CN: March 24, 2021

March 24, 2021

Jennings’ new shining ‘Knight’

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Rodrick Burton. Pg. 2 Cinema St. Louis announces seventh Cinema at Citygarden juried competition. Pg. 3 2021 Pond-O-Rama tour gives a glimpse into some of St. Louis’ most beautiful backyards. Pg. 4

Special Section Senior Living. Pg. 6

Features (FLIP) The Jennings School District has announced that its new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Paula D. Knight, will join the district July 1.

Photo courtesy Jennings School District

The Jennings School District has announced that its new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Paula D. Knight, will join the district July 1

By Charlotte Beard The Jennings School District has announced that its new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Paula D. Knight, will join the district July 1.

Knight already calls Jennings School District her “jewel” due to its size and being able to do a lot of innovative work among a smaller number of schools. She expresses excitement about sharing her vision for the Jennings School District.

“I’m excited about July 1,” stated Knight, “I’m excited about the 2021-2022 school year because there is just so much that I can bring to this role, more importantly to the children and the Jennings community as a whole.”

The Education Steering Committee member states that part of her vision for the future of Jennings School District will fall under the district’s virtual planning going into the year – capitalizing on the work that the Jennings

School District is doing during the current year. She also desires to explore how to create “schools of the future” and has compared the migration from the industrial age in which there was a teacher that stood before children sitting in rows in a one-room schoolhouse to the inevitable forced migration to virtual learning last year.

“COVID has really forced us to pivot into this nontraditional way of teaching; I want to be able to capitalize that (experience) and look at how do we create a virtual school within the Jennings community,” stated Knight.

Knight also shared that she wants to keep increased student achievement, increased graduation, as well as post-secondary options at the forefront.

“If you look at the news across the nation in terms of what this pandemic has done to our children as it relates to teaching and learn-

ing, (we have to make) sure we are paying close attention to the social and emotional aspect of our children,” stated Knight. “(We must ensure) that we are still creating an environment where kids are still engaged, and still logging-in, or coming into the building – whatever their options are – just being able to ensure that we have that social and emotional aspect where we are continuing to support long after we can say, ‘COVID has subsided or is gone.’”

Knight, who received the 2013 gubernatorial appointment to the Early Childhood Coordinating Board for the State of Missouri, also addressed early-childhood education as one of the areas she wants to explore in Jennings.

“Early Childhood Education is indeed the See ‘JENNINGS’ page 2

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Around Town

March 24, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘JENNINGS’ from cover benchmark to a successful school district, getting children in early,” states Knight. “We currently have six early childhood classrooms in our district between three schools.”

Knight explained that she wants to investigate how to increase the enrollment so that the district can start getting children in and exposing them to high quality education early so that by the time they get into intermediate grades and above they are ready and prepared.

“I am ready to get in, roll my sleeves up and continue to push on the work that has already been created, and push it to the next level,” she said.

Knight went on to explain that by starting children in school sooner rather than later, schools lessen the need for interventions to be implemented for older children, for example third graders and beyond, to bring them up to grade-level due to preventative structures that were previously implemented by the age of four or five.

“If we put those structures and high quality teaching and learning in place, they will indeed be ready so that we don’t have to feel as if we’re playing catch-up by the time they get into the upper grades.”

Regarding school enrollments, Knight stresses the importance of having what she calls a recruitment-retention-sup-

port-and-engagement plan to show families what children will receive when they enroll in one of Jennings’ schools.

“Because we have so much to offer, being a much smaller district, we definitely have resources to be able to offer them,” she states.

Knight who will bring an extensive background to Jennings, not limited to being active with the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and National Association for Elementary School Principals became a teacher at Hamilton Elementary School in 1994 for the St. Louis Public School District. She has also served as an Instructional Coach and Principal at Waring Academy of Basic Instruction and Washington & Euclid Montessori School. In addition, she was the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-12, Associate Superintendent of Elementary Schools/Early Childhood, and Chief of Staff for the district. Since February 2018, Dr. Knight has served as the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer. The NAACP member 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.

Trained by the Department of Education as a School Improvement Plan Reviewer of districts in Missouri, Knight explained that a reviewer (another asset she brings to Jennings) looks at two areas – student achievement and continuous improvement. On the curriculum side she shared that the reviewer looks at the comprehensive professional development plan for both teachers and administrative leaders. According to Knight examining continuous improvement entails ensuring that the culture and climate of a school is nurturing and a safe place for students. It also entails ensuring that the district possesses a collaborative culture and climate setting.

“I’ve learned from being part of that SIP Reviewer that

COMMUNITY VOICES

we currently have that, but part of this work is sustaining that level of excitement and joy,” stated Knight. “Every school within our district is a nurturing environment – children feel safe, they feel the love when they walk into the building. Part of our nurturing and feeling love is ensuring that our teachers are providing high quality education because that is every child’s civil right.”

Knight expressed that it is important that teachers have access to high quality curriculum, and particularly a blended model in the wake of virtual learning implemented last year.

“Regardless of whether we are in-person or virtual, (teachers and students) still have those online resources and that equitable access.”

Knight states that she has a vision of Jennings School District being a “premier” district.

“I want us to be that premier district where educators are coming to us saying, ‘How did you do that? Tell us what you did – share your work with us.’ I want us to be at the forefront of innovation. Being at this pivotal moment in public education where it is not just about the traditional setting but nontraditional and (our) children are still achieving at high levels. So, we will be a premier district. We are small but mighty and a jewel within the St. Louis County. I intend to push us to that premier level. Currently, Jennings is a district of distinction – we will sustain that and then some. So, I want people to be able to say, ‘Contact Jennings School District because they have an awesome development plan for their leaders. When they talk about equity, they are not just using it as a buzz word, but they have the equitable practices that are a part of their DNA. It is what they do – it is how they function.’”

Knight shares that her ability to be steadfast has prepared her for the role of Superintendent of Jennings School District.

By Rodrick Burton

How to return to normal in 2021 For everyone desiring, for our metropolitan area, our state, our nation to get back to normal please pay close attention to this column.

There are countries and communities very close to “normal” even now with COVID 19 variants popping up. They are able to return to a greater proximity to normal because they do these things: Test, mask, distance and now vaccinate.

Testing is critically essential to gauge, monitor, and trace virus spread. From the very beginning, widespread free testing should have been available to everyone as in South Korea. New test kits are being developed – they must be widely used. Those in retail know how to test for counterfeit money – imagine the widespread economic damage to businesses if when the Secret Service warned of phony bills, businesses ignored such warnings. This is similar, but potentially fatal as testing is limited; ignore or sought when too late. Lack of testing leaves public health officials with an inaccurate view of virus spread. It’s like, imagine if the traffic reports left out whole intersections and highways that were jammed. How

would you get an accurate picture of the roads?

Masking has been politicized unnecessarily and foolishly. Everyone would challenge their surgeon if they showed up in the operating room with no mask. For over 100 years the medical community knows mask protect and prevent transfer of illness. Distancing happened even before the pandemic, if someone began vigorously coughing in our vicinity, we would move; now such common-sense actions are discounted, politicized, or seen as an act of civil disobedience in protest of what? Survival?

Finally, there is vaccinations. An antidote, multiple antidotes, vaccines have been developed for us to prevent the disease which a simple visit to a funeral home, hospital, or medical billing office will demonstrate is costly. Yet many would take their chances on believing they will be untouched from now into the future or a small number of conspiracy theory lacking no evidence that are being fact against a worldwide body of scientific research, have gathered over the years since SARS afflicted Asia in 2002.

If you really want to get to where business-

es can make money, kids can go to school and we all can travel, then the aforementioned quartet of action must be standard practice everywhere. To get back to normal you must follow a plan this is proven – ignorance has not worked, politization has not worked, and rebellion and protest against public health officials and mandates has not worked. Unfounded and ridiculous speculation and conspiracy has not worked.

What is working is simple acceptance, cooperation, disciplined practice of testing, masking, distancing, and mass vaccination.

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 24, 2021

Around Town

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Operation Food Search awarded more than $1.4 million Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently received $1,435,000 from the St. Louis County Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act fund. This is the third round of CARES Act funding the nonprofit has secured since June of 2020, bringing the grand total to $4,722,406.

The first two grants totaled $3,287,406 and provided more than 1.2 million meals and 300,000 pounds of produce from June through the end of 2020. This third grant will provide over 600,000 meals and 280,000 pounds of fresh produce from now through June of 2021.

The funds will be used to distribute food to children and families who are experiencing food insecurity during this current climate. OFS will also utilize the money to hire five temporary staff who will help fulfill the logistics side of the additional food allocation.

The CARES Act funding will allow the continuation of

the hunger relief agency’s work during a time of heightened demand in high needs communities. Shelf-stable family food and produce boxes will be provided at drivethrough distributions held at St. Louis County partner sites including public schools, libraries, community centers and faith-based organizations.

OFS typically distributes food to 200,000 people per month in the bi-state region. The nonprofit’s free meal distribution program serves the region’s children, families, and seniors who need food assistance.

For details about where families can receive food, visit OFS’s website.

“This third round of funding allows us to continue serving St. Louis County families as they endure the prolonged economic effects of COVID-19,” said OFS Executive Director Kristen Wild. “We are extremely grateful for these multiple grants that enable our

Submitted photo

agency to provide food access through our partner distribution sites.”

Cinema St. Louis announces seventh Cinema at Citygarden juried competition The seventh edition of Cinema at Citygarden – a biennial co-presentation of Cinema St. Louis (CSL) and the Gateway Foundation – invites St. Louis-area filmmakers to let their imaginations blossom by creating short works that incorporate nature as a key element.

This juried competition will award cash prizes – $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place – to the top three entries. The winning shorts will then be featured as part of a program that will screen on Citygarden’s video wall starting May 28. In addition to the three cash-prize winners, other submitted works will be chosen to be part of the video-wall program, which will play on a loop from 5-10 p.m. daily and continue at Citygarden through June 27.

Deadline for entry is April 5. A three-person jury will select the three cash-prize winners; jury members will be announced on CSL’s website. The cash-prize winners and the selected additional works will be announced on May 28.

Cinema St. Louis will also screen the three winning films – as well as additional Cinema at Citygarden competition entries chosen by CSL – as part of the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, held in July. Those films will then be eligible for consideration by the St. Louis International Film Festival, held Nov. 4-14.

Competition rules and a link to the FilmFreeway online submission platform are found on the CSL website: cinemastlouis. org/cinema-at-city-garden.

Among the most beloved public spaces in St. Louis, Citygarden is a two-block oasis of plants and trees, water and internationally renowned sculpture in the heart of downtown’s Gateway Mall.

Opened in 2009, the garden is free and open to the public 365 days a year. It’s been a hit since the day it opened, and the garden continues to attract visitors from all over the St. Louis area, the nation, and the world with its blend of beauty and serenity and fun. In 2011, it received one of the nation’s most prestigious honors in urban planning, the Urban Land Institute’s Amanda Burden Urban Open Space Award.

The garden represents a partnership between the city of St. Louis, which owns the land, and the Gateway Foundation, which spearheaded and paid for the attraction’s development – an estimated $25 million. Each of the 25 sculptures, which are owned by the Gateway Foundation, were selected and purchased separately. The design is by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects of Charlottesville, Va. The video wall, on which the competition works will play, is set within a limestone wall that arcs across two blocks.

For more information about Citygarden, visit citygardenstl. org. For more information about Cinema St. Louis, visit cinemastlouis.org. For additional information about Cinema at

Citygarden, contact CSL executive director Cliff Froehlich at 314-289-4151 or cliff@cinemastlouis.org.

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Aound Town

March 24, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

2021 Pond-O-Rama tour gives a glimpse into some of St. Louis’ most beautiful backyards

www.treesbywoody.net

The St. Louis Water Garden Society (SLWGS) is celebrating 31 years as a society sharing information about fish, ponds and gardens. This year is the society’s 21st annual water garden and pond tour, 2021 Pond-O-Rama, will take place June 26 and June 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The 2021 tour will feature private gardens owned and maintained by society members.

Tickets covering both days of the tour are $15 each (18 and older) and will be available at local retail shops and garden centers throughout the metropolitan area or on the society’s website.

Groups of 10 or more are only $10 each.

The gardens are located throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, including in Illinois.

This self-guided tour is arranged each day by geographic location. Even during this pandemic, members have been outside gardening and making their spaces quite spectacular. Last year, the water features were “over the top” and many of our members were new on Pond-O-Rama and excited to share their new ponds and waterfalls.

Because so many people in 2020 were at home, creative contractors were working more than ever enhancing the spaces of so many new clients. This year those beautiful ponds and streams will be on tour. There are always so many varieties of water gardens, bubbling rocks, small ponds to massive ones.

Regardless of size, all members love to share

their ideas and projects with the visitors who come to their gardens each year. There is so much to learn from each of the hosts about their gardens, water plants, koi fish, goldfish, design, water features and landscaping. There is something for everyone to enjoy safely outside and social distancing. Many members are master gardeners, and many water gardens have been featured in St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles Magazine and local newspapers and magazines.

This event, each year, is the only time many of the over 200 St. Louis Water Garden Society members—as a group—open their gardens to the public. Last year all visitors complied wearing masks and social distancing, and there were record breaking numbers.

This event provides funds for the St. Louis Water Garden Society to continue their civic project to plant and maintain the reflecting pools at the Jewel Box in Forest Park. Society members for over 30 years work each Saturday at the ponds from May-October to keep lily ponds looking beautiful.

The tour ticket booklet provides location addresses, descriptions and driving directions. For more information on where to purchase tickets, call (800) 945-7217. Tickets are available by mail order from the society’s website in May, www.slwgs.org, and at many retailers and garden centers.

Northwest Views: March is Women’s History Month

By Valeda Keys Women’s History Month begins on March 1, and ends on March 31. Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society.

Winning women are often overlooked, but we must not give up. Our hope must remain hopeful.

A couple of things we must do in these unprecedented times is to make and keep our important appointments.

Your mammogram should not be ignored in this season. A mammogram detects what can’t be felt. A mammogram is not painful yet uncomfortable. Not having medical insurance in this season is not an excuse. There are programs that pay for mammograms, Show Me Healthy Women that pays for mammograms. If you are 40 and a woman you need a mammogram. Go ahead and make your appointment.

Your well-woman exam should not be ignored in this season. This must be done annually. Anything that looks, feels or smells abnormal shouldn’t be ignored. Did you know ovarian cancer is hard to detect in its early stages due to its vague symptoms. Make your appointment and keep your appointments.

Dental care shouldn’t be ignored in this season either. You should have your teeth cleaned every six months. Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Bad breath

can also occur if oral hygiene is present.

Last but not least, we must take care of ourselves by making sure we’re putting aside time for ourselves. When was the last time you had a massage?

When was the last time you had a manicure, pedicure and facial? These are all important to keep our sanity and taking care of you.

Reading is also essential for our health. The more you read the more you learn. Join a book club. Make it a goal to read at least two books a month. Leaders read.

Let’s continue to win by making and keeping our appointments and doing what we are called to do, leaving a legacy to the next generation, forgiving those who have hurt us immediately, being friendly to everyone we come in contact with.

You never know what a person is going through or what a person just came through. Being nice is easy. Being mean is hard and unnecessary. Enjoying life must be our ultimate goal, tomorrow is not promised.

Valeda Keys, Founder of Valeda’s Hope www.valedashope.org, Founder of VHope Cosmetics. Author of “My Strength Is Your Strength” book and journal.

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 24, 2021

Around Town

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Florissant’s city clerk named MOCFOA City Clerk of the Year Florissant City Clerk Karen Goodwin was nominated and received the prestigious Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association (MOCCFOA) award for Outstanding City Clerk for the State of Missouri. The event was held on March 10 in Columbia, Missouri as part of the MOCCFOA annual spring conference.

Goodwin has been a city clerk for over 20 years. She started her career as the city clerk in Ferguson for four years and in 2002 accepted the position of Florissant City Clerk. Goodwin has been a member of the state’s MOCCFOA since 1998. She is currently a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) where she has also served as the IIMC Region VII Director. She has also served on the IIMC Code of Ethics Committee and was the Chairperson for the IIMC 2020 Host Photo courtesy city of Florissant Committee.

Pictured above (from left) is Deputy City Clerk Savannah Burton, Ward 4 Councilman Jeff Caputa, Laurie Lowery, Mayor Tim Goodwin continues to give back her own time to the community she represents. She Lowery, City Clerk Karen Goodwin, Ward 7 Councilwoman Jackie Pagano, Director of Economic Development Travis Wilson, is the co-chair for the city of Florissant Annual Fall Festival. She is on the committee City Attorney John Hessel and Ward 1 Councilman Andrew Harris that were in attendance for the award presentation. that hosts the Mayor’s Shamrock Ball and has organized the Healing Fields 9/11 Memorial. for professional development and continuing education. The MOCCFOA provides Karen has put herself through school and has completed her bachelor’s and master’s its members with on-going educational opportunities designed to assist members in degrees in public policy administration and is currently working on her doctoral the performance of their daily job responsibilities and equip them to face the future degree. She continues to excel in her professional development as a city clerk and has with confidence. The Missouri CCFOA sponsors certification programs and provides received her certifications as a Certified Municipal Clerk, Master Municipal Clerk, support to its members to impart standards of quality and integrity to the profession and Missouri Registered City Clerk. and to improve the methods and procedures which meet the needs of the public as MOCCFOA is a professional organization, providing opportunities and resources efficiently and effectively as possible.

STL Teen Talent Competition chooses 14 high school acts On Feb. 28, fifty metro area high school acts competed in the semi-final round of the 11th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. Six outstanding performing arts professionals adjudicated the performances and narrowed the field to 14 acts (20 students) who will move on to the finals, performing on the Fabulous Fox Stage for a special NinePBS broadcast to air later this spring.

Annually 120,000-plus viewers have watched the NinePBS feature program on the final competition. Due to pandemic constraints, the final competition will not be filmed in front of a live audience on stage at the Fox Theatre, however the finalists will have the opportunity to perform in front of a small group of their closest family and friends. Finalists include a variety of singers, musicians, dancers, a poet, and an acrobat.

Mary Strauss, creator of the St. Louis Teen Competition and Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation Board President “It’s a thrill for me to see the competition evolve with new acts, talents and skills!

Every year is so different – we have a great mix of talent this year!”

In addition to the excitement of performing on the Fox Stage, contestants are eligible to win scholarships, prizes, and performance opportunities. Nearly $50,000 in prizes, cash awards, and college scholarships will be distributed among the top competitors. A full list of prizes along with official event information can be found on the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation’s (FPACF) website.

The acts will be directed by St. Louis native Tony Parise, Broadway actor, dancer, director, choreographer, who is returning for his 11th year to write the script and direct the finals. Parise will work with choreographer Yvonne Meyer Hare and music director Steve Neale to prepare performers for filming on the Fox Stage.

Finalists acts will be judged on technical ability, interpretation, stage presence, and originality. Judges for the finals have careers spanning music, dance, and Broadway. A complete list of final round judges is available on the FoxPACF website.

The announcement of the date and time of the Nine PBS broadcast, subsequent re-broadcast, and online celebrations will be available on the FPACF website and Nine PBS website along with social media outlets. The 2020 winner was DemBari Taneh, a freestyle hip hop dancer from Kirkwood High School who will return this year for a special performance. A complete list of the past ten years of winners and finalists can be found on the FoxPACF website.

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Senior Living

March 24, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Still In This Together:

By Vicki Bahr

His name is Charles His name tag said “Charles.”

He was standing against the wall, dressed in the red shirt and black pants uniform of the restaurant as we raced out of the tropical storm rain and charged through the door.

John and I had driven an uncertain 700-plus miles and we were determined to keep our vacation tradition alive. First stop: Whataburger.

It’s always emotional when we come across the three-mile bridge into Pensacola. I put my arm out the window to feel the “soft air” and wave hello to our home away from home for nearly thirty years. It’s emotional because it means another year of highs and lows has passed, and the promise made as we left the year before to “be back next year’” has been kept.

That year, 2018, had been a tough one, with extremes on both ends of the spectrum, and at points I wondered if September would ever get here. And then came the sudden, unexpected threat of a hurricane in the gulf. We replanned the route several times based on projected paths and timing, smart enough to be aware, hopeful enough to set out knowing there could be hours of unforgiving rain ahead.

I felt as though I’d been holding my breath far too long as we parked the car www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral

and John said, “I told you I’d get you here.”

At that the tears fell: a year’s worth of accumulated loss for my mother, job fears for our kids, excitement for our daughter’s wedding, uncertainty about retirement, twelve months of life.

I smiled and pushed through the door.

And there was Charles, standing against the wall, winking as he said, “Good morning.” Almost as if he knew.

I watched as this older-than-retirement aged man, bent with disfigurement, wearing a hearing aid and a huge smile, shuffled to each table to offer condiments, took trays as patrons finished their meals, and stood on alert at the entrance in between his duties.

There was an air of uncertainty in the crowd. I’m sure only regulars know Charles and his story. I couldn’t be the only one wondering why he was there, but I noticed most of the customers avoided his eye as he hobbled from place to place, busily working, unfailingly smiling. I knew there was more to Charles.

As we were getting ready to leave, I walked up to the front counter and thanked Charles for making me smile. I asked him where he lived and told him we had driven a long way to be there and I was glad he was at the restaurant when we got there. It wasn’t lost on me that others were watching, nor that the manager had his hand on Charles’ shoulder as I was talking to him. For reassurance? With pride? Maybe both. But he was smiling, and so was Charles.

As we left, I heard the manager say, “See, Charles, you just made someone smile. I’m proud of you!”

I was proud of both of them.

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.

www.TheSarahCommunity.com www.DeSmetRetirement.org

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 24, 2021

School

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Creating ‘Opportunity for All’ STLCC launches public phase for $20 million campaign St. Louis Community College and its foundation are celebrating the official launch of the public phase of a fundraising campaign, Opportunity for All: A Campaign for St. Louis Community College. The goal of raising $20 million is within reach, with more than $18.5 million secured toward that end.

The comprehensive campaign effort spans all four campuses and focuses on high-demand, priority initiatives agreed upon by College and foundation leadership.

These areas include offering increased scholarships and other student support initiatives that get STLCC students through graduation and beyond.

In addition, the campaign has helped fund the scaling up of two key program areas that will power the St. Louis economy in coming years: health sciences and information technology. Finally, the effort has brought in notable funding to grow the college’s workforce training initiatives, fueling increased partnerships with a diversity of businesses and industries.

The campaign goal is to raise the remaining $1.5 million by the end of 2021. The campaign is the largest

effort of St. Louis Community College in its nearly 60year history, as well as its first comprehensive campaign.

Chancellor Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D. celebrated the campaign during the St. Louis Community College Foundation’s Falling in Love… In Five Courses gala, which took place virtually in February.

“We take our role seriously when it comes to being part of economic, workforce and quality of life solutions in St. Louis,” said Pittman. “From addressing social and educational inequities in our community to developing the workforce pipeline of tomorrow, St. Louis Community College is proud to be a catalyst of creating opportunity for all. The success of the Opportunity for All campaign is a tremendous vote of confidence in our purpose. We are excited to invite the community to join us as we stride toward the finish line by the end of this year.”

The $298,286 raised at this year’s gala will count toward the campaign goal.

According to STLCC Foundation Board Chair Vanessa Okwuraiwe, a strong partnership between the college

and foundation has been key to the campaign’s success.

“The STLCC Foundation board has been honored to lead this effort alongside Dr. Pittman and the STLCC trustees,” said Okwuraiwe. “And we owe a great deal of thanks to partners such as Marilyn Bush with Bank of America, Rich Liekweg with BJC HealthCare, the state of Missouri, Peg Mooney, Robin and Tim Wentworth, Emerson Electric, Boeing, and so many more.”

Over the last three years, the college has secured more than $18 million in gifts, grants and commitments from private donors, as well as new public funding. Despite the onset of the global pandemic in 2020, the college’s fundraising advanced steadily. New partnerships emerged as well around the national movement for racial equity, recognizing the college’s critical role in educating a diverse population for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

For more information, contact Jo-Ann Digman, executive director, STLCC Foundation, at jdigman1@stlcc. edu or 314-539-5358.

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Ferguson-Florissant students compete in Greater St. Louis Spelling Bee

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Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District

Ferguson-Florissant School District building-level spelling bee champions competed in the recently held Greater St. Louis Spelling Bee. The champions, who are shown with their district awards, are (from left) Mya Porterfield (Halls Ferry), Hadi Mutan (Cross Keys Middle School), TJ Chatman (Berkeley), Precious Stokes (Ferguson Middle School), Anneleise Arman (STEAM Academy - District Champion), Kennedi Harris (Griffith), and Skyla Ervin (Lee-Hamilton). Not pictured is Ta’Shyra Henderson (Combs) who also qualified for the Greater St. Louis Area Spelling Bee.

Hazelwood School District names new Southeast Middle School principal Hazelwood School District (HSD) has named John Williams principal of Southeast Middle School effective April 1. In his new role, Williams will lead building operations.

Williams brings 25 years of education experience to HSD, including posts as principal, assistant principal, curriculum leader, and teacher at the middle and high school levels. Prior to joining HSD, Williams served as assistant principal of South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, Georgia. He also served as principal of McLain High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Additionally, Williams worked as a teacher for school districts in Florida and Georgia.

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Regents Col- Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District lege. He also holds a master’s degree in Social Studies Education from Nova Southeastern University and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from William Woods University. Williams is in the process of obtaining a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from William Woods University.

www.stlcc.edu/summer

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What’s Happening

March 24, 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 30: Call for artists

Good Shepherd Arts Center is organizing an art festival in Ferguson set for May 8, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. This is a juried event. This is an opportunity for artists to sell their work outdoors in select locations in Ferguson.

Deadline is March 30. Information and application can be found at: https://goodshepherdarts.org/ferguson-art-festival Direct questions to 314-769-9806 or info@goodshepherdarts.org.

March 31: Children’s art event

The Ferguson Art Festival includes a live exhibit of art by local children, as well as an online exhibit, and creation of a catalog of the art. Deadline is March 31. Details are at: https://goodshepherdarts.org/childrens-events Direct questions to 314-769-9806 or info@goodshepherdarts.org.

April 10: Shredding event

The 10th Annual “Free Document Shredding Day” will be held at St. Ferdinand Park and traffic will be directed accordingly. The event is from 9:30 a.m. to noon (or until trucks reach their capacity). Bring your sensitive tax, bank or financial records from home to be shredded right in front of you. Social distancing guidelines will be in effect and the wearing of masks will be required. You may bring up to five bags or boxes. No three ring binders, hanging file folders, CD’s, DVD’s or hard bound books. The event is also open to the public.

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

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

Weekdays: Tax filing program volunteers

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

Mondays: TOPS meeting

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

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

Mondays: 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

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

Mondays: Workshop meetings

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

Mondays: A cappella singers

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

We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-9936134.

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.

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

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

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

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

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

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

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 Amer-

ica. 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.

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 314-831-0988.

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 314-801-8594.

Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting

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

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 24, 2021 Saturdays: Clothing sale

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

Saturdays: Grief support

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

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

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.

Jennings

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

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

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm.

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

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

Sundays: Meat shoot

Sundays: meeting

477-6954.

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-

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

Diabetes Basics:

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

Crisis Nursery:

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

Center for Senior Renewal:

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314653-5123.

Nutrition Education:

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

Christian Center:

Hospital

Recovery

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-953-8100.

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.

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 314-738-2599.

Smoking Cessation Classes:

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

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

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

Free Mammogram Screenings:

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636-947-5617

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

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

What’s Happening

Joseph Hospital West, 3 - 4:30pm, free, 636-755-3034

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 314-3446030 to learn more about the heart scan program or to schedule an appointment.

SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West Auxiliary

9

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. 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 314-5691113 or www.gthstl.org.

Every Wednesday Take Pounds Sensibly Group

Off

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: 6:30-7:30 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 636625-5447 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.

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

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

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

Women only. Sundays at Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 7601 Delmar, U. City. 314-993-5421 or 636561-1407. Mondays in Wentzville, call 636-561-1407.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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.

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

Every Sun.: 6:30 p.m. Every Mon.: 9:30 a.m. Survivors of Incest Anonymous Meetings

10

Sports

March 24, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Playoff bound Ambush to play the Comets The St. Louis Ambush play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).

The Kansas City Comets and Ambush will confine their battle to the state of Missouri beginning in Independence at Cable Dahmer Arena on Friday, March

26 at 7:05 p.m. The teams will head down I-70 for Game 2 at the Family Arena on Sunday March 28 at 3:05 p.m.

If the teams are tied at a game apiece, they will play a 15-minute mini game following Game 2.

The Comets ended the regular season in third place winning seven games and losing five.

The Ambush was one slot behind them in fourth place winning eight and dropping seven.

For more information go to www.

STLAmbush.com * Show time

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

?

Ambush add backup goalie The St. Louis team strengthen their club prior to the upcoming playoffs, the St. Louis Ambush acquired goalkeeper Matt Perrella, on loan from the dormant Rochester Lancers. Perrella will be a member of the Ambush through the end of their postseason journey.

Perrella has three seasons of professional arena soccer experience, having played for the Syracuse Silver Knights, Harrisburg Heat and Utica City FC, prior to being signed by the Lancers for the 2021 season.

The Lancers are among the teams that took the season off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 14 career MASL games, Perrella posted a 5.94 goals against average and a .675 save percentage.

Perrella will replace goalkeeper Brett Petricek, who was released by the Ambush last month. Ambush General Manager Jeff Locker said, “With the playoffs coming up, we felt better about our chances if we had a backup to (starting goalkeeper) Paulo. Getting an experienced keeper like Matt fills that need.” * Smart acquisition

Lindenwood wrestler achieves top honors Lindenwood University’s men’s wrestling team added an accolade to their trophy case.

Abner Romero of the number two-ranked Lindenwood wrestling won the 2021 NCAA Division II National Championship title at 174 pounds. The Lions as a team took third place at the championship tournament recently at America’s Center in St. Louis.

Lindenwood brought five wrestlers to the national championships and all five Lions claimed All-American status and Romero brought home the first individual title since Carlos Jacquez won the 125-pound title in 2019.

“I predicted this,” said the 174-pound champion Romero. “A year ago today, I had this moment taken from me. I know things were out of everyone’s control, but everything happens for a reason. This is not random, I worked harder than everyone else and just believed that I was better than everyone else. I’m better than I was a year ago, and all the hard work I put in paid off. I stayed ready so I didn’t have to get ready.” * Great Accomplishment Bandits football team have several Lindenwood alumni The St. Louis Bandits will play their home indoor games at the Family Arena starting next month.

Corey Amberson, Kevin Chism, Frank Green, Keenan Mace and Isaish Mathis played with the Lions and now are on the squad of the Bandits.

For more details go to www.StLouisBanditsFootball.com * Football is back 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 24, 2021

Recipe:

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Make brunch better with bacon

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.

Bacon Banana Bread Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 70-80 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Directions: Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, baking soda, baking powder and sugar. In separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, canola oil, eggs and vanilla extract.

Add banana mixture to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

In small bowl, toss bacon and remaining flour until bacon is lightly coated.

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray

3 medium bananas, mashed

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1/2 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup sugar

2 eggs

8 slices bacon, cooked and cut into 1/4-1/2- inch pieces

Fold flour-coated bacon into batter. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake 70-80 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

Cool in pan on wire rack 20 minutes before inverting bread onto wire rack to cool completely.

Cut and serve.

For more brunch recipe ideas, visit ColemanNatural.com.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘Coming 2 America’ should have been a staycation

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.

In most of his General Izzi, leader of nearby Nexdoria movies, the inimitawho wants to force a royal wedding for ble James Earl Jones towhis son. ers over the rest of cast with his Jermaine Fowler is a nice surprise, distinctive voice and brilliant though, playing Lavelle Junson, King acting. That’s why it was disAkeem’s illegitimate son (the screenturbing to see this legendary writers use an offensive term for actor looking tired and embarLavelle’s birth status throughout the rassed in “Coming 2 America,” film). Having just turned 30, Lavelle the sequel to the 1988 comedy wants to make something of himself hit starring Eddie Murphy and and not just hustle like his Uncle Reem Arsenio Hall. Jones evidently (Tracy Morgan). After arriving in Zarequested an early exit for his munda, he is overwhelmed by the lavcharacter before the story got ishness and tradition in the palace. completely out-of-control.

Throughout the story, Fowler gives his Thirty-plus years after the character courage and the willingness “Coming 2 America” photo courtesy Eddie Murphy Productions to stand up for what he believes, even to events in the original, Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) has his royal father. become King of Zamunda upon the passing of his father, King Jaffe Director Craig Brewer and Eddie Murphy make a fatal mistake, Joffer (Jones). Royal tradition demands that only a male heir will be though, by throwing in some familiar faces from “Saturday Night able to succeed Akeem, but he and Queen Lisa Joffer (Shari Headley) Live.” Leslie Jones, who plays Lavelle’s mother Mary, is not quite overhave only daughters. Although Princess Meeka (Kiki Layne), their the-top but a few minutes of Ms. Jones onscreen is more than enough. first-born child, has prepared to take the throne, Akeem and Semmi Is it too much ask that Jones play the character as a strong woman and (Hall) must travel back to America to find the son the King didn’t not a badly written and constructed stereotype? know he had sired.

Though the sets are visually stunning, “Coming 2 America” is mediAlthough technically a sequel, “Coming 2 America” feels more like ocre and offensive at times. Princess Meeka’s story arc is compelling a reunion movie where everyone just wings it. There are some good and intriguing; however, the focus should have been on her and not a moments with John Amos, who plays Lisa’s father, and Louie Ander- contrived plot involving an out-of-wedlock child. If there is another son reprising their rolls from the original. Arsenio Hall looks a little sequel, the story should be Princess Meeka’s. befuddled, though, reprising the role of Semmi, Akeem’s best friend “Coming 2 America,” rated PG-13, is available on Amazon Prime. and personal aide. Wesley Snipes does chew the scenery, though, as

F-2

Feature

ACTIVE BUYER

March 24, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

NOVENA

NOW CONTRACTING CDL CLASS A OR B DRIVERS TO DELIVER TRUCKS ACROSS THE US AND CANADA.

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

NO FREIGHT, NO SLEEPING IN TRUCKS. NO WAITING ON RUNS!

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March 24, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: In the Garden

‘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 Spring is around the corner. I know what that means...time to shave my legs.

They’ve been hibernating for the last five months safely hidden beneath heavy wool socks and behind thick sweat pants.

Peeling away those layers is always scary. Kind of like removing bandages after plastic surgery only to be told that your doctor received his degree from The University of Mr. Potato Head.

I well remember the last time these limbs saw the light of day. How could I forget the trauma?

It was sometime last September. The sun was out, the temperature was warm. I figured it was the last chance to get some rays before the cold set in. I had just settled down in my lawn chair with my body sheathed in my unflattering swimsuit. Suddenly, my nosy neighbor, Mrs. Pilkinson, stretched her neck over the fence to gab.

“Hey girl! Looks like you’re getting the last rays of the season. Good for you.”

I hurriedly covered my bulbous body with my towel then turned away from her gawking and snarkily replied, “Ya, I thought I’d enjoy a little private-time secluded behind my six-foot fence; away from prying eyes who will no-doubt judge my eating habits by my gelatinous thighs then sneakily post pictures of them on their Facebook page alongside numerous laughing emojis!”

In reality, I’m not quick enough to toss out such witty barbs so I merely whined and said, “Please don’t stare!”

“Oh don’t be silly. You look great…for a pachy-

derm!” (She may not have literally said that, but she figuratively thought it!)

She continued. “Hey Hon, you may want to check yourself. It looks like a bunch of those tiny pesky black ants are swarming all over your left leg.”

Huh?! Whatever did she mean by that? I looked down and to my horror realized that those tiny black ants were in reality stubbly black leg hairs.

I glanced at the other leg; smooth and clean-shaven. How did that happen? How does a person shave an entire leg and forget to shave the entire other leg?

This time I should be prepared. I peeled off my heavyweight socks to reveal red yarn tied around each of my big toes. The perfect reminder to shave my legs…both of them.

Getting a leg up

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. Great divide 6. World’s oldest national broadcaster 9. Pasturelands 13. Chinese fruit 14. #9 Across, sing.

15. Clemency 16. One in advertising 17. “____ the land of the free ...”

18. Characteristic of birds 19. *Ongoing job in the garden 21. *Without synthetic fertilizers 23. 2nd tallest bird 24. Theatrical production 25. Curiosity killed it?

28. Additionally 30. Capital of Poland 35. Passage into a mine 37. Prefix in levorotary 39. Mid-century modern, e.g.

40. Toothy wheel 41. *Some are heirlooms 43. Make like a cat 44. Erasable programmable read only memory 46. Stanislavski’s rifle, e.g.

47. Unwanted correspondence 48. Motionless

50. Catch-22 52. “Are you sure?” in a text 53. Freight horse cart 55. Opposite of don’ts 57. *6 or more hours of sunshine 61. *Radicchio or frisée 65. On foot 66. Negative vote 68. 2020 NFL MVP 69. Morrison’s “The ____” 70. Hockey great Bobby 71. Respectable and quiet 72. Sports award 73. Affirmative response 74. Infernos DOWN 1. Old bathtub foot 2. Opposite of seek 3. Ne plus ultra 4. *Opposite of #57 Across 5. Minimum, pl.

6. Influencer’s journal 7. *Stinging pollinator 8. Holiday song 9. Bulgarian money 10. Julia Roberts’ Academy Award-winning role 11. Popular smoothie berry 12. Update an iPod 15. Inhabitant of Hungary 20. Nothing, pl.

22. Like sashimi

24. Lack of money 25. *Tomato supports 26. Highly skilled 27. Miss America’s headdress 29. Slowly leak 31. Moves at the gym 32. Monument to Buddha 33. Orderly arrangement 34. *Wiggly plowers 36. Faster than a walk 38. *Some plants and flowers emit a good one 42. *Type of digger 45. Centers, old-fashioned 49. French vineyard 51. *Last of 3 numbers on a bag of fertilizer 54. Be a pest 56. Washington, e.g.

57. Grow dim 58. Extraterrestrials’ rides 59. Pilot’s stunt 60. Type of parrot 61. “Musical” constellation 62. Russian mountain chain 63. *Type of garden hose that saves space 64. Goes with “odds”

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9