CN: April 15, 2020

April 15, 2020

Policing in a pandemic First responders in Florissant adapt to the challenges presented during the COVID-19 outbreak

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Charles J. Pearson.

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By Charlotte Beard First Responders in the Florissant community have sought various ways to address the added challenges of protecting and serving citizens during the pandemic.

“The public has been very understanding,” stated Chief of Police Timothy Fagan for the Florissant Police Department. “We are a department that encourages a lot of interaction between our officers and the public. This is a strange time because (the) officer may not be as friendly as he or she once was, but that is just as a precaution to try maintaining the recommended guidelines. We hope (the community) is patient with us during this time. Nothing has changed for us on our end; I want to make sure that the public knows we are here for them.”

One of the first things the Florissant police administration has had to ensure is the internal safety among its officers while yet addressing day-to-day operations.

“We’re fortunate that we have two different buildings where we have police officers,” stated Fagan. “We have our main headquarters at the main police department on North Hwy 67, but now we also have our Justice Center, which houses a good deal of our police officers on Washington in the former Dick Weber building. The first thing that we realized early on is that we do have a good separation of a good deal of our people, so we’re able to keep folks operating out of separate buildings. In the terrible chance that we have somebody that is exposed, at least (we’ll) have a good segment of our department in a separate building in a separate location altogether. So, that was an initial positive and we’re making sure we maintain those two different buildings with those two different groups of folks. Internally we’ve done a couple of different things as well, as far as just the handling of day-to-day activities. Typically, at the beginning of every shift we would hold the roll call

Around Town

Information on COVID-19.

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Feature Section Summer Camp Guide. P.5 Senior Living. P.6

Special Section Support Local Restaurants. Pg. 8-10

Features

Florissant Police Department Chief of Police Timothy Fagan.

Photos courtesy city of Florissant

with our officers – we would get the entire platoon together as well as the supervisory staff, they would have a brief meeting. (Currently), we stagger that roll call; (we) bring half of them in it at one time and 45 minutes later (we) bring the other half of that platoon in. The idea there is (that) we don’t have officers changing cars and coming on and off duty all at the same time. So, we don’t have a big group of folks together at the same time.”

To further accommodate this change at the two facilities, Fagan shared that Florissant has begun using Zoom to conduct virtual roll calls.

“So, we’re still having some interaction between the supervisors and the patrol staff, but it’s not putting a group of folks together in close proximity in a room.”

For safety or emergency reasons, Florissant police officers are responding to calls for sick

cases, but they are not entering residences or businesses unless requested to do so by emergency medical professionals. Fagan shared that both the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District and Black Jack Fire Protection District receive dispatches at the same time as the Florissant Police Department, however the department is leaving medical calls to the protection districts. He also stated that because nursing homes consist of the higher risk population, the department is following similar measures to limit exposure to the possibility of the corona virus.

“Obviously, if they have an emergency (due to) violence or a fire (for example),” stated Fagan, “of course the department is going to respond as we always have, but on the smaller calls or the sick case calls, again, we’re going See ‘POLICING’ page 2

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April 15, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘POLICING’ from cover to let the emergency medical staff handle that and we’re going to try to keep our officers outside of those facilities.”

Fagan also states that for the health of the public and police officers, the department is trying to handle some calls by phone that may involve a request for legal advice or home visits. For some minor offences (i.e., license plate theft), the department will still dispatch an officer to the location of the reporting party.

“We’re a profession that can’t take days off and we can’t work from home; we need to be here when the public needs us,” stated Fagan. “So, we are trying our best to come up with some strategies to keep as many of these folks working as we possibly can.” “’Business as usual’ is really what is going on with a lot of extra precautions built in place. We’re still (going to) be there for the residences.”

Last month, the Fire Chief of the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District, Jason Hoevelmann, shared the district’s changes to operations and day-to-day business.

The guidelines are made up of a collaborative through the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the In-

ternational Association of Firefighters along with guidelines used by the CDC, the Missouri Department of Health, and St. Louis County Department of Health.

Hoevelmann advises the public to avoid impromptu visits to the station; for assistance and/or questions call 314-837-4894 during regular business hours.

“The day-to-day business hours are the same,” stated Hoevelmann, “however we are restricting all of our buildings from public use and we’re not letting people enter the building. It seems like a drastic measure but it’s one that we (must) take to protect the community. The last thing we want is someone contaminating a paramedic, or firefighter who then has to go out and take care of some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

Hoevelmann stated that the following activities have been halted until further notice: business inspections, fire station tours, fire station community gatherings, fire department participation in community events and other public relations activities. There is a screening process for those who call the station for routine resident smoke alarm inspections. The screening process is in place to eliminate the exposure of fire department team members to any unknown threat. Car seat installations and inspections will be handled in cases of emergency using a similar screening process. CPR first aid classes and other public education activities are currently postponed. Routine trainings for the district are taking place

COMMUNITY VOICES

at each engine house in lieu of taking place at multiple entities outside the district.

Hoevelmann also shared that 9-1-1 calls that require a visit from the Florissant Valley Fire District are being handled differently than normal.

If there’s a possibility that you have an exposure you’re going to get one paramedic come to your door and (that paramedic) is going to ask you a series of questions that you may have already answered to dispatch them.”

A person who is an “exposure risk” is being handled in that manner but with expedient care, according to Hoevelmann. To limit health risks for those needing immediate medical care, people with needs that are not life threatening are being advised to call the hotline established by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 877-435-8411 in lieu of calling 9-1-1 or going to the emergency room for COVID-19 testing. The hotline is managed 24/7 by medical professionals.

“If you do call 9-1-1 and you want to be transported, we will take you to the hospital [but] understand that process is going to be different than what it used to be during this time and with these current restrictions,” stated Hoevelmann. “These guidelines that we’re following during responses is handed down by CDC, the Missouri Department of Health, and the St. Louis County Department of Health.”

The Florissant Police Department can be reached directly at 314-831-7000.

By Dr. Charles J. Pearson

It is important to remember the power of the census I have written a great deal about the future that I dream for the young people that I serve in the Normandy Schools Collaborative. I have shared my vision of young people graduating with the 21st Century skills necessary to lead, to solve contemporary problems with visionary solutions.

I have written about the need to immerse students in the multiple pathways to success. I have written to encourage hope when hope sometimes feels senseless. National headlines certainly contribute to a view that says, “I don’t matter!”

Yet, each of us has some personal power.

In a time of abject cynicism and negative encounters, we have before us several opportunities to be powerful. The first opportunity is participation in the census.

It is critical that each and every person be counted in the upcoming census. Like voting, participation is both a privilege, a responsibility and a strategy.

The Decennial Census counts everyone in the United States and in Puerto Rico. It is important to note that “Needs don’t get counted. People get counted.” By ensuring an accurate count, each of us gets to directly impact the following: • The annual allocation of approximately $675 billion in federal funds to states and communities—our communities.

• Number of congressional seats assigned to each state.

• How voting districts are drawn.

• C reates a baseline for all federal government departments, agencies and programs.

map of the U.S. indicating virtually in real time the response rate of households down to the census tract level.

• D rive decisions for support of school programs and services such as Special Education grants to states, the National School Lunch Program, the Child Care and Development Block Grant, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Head Start.

• May-July - the Census Bureau will conduct its Nonresponse Follow-up operation where census takers are hired to go door-to-door to those households who have not yet responded to try and get them to complete the census questionnaire.

• D ecisions made by the public, private, and nonprofit sectors that effect each of us.

It is indeed very tempting for many of us to feel that we do not count in the grand scale; that we do not matter when decisions at the highest levels are made, that our voice is irrelevant. Nevertheless, each one of us must act as if we matter; speak as if our voice should be heard; push ahead as if we have power; and believe because we have an inner faith.

Be counted! And after you have been counted – vote as if your civic life depended upon it.

The entire process began in March.

• Starting mid-March, all households will receive a series of USPS mailed postcards encouraging them to go online or call an 800 number to answer the census questionnaire. If a household has not responded by the fourth or fifth postcard mailer, it will automatically be sent a paper questionnaire.

• Starting mid-March, 20 percent of the households in the U.S. will automatically be sent a paper questionnaire in English or Spanish. Factors used to determine these households include an older median age and low-to-no Internet connectivity.

• April 1 was Census Day - benchmark date that is important to how and where some people are counted.

• There will be an online, interactive

Dr. Charles J. Pearson is currently the Superintendent of the Normandy Schools Collaborative. He has been committed to serving in the public education arena for over 35 years.

Pearson received his doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University in 2007. He is married to Betty and they have three adult children and live in Normandy.

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 • April 15, 2020

STLCC donates medical supplies to BJC HealthCare

Submitted photo St. Louis Community College donated medical supplies to BJC HealthCare for use among its network of hospitals.

In an effort to help provide critical medical supplies in the area, St. Louis Community College donated personal protective equipment and other needs to BJC HealthCare.

College faculty and staff from the health sciences programs gathered and inventoried items such as respirators, N-95 masks, thermometers, disposable gowns, ventilators and other medical supplies. The donations were shipped to BJC for use by its network of hospitals.

“St. Louis Community College is committed to be present during this pandemic,” said Chancellor Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D. “Although we’re in an uncertain space, we do have a strong sense of community, of togetherness. That’s the only way we’ll get through this.”

“BJC HealthCare is grateful to our communities for the ways they are rallying around our health care workers,” said Tim Miller, BJC warehouse supervisor.

BJC has identified these products as high-priority needs: • FDA-approved surgical masks and respirators • N95 masks • Thermometers – infrared and forehead with disposable covers • Footwear covers • Disposable isolation gowns • Tyvek contamination suits • Face shields or industrial grinding shields with head harness and plastic shield • Goggles or eye protection • Hand sanitizer bottles or bulk • Sanitizing wipes • Nasopharyngeal swabs (nasal type, not Q-Tip-type cotton swabs) At this time, BJC is not accepting open packages of items. For information about making medical supply donations and where to drop them off, visit BJC.org/CoronavirusDonations.

Around Town

Local Author Spotlight: Lillian Harrison “Ventilation of the Heart” represents the heart in every way from brokenness to emptiness to happiness when you read the book you will find just about every characteristic of the human heart from anger, to being love sick, from lack, to the pleasures of pure ecstasy and more.

Writing became a pursuit that brought out in Lillian Harrison courage, freedom, and her passions that often seem suppressed.

Harrison’s life changed when she suffered a head injury that caused much confusion, anguish, setbacks, and pain. She started writing when her life didn’t make sense and reality wasn’t adding up. Harrison had to sit down and wonder why she had so many consequences of lacked actions that just didn’t make sense until she started writing to herself. Harrison then started writing poetry and meditating when she realized that she was both somehow spiritually and physically entangled and it often caused consequences that were not her own.

The book “Ventilation of the Heart” is the outspoken heart expressing both life and spirit; it represents the ventilation of the heart out loud, for without the heart there is no existence of love or life.

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Aound Town

April 15, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Ranken Jordan works to protect vulnerable children during the COVID-19 pandemic QUESTION: Why is it so important for the community to stay home and follow the CDC’s prevention guidelines?

ANSWERS: • Put simply, these steps can save lives. We need to slow this beast down.

• By following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) prevention guidelines and staying home, you protect not just you and your family but also our fragile pediatric patients at Ranken Jordan and the vital caregivers they rely on every day in our hospital.

• We know when communities take serious measures such as keeping people at home, less than one percent of citizens will get the virus vs. 70 percent who will get it by doing

nothing. These measures do make a difference.

QUESTION: Why are children with medically complex needs more at risk?

ANSWERS: • Children dealing with multiple medical issues are inherently more sensitive to what could go wrong if they get COVID-19 (coronavirus), such as infections and complications.

• More than half the children at Ranken Jordan are on a ventilator already. That means they have a deficiency of pulmonary function and so any additional injury to lung tissue could be life-threatening.

• These children don’t have any reserve or buffer if they are challenged, tested or stressed

by an illness. There’s no room for getting worse. That’s why they are at such high risk.

care for our vulnerable patients who often need roundthe-clock care.

QUESTION: How does the coronavirus impact your employees who care for these children?

ANSWERS: • One of our big concerns during this coronavirus outbreak is keeping our employees healthy. If an employee is exposed to coronavirus in the community while they are away from the hospital, they can’t come to work for two weeks to provide the necessary care for our patients.

• With not enough caregivers available to care for their dayto-day needs, these children’s lives are at risk.

• When our caregivers are self-quarantined, or worse, diagnosed with coronavirus, we would experience an acute shortage of qualified staff to

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• That’s why we’re taking so many precautions to protect our patients and our staff and that’s why we need the community’s help to prevent the spread of the virus.

QUESTION: What precautions are you taking at Ranken Jordan to protect patients and employees?

ANSWERS: • Ranken Jordan’s expert pediatric infectious disease specialist ensures we’re doing our best to stop coronavirus—and all illnesses—at the door now and always.

• Recently, we’ve taken important actions to protect our patients and staff including: - Detailed screenings and temperature checks of every employee and visitor - Rigorous hand hygiene - Social distancing following the six-foot rule - Frequent, thorough surface cleaning - Limiting the number of family visitors to one at a time per patient to decrease traffic - Restricting outpatient therapy visits - Postponing tests and procedures at outside facilities unless medically urgent - Canceling community outings and volunteer visits QUESTION: Since the coronavirus is affecting our entire community, how is Ranken Jordan collaborating with other hospitals to better care for patients?

ANSWERS: • We have strong partnerships with our colleagues at other pediatric facilities and have been in frequent communication with them throughout this crisis.

• Currently, our partners have assured us there are no concerns about hospital capacity for pediatric patients since children overall are less susceptible to coronavirus.

• At the same time, we know it’s possible some of our patients at Ranken Jordan could contract coronavirus so we’re prepared for that.

We would transfer these patients immediately to a local pediatric hospital designed to care for children with acute illnesses.

• However, if we had to keep a child with coronavirus at Ranken Jordan, we have the capacity to care for them.

I’ve also seen the talent, heart and courage of all our colleagues in the pediatric and adult health care world as we deal with this devastating virus.

QUESTION: There’s so much information coming out about the coronavirus that seems to change by the hour each day.

How do you manage that to determine advice to give families and your health care team?

ANSWERS: • This has been a challenge. We do have so many local, state and national health information sources as well as information from colleagues at other hospitals. So we try to distill the messages by looking at consistency in messages and highlight what’s common across most sources.

• We also have to use our judgment and apply the information to our unique setting and patients.

QUESTION: What else can the community do to help protect more people?

ANSWERS: • Through preparation, vigilance and cooperation, we can protect the most vulnerable through this crisis.

• It’s essential for the entire community to follow the CDC guidelines and to follow the rules of staying home to stop the spread of coronavirus.

• Wash your hands often. Stay 6 feet apart from others. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Cover coughs and sneezes. Clean and disinfect surfaces daily. Pay attention to any symptoms. And stay home as much as possible.

• Understand that each one of us can make the difference in saving lives.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • April 15, 2020

School

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McCluer High School JROTC cadet student receives scholarship worth over $100,000 Cadet First Sergeant Devon S. Tallent, a senior in McCluer High School’s Army JROTC Comet Battalion, was selected by the U.S. Army Cadet Command for a National level three-year Advanced Designee Army ROTC Scholarship. This scholarship, valued at $124,800, was determined through a national process and awarded based on a review of his scholarship application using a “whole person” concept.

“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me,” said Tallent. “I’ll demonstrate great leadership style and I’m really looking forward to sharing my knowledge of the JROTC as a whole and provide a different perspective.

Tallent’s selection offered for him to attend one of his top three universities that he was accepted to: Missouri State University, Maryville University and Harris Stowe State University. Tallent chose to attend Maryville University, where he’ll major in forensic science while participating on the swim team and attending Washington Uni-

versity’s Army ROTC Gateway Battalion.

“I’m extremely happy and excited that Cadet First Sergeant Tallent was selected,” said senior army instructor Lieutenant (LTC) Darrell Gray.

“In his three years participating in McCluer’s Army JROTC program, he excelled as a leader earning the rank and position of Cadet First Sergeant where he’s responsible for teaching, mentoring and leading cadets under his leadership.”

Upon successful completion of the ROTC program and the forensics science baccalaureate degree, Tallent will be commissioned as U.S. Army Second Lieutenant in either the Regular Army, Army National Guard, or the United States Army Reserves.

“I hope that other cadets, and students not a part of the program, will be able to see what opportunities the U.S. Army has for college-bound students, and how Cadet Tallent’s hard work and dedication has allowed him to continue his academic and career goals, debt-free,” said Gray.

Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District Cadet First Sergeant Devon S. Tallent, a senior in McCluer High School’s Army JROTC Comet Battalion, was selected by the U.S. Army Cadet Command for a National level three-year Advanced Designee Army ROTC Scholarship.

North County Christian School seniors receive scholarships to Maryville University

Photos courtesy North County Christian School Chinyere Turner, Assistant Director of Admissions at Maryville University, presents the Presidential Scholarship Award to North County Christian School senior, Colin Nicks.

Joseph Miller, North County Christian School Business Manager, congratulates North County Christian School senior Cameron Thomas, who won a Multicultural Scholarship to Maryville University.

Two seniors from North County Christian financial services.

School (NCCS) recently received scholarships Both Nicks and Thomas are thankful for the to Maryville University. Colin Nicks received outstanding education they have received at the prestigious Presidential Scholarship, which NCCS, and are looking forward to continuing is only awarded to one student per year, and in- their education at Maryville University. cludes full tuition, room and board for four years.

Nicks was selected from several hundred applicants. He has been attending NCCS since the fourth grade, and was inducted into the National Honor Society last year. Nicks is the senior student chaplain, a member of the Student Council, and plays saxophone in the orchestra. He plans to major in a field that involves chemistry.

Cameron Thomas won a www.bricks4kidz.com/stl Multicultural Scholarship, which provides 75 percent off tuition. Thomas was introduced to NCCS by attending the ASAP Summer Camp in third grade, and began attending during the school year in sixth grade. Thomas, who is also a National Honor Society member, is the Student Council treasurer, and has been a valuable basketball, soccer and baseball player at NCCS. He plans to pursue Business Administration at Maryville Uniwww.mjperformingartsacademy.com versity, with a concentration in

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Business

April 15, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Home Builders Association Donates $15,000 to DOORWAYS On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2020 HBA President Bill Wannstedt of Consort Homes (left) presented a $15,000 donation to Jim Timmerberg, director of development for DOORWAYS. The donation will be used to replace air handlers and heat pumps at DOORWAYS’ Cooper House residence.

Cooper House is a 36-bed, 24-hour care facility for homeless individuals with HIV/AIDS and additional illnesses that restrict their independence. DOORWAYS is an in-

Submitted photo

terfaith non-profit organization which provides housing and related supportive services to improve quality of life and health outcomes for people affected by HIV/AIDS. The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

Delta Dental of Missouri donates $500,000 to organizations providing COVID-19 relief efforts Delta Dental of Missouri, the state’s leader in dental benefits, announced it is donating $500,000 to organizations providing COVID-19 relief efforts in Missouri, and in South Carolina, where the company does business as Delta Dental of South Carolina. The donation is driven by Delta Dental’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of people in the communities it serves.

A total of 11 organizations will benefit from the $500,000 donation, which is being allocated as follows: Missouri • St. Louis Community Foundation: $100,000 • Community Foundation of the Ozarks: $40,000 • Greater Kansas City Community Foundation: $40,000 • Community Foundation of Central Missouri: $40,000 • Operation Food Search (St. Louis, MO): $10,000 • St. Louis Area Food Bank: $10,000 • Ozarks Food Harvest (Springfield, MO): $5,000 • Harvesters - The Community Food Network (Kansas City, MO): $5,000 South Carolina • The One SC Fund at Central Carolina Commu-

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nity Foundation: $200,000 • Harvest Hope Food Bank (Columbia, SC): $25,000 • Senior Resources (Columbia, SC): $25,000 “We have chosen these organizations because of their dedication to mobilizing their teams and marshalling their resources to address the current health crisis,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “These organizations will be using any funds they receive to immediately benefit communities we serve at Delta Dental. We are also supporting local food banks to help them meet the dramatically increased demand from those impacted by the Coronavirus.”

These donations are in addition to Delta Dental’s regular mission giving commitments to help meet the oral health needs of children and adults in their communities. Last year, Delta Dental of Missouri contributed more than $1.5 million to support outreach initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that teach people about the importance of dental health and provide free care to those who cannot afford it. To learn more about grant opportunities through Delta Dental’s 2020 Oral Health Grant Program, visit https://www. deltadentalmo.com/AboutUs/oral-health-grantprogram.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • April 15, 2020

Senior Living

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Missouri American Water continues essential work to provide safe and reliable drinking water Amidst the current COVID-19 public health emergency, Missouri American Water is continuing its essential work to provide safe and reliable drinking water to St. Louis County customers.

Missouri American Water has taken steps to continue its work safely and in accordance with all federal, state and local directives. Water utilities are part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “critical infrastructure sectors,” as safe drinking water is critical to protecting public health.

“Our customers count on us every day to deliver safe, clean, and reliable water, which is why we’re continuing essential work to operate and maintain our system. This work includes the replacement of aging water mains that have a history of breaking and disrupting water service to customers,” said Debbie Dewey, President of Missouri American Water. “We thank the leadership of St. Louis County for recognizing the critical nature of our service and investment in protecting the public by allowing our work to continue.”

Missouri American Water plans to invest $93 million in water main replacement projects in St. Louis County in 2020.

Ongoing St. Louis County projects of note include:

double duty taking care of our customers and their own families, and we thank them for rising to this unprecedented challenge,” Dewey continued. “As an essential employer we have taken many steps to protect and support our employees during this crisis, including limiting interactions with customers and fellow employees to help with social distancing.”

To help protect employees and contractors, Missouri American Water is asking customers to follow CDC social distancing guidelines and refrain from approaching

workers in the field. If a customer sees a crew performing work nearby and wishes to ask a question about it, they are encouraged to visit https://amwater.com/ moaw/ or the company’s Facebook or Twitter pages, or call Customer Service at 866-430-0820.

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• Fee Fee Road in Maryland Heights, from Dorsett to Midland, where more than 2,400 feet of 1950s-era eightinch main will be replaced over two phases with 12-inch PVC. • South Central Avenue in Clayton, from Shaw Park Dr. to Carondelet Ave., where more than 1,200 feet of cast iron main from the 1960s will be replaced with PVC and upsized from six inches to 12 inches ahead of a city of Clayton road project.

• Washington Avenue in University City, from N Big Bend Blvd. to Wellesley Ave., replacing more than 2,500 feet of 1930s-era six-inch cast iron main with 12-inch PVC ahead of a road improvement project there.

“I’m so proud of our employees and contractors for the work they do every day to keep life flowing for our community during this crisis – water service for hygiene, hospitals, sanitation, fire protection and for our customers at home. Many of our employees are working

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April 15, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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Sports you see with Gary B...

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St. Louis loses another football team The XFL (Xtreme Football League) has suspended operations this past week and laid off nearly all of its staff, multiple sources told ESPN. While a handful of executives remain employed, the league currently has no plans to return in 2021.

The very popular St. Louis team the BattleHawks have ceased operation.

The league canceled its season last month after five games as part of a nationwide shutdown due to the coronavirus pandem-

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ic, pledging to return next year.

According to a prominent former XFL staffer commented he heard information saying the league was going out of business and a strong implication was clear, “It’s done, it’s not coming back.”

The XFL is owned by WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, who was making his second foray into professional football. His rowdy 2001 version of the XFL also folded after one year.

McMahon pivoted 180 degrees for XFL 2.0, trying to create a serious football league that would market a new version of the game while avoiding direct competition with the NFL. The group of staffers through two years of product development, establishing a series of innovations – from its new kickoff alignment to its three-tiered extra point structure – that caught the eye of multiple members of the NFL competition committee.

The XFL is the second spring football league in as many years to suspend operations before completing its final season, albeit for much different reasons.

The Alliance of American Football (AAF) ran out of money in 2019 and closed after eight weeks of play. The XFL might be the first pro sports league to fall victim to the economic crisis caused by the global pandemic.

On a positive note, as I mentioned in my article last week, two of the St. Louis BattleHawks team were signed to National Football League (NFL) contracts. * Guess we can’t catch a break on getting a football team

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 • April 15, 2020

Recipe:

Give a treat with a kid-friendly sweet

L

etting kids get hands-on in the kitchen is an easy way to keep them busy while teaching important life skills.

Planning for delicious snacks children can make all on their own (or with minimal assistance) makes for a winning solution, and these Crazy Candy Ice Cream Sandwiches are a prime example.

Ingredients: 1 cup vanilla ice cream 1/4 cup chopped candy bar 6 graham cracker sheets, broken into 12 squares 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels 1 1/2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or vegetable oil multi-colored sprinkles (optional) Directions: In medium bowl, stir ice cream until just softened. Stir in chopped candy.

Working quickly, scoop ice cream mixture onto six graham cracker squares. Top with remaining graham cracker squares,

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– SUDOKU –

Crazy Candy Ice Cream Sandwiches

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.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

gently pressing down until ice cream reaches edges of crackers. Place in shallow, wax paper-lined pan. Freeze 1 hour.

In small, microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate morsels and coconut oil.

Microwave on high 40-60 seconds, or until melted, stirring vigorously every 20 seconds. Let stand at room temperature

10 minutes.

Remove sandwiches from freezer. Dip half of each sandwich into chocolate mixture. Immediately scatter sprinkles over chocolate, if desired. Return to wax paper-lined pan. Freeze about 5 minutes, or until chocolate sets. Serve immediately or individually wrap in plastic wrap and store in freezer.

Find more kid-friendly snack ideas at milkmeansmore.org

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 8

What to watch: airplane movies

W

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.

hile sheltering at home, watching TV has been a challenge thanks to the commercial breaks.

A quick commercial spot for Extra Refreshers Gum features a young man and his older, wiser chess opponent. The teenager has his eye on some girls sitting near them and, with a strategic nod, his friend encourages him to walk over with some gum to say hello.

Made before the pandemic, this commercial contains no social distancing whatsoever and it reminds me of what I cannot do right now.

Movies have always been my escape, but they also remind of the things that I cannot or will not do right now, such as riding in airplanes.

To counterbalance that, I started thinking of great films about flying. “Airplane!,” the 1980 comedy where the jokes come in rapid-fire succession, looks at the funny side of air travel.

Robert Hayes starred as Ted Stryker, a former combat pilot with a fear of flying. When his flight attendant girlfriend Elaine (Julie Hagerty) breaks up with him before reporting for work, Ted buys a ticket on the same flight to

Photo courtesy Warner Bros.

win her back. He is soon called upon to use his flying skills in a crisis.

In some ways, Charles Lindbergh, a U.S. Air Mail pilot, was the prototype for social distancing. In 1927, Lindbergh flew a non-stop, solo flight from New York to Paris and won the Orteig Prize for his efforts. Thirty years later, Jimmy Stewart played the heroic pilot in “The Spirit of St. Louis,” a Lindbergh biopic that contained fascinating details about the actual flight. Like “Apollo 13,” it is one of those movies where you feel compelled to watch until the end to make sure that Lindbergh arrives safely in Paris.

Pilots of all skill levels are a big part of “Inde-

pendence Day,” the 1996 science fiction thriller.

Aliens arrive in large spaceships and use our own communication satellites against us. Will Smith plays Captain Steven Hiller, a jet pilot who desperately wants to join NASA, but his application is rejected.

After the first destructive alien attack, Hiller gets a chance to fly an alien spacecraft on a mission to sabotage the

invaders.

Randy Quaid also gets some great moments in “Independence Day” as Russell Casse, a combat pilot who claimed he was abducted by aliens years earlier. Casse shows his stuff in a showdown with the invaders. Bill Pullman’s President Thomas J. Whitmore also heads into the wild blue yonder against the expressed wishes of his friends and advisors.

Sheltering in place, while necessary, can get a little tedious. These films and other movies about aviation are one way to lift our spirits during the ongoing crisis. Stay safe and healthy and I hope I get to join you at the movies sometime soon.

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Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: Coffee & Tea

‘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

G

et used to it folks. We’re in house indefinitely. And you know what that means?

“We’re all gonna die?”

No, it means you’re going to have to learn to like those people you married and the ones you gave birth to.

“We’re all gonna die!”

I see your point.

Times are rough. For instance, today I looked in the mirror and realized I am quite different looking after weeks of total isolation. I have worn the same sweats for many days now. Seriously, who’s to impress? I have been without make-up and access to a decent hair cut for weeks.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I’m totally hideous, but if I were on the table at the morgue still breathing, the mortician would definitely pull the sheet over me. I’d also venture to say that if I put a cardboard cutout of me on the front lawn, we would have absolutely no problem with salesmen, Girl Scouts peddling cookies, stray dogs or porch pirates. Hmm. Note to self: when pandemic’s over order life-sized cardboard cutout, stat!

It’s obvious. I need a beautician desperately, my bangs are down around my ears; I have grown a mullet only in reverse. What’s worse, my gray roots are four inches deep. A reverse graying mullet?! Sweet mother, it truly is the zombie apocalypse, and I look like the commander-in-chief.

Ahh, but there’s always good news/bad news in every calamity. For instance, gas is cheaper than it’s been in forever. Sure we can’t go anywhere, but after three weeks, my gas gauge just barely registered below full. I think it’s gone down a gallon due to evaporation.

The bad news is things are in short supply. The TP is gone, good thing we saved a couple bags of

Containment derangement

fall leaves—scratchy, but efficient.

Now they’re telling us to wear face masks. Good luck trying to find one. Desperate times; I’ll have to wrap one of my cats around my face.

But, more good news! The burglars are out of business. Ha, take that robbers! We’re all home now. Whatcha gonna do bad boys?! I’m not afraid.

If one did enter my house all I would have to do is jump out in front of him in my mangy sweats then stare and at him maniacally through my gray mullet with a cat wrapped around my neck and cough three times.

He’d be out in a flash.

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. Bookie’s number 5. Parents org.

8. Slang for microwave 11. Time distortion 12. One with biggest share?

13. Like a case of appendicitis, possibly 15. Decanter 16. Knowing about 17. Mister in Madrid 18. *Usually served on ice, 2 words 20. Barber’s sound 21. Accepted truth 22. Took a load off 23. Artist’s office 26. Excites passions, 2 words 30. Comic book cry of horror 31. Rude or sarcastic 34. Chips, perhaps 35. Roleplay 37. Chinese “way” 38. Ice floaters 39. 100 centavos 40. Merry 42. Table scrap 43. Breastbone 45. *Double shot of espresso 47. Feather’s partner 48. Not here

50. Nickname for Putin?

52. *Revolutionary event 55. *”Tea is the only simple pleasure left to us,” he wrote 56. Research facil.

57. Typically used in the fairway 59. Goodbye to amiga 60. Plenty 61. Why not 62. *Black tea, in China 63. Bard’s “before” 64. Pay close attention DOWN 1. Be in the red 2. Crows’ cousins 3. Actress Barrymore 4. More like rumors 5. ‘70s Ford model 6. Native American emblem 7. Dwarf buffalo 8. Pueblo tribesman 9. On top 10. For each 12. Cosmetic cabinet staple 13. Allegro ____ in music, Italian 14. *____ Perk from “Friends” 19. Exit plus s 22. Eye infection

23. Oozes 24. Article of faith 25. Romanov’s edict 26. *A ____ of tea, in U.K. 27. Prowl around 28. Embryo cradles 29. Green pasta sauce 32. One on the list 33. Faux one 36. *Equal parts espresso and warm milk 38. Fauna’s partner 40. Hudson’s Bay Company original ware 41. Experts 44. Nose channels 46. Kick the bucket 48. Between countertenor and baritone 49. Make this, not waste 50. Affected by the moon 51. Went down a slippery slope 52. Kitchen flooring choice 53. Tried follower 54. Bygone era 55. *The Revolutionary one followed #52 Across 58. The Simpsons’s neighbor

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 8