CN: April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023

Building a better future

Around Town

Black Girls Build is a nonprofit that offers non-traditional job training to women and girls beginning at the age of five years old

By Wendy Todd

Black women are the largest growing group of entrepreneurs in the country, having started their own companies at four times the population rate. Often black women are not only looking for autonomy and ownership in their work, but also more respect and equitable treatment than they’ve received in corporate America. These types challenges are what led JC Sykes to found Black Girls Build, a nonprofit that offers non-traditional job training to women and girls beginning at the age of five years old. “I came up with the idea of BGB in 2019 during my time in the St. Louis and Kansas Carpenters union, which has since been

dissolved,” Sykes said. “It was the lack of women I saw in the industry that motivated me. When I did see women on job sites, they were just as frustrated from the conscious and unconscious biases against us being in this male dominated Industry.”

Sykes began her career as a nurse in oncology, but then decided to make a switch and joined the carpenter’s union. She met the man who became her husband, Robi Sykes, who helped teach her about the craft. They actually worked on several projects together including the LIVE! by Lowes Hotel

See ‘BUILDING’ page 2

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

CLA SSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3

Moore On Life, Lifestyle & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4

Weather

FRIDAY Cloudy 70/47

SATURDAY Cloudy 62/43

SUNDAY Partly Cloudy 61/42

READ US ONLINE!

By Dr. Larry A. Brown. Pg. 2

Submitted photos

Black Girls Build, a nonprofit that offers non-traditional job training to women and girls beginning at the age of five years old.

from cover Hall of Fame wide receiver hosts free football clinic for kids

More than 500 youth from the St. Louis area will have the opportunity to join former St. Louis Rams wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce for a free football clinic at the former Rams Park on June 3.

This free, non-contact clinic provides youth the opportunity to work on their football skills, sportsmanship and teamwork skills, while building self-esteem both on and off the field. Each participant will receive a t-shirt and refreshments as well as have the opportunity to meet Bruce. Registration is open to the public. Space is limited to the first 250 youth in each of the two sessions (8-10 years from 9-11 a.m. and 11-13 years from 12-2 p.m.). To register, visit www.IsaacBruce.org.

The Isaac Bruce Foundation Football Clinics are sponsored by Ameren, Mercy Sports Medicine, Performance Chiropractic & Medicine, Homer Sedighi D.M.D, P.C., Lou Fusz Football, and the Isaac Bruce Foundation. Bruce epitomizes greatness both on and off the field. Between the lines, the Hall of Fame wide receiver gained more than 15,000 receiving yards, more than 1,000 receptions, and scored 91 touchdowns during his 14 seasons with the Rams and two seasons with the 49ers. He retired as No. 2 all-time on the NFL Receiving Yards list and No. 5 on the NFL Receptions list. His number 80 was retired by the Rams in 2010 and he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. He launched the Isaac Bruce Foundation in 2006 which focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education. Through the foundation, Bruce reaches out to youth and teaches them at an early age the importance of a healthy lifestyle with a focus on education.

More than 8,500 kids have participated in the IBF’s free football clinics since 2007.

For more information on the Isaac Bruce Foundation please visit www.IsaacBruce.org.

in Ballpark Village and the new BJC West Hospital.

“My first dream was to become a physician like my father,” she said. “Once I got my hands into carpentry I was hooked.”

BGB teaches carpentry skills on Saturdays and Sundays which includes basics such as reading a tape measure and blueprints. Participants are also taught how to use tools and machinery such as a miter saw. The courses also focus on safety. The first project students take on is making an entry way bench as an introduction to making things by hand. Participants can also learn about flooring and making backsplashes.

“We make picture frames on Sunday out of trim casing to practice cutting the standard 45° angles,” Sykes said.

Sykes wants more women in non-traditional roles.

“Out of 10 million construction workers nationwide, only 10.9% are women,”

COMMUNITY VOICES:

Some folks think that recognizing holidays is not only a waste of time but also a loss of productivity. I am here to tell you that you should consider the values associated with holiday recognitions.

For one thing, it gives the entire community something that everyone can look forward to, whether or not everyone wishes to celebrate the occasion. This can have a unifying effect and provide some topic that anyone and everyone can discuss. The event being celebrated can be a topic of discussion or some of the ways and things that people do during this period of time!

It can also be a time when one can work on some special personal project because of the time off from regular events that may occupy one’s time, such as jobs. It is also an experience that is shared among people in other parts of the country or world; thereby, giving one a feeling of belonging and self-importance.

Holidays are events that people look forward to and in many cases, they make special preparations and plans for their occurrences. Some people save to buy new clothes to wear that day. Others dye and hide eggs and have Easter egg hunts.

I recently was stopped by a young man who recognized me from five-to-seven years

said Sykes. “Of that 10.9%, only 2.5% are on active job sites. My goal is to help contribute to bridging that long overdue gender gap.”

One way Sykes is attempting to motivate women tom learn carpentry is by offering a course to recognize Mother’s Day, where participants will learn the basics of carpentry, safety, have lunch and enjoy free giveaways. Sykes thought having an event of this nature on Mother’s Day weekend could be an unexpected yet fun way to get women involved in the training.

Find out more about Black Girls Build and the Mother’s Day event on their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/BGB2INC.

By Dr. Larry A. Brown

The importance of holidays

ago when he was 16 and won a boy’s Schwinn bike at an Easter egg hunt that our ministry, Grace Chapel, co-sponsored with Joyce Meyer’s at Fairgrounds Park. He went on to tell me that he still owned that bike and rode it to work for several years until he was able to buy a car. He went on to say that a turning point arrived in his life when he won that bike. He is happily married and a father, employed, and still resides in the community near Fairgrounds Park. He is involved in activities and with groups who are trying to improve that community which has been suffering from an increase in crime. He also said that he wished we still had the Easter egg hunt in that park because of the positive effect it had.

I also recently had a conversation with a lady at a food pantry in her church and she said that there were more people at church on Easter Sunday than she had seen in a long, long time. She went on to say that the next time she will witness such a crowd will be at Christmas, another holiday!

Holidays often provide stories, events, or occasions that are remembered throughout life and they are usually good remembrances. For that reason alone, it becomes important to continue to preserve, recognize and amplify holidays because of the positive effect it has on individuals and the community at large.

We should not allow the sensationalism associated with crime and bad happenings occupy the news more than the positive events that occur around holidays and are associated with the holiday. These seem to bring a form of happiness to us, who are in need of more happy thoughts, times and things in these difficult days.

To help us reduce crime and negativity before it starts contact Grace Chapel Ministries. Our website is www.gracechapelministries. org and our email address is gracechapeldevelopment@gmail.com. Our local phone number is 314-995-5013. We must work together for community improvement.

Dr. Larry A. Brown is a retired Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Worknet, Inc., which has a national ten-year contract with the Social Security Administration to find jobs for people with disabilities who are interested and qualified to enter the traditional workforce. He is also co-founder and president of Grace Chapel Ministries, former president of National Cable Training Centers, and president of Woodstock Industrial Products Group.

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.

‘BUILDING’

Submitted photo

A plaque dedication for historical preservationist to be held in Florissant

The city of Florissant along with Old Town Partners will host a plaque dedication to unveil a plaque in honor of the late Sheila Williams. This will be the 56th Walk through History plaque in honor of someone who has made a valuable contribution to the city of Florissant. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. in front of 990 rue St. Francois. All are welcome to come.

Williams was one of the five founding members of Florissant’s Valley Historic Society and a pioneer in local history. She would tell the story how Historic Florissant, Inc. saved the Meyer House from demolition from the highway expansion in the early 1970s.

Light of Parkway winners

Three special Parkway employees were surprised with the announcement they are recipients of the 2023 Light of Parkway award! The winners are:

• Liza Bangert

Choice Programs Specialist - The Nines

• Shaquita Cooke

Staff Secretary - Shenandoah Valley Elementary

• Mary Fischer Receptionist - Administration

The Light of Parkway award is designed to bring recognition to the district’s extraordinary operations (non-certified) staff members who have helped to create a positive and caring environment for the people

A business plan was formed and Williams went to the bank and she personally signed a $500,000 loan. After signing the loan, she went home to tell her husband.

Williams was the first woman engineer in the United States for Southwestern Bell in the 1970s. She was an award-winning member of Florissant’s Business & Professional Women. Williams was very active her communities, volunteered her time and donated to hundreds of charitable organizations. She also, traveled throughout the world volunteering internationally. After retirement, she settled in Texas. She will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of people she made a difference to around the world.

they serve and honors the memory of Sandy Finch, a former Parkway bus driver known for her exceptionally upbeat attitude and helpful interactions with staff, students and parents. The award for operations staff is made possible by the Parkway Alumni Association's Sandy Finch Light of Parkway Fund. Winners receive $500 from the Parkway Alumni Association.

These employees, along with Teacher of the Year recipients, staff with milestone years of service, retirees, Pillars of Parkway and Albert Award winners will be recognized during Parkway's Appreciation Evening event, on April 24.

Congratulations to all employees who were nominated for the Light of Parkway award.

Clean up and Nature in Your Neighborhood Family Fun Day to take place in O’Fallon Park

Nature is part of everyone’s neighborhood. Whether it’s the calming shade of a tree, the beauty of potted wildflowers, or pollinating bees that help a vegetable garden grow, nature makes life better even in the city.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Young Friends of earthday365, North Newstead Association, and the YMCA are joining together to host the Nature in Your Neighborhood Family Fun Day May 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in St. Louis’ O’Fallon Park at 4343 West Florissant Avenue. Nature in Your Neighborhood Family Fun Day will be centered around the O’Fallon Park YMCA Rec Complex, is free, and open to all ages.

This year's event starts with a cleanup effort from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will be supplied with trash bags and gloves to help clean up litter in O’Fallon Park and make it a better place for people and wildlife. Individuals who fill a whole bag with trash will be entered into a raffle. Volunteers should pre-register for the cleanup at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Qh.

From 10 a.m.-1 p.m., the event will feature a host of interactive educational displays to help participants learn about nature, the environment and wildlife. At-

tendees can look forward to a range of activities, including nature-themed crafts for the young ones, fishing and bird watching, an interactive soil trailer that allows participants to walk through a realistic replica of soil layers, and much more. There will also be chances to see the amazing heron and egret rookery in the park.

Participants and volunteers are invited to the cookout following the cleanup event, where they can enjoy free hotdogs and chips. Kosher and vegetarian options will be available. The Scoops Truck will also be there offering Italian Ice.

MDC is leading a partnership to restore natural habitat to O’Fallon Park through its Back to Nature St. Louis Grant.

The mission of earthday365 is to inspire and mobilize a collaborative movement towards an equitable and environmentally sustainable St. Louis region – every day.

This event is made possible by Community Development Block Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration in partnership with MDC and earthday365.

Ground-breaking ceremony held to celebrate the construction of a new archery range at Sunset Park

On March 23, a ground-breaking ceremony was held at Sunset Park in Florissant to celebrate the construction of a new archery range that will feature a static range with an elevated shooting platform and a 3D walk-through range.

The new range will be available to St. Louis Bowhunters, Lindenwood University, the National Wild Turkey Federation youth program, and the public for practice and tournaments.

Missouri American Water contributed $16,000 to the project, and local union volunteers will construct the range as part of the USA's Work Boots on the Ground program, which brings together union volunteers to complete conservation projects that improve public access and opportunities in the outdoors.

Partners responsible for making this project happen which includes, Missouri American Water Company, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, Greater St. Louis Labor Council, St. Louis Building & Trades Council, Inter-

national Association pf Heat & Frost Insulators Allied Workers Local 1, Utility Workers Union of America Local 335, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 and St. Louis Bowhunters.

The little closet bookcase Still In This Together: By

Yes, I am well aware of the fact that our youngest is an interior designer by trade and was on her way to said career at the age of three, when she insisted on continuously rearranging the places of her stuffed animals and little figurines on her bedroom shelves. At five, she was cutting pictures out of catalogs and creating her own dream rooms, complete with dramatic descriptions.

Becca has often pointed out that certain pictures or decor I’ve picked out just don’t fit the bill. She goes about shifting things from one room to another and, quite annoyingly, often proves that her eye is indeed so much more advanced than mine. And I appreciate her help; honestly, I do, although I will point out that she has often been ahead of her time, and occasionally forgets that there is a significant age difference between us, and I’m not supposed to always agree with her.

Case in point was her decision to remove her bedroom closet doors when she was still living at home, a very forward-thinking idea, a great way to keep the closet organized and neat, but a definite no-no on the list of things home inspectors were going to be looking for as we were selling our house. Apparently, a bedroom cannot technically be a bedroom without an entry door and closet doors. Luckily, easy enough to fix with the help of sturdy sons and sons-in-law and a trip to the hardware store for some doohickies to screw into the floor as guides for the doors. (a technical term the man at the hardware store knew well)

When we moved, Becca was very instrumental in coordinating all the picture frames and assorted signs, wall hangings and such. Problem is, we no longer have built-in bookshelves and I miss them terribly. They were such great places for remembrances, and plaques, grandkids’ pictures and holiday décor. I don’t know what I’m going to do when Halloween rolls around and I look at all the pictures I took of the perfect spots for all the decorations so I’d be able to follow my own direction ever year. Because those spots aren’t there anymore, and there’s so much open space. And the walls are so fresh and clean and seem very unapproachable.

Becca helped, picking out some favorite pictures of mine and finding perfect spots for them. Well, nearly all the spots were perfect. I really wanted the heavy framed picture of a Kansas thunderstorm over our bed, but was cautioned against it by our architect sonin-law because it has glass over the picture and could be dangerous if there was a tornado or an earthquake and it fell on our sleeping heads. Made sense.

But when I told Becca I was thinking about buying a small bookshelf to put inside a spare bedroom closet that could house my collection of published newspaper columns, magazine articles, publishers’ acceptance letters and readers’ comments, she didn’t like the idea.

“A bookcase inside a closet?”

Becca knew as well as I did that there isn’t a spare nook or cranny anywhere for a bookcase, let alone all the grandkids’ pictures that I had so many places for…at least not yet, but she still thought the idea unworthy of pursuing.

And so, one night when I was awake and feeling particularly defiant, I bought a very nicely priced small bookshelf, sort of aware of how the dimensions would translate into real space, although that is admittedly not the part of my brain that functions as well as the creative part.

Suffice it to say, the bookcase fits into the closet just fine, but it’s not exactly as I envisioned, it doesn’t quite hold all the things I was hoping, and it looks more than a little lonely when I close the closet door.

I asserted my independence, and I’m proud of it. I just can’t let Becca know about the little closet bookcase. She’ll never stop laughing.

Vicki Bahr is an inveterate word lover and story sharer, a published author in magazine, newspaper and blog forms. As a mom of four, grandma of nine, and wife of one for 50 years, she finds that inspiration and wonder are everywhere.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News

Vicki Bahr

Photo courtesy city of Florissant

EVENTS

April 27: Shred event Shred Day! Drive, Drop and Donate takes place from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Steve Robbins’ Office Parking Lot at 325 Rue St. Francois in Florissant. Help us support T.E.A.M. Food Pantry while cleaning out your old documents. If you are able, please bring a minimum of one canned food item for each bag or box you would like to shred. If you are unable to make it during this time, you are welcome to drop off your documents and canned items throughout that morning.

May 12: Trivia night

Join Youth In Need’s Young Professionals Group for its annual trivia night to benefit Youth In Need at the Bridgeton Recreation Center at 4201 Fee Fee Road in Bridgeton. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Registration is $200 for tables of eight and includes soda, beer, wine and popcorn. Outside food and drinks are encouraged, just no glass, please. For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities or to make an auction donation, contact Ashlee Berry, Annual Fund Director, at aberry@youthinneed.org.

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-tofour 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 314513-1674 or cbanaskavich@ jfcs-stl.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: Choral Arts Group meetings

Choral Arts Group practices every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Connection Christian Church at 1332 Feise Rd. in O’Fallon. Auditions not required. Ages high school and older are invited to join. There will be spring and fall

public concerts. For more information call Marty at 636-579-9227, or email concertartsa@gmail.com.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

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

Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Raoad which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing fourpart harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays-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: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 10 – 11 a.m. at Expansion Church at 11150 Old Saint Charles Rd. in St. Ann. For more info, contact Pat Pinson 314-4281168 or 314-435-5898.

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 Kirk at 314-954-7920 .

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: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

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, 314831-5476.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers: Show-me Stitchers is the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. We meet on the second Tuesday, Sept.June at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO. Learn needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, and more.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

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 8:00 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, 314-994-3300. 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: 314839-7604.

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

Thursdays: Bingo

Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on the third Thursday of each month starts at 2 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more information call 314-8310988.

Thursdays: Quilting guild

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. in the old school at the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, 1 Rue St. Francois, Florissant.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B...

O’Fallon baseball club sign another pitcher

The O’Fallon Hoots play their home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon and play in the Prospect League.

The Hoots announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Gavin Johnston for the 2023 summer season. Johnston comes to O’Fallon as a freshman from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO).

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound right hander attended Seckman High School in Imperial, Missouri where, as a junior, he put together a 3-1 record on the mound with 36 strikeouts in 28 innings over six appearances and five starts.

Johnston went 6-1 with a 1.34 ERA in ten appearances and nine starts on the mound his senior season, finishing with 68 strikeouts in 52 ⅓ innings and four complete games thrown for the Jaguars.

The Arnold, Missouri-native also registered a .403 BA, .526 OBP, .792 SLG in 2022, with 31 hits, 27 RBI, and 33 runs scored, earning him All-Conference honors and Player of the Year at Seckman. The freshman has made three appearances on the mound for the SEMO Redhawks this 2023 season, notching six strikeouts in 4 ⅓ total innings pitched.

For more details go to www.OFallonHoots.com to get all the details.

* Young prospect heading to the bigs…

Lindenwood makes a major announcement

On Tuesday, Lindenwood University’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer named Amy Eagan the next head coach of the women’s basketball program.

“I want to thank Lindenwood University President

Dr. Porter and VP of Athletics Jason Coomer for trusting me with this amazing opportunity,” said Eagan. “I also want to give a very special thank you to Drury University, the community, and all the coaches and players that I have coached in the past. None of this is possible without you.”

Eagan arrives in St. Charles after spending three seasons as the head coach of Drury University women’s basketball. Eagan completed her 14th season as a collegiate head coach, as she had stops at Truman State, Ashford, and St. Ambrose.

“Today is an exciting day for our institution, department and women’s basketball program,” said Coomer. “After an extensive search that featured tremendous interest in the position, it was clear that the right and best candidate was only a few hours away. Coach Eagan is a proven winner as demonstrated throughout her career as a student-athlete, coach and mentor. We are thrilled that she will be bringing her exciting style of play to St. Charles as this will certainly be intriguing to players and fans alike.”

Eagan brings a career mark of 274-151 (.645) to Lindenwood, including four-straight seasons of 23 or more wins. Eagan has led three schools to the NCAA Division II tournament for a total of five appearances, as well as one NAIA tournament appearance. Eagan has claimed five conference titles in her 14 years, including three-straight.

“From my first contact with Dr. Porter and Mr. Coomer, it was very apparent that there is a commitment to excellence, a commitment to winning, and a commitment to the student-athletes and their graduation,” added Eagan. “Words cannot express my sincere gratitude and excitement to lead this program into this new era! I am committed to ensuring that these young women are champions on the floor, in the community, and in the classroom.”

* Great addition to the organization

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.

Recipe: Peanut butter perfection

Ifyou’ve ever taken a bite of something and the only word that came to mind was “yum,” you know what it’s like to experience this dessert. It’s fluffy, sweet, perfectly crumbly and tastes delicious. It’s rich but light. It’s a dessert that will likely never go out of style.

You can stop guessing what it may be: this treat is a scrumptious bite of Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie drizzled with chocolate syrup. You will understand the craze once you sink your fork into the chilled triangle resting on your plate. With a chocolate cookie crust and a thick, delicious peanut butter filling, this pie is everything many people want in a dessert.

This dessert is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. House guests, birthday parties or even just a simple treat after a meal; it’s an any-occasion kind of pie.

INGREDIENTS:

20 chocolate cream-filled cookies

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 cup smooth peanut butter

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup whipping cream chocolate syrup

DIRECTIONS:

Remove cream filling from chocolate cookies; set aside. With rolling pin, finely crush chocolate cookies.

Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie

Servings: 6-8

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 medium bowl, combine finely crushed cookies with melted butter.

Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate; chill while preparing filling. In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add reserved cookie cream filling, peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk; beat until smooth. Stir in lemon juice

FindmoredessertrecipesatCulinary.net.

and vanilla extract.

In medium bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture. Mix until combined.

Pour into crust. Chill 4 hours, or until set. Drizzle chocolate syrup over pie before serving.

Cover leftovers and store in refrigerator.

Movies that became short-lived TV shows

In1999, “Galaxy Quest,” a science fiction comedy, debuted in theaters. A funny and charming homage to the classic TV series “Star Trek,” it focused on actors who starred in the fictional TV series, “Galaxy Quest.” Actor Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) starred as Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, the commander of the NSEA Protector. While attending a fan convention, Jason had a true close encounter with aliens who believed that “Galaxy Quest” was actually broadcasting historical records. The actors soon found themselves in outer space and way over their heads.

“Variety” recently reported that the “Galaxy Quest” movie might be adapted for a television series. Science fiction fans could make that film a success, but other movies didn’t transition as well to the small screen. In 2002, director Joel Zwick directed “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” a sweet romantic comedy written by Nia Vardalos. She played Toula, a young Greek woman who wanted more out of life than working in the family’s restaurant. The film was a big success and led to the short-lived TV series “My Big Fat Greek Life.” The movie franchise continued, though, with “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” and the upcoming “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.”

Jeff Bridges played the lead role in “Starman,” a 1984 science fiction film. An alien species came across the Voyager 2 space probe and sent a scout vessel to the probe’s planet of origin. Its occupant cloned himself to look like the deceased husband of housewife Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen). She slowly learned to trust the alien and, after the two of them slept together, she became pregnant. Jenny also helped him find his way to Arizona’s Barringer Crater for a rendezvous with his people. ABC’s “Starman” TV series continued the movie’s storyline, with Robert Hays replacing Jeff Bridges for its one-and-only season. 1987’s “Dirty Dancing” quickly became a hit. Jennifer Grey played Frances “Baby” Houseman, a teenager vacationing with her

family at Kellerman’s resort. Baby quickly fell in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) much to her father’s (Jerry Orbach) dislike. “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” a song performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes on the soundtrack, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. For 1988’s “Dirty Dancing” television series, Patrick Cassidy played Johnny while Melora Hardin was Baby, daughter of resort owner Max Kellerman. Unfortunately, the series didn’t capture the magic of the film and ended after 11 episodes.

Based on John Hughes hit summertime film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the TV version starred Charlie Schlatter as Ferris and a pre-“Friends” Jennifer Aniston as his sister, Jeannie. Although the film was set in Chicago, this series was set in Santa Monica. The “Ferris Bueller” TV series lasted only 13 episodes, but, in contrast, “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose,” a similar-themed Fox show, ran for three seasons. Schlatter’s character sometimes referred to the “Ferris Bueller” movie and Mathew Broderick’s performance.

Adapting a popular movie for TV can be tricky, but with the help of Grabthar’s Hammer and the Sons of Warvan, “Galaxy Quest” could become a series.

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.

‘Galaxy Quest’ photo courtesy of Dreamworks Pictures

Moore on Life: Sneaky Peeper

I’m a peeper. I’ll admit it’s weird, but there it is. And no, not the pervy creeper peeper type, that’s sick. I’m the curious peeper type.

The other day I sat in the waiting room at the dentist office waiting to be drilled and filled and over-billed when a fellow waitee pulled out a book and started to read. Since I’m an avid consumer of books myself, right away I got this weird compulsion – I had to know what book she was reading. It was a physical need; like an itch that needed scratching.

The situation raised urgent questions: Was it a new book I should be reading and add to my list? Was it something wonderful I’d already read and could form an immediate connection with her? Or was it a slog of a book, which would change my opinion of her and put an end to what could have been a nice friendship?

I strained my eyes, but couldn’t get a bead on the title page. I then pretended to scratch my ankle which gave me an excuse to stretch my neck further in her direction to get a better look. Of course, she looked up and our eyes met. Busted. She scootched back into her chair and gave me a “back-off” look. I hurriedly stifled a fake cough and quickly looked the other direction.

I still I had to know what she was reading. I need a different vantage point. I got up and went to chat with the receptionist.

Receptionist: “Yes, may I help you?”

I couldn’t think of anything right off which present-

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD: FILL-IN-THE-BLANK

ed an awkward moment.

“Hi, umm yes, well I was just wondering if I should brush my teeth every day or if that’s just a myth?” Her eyes bugged out, which meant I should probably leave.

I went back and took a seat next to the book reader. I stretched my arms and fake yawned which allowed me to sneakily lean over her shoulder and get a look at the page she was on; I could then scan the title on top. She caught me. My eyeballs were two inches from her eyeballs.

She snapped her book shut, grabbed her purse and moved to the opposite side of the room.

I noticed the title as she walked away, “Cat People the Growing Menace.”

We could never be friends anyway. Her loss.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

LIFESTYLE: Ways to creatively display favorite photos

Family photos, vacation pictures, candid snapshots of friends and family – they’re often visual representations of some of your most treasured moments, so it’s likely you’ll want to give them some special treatment.

Consider these easy and affordable ways to showcase some of your favorite photos.

Variations on a theme

– You don’t have to have a whole set of matching frames to create a unified look. Gather frames of different sizes, shapes and textures then paint them all the same color. White, cream or black are colors that let the eye focus on the photograph. Then when you group them together, you’ve got a cohesive display without everything being the same.

Location, location, location – Photos don’t always need to be on a wall or shelf. Try hanging a series of related photos on the back of a door or between windows.

A new use for old frames – Take a large frame with no back and paint it. Then take two pieces of ribbon or wire and attach them to the back of the frame, divid-

ing it into three sections. Attach small photos to the ribbon or wire with mini clothes pins or other small clips.

New frames out of old windows – Fit a photo mat inside each pane of an old window. Attach photos to the backs of the mats and you have a vintage frame.

Map it out – Showcase favorite travel photos by covering a mat with a map from one of your vacation spots. Just trim the map to fit your mat, tape it to the back and insert your picture.

Get it on canvas – Treat your photos like the works of art they are by having them printed on artist canvas. There are a variety of online vendors that let you choose the size and photo treatment to create a unique piece for your personal gallery.

Put it all on the table –Add to your stylish decor and protect your furniture all at the same time by making your own photo coasters. Find more ideas for creatively displaying your favorite photos at eLivingtoday.com.

ACROSS

1. Centrally localized

6. Tube in old TV

9. Precedes drab

13. Giraffe's cousin

14. Big Island flower necklace

15. Icelandic currency

16. Grating sounds

17. Software program, for short

18. Tool with toothed wheel

19. *Mellow ____ or ____ ribbon

21. Butter____ or ____ tape

23. a.k.a. Common Market

24. Printer cartridge color

25. Toothy fish

28. *Battle ____ or ____ tissue 30. *Ninja ____ or ____ dove 35. Oil group 37. *Drug ____ or ____ friendly

39. Old TV episode

40. Nobel Peace Prize capital

41. *Amazon ____ or ____ valley

43. Ages and ages

44. Earth shaking

46. Hokkaido language

47. *Odd ____ or ____ soup

48. Stay clear of 50. Vegetative state

52. Olden day "your"

53. Olden day "you"

55. Sib

57. Park bench friend?

60. *Rose ____ or ____ variety

63. LDS missionary 64. Cacophony

66. Goodbye, to amiga 68. Gaelic-speaking Celts 69. Mozart's "L'____ del Cairo"

DOWN

1. On behalf of

2. "Fine by me"

3. *Basket ____ or ____ study

4. *Adam's ____ or ____ pie

5. Finely-spun cotton threads

6. Eagle's foot

7. Workout unit

8. Slightly drunk 9. "Doggone it!" 10. College drilling org.

1/36th of a yard 12. "____, humbug!" 15. #15 Down, pl.

Come to pass

22. Feline

24. Fissure

25. *Silly ____ or ____ down

26. Church part, pl.

27. Antiquity of the past

29. *Southwest ____ or ____ Minor

31. Lou of The Velvet Underground

32. Rainbow swimmer

33. *Free ____ or ____ hour

34. Glorify

36. Weighted weapon

38. Nevada Wolf Pack's home

42. Cuban dance

45. 1.094 of a yard, pl.

49. *Doctor ____ or ____ knows?

51. Description of a fool

54. Give qualities or money

More eccentric

Theatrical performance

Previously mentioned, acr.

Hair styling products

Annoying biter 61. Irish name of Ireland 62. Very bright star

*Easter ____ or ____ salad

*Dry ____ or ____ cream

Photo courtesy of Unsplash