CN: March 3, 2021

March 3, 2021

Sharing the joy of learning The Hazelwood School District’s Teacher of the Year brings a love of learning to her science classes

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Jessica Woolbright. Pg. 2 The 59th Annual Valley of Flowers has been cancelled for this year. Pg. 4

By Charlotte Beard The Hazelwood School District (HSD) recently announced its 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year – Dr. Kelly Taylor, a science teacher at Hazelwood West High School.

The Arnold, Missouri native started her teaching career with Saint Louis Public Schools at Carnahan High School in the 2007/2008 school year. She switched to the Hazelwood District–Hazelwood West High School in the 2016/2017 school year.

When Taylor was asked what inspired her to become a teacher she shared, “When I was a small child, I remember pretending to be a school-teacher. I would prepare lessons, teach friends how to make things, and give everyone an ‘A’ for doing a great job. (However), I experienced unpleasant and demeaning educational practices as a child. My early experiences in school were disappointing and by the third grade I grew to dislike school. I became more and more disinterested in education as the years went by and due to behaviors, attitudes, and comments made by teachers, I was convinced that education just ‘was not my thing.’ In fact, I left my school experience believing that I was on the ‘housewife track.’ The choices and decisions I made as an adult were greatly influenced by the limiting narratives communicated by the teachers in my life. Eventually, I reached a crossroads and decided to pursue opportunities that would release me from the limitations other (people) envisioned for my life.”

It took some time for teaching to come into focus for Taylor as she developed her skills in a separate career.

“I was fortunate enough to find a job in which I quickly rose to a leadership and training position,” she said. “This experience built my confidence while helping me realize my calling to a sense of purpose to help others with not just gaining skills, but

Around Town

School STLCC-Florissant Valley celebrates 2021 Women’s History Month. Pg. 6

Business GNCC celebrates anniversary with honors and awards. Pg. 7

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District The Hazelwood School District (HSD) recently announced its 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year – Dr. Kelly Taylor, a science teacher at Hazelwood West High School.

also gaining autonomy. I began seeing myself develop the critical skills of a teacher as I helped (people] I trained gain new skills— helping them gain confidence in their own abilities and ultimately become self-reliant.

Fortunately, this affirming experience as an adult positively transformed my trajectory and led me back into the classroom, this time as a teacher.”

In a time where more women are being encouraged to become involved in STEM,

Taylor’s reason for choosing science over any other subject in which to become an educator is partially driven by her more positive experiences in her early years. She spoke of her favorite science teacher, Art Casey, who taught her to “appreciate the pursuit of knowledge in science.”

“The most influential person in my decision to become a science teacher was my See ‘LEARNING’ page 2

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March 3, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘LEARNING’ from cover dad, Bill O’Hara,” stated Taylor. “He and I shared a love of biology, forensics and archeology. We spent many evenings talking about medical discoveries and healthy living. Ironically, as an adult that understanding would become pivotal when I became a caregiver for him as he battled lymphoma.

Sadly, my dad lost his battle, but the experience drove me to become even more committed to helping young people understand biology so that they could advocate for themselves or loved ones and not be afraid to ask questions or demand answers. I knew at that point that science education was the

only path for me.”

“Dr. Taylor is an outstanding educator and role model for both students and colleagues,” stated Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, Superintendent of HSD. “Her commitment to our district and students is awe-inspiring.”

Taylor’s commitment as an educator carries over to her role as an instructor for Honors Biology, Principles of Biomedical Science, and AP Environmental Science at University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Additionally, Taylor has been serving as a science instructor for UMSL’s Pre-collegiate Bridge Program since the summer of 2011.

“The Summer Bridge program provides middle and high school students with a four-week enrichment program that will prepare them for the rigors of college,” stated Taylor. “Students receive enrichment instruction in mathematics, science, intensive

writing, and college and career readiness. There is an application process and students must be motivated to learn and participate in the enrichment experience. Our scholars in the Bridge program collaborate, investigate, create and explore various careers and courses of study to pursue their dreams.”

Taylor has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and certification in unified science. Her master’s degree in biology was received from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition, Taylor possesses a doctorate in education leadership/teacher leaders from Maryville University.

To view Taylor’s acceptance speech for her HSD Teacher of the Year award, visit https:// www.hazelwoodschools.org and click on the HSD TV icon in the middle of the home screen.

COMMUNITY VOICES

St. Louis Theater Circle cancels 2021 awards event With the St. Louis theater community continuing to be severely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the St. Louis Theater Circle has officially canceled its 2021 awards event.

The St. Louis area is now nearing the one-year anniversary of pandemic protocol, including the virtual shutdown of all in-person theatrical events since mid-March 2020, less than one-fourth of the way through the calendar year, on which nominations are based. So few productions were mounted in 2020 that there is no way to have an awards ceremony on a scale similar to the previous eight ceremonies hosted by the organization.

Some, if not most, of the more than 30 categories wouldn’t even have a full set of traditional five nominees. After reviewing the numbers, Theater Circle members thus have voted not to hold their traditional presentation in 2021.

With more people getting vaccinated against COVID-19 every day in St. Louis, Missouri, Illinois and elsewhere, the Theater Circle looks forward to the eventual return of live theater. Its hope at this time is to combine shows produced in 2020 with any mounted later in 2021 for consideration for nominations for our ninth annual event, which is tentatively scheduled for 2022.

The mission of the St. Louis Theater Circle is simple: To honor St. Louis professional theater. Other cities around the country, such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington D.C., pay tribute to their own local theatrical productions with similar awards programs.

For more information, contact stltheatercircle@sbcglobal.net, mark@bretzpr.com or the St. Louis Theater Circle’s Facebook page.

By Jessica Woolbright

Domestic abuse: another issue compounded by pandemic Nearly all of our lives have been upended to some degree by the COVID-19 pandemic. At a minimum, our daily routines – going to work or school, running errands, socializing, obtaining healthcare and more – have been restricted and rearranged.

For victims of domestic abuse, even these small changes can lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of the abuse, as well as decreased opportunities to seek help.

The stress of job loss or other financial insecurity, helping children navigate online learning, health worries, and simply increased time spent together at home can all be aggravating factors for verbal, emotional, and physical abuse.

With fewer outings to work, school, shopping, social events, and elsewhere, victims who want to reach out for help have fewer opportunities away from their abusers to do so.

Those wishing to leave face the challenge of finding somewhere to go. Victims may be less likely to turn to friends and family members due to concerns about spreading the virus in close quarters. Similarly, social distancing considerations have forced shelters to operate at reduced capacities.

Saint Martha’s Hall, a Catholic Charities of St. Louis agency, helps abused women and their children break the cycle of vio-

lence in their lives by offering safe, confidential shelter and services, including crisis intervention, individual and group support, and follow-up services. We also work to advocate for abuse victims and to educate the community.

The pandemic has impacted the number of women and children we can currently shelter and how we provide in-person services. We have adapted, however, and continue providing critical support through our 24/7 hotline, teletherapy sessions, safety planning, service referrals, and more.

Where to find help • If you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

• If it is safe to do so, contact Saint Martha’s Hall or another local domestic and sexual violence program for support and help in forming a safety plan. The 24/7 hotline number is 314-533-1313.

For other resources, visit saintmarthas. org or mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.

• Speak to an advocate by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or live chat at www.thehotline.org.

How to help someone you know While you cannot make decisions for someone experiencing abuse, you can check on them frequently, discreetly share

support information, create opportunities for them to be less isolated and provide ways to contact you if they are in crisis.

How to support Saint Martha’s Hall Saint Martha’s mission is possible due to the generosity of community support.

Visit saintmarthas.org/ways-to-help to donate online or to see a list of needed personal care and other items. Donations may also be mailed to Saint Martha’s Hall, Mailstop 472001, P.O. Box 953745, St. Louis, MO 63195-3745.

Prior to being named Saint Martha’s Hall Executive Director, Jessica Woolbright, MSW, LCSW, served as Children’s Program Coordinator for 18 years.

Jessica earned her master’s in social work from Saint Louis University. She is certified in seven Missouri counties as an expert witness for criminal domestic violence cases, is a board member for Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and has given more than 700 presentations for government, law enforcement, legal, social services, and community organizations, and local schools.

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 • March 3, 2021

Around Town

Operation Food Search revamps workplace recycling program Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently revitalized its 11-year-old office recycling program into “Repurpose for a Purpose”. The two-part initiative – divided into “Metal for Meals” and “Furniture for Food” – removes scrap metal and excess furniture from businesses that are remodeling, relocating and closing. A portion of the proceeds benefits Operation Food Search in its quest to heal the region’s hunger.

Repurpose for a Purpose offers businesses affordable recycling solutions in order to avoid storage fees, as well as provides options to keep metal and furniture out of landfills. OFS has partnered with Becker Iron & Metal and Warehouse of Fixtures since the program’s inception. Both partners utilize their industry knowledge and logistics capabilities to create customized service for businesses of every size.

The program began in 2009 when businessman and OFS volunteer Skip Spielberg connected with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLC’s facilities manager Bonnie Wedel who had used furniture from nine floors of office space after a major renovation.

“Instead of all of this furniture ending up in a landfill, the old metal file cabinets and anything else metal was melted down and the profits went to help feed those in need,” says Wedel. “This is one of the most incredible projects I have worked on in my career.”

OFS board member Skip Spielberg was named the project lead for the revived program. He has served as a volunteer at OFS for 20 years, first packing boxes of food and later joined the organization’s board of directors in 2007. Spielberg spent 50 years in the handbag industry and retired last year to focus on his charitable endeavors.

According to Becker Iron & Metal, the U.S. annually processes nearly 290 billion pounds of scrap material, which is the weight of more than 70 million cars. By using ferrous scrap rather than virgin materials in the production of iron and steel, CO2 emissions are reduced by 58 percent.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of furniture and furnishings taken to a landfill rose from 7.6 million tons in 2005 to 9.69 million tons in 2015, and the rate of increase is accelerating.

“Many businesses are either closing or downsizing their physical offices during the pandemic and shifting to a more virtual work environment, so there is a surplus of office furniture they need to get rid of and scrap metal that has to be removed,” said Operation Food Search Executive Director Kristen Wild. “We recreated Repurpose for a Purpose with the current climate in mind, particularly because this recycling program is the ultimate definition of sustainability and fully aligns with our mission to eliminate food insecurity.”

Assistance League of St. Louis brings books, parade to Urban League Head Start Programs Assistance League of St. Louis members were dressed in colorful, costumes depicting book characters in a parade for approximately 100 preschoolers at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ MLK Head Start Center at 1437 Laurel Street on Feb. 23.

It marked the all-volunteer organization’s contribution to the Assistance League national organization’s ACTION! Week, Feb. 22-28 – an effort to raise awareness on the importance of promoting childhood literacy across the U.S. The preschoolers also watched a puppet show and a book reading that were on a flash drive Assistance League volunteers created. The volunteers recorded the show and 14 story time vignettes and sent the teacher books corresponding to all vignettes.

Then, in the school gym Assistance League members brought stories alive in costumes representing such book characters as Pete the Cat, Thing One and Thing Two, and the Cat in the Submitted photo Hat. After the parade, each child re- Assistance League of St. Louis members were dressed in colorful, costumes deceived two, new, age-appropriate books picting book characters in a parade for approximately 100 preschoolers at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ MLK Head Start Center at 1437 Laurel to take home.

Other ACTION! Week events in- Street on Feb. 23. cluded a second Feb. 25 costume parade, story at an Urban League drive-through, where food, time reading, puppet show and book giveaway personal protective equipment and toiletries at the Urban League Magnolia Head Start/Ear- were also distributed. In the 2019-2020 fiscal ly Head Start Center and a book giveaway at a year, Assistance League literacy program Books Feb. 27 Urban League drive-through. The Feb. From Friends conducted multiple book festivals 27 event marked the third time that Assistance in elementary schools across St. Louis and proLeague gave away 3,000 age-appropriate books vided over 13,000 books to aspiring readers.

www.treesbywoody.net

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Playground groundbreaking rescheduled for March 18 The groundbreaking and check presentation ceremony for the Florissant Angie’s Inclusive Playground has been rescheduled.

With bitter cold weather that struck the region, the decision was been made to re-schedule the groundbreaking and check presentation ceremony to March 18 at 2 p.m. The location will remain the same at Manion Park located at 170 Manion Park Drive.

Due to the recent mandates that were issued by the St. Louis County Executive masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will be enforced.

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Aound Town

March 3, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Still In This Together: I’m a penny picker-upper. Have been for as far back as I can remember.

Face side up or down, doesn’t matter.

When the kids were little, we always made a game of looking down when we walked, putting “our money eyes on,” and seeing what we could fine. It became a joke that we couldn’t come back into the house until we found a penny.

The joke lasted until the time I found a $20 bill at the amusement park when we went there as adults. Last laugh and all that.

Now, it’s the grandkids’ turn to try to outdo me when they go on vacation or ride bikes around their neighborhoods.

I have a sand-encrusted penny on my kitchen windowsill that I found in a shallow pool of water just on the edge of the beach in 2019 when John and I were walking on the last night of vacation. It’s been a reminder of the fantastic thunderstorm we barely outran, the

My quarantine penny

wonderful steak dinner we shared on my birthday and the gorgeous Florida sunrises we woke to each morning.

Until the quarantine.

Then the penny became almost too sad to even acknowledge, a reminder of how things “used to be”…before.

Oh, the reminders are everywhere, of course, on television commercials that were made before social distancing, and markers stuck on grocery store floors to direct the way we walk down the aisles, in the sad eyes of our fouryear-old grandson when he opened the front door wide, then remembered we couldn’t come in because Mommy and Daddy said we could just visit through the door, and the birthdays, holidays, graduations, confirmation and first communion that couldn’t be celebrated. The penny draws my attention as I’m washing dishes and looking outside at the perfect day and the birds build-

By Vicki Bahr

ing nests and the squirrels chattering in the yard. The penny just makes me remember, and it’s sad.

I remember adjusting my mask as I walked into the grocery store early last year when I saw a penny lying in a puddle. I reached reflexively, then stopped myself. Was it safe, could coronavirus be lurking on its surface? Remember, I thought, “This is now.” And I hated that tears sprang to my eyes. Even the momentary innocence of finding a penny had been stolen from me, and I hated that, too.

But there were disinfectant wipes at the store, and I grabbed one on my way out. The penny was still there, and I felt a momentary sense of victory as I wrapped it in the wipe. It’s on my windowsill now, next to the beach penny, and there it will stay as a reminder of how things were when this is finally all over. When I’m holding the twins again any time I want to and without a mask. When I don’t have to repeatedly move the little camera thingy so that Zoom will show our out-of-

town grandkids our faces.

The quarantine penny will be there when we’re all together again and I’m trying to find paper plates for the pizza we just picked up and the brownies need to be pulled out of the oven and the older grandkids are asking for the bubbles and chalk and monitoring the younger ones in the backyard. The penny will be a reminder that I will never take these things for granted again as we laugh and hug and sing and I smile with just a hint of a tear in my “money eyes.”

Because it will be over, and we will have won.

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.

The 59th Annual Valley of Flowers has been cancelled for this year After meeting with the Valley of Flowers organizers and the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, it has been decided to cancel the 59th Annual Valley of Flowers festivities and the parade that was previously scheduled to start on May 7.

Many of the restrictions in place in 2020 are still in place for 2021.

The Festival Committee began work on 2021 activities in conjunction with the city of Florissant and the St. Louis County Department of Health. It became apparent that the ongoing issues and restrictions of COVID-19 would cause the festival activities to be drastically reshaped. After an initial meeting with the Saint Louis County Department of Health, the city was informed that they will not authorize the Grand Parade for 2021.

In subsequent meetings with the County Department of Health, the County Health Department has indicated that the restrictions of social distancing, of requirement for masks and of limits on the number of attendees will have to be enforced if a festival is to be approved by them. As a result, the Festival Committee and the city of Florissant regret that the Valley of Flowers Festival for 2021 has to be cancelled for the safety and well-being of the community.

The current pandemic situation remains fluid. Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery and the Valley of Flowers organizers made this decision because keeping everyone safe and healthy is the ultimate priority.

Over the next two months, the festival committee will work with the city of Florissant to determine whether there are opportunities for “virtual festival events” so that the spirit of the festival weekend can be kept alive in the face of the pandemic limitations. For updated information please either visit www.florissantvalleyoflowers. com and/or www.florissantmo.com and all of the city’s social media outlets.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 3, 2021

Around Town

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St. Louis County awarded additional $1.3 million to rethink local justice system St. Louis County is the recipient of a $1.3 million grant by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to continue building on efforts in collaboration with local leaders and the community to rethink the local criminal justice system, safely reduce St. Louis County’s jail population and eliminate racial inequities.

The grant brings the foundation’s total investment in St. Louis County to $5.8 million to date, and is part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, a $246 million national initiative to reduce over-incarceration and advance racial equity in local criminal justice systems by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.

The Safety and Justice Challenge is supporting local leaders, individuals directly and most impacted by the justice system, and the broader community in St. Louis County and across the country who are determined to address one of the greatest drivers of over-incarceration in America – the misuse and overuse of jails. St. Louis County, partnering with the University of Missouri–St. Louis Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, was first selected to join the Safety and Justice Challenge Network in 2016 and has since used the resources and funding provided by the initiative to implement evidence-based solutions.

“Over the last five years, our partnership with the MacArthur Foundation has advanced our ability to safely reduce St. Louis County’s jail population,” St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said. “We look forward to building on the progress that has been made and seeking out additional ways to reform criminal justice in our community.”

These solutions include expediting case processing for individuals awaiting trial in jail for low-level felonies through a multi-agency collaborative planning group, providing early defense representation to defendants at arraignment and bond review hearings, expediting probation violation processing, and expanding pretrial support services. As a result, the average daily population of the jail has decreased by more than 30 percent during the granting period, reductions that have largely been maintained despite the challenges associated with COVID-19.

Today, St. Louis County was one of 15 jurisdictions selected for additional funding based on the promise and progress of work to date. This new round of funding will provide St. Louis County, the University of Missouri–St. Louis and partners with continued support and expert technical assistance to strengthen and expand strategies that address the main drivers, and resulting racial inequities, of local jail incarceration.

Additionally, building on St. Louis County’s progress to date is especially critical as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustices against Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color reinforce the need to transform how the system operates.

COVID-19 exacerbated the existing barriers to understanding and accessing the courts. One promising innovation seeking to increase citizen engagement in the justice system is the launch of the Tap In Center. Local justice-involved agencies working with the St. Louis County Safety + Justice Challenge team partnered with the St. Louis County Library and The Bail Project to offer a program providing a safe space for individuals to get legal assistance, including assistance in resolving warrants, and access local support services. The Tap In Center is open in the St. Louis County Florissant Valley branch lobby on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m.

Visitors can come in person to the branch, located at 195 New Florissant Rd., South in Florissant, Missouri, call 314-669-6185, or email TapInSTL@gmail.com for help.

“The collaboration between key justice system stakeholders fostered through the Safety and Justice Challenge has been critical to reducing St. Louis County’s jail population,” said Beth Huebner, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. “Community agencies, like the Bail Project and the St. Louis County Library, have also been key partners in this effort and have helped the group better understand and respond to the needs of the community, particularly during the time of COVID-19. Much work continues to be needed to confront inequities in the system, and the team is poised to continue to continue to implement data and evidence-based policy.”

St. Louis County has developed a comprehensive plan for additional strategies and initiatives over the next two years to invest in a safer, more effective, and more equitable system. These include work with community service providers to expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, expand and warrant resolu-

tion efforts, and continue to build the technological infrastructure and data capacity needed to sustain this work. Notably, a public-facing jail population data dashboard is now available on the Department of Justice Services’ website.

More than five years after its public launch, the Safety and Justice Challenge has grown into a collaborative of 51 jurisdictions in 32 states modeling and inspiring reforms to create more fair, just and equitable local justice systems across the country.

“Now more than ever, we must confront the devastating impacts of mass incarceration by a system that over-polices and over-incarcerates Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other people of color,” said Laurie Garduque, MacArthur Foundation’s Director of Criminal Justice. “Over the past five years, the Safety and Justice Challenge has safely reduced the ineffective and harmful use of jails, while learning that jail population reduction alone does not undo the racial inequities perpetuated by an unjust system and our nation’s history of systemic racism. We are committed to supporting cities and counties as they reimagine a definition of safety that is inclusive of all communities and makes meaningful progress towards our goal of ending racial and ethnic disparities in jails.”

The Safety and Justice Challenge has been crucial to our efforts to reduce the jail population in St. Louis County, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Douglas Burris, the Director of the St. Louis County Justice Center. “The additional support will help us sustain these efforts to ensure that citizens in jail and in the community are safe and able to thrive.”

More information about the work underway in St. Louis County can be found on www.SafetyandJusticeChallenge.org.

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School

March 3, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Jennings names its next superintendent of schools for the 2021-22 school year At the Jennings School District (JSD) Board Meeting on Feb. 16, the board of education unanimously approved and announced its next Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Paula D. Knight. She will begin on July 1.

After an extensive search and process, the JSD Board was extremely proud and excited to welcome this distinguished educational leader to the Home of the Warriors as its next chief executive officer and leader.

Knight began her career with the St. Louis Public School District in 1994 as a classroom teacher at Hamilton Elementary School. She has served as an Instructional Coach and Principal at Waring Academy of Basic Instruction and Washington & Euclid Montessori School and the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-12, Associate Superintendent of Elementary Schools/Early Childhood, and Chief of Staff. Since February 2018, Knight has served as the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer.

An active community servant, Knight serves as a member of several community organizations: She is past-president, Urban League Guild-St. Louis Chapter; former Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts of America; member of the Board of Directors with the United Way

of Greater St. Louis; member of the NAACP; member, Charmaine Chapman Society; St. Louis Ambassador, University of Missouri-St. Louis; and Education Steering Committee member, Regional Arts Commission.

Knight is also active with several professional organizations, including the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Association for Elementary School Principals, Council of Great City Schools Steering Committee, St. Louis Area Curriculum Coordinators’ Association, Maryville and Fontbonne Universities for Partnerships in Education Advisory Boards, and International Reading Association-Title I Committee. She has been trained by the Department of Education as a School Improvement Plan Reviewer of districts in Missouri.

Knight received the 2013 gubernatorial appointment to the Early Childhood Coordinating Board for the state of Missouri. She was given the charge of increasing early childhood enrollment in the city of St. Louis. During the 2010-11 year, student enrollment was slightly over 1,600. Under Knight’s leadership, a strong marketing plan was established and implemented and at the end of July 2011 more than 500 newly enrolled students

exceeded this target. The early childhood enrollment numbers increased to 2,210 students and during the 2010-11 year, there were 76 early childhood classrooms in 45 elementary schools. During the 2017-18 year, the number of Early Childhood classrooms increased to 138 classrooms in 43 elementary schools with an 85 percent student rate of return into kindergarten.

Nationally, Knight provided leadership coaching to first-year and aspiring principals/administrators in the Syracuse Public Schools in Syracuse, New York. Locally, she served as an educational consultant in the Riverview Gardens School District. On the international circuit, in 2015, Knight presented educational research on African-American Literary Practices in the Home at the University of Madrid, Spain. In 2018, she was invited to the University of Oxford, England, to present on Equitable Practices in the American school systems. She was a blogger on urban education issues for an international website called Hotchalk; an internationally recognized website for teachers. Knight has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from St. Louis University and a Master of Arts, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

STLCC-Florissant Valley celebrates 2021 Women’s History Month Learn about the accomplishments of extraordinary women in history as St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley celebrates Women’s History Month.

This year’s theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote.”

Make plans to participate in the following commemorative events – or any of the College’s Women’s History Month celebrations – which are online, free and open to the public: “Valiant Women of the Vote: A Virtual Art Exhibition,” March 1-31: View an online collection of video and photographic work commemorating the fight for women’s suffrage and the role they have played in the fight for civil rights then and now. The artwork was created by students in STLCC-Florissant Valley’s graphic communications and photography programs.

“Black Women and the Ballot”: This series of radio dramas highlights contributions made by Black women to advance women’s enfranchisement. The plays are produced by The American Slavery Project.Weekly in March, excluding spring break, 89.5 KCFV-FM will broadcast and stream the dramas. The plays will air Mondays and Wednesdays at noon and

Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Broadcast Schedule • “In the Parlour” by Judy Tate (Running time 28:40): March 1 and 3 at noon; March 6 at 10 a.m.

• “Pulling the Lever” by Judy Tate (Running time 8:42): March 8 and 10 at noon; March 13 at 10 a.m.

• “Don’t/Dream” by Saviana Stanescu (Running time 9:18: March 22 and 24 at noon; March 27 at 10 a.m.

View the plays anytime at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WUIAc2_9HNk. The dramas have a running time of 1 hour, 46 minutes.

“Women in Music,” March 3, noon-1:30 p.m.: Join a panel of St. Louis Community College faculty for a virtual discussion as they explore the songs, stories and strength of female artists. Panelists are Sarah Fielding, professor of English; Kim Granger, professor of mathematics; Jenna Mueller, associate professor of foreign language; Kim Vaughn, associate professor of science; Wendy Verhoff, associate professor of arts and humanities; Dan Yezbick, professor of English; and Donna Zumwinkel, professor of counseling.

“How Missouri Women got the Vote,” March 10, noon-12:50 p.m.: Join Doug Schneider, adjunct faculty of continuing education, for a virtual discussion regarding women’s suffrage. Missouri, and especially St. Louis, was a hotbed of women’s suffrage activity in the 19th and 20th centuries. Learn more about the movement that was energized by the Civil War and fueled the19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote nationwide in 1920.

Discover what happened once Missouri women got the vote 101 years ago.

“Groundbreakers, Rule-Breakers and Rebels: Unstoppable St. Louis Women,” March 10, 2-3 p.m.: Join Katie J. Moon,

exhibits manager at the Missouri History Museum and author of “Groundbreakers, Rule-Breakers, and Rebels,” for a presentation about 50 female pioneers with ties to St. Louis, from European-born settlers like Marie-Thérèse Bourgeois Chouteau to 20th-century cookbook author Irma Rombauer to renowned activist poet Maya Angelou. Moon also uncovers histories of lesser-known figures who proved equally important to building the foundation of the city. Whether world famous or not, each of the trailblazing women in this book faced a host of specific obstacles and restrictions in their chosen fields that existed solely because of their gender. Their victories were all hard won and well earned.

“Black Women and Beauty Culture: From Slavery to Empowerment,” March 25, 1:15-2:15 p.m.: Join Cathy Reilly, professor of instructional resources, for an illustrated presentation on the history of black beauty culture in America. Through slavery and oppression, African American women found ways to celebrate beauty and style, while assimilating or rejecting dominant cultural norms. This event is part of the STLCC Libraries’ Speaker Series.

“Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland,” March 23, 2-3:15 p.m.: Join Christine Davis, Ed.D., vice chancellor of student affairs, for a discussion of this film, which is free to current students, staff and faculty from the STLCC Libraries’ Films on Demand streaming service. The film is also available on HBO, HBO Max and to rent on YouTube. This event is part of the STLCC Racial Justice Film Series.

“The Adria Award,” March 30, noon-1 p.m.: The Adria Award, named after retired STLCC-Florissant Valley colleague, Adria Werner, is presented annually during Women’s History Month. This award gives the campus an opportunity to honor a woman who exemplifies dynamic service to the Florissant Valley community. This event is hosted by the STLCC-Florissant Valley Women’s History Month Committee.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 3, 2021

Business

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Operation Food Search celebrates 15-year partnership with St. Louis Blues and Levy Nonprofit hunger relief organization Operation Food Search (OFS) recently celebrated its 15th anniversary partnership with Levy, the dining and hospitality partner at Enterprise Center and Stifel Theatre, as well as major stadiums, events, convention centers and cultural attractions across the country. To date the collaboration has provided 1,135,000 donated meals made with provisions from St. Louis Blues home games and other Enterprise Center events.

The arena’s donated food – which for a typical Blues home game averages 1,000 pounds – is either picked up by OFS or nearby St. Patrick Center and then distributed to those experiencing food insecurity. The

rescued food ranges from typical concession-stand fare such as hot dogs and chicken fingers to a variety of other items including pork, fruit cups, salad and more.

“Operation Food Search has been a valuable community partner of ours, helping us quickly get food into the hands of those who need it most, rather than having it go uneaten,” said Bruce Kraus, Vice President of Hospitality & Strategy for Levy at Enterprise Center.

“We look forward to seeing this partnership continue for many years to come.”

“Our agency relies upon collaborations like this longstanding relationship with Levy and the St. Louis Blues to help solve the growing issue of food insecurity,” said

Submitted photo

Operation Food Search Executive Director Kristen Wild. “We are so grateful for this partnership that began in 2006 and continues to thrive in spite of the current pandemic.”

Greater North County Chamber celebrates anniversary with honors and awards The Greater North County Chamber celebrated its Anniversary on Feb. 17 at Catering To You. The chamber awarded the 2021 Zykan Family Legacy Award winner and the prestigious 2021 Business Person of the Year award.

Chris and Kathy Helfer were awarded 2021 Business Persons of the Year. The chamber has annually given the award to an individual(s) that embody the best qualities of community leadership through the combination of business, civic and community activities.

“Kathy and I were honored to be nominated and to be named the recipient on the Business Person of the Year, it completely caught us by surprise. We couldn’t be more grateful for this honor and for all the folks that have continued to support our bakery and the relationships we have developed through our participation in the chamber,” Chris Helfer stated.

The Helfers expanded and moved into their current bakery location in 1992. They did some expansion over the years, and took over the full area, Submitted photo including the deli, in 2006.

The Helfer’s have always been active in the community. While both try to Award winners honored by the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce were (from left) Carl Lathan, Mary Kierath, Senator Gina stay out of the spotlight, they have always been very generous to the North Walsh, Chris and Kathy Helfer, and Scott Palermo County community. They support Valley Industries, participating in the Mayors Ball, as well as providing cakes for their worker of the month. In addition to Greater North County Chamber. their support of the TEAM food pantry, they participate in the St Ferdinand community Prior to her service in the Senate, Walsh served four terms in the Missouri House of Thanksgiving dinner yearly. Helfer’s won first place in the Taste of Ferguson in 2019 Representatives, representing North St. Louis County’s 69th District, which included and did much of the baking for the annual “Polar Express”. Chris was also active in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Dellwood, Glasgow Village, Jennings, Moline Acres, the Lions Club. Helfer’s has hosted the chamber’s “business after hours” for years and Riverview, and Spanish Lake. While serving in the House, Walsh built a reputation has provided meeting space for many groups and organizations. as an independent voice, working with both Democrats and Republicans to find “Chris and Kathy are the salt of the earth kind of people. They are humble and kind common sense solutions to the problems facing Missouri. and always step up when the community needs them. They support so many great The chamber awarded the Cathy Behlmann Volunteer of the Year award to Carletus organizations and the chamber is blessed to have them as members!” stated Venus Lathan, with Hope Hospice. Lathan has been a longstanding member of the chamber.

Martz, president of the Greater North County Chamber.

He has been heavily involved as a board member and is the current vice-chairman of Chris and Kathy have four daughters and 17 grandchildren. They have taught their the board. Lathan has volunteered at different chamber events, including volunteering children and grandchildren the value of family and hard work. for the 2020 Music Trivia, the 2020 Golf Tournament, and many other events that the Former Senator Gina Walsh was awarded the Zykan Family Legacy Award. The chamber was able to host during the pandemic.

Zykan Family Legacy Award was established to preserve the legacy of the Zykan The chamber awarded the Rookie of the Year award to Mary Kierath, with Seniors Family and their contribution to the Greater North County Chamber and the Helping Seniors. The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce began this North County community since 1955. This award was given to Walsh as she has award in 2015 to highlight a member who has been in the chamber two years or less demonstrated commitment through her time, talent, and treasure towards the North and who became actively involved from the beginning. They understand the needs of County community. the chamber and are willing to go the extra mile. Kierath has made a positive presence “It is always an honor to be recognized by your community, but it is humbling as throughout the chamber, becoming an Ambassador, a Nite of Stars committee member well. I have only been as successful as the community leaders and constituents that and joining the Leads 2 Group. have supported my efforts and worked hand and hand with me over the last 16 years,” The chamber awarded the Ambassador of the Year award to Scott Palermo, with A stated Walsh.

Skeets Production. The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador Walsh was elected to the Missouri State Senate in 2012, pledging to honor the Committee is one of the most important committees in the chamber. Committee hard work, aspirations, and faith of the people of North St. Louis County. Walsh has members attend ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours and Membership Luncheons. worked to create affordable opportunities for consumers, businesses, and families, to They reach out to new members, welcoming them to the chamber and encouraging foster innovation for tomorrow, and to stand with parents as they educate and care for them to become involved in chamber activities. Once Palermo joined the chamber, he their children. became active wherever he could and joined the Ambassador committee. Palermo has “Senator Walsh is an inspiration to us all, she has dedicated her life to serving the a deep belief in giving back to the community and shows it through his commitment community. We will miss her advocating for us in Jeff City. We’re so honored to name in giving of his time. her our 2021 Zykan Family Legacy Award winner,” said Venus Martz, president of the

8

What’s Happening

March 3, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

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 March 4: Meet the Candidate Night

The Hazelwood PTA Council will be hosting a virtual Meet the Candidate Night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Five candidates are running for the three open Hazelwood School District Board of Education seats in the April 6 election. Two three-year seats and one two-year seat will be filled. The event will be moderated by the St. Louis League of Women Voters. The event will include a 90 minute question and answer session to allow voters an opportunity to become better acquainted with the candidates. The event will be held virtually via Zoom. https://zoom.us/s/96902555092.

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 314-540-5223.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

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

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

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.

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.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

Celebrate Recovery Tuesday meetings take place at 6 p.m. with a Saturday Bible Study at 9 a.m. at LifePoint Church at 424 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information visit www.lifepointministries.church/ celebrate-recovery or call (men) Steve D. at 636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.

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 314-9212132. 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: Bingo

Florissant Elks Bingo takes place at 16400 New Halls Ferry every Tuesday. Doors open at 4 p.m., bingo starts at 6 p.m. No outside food or drinks allowed per St. Louis County.

Food and drinks available for purchase. Maximum 150 players. Must wear mask to enter. Social distancing followed. For questions call Vern Schmitz at 314-602-8285.

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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 314-9212132. Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)

(Take

off

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

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Showme 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.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Bingo takes place every Wednesday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Life Care Center of Bridgeton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, welcome all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. Please RVSP at 314-298-7444 with the month you will attend and number of people attending.

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant.

Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314-921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314994-3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

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

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group 3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314-653-5331.

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 314-8310988.

Thursdays: Quilting guild

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: checks

Blood

pressure

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker

Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

chorus

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

Fridays: Fish fry

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 314-660-1813.

Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo 6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

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

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 314-8018594.

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

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 3, 2021 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.

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 121124, 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.

Wednesdays: ACES Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

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.

Smoking Cessation Classes:

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

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

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

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

Diabetes Basics:

Free Mammogram Screenings:

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, 314953-8100.

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.

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, 636947-5617

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

What’s Happening

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse:

Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

Wednesdays: New Choices NarAnon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church 12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.Nar-Anon.org

Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave., Ferguson 6:30 - 8pm, leecedra@sbcglobal.net

Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/for people with pulmonary disease Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am - 12pm, $30, 314953-6090

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizo-phrenia Support Group 6:30-7:30pm, 314-839-3171.

Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program

SSM DePaul Health Center. This program uses advanced (CT) imaging to scan the arteries around the heart and measure or score the amount of calcium present in the plaque deposits.

This screening, in combination with other heart disease risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, etc.) can help determine an overall picture of your current heart health and your risk for developing heart disease. Call 314-344-6030 to learn more about the heart scan program or to schedule an appointment.

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

SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West Auxiliary Non profit organization assisting the hosp. by holding fund raisering activities, being of service to patients, families, employees & physicians and acting as good will ambassadors to community. We welcome new member.

Call Barb Hutchinson 636-947-5466.

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

The Barnes St. Peters Hospital Auxiliary is looking for New Members

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

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

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

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

If you would like to become a member please call 636-916-9664.

Gateway to Hope Program

The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/ breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured and reside in MO.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

9

Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treatment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed w/breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314.569.1113 or www.gthstl.org.

Every Wednesday Take Off Pounds Sensibly Group

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 414 S. Church St., St. Peters. Weigh-ins at 8:30 a.m. Business mtg at 10 a.m. Call 636.397.1727 or 636.272.4995 for more info.

Every Tues. 6:30–8 p.m. Chemical Dependency Mtg. Christian Hospital. 314.839.3171.

Every Tues.: 9–10:30 a.m. TOPS Meetings

Take Off Pounds Sensibly. John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant. 314.921.7582.

Every Tues.: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free Pilates Class for Cancer Patients & Families Bring own mat. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.921.9920.

4th Tuesday of each month: 6:307:30 p.m. Diabetes Support Group Hear from experts on how to better manage diabetes & enjoy a healthier life. Located at the H.W. Koenig Medical Bldg., St. Joseph Hospital West. Call 636.625.5447 for more info.

First Thurs. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Caregiver Class from BJC Home Care Services, free to public, Topics: care, stress relief, legal issues, Siteman Cancer Cntr., Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital conference rm. Info. 314-575-3983.

Every Sun.: 6:30 p.m. Every Mon.: 9:30 a.m. Survivors of Incest Anonymous Meetings Women only. Sundays at Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 7601 Delmar, U. City. 314.993.5421 or 636.561.1407. Mondays in Wentzville, call 636.561.1407.

1st Thur.: 6:30–7:30 p.m. Conquer: A Support Group for Adults with Cancer Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp, 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.916.9920.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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Sports

March 3, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Francis Howell Central hockey team excel in tournament play The St. Charles County high school scored five third-period goals to advance to the finals with a 5-4 win over the Duschesne Pioneers in the Mid-States Club Hockey Association Wickenheiser Cup. Joining in the scoring in the final period included

Braden Silver, Benjamin Wuori, John Wuertz and Deacon Schmatt.

The victory earned the Francis Howell Central Spartans and head coach Mark Jones the opportunity to play the number two seeded Ladue Rams this coming Saturday. * What a game

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

?

Basketball player receives fourth player-of-the-week award at Lindenwood The men’s team honored guard TJ Crockett as he earned his fourth Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Player of the Week honor and also setting the schools and GLVC record for points in a game with 54 on Saturday.

Crockett led the Lions to their third overtime victory of the season, as Lindenwood took down McKendree by a final of 116-109 in double overtime.

He played all 50-minutes and was efficient in all phases of the game.

Crockett made 18-of-35 (51.4 percent) from the field, and 4-of-10 (40.0 percent) from three-point range. The 6-1 senior made 14-of-15 (93.3 percent) from the charity stripe, as he brought his season average to an NCAA-leading 28.2 points per game.

He grabbed six boards on the defensive end, dished out seven assists and added two steals and one block.

Crockett and the Lions tied the school record for points in a game (116), which the Lions did so last season against McKendree as well. He scored 19 of the final 32 points in the overtime periods for the Lions. * Another incredible game Ambush look to finish regular season on a high note The St. Louis Ambush play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).

The team has won two games in succession to take sole possession of fourth place in the league.

This was accomplished by completing a two-game sweep of the San Diego Sockers with a 6-4 win Sunday in front of the hometown fans Scoring plays by the Ambush: • Magui Souza went on run with the ball from the half line and scored an unassisted tally.

• Max Ferdinand sent a pass out of the corner to a charging William Eskay, who sent the ball into the net.

• JT Thomas scored in the early part of the second half.

• Vadim Cojocov took a shot that hit the crossbar and ricocheted to JT Thomas who headed it in for his second of the contest.

• On a restart, Stefan Mijatovic found an opening in the defense to find the back of the net.

• Tony Walls scored against the sixth attacker of the defense with less than two minutes left in the game.

The Ambush finish the 2021 regular season with three home games, beginning with a visit from the first place Ontario Fury on Friday, March 5 at 7:35 p.m.

The last two contests of the regular season are Sunday March 7 at 3:05 p.m. against the sixth place Tacoma Stars and ending on March 12 at 7:35 p.m. against the seventh place Dallas Sidekicks. * Exciting season 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 • March 3, 2021

Recipe:

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– SUDOKU –

A budget-friendly family dish

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.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe by Kirsten Kubert of “Comfortably Domestic” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients: 2/3 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning medley with garlic 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs 3 cups prepared tomato and basil sauce, warmed, divided 1 pound thick spaghetti, prepared according to package directions

until blended. Pour melted butter in separate shallow dish or pie plate.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line rimmed half sheet pan with parchment paper; set aside.

Working with one chicken thigh at a time, dip each side in melted butter to coat. Press butter-soaked chicken into breadcrumbs, turning to coat well on both sides. Place breaded chicken on prepared baking sheet.

Repeat with remaining chicken thighs.

In shallow dish or pie plate, combine breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring with fork

Drizzle remaining melted butter over breaded chicken. Bake 8 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake 7 minutes to crisp

Directions:

other side.

Briefly remove chicken from oven.

Spoon two tablespoons pasta sauce over each chicken thigh. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over chicken.

Return chicken to oven and continue baking 5 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve Baked Parmesan Chicken over cooked spaghetti topped with additional pasta sauce

Find more ways to add mushrooms to the menu at mushroomcouncil.com.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Bitter battles for control of ‘The Late Shift’

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.

When Jimmy Fallon took over the reigns of “The Tonight Show” in 2014, he became the latest in a lineage that started with comedian Steve Allen way back in 1954. That late-night talk fest has seen its share of hosts including Jack Paar and the offbeat Ernie Kovacs but, arguably, the king of “The Tonight Show” has been Johnny Carson. He had been working on an ABC quiz show called “Who Do You Trust?” before setting up shop at NBC for 30 years.

In addition to being a late-night staple, “The Tonight Show” turned into a battleground in the years after Carson retired.

Directed by Betty Thomas (“The Brady Bunch Movie”), “The Late Shift,” a 1996 made-for-TV movie based on the book by New York Times media reporter Bill Carter, showed the behindthe-scenes machinations to name either David Letterman or Jay Leno the heir apparent to the late-night throne.

John Michael Higgins (“America Says”) does a nice job portraying David Letterman, who had hosted his own low-rated morning talk show in 1980 before “Late Night with David Letterman” took the timeslot right after Carson two years later. Letterman had built an audience over the years and definitely wanted

than those of Leno’s at “The Tonight Show,” but help for Leno came from an unexpected source. Hugh Grant, who had been caught performing a “lewd act” with prostitute Divine Brown, was a guest on Leno’s show where he gave a public apology. That appearance turned the tide for Leno, who dominated the late-night talk arena for years before “retiring” in 2009. In truth, he got his own prime “The Late Shift” photo time show. courtesy Home Box The battle for talk show supremacy Office (HBO) was not quite over, though. Conan O’Brien had built up an audience to take over “The Tonight Show” in 1992 when Carson retired, but there were forces working during his tenure on NBC’s “Late Night” and took over hosting duties on “The Tonight against him.

Daniel Roebuck (“The Man in the High Cas- Show” after Leno moved on. After a period of tle”) played Jay Leno, the comedian who had months, however, NBC wanted Leno to host a been a frequent guest host of “The Tonight 30-minute show before “The Tonight Show” Show” for years. Roebuck did a credible job started at 12:05 a.m. Conan refused to coopas Leno, but Kathy Bates overshadowed him erate with this plan, but he later landed at TBS as Helen Kushnick, Leno’s agent who tore with his own self-titled show.

As the old saying goes, uneasy lies the head through NBC like a bull in a china shop and that wears the crown, especially when it comes became a producer on the show. According to “The Late Shift,” NBC dismissed Kushnick for to that coveted “late shift” known as “The Toher outrageous behavior. Bates was nominated night Show.” The talk show battles backstage for an Emmy for her performance as the belea- are at times more interesting than what occurs in front of the camera. guered agent.

“The Late Shift” is available to stream on After the dust settled in real life, Letterman Amazon Prime and YouTube. moved on and his ratings at CBS were better

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ACTIVE BUYER

March 3, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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

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March 3, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: MARCH MADNESS

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

Sew annoying Something happened the other day which seldom happens. No, I did not lose a pound after exercising for an hour. That never happens. But I did gain a pound after having dreamed that I ate a quart of rocky road. Explain that!

This happened: I got a hole in my sock, in the toe part to be exact. But everything around it was still in great condition from the hole on up. I couldn’t bring myself to toss it. So I decided to do what my mama, who grew up in the Depression, would do. I chose to mend it.

After threading my needle I got a text from my daughter: “What’s up?”

Me: “Not much, just going to darn a sock.”

“Why are you cussing out a sock? What did it do?”

“No. I’m darning it.”

“Ya, I got you the first time. Swearing at a sock.

Weird. Also, your lame curse words aren’t going to get the point across: ding, dang, darn! LOL.” “No, I’m sewing up a hole in it.”

“That’s even weirder. Don’t socks cost like a dollar? Did Dad lose his job or something?”

“I’m trying to save resources. You kids are used to a throw-away world. You need to conserve. I’ll bet you wouldn’t even know what to do if your sock got a hole in it.”

“Uh yeah, get another pair for a buck.”

“That’s being wasteful.”

“Seriously Mom, it’s not like they’re using the hides from endangered sock monkeys to make them.”

“Well, they’ll end up in the landfills and space is running out.”

“Whoa! Just exactly how big are these socks?!”

I ended out conversation.

Soon the hole had been cleverly concealed.

Just in time to receive a text from my husband:

“What’s up?”

Me: “Just darned a sock.”

“Whoa. What’d it do to make you so mad?”

Not again. “No, I mean I have sewed up a hole in one of my socks.”

“That’s weird. You know they cost like a buck. I do still have a job.”

I ended the conversation to drown my frustrations in a bowl of rocky road. If I’m going to gain a pound, I’m going to make sure I enjoy it this time.

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. Theories 5. T in Greek 8. Tarzan’s mom, e.g.

11. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, e.g.

12. Ingredient in talcum powder 13. Spectator 15. 5,280 feet 16. Tiny river 17. Note taker 18. *Last NCAA basketball winner 20. Any day now 21. Antiquarian’s concern, pl.

22. Diana Ross and Michael Jackson movie, with The 23. Saw a nightmare 26. Caribbean rattles 30. Witch’s spell 31. Flocked-to destinations 34. Goo or slime 35. Plural of ostium 37. Leo mo.

38. Eurasian goat-like antelope 39. Showing signs of use 40. “Yo, ____!”

42. *Nothing but it 43. Wrap a baby 45. *____-elimination

47. Outrage 48. Fraternity K 50. One of the Bridges 52. *____ 1 schools only 55. ____less but pennywise 56. Decanter 57. In a frenzy 59. Threesome 60. Turkish monetary unit, plural 61. Dumpy establishment 62. Common conjunction 63. New York time 64. Male deer DOWN 1. Singular of #1 Across 2. Rikers Island weapon 3. Burkina Faso neighbor 4. Himalayan mountaineer 5. Tarnish 6. “____ ____ fair in love and war” 7. *School with most NCAA basketball titles 8. Choir member 9. Hammer part 10. Blunder 12. Sad, to mademoiselle 13. Radio studio sign 14. *Mid-major school that’s become major

powerhouse 19. Kind of ray 22. Is no longer 23. Arabian sailing vessels 24. Restart from seed 25. Uncredited actor 26. The Wise Men 27. Acting as a prompter 28. Snow impression 29. Eric Heiden’s “shoe” 32. *Oklahoma State’s super freshman ____ Cunningham 33. Mixed breed puppy 36. *2021 NCAA Tournament location 38. What Edward Scissorhands does 40. Stout relative 41. Dream big 44. Ancient Celtic priest 46. Water nymphs 48. Fuzzy fruit, pl.

49. Deflect 50. Sanders’ campaign slogan “Feel the ____” 51. “National Velvet” author Bagnold 52. Expunge 53. Fail to mention 54. Scotia preceder 55. School-related org.

58. Liquor store pony SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9