CN: June 21, 2023

June 21, 2023

Fiesta forever

Around Town

The Walk-Through History Program unveils its 57th plaque in honor of late civil rights leader. Pg. 3

Cinema St. Louis announces lineup for Golden Anniversaries: Films of 1973. Pg. 4

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

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

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

Weather

Fiesta in Florissant, presented by Hispanic Festival, Inc., celebrates and educates about Hispanic cultures with music, food and fun

By Wendy Todd

According to the last U.S. Census, the St. Louis region has experienced a notable increase in populations of people of color, particularly the Hispanic community. The majority of the growth over the past 20 years has occurred in Madison, St. Clair, St. Charles, St. Louis and St. Louis counties, which includes Florissant.

And once again, the city will be hosting the Fiesta in Florissant, an event presented by Hispanic Festival, Inc., that celebrates and educates about Hispanic cultures. This year’s festival continues the tradition, offering music, food, fun and more for the whole family to enjoy.

Elisa Bender, one of the event’s board members, explained why Florissant has been a perfect location for the fair.

“One of the best things about Florissant is its diversity,” Bender said. “We wanted to create an event celebrating the Hispanic arts and culture that resonates with many Florissant and North County residents. More and more Hispanics are moving to the St. Louis area and are calling Florissant their home. The Fiesta in Florissant has become a staple for our community and all those surrounding our community.”

In addition to the crafts, opportunities to purchase wares from local vendors and authentic Hispanic food from areas including Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina,

Honduras, Chile and Puerto Rico, there are a few new additions to the festival.

Several bands that have never played at the festival before will be showcased over the two-day event. Grupo Maravilla de Robin Revilla, a Mexican Cumbia Band, Song de mi Tierra, a Colombian band and Enrique Calderon and his Orquesta Salsa from Chicago will entertain festival goers. There will also be a La Villita (little village) Artist Village sponsored by the St. Louis Art Museum featuring up and coming Hispanic artists.

For those who have never attended the Fiesta in Florissant, the feedback Bender has received from first-time participants has

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‘FIESTA’ from cover

placed high priority on the food offerings.

“We get told a lot that our number one attraction is the food. Most of our food vendors are ‘mom and pop’ vendors. We strive to make pricing very affordable, particularly because we are a family event. Then the main stage entertainment of live music and folkloric dancing is always a hit. Many people bring their lawn chairs and stay all day. We have a lot of activities for kids and most of it is free including piñatas, face painting and crafts.”

The Fiesta in Florissant is a genuine occasion for attendees to expand their cultural knowledge and

immerse themselves in a multi-sensory education about the Hispanic community.

“Just coming to the Fiesta in Florissant is a learning experience in itself,” Bender said. “We encourage fair-goers to try foods they have never had before, learn to salsa, listen to a great Brazilian band and ask questions. Our vendors love to talk about their countries and experiences.”

Fiesta in Florissant occurs Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, June, 25 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. For more information, please visit HispanicFestivalstl.com, email info@hispanicfestivalstl. com or call 314-837-6100.

MDC biologists say recent bear incident reminds St. Louis region residents not to feed them

On May 23, a bear was struck and killed on I-55 near Festus – a reminder that bears are especially active this time of year, and that bear-human encounters are more likely. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds St. Louis region residents black bears are becoming a growing part of the St. Louis area landscape, even at times in highly populated areas.

MDC’s ongoing bear research indicates the Show-Me-State is currently home to around 900 black bears, and that population is growing by 9% each year. Only one species can be found in this state – the American black bear (Ursus americanus) – though multiple color phases can occur in Missouri other than black, such that a bear’s fur can be brown, red, or cinnamon in color.

Most of our bears are found in the southern part Missouri, according to MDC wildlife biologists, which is where the largest tracts of forested habitat are. Despite their primary concentration in the Ozarks, sightings and potential encounters with bears are likely to increase in the St. Louis region as the population continues to grow.

Research shows the population is expanding its range too, which might explain the uptick in sightings in recent years. As the population grows and expands, bears are showing up in areas further north. Additionally, late spring/early summer is prime time for bears to be on the move. Young bears begin to wander seeking food and new areas to settle and adult males begin moving large distances in search of females.

These creatures are part of our state’s natural history, and many people enjoy the thought of seeing one of these impressive animals. While generally not aggressive, like any wild animal black bears are driven to find food. It takes a lot of calories to fuel an animal that typically weighs several hundred pounds, and as they emerge from hibernation in spring, they’re especially hungry. Bears are attracted to a variety of food sources this time of year.

Food, or rather the lack of it, is key to avoiding conflicts with bears. The last thing

homeowners should do is tempt them with any sort of food source, whether it be intentionally or unintentionally. Feeding bears is dangerous as it makes the bears comfortable around people. It can also lead bears to cause significant damage to property while searching for a meal.

A bear that grows accustomed to obtaining food from humans can become a problem which could result in an increased number of encounters, bolder behavior, property damage, and even the euthanizing of the bear. Tempting a bear to stick around high population areas with ready food sources also increases the chance of a fatal vehicle encounter, like the one near Festus.

These types of situations can be prevented by ensuring bears don’t have access to easy foods.

MDC suggests the following tips to avoid issues if a bear has been sighted in the area.

• Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside a secure building or in a bear-proof container or location.

• Regularly clean and disinfect trash containers to minimize smells that could attract bears.

• Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside.

• Don’t leave pet food outside. Feed pets a portion at each meal and remove the empty containers.

• Refrain from using birdfeeders in bear country from April through November. If in use, hang them at least 10 feet high and four feet away from any structure. Keep in mind that even if a bear cannot get to the birdseed, the scent could still attract it to the area.

• Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources.

These measures will also reduce problems with more common critters like raccoons and coyotes.

While black bears are generally a shy,

non-aggressive species and bear attacks are rare throughout their range in North America, MDC offers these tips to stay safe when hiking and camping in bear country:

• Never deliberately offer a bear food.

• Keep campsites clean and store all food, toiletries, and trash in a secure vehicle or strung high between two trees.

• Do not keep food or toiletries in a tent, and do not burn or bury garbage or food waste.

• Make noise, such as clapping, singing, or talking loudly, while hiking to prevent surprising a bear.

• Travel in a group if possible.

• Keep dogs leashed.

• If hiking or camping in bear country, consider carrying bear spray. Read the instructions carefully and keep bear spray immediately available on your belt or your pack’s waist strap, not buried inside your pack.

• Be aware of surroundings. If there are signs of a bear, such as tracks or scat, avoid the area.

• Leave bears alone! Do not approach them, and make sure they have an escape route. With a few sensible measures, it’s possible to welcome back Missouri’s black bears as our neighbors in the wild, without inviting them to the dinner table.

For more on black bears in Missouri, go to mdc.mo.gov/bearaware. Report bear sightings and submit photos online at mdc. mo.gov/reportbears.

Black bears do not make good dinner guests! MDC recommends taking steps to avoid tempting them with human food, especially in areas where bears have been sighted.

Submitted photo

Photo courtesy city of Florissant

With Summer around the corner, water safety should be top-of-mind

The Gateway Region YMCA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in the metro region’s eagerness to jump into summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month, the Gateway Region YMCA is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.

As part of National Water Safety Month, the YMCA is encouraging parents to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing six tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all. Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water. Teaching your chil-

dren to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water. Never swim alone or without a water watcher. When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water. Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Don’t engage in breath-holding activities. Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of

The Walk-Through History Program unveils its 57th plaque in honor of late civil rights leader

An overwhelming crowd of friends along with many dignitaries gathered in front of 401 rue St. Francois on May 24 to unveil the 57th Walk Through History plaque in honor of the late Dr. Rance Thomas.

The plaque dedication took place before the start of the first Wednesday Night Out event that was hosted by the VFW Post 4105.

Thomas was a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam conflict. He was also a columnist, professor, author, visionary and community leader for social justice.

Thomas was a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Southern Illinois University and Saint Louis University, where he received his PhD. Following his military service, Thomas became a faculty member at Lewis & Clark Community College, where he retired in 2002 as the first Professor Emeritus in the college’s history. He also served as adjunct faculty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.

During his time as a college professor, Thomas became a regular columnist for numerous publications that included; St Louis Post-Dispatch, North St. Louis County Suburban Journal, The Alton Telegraph and the Community News. Shortly before his death, he published his book, “My Journey, A Testimony of Faith, Hope and Success.”

Thomas’ vision and selfless devotion to his community led him to cofound North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice in 1998 which consists of 20-plus churches of various denominations in North St. Louis County. He served as its president since its inception.

He was President of the Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial, President of the Florissant Rotary Club and President

of the Lewis and Clark Community College’s Annuitant Association. He also served as Vice President of North County Incorporated and was Chair of its Task Force on Health Care for four years. He served as Vice President of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Alton, Vice President of All God’s People of Metropolitan St. Louis for three years, and served as a board member of the Applied Scholastic International. He also organized the North St. Louis County Youth Task Force and served honorably as its chairman.

Thomas also received numerous awards in his lifetime which include being inducted into the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Hall of Fame, the Who’s Who in the Midwest, the Illinois Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights Award, Citizen of the Year Award for Contributions in improving the quality of life in North County, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hazelwood School District, was inducted into the International Educator’s Hall of Fame and was awarded the Dr. Rance Thomas Community Partnership Award, created in his honor, by St Louis Community College, Florissant Valley.

He was also a long-time member of the Religious Relations Committee of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, a District Committee member of the North Star District and a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award which is the highest award a local council can give to a volunteer. However, his greatest award and achievement, that he would have told anyone that asked, was simply being a good neighbor and friend to the many great people that live, work and protect the North St Louis County community.

The next plaque dedication will be on June 28 at 5:30 p.m. before the start of

time while swimming, as this can be dangerous. Wear a life jacket. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

the second Wednesday Night Out festivities to honor the late Harold “Bud” Foley and Bernice Foley. The dedication

will be held directly across the street from city hall. This plaque dedication is a re-scheduled dedication from last year.

Photo courtesy city of Florissant

Who is this guy, and can I keep him? Still In This Together: By Vicki

He woke up early yesterday morning and asked me if I wanted to go get donuts…at a donut store we’ve only heard about, 20 minutes from our house, just on a whim.

“Do you think you can find directions on your phone?” he asked.

You bet I could!

It was a city we haven’t been to before, and we both spoke the things we saw along the way out loud, for future reference. Aldi, Walmart, Jack In The Box, Flea Market on weekends. The folks at the donut store were very nice, and this man with me was charming them all as he explained we were new to the area, had bought their donuts at the corner market, and decided to come straight to the source. They were enraptured, as was I. And when John actually struck up a conversation with a dad and his two little girls who came in behind us and were picking out donuts with many, many sprinkles on them to help them run faster at field day that day, he agreed that their choices were great ones. He told them he knew that for a fact because he’s a grandpa.

He’s been doing a lot of unexpected things lately. Oh,

he still yells ridiculously at all the bad drivers on the road, and questions the need for speed limits when nobody follows them anyway and swears he’s going to become a policeman for a day just to write tickets until his fingers swell. That sort of thing. But I’m seeing a side of him that I didn’t even know had been missing for far too long. And I like it.

We’ve gotten into the habit of talking to each other every evening, just to be sure we’re on the same wavelength about what the next day will hold. I check the calendar, which is still just sitting on the kitchen counter because I don’t want to stick a tack in the cabinet door just yet, then report the next day’s events to him. And then we laugh, because there is rarely anything unusual planned, but more days than not something comes up on the most unplanned of days.

And for some reason that doesn’t cause him to be unduly upset anymore. He just shakes his head and says, “I knew it!”

We’ve explored our new neighborhood, and gone on excursions just for the heck of it. We walk every day to the cluster box that serves as the mailbox for the few homes on our block that are occupied, marveling at the construction being done. John talks to new neighbors, telling them how long we’ve been here, what minor issues we’ve dealt with, and offers advice after having been in our other home for so long. And he’s charming.

The other night, this new guy in my life called me over to the window and dramatically opened the blind.

“Look at that,” he said.

I wasn’t sure what exactly I was supposed to be looking at. It was pitch black outside, and I couldn’t see anything beyond the white fence in our back yard reflecting the moon. There were no noises, nothing out of the ordinary.

“The sky. Look up at the sky. When’s the last time you saw that many stars?”

It was beautiful, and unexpected. So very unexpected.

This same guy who the day before had insisted that we drive to our daughter’s house even though Bec-

Bahr

ca had adamantly told us the twins had both been up coughing all night and she didn’t want us to come over, even though she hadn’t slept much and the day was going to be so very long with husband Andy out of town.

“We won’t go in,” he said. “We’ll plan it for when they’re busy picking Adler up from school and just leave them a surprise. It might buy her some quiet time, and the boys will know we’re missing them.”

“You really want to drive in there just to leave them a surprise?” I asked.

“Yes, I do,” this mystery man confirmed. “We’ll make up a snack bag for each of them with some pretzels and Bugles. And don’t forget to put a cookie in the bottom of each one. My buddies always like digging in there looking for the cookie.”

I found a little Lego set I had stashed away for Adler for a rainy day, and a floor puzzle for the twins I had added to an online order to get free shipping. John packed the treats and asked me about the extra lasagna we had left over from the weekend.

“It was really good, and I bet the boys would eat it for dinner if they know it came from us,” John said. “That way Becca won’t have to cook.”

That was when I knew I had to go right up to him and look him in the eye.

Yep, it was really John, offering to give up his favorite homemade lasagna.

I hugged him and simply asked, “Who are you, and can I keep you?”

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

Cinema St. Louis announces lineup for Golden Anniversaries: Films of 1973

The Golden Anniversaries film series — an annual presentation of Cinema St. Louis (CSL) — features classic films celebrating their 50th anniversaries. The sixth edition of the event highlights films from 1973.

This year, Cinema St. Louis will hold both virtual conversations and in-person screenings as part of Golden Anniversaries. Virtual conversations are presented free of charge.

The online conversations, with people watching the films on their own but gathering virtually to discuss them, will continue through December. The virtual programs will be available as livestreams through Eventive. Each online event has a link to register on the CSL website: cinemastlouis.org/golden-anniversaries.

This year’s series kicked off in April and will continue through December, with films playing on Sunday afternoons at the Hi-Pointe Theatre at 1005 McCausland Ave.

Tickets are required for the in-person screenings at the Hi-Pointe. Free parking is available at the HiPointe Backlot or Lindell Bank across the street from

the theater.

In addition, during the 32nd Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival, which takes place from Nov. 9-19, CSL will offer a trio of free Golden Anniversaries screenings — Jack Hill’s “Coffy” (with Novotny Lawrence), Robert Clouse’s “Enter the Dragon” (with Daniel Yezbick), and Peter Bogdanovich’s “Paper Moon” (with Tom O’Keefe) — on the second Saturday and Sunday of the fest at the St. Louis Public LibraryCentral Branch at 1301 Olive St.

Whether the event is held online or in person, film critics, film academics, filmmakers, and writers will offer introductory remarks and participate in discussions about the films. In addition to St. Louis-based experts, Golden Anniversaries will again feature contributors from elsewhere, including returning presenter Novotny Lawrence (“Coffy” and “Cleopatra Jones”) and new participants such as freelance writer and film historian, Marya E. Gates (“Love & Anarchy”).

For full descriptions of the films, visit the Cinema St. Louis website.

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-to-four 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 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Mondays: City council meetings

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

Mondays: Choral Arts Group meetings

Choral Arts Group practices every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Connection Christian Church at 1332 Feise Rd. in O’Fallon. Auditions not required. Ages high school and older are invited to join. There will be spring and fall public concerts. For more information call Marty at 636-5799227, 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.

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 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-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 314-428-1168 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 636634-6582 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, 314-8315476.

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: 314-839-7604.

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.

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 314831-3752.

Sports you see with Gary B...

Ambush, MASL players compete in high stakes national tourney

The St. Louis Ambush play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles and play in the MASL.

Several members of the Ambush recently competed in a $1 million, winner-take-all, 7v7 national soccer tournament with three Ambush players taking home their share of the prize as the tournament champions. The Soccer Tournament (TST) was held recently at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina and televised by NBC Sports.

Thirty-two teams participated in the tournament, which featured players from around the world. Sixty-eight players from the Major Arena Soccer League were among those competing. Prominent MASL players like Ian Bennett and Nick Perrera were among the league’s stars who participated. Ambush players Paulo Nasicmento, William Eskay and Marcel Berry played for the tournament winner, Newtown Pride FC. Ambush player Robert Kristo also participated in the tourney as a member of the Raleigh Rebels, a team that reached the quarterfinals.

* Congrats

Hoots kick off road trip with win

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

The Hoots (3-7) kicked off their road trip with a visit to the Jackson Rockabillys (4-6) on Sunday night. Thanks to both strong offense and defense, the Hoots proved victorious, defeating Jackson 7-2.

Several highlights:

• Owen Schexnaydre led the charge on the mound, earning his first win of the season. The LSU-Eunice product pitched 5.2 innings while only allowing two earned runs and racking up seven strikeouts.

• Jack Meyer hit his first homerun of the year, driving in two runs while doing so.

• Braedon Stoakes and Michael Long both tallied two-hit games, Long registered a triple as well.

• Besides Meyer, Tyson Ludwig and Nick Harms also

knocked in RBIs.

* Great start on the away from the friendly confines of CarShield Field

Lindenwood ends baseball season with a win

Lindenwood University Junior Logan Stevens racked up four hits to help propel the Lindenwood baseball team (13-42, 8-16 OVC) to a victory over the SIUE Cougars (26-27, 9-15 OVC) by a margin of 11-5 on Saturday at Lou Brock Sports Complex in St. Charles. In addition to his four hits, Stevens had two doubles and three RBI to lead the Lions. Senior Joe Copeland furnished a standout performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, two walks and three RBI.

Sophomore Dawson Hokuf also contributed for Lindenwood, putting together one hit in five trips to the plate while adding a double and two RBI.

Highlights for the club:

• Copeland and Stevens drove in three runs each for the Lions.

• The Lions out-hit the Cougars at a 12-8 clip,

• Lindenwood went 7-for-16 (.438) with runners in scoring position.

• Lindenwood pitchers limited SIUE to just 2-for-15 (.133) with runners in scoring position.

• Lindenwood pitchers faced 44 SIUE hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and 12 fly balls while striking out six.

• The Lions drew seven walks from SIUE pitching.

* Good finish for the Lions

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 : On-the-go breakfast options

If you’re in need of a quick breakfast, consider starting your day with one of these tasty breakfast ideas. This on-trend Acai Bowl with Whole-Wheat Toast provides a flavorful serving of fresh fruits while Overnight Oats can be made the night before for a grab-and-go solution as you head out the door in the morning.

Overnight

Oats

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup low-fat milk

Acai Bowl with Whole-Wheat Toast

INGREDIENTS:

1 frozen acai smoothie pack (100 milligrams)

1 cup low-fat milk

1 medium frozen banana, sliced

1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries

2 slices whole-wheat bread

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.

fresh blueberries

granola

coconut flakes

DIRECTIONS:

Under warm water, thaw frozen acai smoothie pack about 5 seconds.

In blender, combine acai, milk, banana and mixed berries. Blend until smooth. Toast bread slices to desired doneness.

Pour acai mixture into bowl and garnish with blueberries, granola and coconut flakes before serving. Serve with toast.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

In1998, Peter Weir’s “The Truman Show” debuted in theaters and could be considered a precursor to Reality TV. Jim Carrey played Truman Burbank, the only “true man” in the town of Seahaven. The other residents were actors performing on a movie set. Burbank was trapped much like a goldfish in a bowl while multiple cameras recorded his every move. Some viewers even watched Truman overnight while he was sleeping because it gave them comfort. He was married and did have friends and acquaintances, but these relationships weren’t exactly real. Truman typically hung out and drank beer with his friend Marlon (Louis Coltrane), but he, like everyone else, was just an actor playing a role.

After “Dumb and Dumber” and “Batman Forever,” Jim Carrey showed what he could do with a more dramatic role.

“The Truman Show” arrived in theaters years before social media, the Internet and Facebook became strong influences on people. In the false reality of Seahaven, Burbank appeared to be fairly well-adjusted until stage equipment unintentionally fell from the sky. He also learned that there was more to his life than just selling insurance. When given a choice to stay or leave Seahaven, Truman took his bows and headed out into the world.

Jim Carrey turned in a subtle, complicated performance in “The Truman Show.” After he uncovered the false reality of his life,

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons mixed dried fruit

1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped

1 tablespoon honey

DIRECTIONS:

In bowl or jar, combine oats, milk and vanilla extract. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, stir in dried fruit, walnuts and honey.

Truman played along until he could make his escape from Seahaven. Ron Howard’s 1999 comedy “EDtv” picked up similar themes from “The Truman Show.” Cynthia Reed (Ellen DeGeneres) was a TV producer who wanted to film a normal person’s life 24/7.

Matthew McConaughey played Ed Pekurny, Reed’s choice for her new reality show on the True TV network. His show was titled “Ed TV,” but after it aired, the show moved slowly until things became interesting. Ed’s growing relationship with Shari (Jenna Elfman) had

potential but she didn’t want to be shown live on “Ed TV.”

On May 31, 2000, the American version of “Survivor” debuted on CBS. Jeff Probst hosted the show that gathered real people from different walks of life who would then have the chance to win one million dollars. Players were divided into tribes and had to find food, build a fire and create shelters for the other members of their tribe. They also competed in challenges to win rewards and earn immunity from being voted out of the game. Only one player, however, would go on to become the sole survivor.

The show was not without its problems, though. Survivor Stacey Stillman filed a lawsuit claiming producers persuaded two members of Stillman’s tribe to vote her off instead of popular United States Navy Seal Rudy Boesch. Richard Hatch, the first season winner, was sent to jail for failing to report his “Survivor” winnings to the IRS. While playing the game, Hatch had figured out a way to win in the first season by making alliances with other players. In “Survivor: Island of the Idols,” contestant Dan Spilo had been warned about touching other players and was later removed from the show.

Whether it was the movie set of “The Truman Show” or the challenges of “Survivor,” Reality TV has a way of drawing us in for a closer look.

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.

Reality TV: “The Truman Show,” “EDtv,” “Survivor”

“The Truman Show” photooc ourtesy Paramount Pictures. “Survivor” photo courtesy Mark Burnett Productions.

HELP

FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

NOVENA

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. L.M.

SINGERS WANTED

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: TV DADS

‘

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

In case you didn’t know, things have been getting pretty argumentative up in the air. Yes, the friendly skies are not quite so friendly. The latest battle seems to be over whether to recline your seat or not. This is the question.

Now, as a person who has flown some, I have oft thought the bigger question was always: is peanut butter a liquid or solid? TSA believes anything that is not hard as cement qualifies as a liquid, therefore your peanut butter, smooth or chunky, will be confiscated.

Of course, as everyone knows peanut butter has long been used as a weapon of war. Just ask any veteran of the GPPB (Great Peanut Butter Battle of 19-something-or-other). They will tell you horrid stories of peanut combat that will make your milk curdle.

Fun fact: Curdled milk is considered a liquid by the TSA. So don’t try and sneak your cottage cheese onboard. They will seize it along with your whipped honey butter and make a tasty lunch in the employee’s lounge during break.

So, on to the real fight…the battle of the reclining seats.

It is a truth that if I pay on average $260 for a one-way flight within the U.S. and my space in coach is roughly 32 inches from my seat to the seat in front, that I am shelling out $8.125 per inch for that space. (I knew my seventh-grade math skills would come in handy someday!)

Now, if the person in front encroaches on my valuable real estate by reclining, it is only fair to recoup that property by reclining my seat back to regain those losses.

But that still upsets some people. Especially the ones who get their icy beverage shloshed onto their lap by the guy who thrusts their chair into reverse without warning.

Here’s the solution. Flight attendants, after that

By Cindy Moore

Bending over backwards

same old safety spiel which no one’s listening to, announce the exact time to recline.

Attendant: “Attention passengers, because you did not listen to my flight safety speech, today’s pretzel snacks with the expiration date of 2-24-15 will be withheld. Now, you may all recline your seats in 3-2-1-go!”

If this isn’t done, we may be faced with terrible battles in the sky. Hmm, maybe that’s the real reason for seizing our peanut butter. No one wants to relive the GPPB of 19-something-or-other.

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. Necklace lock

6. Blue

9. *Mr. Micelli in "Who's the Boss"

13. "The Tortoise and the Hare," e.g.

14. Beer acronym

15. Check recipient

16. Angler's basket

17. Circle part

18. "Orange" warning

19. *Mr. Keaton in "Family Ties"

21. *Mr. Cunningham in "Happy Days"

23. Dad's offspring

24. "Jack and the Beanstalk" instrument

25. General Post Office

28. Plural of cecum

30. Pompous windbag

35. Not written

37. Scotch ingredient

39. Complain

40. Spanish surrealist Joan

41. Formed #17 Across

43. Press back arrow key

44. Not odds

46. "Musical" constellation

47. Backgammon predecessor

48. Louisiana music genre

50. Aware of

52. Jeans brand

53. In a little while, oldfashioned

55. Old age, old-fashioned

57. *Mr. White "Breaking Bad"

60. *Mr. Stark "Game of Thrones"

63. Ruffle on a blouse

64. Determine the sum

66. Feline sound

68. Bronze, e.g.

69. Chasing game

70. "All joking ____"

71. Big Bang's original matter

72. Compass bearing

73. Type of stocking

DOWN

1. Olden-day aerosol can propellant, acr.

2. Lawrence, for short

3. Aid and ____

4. Like gelled hair

5. Relating to pelvis

6. a.k.a. Xi'an

7. Credit card rate, acr.

8. Putin's country house, e.g.

9. Samoan money

10. Deed hearing

11. Egghead

12. Up to the present time

15. a.k.a. melon tree

20. Organ swelling

22. What organza and forgiveness have in common

24. Calm and peaceful

25. *Mr. Addams "The Addams Family"

26. Outhouse

27. Propelled like Argo

29. *Mr. Winslow in "Family Matters"

31. Give the cold shoulder

32. Twofold

33. *Mr. Johnson in "Blackish"

34. Glittery stone

36. Like certain Ranger

38. Seaside bird

42. Old hat

45. Scatterbrained, in U.K.

49. Top seed

51. Nickname for dad (2 words)

54. Speak like Cicero

56. ____ Buchanan of "The Great Gatsby"

57. China's Great one

58. Often goes with "willing"

59. Rumpelstiltskin's weaver

60. Upper hand

61. Not top-shelf

62. Popular symbol of extinction

63. *Mr. Pritchett in "Modern Family"

65. *Mr. Conner in "Roseanne"

67. Skin cyst

Yeggs’ is a comic series