CN: March 1, 2023

Upgrading the grid

Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan has resulted in structural improvements to electrical infrastructure in St. Louis County

By Wendy Todd

Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan has created a more reliable and efficient infrastructure to improve its service for customers, add beneficial technology and economic benefits to the region.

The utility company has performed upgrades to foundational grid infrastructure, including poles, wires, substations, transformers and cables. It has also utilized smart technology that will help reduce customer outages and provide quicker response times when they occur.

Also, in July of 2020, Ameren began in-

stalling smart meters in St. Louis and St. Louis counties to provide customized energy usage data to customers, replacing outdated equipment. The new meters, equipped with two-way communication capabilities, even allow for easier service setup and relocation for residents, as a service person does not need to visit the property.

The plan, which cost $215 million to complete, began after the Missouri General Assembly passed energy policy legislation in 2018 that enabled Ameren to begin the infrastructure upgrades.

Another specific area of the Smart Energy Plan in St. Louis County was the Met-

ro South Reliability project that is helping 100,000 Missouri residents utilize more reliable energy. With the construction of two new transmission towers, the project created a second power supply to help prevent outages and increase energy capacity.

The infrastructure improvements also addressed the flooding in St. Louis County last summer, helping over 9,500 customers avoid extended outages. There are ongoing upgrades to help stave off potential future flooding issues.

Mark Birk, chairman and president of

Around Town

Ameren Missouri, wants consumers to feel assured the infrastructure upgrades will provide better service that translates into a better quality of living.

“We continue to incorporate technology that improves system reliability,” he said. “Smart Energy Plan investments have prevented an estimated 50,000 customer outages over the last two years. We know that makes a difference for our customers at home and at work. With the expansion and extension of the Smart Energy Plan, we will be able to provide a more resilient, reliable and sustainable energy system for generations to come.”

One of the last projects of the Smart Energy Plan that began in 2022 is working to create more energy reliability in downtown St. Louis. When done complete, the system will be one of the first in the nation to have smart technology in a downtown environment, helping reduce outages. This multiyear project will replace century-old systems.

The energy upgrades also have financial benefits for the region.

Ameren Missouri has worked to keep energy residential rates 18% below the Midwest average. Another economic advantage of the Smart Energy Plan is the contribution to Missouri’s economy from businesses tak-

ing part in Ameren’s financial incentives to move to the region or expand business here.

As a result, nearly 1,000 new jobs have been created in Missouri and over $450 million in capital investment has been made.

LHWHS student-teacher team to attend Normandy Institute

Ladue Horton Watkins High School sophomore Akhil Nadithe and social studies teacher Ashley Lock will represent Missouri at the Albert H. Small Normandy Institute in France this summer.

The pair is one of only 15 student-teacher teams selected to participate in the program, an intensive learning experience centered on the D-Day Campaign of 1944.

Nadithe and Lock will travel with other

teams to George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in late June for a series of lectures and activities to deepen their understanding of the conflict. Then, all participants will depart for France on June 25 to visit many of the sites involved in the Normandy Campaign.

As part of the program, each team is tasked with writing a biography of a hometown soldier who participated in the Nor-

COMMUNITY VOICES:

Civility is becoming an antiquated term. Its meaning is consistently modern. Civility is how we treat one another as human beings – properly. What is clearly apparent to any casual or intentional observer of American culture in reality or the virtual realm reveals pervasive incivility. The language and public square interactions are replete with routine vulgarity and abusive language use. Just as philosopher Rene Descartes famously stated, “I think therefore I am,” how you speak tells how you are.

Tyre Nichols deadly traffic stop visually documented the Memphis Police SCORPION unit’s brutality, but so did the incident’s audio recording. Nichols was cursed and dehumanized over and over. Dehumanization is the standard operating procedure of those who commit crimes against individuals, ethnic groups and countries. Verbal dehumanization was an essential tool in the imposition of chattel slavery, dehumanizing

mandy Campaign; Nadithe and Lock will write about the life of Pfc. Joseph Vincent Daniels, a St. Louisan who died on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.

The culmination of the Normandy visit involves each student presenting a eulogy for their hometown hero while standing by his graveside in the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer.

By Rodrick Burton vens

Language and incivility

the enslaved.

The American use of dehumanizing language has been present in conflicts from the Indian Wars; the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, the Iraq War and Afghanistan.

At this point in this essay some have taken offense and would lodge a charge of “wokeness;” however, I would assert from a perspective of faith, that the Christian Bible has many warnings around using corrosive language.

Here are Jesus’ own words, “it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth that defiles the person.”

A glance at our awards shows, our media, even our State of the Union audience response is ladened with defilement pouring collectively out and in response.

This must change and can change by a decision to be intentionally disciplined gov-

erning our individual speech. Even when angry – think before making an utterance. When in public, consider and be wary that our words can offend and pollute the auditory airspace for kids, seniors and your fellow citizens. Let us use language to recapture civility before incivility is our permanent neighbor.

Rodrick Burton is the pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church, a member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, the Ecumenical Leadership Council, St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence (SIRV), Voices for Early Childcare Programs and a field education mentor at Covenant Theological Seminary.

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.

Ameren Missouri has performed upgrades to foundational grid infrastructure, including poles, wires, substations, transformers and cables. It has also utilized smart technology that will help reduce customer outages and provide quicker response times when they occur.

Submitted photo

Being a part of it all Still In This Together:

It was New Year’s Eve, and I was actually catching my breath while I waited in a long line at the dollar store.

Our family Christmas had been held the night before at our son and daughter-in-law’s home, our outof-town daughter and her family were safely past the half-way mark on their way back to Omaha after being a tremendous help both physically and mentally with the process of our moving after 45 years in the same house, and, while I hadn’t found the colored labels Katie assured me were a vital part of the moving process, I had found some colored index cards I could use to mark moving boxes and the birthday cards I’d be needing for January.

It actually felt good to be standing patiently in line, away from the chaos and hubbub that awaited me at home, and would be an unavoidable part of life for the next couple of months as we sorted and boxed, picked out what was no longer necessary to our daily lives, and debated endlessly over just why it was so difficult for me to learn how to load the packaging tape dispenser by myself.

The checkout line wasn’t moving, and that was just fine with me. I watched as the very nicely dressed woman in front of me left her cart and came back with even more purple plastic cups to add to the large collection of purple plates, napkins, tablecloths and fancy party decorations.

“New Year’s Eve party?” I asked. “I really like the purple and silver combination you have going.”

“No, actually it’s for the grand opening of my new boutique in a couple of hours,” she said. “I know, I know, it’s a horrible time to be opening something new,” she continued as she moved all the stuff in her cart around nervously, taking stock of just what she’d put into the cart. “My friends told me I’m crazy, opening on New Year’s Eve, AFTER the holidays, but I couldn’t get the money I needed before this. I was so hopeful and confident. Now I’m not so sure.”

I glanced up at her worried look and tried to reassure her.

“Actually, I think it’s a great time” I said. “The holiday shopping is over, and I think women are looking to indulge themselves a little now. I bet you’re going

to be surprised at the turnout you have today and this coming week. And the decorations are great!”

She smiled and we both happened to glance up at the same moment toward the lady working the register and the horrified look on her face as the line of shopping carts kept growing behind us. The cashier grabbed a phone and spoke quietly into it, then shrugged her shoulders and grinned at us with a look of helplessness. It was absolutely wonderful to hear the entire group of us waiting patiently in line start to laugh.

“Honey,” one woman said, “it’s wonderful to just stand her a few minutes. Don’t you worry!”

And I agreed. What a pleasure to just be calm, to talk to the brand-new entrepreneur in front of me, ask her where her boutique was, what made her decide to follow her dream, and promise her I would tell my daughter, who lives close to the new store, to make a point of going by there sometime.

Everyone around us seemed to be enjoying the sunny morning, talking to people around them, and smiling at the relieved look on the cashier’s face as a young man opened another line. There even seemed a bit of reluctance on their parts to move over after they had all been having pleasant conversations.

As I helped the new boutique owner in front of me unpack her cart, she reached for one more item in a box right at the register: a purple pen with a huge plastic diamond on the top of it.

“Good move,” I said. “Anybody who signs a credit card receipt with that is going to know it’s not hers, and you won’t have to worry about losing your pen.”

“How many cards do you have there?” she asked me, as she grabbed my things from the cart.

“I’m paying for this lady’s stuff,” she told the cashier. She turned back to me and said, “You have just made me feel so positive and happy.”

When I tried to argue with her, she just smiled and said, “Pay it forward.”

I thanked her and looked at the cash I had in my wallet.

“Okay,” I told the cashier. “Here’s a five-dollar bill I’d like you to put toward the things in the lady’s cart

Celebrating new love at St. Luke’s Hospital

Whoever said there’s no such thing as “love at first sight,” has never seen St. Luke’s Hospital baby buntings. St. Luke’s is known as the “baby bunting hospital” because they have been providing themed baby buntings on holidays and special occasions since 1997. Made by nurses and volunteers, the adorable offerings are a sample of the many ways St. Luke’s Hospital provides a warm and caring environment for families.

By Vicki Bahr

behind me. Don’t tell her until she’s checking out.”

It felt wonderful to be part of the surprised look on the cashier’s face as she said, “Well, I certainly never expected this morning to turn out so well. That line sure had me frazzled. You ladies have made my day.”

I couldn’t help the tears in my eyes, no more than I could help the feeling of joy and promise I felt on this day before the brand-new year.

I hope your 2023 is going as well as you were hoping and then some!

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

Submitted photo

Delta Dental of Missouri’s Land of Smiles show teaches students good habits for healthy teeth

February was National Children’s Dental Health Month and Delta Dental of Missouri’s popular, award-winning Land of Smiles dental education program went on the road, taking the crusade for healthy teeth to 16,000 youngsters at 75 schools across the state. The cast of dynamic superhero characters made their most recent stop in St. Louis with performances at Cold Water Elementary School, Glenridge Elementary School, Walnut Grove Primary School, Blevins Elementary School, Barretts Elementary School, Lawson Elementary School, Aspire Academy, Christ Community Lutheran School-Webster, Holy Cross Academy and Blades Elementary School – teaching good dental health habits to 2,300 students in kindergarten through third-grade.

The Land of Smiles experience follows superhero Captain Super Grin, as he defeats his nemesis, Caz Cavity, with help from his sidekicks Terri Tooth Fairy and Toothpick. Students learn the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly. The program includes an oral health curriculum that adheres to National Health Education Standards, as

well as standards for Missouri. It contains engaging, age-appropriate materials to make learning about dental health entertaining for kids and includes activity sheets, which are also now available in Spanish. Delta Dental of Missouri also offers free “smile bags” to schools for students who participate in the program. Each bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to help students practice the good oral health habits they learn.

“Our lively Land of Smiles show makes learning about dental health truly fun for kids. But, most importantly, it’s memorable,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “Pre- and post-show testing demonstrates that on average, students show a 35% increase in their good oral health behavior and knowledge after seeing a performance. And, that’s the positive outcome we all want.”

Since its inception in the fall of 2002, the Delta Dental of Missouri’s Land of Smiles program has taught more than 1.1 million kids how to take care of their growing smiles through more than 4,800 onsite performances at schools in 113 Missouri counties, and through its online version. The Land of Smiles experience is provided

free of charge to schools, courtesy of Delta Dental of Missouri.

Local teachers, school nurses and principals are invited to email Schools@NationalTheatre.com to request an in-person, live show for the spring semester, or visit www.LandofSmilesMO.org to gain access to the online program on a date and time that works for their students this spring.

By Dan Zarlenga

Four of a kind can be a winning hand in the game of poker. Apparently, in the game of life it is for the armadillo, too.

The nine-banded armadillo is truly a unique creature in Missouri. Armadillos are mammals, but one might think they look more like an ambling, leathery football. The odd critter is covered by two large plates with

a series of nine smaller moveable “girdles” or “bands” around the midsection, the characteristic that gives the armadillo its name. This creates a structure a little like the carapace of a turtle, except the armadillo can’t retreat within it.

“Armadillo” means “little armored one” in Spanish. Look closely, though, and you’d notice tiny hairs poking up through the carapace and below it, which gives away the fact that the creature is a mammal.

Prior to 1980 or so, you’d likely have never seen an armadillo in Missouri. The adventurous little mammalian armored tanks came from Central America and Mexico, first expanding into Texas around 1849. From there, the armadillo made its way into the southwestern part of the Show-Me-State some 40 years ago and has been spreading farther north ever since. They can now be found throughout most of the state, except for pockets in the northern portion.

Armadillos have very poor eyesight, so if you one startles you out on a trail, you’ve probably done the same to it!

They do have a superb sense of smell, however. This helps them to sniff out their preferred food: insects, grubs, and invertebrates that hide directly beneath the soil. The armadillo uses its sharp claws to dig them up as soon as it catches their scent. This habit can sometimes put them at odds with homeowners who may find armadillos digging up their lawns and gardens. Rest assured that it’s nothing personal . . . just some sloppy eating habits.

Female armadillos have their young in the latter part of March, near the Vernal Equinox. One of the oddest things about armadillos is that every mother gives birth to a set of quadruplets. Each of the four offspring is genetically identical, gender and all! Strange as it is, dealing out four of a kind seems to be a strategy that has played out well for armadillos in the high stakes card game of survival.

Armadillos are not really so good at bluffing,

though . . . especially against automobiles. One evolutionary behavior that has not benefited them so well is their tendency to jump three or four feet straight up into the air when threatened or startled. Perhaps in the wild, this bluff works well to confuse and disorient a would-be predator so the armadillo can get away after landing again. Unfortunately, when crossing roadways, it’s a gamble they tend to lose. The tactic often lands them square into the grill of an oncoming vehicle. Even the little armored one’s shell can’t save them from that impact. It’s why we tend to see so many dead armadillos along roads.

So, what’s the final takeaway then? If ever you find yourself playing a game of poker against a mother armadillo, you better be holding a royal or straight flush if you hope to win!

Dan Zarlenga is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Media Specialist for the St. Louis Region, where he’s served since 2008. He likes to dabble in nature photography, hiking, exploring Missouri and its night skies, and occasionally backpacking and kayaking.

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

The armadillo’s winning hand CONSERVATION CORNER:

Photo courtesy the Missouri Department of Conservation A nine-banded armadillo sniffs the ground for its next meal.

Submitted photo

Delta Dental of Missouri’s popular, award-winning Land of Smiles dental education program made its most recent stop in St. Louis.

St. Louis Bi-State Area Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous celebrates anniversary

the St. Louis Bi-State area was organized by Mary Anne S. The program has been a continuous presence ever since.

OA members will gather on March 18 for a 12hour celebratory day of recovery and fellowship. For registration information about the event, contact Debbie K. at 636-634-6201

The first OA meeting took place in California in 1960. Thirteen years later, in 1973, the first group in

Today, the St. Louis Bi-State Area Intergroup is the hub for over 35 weekly meetings in St. Louis City, seven Missouri counties plus five counties in Illinois. Overeaters Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of individuals who support each other while reaching for and living in recovery. It is patterned after the

twelve-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous

OA welcomes everyone who has a problem with food including those who compulsively overeat and/ or engage in compulsive food behaviors such as anorexia, bulimia or other food-related problems.

For general information about OA visit oa.org. For information about the St. Louis Bi-State Area Intergroup of OA visit stlouisoa.org.

Voting begins March 6, and ends March 31, 2022.

You

Chiropractor Real

You

N New Florissant Rd. Florissant, MO 63033 314-837-9423

Helfer’s Pastries & Deli Café 380 St. Ferdinand St. Florissant, MO 63031 314-837-6050

Vantage Credit Union 601 Greenway Chase Florissant, MO 63031 314-298-0055

Dalmation Cleaning & Restoration 33 Mercury Dr. Florissant, MO 63031 314-423-0101

Handyman True Value Hardware 2635 N. Hwy 67 Florissant, MO 63033 314-831-0220

J.C.’s Jewelry & Repair 14011 New Halls Ferry Rd Florissant, MO 63033 314 839-8100

Fleck’s Appliance Center 601 N. Jefferson St. Florissant, MO 63031 314 -837-3611

Simmons Bank 1001 Howdershell Road Florissant, MO 63031 314-838-8989

Woodland Dental Care 1133 Howdershell Road Florissant, MO 63031 314-839-9339

No Excuses Personal Training Bootcamp 917 N. Hwy 67 Florissant, MO 63031 314-324-3221

ArchWell Health 199 N. Florissant Road Ferguson, MO 63135 314-349-8347

Wilson Land Management 14628 Old Halls Ferry Rd. Florissant, MO 63034 314-839-0721

Athletico Physical Therapy Florissant 790 N Hwy 67 Florissant, MO 63031 314-972-1442

Hendel’s 599 Rue St. Denis Florissant, MO 63031 314-837-2304

Adney Art 1450 Estes Dr. Florissant, MO 63031 314-504-1581

Fortman Spann Law Firm 250 St. Catherine St. Florissant, MO 63031 314-522-2312

Catering to You Banquet Center 12775 New Halls Ferry Rd. Florissant, MO 63033 314-839-3244

Feel State 444 Howdershell Road Florissant, MO 63031 636-299-7781

Dooley’s Florists & Gifts 690 Rue St. Francois Florissant, MO 63031 314-837-7444

Goldkamp Heating & Cooling 890 N. Lafayette St. Florissant, MO 63031 314-839-3332

First Impressions Lawn & Garden 1555 St. Loretto Dr. Florissant, MO 63033 314-267-6672

Dr. Phillip Conway, MD - Mercy 755 Dunn Rd., Suite 110 Hazelwood, MO 63042 314-731-1113

Village North Retirement Community 11160 Village North Dr. St. Louis, MO 63136 314-355-8010

Morrison Travel & Cruise 738 Rue St. Francois St. Florissant, MO 63031 314-838-9000

Archway Engraving & Trophies 1040 St. Francois St. Florissant, MO 63031 314-831-1165

Korte’s Custom Framing & Antiques 560 N. Jefferson Florissant, MO 63031 314-837-3400

Old Town Donuts 510 N. New Florissant Road Florissant, MO 63031 314-831-0907

Hutchens Mortuary & Cremation Center 675 Graham Rd. Florissant, MO 63031 314-831-3100

Precious Palms Home Health Services, LLC 729 Rue St. Francois Florissant, MO 63031 314-802-7445

Phancy Fingers & Feet 480 Rue St. Francois Florissant, MO 63031 314-942-9972

JS Photography STL 302 Rue St. Francois St. Florissant, MO 63031 314-448-9495

One Way Roo ng, LLC 5494 Brown Rd. Hazelwood, MO 63042 314-209-1782

Total Access Urgent Care 1090 N Hwy 67 Florissant, MO 63031 314 778-3186

Complete Auto Body & Repair 6041 N. Lindbergh Blvd. Hazelwood, MO 63042 314-731-7999

Bommarito of Hazelwood 675 Dunn Rd. Hazelwood, MO 63042 314-895-0600

Auto Spa Etc of Florissant 2040 N. Hwy 67 Florissant, MO 63033 314-831-3090

Kay Bee Electric 250 Rue St. Francois Florissant, MO 63031 314-837-3308

Goeke Produce Co. Inc. 449 St. Ferdinand St. Florissant, MO 63031 314-831-1931

Martin & Sons 8460 N. Lindbergh Blvd. Florissant, MO 63031 314-839-0700

The George Bean Project 733 Rue St. Charles Florissant, MO 63031 636 -385-2105

Red Oven Wood Fired Pizza 315 St. Francois St. Florissant, MO 63031 314-254-7016

Christian Extended Care & Rehab 11160 Village North Dr. St. Louis, MO 63136 314-355-8010

Fogarty’s House of Vapor 2318A N. Hwy 67 Florissant, MO 63033 314-736-5268

Clara Belle Nursery School 1165 Humes Ln. Florissant, MO 63031 314-921-1156

Christian Extended Care & Rehabilitation 11160 Village North Dr. St. Louis, MO 63136 314-355-8010

Onyx Business and Print Center 611 S. Florissant Rd. Ferguson, MO 63135 314-733-5096

Henke’s Tavern & Grill 901 N. Lafayette Florissant, MO 63031 314-323-7176

Howdershell Animal Clinic 440 Howdershell Rd Florissant, MO 63031 314 838-3575

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

March 7: Estate planning seminar

“Estate Planning 101: Avoid the Common Mistakes,” presented by Dawn Christoffersen, Counselor at Law, takes place at 10 a.m. at Steve Robbins’ Conference Center at 325 Rue St. Francois in Florissant. The event is free but registration is required.

To RSVP call Joan at 314-8394600, email: Joan@SteveRobbinsOnline.com or register online at www.SteveRobbinsOnline.com.

March 28: Long-term care planning seminar

Long-Term Care Planning event, presented by Ellen M. Lutzow, Attorney at Law, takes place at 10 a.m. at Steve Robbins’ Conference Center at 325 Rue St. Francois in Florissant. The event is free but registration is required.

To RSVP call Joan at 314-8394600, email: Joan@SteveRobbinsOnline.com or register online at www.SteveRobbinsOnline.com.

April 27: Shred event

Shred Day! Drive, Drop and Donate takes place from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Steve Robbins’ Office Parking Lot at 325 Rue St. Francois in Florissant. Help us support T.E.A.M. Food Pantry while cleaning out your old documents. If you are able, please bring a minimum of one canned food item for each bag or box you would like to shred. If you are unable to make it during this time, you are welcome to drop off your documents and canned items

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.

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 636-579-

What’s Happening

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.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B...

Men’s Lindenwood hockey swept major tournament

Lindenwood roller hockey swept the best-of-three Midwest Collegiate Roller Hockey League (MCRHL) Championship Series with back-to-back victories over Bethel University, Tennessee recently at Vetta 70 in St. Peters. The Lions took the opening game over the Wildcats 6-3, then clinched the series with a 6-0 shutout in game two.

In a matchup that featured a similar number of scoring chances for each squad, Bethel scored first at 4:19 of the opening period, but Lindenwood responded with the next three. Clayton Liefeld sounded the horn at 6:47 off a feed from Jack Wedoski. Brycon Johnson then set up Brett Worster at 9:19, followed by a Nathan Durrans goal at 10:26, assisted by Worster. A Lions roughing penalty moments later gave the Wildcats a power play and they capitalized with nine seconds remaining for a 3-2 Lindenwood lead at the first intermission.

Defense was more the rule in the second period, but a Bethel hooking penalty at the seven-minute mark gave the Lions a man-advantage chance. Christian Acosta set up Connor Bradley for the score 34 seconds later. That goal proved to be the only one of the middle frame and Lindenwood led 4-2.

The Lions pulled away in the final period. Liefeld netted his second of the game off a pass from Eric Kurpiewski at the 4:39 mark. Bethel equaled the effort with a power play goal at 7:09, but the Wildcats could not get any closer. Nick DellaMorte sealed it at 9:30 with help from Acosta.

Bethel outshot Lindenwood 29-27, but Jacob Rob-

inson was strong between the pipes, stopping 26 of the 29 shots he faced. Liefeld earned Star No. 1 honors with two goals, Worster was named Star No. 2 with a goal and assist, and Robinson received Star No. 3 recognition with his 26 saves and .897 save percentage.

Game two of the series started just three hours later and the Lions controlled it from the opening face off, quickly jumping to a 5-0 lead in the first period, the final four goals all coming in a two-minute span.

Liefeld netted the first on a pass from DellaMorte at 2:18. The late-period barrage started with a Connor Bradley shot from DellaMorte at 8:58. Worster then lit the lamp on backto-back shots, the first at 9:36, assisted by Johnson, then with help from Durrans and Sean Maude 32-seconds later. Maude called his own number at 10:39 with another assist from Durrans.

Only one more goal was scored the rest of the game and it came off the blade of Liefeld for his fourth of the series, on a play set up by Kurpiewski and Acosta at 6:23 of the second.

Lindenwood out shot Bethel 38-17 and Marky Hager earned the shutout victory with 17 saves on as many shots faced. Liefeld earned his second Star No. 1 honor with two goals. Worster received Star No. 2 recognition also with two goals and Hager was named Star No. 3 with his 17 saves and shutout in the game.

With the two wins, the Lions improved to 16-1 overall and a perfect 11-0 mark in MCRHL play. Lindenwood will attempt to defend its title at the 23rd National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) Championships April 19-24 at the Rinks –Irvine Inline in Irvine, California.

* On a roll

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, amonga 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.

Recipe: Comfort from the South

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cups pecans, crushed

Cream Cheese Layer:

12 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

4 tablespoons heavy cream

Pudding Layer:

3 egg yolks

2 cups whole milk

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup cocoa powder

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

4 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

chocolate syrup

1/2 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350 F.

To make crust: In saucepan, melt butter; add flour, brown sugar and crushed pecans. Stir until combined. Press into 9 1/2-inch deep pie plate. Bake 15-20 minutes until crust begins to brown. Cool completely.

To make cream cheese layer: In medium bowl, mix cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream; mix until smooth. Spread over cooled pecan crust. Refrigerate.

To make pudding layer: In medium bowl, whisk egg yolks. Add milk; whisk until combined. Set aside.

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.

Servings: 8

Arkansas Possum Pie

In separate medium bowl, whisk sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, flour and salt until combined. In saucepan over medium heat, add egg yolk mixture and flour mixture. Whisk constantly until pudding begins to thicken and bubble. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until butter is melted. Pour chocolate pudding in shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching pudding to keep it from forming skin. Refrigerate

30 minutes.

Pour pudding over cream cheese layer. Cover pie with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.

To make whipped cream topping: In stand mixer bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pudding layer. Drizzle pie with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

FindmoreuniquedessertrecipesatCulinary.net.

Roald Dahl’s classic children’s books are facing revision

year ago, the works of Theodore Geisel, the brilliant writer/ cartoonist better known as Dr. Seuss, came under fire. According to CNN, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced that “If I Ran the Zoo” and five other Seuss books that portrayed people in ways that were “hurtful and wrong” will no longer be published. After the news went public, Geisel’s fans scrambled to get unabridged copies of the “Seuss Six” while the opposition agreed with the decision to ban the books. As of this writing, though, the banned books were still available on Amazon at a hefty premium.

If banning Dr. Seuss wasn’t enough, British novelist Roald Dahl’s children’s books will be, as the New York Times reported, “rewritten in an effort to make them less offensive and more inclusive.”

Dahl, who passed away on Nov. 23, 1990, created a wonderfully diverse group of characters for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” his 1964 children’s novel about a special factory and its reclusive owner. Dahl continued this storyline in 1972’s “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator,” an adventure that sent the characters to places

such as “Space Hotel USA.”

Dahl’s work also was adapted for 1971’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” a cinematic adventure with Gene Wilder playing the eccentric Willy Wonka. The chocolate maker sent out golden tickers hidden under labels of candy bars in an effort to find an heir. Unlike Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation, Charlie (Peter Ostrum) didn’t have a father and worked hard to help his family. After he found the last golden ticket, Charlie and his Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson) joined the other winners on a fabulous, albeit strange, journey through the inner workings of the factory.

Both the novels and movie adaptations served as cautionary tales for children and

adults. Augustus Gloop, for instance, was always hungry even when surrounded by candies and other delectables. Greed overtook him and he ultimately fell into a chocolate river and was sucked up a pipe. The other children, with the exception of Charlie, let their own greed lead them astray.

Gum chewing aficionado Violet Beauregarde, for example, grabbed a piece of experimental gum that turned her blue.

At the end of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” Charlie, of course, won the grand prize and was going to learn candy making secrets from Willy Wonka. Mr. Wonka said that when the other children and parents leave the factory, they will be restored to “their normal, terrible old selves, but maybe they will be a little bit wiser for the wear.” That’s a great lesson for adults and parents when they find themselves tempted to do things they shouldn’t.

In 1905’s “The Life of Reason,” George Santayana made the comment, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Banning Dr. Seuss books and creatively editing the works of Roald Dahl doesn’t make any logical sense. We have to look back in order to move forward.

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.

One“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” photo courtesy Wolper Pictures

F-4 Feature

Moore on Life: Left to your own devices

Ijustread that avoiding your devices for a week will boost a person’s well-being. I for one know what would boost my well-being…other people avoiding their devices permanently.

For instance, those people yammering on their phones in public. In the good old days, family drama on the phone was contained within the confines of your well-insulated home or private conversations were enclosed within soundproof phone booths.

Today with cell phones on every body now everybody can be a busybody.

I was in the waiting room at the dentist office. The woman next to me looked completely bored then pulled out her phone and dialed up a friend and started blabbing – loudly.

“Hi, it’s me. I’m at the dentist’s and bored. What ya doing?”

I wanted to tell her that’s what the magazines are for, to relieve your boredom quietly while skimming articles about tightening up that midriff bulge or thumbing through the latest products for incontinence, but she just kept yacking on.

“…you didn’t hear?! They’ve split. Sheila came home and Bob was there with her sister making pancakes! Anyway, she’s taking him to the cleaners: house, car, money…all. Oh, and that’s not the worst of it…”

Just then I get called into my appointment. What?! I can’t leave now; I haven’t heard the worst of it! I lie. I tell the assistant to give me a minute because I have to text my husband.

By Cindy Moore

I fake text my husband while Miss Blab-a-lot finishes up her story. Believe me…it was the worst of it! Bob is a total pig! Sheila should have left him years ago.

After my appointment, I headed over to the meat section of the grocery store. Before long, some strange man started coming towards me muttering to himself. He’s clearly deranged so I pulled my shopping cart in between us. If he comes nearer, I’ll use it as a weapon. He gets closer and I’m about to shove the cart straight into his tenderloins. Then he says, excuse me, and grabs some hamburger.

It’s then that I see the earbud in his ear and realize he’s talking to his wife about the menu items for dinner tonight.

Whew, he just dodged a trip to the ICU with permanent paralysis to his lower extremities.

So, PSA to everyone, avoiding your devices not only boosts well-being, but it can also save lives – your own.

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: Make your job work for you

For some people, job dissatisfaction is the result of a crummy boss or stifling work environment. For others, the problem lies much deeper; it’s a need to reevaluate your career path and find a more suitable fit.

If you’re considering a career change but not sure which direction you’re headed, consider these words of wisdom:

Do some self-reflecting. Take time to give your current work situation a thorough analysis. Determine which elements you enjoy, what rubs you the wrong way and what you’d change if you could. Think about practical solutions to the problems you identify whether it’s changing to a different role in the same field or exploring a new industry entirely. Avoid the temptation to focus on the negative. Rather, take plenty of time to consider the positive aspects of your current job, since that insight can help inform your next step. For example, if you enjoy the limited contact you have with customers, a job with more customer-facing interaction might not be a good fit.

Ask for input. Sometimes loved ones hold the key to a happier career path because they can point out details you don’t recognize. They might recall a time when you were most relaxed and happy, or they might point out talents or skills you take for granted. Often, these natural abilities are an excellent foundation for a career because you’re well-equipped to be successful.

Consider your personal interests. Keeping your personal life and professional life separate isn’t necessarily a bad idea but finding a way to merge the two can

be useful. This is especially true if you’re able to combine training or skills with something you’re passionate about. For example, if you’re an avid outdoorsman, you might find great satisfaction in applying your business management background to work for a company that specializes in camping gear.

Understand what motivates you. Landing in the right job isn’t just about having the right qualifications for a position that interests you. At the end of the day, you’ll feel most content when your job offers meaningful rewards. Motivators can be financial, or they might have more to do with the ability to learn and grow. Some people are willing to sacrifice a bigger paycheck to know they’re making a meaningful contribution in a field they care about. Knowing what outcomes resonate best can help you find a more rewarding career.

Do your research. Changing your career path is a big move, and one you shouldn’t take lightly. Before diving in, spend time looking into the field you’re considering so you have a better sense of factors like growth opportunities, job availability, qualifications, compensation and more. If you find you aren’t quite qualified for the job you think you want, explore what it will take to get there whether it’s training, education or putting in your time to gain experience and work your way into the role you desire.

A career change may be just what you need to shift your life in the direction you want. Find more career advice at eLivingtoday.com.

CROSSWORD: ON YOUR FEET

ACROSS

1. Pampering places

5. *____ de trois

8. Lend a criminal hand

12. Toy block

13. As old as time?

14. Milan’s La ____

15. Drug addict

16. Craving

17. Some primatologists’ study object, for short

18. *Shoe, not a titular character in Henry James’ novel

20. What spirits and culprits have in common

21. Falstaffian in body

22. Jack Kerouac’s ___ Paradise

23. *Shoe, not lazy person

26. Concealing plant, in a painting (2 words)

30. Not leg

31. ____ ____ help

34. Poet Pound

35. *Sound of Wellington boots

37. U.N. labor issues org.

38. Twig of a willow tree

39. Database command

40. Type of purse

42. “Platoon” setting, for short

43. Canadian province

45. Overly preoccoupied with something

47. Motion of assent

48. Louisiana swamp

50. Like list of chores

52. *Animated movie about a dancing penguin (2 words)

56. “All About Eve” star

57. Biblical birthright seller

58. Generic dog name

59. Are not

60. What snob puts on 61. Cogito, ____ sum

62. Mountain, in Germany

63. Trinitrotoluene, for short 64. Movie tape

DOWN

1. Yarn defect

2. 100 centavos in Mexico

3. A long time ago

4. Somewhat (2 words)

5. City on the Seine

6. Pool growth

7. ____ but not heard”

8. *Rupturing this will take you off your feet

9. Can of worms

10. Deciduous tree

11. *Percussion with one’s feet

13. Piano adjusters

14. Scrawny one

19. Caribbean religious and healing practice

22. Noble title

23. Apple TV+ coach

24. Acrylic fiber

25. Amortization root

26. *0.3048 meters

27. Web mag

28. Domains

29. Agricultural enterprises

32. Narc’s unit

33. Contagious bug

36. *On your feet

38. Exclamation of delight or dismay (2 words)

40. El ____

41. Nutrias 44. Fowl perch 46. Bear pain 48. Bowl-shaped vessel 49. Like exes 50. Container weight 51. Last word on army radio 52. Furnace output 53. Republic of Ireland 54. Part of a seat 55. Hammer or sickle 56. Internet meme move

Photo courtesy of Unsplash