 1975 graduate of Rosary High School and lifelong resident of North St. Louis County. She is also a graduate of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators, and Allied Workers Apprenticeship School. Walsh served on the board

of the Riverview Fire Protection District for nearly ten years as director, serving five years as chairperson.

Walsh is a retired member of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local #1, with over 35 years of experience in the trade.

Walsh is past president of the Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO), serves on the executive board of the Missouri AFL-CIO, and is president of the National Labor Caucus of State Legislators.

Active in her community, Walsh is a member of the North County Labor Legislative Club, St. Ferdinand and Spanish Lake Democratic clubs, Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, and the Spanish Lake Community Association. Sen. Walsh serves on the Marygrove Governing Board and the North County Incorporated Board of Directors.

Walsh is an active member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Bellefontaine Neighbors, serving on the Parish Pastoral Council. Gina has three children and four grandchildren.

on being selected as the

Greater North County Chamber Business Persons of the Year!

Thank you for the positive impact you have given to the community through your outstanding generous support!

From Your Friends at The Taste in Ferguson, Bob & Peggy McGartland, John and Linda Lipka

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 17, 2021

Business

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Home Builders Association donates $15,500 to Promise Community Homes On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2021 HBA President Bill Wannstedt of Consort Homes (left) presented a $15,500 donation to Promise Community Homes’ executive director Erin Eberhard and director of development and community relations Joanna JonesRaymond.

The donation will be used to replace roofs at two of the organization’s houses that are homes to adults with intellectual/ developmental disabilities.

Promise Community Homes (formerly Rainbow Village) supports the foundational needs

of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities by providing safe, affordable and well-maintained neighborhood homes.

Every home is carefully designed for the comfort, safety and unique needs of each individual resident.

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

Submitted photo

VOTE BEST OF NORTH COUNTY 2021 BEST OF NORTH COUNTY

-2021-

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

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

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

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

Accountant

Advertising

Air Conditioning

Apartment Complex

Appliance

Attorney

Automobile Body Repair

Auto Dealership

Auto Repair

Bakery

Bank

Banquet Center/Catering

Boutique

Car Wash

Childcare

Chiropractor

Cleaning

Computers

Credit Union

Dentist

Donut Shop

Electrical Contractors

Employment Services

Financial Planning/Investment

Fitness

Florist

Funeral Home

Golf Course

Healthcare

Heating & Cooling

Home Health Care

Home Improvement

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

Insurance Agent

Jeweler

Landscape Contractors

Non-Profit

Nursing Home & Rehab Facility

Optometrist/Vision Care

Photographer

Pizza Parlor

Printing

Real Estate Agent

Restaurants/Dine In

Retirement Communities

Roofing Contractors

Sports Bar & Grill

Tax Preparation

Presented by

and the

Towing & Roadside Assistance

Travel Agent

Veterinarian

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What’s Happening

February 17, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

Take notice . . .

The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.

EVENTS Feb. 20: Writing and creative lab

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

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Weekdays: Tax filing program volunteers

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

Mondays: TOPS meeting

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

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

Mondays: practice

Choral Arts Singers

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays: City council meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular city council meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

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

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

Mondays: A cappella singers

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

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

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting

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

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

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food Pantry Clients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are available. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@caastlc.org for additional information.

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

The Gentlemen of Sound are looking for men who like to sing or want to learn. They practice Tuesdays at Lady of the Pillar school at 401 S. Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m. They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for new members. Come by or call Charlie at 314-954-1121.

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

Chair Zumba every Tuesday from 2:15 – 3 p.m. at The Bridge At Florissant at 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. (Parker @ Arlington). For more information call 314-831-0988.

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

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

Tuesdays: Vietnam Veterans Association meeting

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

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

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul McConnell, 314-831-5476.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers:

Show-me Stitchers is the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. We meet on the second Tuesday, Sept.-June at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO. Learn needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, and more.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

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

Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant. For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant.

Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314-9943300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314-839-7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314-653-5331.

Thursdays: Bingo

Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on the third Thursday of each month starts at 2 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more information call 314-831-0988.

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Women’s

chorus

Bingo takes place every Wednesday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314660-1813.

Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Fridays: Fish fry

Wednesdays: Bingo

Life Care Center of Bridgeton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, welcome all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served.

Please RVSP at 314-298-7444 with the month you will attend and number of people attending.

Wednesdays:

TOPS (Take Off

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

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

Saturdays: Yoga

Yoga returns to Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30. Masks and social distancing are required in the building and participants should bring hand sanitizer with them. For further information call Angela at 314-801-8594.

Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting

Everyone is welcome to attend Toastmasters Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Normandy United Methodist Church at 8001 Natural Bridge Road (across from UMSL). For more info call 314402-7025.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

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

Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org

Saturdays: Clothing sale

Thursdays: Quilting guild

Thursdays: meeting

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

A fish fry takes place every Friday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314660-1813.

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

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support

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

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.

Sundays: Meat shoot

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 4445 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Rd. between Sinks Rd. and Lindbergh starting noon Sept. 15 thru Nov. 17; and in the spring, Feb. 2 thru March 8 rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • February 17, 2021 Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot

Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314-630-2671 or 314-330-7269.

Sundays: meeting

Jennings

Do-Dads

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www.jenningsdodads.org.

CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314-741-3737

HEALTH Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation

Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon– 1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center.

Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1-877-477-6954.

1st Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital

11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm.

Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.

Diabetes Basics:

314-344-7024 for info or 314-344-7220 to enroll.

Crisis Nursery:

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314-768-3201. Or 636-947-0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org

Center for Senior Renewal:

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314-653-5123.

Nutrition Education:

SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314-344-6157.

Christian Center:

Hospital

Recovery

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-9538100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314-653-5032 Nicotine Anonymous

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit www.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.

Look Good…Feel Better

SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit.

Light refreshments are served. Info: 314-344-6090.

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with stateof-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314738-2599.

Wednesdays: ACES Schizophrenia Support Group

Smoking Cessation Classes:

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.

11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

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

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

Free Mammogram Screenings:

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636-9475617

Speaker’s Bureau:

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

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314-993-5421.

First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

12:30 - 2 p.m., 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314-968-3477.

What’s Happening

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9 a.m., 314.355.1516, Helpline 800-272-3900

Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group:

9

Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1 p.m., 314-340-6389

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 - 4:30pm, free, 636-755-3034

Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314383-4765

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

10

Sports

February 17, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Ambush get ready for shorten season The St. Louis Ambush plays their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).

The MASL has announced the schedule for March consisting of 12 games amongst seven teams. Like February at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland Florida, the

second week of March will feature four teams competing in a mini-tournament style format, this time over five days at Toyota Arena in Ontario. Games will also be hosted at the home arenas for Kansas City, St. Louis and Dallas.

This schedule will complete the 2021 regular season and playoff information will be released at a future date.

Due to the reduced schedule, the minimum number of games required to qualify for the playoffs has been reduced from 12 to 10.

Since teams will have played an unbalanced number of games, playoff seeding will be determined by winning percentage first as opposed to win-loss record.

So far this season, the Ambush have won four of the 10 games played.

In the meantime, the next home games at Axius Field will be Friday, Feb. 26 at 7:35 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 28 at 3:05 p.m. when the Ambush host the San Diego Shockers.

Visit www.STLAmbush.com for more details. * The strange season continues

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

OR READ US ONLINE AT MYCNEWS.COM

?

Baseball scheduled to kick off in O’Fallon The O’Fallon Hoots, members of the Prospect Wood-bat League play at CarShield Field in O’Fallon.

“We’re ready to bring the fun in 2021,” Hoots General Manager David Schmoll said. “From our first Prospect League game on May 27 to hosting Rick Ankiel and Jim Edmonds in our Home Run Derby to what will hopefully be a week of Prospect League and CarShield Collegiate League Championships in August, this will be the most high-level baseball our facility has seen in a summer.”

The summer kicks off on May 26 with a CarShield Collegiate League doubleheader.

The Hoots host their first Prospect League game in O’Fallon on May 27 at 6:35 p.m. against Terre Haute. The Hoots wrap up their summer 2021 regular season schedule

on Aug. 4 at home against fellow Prospect League newcomer, Alton. The Hoots will compete in the Prospect League’s Western Conference in a division with Alton, Cape Girardeau and Springfield.

Game times for all single games is 6:35 p.m. Doubleheaders will start at 5:35 p.m. The Home Run Derby begins at 7:05 p.m.

For more details go to www.OfallonHoots.com. * So ready for baseball Lindenwood compete well in Invitational competition The Lindenwood University women’s gymnastics team compiled a modest team score good for a thirdplace finish at the GymQuarters Invitational on Friday night at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

Ball State and Eastern Michigan finished ahead of the Lions with the Lindenwood squad outscoring SEMO, Air Force and Illinois State.

The top performers for the Lions were: • Vault – Courtney Mitchell & Kyndall Baze • Bars – Savannah Newsome • Beam – Madison Rush • Floor – Gayla Griswold Lindenwood’s best event of the meet was on vault where they attained their second highest total of the season.

Mitchell and Baze both scored a high on vault, pacing the Lions with Newsome leading the team on bars marking a career best.

Rush also on the beam with a career high score. * Impressive tourney

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, among many other activities. I am currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.

PrimeTimeSTL.com. It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 17, 2021

Recipe:

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Beat the winter blues with dairy

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.

Breakfast Quesadillas Need a boost to get you going in the morning?

This breakfast quesadilla is packed full of protein to keep you full until your next meal!

Ingredients: 2 Tbs butter + ½ cup as needed for tortillas 2 green onions, sliced ½ medium jalapeno pepper, diced 4 large eggs ¼ cup milk ¼ tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp salt 1/8 tsp ground black pepper 4 8-inch tortillas 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese ½ cup salsa ¼ cup sour cream Directions: 1. In a large pan, sauté green onions and jalapeno in 2Tbs butter.

2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and cumin.

3. Pour egg mixture into sauté pan and cook until eggs are cooked through.

4. Remove from heat and stir in salt and pepper.

5. M elt butter on griddle over medium heat. Place half the tortillas on griddle and top with ½ the cheese, the egg mixture, meaning cheese, and tortillas. Cook until tortillas are golden, flipping to cook on the other side, until the cheese is melted.

6. Cut each quesadilla into quarters and serve topped with salsa and sour cream.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

For additional information on dairy foods, visit www.stldairycouncil.org

New Line Cinema announces reimagined ‘Wizard of Oz’

Movie:

By Steve Bryan (From left) “Wizrd of Ox” photo courtesy MGM, “The Wiz“ photo courtesy Universal Pictures, “Under the Rainbow” photo courtesy Innovisions, “Oz the Great and Powerful “ photo courtesy Walt Disney Pictures.

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.

More than 80 years after the original film debuted, New Line Cinema announced that Nicole Cassell from the “Watchmen” television series will direct a reimagined version of the “The Wizard of Oz.” Based on the young adult novels written by Lyman Frank Baum, the 1939 musical adaptation of Baum’s work has become a timeless classic. Mickey Carroll, a beloved actor and St. Louis entrepreneur, had been one of the last living actors who portrayed a Munchkin at the time of his death in 2009.

In addition to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Baum wrote multiple stories set in that magical land and some of them were eye-opening. Take, for instance, 1918’s “The Tin Woodman of Oz,” the book that revealed the Woodman’s real name: Nick Chopper. He had been flesh-and-blood until he ran afoul of the Wicked Witch of the East. In this adventure, Chopper encountered Captain Fyter, another man made out of tin. The two of them realized they

have a special link in common with the same Munchkin girl.

New Line’s reimagined version is not the first time Hollywood has returned to Oz. 1981’s “Under the Rainbow” from director Steve Rash was based loosely on some real-life events. In 1938, performers came to Hollywood to become Munchkins in the live-action, musical version of “The Wizard of Oz.” Coming off her second turn as Princess Leia in “The Empire Strikes Back,” Carrie Fisher played Annie Clark, the woman who had to oversee the would-be Munchkins. Chevy Chase was on hand as Bruce Thorpe, a Secret Service Agent who arrived at the same hotel where the “Oz” actors were staying.

2013’s “Oz the Great and Powerful” focused on the man who took on the mantle of Wizard of Oz. James Franco stars as Oscar Diggs, a member of a traveling circus as well as a con artist. He escaped from an angry husband in

a hot air balloon and landed in Oz where he met Glinda (Michelle Williams), the daughter of the late king. Mila Kunis played Theodora, a good witch who falls for the handsome and smooth-talking Oscar Diggs.

Speaking of reimagining, Sydney Lumet directed 1978’s “The Wiz,” a contemporary take on Baum’s original 1900 novel. Diana Ross led a powerhouse cast as Dorothy Gale, an elementary schoolteacher who was magically transported to the Land of Oz. Michael Jackson was a standout as the Scarecrow who is made of garbage, not straw, while Nipsey Russell shined as the Tin Man. Ted Ross showed the many sides of the Cowardly Lion while Richard Pryor became the Wizard.

Nicole Cassell has done some intriguing work on “Watchman,” so it will be interesting to see where she takes us this time. No matter what, it’s a good time to revisit the Land of Oz once again.

F-2

Feature

ACTIVE BUYER

February 17, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

SINGERS WANTED

HELP WANTED NOW CONTRACTING CDL CLASS A OR B DRIVERS TO DELIVER TRUCKS ACROSS THE US AND CANADA. NO FREIGHT, NO SLEEPING IN TRUCKS. NO WAITING ON RUNS!

We deliver trucks of all types & sizes from manufacturers and installers to their destinations.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS are available for both full and part time.

ENDORSEMENTS and a PASSPORT are a plus, BUT NOT REQUIRED!

AUCTION

No MANUAL TRANSMISSION RESTRICTION ON CDL. 7+ years of verifiable experience utilizing your CDL Class A or B and possess a clean license are required. Former firemen, OTR drivers, garbage truck drivers, recent retirees are welcome!!!

LOVES STORAGE SOLUTIONS Hereby states items stored in units

42, 218, 273, 337, 353

Shall be released for th sale through an online auction.

Starting 2/11/2021 and Ending on 2/25/2021.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

314-824-5506

COLLECTIBLES

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.

SERVICES

CLASSIFIED SPECIAL! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items

45

$

for the first week

(1.5” x 1” ad)

$15 each additional week after that. $30 for a 1.5” x 2”

CALL

636-379-1775

PET CEMETERY

over 4,000 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 60 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

– CHECK US OUT AT WWW.MYCNEWS.COM –

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 17, 2021

Feature

F-3

CLASSIFIEDS

Heating & Air Conditioning

314-739-1600 www.scrubbydutch.com

2550 Harley Drive Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Dannegger Brothers Contracting, Inc • Foundation & Basement Repairs • Waterproofing • Piering • Mudjacking • Stress Bracing • Concrete Flatwork

314-993-1833

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AREAS OF CIRCULATION Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.

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F-4

Feature

February 17, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION

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

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

The gift of love Can you feel it? So much love is in the air around Valentine’s Day. Of course, I dashed right over to the store to get my husband a little gift to show my love. Mainly because it was late on Feb. 13 and I just got around to turning over the calendar page. Ugh, I hadn’t bought anything yet.

Back in the day, I used to put a lot of time and energy into a gift. Now, I’ve lost track of time and have no energy.

I zoomed down the aisles of the grocery store and stopped. Ooh the toilet paper aisle was stocked to the gills. Soo much paper! I took a selfie of me in front of it. Who knows when it will disappear again?

I scurried over to the tool aisle. Hmm, what does he need? He doesn’t use the ones he already has.

He’s got a box of nails and screws which also contains bits of electrical wiring and shards of metal.

He inherited it from his grandpa who inherited from…well, let’s just say there’s a rusty horseshoe in it and something that looks like a tarnished Civil War button.

I moved passed the candle section and grabbed one. It smelled like avocado and cilantro. The label indicated that after warming it up you could also use it as a tasty chip dip.

It was almost closing time. I grabbed something from the ransacked card selection and dashed up front.

I stacked my gifts on the conveyor belt: a card with a puppy on it that said, Happy Valentine’s Day Grandson. I’ll just tell him the cats picked it out. Everyone knows cats can’t read. He’d forgive them because they’re also giving him the guacamole candle with a bag of chips.

I grabbed a can of cashews for him. No, not the whole ones! Are you kidding? They cost a fortune.

I got the better priced bits and pieces; the ones that have been swept up from the warehouse floor after the cashew people get done separating them.

Oh hush! You know they all turn into bits and pieces once they enter your mouth. I saved a bundle. Enough to buy him a bonus gift – a couple of packages of bathroom tissue because nothing says love like a well-stocked TP cupboard.

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. *Quiz show whistleblower, ____ Stempel 5. Time std.

8. “____ Like it Hot” movie 12. Walkie-talkie word 13. Wild hog 14. Blender setting 15. Coniferous tree 16. Of long ago 17. Gastric problem 18. *A show that had a Ball 20. Surveyor’s map 21. Changes to a manuscript 22. Mai follower 23. Get a move on 26. *Superman portrayer 29. Knot-tying words 30. Like unskilled work 33. Play with a bow 35. New Mexico’s state flower 37. Will Ferrell’s Christmas classic 38. On the radio 39. Nobel Peace Prize capital 40. Beat around the bush 42. Toddler 43. SAT administrator 45. Software plug-ins

47. Facebook photo option 48. Indulgence of impulses 50. Brees or Barrymore 52. *”Dragnet” sergeant 56. Old Brazilian coins 57. Pakistan’s official language 58. *”Your Show of Shows” comedian Reiner 59. Novelist Zola 60. Not made up 61. *”The ____ of Night” 62. Extinct bird 63. Call minus c 64. Gloom’s companion DOWN 1. Arizona tribe 2. Bad to the bone 3. Nevada city near Lake Tahoe 4. Warrant for officer promotion with no pay 5. As opposed to stay in 6. Chagall and Anthony 7. 3-pointer in basketball 8. *”Toast of the Town” host 9. Willy of “Free Willy” 10. Track event 11. Always, to a poet 13. Reference to the writer 14. Between larvae and adults

19. Allergic reaction to bee sting 22. ____ Aviv 23. *Ranger’s call to Silver 24. Sunbaked, archaically speaking 25. Wall or pedestal support 26. Kon-Tiki, e.g.

27. One of the Muses 28. Offspring 31. Getting warm 32. Not in good health 34. Tiny leftovers 36. *Abbott’s comedic partner 38. Online purchase 40. *Marjorie Reynolds in “The Life of Riley” 41. Scolding 44. Schoolmarm’s whip 46. Defrosted 48. Popular winter boot brand 49. Put it to the metal 50. Audition tape 51. SWAT attack 52. France/Switzerland border mountain range 53. Carpenter’s groove 54. Ben Affleck’s 2013 Oscar winner 55. Original matter 56. *Buttons or Skelton SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9