CN: March 25, 2020

March 25, 2020

Fighting coronavirus in St. Louis St. Louis City and County leaders introduce strict measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 across the region

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Maida J. Coleman. Pg. 2

By Charlotte Beard On March 17, public officials across the St. Louis region and health experts displayed unity amidst their practicing social distancing as they addressed COVID-19 concerns and presented executive orders to combat the pandemic during a press conference.

Laura Kaiser, President and CEO of SSM Health opened the press conference and introduced the doctors in attendance who have served as health experts for the St. Louis region during the crisis. In attendance were Dr. Alexander Garza, SSM Health Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Clay Dunagan, BJC Chief Clinical Officer; and Dr. Keith Starke, Mercy Health Chief Quality Officer.

“Together, these three doctors are providing real-time medical expertise to our public officials while serving in critically important roles within their own respective health systems,” stated Kaiser. “This is a public health emergency, the likes of which none of us have seen in our lifetimes. As a citizen, I thank all of the leaders that are present today for working together to coordinate this response.”

Other experts and officials in attendance were Jeff Johnston, Senior Vice President and Regional President for Mercy’s Eastern Missouri region; Richard J. Liekweg, President and Chief Executive Officer of BJC HealthCare, Dr. Fredrick Echols, St. Louis City Public Health Director; Lyda Krewson, St. Louis City Mayor; Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis County Executive; Steve Ehlmann, St. Charles County Executive; and Tim Brinker, Franklin County Presiding Commissioner.

Krewson addressed the regional decision to reduce the number of people in public gatherings.

“Our unified focus right now is on the health and safety of everyone who lives in the St. Louis region,” stated Krewson. “In response to this crisis our teams have come together as a regional team to coordinate as much as we possibly can in response to this

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Features (FLIP)

Photo illustration by Rebecca Brockmann

crisis and ensure that the public has information in a consistent and in a clear way.

On Sunday (March 15) we all met as a team and agreed to restrict events and gatherings across the St. Louis region to no more than 50 people. This was based on CDC guidance at the time; the CDC guidance and our restriction remain in place today. We also recommended that schools across the region close no later than tomorrow (March 18). This is a decision, (to close), that most of the schools also came to themselves. I want to thank all our schools, faith leaders, business owners, health care providers, and most importantly—our residents – for rallying together to follow these very important guidelines. (Currently), there is nothing more important than recognizing social distancing in the slowing of the COVID-19 virus.”

“As a medical doctor, I certainly understand how the coronavirus is impacting our community,” stated St. Louis County Execu-

tive, Sam Page during the March 17 conference. “We all are prepared; this is a serious challenge. We are working together – our regional leaders and our health community.

The role of St. Louis County in this crisis has been to prepare, to educate and to respond.

Our response so far has been to limit the spread of this virus in our community. But we must stay ahead of it. We must face our actions on the advice of public health experts and the leadership of our hospital systems, and they are telling us about social distancing techniques. You’ve all heard about it and you’re seeing it today as a visual. Today I signed an executive order that requires every place of public accommodations in St. Louis County to institute social distancing measures as much as possible with our employees and the customers. I think it’s safe to say that everyone is familiar with social distancing, See ‘FIGHTING’ page 2

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Around Town

March 25, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘FIGHTING’ from cover but it bears repeating. Make sure you’re standing sixfeet apart, avoid face-to-face contact whenever possible, hold meetings online – video conferencing or over the phone.”

Page further shared that public health experts advised that service restrictions placed on bars and restaurants will save lives, as they have observed to be the case around the country. As a result, he also signed an executive order, which went into effect at midnight March 20, restricting services to carryout/delivery, curbside, and drive-thru services. Due to the burden Page believed the measure would have on business owners, he engaged in conversations with businesses prior to implementing the order.

The regional leaders expressed their goal of encouraging people to practice social distancing in lieu of closing businesses. Tim Brinker, Franklin County Presiding Commissioner shared that Franklin County had also taken measures to implement the same bar and restaurant restrictions as did St. Charles County Executive Ehlmann. Krewson stated that St. Louis City would implement the same measures for restaurants only.

When asked about the bar and restaurant restriction reinforcement, Page shared that he found during his conversations with restaurant owners that many of them had already

made the transition to carryout services and he does not anticipate any need for a lot of reinforcement action. In response to a question about the possibility of “rogue” business owners, Ehlmann stated that there are measures in place to issue citations if necessary. The Health Department should be contacted to report violations. “(Businesses) recognize that not only do they want to do the right thing for the community, but they don’t want to expose their employees to any more risks than they have to,” stated Page concerning possible violators.

When asked about the businesses monitoring the temperatures of staff that report to work, Page stated that the measure had not yet been implemented.

On March 21, Krewson and Page went a step further and mandated residents stay home beginning Monday, March 23 with exceptions only for groceries, health care and critical household duties. The order excludes first responders, health care workers, plus the employees of a list of other “essential” businesses, when those workers are on duty.

Each order lasts at least 30 days and, if violated, carries a potential misdemeanor charge. Restaurants and bars will still be able to provide carryout meals.

St. Louis County’s order bars gatherings “of any number of people” outside homes or businesses and limits indoor gatherings of 10 or more people. The county’s order also bans travel except for “essential activities.”

Prior to the day of the press conference, Ferguson-Florissant School District had made its decision to close schools, March 18 through April 3. The staff were provided training to conduct online instruction for students (who were provided devices) while school is closed with exception to spring break which is scheduled for the week of March 23. Leslie Hogshead, Board of Education President, states that meals are being provided during the district’s closing, with exception to spring break. For more information visit https://www.fergflor.org.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Photo by Charlotte Beard Businesses across St. Louis County have been forced to close or limit their services while grocery stories struggle to keep essential items stocked on shelves.

The Hazelwood School District is also closed through April 3. Hazelwood School District will deliver ‘grab and go’ meals to students during the closure with exception to spring break. For more information about its closure visit https://www.hazelwoodschools.org.

Both Florissant and Hazelwood have announced its other measures to combat the spread of the virus. Mayor Lowery of Florissant decided to close the James J. Eagan and JFK Community Centers temporarily after his meeting with Cheryl Thompson-Stimage, Director of Parks & Recreation. After March 31, the decision to keep the community centers closed or to reopen will be See ‘FIGHTING’ page 7

By Maida J. Coleman

Prepare for emergencies by learning how to shut off your utilities Discussions about emergency preparation often focus on compiling supply kits and developing communication and evacuation plans. The importance of knowing how to manage your utilities before, during and after weather related events and natural disasters is another topic worthy of discussion. There may be emergencies that require you to shut off your utilities. Below are some tips related to preparing for shutting off your utilities when emergencies occur.

Shutting off natural gas • Locate your gas meter and shut-off valve.

• Contact your local gas company for information on the safest way to shut off gas supply to your home according to your home’s gas meter configuration.

• Be sure you have the correct tool needed to turn the valve off.

Shutting off water • Locate the shut-off valve for the main water line of your home.

• Label the shut-off valve so you can easily find it in the future.

• Cracked lines may pollute the water supply to your house. It is wise to shut off your water until you hear from authorities that it is safe for drinking.

Shutting off electricity • Locate your main electrical panel/circuit. For your safety, always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit. If your house has fuses instead of circuit breakers, keep extra fuses on hand in case one blows during an emergency. Never replace a fuse with one of higher amperage.

• Keep a working flashlight and a battery-powered radio accessible, with extra batteries for each.

• Finally, make sure your circuit breaker or fuse box is properly labeled so you know exactly what switches cut power to which areas of the house.

The Missouri Public Service Commission’s website features a free Consumers and Catastrophes Guide to assist consum-

ers and other stakeholders as they prepare for and respond to weather emergencies.

The guide is organized by natural disaster/ emergency type and details how your utilities may be impacted during specific emergencies and weather events. The guide can be accessed here https://psc.mo.gov/.

Commissioner Maida Coleman was appointed to the Missouri Public Service Commission

by Governor Jay Nixon, effective Aug.10, 2015.

She was unanimously confirmed by the Missouri State Senate on Jan. 21. Prior to her appointment, Commissioner Coleman was the Director of the Office of Community Engagement. From 2001 until 2009, Commissioner Coleman served first as a State Representative and then as State Senator from St. Louis, becoming the first African-American woman in state history to serve as Senate Minority Leader. Coleman has a B.A. in Journalism from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis in 2008. A native of Sikeston, Missouri, Coleman lives in St. Louis.

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 25, 2020

Around Town

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Florissant becomes the first in Missouri to live stream meetings with Swagit’s Avior hands-free broadcast solution The city of Florissant is the first jurisdiction in Missouri to go “hands-free” for their staff with Swagit, providing their citizens a convenient, ad-free 24/7 tool that enhances access to city council meetings.

In late 2019, Swagit installed a three-camera Avior broadcast system in the city’s council chambers. Now Swagit’s Texas team of expert video professionals control the video directing and production of Florissant City Council meetings.

During each live broadcast, the Swagit team also adds lower-third graphics that identify agenda items; post-broadcast, they handle Swagit’s EASE agenda-indexing of meeting videos.

After the live meeting broadcast, meeting videos are available for on-demand viewing on the city website with Swagit’s customized on-demand video player interface.

Key features of this interface include:

vides a link to any specific point in a meeting video, set up to be shared instantly via email, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. From that same tab, users can also download an MP4 of a specific agenda item or the entire meeting.

• Each meeting video can be viewed fullscreen or alongside its agenda.

With these services, meeting video production is now completely “handsfree” for Florissant city staff. The city is now able to use meeting staff and media department resources more efficiently,

• Swagit’s searchable, jump-to indexing service enables residents to find the specific content they need, easily clicking on specific agenda headings to step through a video.

while maintaining their commitment to government transparency.

“Swagit has allowed us to modernize the recording, broadcasting, archiving and availability of our city council meetings,” said Steve Weiersmueller, Director of Information Technology for the city of Florissant. “Video is now easily available live on Facebook, our cable stations, and archived on our website. Swagit has helped us do more with less.”

• A “Share” tab pro-

Normandy Early Learning Center selected for Little STEAMers Program

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative Normandy Early Learning students work together to construct a tower out of building blocks.

Normandy Schools Collaborative, in partnership with the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), was selected to participate in the Little STEAMers Early Learning Program: a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics based curricular program for children ages three to five. This program is to be implemented in spring 2020 and fall 2020 semesters.

“We are thrilled to be selected by IMSA for the Little STEAMers Program,” said Dr. Crystal Hunter, director of early learning at the Normandy Early Learning Center. “STEAM is a category that can be challenging to incorporate with this young grade level, so we are excited for the resources and activities this program will provide.”

Funded by The Boeing Company, Little STEAMers will provide teachers and students activities that encourage STEAM skills in children’s play.

The Little STEAMers Program will provide: • All Little STEAMers activities.

• Materials for all activities for 40 students.

• Two, two-day professional development training for staff.

• STEAM-related teacher resources such as stabilizing cards, STEAM skills cards, field trip suggestions, and unit-specific vocabulary.

“This program will start in three classrooms at the Early Learning Center, but we hope to expand it to more classrooms in the following semesters,” stated Dr. Hunter. “By participating in the Little STEAMers Program, we will be getting students excited about STEAM and maybe even creating future scientists!”

www.DelmarGardens.com

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March 25, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Congratulations to the

1

st

Place Winners!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 1ST PLACE WINNERS! 2020 Best of North County Accounting

Attorney

Auto Dealership

Auto Repair

Bakery/Donuts

Bank/Credit Union

County Accounting & Tax Service Randy Curless 1135 No. Hwy. 67 | Florissant, MO 63031 314-831-6000

Jonathan E. Fortman 250 rue St. Catherine Florissant, MO 63031 314-522-2312

Johnny Londoff Chevrolet 1375 Dunn Rd. Florissant, MO 63031 314-837-1800

Gary’s Automotive Service Mike Moehlenkamp 1779 N. Hwy 67 | Florissant, MO 63033 314-831-5843

Old Town Donut Shop Keith Took 510 N. New Florissant Rd. | Florissant 63031 314-831-0907

Citizens National Bank Kathy Thieme 430 rue St. Ferdinand | Florissant, MO 63031 314-831-0445

Bar/Grill Mattingly’s Sports Bar Cheryl Mattingly 8108 N. Lindbergh | Florissant, MO 63031 314-831-9181

Computer Services

Child Care

Chiropractor

Rock, Paper, Scissors Salon LLC 2372 N US Highway 67 Florissant, MO 63033 314-972-1707

Jack Schmidt Car Wash 6109 N Lindbergh Blvd, Hazelwood, MO 63042 314-731-1166

Catering To You Jon Vogt 12275 New Halls Ferry | Florissant 63033 314-839-3244

Ferguson-Florissant CDC, Shantana Herd Director of Early Childhood Education 8855 Dunn Rd., Hazelwood MO 63042 314-506-9066

McClain Chiropractic Health & Injury Kevin McClain D.C. 2640 No. Hwy 67 | Florissant MO 63033 314-838-6083

Dentist

Electrician

Financial/Investment

Fitness Facility/ Trainer

Florist

Steve Robbins 325 rue St. Francois, Florissant MO 63031 314-839-4600

World Martial Arts - Greg Dickerson 8002 Lindbergh Blvd.

Hazelwood, MO 63042 314-921-9000

Dooley’s Florist Patty Sosa 690 rue St. Francois | Florissant MO 63031 314-837-7444

Ice Cream Stand

Insurance Agent

Jeweler

Barber/Hair Salon

Woodland Dental Care

Car Wash

ITS Computers - Guy Tinker 5976 Howdershell Rd. Ste. 205 Hazelwood MO 63042 314-839-3000

1133 Howdershell Rd. | Florissant 63031 314-839-9339

Kay-Bee Electric Brian Kohnen 250 rue St. Francois | Florissant MO 63031 314-837-3924

Funeral Home

Golf Course

Heating & Cooling

Drs. Steven C Rosenberger, Sherrelyn Ewell & Angelyn Rosenberger, DDS

Catering

Hutchens Mortuary John Hutchens 675 Graham Rd. | Florissant MO 63031 314-831-3100

Florissant Golf Club Sam Freihoff 50 Country Club Lane | Florissant MO 63033 314-741-7444

Goldkamp Heating & Cooling Matt Goldkamp 890 No. Lafayette | Florissant, MO 63031 314-839-3332

Fritz’s Frozen Custard - Randy Keeven 717 So. New Florissant Rd. Florissant, MO 63031 314-921-3452

Chris Hamilton, Shelter Ins. 3837 Vaile Ave., Ste E Florissant, MO 63034 314-831-2226

Don Henefer Jeweler - Ginny Rechert 512 No. New Florissant Rd. Florissant MO 63031 314-921-3001

Landscaping/Lawn Care

Optometrist/Vision Care

Photographer

Pizza Parlor

Printing

Real Estate Agent

Taylor Land Management Chris Taylor 270 Houshang Lane | Florissant MO 63033 314-280-5881

Brown Optometry – Dr. Marc R. Brown 85a Florissant Oaks Shopping Center Florissant, MO 63031 314-831-2520

Kent Miller Photography 740-C rue St. Francois Florissant MO 63031 314-838-2881

Pirrone’s Pizzeria John Jaworski 1775 Washington | Florissant MO 63033 314-839-3633

Kwik Kopy Printing – Karen Exner 715 S. New Florissant Rd. Florissant, MO 63031 314-839-3777

Maggie Meyerkord – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties 5494 Brown Rd., Ste. 111 | Hazelwood MO 63042

Rehab/Skilled Nursing Care

Remodeling/Roofing

Restaurant

Senior Living

Specialty Shop

Travel Agent

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

Morrison Travel & Cruise William Morrison 738 rue St. Francois | Florissant MO 63031 314-838-9000

Bentwood Rehabilitation and Nursing 1501 Charbonier Rd. | Florissant, MO 63031 314-921-2700

Veterinarian Crosskeys Animal Clinic Dr. M. Randall Jones & Dr. Theresa Bruemmer

2685 N. Hwy 67 | Florissant, MO 63033 314-837-4617

Mississippi Valley Roofing Henry Darabcsek 27 rue St. Anthony | Florissant MO 63031 314-838-4451

Hendel’s Market Café Nathan & Christina Bennett 599 rue St. Denis | Florissant MO 314-837-2304

Villa at Riverwood Todd Nault, Ex. Dir. #1 Pratt Place | Florissant, MO 63031 314-839-5000

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED!

314-838-8661

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 25, 2020

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March 25, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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www.TheVillaAtRiverwood.com

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 25, 2020

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Congrats to all of the 2020 winners!

From the,

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‘FIGHTING’ from page 2

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reevaluated. As a result of the two facility’s closings, all classes, rentals and upcoming Easter events are cancelled. For the latest updates and additional details for Florissant, visit https://www.florissantmo.com.

The city of Hazelwood has canceled and postponed major events and suspended community programs. Effective March 17, the city began limiting public access to its city hall. In accordance with the order from Chief Justice George Draper III, Hazelwood Municipal Court sessions are closed through April 3. In addition, the Community Center and the Civic Center East will be closed until April 3 and all rentals for that time period are cancelled. Re-bookings after April 3 or refunds are available. The Adult Egg Hunt is postponed from April 3 to April 10. The Senior Bus will continue normal operations. For the latest updates

and additional details for Hazelwood, visit http://www.hazelwoodmo.org.

Sources for the city of Ferguson state that all non-critical public meetings (boards and commissions and neighborhood group or association meetings) have been cancelled until further notice. Public buildings such as the fire houses, the community center and the event center have been closed.

Its city hall will be open by appointment and the police department will be open on a limited basis. For the latest updates and additional details for Ferguson, visit https:// www.fergusoncity.com.

Ehlmann addressed measures concerning gaming boats.

“The medical professionals have advised us that the people at those gaming boats are probably among the most vulnerable because of their age—because of possible prior medical conditions,” stated Ehlmann.

“Today we found out that the gaming com-

mission has closed the boats and I think that is a tremendous move forward.”

Mike Leara, Missouri Gaming Commission Chairman, stated that once local governments began taking action to limit public gatherings to no more than 50, it became apparent that the casinos couldn’t remain open. The casinos are scheduled to remain closed through March 30.

In addition to measures taken by the St. Louis region to deal with the pandemic, some local businesses are seeking to ease the stress of COVID-19 along with recent actions taken by the federal government.

Effective March 18, Schnucks began reserving 6 to 7 a.m. daily for shoppers aged 60 and above and for those who are most at risk of COVID-19. Leadership aims to make this segment of the community a bit more comfortable while shopping in its stores.

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What’s Happening

March 25, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

WWW.MYCNEWS.COM

March 30: Benefit dinner

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 27: CultureFest 2020

CultureFest is a celebration of the many cultures of Christian Hospital staff, St. Louis communities and patients that takes place from 11 a.m.

– 3 p.m. at Christian Hospital Atrium and Parking Lot at 11133 Dunn Rd. Community program booths, retail vendors, and health initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and equity will be present. There will be a world map for all participants to indicate their ancestral origins as part of CultureFest’s celebration of diversity and inclusion. Free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and

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glucose will be provided. Food trucks will be present from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

March 27: Fish dinner

Fish dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 3 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

March 29: Meat shoots

The Knights of Columbus Duchesne Council 2951 Meat Shoots take place March 8, March 15, March 22 and March 29 at Duchesne Home Association Grounds (Formerly Known as Knights of Columbus Grounds) at 50 Rue St. Francois St. in Florissant.

Shoots start at noon each Sunday. All Proceeds to go toward Charity Food Baskets. Free beans soup plus food and drinks are available.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Historic Florissant’s Annual Benefit Dinner will be held at Hendel’s Restaurant. Cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 pm. Tickets will be $50 per person and $100 per person for a VIP table.

All proceeds benefit Historic Florissant, Inc. a non-profit organization working toward the preservation of Florissant’s rich history. To purchase a ticket, please send a check to: Historic Florissant, Inc., 1067 Dunn Rd, Florissant, MO 63031 or call 314-5651468 to purchase using a credit or debit card. There is a $1 fee per ticket when using a card.

March 30: Historic Florissant’s Annual Benefit Dinner

Historic Florissant’s Annual Benefit Dinner will be held at Hendel’s Restaurant at 599 St. Denis Street in Florissant. Cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m. and dinner service will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets will be $50 per person and $100 per person for a VIP table.

To purchase a ticket, please send a check to: Historic Florissant, Inc., 1067 Dunn Rd, Florissant, MO 63031 or call 314-565-1468 to purchase CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

www.treesbywoody.net

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • March 25, 2020 using a credit or debit card.

All proceeds benefit Historic Florissant, Inc. a nonprofit organization working toward the preservation of Florissant’s rich history.

April 3: Fish fries

Our Lady of the Presentation Fish Fry takes place every Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. through April 3 at 8860 Tudor in Overland. Enjoy hand cut cod (fried or baked) shrimp and fish tacos with plenty of sides.

For more information call 314-427-0486 x201.

April 3: Underwater egg hunt

Take egg hunting to the water in this “egg”–citing event at 6:30 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center. Tickets for residents are $10 and for non-residents are $12. Price includes egg hunt and open swim. Open to children ages seven-to-14.

Pre-registration required. Egg hunt will begin promptly at

6:30 p.m. Stay after for open swim from 7 – 9 p.m. Call 314921-4466 or 314-921-4250 for more information.

April 4: Easter egg hunt

The Easter Bunny will be hopping in to Florissant at the James J. Eagan Center. Children will first enjoy an egg hunt followed by games inside and photos with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt begins promptly at 10 a.m. with activities from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

The Egg Hunt will be divided into the following age groups (two and under, three-to-five, six-to-eight and nine-to-12.

Tickets are required for 12 and under and must be purchased in advance and cost $2 for residents and $5 for nonresidents. Call 314-921-4466 or 314921-4250 for more information.

take place at Unity Lutheran Church at 8454 Glen Echo Dr. in Normandy. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., play to follow. Cost is $25 per person. For reservations contact Carolyn at 314-837-4674 or email Altepeterc@gmail.com. All money

raised will support Feed My Starving Children.

April 4: Electronics recycling event

The city of Florissant along with Midwest Recycling Center will host an electronics recycling collection event

What’s Happening

from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until trucks reach their capacity) in St. Ferdinand Park at the rear parking lot, rain or shine.

Signs will be posted at park entrances to direct the people on where to go. The event is open to the public. Midwest Recycling Center will have

April 4: Mystery dinner theatre

Mystery Dinner Theatre will

www.TheSarahCommunity.com www.DeSmetRetirement.org

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equipment and employees on hand to assist in the drop off process.

If you need additional information feel free to contact the Florissant Health Department at 314-839-7655 or visit Midwest Recycling Center’s website at www.midwrc.net.

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School

March 25, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Community leaders serve as volunteer-readers to Hazelwood elementary students Elected officials and other community leaders volunteered to read across the Hazelwood School District on March 6. The Hazelwood Board of Education proclaimed March 6 as Read Across Hazelwood Day in the district, to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday, inspire young readers, and encourage adult involvement. Read Across America is an annual reading program usually held on Dr. Seuss’s Birthday, March 2 but since that date fell on a Monday this year, schedules were more hectic. TherePhoto courtesy Hazelwood School District fore, the district created an alDr. Adam Howell, chiropractor and Rotary Club of Florissant secretary is shown reading to ternate program. first-graders at Walker Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District.

Community leaders took part in the event by visiting one of eight participating elementary schools and reading to pre-assigned classrooms. The overall impact resulted in more than 60 volunteers reading Dr. Seuss books to nearly 1,400 students.

www.BJCMedicalGroup.org/Cardiology

McCluer North High School wrestlers take third place in state championship

Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District Wrestlers Triniya Walker (left) and Ibrahim Ameer both took third place in the championship.

On Feb. 22, 12 students from McCluer North High School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District competed in the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Boys and Girls Wrestling State Championship. Triniya Walker and Ibrahim Ameer both took third place in the championship. The MSHSAA Wrestling State Championship was held at the University of Missouri-Columbia’s Arena.

“Our girls and boys wrestlers did incredibly well and we couldn’t be prouder of them,” said head wrestling coach Jacob Lapinski. “At state, Ibrahim was 6-1, and ended the season 361, with his only loss coming in the state quarter finals. Triniya was 5-1 during state with her loss coming from the semifinals match. She made a lot of super fans due to that match which went into triple-overtime and ended with a standing ovation!”

McCluer North sent the largest number of student wrestlers to compete at the state level in 10 years. Girls wrestling made their first official debut to McCluer North in the 2018-2019 school year, making this school year the second year of girls wrestling for McCluer North.

On Feb. 15, the wrestlers competed in the Class 3 District Tournament at St. Charles High School in St. Charles. Several schools across the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area participated and McCluer North scored the highest points. This is the second year of girls wrestling at McCluer North.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • March 25, 2020

Recipe:

Make cents of a healthy diet

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Curry-Spiced Tofu with Asian Vegetables

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.

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association Servings: 4

One of the great myths of healthy eating is that it’s expensive. Making healthier choices can actually save you money when you know how to shop smart.

Ingredients: 12 ounces light, extra-firm tofu, drained and patted dry, cut into four slices 1 tablespoon, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons, curry powder, divided 12 ounces packaged fresh stir-fry vegetables 1 tablespoon water

2 teaspoons canola oil 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 large onion, cut into 3/4- inch wedges 4 large garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup light coconut milk 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili Cover loosely to keep warm. garlic sauce In same skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat, swirling Directions: to coat bottom. Cook onion 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Put tofu on large plate. Sprinkle tofu on both sides with 1 Stir in vegetables and garlic. Cook 1-2 minutes, or until tablespoon curry powder. vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring constantly.

In large microwaveable bowl, microwave vegetables and water on high 2-3 minutes, or until vegetables are almost tendercrisp. Pour off remaining water.

Stir in coconut milk, chili garlic sauce and remaining curry powder. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Spoon vegetable mixture over tofu.

In large nonstick skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook tofu in single layer 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer to separate large plate.

Nutrition Information: 151 calories; 6.5 g total fat; 86 mg sodium; 14 g carbohydrates; 4 g fiber; 4 g sugars; 10 g protein.

Find more recipes and tips to make healthy meals more affordable at fyp365.com or heart.org/healthyforlife.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 8

Coronavirus prompts many theater closings

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.

Movies have always been a big part of my life.

I came of age at a time when St. Louis neighborhood theaters such as the Granada and the Kingsland were common. These were big, beautiful movie house where I saw such diverse films as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Star Wars” and an animated version of “Charlotte’s Web.” Time and changing demographics led to their demise, however. The lot where the Granada stood now is a parking lot while the Kingsland gave way to an Aldi’s grocery store.

Over the last century, movies and movie theaters have been a constant in people’s lives. Even when new technologies like television and online streaming arrived, people still went to the theater. About a year ago, Marvel Studios released “Avengers: Endgame,” a film that packed theaters and set box office records. Disney, which owns Marvel, followed up that success with “Toy Story 4” and the live-action version of “The Lion King.”

It was truly a good year for Disney.

The emergence of the Coronavirus has had a devastating effect on our work lives and leisure time. Ten days ago, I was watching “Onward,” the new Pixar film, at the Regal Cinema

biopic, but the couple recently announced that they both contracted the Coronavirus. As of this writing, they are still in quarantine and Warner Bros. has suspended production on the film.

Even though movie theaters are not open, there are other options to help pass the time while you are social distancing. The streaming service Disney+ arrived last year and offers a free trial for new subscribers.

If you are a Verizon subscriber, the company will give you 12 months to try the service for free. Otherwise, it’s $6.99 per month, which is not a Photo courtesy Bigstock bad deal. Disney+ has a good mixlocation near me with a big bucket of popcorn ture of Marvel movies, live action films and and a soda. This week, in accordance with some true classics from the Disney vault.

I use a regular antenna on one of my TV sets government guidelines, Regal has shuttered its locations until further notice. AMC also is which allows me to get free, over-the-air digital following suit in some areas. With the closure broadcasts from local TV stations. I’ve done of their theme parks, the Walt Disney Studios this in St. Louis and in Orange County, California and the picture quality is quite good. It’s had a severe reversal of fortune.

At the studio level, production on new films an inexpensive alternative if you don’t have a has been halted while release dates on films cable subscription. I’ve also dusted off DVD in the pipeline have been pushed back. As a copies of some of my favorite films to pass the result, “Black Widow,” “A Quiet Place Part II” time.

Stay inside, stay healthy and stay safe everyand “Mulan” will arrive in theaters later than expected. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson trav- one. I hope to see everyone at the movies very eled to Australia to work on an Elvis Presley soon.

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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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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.

Moore On Life These are tough times. The great toilet paper apocalypse has come to pass. Because of it, people have turned into raging wolves and completely forgetting any common decency.

My husband and I turned on the TV to see mass pandemonium. There were long lines with people crying and tears streaming down their faces; crowds were lunging forward, mayhem, screaming, fighting, pushing and shoving. It was an old rerun of the Beatles appearing on the Ed Sullivan show. I guess nothing much has changed when it comes to a hot commodity.

We turned the channel to something more calming – the news on the lung-eating virus. It sounded serious.

“Wow. I’m going to fill up some emergency water jugs. You go to the store and get some necessities,” my husband said.

I drove to the store and saw long lines, pushing, shoving and mayhem.

“Hmm,” I thought to myself. “The Beatles must be making a big comeback appearance.”

I elbowed my way into the mob and tried to find a shopping cart. Not one in sight. I’d have to make like a chipmunk and shove things into my cheek pouches until I got to the checkout counter.

It took me an hour, but I made it out alive. Back home my husband unloaded my sack and held up a bottle.

“What the heck’s this?”

“Pickled jalapenos.”

“What for? Are you constipated?”

“Don’t be silly. There wasn’t anything left in the vegetable section except a few of those bottles.

We’ll have to make do.”

He then pulled out a box of hair dye.

“Mind explaining this?”

“I believe you did say ‘necessities?’ We may

By Cindy Moore

Mob mentality be in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, but that doesn’t mean I have to look like one.”

He continued to rummage through packs of Oreos, cartons of ice cream and numerous packages of kibble and cat treats. “Where’s the toilet paper?”

“There wasn’t any.”

“You’re kidding! What are we going to do for you know when after we do you know what?”

“Not a problem. I’ve got a whole basketful of mismatched socks I’ve been saving since the kids were little. I knew they would come in handy someday.”

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. Cutlass or Delta 88, for short 5. Passports and driver’s licenses 8. Bit of smoke 12. Narcotics agent, for short 13. Type of coffee maker 14. Sashay 15. Austin Powers’ antagonist 16. Creole cuisine staple 17. Designer Calvin 18. *Last year’s winning coach 20. Red-encased cheese 21. Prepared 22. Drunkard’s sound?

23. Source of white meat 26. They are often grand 30. “Ever” to a poet 31. Mrs. Potts of “Beauty and the Beast” 34. Cough syrup balsam 35. Russians, e.g.

37. A shot could prevent it 38. Up and about 39. Lake ____caca, South America 40. Plant disease 42. *Member of University of Utah team 43. Autumnal zodiac sign

45. Rooster, e.g.

47. Rare find 48. Campus VIPs 50. Razor-____ 52. *Lowest seed 54. In good health 55. 2017 Oscar-winning animated film 56. “____ for thought” 59. Essential oil derived from iris 60. Nasal input 61. Pre-swan state?

62. *NCAA basketball team with most titles 63. *7 seed opponent in round 1 64. Prospector’s mother DOWN 1. *Top seed 2. Abbreviation on a bathroom door 3. Precedes drab 4. Part of an eyeball 5. Vexed 6. Eastwood’s _____ Harry 7. Quarrel 8. *Lowest seeded team to win championship 9. Part of ideal 10. Fit for a skinny one 11. Mightier than sword?

13. Give to St. Vinny’s

14. Yarn store unit 19. Does like Matryoshka 22. *An airball doesn’t do it to either rim or net 23. Outdoes 24. Thing of the past 25. One of the Muses 26. *Final ____ 27. India’s sacred flower 28. *Like last eight 29. More sure 32. Like Bob Ross’ hair 33. Layer 36. *Cavaliers’ state 38. Make amends 40. Slow-witted 41. Demosthenes, e.g.

44. Waits for approval, e.g.

46. Being of service 48. D in LED 49. Former prisoner 50. Rigid necklace 51. Catapult 52. One from Glasgow 53. Canceled 54. Olden-day French coin 57. Goes with borrowed and blue 58. Indigo extract

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