June 1, 2022
Super scholar
Around Town
St. Louis Community College graduate born with athetoid cerebral palsy adds a degree to a long list of impressive accomplishments
COMMUNITY VOICES By Sharon Cotner . Pg. 2 A SENIOR MOMENT. Pg. 2 Save Our Youth offering free mental health counseling for St. Louis County youth. Pg. 3
By Wendy Todd Sean Gold just graduated from St. Louis Community College with a degree in web design. Prior to graduating, he made history as the first student to ever speak at the college’s staff development day, where he addressed over 600 virtual attendees. Gold has even been featured in a TED Talk and is a published author with a book titled “Pure Love or Is It?” Gold has been an extraordinary student and at only 22 years old has already achieved notable accomplishments. And one of his greatest triumphs is overcoming his disability. Gold was born with athetoid cerebral palsy, a physical impairment that negatively impacts his muscle tone, balance, movement and posture. Gold’s airway was closed at birth and uses a tracheostomy tube to breathe. He is nonverbal and communicates with his phone or computer. He is able to walk on his own with braces, but uses a wheelchair for longer distances. Gold has not allowed these challenging disabilities to hinder his capacity to reach his ever-growing list of goals or define him. And it hasn’t been easy as many have attempted to project their limited perceptions of disabled people onto him. “My family had to fight to get me into regular classes after preschool,” Gold said. “I’ve always had to prove my worth due to ableist thoughts and presumptions of me. Disabilities in society are always made to feel like a bad thing as if becoming disabled is worse than death. So, I have had many people doubt me then turn around and say I’m “inspiring.”
Northwest News STARTING JUNE 1: St. Louis County Library and the St. Louis Jewish Community Center announce SLCL Authors at the J. Pg. 4
Features (FLIP)
Sean Gold just graduated from St. Louis Community College with a degree in web design.
But Gold didn’t let anyone else’s idea of what he could accomplish hold him back. And graduating from college was one of his top ambitions. Because of his disabilities, it took Gold five years to finish school at STLCC, as he requires extra time to finish tasks. But he never gave up. He took time off but always resumed his studies. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Gold attended two classes in person and did the rest virtually. Most of that experience went smoothly but there were a few issues. “The challenge I had was sometimes getting the professor’s attention,” Gold said. “For my online classes, it was very easy to just email them. The biggest challenges were in my math classes because I had to
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type everything and very few symbols can be done with a keyboard. The online classes were not as challenging.” After the pandemic started, all of his classes were virtual, which made it much easier for Gold to keep up with his studies and engage with other students. He hopes STLCC will continue offering virtual learning. “Virtual classes are the best as they provide me with the most independence ever,” Gold said. “I could interact with classmates face to face, have meaningful conversations and I didn’t have to interrupt my family’s day even though they don’t mind at all. By having the option to See ‘SCHOLAR’ page 2
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Around Town
June 1, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
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be in class virtually, not just by online forums, is disability justice. It’s a right that should be given to us instead of taken away once the pandemic is over.” Though Gold values his independence, he is also appreciative of his support network which includes family, friends, former teachers and the connections he’s made via social media that he’s stayed in touch with for nearly a decade. The support and encouragement he receives from his circle helps keep him motivated and focused particularly as he looks toward his future that includes attending the University of St. Louis–Missouri in the fall where he will be majoring in English, as one of Gold’s passions is writing. “I’ve always loved writing, he said. “Ever since I was little, I’ve always preferred writing my own stories over reading. For me, writing is like an escape. Whether it’s fan fiction, role play or even something for English class, it allows me to be expressive. Furthermore, since I’m nonverbal, I am constantly typing on a device to be involved in the conversation. It only makes sense for me to do it as a career choice. I published my first book in 2021, and I’m currently writing two more. For someone like me, writing isn’t second nature, it’s my first.” In addition to writing, Gold also aspires to do more public speaking, raising awareness about people with disabilities and hopefully changing public perceptions to create more advocacy. Gold wants people to see people with disabilities as people first. As he says in his TED Talk, “Don’t look at my disability or see my chair, look at me.” He also wants people with disabilities to feel empowered and capable despite those moments when having a disability feels overwhelming. “I understand because I feel like that a lot,” Gold said. “I get out of it realizing that my thoughts are not true. The world wants the disabled community to blame everything on the disability or illness itself, but we cannot allow it to become our own feelings because that’s letting them win. More importantly, it sets the entire community back when we’re currently trying to gain more rights in America.”
State legislators secure $6 million in funding for demolition of Jamestown Mall State Sen. Angela Walton Mosley, D-Florissant, along with Rep. Jay Mosley, Rep. Neil Smith and Rep. Alan Gray, secured $6 million in funding in the FY 2023 state operating budget for the demolition of the closed Jamestown Mall in North County. On May 6, the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate passed the appropriations bills that make up the state’s budget and sent them to the governor’s desk. Last month, the St. Louis County Council voted unanimously to appropriate an additional $6 million from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act federal aid for the demolition of
the mall. “The Jamestown Mall has been closed since 2014, and it has been an unsafe, deteriorating eyesore since then,” Mosley said. “This funding is crucial to safely demolish the building and redevelop that area into a place that everyone in our community can enjoy. I am looking forward to this revitalization of North County, and I want to thank Rep. Jay Mosley, Rep. Neil Smith, Rep. Alan Gray and the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman for working with me to secure this funding and help our community.” The 2022 legislative session came to a close on May 13.
THIS WEEK’S PICK
City of Florissant and the Knights of Columbus to co-sponsor a food truck event
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he Knights of Columbus Duchesne Council #2951 and the city of Florissant will be co-sponsoring a Food Truck Knight on June 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. on the lot near the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine located at 50 rue St. Francois. The trucks will serve until 8 p.m. and performing at the June event will be 40 Miles to Vegas until 8 p.m.
COMMUNITY VOICES:
The truck line up for the evening is: Destination Desserts, Doughboy, Mann Meats, Ukraft, Zias, 2 Girls 4 Wheels, Truck Norris, Seoul Taco and Farm Truk. Proceeds will benefit local nonprofit charities including the TEAM Food Pantry. Patrons are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for collection barrels that will be on site.
By Sharon Cotner
Use your voice In a “prior life” I worked for the government on various public works projects. Most projects require a time for the public to comment on the proposed plans. Documents are available at the library or online for individuals to review and comment. Most agencies will reply to your comment if you make one, but that last part is the key to having a voice. You must make a comment and more often than not, you need to do it in writing. I’ve seen so many road projects happening. People losing their front yards because of road widening when the opposite side of the road has nothing but large, frequently empty parking lots. Baseball fields being taken for a roundabout (what we once called a “circle”). People having to drive out of their way just to make a legal U-turn to
get onto the other side of a traffic divider so they could turn into their subdivision. I’ve sat in the snarled traffic for the I-270 outer roads project and I wondered whether the people and businesses who live along those roads which are to be one-way roads commented on the proposed plan. I wondered whether they didn’t bother because they felt their voice didn’t matter. Having sat on the other side of the desk, I can tell you that your comments do matter. Every comment had to be addressed. Sometimes locals have an insight that engineers and planners sitting in an office an hour away from the location do not have. Sometimes those local voices make a huge difference. But, (why is there always a “but”?) people have to become engaged. They have to pay attention to those notic-
es about upcoming public meetings. They have to look at the plans and they have to write up comments and send them in. Yes, it takes time, but making all of those legal U-turns is going to take time too. Sharon Cotner has been a life-long resident of North St Louis County. She first became involved in community theatre organizations in the 1980’s and is the current President of The Alpha Players of Florissant. Currently retired, she previously served as a Project Manager for the US Army Corps of Engineers. The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 1, 2022
The 60th Annual Valley of Flowers Festival was a huge success as Florissant celebrates spring The weather on May 5 and May 6 were not the very best for the first major city of Florissant event of the spring season, but May 7 and May 8 made up for it. Large crowds came out to enjoy food, entertainment, tons of activities for kids and carnival rides at the 60th annual Valley of Flowers Festival, which started with Family Knight on May 5 at the Duchesne Home Association (formerly the Knights of Columbus Grounds). The festival continued on May 6 and ended on May 8 with the traditional parade and the crowning of the 2022 Queen and her Court. This year’s theme was “Family Board Games.” The parade marshals were Karen Behlmann and her family: Barbara Behlmann; and Kari, Chris, and Gabriel Kenyon. They represented Karen’s deceased husband Gary Behlmann and his efforts with Angie’s All-Inclusive Playground. Gary was a lifetime Florissant resident who married Karen in 1972, remained with her in Florissant where Kari and Angie were born. Later they adopted Charlene and Barbara. His daughter Angie had many health struggles and succumbed to them at the age of seven. Gary’s dream to build an all-accessible playground in memory of his daughter Angie led him to be the force behind Angie’s All-Inclusive Playground at Manion Park. The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony were recently held on March 26 of this year. Activities during the rest of the three-day festivities were geared to appeal to all ages. At the James J. Eagan Center, fair-goers found culturally-diverse performances, a vendor/craft fair, a pretty baby photo contest and children's activities. Musical entertainment was provided on both Friday and Saturday that started with the band Fanfare on May 6. On May 7, Leo & Laneve performed. The band Trilogy performed and to close the day out the Midnight Night Piano Band performed.
Photo courtesy city of Florissant The 2022 Valley of Flowers Queen and her Court is (from left) Queen Sarah Pilla, First Runner-Up Lexi Haire, Special Maid Olivia Eaker, Special Maid Maria Heithaus and Special Maid Ruby Takatz.
Carnival games and rides for families were featured at the Duchesne Home Association Grounds. To maintain a family-friendly and neighborhood atmosphere, the Knights once again required that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Also, this year was a new layout for rides and ticket booths. Other events included the classic car show, a Volksmarch, and a chance to visit the Historic Log Cabin at Tower Court Park on Washington St. at South New Florissant Rd. The First Annual Washers Tourney was a huge success that was held on May 7 at the James J. Eagan Center. Also, on that same day and at JJE, the popular Touch-A-Truck was held. Planning for the 2023 Valley of Flowers Festival will be starting soon. For information on the Valley of Flowers Festival, call 314-8370033 or visit www.florissantvalleyofflowers.com.
Around Town
The city of Florissant is seeking nominations for its Beautiful Home Award Program The Florissant Community Development Office is seeking nominations for its Beautiful Home Award Program. To be eligible for the contest a home must be an owner-occupied single-family dwelling. Residents may nominate either their own home or other homes in the city. The judging criterion includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, attractive exterior, overall curb appeal and maintenance of the property. One winner will be chosen from each of the city's nine wards and a Mayor’s Choice Award. The winners will receive recognition from the city council, including a certificate of appreciation and a Beautiful Home yard sign. Previous winners must wait three years before consideration for another award. Nominations must be submitted with a current photo and may be mailed to the Community Development Office in the Government Building at 1055 St. Francois or sent via email to tcrow@florissantmo. com or online at www.florissantmo.com/beautifulhome. All nominations must be received no later than June 17.
Save Our Youth offering free mental health counseling for St. Louis County youth Save Our Youth (SOY) has received a $150,000 grant from St. Louis County Children's Service Fund (CSF). The money will provide free mental health counseling to at-risk youth from age five to 19 in St. Louis County. SOY is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that encourages and supports the positive development of youth and their families in historically underserved communities. We offer strategies that enable youth and their families to communicate effectively and develop more secure relationships. Our mental health program will help youth develop a firmer family support system. The mission of CSF is to improve the lives of children, youth, and their families in St. Louis County by strategically investing in the creation and maintenance of an integrated system of care that delivers effective and quality mental health and substance abuse services.
Evidence-based research reports increased fear, hopelessness, defiant behavior, academic failure, depression, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, and fractured familial relationships resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for mental health support is dire for underserved and high-risk children and teens in the St. Louis area! According to SOY Program Director LaKetia Carrell, “Save Our Youth is exceptionally pleased to receive CSF support to assist those impacted by stress and anxiety caused by the COVID pandemic. The young people receiving support are very responsive and have shown significant improvement.” For more information about mental health support for your teen/children, or if you would like to make a donation or volunteer, please call 314-850-7476 or go to www.parentstrainup.com/saveouryouth.
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www.st-louis.oasisnet.org/health
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Northwest News
June 1, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
St. Louis County Library and the St. Louis Jewish Community Center announce SLCL Authors at the J SLCL Authors at the J – a joint event series by St. Louis County Library and the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, a program of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center – is an event for readers throughout the St. Louis metro area starting in June. Over the years, SLCL’s popular author series has drawn thousands of readers to library headquarters on Lindbergh Blvd. where fans meet and engage with their favorite writers. When construction on a new library branch begins this summer, the nationally-renowned author series will move off-site, with many events taking place at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex in the Mirowitz Performing Arts & Banquet Center, thanks to a partnership between SLCL and the J’s St. Louis Jewish Book Festival. The J’s Staenberg Family Complex is located at 2 Millstone Campus Drive in St. Louis County. “We are thrilled to partner with the J to offer SLCL author events in their Performing Arts Center while our headquarters is under construction. We look forward to combining our enthusiastic audiences and connecting the readers of St. Louis with many more nationally-renowned, popular authors,” said Kristen Sorth, St. Louis County Library Director and CEO. “The J is beyond excited to partner with the St. Louis County Library,” said Lynn Wittels, J President & CEO. “The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival has a
rich, 44-year tradition in St. Louis, and this collaboration will further our efforts to promote authors, books, and literacy throughout the St. Louis region.” On June 1, SLCL Authors at the J will kick off with an event featuring Jeff Nussbaum, speechwriter for President Biden and author of “Undelivered: The Never-Heard Speeches that Would Have Re-Written History.” Other highlights from the June line-up include Chris Pavone, bestselling author of international spy thrillers, and an event with St. Louis Olympic committee chairman Michael Loynd in conversation with Olympic legend and East St. Louis native Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Additional information about St. Louis County Library’s author series is available at www.slcl.org/ authors. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public. SLCL Authors @ the J – June schedule: • Wednesday, June 1, 7 p.m. Jeff Nussbaum, “Undelivered: The Never-Heard Speeches that Would Have Re-Written History” For every delivered speech, there exists an undelivered opposite. In “Undelivered,” political speechwriter Jeff Nussbaum presents the most notable speeches the public has never heard. Examining the historic moments that almost came to be, Nussbaum considers not only what they tell us about the past, but also what they can inform us about our present. • Tuesday, June 7, 7 p.m. Chris Pavone, “Two Nights in Lisbon” Bestselling author of “The Paris Diversion,” Chris Pavone presents an expertly crafted thriller. Ariel Pryce wakes up in her Lisbon hotel room to discover her new husband has vanished. She starts with hotel security, then the police, then the American embassy, each confronting a question she can’t fully answer: Why does Ariel know so little about her husband? • June 13, 7 p.m. B.A. Shapiro, “Metropolis” Author of the bestseller “The Art Forger,” B.
A. Shapiro presents a masterful novel of psychological suspense. The novel follows a cast of unforgettable characters whose lives intersect after a harrowing accident at the Metropolis Storage Warehouse. As the characters dip in and out of one another’s lives, Shapiro builds tension to an exciting climax. • June 15, 7 p.m. Michael Loynd, “The Watermen: The Birth of American Swimming and One Young Man’s Fight to Capture Olympic Gold” In Conversation with Olympic Legend Jackie Joyner Kersee Sports attorney Michael Loynd is chairman of the St. Louis Olympic Committee. His new book “The Watermen” shares the underdog story of Charles Daniels, the first American swimmer to win Olympic gold. Interwoven with Charles’s story is the struggle to establish the modern Olympics in an era when competitive sports were still in their infancy. • June 23, 7 p.m. Lynne Cox, “Tales of Al: The Water Rescue Dog” Internationally famous for swimming the world’s most difficult waterways, Lynne Cox celebrates all forms of athleticism in others, human or otherwise. When she saw a video of a Newfoundland dog leaping from a helicopter to save someone from drowning, Cox was captivated. “Tales of Al” is the inspiring story of Cox’s adventures with the spectacular dogs at SICS, the famed school that has trained hundreds of dogs for rescue operations. • June 29, 7 p.m. Louis Bayard, “Jackie & Me” The romance and marriage of charming and powerful Jack Kennedy and beautiful, mysterious debutante Jacqueline Bouvier would come to define an age. But how did these two come together? Taking place mostly during the summer before Jack and Jackie’s wedding, “Jackie & Me” is a searching novel about a young woman of a certain class with narrow options.
Sababa returns to Washington University on Sept. 18
www.hoodsauto.com
The area’s largest Jewish arts and culture festival will take place Sept. 18 at Andrew and Ann Tisch Park on the east entrance of the Washington University campus. “We are thrilled to announce that we have the opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy of contemporary Jewish culture again,” said Brian Herstig, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Sababa (which means “cool” in Hebrew) features local, regional, and national visual art exhibitors, culinary experiences and musical performances, as well as activities from local Jewish organizations. New this year, the festival will feature a dedicated pavilion area for families and children’s activities and entertainment. Among the musical headliners expected to take part this year are the Jewish a cappella group Six13, Sheldon Lowe, and the Brothers Lazaroff. The festival, last held in 2018, is planned and coor-
dinated by the J with generous support from the federation. “Now, more than ever, we are all in need of reuniting as a community. The J could not be more excited to orchestrate this celebratory gathering to showcase Jewish culture for the entire region,” said Lynn Wittels, President & CEO of the J. Plans to bring Sababa back last year were postponed because of COVID. Organizers said they will continue to monitor guidance from public health officials but are hopeful that the outdoor festival will be able to return safely in September. For up-to-date information, to volunteer, or to receive Sababa news visit sababastl.com or contact Judy Kramer at jkramer@jccstl.org. All Jewish organizations, congregations, schools, and other groups are asked to designate a representative and contact Kramer with the name and contact info.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 1, 2022
Senior Living
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Winner of APGA Tour St. Louis – Ascension Classic to receive exemption into World Wide Technology Championship The APGA Tour St. Louis – Ascension Classic announced that the winner of its inaugural event, coming to North St. Louis County Sept. 8-9 at Glen Echo Country Club, will receive an exemption into the PGA Tour’s World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba this fall. This coveted playing spot – the first of its kind – is a natural progression for the innovative World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba, which has a history and foundation built on making the game of golf more global and inclusive. In addition to their title sponsorship at Mayakoba, St. Louis-headquartered World Wide Technology (WWT) is committed to bringing greater diversity to the sport of golf by serving as title sponsor of the APGA Tour’s Player Development Program and as a Community Partner of the new Ascension Classic. WWT is also a founding partner of the Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson, an official PGA Tour Champions event that debuted with enor-
mous success last fall, and will be played again the week of Sept. 5 at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis. Matt Horner, World Wide Technology, Executive Vice President offered, “We are very excited about bringing together two of our lead golf sponsorships by connecting the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba through extending an exemption to the winner of the APGA Tour Ascension Classic. The inaugural St. Louis APGA event is a great addition to the APGA Tour and the St. Louis sports landscape and we are proud to partner with Ascension and so many others. The APGA Tour has built on years of success in assisting with the development of many young individuals who seek to compete professionally while learning and growing. World Wide Technology aligns with the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to follow their passion, without barriers, and we recognize the APGA Tour in their efforts to lead within professional golf.
Still In This Together: So God made boy moms I bought each of our daughters the shirt last Christmas, and they proudly posed for a picture with their “So God Made A Boy Mom” logos with smiles on their faces…the same incredulous, disbelieving, “you’ve got to be kidding me” smiles they’ve been wearing for all of their years as mothers. There were never two more girly girls. It was 1985, when Katie, five years the elder and not at all happy that she was no longer neither the baby of the family nor the only girl, reluctantly welcomed baby sister Becca to the fold, but was determined to still be the favorite, the cutest, the better-dressed and the best in everything, from tap dancing to school spelling bees. Poor Becca was teased and tortured, promised beautiful stickers which never materialized, and taunted mercilessly by her older sister, often retreating into books and cutting up magazines and catalogs to create her own beautiful masterpieces, a foretelling of her future career in interior design. I worried about them ever being friends, wondering what in the world would ever unite them. But my mother, who had raised three daughters, knew there would be something wonderful ahead for them, something to bring them closer together than I’d ever dare hope. And Mom was right. My daughters have sons…and they have each other. They are best friends and sounding boards, shoulders for each other to cry on in the tough times, laughing until tears stream down their faces when they share stories of worms eaten off the sidewalk, babies that will eat nothing but noodles for weeks, and ridiculously silly jokes the boys bring to their dinner tables. Becca has found her example in her big sister’s experiences with her boys, ten-year old-Aidan and new teenager Conor. She traveled as often as possible to Omaha to be with them long before she found her own love and experienced impending motherhood. Conor and Aidan loved Aunt Becca’s visits, her hugs, her perfect gifts and, most of all, her funny stories about their mom as a little girl. And when Becca found out that she was having a baby, she shared the news with her sister first, anxious for Katie’s input and her blessing, but most of all, her
By Vicki Bahr
While the PGA Tour Champions stars are teeing it up at Norwood Hills, the potential stars of tomorrow on the APGA Tour will be showcased less than three miles away at historic Glen Echo, which was established in 1901. The APGA Tour, established in 2010, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to prepare African-American and other underrepresented golfers to compete and win at the highest level of professional golf – both on tour and in the golf industry.
www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral
love and experience. Katie came through for her, and my wonderful mother’s prophetic words of a loving sisterhood became reality. Adler adores his Omaha cousins, regularly FaceTiming them to share his Lego creations, practice his reading skills or share his Halloween jokes. When he was four, and his mom and dad told him he was going to be a big brother, he couldn’t wait to share the news with Conor and Aidan. And when they shared that there would be two babies coming, he was so proud to bite into two cupcakes filled with fluorescent blue icing to let everyone know that he was going to have two baby brothers. Becca just stared at the phone and laughed. Three boys!! Why not? More frogs and fireman hats, more race cars and dirt and rocks and aiming at the potty, more rain boots worn to bed and dinosaurs in every pocket. And Katie smiled, “But remember ‘The Kissing Hand,’ and the flowers picked in the backyard and brought in to the best mom in the world, and the ‘I LOVE YOU MOM’ notes colored at school and the knowing that you are the only one who can read them their favorite books and then kiss them good night, and the way their faces will light up when they see you peeking around the doorframe in the morning. “We were born to be boy moms, Becca. And God doesn’t make mistakes.” And as Katie and Becca’s Mom, I can promise that Conor and Aidan, Adler, Ellis and Brady are going to make the world a better place because of their boy moms. Vicki Bahr is an inveterate word lover and story sharer, a published author in magazine, newspaper and blog forms. As a mom of four, grandma of nine, and wife of one for nearly fifty years, she finds that inspiration and wonder are everywhere. The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.
www.TheSarahCommunity.com
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Business
June 1, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Home Builders Association donates $20,000 to Promise Community Homes On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2022 HBA President Jeremy Roth (Elite Development Services/McBride Homes) (left) and HBA Executive Vice President Celeste Rueter (right) presented a $20,000 donation to Promise Community Homes’ executive director Erin Eberhard and director of operations Lisa Dickerson. The donation will be used to replace roofs at three of the organization’s houses that are homes to adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Promise Com-
munity Homes (formerly Rainbow Village) 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 resident. The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.
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NCI awards community leaders for making a difference in North County
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North County Incorporated (NCI) honored several area leaders for their contributions and commitment to the North County region at its 45th Annual Leadership Breakfast. This event was held at the Marriott St. Louis Airport and hosted over 500 guests. “NCI is pleased to recognize these exceptional North County leaders. It’s so awe-inspiring to know these individuals and their organizations are making a difference in the lives of so many of our residents and for the businesses that have struggled over the span of the pandemic,” said NCI President and CEO, Rebecca Zoll.
2022 NCI Leadership Award Honorees Business Development Leadership Award • Nyshaun Harvey, Owner, Latte Lounge and Kingdom Kids Learning Center • Carter Commons, Beyond Housing Community Development Leadership Award
• Hazelwood School District Board of Education Elmer Belsha Leadership Award • Rick Stevens, President, Christian Hospital • Excellence in Partnership Award • Ferguson-Florissant School District • University of Missouri-St. Louis Public Service Leadership Award • Joe Eagan, Councilperson, City of Florissant • James Knowles III, Former Mayor, City of Ferguson • Tony Maldonado, Chairperson, Hispanic Leaders Group • Carol Stroker, Councilperson, City of Hazelwood • Jim Carver, Economic Development Manager, City of Maryland Heights
• The Bread Basket, SSM Health DePaul Hospital
• Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, Governance, Risk & Compliance Business Leader, Edward Jones
• Pattonville Fire Protection District COVID Response Partnership
Special Recognition Award • St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force
• Nancy Wolff, Executive Director, The Emergency Assistance Ministry
• St. Louis County Library System’s GrandPad Initiative
• Angie’s Inclusive Playground, City of Florissant
www.hoodsauto.com
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Award
• Mercy Ferguson Clinic, Mercy • Rose Jackson-Beavers, Program Manager, Behavioral Health Network
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 1, 2022
School
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Riverview Gardens School District selects new administrators For the 2022-2023 school year, Riverview Gardens School District announced the hiring of Nakia King as the principal of Westview Middle School, Kimberly Mott as the district’s math curriculum coordinator and Keesha Fife as the principal of Lewis & Clark Elementary School. King will supervise the overall instructional process at Westview Middle. She will also provide instructional leadership and direction to support the professional growth of staff for positive educational change. King currently serves Nakia King as an interim assistant principal at Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School. She previously served as the principal of McKinley Classical Leadership Academy from 20182021 and principal of Gateway Middle School from 2016-2018. “Nakia King brings a wealth of experience and expertise as the incoming principal at Westview Middle School,” Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, Ed.D., superintendent of schools. “She is highly talented and boasts an impressive track record of success that we are confident she will continue in Riverview Gardens School District.” King earned a bachelor’s of science in education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. She also earned a master’s degree in educational administration and an educational administration specialist’s degree from UMSL. Mott will develop and revise the district’s math curriculum to align with state standards and district goals for student achievement. She will provide support for teachers, evaluate academic programs, support PLC
teams and engage teachers in various forms of professional development. “We are happy to welcome Kimberly Mott to the team,” stated Stacey Nichols, Ed.D., assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. “The district and schools will greatly benefit from Ms. Mott’s knowledge, skills and experience.” Kimberly Mott Mott brings skills as a capable and proven organizational leader in her new role. She will be instrumental in promoting the growth and development of students, teachers and support staff through stimulation, direction and guidance. She has served as an instructional coach in RGSD since 2019. Mott joined the RGSD family in 2012 as a kindergarten teacher at Meadows Elementary, beginning in 2012. Mott also has experience as an early childhood educator. Mott earned her bachelor’s in philosophy from Saint Louis University. She later earned a master’s in education and an educational specialist degree from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Fife will provide instructional leadership and direction, establish a safe, positive and academically-focused environment and address the educational needs for scholars at Lewis & Clark. She is an accomplished teacher and with extensive experience in curriculum development with data-driven, measurable results. “Keesha Fife possesses leadership skills and experience as a principal that make her the perfect fit to lead the scholars at Lewis & Clark Elementary,” said Pruitt-Adams. “Her strengths in communication, cur-
riculum development and project-based teaching will benefit our scholars, staff and community.” Fife has served as a first-grade teacher at Lemasters Elementary School since 2020. She previously worked for the district as a sixthKeesha Fife grade English language arts teacher from 2016-2017. Fife also brings administrative experience as a former principal at Jackson Arts & Technology Academy in Lansing, Michigan and as an assistant principal at Center Academy School in Flint, Michigan She boasts international teaching experience in Beijing, China, as well. Fife earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She also earned a master’s degree in school principalship from Central Michigan University. Photos courtesy Riverview Gardens School District
Normandy High School’s lone golfer paving the way for women, minorities in sport Normandy High School’s Ananperfected it and know it to a ‘T’ dra Chaney is the first to admit she and I’m still learning and there’s so doesn’t fit the mold when it comes much I want to improve on,” said to the game of golf. But she won’t let Chaney that stop her from succeeding in the Her dedication to the game of sport that started out as just somegolf has inspired Normandy High thing to do during the pandemic. School Athletic Director Terrence “I wanted to do it to make my Hamilton, who plans on starting a mom proud and have something team at NHS in the fall. she could be happy that I was doing. “When she came to me this year, And after a while I just started go(it) was the fire I needed to go and ing with the flow and golf became get it,” said Hamilton. “We’re trying second nature and I really liked it,” to be diverse and I think the kids said the NHS sophomore who startwill like it.” ed playing at the urging of her mom As for Chaney, she’s setting some during the summer of 2020. big goals for herself; she hopes the Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative She started out with the nonprofgame will help her play in college. it Better Family Life, which offers a Normandy High School sophomore Anandra But she doesn’t want the game and Chaney is the only golfer representing the district. program at Forest Park. Now she’s She competed in the district tournament May 3 in her success to be the only thing that the only female golfer at Norman- Madison, Illinois. defines her. dy High School. She plays alongside “When I play golf, I don’t want the University City High School team, which competed people to just see me as a golf player. I want people to May 3 in the district tournament in Madison, Illinois. see me as a student, as a girl, as an African American. “I feel like everybody they’ve been doing golf since I don’t just play golf. There are things I want to get to they were three and I just got into golf really. They’ve outside of golf, through golf.”
www.stlcc.edu/FV
What’s Happening
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June 1, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it!
Take notice . . .
The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info. RECURRING EVENTS
tian 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.
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
Mondays: meetings
Choral Arts Group practices every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Connection Chris-
Workshop
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.
Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m. They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for new members. Come by or call Charlie at 314-954-1121.
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.
Mondays: singers
Tuesdays: Chair Zumba
Wednesdays: Bingo
A
cappella
All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.
Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting
If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cordially invited to a meeting of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Association. Meetings take place at the VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant on the second Monday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132. For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.
Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed
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Remote and On-Site Support Cybersecurity Network Mngmt
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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
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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: singers
A
cappella
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.
Chair Zumba every Tuesday from 2:15 – 3 p.m. at The Bridge At Florissant at 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. (Parker @ Arlington). For more information call 314-831-0988.
Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery Tuesday meetings take place at 6 p.m. with a Saturday Bible Study at 9 a.m. at LifePoint Church at 424 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information visit www.lifepointministries.church/celebrate-recovery or call (men) Steve D. at 636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.
Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals
The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-8393495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.
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, 314-831-5476.
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
Life Care Center of Bridgeton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, welcome all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. Please RVSP at 314-298-7444 with the month you will attend and number of people attending.
Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant. For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.
Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316
Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314-921-2316.
Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:
3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 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 314-831-0988.
Thursdays: guild
Quilting
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 checks 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 8313752 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 bistate region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.
Fridays: Fish fry
A fish fry takes place every Friday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.
Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo 6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.
Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo
2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314-831-3752.
Saturdays: Yoga
Yoga returns to Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30. Masks and social distancing are required in the building and participants should bring hand sanitizer with them. For further information call Angela at 314-801-8594.
Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend Toastmasters Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Normandy United Methodist Church at 8001 Natural Bridge Road (across from UMSL). For more info call 314-402-7025.
Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic
Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 1, 2022 the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org.
Saturdays: Clothing sale
On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.
Saturdays: Grief support
On the fourth Saturday of each month, grief support meeting “A Way With Words Ministry” meets at 12:30 p.m. at Community Christ Fellowship, rear, at 121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood, 1/4 mile south of Hwy 270 off Florissant Rd. There are a variety of topics monthly. You are not alone. Come help your heart heal with others. For more information call 314-6053949.
Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.
Sundays: Meat shoot
Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 4445 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Rd. between Sinks Rd. and Lindbergh starting noon Sept. 15 thru Nov. 17; and in the spring, Feb. 2 thru March 8 rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.
Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot
Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314630-2671 or 314-330-7269.
Sundays: Jennings DoDads meeting
The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June
which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www.jenningsdodads.org.
CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group
Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314-741-3737.
HEALTH Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation
Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon–1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1-877-477-6954.
1st Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting
Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@ sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.
Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital
11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.
Wednesdays: Schizophrenia Group
ACES Support
6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.
Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109
11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.
Diabetes Basics:
314-344-7024 for info or 314344-7220 to enroll.
Crisis Nursery:
Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides shortterm, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314-7683201. Or 636-947-0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org.
Center for Senior Renewal:
Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314653-5123.
Nutrition Education:
SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314344-6157.
Smoking Classes:
Cessation
Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866-SSM-DOCS to register or for more information.
SSM DePaul Center:
Wellness
Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314-344-6177.
Free Mammogram Screenings:
SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636-947-5617.
What’s Happening
Speaker’s Bureau:
SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636949-7159.
ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314-9935421.
First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 12:30 - 2 p.m., 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314-968-3477.
SUDOKU answers from page F-1
Christian Hospital Recovery Center:
Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-953-8100.
Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314-653-5032.
Nicotine Anonymous
Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit www.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.
Look Good…Feel Better
SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. Info: 314-344-6090.
SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre
A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-ofthe-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314-738-2599.
www.truehold.com
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Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9 a.m., 314.355.1516, Helpline 800-272-3900.
Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group:
Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314-383-4765.
Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group
Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1 p.m., 314-340-6389.
CROSSWORD answers from page F-4
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Sports
June 1, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
WWW.MYCNEWS.COM
www.treesbywood.net
Sports you see with Gary B... Top college golfer from UMSL awarded DII title Senior Joel Sylven of the University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s golf team was crowned the NCAA DII individual national champion on Wednesday after defeating conference foe Keegan Bronnenberg of Indianapolis in a sudden-death playoff. “I am so happy for Joel,” said head coach Troy Halterman. “He has worked so hard and played some amazing golf in his career, but the last two days, in some very tough conditions, he has played his best. All 18 holes today was in rain, and the last nine was in a steady downpour. Him and Tony (teammate Juan Antonio Padilla) breaking par - that was amazing.” Sylven and Bronnenberg both finished stroke play with a 54-hole score of 214. The duo headed to the first tee box to determine the individual champion, where Sylven would birdie the hole while Bronnenberg parred. “It feels really good to win the title. It’s been a long three days with some different weather,” said Sylven. “When I finished today, I knew my score was good. The back nine was playing hard, but you never know what the rest of the guys will do. I just had to make sure I would be ready for a playoff if need be.” And after winning, it was pure happiness. “It was also sort of a relief of all the pressure you feel. But I also walked off knowing there’s more golf to play since we advanced as a team and I’m excited to get back out there tomorrow.” Sylven finished with rounds of 74-70-70. With UMSL teeing off in the morning wave, Sylven was forced to sit and watch during the afternoon. Broonenberg took a one stroke lead in the 18th, but bogeyed the par four hole. “The playoff was tough since we had been done for several hours,” said Halterman. “We sent him to the range about 20 minutes before last group finished in case he needed a playoff. So, he was warmed up but that first tee shot is tough and he bombed it. Then hit his wedge to about 18 feet. It was almost dark
and the putt was perfect and found the bottom of the hole.” Sylven’s national championship is the first by an individual in school history. The 1973 men’s soccer team is the only other national champion at UMSL. The individual title was Sylven’s fourth of the season, a new single season record, and the seventh of his career. The national championship also netted Sylven Division II PING First Team All-America honors. He earns All-America status for the third time in his career, being named to the third team in 2019 and honorable mention honors in 2020. “We knew starting the day we had a lot of work to do,” Halterman said. “Our goal was to try and shoot the lowest round today and we did that. We also knew it was going to rain all day and so it would be tough, but the kids stayed focused and just grinded through the tough conditions. I’m very happy for this group of guys. Its always a goal to make it here, but so tough to do it.” Junior Juan Antonio Padilla turned in a one-under par 71 in his final round to finish in a tie for 15th place with a 222 (78-73-71), which earns him honorable mention All-America honors. UMSL will be the No. 5 seed and will face No. 4 seed Oklahoma Christian. * The best 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.
www.mycnews.com • Community News • June 1, 2022
Recipe: Cheesy, comforting chicken
Feature
F-1
– SUDOKU –
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.
A
quick and easy way to get comfort food on your dinner table is this recipe for Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken. Add some green beans and mashed cauliflower for a well-rounded meal for your family.
Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup flour 4 tablespoons butter 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Prepare baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cut each chicken breast in half. Place flour in resealable bag. Place chicken in resealable bag with flour; toss to coat. In large skillet, melt butter. Add chicken to skillet; brown all sides. Transfer chicken from skillet to 11-by-7-inch baking dish.
In skillet, saute sliced mushrooms in remaining butter until softened. Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to boil then cook 5 minutes. Spoon over chicken. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses and green onions. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
For more comfort food recipes, visit Culinary.net.
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9
Remembering the inimitable Jim Varney
B
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.
efore its acquisition by Spire, Laclede Gas had, for a time, a spokesperson by the name of Ernest P. Worrell. Played by the inimitable Jim Varney, Ernest promoted the benefits of natural gas over a heat pump by saying “Heat pump, schmeat pump!” in commercials. Varney’s character appeared in ads for other gas companies as well as dairies across the country and earned a Daytime Emmy Award for his work. The actor passed away on Feb. 10, 2000, but he left behind an interesting stable of characters. While living in St. Louis, I may have been the only person to see “Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam,” a strange, mid-1980’s science fiction film. In the opening scene, Varney was in character as Ernest, who, while talking to his buddy Vern, tried out a device called a “Changing Coffin” that would create any disguise. In the film, Varney played Dr. Otto, a villain who planned to use his “Gloom Beam” to cause panic. Although extremely offbeat, the film had some interesting moments. In the 80’s, Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) adapted his popular stage show into a CBS Saturday morning children’s series. In much the same
of Jedd Clampett for a 1993 film remake of “The Beverly Hillbillies” TV series. Though Varney normally was over the top, his take on Uncle Jedd was down-to-earth and grounded in reality. Lily Tomlin and Cloris Leachman provided some slapstick as Jane Hathaway and Granny, but the critics were not very kind, which killed the chances of a sequel. Jim Varney’s distinctive voice was a perfect fit for “Toy Story,” the 1995 computer-animated film that became a sensation. Although Tom Hanks’ Woody and Tim Allen’s Buzz Lightyear characters were the leads, Varney stood out as the gravelly ‘Ernest Goes to Camp’ photo courtesy Touchstone Pictures voice of Slinky Dog, a toy whose middle was a large spring. The way, Jim Varney adapted his signature role for actor reprised his role in the sequel a few years the CBS series “Hey Vern, It’s Earnest!” While it later but, after his death, his friend Blake Clark only lasted one season, Varney played many char- took over the role in subsequent films. Although Varney’s characters were numerous, acters in the 13-episode run including Sergeant Glory, a disciplinarian who gave his charges rules Ernest P. Worrell had been the most enduring. to remember, and Willie the Robot, a character Ernest could be boisterous, but he had a good from the “Dr. Otto” film. For his efforts, Varney heart and wanted to do the right thing. In his earned a Daytime Emmy Award for “Outstanding various films, he helped save Christmas, landed in jail and found himself in a Summer Camp. Jim Performer in a Children’s Series.” There were times, though, that Varney broke Varney’s body of work showed his talent and love away from his usual characters and the results of making people laugh. There really was no one were intriguing. The actor took over the role quite like him.
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Feature
June 1, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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June 1, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
Crossword: STEPHEN KING
‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.
By Cindy Moore
Moore on Life In case you haven’t noticed, everything is twice as much as it used to be. In fact, the dollar store is no longer a dollar. I went in to make a few purchases and before tax, my four items came up to five dollars. I addressed the cashier. “Excuse me Miss, I believe you overcharged me. I only have four items and you’ve charged me for five.” She popped her gum several times then looked at me angrily like I was her mother telling her to get off her phone. “Nah…prices went up. Everything’s a buck twenty-five,” she said. “What?! Well that’s…let me see, divide by one and carry the three then subtract the decimal. Hey! That’s a ridiculous twenty-five percent increase!” “Wrong, that’s just a quarter increase. Did you learn anything in math or didn’t they teach it back then?” Rude child. She gave me back the incorrect change in my favor. Maybe her boss can explain a few things about math when her till is short tonight. Because of inflation, my husband and I are trying to stay close to home. Prices are crazy and nothing is free except…Wordle! Yes, it’s taken the country by storm and not a minute too soon because even though the pandemic is pretty much over, the lockdown due to gas prices is here. That leaves not much to do except watch TV and play games. For those of you who have been sealed away in your pandemic bunker without knowledge of what’s happening in the outside world here’s what’s new: Wordle is a challenging word puzzle that increases your brain skills exponentially and
also, the Kardashians have found new love interests. They would all do well to play many, many rounds of Wordle. So the game gives you six chances to solve the five-lettered word and nothing in the world Photo courtesy Bigstock or “Wordle” (see what I did there) makes you feel a sense of smug superiority quite like solving the brainteaser in two or three tries. But, just when you start to get all hoity-toity and think you’re above the brain level of the common folk you can be brought down to abject humiliation. This happens when you have used all six tries and fail. This is worse than having your prom date stand you up. Whatever, prom was overrated. Besides my date wasn’t all that cute anyway…bad case of acne. So, let’s hang in there folks. Inflation can’t last that long and besides there’s always hope in store. Oh, oh, oh!! STORE! That’s a great five-letter word. Gotta get Wordling!
Challenging times
Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.
ACROSS 1. Mauritania’s neighbor 5. Arrest 8. Daughter of Zeus and Hera 12. Like fist of some rulers 13. Containing limestone 14. *”Misery” Oscar winner 15. Gulf War missile 16. Throat-clearing sound 17. Earp of the Wild West 18. *’58 Plymouth Fury in a Stephen King novel 20. Hole punchers 21. G in SAG 22. Lennon’s wife 23. Napoleon’s hat 26. Old tree description 30. Ryder Cup team 31. Forecastle, for short 34. Ruptured 35. Harangues 37. Tiny guitar 38. East side of Jersey 39. Brussels’ org. 40. Genie, alt. sp. 42. Soak through 43. Autumnal zodiac sign 45. Stomach sores 47. Basketball hoop 48. Down Under marsupial
50. Ginger-flavored cookie 52. *”It” clown 56. Nary a soul 57. Larger-than-life 58. Like some rumors 59. Smart _____, pl. 60. Pilaf grain 61. Close in proximity 62. *”The Green ____” 63. Don’t waste 64. Risqué DOWN 1. Catchall abbr. 2. St. Louis tourist attraction 3. Displeasure on one’s face 4. Rainbow color 5. Root of nihilism 6. Set right 7. *”Stand ____ ____,” film based on “The Body” 8. *”Rita ____ and the Shawshank Redemption” 9. Bibliographical abbr. (2 words) 10. Risky business, pl. 11. “Is” in Paris 13. Hispanic American 14. Boss, in Swahili 19. Rides the waves
22. Buck 23. “Auld Lang Syne” poet 24. *”Children of the Corn” cult leader Chroner 25. Subsection of a poem 26. “Rhinestone Cowboy” singer 27. Kind of change 28. Mistake 29. Oceanic trenches 32. *Rabid Saint Bernard in Stephen King book 33. Mogul rider 36. *Nicholson in “The Shining” 38. Foolish 40. Not bright 41. Subtlety 44. Plumber’s concern, pl. 46. Crying like crow 48. Type of cap, pl. 49. Chilled (2 words) 50. Same as solos 51. Yuletide 52. Paddington Bear’s homeland 53. Beginning of a story? 54. Grand ____ 55. *Like a Stephen King story 56. “Platoon” setting SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9