CN: May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023

Empowering youth

Around Town

St. Louis Mosaic Project celebrates 10 years of welcoming the foreign-born community. Pg. 3

Business

NCI awards community leaders for making a difference in North County. Pg. 6

Features

By Wendy Todd

As summer approaches, many parents are looking to involve their children in productive activities. One organization that offers a number of opportunities to engage is Ferguson Youth Initiative.

The organization was founded in 2010 by the citizens of Ferguson, specifically, Dr. Dwayne T. James, Dr. Jackie Lewis-Harris and Gail Babock to “give teens a voice.” The nonprofit provides programming involving education, cultural arts, technology, outdoor activities, community service and opportunities for employment.

One of their popular programs is Mentors in Motion, in partnership with the Arts & Education Council at Ameren, where participants learn about making music and the music industry including marketing and merchandizing. The latest cohort of students created a song and accompanying music video.

This year’s participants were six teenagers who collaborated with a local producer, Star, who helped them write, arrange and record a song, titled, “I’m Fly,” an uplifting tune intended to bolster self-esteem.

“I’m really happy with the way they came together, worked together and were able to bring their vision to life,” said FYI Executive Director, Aaron Harris. “They came up with a concept for the song based off a picture drawn by the singer in the group, Nyia. It was a hand painted picture of a hummingbird and symbolized strength and perseverance. That’s where the dynamic lyrics in the song come from. After practicing the song a

few days, we took the kids to one of the biggest studios here in St. Louis. They excelled beyond our imagination.”

The youth then conceptualized a video and shot it at McCluer South-Berkeley High School.

“We’re so proud of these scholars because the message they conveyed through music, about being strong and never giving up no matter the circumstances, will inspire people, young and old forever,” Harris said.

Students enjoyed learning about the components of writing and recording a song and

Submitted photo

putting their ideas into a visual format.

“I think this program is a great start to get me working musically with other people,” said participating student, Nyia Ross. “Next year, I’ll be auditioning for the MUNY to kick off some musical theatre in me. This was my little push that has me feeling like musical theater is something I can definitely achieve.”

Another student, Mina Irani expressed similar sentiments.

See ‘EMPOWERING’ page 2

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 Partly Cloudy 85/68

SATURDAY Partly Cloudy 89/68

SUNDAY Scattered Thunderstorms 81/60

READ US ONLINE!

The Ferguson Youth Initiative works to give teens a voice through education, cultural arts, technology, outdoor activities, community service and more

Participating in a project for the Ferguson Youth Initiative were (from left) Aaron M. Harris, Mina Irani, Nyia Ross and Zaria Easterling.

Local nonprofits create Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund

Progress 64 West and YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis recently announced the establishment of the Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund, which will assist high school seniors in achieving their educational goals.

The joint effort’s mission is to support, encourage, and foster young entrepreneurs by awarding scholarships to high school seniors living or going to school in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. The one-year awards can be used at trade schools, as well as two- and four-year colleges and universities.

To qualify for consideration, students must submit an executive summary of a business plan that includes a business concept description; market analysis, including market need, competition, and profit strategy; operations plan; and sales and marketing strategies. The application deadline is Oct. 23, 2023. Application details will be posted in August on Youthbridge Community Foundation’s website at youthbridge.org.

Founded in 1877, YouthBridge Community Foundation is a nonprofit that partners with individuals, families, and businesses to support charities and communities needs in the St. Louis region, especially those focused on children and families.

“It’s a great fit with our mission,” states Barbara Carswell, CEO of YouthBridge. “We focus on children and youth, and the scholarship program that has benefited students in West St. Louis and St. Charles counties is now expanding to all high school students in St. Louis City, County and St. Charles County.”

Progress 64 West was established in 1987 to promote the responsible growth of commerce in the greater St. Louis region, with a particular emphasis given to the I-64 corridor from I-270 west ward to I-70. A partnership of citizens, business and civic leaders, the organization’s vision focused on economic prosperity by championing workforce improvements and infrastructure projects.

According to Michael Doster, of Doster, Nations, Ullom & Boyle, LLC and a member of the scholarship committee, “Our partnership with YouthBridge will provide the opportunity for more donors to come alongside our existing scholarship sponsors in making tax-deductible donations that enrich the lives of local students.”

For more info, visit youthbridge.org/p64fund/.

‘EMPOWERING’ from cover

“Music writing is something that’s new to me, but since I’ve been in this program, I’m more and more interested in it,” she said “Getting beats and making songs and picking the topic. This program has helped me to dive deeper into music and that’s really cool.”

FYI debuted the video for the com-

munity at the end of March.

The nonprofit has worked to empower 5,000 teens over the past 13 years. All but one of FYI’s programs are open to non-Ferguson residents. Those interested in participating in the organization’s programming can find out more information at www.fyifergyouth.org.

Affinia Healthcare Receives HRSA teaching grant to increase cultural competency of medical students

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded Affinia Healthcare a $500,000 Teaching Health Center Planning and Development Program grant.

The funding will support Affinia Healthcare’s implementation of a Family Practice residency program in partnership with A.T. Still University, Christian Hospital and DePaul Hospital. The planning and implementation will have a focus on diversity and equity in training future primary care physicians for service at Affinia Healthcare and in the community health center environment.

“Affinia Healthcare is honored to have been selected for this award as it supports our strategic initiatives to help increase diversity and equity in the delivery of care for patients in a practical and relevant way,” said Dr. Kendra Holmes, Affinia Healthcare President and CEO. “We are excited to collaborate with ATSU, Christian Hos-

pital, and DePaul Hospital – leaders in the education and healthcare industries – to make this significant shift in how the next generation of healthcare professionals will serve our communities.”

Through this opportunity, Affinia Healthcare will seek certification by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, and lead the residency program which will start during the 2025-2026 academic year.

“Statistics show that many patients in underserved communities suffer or experience a lower standard of care when seeing providers who don’t understand or have bias toward certain populations,” said Dr. Melissa Tepe, Affinia Healthcare Chief Medical Officer. “It is imperative that we cultivate a new generation of practitioners who will know how to serve these populations in a more equitable way. This is another way Affinia Healthcare can help provide a better quality of care for our patients and communities.”

Northwest Views: Being Black with MS carries unique challenges and experiences

The National MS Society launched its first ever “Black MS Experience Summit” in 2020 and has made this an annual program ever since. Black Americans living with MS experience unique challenges – from scientific and clinical differences in the disease itself to inequities in the healthcare system and more. The Black MS Experience Program Series is an opportunity to connect with others who understand the distinct experience of life with MS as a Black person.

This free, virtual program will be held on June 14 and 15 and individuals can register at nationalmssociety.org

Program topics will include:

• MS Diagnosis and approach to medications as well as managing heat. Research shows that high efficacy MS medications work well for Black people with MS.

• Nurturing Your Emotional & Spiritual

Health: Learn why depression is common in MS and the importance of modifying your thoughts to have a better connection with people.

• How to Self-advocate during Healthcare Appointments: Learn how to communicate your needs to your healthcare team and know your options for switching providers.

• Diet and Immune Response: Hear about the relationship between diet and MS. Participants will also have the opportunity to directly connect with others in this program through break-out rooms. This is an interactive, highly informative program. Please join us!

Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and the body.

By Christie Derbin

The society’s vision is a World Free of MS, and our mission is to cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives. To support our work, please visit nationalmssociety.org/donate

Christie Derbin is the President for the National MS Society, Gateway Market. She has experience in nonprofit management and appreciates the impact philanthropic organizations are making in our community. She is a native St. Louisan and graduate of Saint Louis University.

DiAnne Mueller, MS, LPC, is CEO of Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.

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

Nonprofit housing provider POAH tapped for

of St. Louis’ oldest public housing project

Following years of discussion about the future of St. Louis’ oldest public housing site, Preservation of Affordable Housing Inc. (POAH) has been selected as lead developer of the Clinton-Peabody Apartments.

The selection by the St. Louis Housing Authority marks an important next step for Clinton-Peabody. Built in 1942, the development includes 358 apartments spread over 24 acres and 31 buildings. The complex at full capacity served 950 residents but today houses far fewer because of chronic vacancy.

“Redeveloping the Clinton-Peabody Apartments is a key priority for the St. Louis Housing Authority,” said SLHA Executive Director Alana C. Green. “Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed our efforts, I am pleased that we are now able to move forward with an experienced and thoughtful development team headed by POAH.”

While this will be POAH’s first major development effort in St. Louis, the nonprofit housing firm has a long history in Missouri as owner and manager of 1,500 apartments in Kansas City, Springfield, and southwest Missouri.

“We are delighted to have been selected for this important project as an endorsement of our proven strategies that create modern, sustainable housing while improving the lives of residents and communities alike,” said Aaron Gornstein, POAH’s President

redevelopment

and CEO.

POAH’s proposal for Clinton-Peabody is built on a commitment to resident and community engagement in the planning and development processes and successful experience with using housing to catalyze comprehensive neighborhood revitalization in Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston and elsewhere.

POAH’s work in the South Side Chicago neighborhood of Woodlawn is particularly noteworthy. Here POAH accomplished not only the full redevelopment of a 504-unit blighted housing development but leveraged a $30.5 million federal grant into investments of nearly $500 million in new mixed-income housing, amenities, restaurants and stores, including the community’s first full-service grocery store in decades.

POAH’s work will be led by Vice President Julie DeGraaf-Velazquez, a veteran development professional who spent 15 years working in St. Louis before joining POAH’s Chicago-based Midwest office in 2019.

An initial development phase could start by late 2024, but ultimately the site’s full redevelopment will occur in multiple phases over the next several years with at least $100 million in new investment projected. Resident and community engagement work is already under way, with the goal of building broad consensus on a master plan that re-envisions Clin-

St. Louis Mosaic Project celebrates 10 years of welcoming the foreign-born community

Over the last ten years, hundreds of immigrants have jump started their networking and many have found jobs because of one introduction to a local professional made by the St. Louis Mosaic Project, an initiative of the nonprofit World Trade Center-St. Louis.

The Mosaic Project was created in 2013 after two economic impact studies in 2011-2012, funded by the William T. Kemper Foundation and conducted by St. Louis University Economist, Jack Strauss, showed the region to be very low in immigration compared to peer cities and produced recommendations for how to grow the economy by attracting foreign-born individuals.

“The Mosaic Project uses a unique breadth of attraction strategies that have lasting impact for the region’s economic growth,” said Rodney Crim, CEO & President of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, parent organization for the World Trade Center-St. Louis and the Mosaic Project.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done and committed to finding new ways to help foreign-born people settle into meaningful jobs, start or grow their business and discover a community that embraces them,” said Betsy Cohen, Mosaic’s founding executive director.

The region’s foreign-born population is approximately 5% and includes refugees, international students, reunited family members and entrepreneurs. In 2018, metro St. Louis ranked third among the nation’s top 20 metros for growth of its foreign-born population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That increase was lost due to federal policies that dramatically reduced the number of refugees allowed into the

U.S. followed by a pandemic that curtailed the ability for international students to obtain visas and flights to study here.

According to the 2020 Census, there are now 130,537 foreign-born people in St. Louis and that upward trend will continue as more refugees are re-settled through the International Institute and as the area’s universities continue to see record enrollment for international students.

The St. Louis Mosaic Project uses grassroots outreach, social media and marketing to educate and inform the business, academic, non-profit and broader community about the significant impact that a diverse, foreign-born population can make for the region’s overall growth. Programs include:

Mosaic does not charge for its programs, which are invaluable to amplifying the narrative that the region needs foreign-born people to come and how we each have a part to play. In fact, a study from the George W. Bush Institute and Southern Methodist University ranked St. Louis sixth among the top 25 metros where immigrants are thriving and cited both Mosaic and the International Institute as instrumental in that achievement.

In addition to its existing programs, the Mosaic Project is focused on attraction strategies that will grow the Indian and Latino populations which are fueling growth around the country.

“We are competing with our peer cities for talent and for people,” said Cohen. “Our attraction plans are designed to signal to the Indian and Latino populations that this is where they should be and this is where they will be embraced and valued.”

ton-Peabody as a healthy mixed-income community better connected to the surrounding neighborhoods.

“All redevelopment begins with a good plan that reflects the needs of current and future residents and strengthens the broader neighborhood. We believe the best plans are developed in partnership with residents and community stakeholders” said DeGraaf-Velazquez.

Around Town

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund sponsors youth mental health first aid training

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) has partnered with the Saint Louis Mental Health Board (MHB) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Missouri to provide Youth Mental Health First Aid training sessions on April 15, for school staff in St. Louis City and St. Louis County.

Through its partnership with the Saint Louis MHB and Mental Health First Aid Missouri — and following a successful collaboration to offer this training in 2022 — CSF hopes to equip school staff with the tools and knowledge necessary to support the mental health of the youth in their care.

“As we continue to navigate the ongoing mental health crisis among our youth, we are excited to provide these courses at no cost to St. Louis City and County school staff members,” said Emily Koenig, executive director of CSF. “We believe that equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to support

Still In This Together:

the mental health needs of their students is essential to building a healthier community for all of us.”

With 17.1 million youth diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder under 18, the CSF-sponsored trainings addressed the growing need for mental health awareness and resources. The 6.5-hour course covered common challenges faced by adolescents ages 12-18. This includes anxiety, depression, substance use, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders. It also provided participants with a five-step action plan that walks through how to help in crisis and non-crisis situations. Teachers, school staff, coaches, and counselors throughout St. Louis City and St. Louis County were invited to participate in the training.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid course is offered online or in person at the MU Extension St. Louis Metro Area Office. It also offers participants a

Of course, it’s a word

I was playing a word game this morning. Who isn’t these days?

My daughters both got me started on Wordle, and it’s part of our daily routine now to check in on each other and comment on how brilliant we all are. If two of us have the same number of guesses, we type “TWINS!” when we send our answer; if all three of us have the same number, we type in “TRIPLETS!” Great way to start the morning, and a conversation or two.

Becca, the younger daughter, with the most agile

brain, introduced me to Quordle. The idea of that game is to solve four words at the same time, using each guess to get you closer to each of the words. You have nine tries to solve all of the words, and it’s a horrible exercise that I can’t seem to stay away from. Becca told me not too long ago that she also plays a version with eight words with a former boss. I’m not going there.

The one I was playing this morning is easy, Words With Friends, just an online version of Scrabble, except for some reason they randomly allow some proper words and names of rivers or mountains in foreign countries. I can’t get a handle on why or how those exceptions are made, but I’m hooked on it anyway. There are contests between people I’ve played against for a very long time, weekly themed games against a computerized challenger…you get the drift. I love the fact that there is a built-in dictionary to use when you or an opponent find a word that you’ve never heard before, and a way to keep track of your weekly, monthly and all-time scoring averages and longest and most pointfilled words. My average is 21.5 per word, longest word INTERACTION (42 points) and word with the largest number of points ZINC (145 points).

Problem is, I typed a word this morning that I know is a word, as opposed to a completely unknown capitalized Peruvian demigod, and the game deemed it “not a valid word.”

It was Gigi.

I argued aloud, asking the Words With Friends game judges what in the world they were thinking, or some variation on that question. Of course, Gigi is a word, and everyone in my extended family will gladly confirm that opinion.

Gigi is the name my mother chose her great-grandchildren to call her…G for great and G for grandmother. Simple to say, even for the youngest, easy to remember, and heartwarmingly meaningful.

Gigi meant hand-knitted coming home from the hospital sweater, cap and booty sets, adoring gazes and tickled tummies. It meant the most wonderful Christmas and birthday and in-between-presents just because, all beautifully wrapped and topped with bows.

It meant gifts of Mom’s favorite books, inscribed with handwritten notes, wonderful outings, and special

$150-$250 stipend as well as contact hours or CEUs for those continuing their education for professional licensure.

Other free training opportunities are available for those interested in completing mental health training. The Missouri Department of Mental Health offers individual courses through the link: http://mhfamissouri.org/home/events/. MHFA Missouri also provides training for public school groups of 15 or more individuals. More information can be found by visiting: http://mhfamissouri.org/home/host-a-course/.

CSF wishes to continue to provide this training to community members and encourages those interested in future mental health training opportunities to follow them on social media for updates. More resources for children and families throughout St. Louis County, including an interactive map of providers, can be found by visiting stlcsf.org.

By Vicki Bahr

rules so that the great-grandkids always won, whether it was a card game, miniature golf or a bet on a horse at the racetrack.

She reveled in the great-grandkids’ attention, even when the visits were to her room at the assisted living home where her wandering mind somehow remembered each and every one of their names and ages and they pushed her in her wheelchair to visit the talking myna bird down the hall and past the dining room.

When Santa or the Easter Bunny made a visit to her residence, the great-grandkids were invited, and we told stories about the parties at her house when little Keven would put marshmallows in her microwave oven and she pretended she had no idea where the mess she was scraping off the oven walls came from and she read “The Night Before Christmas” for all of them and laughed uproariously when she made it to the “bowl full of jelly” part.

Gigi was the embodiment of love and fun and exceptions to every rule. Whether she was cackling like a Halloween witch or clicking her knitting needles to rush to make one more potholder for a friend, tossing an exercise ball around the circle of wheelchairs or answering every question about the stars of an old movie she loves, Gigi was the star, smiling and anxious to please, often making up stories as she went along, to the delight of her nurses who always had to verify whether the tales were actual or Gigi-created.

Alright, Words with Friends judges, you can continue to argue that Gigi isn’t a valid word, but you’re so very sadly mistaken. And I’m sorry you missed out on all the fun that was Gigi.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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

Home Builders Association donates $20,000 to Promise Community Homes

On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2023 HBA President Jeremy Roth (Elite Development Services/McBride Homes) (left) presented a $20,000 donation to Promise Community Homes executive director Matt Elmore and grants development manager Alison Erazmus.

The donation will be used to replace roofs at five of the organization’s residences for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Promise Community Homes supports the foundational needs of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities by providing safe, affordable and well-maintained neighborhood homes. Every home is carefully designed for the comfort, safety and unique needs of each individual

Home Builders Association donates $20,000 to Beyond Housing

On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2023 HBA President Jeremy Roth (Elite Development Services/McBride Homes) (left) presented a $20,000 donation to Beyond Housing senior director of housing Cory Dickens and maintenance superintendent Marcellus Speight.

resident.

The HBA is a local trade association of nearly 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.

The donation will be used to help rehabilitate a single-family home that will become affordable rental housing in the city of Normandy. The renovation will include clean-up and new windows, siding, gutters and roofing. Beyond Housing’s Housing Resource Coordination program works to improve the availability and accessibility of affordable housing, home ownership and economic opportunity. In combination with providing supportive services, the program helps individuals and families achieve resi-

dential stability and progress to longterm goals.

The HBA is a local trade association of nearly 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.

NCI awards community leaders for making a difference in North County

North County Incorporated (NCI) will recognize local leaders for their contributions to the North County region at its 46th Annual Leadership Breakfast on May 12 from 7:30 a.m.9:30 a.m. at the Marriott St. Louis Airport Hotel. More than 550 business, civic, and community leaders attend this celebration annually. Sponsorship packages are still available! More information can be found at NorthStLouisCounty.com.

“Celebrating champions of North County is always an honor. We are excited to recognize the many dedicated people, businesses, and organizations working to improve our community, better the lives of others, and advance the local economy,” said NCI President and CEO, Rebecca Zoll.

2023 NCI Leadership Award Honorees Business Development Leadership Award

• Kurtis Barks, Complete Autobody and Repair

• Panattoni Development Company, Inc.

• Fields Foods

Community Development Leadership Award

• Ameren – St. Louis

• Dr. Jacqueline Harvey, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers

• St. Louis County Tap in Centers

• Sylvester Taylor II, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1 and Hazelwood School District

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Award

• Special School District’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility Team

Elmer Belsha Leadership Award

• Richard P. Dorsey, Attorney at Law Public Service Leadership Award

• Councilwoman Rita Heard Days, St. Louis County

• Dr. Vernice Hicks-Prophet, Jennings School District

• Mike Krankenola, City of Florissant

• Margo McNeil, Hazelwood School District

• Councilwoman Mary Singleton, City of Hazelwood

• Senator Brian Williams, State of Missouri

Special Recognition Award

• Pat Blaisdell, Community Volunteer

Parkway communications officer receives MOSPRA Distinguished Service Award

The Missouri School Public Relations Association has named Paul Tandy, APR, Chief Communications and Emergency Management Officer for the Parkway School District, the 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient. The award was presented at the MOSPRA Annual Awards Banquet at the Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake Ozark, Missouri. The Distinguished Service Award goes to a MOSPRA member who has provided outstanding leadership and service to the association over the course of his or her career.

MOSPRA President, Erica Chandler, commented, “Paul Tandy has been the consummate professional during his long tenure in school communications. He is a leader in the association, and has always made himself available to help others.”

Parkway Superintendent, Dr. Keith Marty, stated, “I have had the privilege to serve alongside Paul in

Parkway for the past 12 years. We have been through a great deal together. It was Paul, as the ultimate communications professional, whose guidance, wisdom, and talents often allowed us to effectively develop a communications plan, think strategically, and eventually provide our public with a clear, quality, and transparent message.”

David Luther, Executive Director of MOSPRA, shared, “Over the course of my 23 years in school communications, Paul has been among the most engaged, helpful member of the association. Not only has he served as a mentor and guide for many members, his service as a Board Member is nearly unparalleled. Paul has served as the Eastern Region Director, two years as the Treasurer, one year as President-Elect, and two years as President. Paul is respected at both the state and national level, and he is beloved by those in the Eastern Region.”

Ladue Schools and LEF celebrate leadership gift for West Campus Plaza

The Ladue School District and the Ladue Education Foundation (LEF) shared that Dave and Karin Caito have contributed $150,000 to support the West Campus Plaza capital campaign.

“David and I are thrilled to support the West Campus Plaza project,” said Karin Caito. “Both our boys are involved in Ladue sports. We loved the idea of contributing to a project that will complement Ladue’s phenomenal athletic program.”

In partnership with Ladue Schools and the LEF, the West Campus Plaza project includes a covered area with permanent seating, restrooms, a drinking fountain, and donor and coaches’ corner recognition plaques.

“We are enormously grateful for the Caito family’s generosity,” said Dr. Jim Wipke, Ladue School District Superintendent. “This leadership gift brings us even closer to reaching our goal by the end of the school year, bringing this much-needed project to fruition as soon as possible for our students, staff, and community.”

The West Campus Plaza will accommodate the athletes and thousands of spectators that visit the two

multi-purpose turf fields, baseball and softball fields, and tennis courts on the campus annually. West Campus is also home to Becky Sauerbrunn Soccer Field, named after the 2003 Ladue Schools alumna and current U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team captain, Olympian, and activist.

“We continue to seek donations to reach our goal of $350,000 of LEF funding, which, together with the Ladue School District’s $200,000 commitment, will fully fund this important project,” said Andrea Bezzant, LEF President-elect. “Donations of all levels are appreciated and welcomed. We made it easy and affordable for individuals or businesses to participate in one of five ways: choose from Gold, Silver, or Bronze level sponsorships or honoring a coach, and advertising packages are also available.”

The anticipated completion of the West Campus Plaza is fall of 2023.

For anyone interested in donating, sponsoring, or obtaining additional information, visit the LEF website at laduefoundation.org or via email at lef@ladueschools.net.

Submitted photo

Ladue Schools West Campus rendering.

Photo courtesy Ladue School District

What’s Happening

Take notice

EVENTS

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 636579-9227, 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 314921-2316.

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.

Thursdays: Blood pressure check s Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: Women’s chorus meeting

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

Fridays: Fish fry

St. Ferdinand Fish Fry at 1765 Charbonier Rd. in Florissant, has resumed every Friday from 3 - 7 p.m.

Fridays: Fish fry

A fish fry takes place every Friday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314660-1813.

Sports you see with Gary B...

Hoots sponsors home run derby with former major league players

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

The Hoots announced recently that former Cardinals infielder and World Series Champion Scott Spiezio will join Mike Matheny, Andruw Jones and Bo Hart at CarShield Field for the Third Annual MLB Alumni Home Run Derby. The Alumni will be joined by members of the CarShield Collegiate League and on-air personalities from 101 ESPN and 105.7 The Point. The radio stations will battle in their third derby with the series tied at one.

“Scott Spiezio is a great Cardinal alum and we are excited to have him in O’Fallon for this signature event,” Hoots General Manager David Schmoll said. “Scott had a tremendously successful Major League career and won at the highest levels, including here in St. Louis. The former Cardinal infielder famously broke Kirby Puckett’s rookie batting average record in his first ten big league games. We can’t wait to see him in June!”

Scott Spiezio made his mark as a switch-hitting utility player and spent two seasons in St. Louis from 2006 to 2007. As a member of the 2006 World Championship team, he hit an impressive 13 home runs and drove in 52 RBI in only 276 at bats that season. Spiezio played six positions throughout his career including

first base, second base, third base, pitcher, right and left field. In addition to his World Series Championship victory in St. Louis, Spiezio was a part of the Anaheim Angels’ 2002 squad that also won baseball’s top crown.

The 3rd Annual MLB Alumni Home Run Derby will take place June 3 at CarShield Field in O’Fallon with the event beginning at 7 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase limited, specialty autograph passes to go on the field to meet and get autographs from the MLB Alumni. The autograph session will run for two hours beginning at 4 p.m. Autographs will not include inscriptions and will be name only.

Additional information, including premium seating and all-you-can-eat options, is available at www.OFallonHoots.com/mlb-alumni-home-run-derby.

* Many memories to reengage

Lindenwood athletes acknowledge for their excellence

Recently, the ASUN announced the men’s lacrosse all conference list. Two individuals on the Lindenwood men’s lacrosse team were recognized on the All-Conference team.

Wesley Scurci was recognized on the ASUN All-Freshman team for his performance this season. Scurci was the point and goal leader for the Lions with 30 points coming from 24 goals and six assists.

Flint Thielen was recognized on the ASUN All-Freshman Team for his performance this season. Thielen’s best performance came in a match up versus Robert Morris scoring five points coming from three goals and two assists.

* Two of the best

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: A brunch surprise for mom

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and treat your mom to a delicious breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a meal in bed or a beautiful spread on the dining room table, make the day special with simple recipes that are sure to impress.

Try this Brunch Fruit Tart with a tasty granola crust and colorful fruit topping to start Mother’s Day in style. It’s a sweet option to begin her day on the right note.

With a crunchy crust and smooth center, this tart is balanced, easy to make and a beautiful addition to the menu. It’s also easy to customize as the fruit topping options are nearly unlimited. Pick your mom’s favorites and decorate the top however you please. Or, let the little ones get creative and put their own spin on an essential Mother’s Day meal.

Ingredients:

Crust:

4 cups granola mixture

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 1/2 tablespoons honey

nonstick cooking spray

Filling:

2 1/4 cups vanilla

Greek yogurt

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package gelatin

Toppings: strawberries, sliced blueberries

kiwis, sliced

Brunch Fruit Tart

Recipe adapted from homemadeinterest.com

DIRECTIONS:

To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F.

In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper.

Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and

Formorebrunchrecipes,visitCulinary.net.

Author Judy

Blume holds a special place in my heart. She is the prolific author of the acclaimed 1970 young adult novel, “Are You There, God?

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.

It’s Me, Margaret.” After the novel’s release, Blume said it was banned in various places including the primary school attended by her children.

In the new big-screen adaptation, Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) was a sixth grader whose parents were of different faiths. To gain perspective, Margaret attended various houses of worship to explore other religions. As the story progressed, Margaret dealt with the trials and tribulations of becoming a teenager.

Blume typically explored the nuances of her characters. Nine-year-old Peter Warren Hatcher, for instance, narrated Blume’s novel, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.” Peter, who was very intelligent and thoughtful, had a very active little brother named Farley Drexel who preferred to be called “Fudge.”

Peter doesn’t understand why his parents allowed Fudge to act up and cause trouble.

“Superfudge,” Blume’s sequel to “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” had the Hatcher family temporarily relocate to Princeton, New Jersey where Tamara Roxanne, Peter and Fudge’s little sister, was born. “Fudge,”

bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.

To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely.

Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.

a TV series featuring Eve Plumb from “The Brady Bunch,” ran on ABC for Season 1 and on CBS for Season 2.

Blume’s books also delved into the complexities of grade-school life. Andrew Marcus, the subject of Blume’s “Freckle Juice,” was a second-grade student who wanted freckles like his friend Nicky. In reality, he asked for freckles so that his mom wouldn’t know when his neck needed washing. A “helpful” classmate named Sharon sold Andrew what she called “freckle juice” for a price, but the results were not as expected. Blume’s story was a touching, funny affirmation that we should be happy just being ourselves.

Friendship, loyalty and trust were at the

heart of Judy Blume’s “Blubber.” This story was narrated by Jill Brenner, a fifth-grade school student in Pennsylvania. After Linda, a new student joined the class, she was teased and tormented by some classmates due to her weight, which earned her the cruel nickname “Blubber.” As the story continued, Jill stopped teasing Linda and then became the new target of the bullies. “Blubber” was a thought-provoking story that stressed kindness and treating others with respect.

“Then Again, Maybe I Won’t” was one of Blume’s edgier books. Tony Miglione, Blume’s protagonist, grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood until his father sold a profitable invention and moved his family to a more upscale neighborhood. While his mom worked hard to fit in, Tony became friends with Joel Hoober, a new neighbor who was his own age. Joel could be gracious and extremely polite to adults, but he also liked to shoplift and make prank calls.

Judy Blume created characters that were realistic and compelling. While reading her books as an adult, I saw myself as Peter Hatcher and also as the title character of “Blubber.” Many, many thanks to Blume for her wonderful, thought-provoking books.

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.

The wonderful world of Judy Blume

‘Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret’ photo courtesy Lionsgate.

Yeggs

Moore on Life: Picture perfect

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: TV MOMS

‘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

Seriously, have flight regulations become impossible to determine? For instance, what is considered a liquid?

Last flight, my carryon was flagged after passing through the x-ray. Immediately I thought of all the things it could be. Did I pack a container of deadly hair aerosol which might be used as a weapon to spray in the face of a rude seatmate who hogged the center armrest? Or, did I unwittingly pack one of my cats? They’re always jumping into my luggage trying to stowaway without paying for a ticket.

By Cindy Moore

Flight plight

ACROSS

1. Rodeo garb

6. Roman numeral 7

9. Spring occurrence

13. Like Corgi

14. Get a sum

15. Garlic mayo

16. Poet's concern

I was ready to give my cat a thorough scolding when to my surprise the agent held up the offending object – a bottle of creamed cinnamon honey.

“This yours?” he asked.

“Why yes, that is my jar of expensive honey which I intend to give as a gift. Would you like to know where I bought it so you can order one for yourself?”

“Nope. Just need to remind you about the dangers of transporting liquids in flight.”

“Oh yes,” I said emphatically. “I understand thoroughly. That is why I meticulously separated and stashed all my three-ounce liquids into a special little zippy bag as per your strict regulations.”

“Ya, well it looks like you missed one. Now, you have a choice, consume it right here or leave it.”

“Seriously? You want me to eat an entire bottle of creamed honey? Do I look like someone who could eat an entire bottle of creamed honey in one sitting?”

He eyed my bulgy body up and down and was about to reply in the affirmative when I stopped him with another question?

“You do know that’s not even a liquid right? In fact, it’s so solid that one would have to use an ice cream scoop to dig out a serving of it.”

“Sorry ma’am,” he said as he stashed the item

into a bag marked “stuff I won today”. The nerve.

Just then a lady behind me sashayed by walking a giant toothy alligator on a leash. It wore a vest labeled, “Emotional Support Animal”.

“What?! Aren’t you going to stop that woman from bringing that dangerous Toothzilla on our flight?”

“No can do. It’s got a vest.”

Note to self, order an emotional support vest, small enough to fit around a honey jar.

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.

17. Mail-back request, acr.

18. Handrail post

19. *Lionel Jefferson's mom

21. *Keith and Laurie Partridge's mom

23. Watson's, Crick's and Franklin's concern, acr.

24. Big-ticket ____

25. #38 Down follower

28. Potter's oven

30. Get by

35. Wyatt Earp's card game

37. Wooden pegs

39. Measuring tool with a bubble

40. Copycat

41. All-season ____

43. Like certain people's glasses

44. The Great ____, Muppet

46. 1 year older than frosh

47. Treat without respect

48. *Samantha Stephens' mom

50. Four Corners state

52. Unidentified Jane

53. Summit location

55. Like tuna tartare

57. *Rory Gilmore's mom

61. *Hilary and Carlton Banks' mom

64. Motionless

65. Actress Thompson

67. Island off Manhattan

69. Skeleton, archaic

70. Lt.'s subordinate

71. Yemeni's neighbor

72. Marines' toy recipients

73. Banned insecticide, acr.

74. Nostrils

DOWN

1. Basin, without vowels

2. Last piece of a loaf

3. Lowest female singing voice

4. Evis's blue shoes

5. Harrison Ford or Jason

Segel in "Shrinking"

6. Bud holder

7. *Rhoda Morgenstern's mom

8. "That is" in Latin

9. Wedding cake layer

10. Famous Allen Ginsberg poem

11. Away from wind

12. Skilled in deception

15. G. Orwell's "______ Farm"

20. Valentine, e.g.

22. Bottom line?

24. Inner circle

25. Old enough (2 words)

26. Neutered rooster

27. Influencer's creation

29. *Meg, Chris and Stewie Griffin's mom

31. Egghead

32. "____ like the plague"

33. Canvas primer

34. *Alex and Mallory Keaton's mom

36. Pasta option

38. Virgo and Libra mo.

42. ____ Lewis, Lamb Chop puppeteer

45. By word of mouth

49. What catastrophe and ratatouille have in common

51. Wear (2 words)

54. Treated with EVOO

56. *Pebbles Flintstone's mom

57. Law school entry requirement, acr.

58. First name palindrome

59. Civil disorder

60. They're on Freddy's street

61. Widespread

62. Relating to armpit 63. 3 squared 66. Tight one in football

68. Bro's counterpart