June 22, 2022
Beating the heat
Around Town
COMMUNITY VOICES By Dr. Larry A. Brown. Pg. 2 Florissant schedules July Fourth festivities. Pg. 4
Senior Living STILL IN THIS TOGETHER The shark grins again. Pg. 7
Northwest News NORTHWEST VIEWS Marking World Sickle Cell Day. Pg. 5
Features
Submitted photo (From left) Heat-Up St. Louis Board members Linda Fritz and Ben Turec stand with honorary chair Mayor Tishaura Jones, representing all the regional leaders at that event; Ameren Missouri’s President Mark Birk and Michael P. McMcMillian.
Ameren and Heat-Up St. Louis offer assistance to those who need resources for those who are in need of cooling services By Wendy Todd With temperatures already hitting triple digits, the St. Louis area may be facing a scorching summer. And with high temps can come high energy bills. There are resources for those who are in need of cooling services. Ameren, the largest electricity provider in Missouri, and Heat-Up St. Louis, a nonprofit organization, offer assistance to those who need resources to beat the summer heat. Ameren offers several energy assistance programs that can help consumers pay
their bills. The Clean Slate program helps customers catch up on past due bills. LIHEAP provides assistance to those experiencing financial strain. Payment arrangements are also available to avoid losing service and there’s also a program, Dollar More, where donations helps consumers pay their bills. Ameren, along with other donors, has partnered with Heat Up St. Louis under their Cooldownstlouis.org program to help them serve those in need of energy assistance. They recently donated 850 air conditioners to the nonprofit that provides
this service for seniors and those who are physically disabled. Ameren also donated $200,00 in energy assistance funds. Heat-Up St. Louis, was founded by Gentry Trotter in 2000 and has helped over one million Missouri and Illinois residents in 44 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis. “In our 2021 annual reporting period we impacted about 334,595 since the end of December 2021,” Trotter said. “COVID has almost doubled our numbers because See ‘HEAT’ page 2
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June 22, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
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usage of electricity has soared because a lot of people are unemployed at home or working from home.” The nonprofit offers a variety of services including utility assistance to very low-to-moderate income heads of households. They also provide other “human resource referrals to a consortium membership of about 33 partners.” “People come to Cooldownstlouis.org because they are having difficulties paying their bills. They are trapped between the high costs at the pumps, rent, mortgage, a significant increase in food and medications,” Trotter said. “Many of our clients of late are making tough economic decisions. COVID has decimated their wallets and pocketbooks. People also can’t live on minimum wages. And COVID has separated double-income households. Today, oftentimes, either the wife or husband works - dual income continues to slip away.” Heat Up St. Louis is able to assist many who aren’t able to afford their energy bills due to the community and beneficial partnerships throughout the area. “Many now are working at home with low-to-moderate income,” Trotter said. “That means that their electric and natural gas usage is up. So, we have various funding pots throughout the metropolitan area. From public donations to government funds.” For those in need of energy assistance, there is help available. For assistance from Ameren go to www.ameren.com/missouri/residential/energy-assistance. For assistance from Heat-Up St. Louis go to www.cooldownstlouis.org
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Parkway continues to face a critical shortage of bus drivers. Based on the number of students riding the bus this year, we are short 13 drivers – this is about 30 bus routes impacting roughly 1,000 students. Recently, Parkway convened a Transportation Task Force made up of parents, staff and school leaders to problem-solve the existing bus driver shortage. A more severe shortage of drivers looms in the fall. This is what was heard: •
There was substantial support for increasing bus driver compensation.
• Overwhelmingly, parents and staff did not support adding bus tiers or changing start times. • Parents support increasing the number of students to three to a seat. • There is general support for expanding walk zones when it is safe and decreasing the number of bus stops. Based on feedback, the Transportation Task Force recommendations are: •
Increase compensation and adjust
COMMUNITY VOICES:
Staff Writers Brett Auten, Wendy Todd, Laurie Simon Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore
Parkway Schools facing critical shortage of bus drivers salary scales for bus drivers (as a result, the board approved a pay increase for bus drivers in May). • Expanding neighborhood walk zones from the current practice of .5 miles to a one-mile walk zone. Neighborhood walk zones are areas with sidewalks that do not require students to cross a major street. No bus service would be provided within neighborhood one-mile walk zones. • Decrease the number of bus stops which allows for more routes to be run by the same driver. • Continue aggressive summer recruitment communication plan. • Encourage parents to drive students if able and complete a survey stating intent to ride. • Neighborhood walker family support groups. • Outsource alternative transportation. • Put additional students on a bus when feasible. The board of education will review the task force recommendations at the June 15 meeting.
By Dr. Larry A. Brown
It’s your turn Often, we choose not to step in or “act” because we feel that it is not our place, not our time, or not our issue with which to become involved. We are content to let someone else, who we predetermine is more appropriate for the situation, to become the channel for solving the problem or remedying the situation. (Sometimes, that person never materializes and therefore the issue continues). Unless the particular situation involves us directly, we very often choose not to engage! This is either for convenience’s sake, time involvement’s sake, or we decide that it is not our issue. Until we become directly affected, we choose to remain aloof. I wish to ask you this age-old question: If not you, then who? We live in an age where we become affected often, by the actions of others. We are affected sometimes physically, and many times emotionally; or other’s actions or words affect our thoughts and decisions. We, therefore, should assume some responsibility for making sure that the correct and right things are seen and done because we cannot isolate ourselves and those who we hold dear, from the actions of others. We, in
fact, owe it to ourselves and our posterity. “No man is an island, no man stands alone “ When we see that those responsible for handling a situation are not performing effectively or can’t manage the situation appropriately, then we should offer our assistance or to put it bluntly, become involved. This is the only way that “right” things can prevail and wrong things can fail! Inaction is not a solution that is desirable in a wrong situation. Often, if we decide to take a positive step, others will join us because they wish to see the right thing prevail for the overall good of everyone. Today, we see an alarming increase in the number of shootings and killings in our neighborhoods. People are afraid to leave their homes and often those in their homes become the victims of random gunshots intended elsewhere. This affects adults and children alike. It is a shame for senior citizens to have to live this way, after all that they have endured in life. Young people should not have the idea that they will die early. People should not be afraid to go to the store or to church. We believe that “As a person thinks, is the way that person will act.” One of the first
things we must do is to return respect for human life! Sometimes, people are reluctant to become involved because they don’t feel comfortable or think that their intentions may be misunderstood, or that they may be exposing themselves to some form of danger. A way to comfortably become involved is to support organizations that are addressing the problem. You are invited to visit our website at www.gracechapelministries.org or give us a call at 314-995-5013. Dr. Larry A. Brown is a retired Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Worknet, Inc., which has a national ten year contract with the Social Security Administration to find jobs for people with disabilities who are interested and qualified to enter the traditional workforce. He is also co-founder and president of Grace Chapel Ministries, former president of National Cable Training Centers, and president of Woodstock Industrial Products Group. The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 22, 2022
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery awarded multiple grants In response to the record number of refugees and asylum-seekers making their homes in the St. Louis area, philanthropic partners have come together to establish the St. Louis Welcome Fund. Fueled by the generosity of the St. Louis community and held at the St. Louis Community Foundation, the Welcome Fund is a strategic way to answer the call to support refugees and asylum seekers. The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery has been awarded $12,500 from the Welcome Fund for its Latinx Outreach Program (LOP). With this grant, 50 Latinx asylum seekers in their first year in the U.S. will receive LOP program services to meet their family’s immediate needs and promote long-term stability. Services are provided entirely in Spanish and are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the Latinx community. Crisis Nursery CEO DiAnne Mueller said, “This award comes at a critical time for the Crisis Nursery’s LOP and the St. Louis area. The LOP has been helping members of the Latinx Community for nine years, and the Welcome Fund grant will help us support the growing number of families reaching out to the Crisis Nursery for help. We are very grateful to the individuals and foundations who contributed to the Welcome Fund for recognizing the important work of the Crisis
Nursery’s LOP program.” The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery has also been awarded $25,000 from the Episcopal Presbyterian Health Trust (EPHT) to support the Nursery’s “Keeping Kids Safe – Promoting Healthy Development” program. The funds from this generous grant will be used to provide early identification of medical and developmental concerns, plus needed intervention services, for 700 children ages 0-12 years. The Crisis Nursery children receiving these critical services have little access to preventative care; often, the medical check-up they receive while staying at the Crisis Nursery is the only one they have had in over a year. Mueller said, “We are so grateful to EPHT for funding our ‘Keeping Kids Safe – Promoting Healthy Development’ program. Early identification of medical and developmental problems is so important – 80% of Crisis Nursery children have not had annual routine medical care before admission, so these assessments are vital.” The mission of EPHT is to support organizations that provide quality healthcare services to St. Louisans. EPHT seeks to create partnerships with effective, community-based organizations, like the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, that work to improve the lives of others through access to healthcare.
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Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis’ nominees receive top awards for innovation in STEM education Two educators, Lori Kremer, firstgrade teacher at Bermuda Elementary and Jackie Blumer, sixth/seventh grade science teacher at Greenville Junior High, were nominated by the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis for two different national educator awards – the June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Educator Award and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educator. Both teachers were selected as the winners of the respective awards. Submitted photo Lori Kremer, who received the 2022 June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Ed- (From left) Caitlyn Rettke stands with Robert Powell, Tasmyn Front (Challenger Learning Center), Lori Kremer (June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Educator Award Winner) and Brad Swasand (Lori's ucator Award, was surprised at her husband). school in Ferguson with the award Jackie Blumer was named the grand prize winner of and a $2,500 to use for STEM-related resources. The the 2022 Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineeraward, which is named in honor of Challenger Center ing, and Math (STEM) Educator Award. The award Founding Chair, June Scobee Rodgers, recognizes an celebrates K-12 teachers going above and beyond to outstanding educator who understands the imporinspire the next generation of explorers and innovatance of science, technology, engineering, and math tors. Blumer was one of five finalists who were select(STEM) education, and demonstrates enthusiasm ed from over 40 nominations from around the counand passion for teaching STEM subjects. Award nomtry. In addition to receiving a $5,000 check both for inations were made by Challenger Learning Centers her and her school, Blumer will also be attending an across the country. upcoming Blue Origin launch. “It’s an honor to present Ms. Kremer with the 2022 “The inaugural Trailblazing STEM Educator Award June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Educator Award,” winners are incredible people! We are pleased to recsaid Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis Executive ognize these passionate and inspirational educators Director Tasmyn Front. “Ms. Kremer consistently who are invaluable to their communities. They are goes above and beyond to further her knowledge and enabling a diverse and robust STEM next generation skills in STEM and to bring that newfound knowledge and together they are shaping the future of aerospace,” to her students. Her energy and enthusiasm are infecsaid Dan Dumbacher, executive director, AIAA. tious and she gets everyone around her excited about STEM.”
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Around Town
June 22, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Florissant schedules July Fourth festivities THIS WEEK’S PICK
Manage heart health for stronger brain health
T
Photo courtesy city of Florissant
Florissant’s proud tradition of celebrating Independence Day will be held on the grounds of the James J. Eagan Civic Center at Florissant Valley Park, which is located at the intersection of Parker Road and Waterford Drive. Once again, this year there will be food trucks to help celebrate. Covered In Bacon, Homestyle Grill and Lemormaid are scheduled to be at the event. Festivities begin with an outdoor concert performance by That 80’s Band at 7:15 p.m. Following the concert, the city of Florissant is sponsoring its renowned Fireworks Display at 9:15 pm. This year’s extravaganza features a dazzling fireworks presentation com-
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bining brilliant shells, color sequencing, dimensional frontage, and lowand high-level aerial combinations. Florissant’s show has always been very heavily attended and is widely honored and acclaimed by thousands of Florissant and North County sightseers. So, bring out the blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy top notch, free entertainment for the entire family. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks display only will be held the following evening (July 5 at 9:15 pm). For additional information, please call the James J. Eagan Center at 314-921-4466.
he same risk factors that contribute to making heart disease the leading cause of death worldwide also impact the rising global prevalence of brain disease, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The global death rate from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is increasing even more than the rate of heart disease death, according to the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2022 Update. Globally, more than 54 million people had Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in 2020, a 37% increase since 2010 and 144% increase over the past 30 years (1990-2020). Additionally, more than 1.89 million deaths were attributed to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias worldwide in 2020, compared to nearly 9 million deaths from heart disease. “The global rate of brain disease is quickly outpacing heart disease,” said Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D. M.S., FAHA, the past president of the American Heart Association (202021), a professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and attending neurologist at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “We are learning more about how some types of dementia are related to aging, and how some types are due to poor vascular health. It’s becoming more evident that reducing vascular disease risk factors can make a real difference in helping people live longer, healthier lives, free of heart disease and brain disease.” According to the statistics update, people with midlife hypertension were five times more likely to experience impairment on global cognition and about twice as likely to experience reduced executive function, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The risk for dementia associated with heart failure was nearly two-fold. Experts recommend maintaining a healthy weight, managing your blood pressure and following other
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heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors that can also support good brain health while studies show maintaining good vascular health is associated with healthy aging and retained cognitive function. Optimal brain health includes the ability to perform tasks like movement, perception, learning and memory, communication, problem solving, judgment, decision making and emotion. Cognitive decline and dementia are often seen following stroke or cerebrovascular disease and indicate a decline in brain health. Consider these steps to live a healthier lifestyle and protect your heart and brain health: • Don’t smoke; avoid secondhand smoke. • Reach and maintain a healthy weight. Be mindful of your eating habits; eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars. • Be physically active. Start slowly and build up to at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) each week. As an alternative, you can do 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of the two, to improve overall cardiovascular health. • Get your blood pressure checked regularly and work with your health care team to manage it if it’s high. • Have regular medical checkups and take your medicine as directed. • Decrease your stress level and seek emotional support when needed. Learn more about the relationship between heart health and brain health at heart.org.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 22, 2022
Northwest Views:
Northwest News
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By Valeda Keys
Birthdays are blessings The month of June is my birthday month. It is the month where summer starts. We are halfway through the year. Goals are being met. It is Gemini season if you believe in horoscopes. I am an identical twin, zodiac symbol for twins. As a breast cancer survivor twice before the age 40, I look at life totally different. I am so grateful to be a survivor and a thriver. Birthdays are blessings. I am so glad to be alive. One thing I know for sure when it is your time to leave this earth, it is your time. While we are here on earth there is that dash (-). The day you were born and the day you die. You have a purpose. Sometimes in life you know your purpose as a child, as a teenager or even as an adult. Do you know your purpose? Are you still trying to find your purpose? What are you passionate about? What problem can
Northwest Views:
you help solve? My purpose is to help women win after receiving the diagnosis of breast cancer. We should not fight this fight alone. Our organization, Valeda’s Hope (www.valedashope.org), gives brand new recliners to women that undergo a double mastectomy due the diagnosis of breast cancer. I solved a problem! When I came home from having surgery from breast cancer I could not sleep in my bed or the couch, but the recliner won. Our goal while here on earth is to solve problems. If you live to see your birthday and you are healthy, you are wealthy. We all have witnessed many deaths in the past year due to COVID-19. It is heartbreaking! I will continue to believe God’s word, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8.
Again, birthdays are blessings. Happy birthday to me! What are you doing between those birthdays? Give to your favorite charity, pay it forward and volunteer your time. Valeda Keys is a wife, mother of two sons, grandmother, sister, friend, identical twin, lifelong learner, keynote speaker and a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 15 years. Before the age of 40, she became a two-time breast cancer survivor. In 2011, Valeda founded Valeda’s Hope: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization delivering free recliners to women that will experience a double mastectomy due to the diagnosis of breast cancer. 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.
By Jason Kempen
Marking World Sickle Cell Day World Sickle Cell Day took place on June 19, a day that has special importance for Ashley, a St. Louis Sickle Cell Warrior. “Doctors pulled out 70% of my blood and replaced it with donor blood and that saved my life,” says Ashley. “That’s because sickle cell attacks threaten your oxygen, it makes it feel like glass is being shattered all over your body, and you really just don’t know if you’re going to survive the attack once it happens. When I get to the hospital and all pain treatments have been exhausted, meaning no medications are helping, nothing is working, blood does. It’s the most hopeful feeling in the world to know that I get a second chance at life because someone else thought about me.” Sickle cell disease causes the body to create abnormal hemoglobin and abnormally “sickle” shaped red blood cells that can cause painful health complications. Although there is no cure for sickle cell disease, blood transfusions are a critical part of treatment and can relieve the pain and complications that occur during a sickle cell crisis. Ashley received a blood transfusion provided by a volunteer donor who was a compatible match for her blood type. While blood type or compatibility is not generally based on race, select rare blood types that are more generally found in African-American donors are needed to support patients with sickle cell disease. Nationally, the number of African-Americans who need blood transfusions exceeds the number of African-Americans who donate blood. Regular donations by African-American blood donors will support individuals with sickle cell disease in our community.
ImpactLife has a program called “Red4Life,” this program is designed to increase diversity within the blood center’s donor base and increase the number of products available to effectively serve patients with sickle cell disease. Under the Red4Life program, donors whose blood is tested and identified as an appropriate antigen match for patients with Sickle Cell Disease will be invited to become a Red4Life donor. After making their fourth donation each year, Red4Life donors will receive an additional 800 points to use in the ImpactLife Donor Loyalty Store. At the same time, the ImpactLife donor relations teams are engaged in additional outreach to prospective blood donor groups to expand the blood center’s donor base. (More information on Red4Life is available at www.bloodcenter. org/sickle.) To schedule appointments for donation, please call 800747-5401, schedule online at www.bloodcenter.org, or by using the blood center’s mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app). Jason Kempen is the Community Development Advocate for ImpactLife Blood Center in Earth City. He promotes the mission of the blood center through community events and media engagement and leads an Associate Board of volunteers from the St. Louis area. For more information on how to get involved with the blood center, go to bloodcenter.org or email Jason at jkempen@impactlife.org. 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.
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Business
June 22, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
St. Louis Regional Freightway’s 2023 Priority Projects List totals $3.8 billion
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The St. Louis Regional Freightway’s 2023 Priority Projects List includes 25 projects representing a total investment of more than $3.8 billion, up from $2.75 billion last year. More than $2 billion of the total covers infrastructure projects that have recently been completed, are already funded and under construction or expected to start in 2022 and 2023, or are programmed to begin within the next few years. The list, which represents the infrastructure needs Submitted photo of the manufacturing The $222 million project to replace the Merchants Bridge linking Missouri and Illinois in downtown St. Louis remains and logistics industries the region’s highest infrastructure priority and is a model for public-private partnerships. in the Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois area, indicates tremendous progress on a range and network connectivity within the project area. of projects that will strengthen critical roads, bridgThe list now includes a total of $1.2 billion for projes, rail infrastructure, and port and airport facilities ects along I-270, and more $700 million in funding across the bi-state St. Louis region. has been approved for the improvements in this cor“These projects are supporting multimodal conridor in north St. Louis County (MO) and Madison nectivity and providing global access to shippers and County (IL), including the Chain of Rocks Bridge recarriers throughout the world,” said Asim Raza, who placement over the Mississippi River which connects leads the Freight Development and Needs Analysis the two states. Committee comprised of public sector influencers A series of projects on I-70 have also been featured and supply chain leaders who represent freight-relatin recent years, and that list was expanded to include ed interests of the St. Louis region’s business commuinterchange reconfiguration and safety enhancements nity. Raza is the Chief Legal Officer and Director of on I-70 from the St. Louis city limit to Benton Street. Corporate Affairs for the Terminal Railroad AssociaThe $168 million project is not yet funded. Another tion of St. Louis (TRRA). addition on I-70 calls for $27.94 million to add adTRRA owns the Merchants Bridge, one of the naditional capacity from Wentzville Parkway to Wartion’s primary east-west rail corridors serving the ren County, and that unfunded project is included in nation’s second largest rail hub by car interchange Tier 3 of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s volume and third largest by gross tonnage. The $222 (MoDOT) recently released High Priority Unfunded million project to replace the Merchants Bridge linkNeeds. In all, more than $500 million in ing Missouri and Illinois in downtown St. Louis reSeveral existing projects on the 2023 Priority Projmains the region’s highest infrastructure priority and ects List also saw modifications to their scope and is a model for public-private partnerships. In Winter budgets, contributing to the dramatic 38% increase in 2020, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) the total estimate for projects on the list with a proawarded TRRA a $22.45 million Consolidated Rail posed budget. Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi grant toward replacement, while TRRA is providing Modal Enterprises at Bi-State Development which 90% of the construction costs. The project includes oversees the St. Louis Regional Freightway as one of the removal and replacement of the three river-span its enterprises, credits the success of the 2023 Priority trusses, seismically retrofitting the existing river piers, Projects List to the organization’s Freight Developand improving the east approach. Two of three newly ment Committee. constructed trusses have already been installed, and “Our Freight Development Committee work with the third will be installed later this year. The entire our many public and private partners to make sure project should be completed in late 2022. we understand the needs of our manufacturing and Another significant update for the 2023 list includes logistics industries and can speak with one voice $39 million in funding that has been secured for the to ensure all necessary parties are familiar with the Interstate 70 (I-70) bottleneck improvements from region’s infrastructure priorities, understand why Wentzville Parkway to Route Z - the number one botthey are priorities and can advocate for funding for tleneck location in the St. Louis region. Construction them,” said Lamie. “This list serves an important role is expected to begin in the fall of 2023. The updated in strengthening the region’s infrastructure as the St. 2023 Priority Projects list also has identified the IlliLouis Regional Freightway works to grow the $6 bilnois Route 3 Connector between Illinois Route 3 and lion in goods moving through the St. Louis area by Illinois Route 203 as a new priority. The $81.5 million road, rail, river and runway.” project, which is funded, aims to improve traffic flow
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 22, 2022
Still In This Together:
By Vicki Bahr
The shark grins again I remember when we went car shopping, just to look. The salesman showed us a Nissan Altima, which both John and I really liked, and then we went next door to the Ford dealership and test drove the Fusion, and I fell in love. It was shiny black, had a sleek design, a front grill that reminded me of a shark’s grin, and it turned in a very tight radius (the salesman’s words). I was going to be driving it to work, and I couldn’t wait to show it off. I parked it at the very far end of the parking lot that first morning, and parked it in the same area until the day I retired. We drove it to Florida for vacations, always remembering to leave some of the sand that invariably found its way into the trunk, just as a reminder on long winter nights, and took it to visit family in Omaha and Charlotte, climbing high into the mountains of North Carolina with ease. It took me safely to work and brought me home on icy roads and through terrible thunderstorms, and to the hospital for several of our grandchildren’s births. And then I retired. John and I began driving the other, higher car because it was easier to get in and out of, and felt more stable on long trips. The Fusion became our standby car, parked in the carport and brought out on the few occasions that we were both going somewhere different at the same time: on Muny nights when I joined my sisters for our summer Tuesday night tradition, and an occasional grocery store run or a trip to the hair salon. I felt the Fusion’s loneliness every time I walked past it to go into the house through the carport, and patted it on its dusty, pollen-covered shark grin grill as I hurried by. There weren’t many miles covered by the Fusion last year, and John and I both knew there really wasn’t reason enough to pretend we needed it any longer. And after John’s knee replacement, it was dangerous for him to even attempt to literally drop himself into the passenger seat. Then our son, Adam, called and asked if we would consider selling the car to him for our first grandchild, Makena, who was weeks away from her sixteenth birthday. “I know it’s been taken care of, Dad,” he said, “and I don’t want to take a chance on a car we don’t have any history of.” He told us they had gone used car hunting the Sunday before and none of the cars looked to be in great shape; many hadn’t even been cleaned on the
inside. And Makena had always liked the Fusion, from the earliest times when she had to sit in the backseat. I worried that the new high school varsity soccer player would feel that her grandparents’ car wasn’t new enough, or shiny enough, or un-grandparent enough for her to drive to high school or to soccer practices and games. But when we handed Makena the Fusion keys to test drive around the school parking lot after a game, our son Adam sitting next to her in the passenger seat because she didn’t have her license yet, didn’t know that the headlights didn’t come on automatically after dark, or where all the controls were, I saw the look in her eyes and reveled in the giggle in her voice. Our daughter-in-law said Makena loved the car and couldn’t believe she might actually be able to outfit it with all the cute little things she and her younger sister, Kaylee, had been looking at online. A week later, I drove the Fusion one last time, crying ridiculously as I got out of the car that we’d removed the insurance cards and ketchup packets from, and filled the gas tank one last time to make it ready for Makena. The baby girl we’d waited until the wee hours of the morning to meet sixteen years ago was waiting just as patiently for the keys to her car now, with matching tears in her eyes. Makena thanked John and me for taking such good care of her car over the years as she was growing up, and I thanked her for giving my beautiful Fusion a second chance to be the cool car it was always meant to be. Once again, life has come full circle. The little girl who such a short time ago rode in the back seat is now behind the wheel…of her car, her new responsibility, and her next step to adulthood. I could swear the Fusion was smiling every bit as big as Makena was, and John and I very happily joined in.
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New initiatives furthering public transportation access highlighted during ‘Talking Transit’ event On June 9, the transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) hosted a “Talking Transit” event via Zoom informing over 100 members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others about new initiatives underway through Metro Transit to expand accessibility and further improve safety and security on the St. Louis region’s public system. Those in attendance learned about the latest plans associated with the Northside-Southside MetroLink Study with St. Louis City and St. Louis County, Metro Transit’s new Secure Platform Plan and the service profile of the organization moving forward. The panel discussion featured Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development which operates Metro Transit for the region; Kevin Scott, General Manager Security at Bi-State Development and Project Leader for the Secure Platform Plan; and Charles Stewart, Executive Director of Metro Transit. It was moderated by Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Transportation is the fabric of the region and the fabric of the future of the greater St. Louis area,” said Roach. “We
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.
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have an alignment of political interests to move transit forward. We’ve fused the teams of St. Louis City and St. Louis County to look at an expansion project that makes sense. We have a great opportunity to move St. Louis forward.” Scott concluded the event by stating, “We have the chance to completely reinvent the system. We have one shot at doing it. It has to be done right. It will profoundly change the light rail system for decades to come.” CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.
What’s Happening
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June 22, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! 579-9227, or email concertartsa@gmail.com.
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
Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed
513-1674 or cbanaskavich@ jfcs-stl.org.
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 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-
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 314-
Mondays: City council meetings
at 314-993-6134.
Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting
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.
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 314-9212132. For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.
Mondays: singers
Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed
Workshop
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
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: 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. 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.
Tuesdays: Chair Zumba
Chair Zumba every Tuesday from 2:15 – 3 p.m. at The Bridge At Florissant at 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. (Parker @ Arlington). For more information call 314-831-0988.
Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery Tuesday meetings take place at 6 p.m. with a Saturday Bible Study at 9 a.m. at LifePoint Church at 424 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information visit www.lifepointministries.church/celebrate-recovery or call (men) Steve D. at 636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.
Tuesdays: 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 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.
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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.
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2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers:
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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 314298-7444 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: 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.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 22, 2022 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: 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 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 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 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
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 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 314-605-3949.
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 314-630-2671 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., 314-7413737.
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 real-
SUDOKU answers from page F-1
ly 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 314-291-5210 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 314344-6873.
Wednesdays: Schizophrenia Group
ACES Support
6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.
Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109
What’s Happening
iety, 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.
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
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-of-the-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.
Smoking Cessation Classes: Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866-SSM-DOCS to register or for more information.
SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul
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 short-term, 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: 314-768-3201. Or 636-9470600, www.crisisnurserykids. org.
Center for Senior Renewal:
Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxCROSSWORD answers from page F-4
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
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www.hoodsauto.com
10
Sports
June 22, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
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Sports you see with Gary B... Local hockey player heads to the Stanley cup The hometown hero Pat Maroon “Big Rig’ is headed to his fourth straight Stanley Cup Final as the Tampa Bay Lightning eliminated the Rangers in six games. In 2019, he was part of the St. Louis Blues and their first time Stanley Cup victorious season. Since then, he has collected two more Stanley Cup rings with the Lightning. I use to cover Maroon as a sports writer with the Community News when he played at the Hardy’s Ice rink in Chesterfield. After growing up in south St. Louis and attending Rogers Elementary, Oakville Middle School and Oakville High School, several professionals saw some potential. In 2005-2006, former St. Louis Blues Kelly Chase and Al MacInnis who had recently purchased a North American Hockey League (NAHL) team, the Texarkana Bandits, had him join their roster. The next year, he moved up and played with the St. Louis Bandits who played in Chesterfield in 2006 and 2007 of the NAHL and scored a whopping 95 points and also collected 152 minutes of penalties. At the age of 20 he moved onto Ontario to play for a season and then was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. Maroon is married to Francesca Vangel, another St. Louis native whose family runs a restaurant called Charlie Gitto’s. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri, they distributed food from the restaurant to the Clayton Missouri Police Department and the City of Clayton Fire Department. Maroon has a son from a previous relationship. * Go for that fourth ring Hoots on the doorstep of first place The O’Fallon Hoots is a baseball team that plays in the Prospect League in the Prairie Land Division playing their home games in O’Fallon at CarShield Field. With a five-game winning streak the club is two games behind the Alton
River Dragons with about six weeks left in the season. Freshman outfielder Patrick Clohisy is leading in hitting on the team batting a scorching .486 with three homeruns and nine runs batted in playing in 13 games. On the hill, Nick Schmidt a senior, has notched two wins pitching eight innings only allowing four hits and has 13 strike outs. Check out www.OfallonHoots.com to get all the details * Starting to gel Lindenwood athlete achieves grades and sports excellence Lindenwood University’s softball student-athlete Amanda Weyh was named the 2022 CoSIDA Academic All-America Team Member of the Year, the organization announced on Tuesday. The accolade is the highest academic achievement the organization awards on a yearly basis, which is handed out in all three NCAA divisions and NAIA for each sport. Weyh is a junior majoring in elementary education and maintains a perfect 4.00 GPA. On the diamond she is a dominant pitcher who led Lindenwood to a 35-13 record and a berth in the Midwest Regional. She hit .293 with two home runs, 23 RBI, and eight stolen bases. * Grades out weighs sports achievement any day 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 22 , 2022
Recipe: A savory, crowd-pleasing breakfast
Feature
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– 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.
W
hen you need a breakfast to feed a large group, this Biscuit-Sausage Mushroom Casserole is a perfect option. The savory aromas of sausage and bacon are almost sure to have your guests standing in line with a plate and fork in hand.
Biscuit-Sausage Mushroom Casserole Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) mushrooms, sliced
1 package (16 ounces) pork sausage
12 eggs
1 package (12 ounces) bacon, chopped
1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
8 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour
nonstick cooking spray
4 cups milk
1 can (12 ounces) flaky biscuits
Directions:
sausage, bacon and mushrooms; mix well. Set aside.
In pan over medium-high heat, cook pork sausage until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and drain sausage. Set aside.
In large bowl, combine eggs, evaporated milk and salt. Using whisk, beat until blended.
Chop bacon into small pieces. In separate pan over medium-high heat, cook bacon until thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat and drain bacon. Set aside.
In saucepan over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Add egg mixture; cook until firm but moist, stirring occasionally.
In saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons butter. Add flour; whisk until smooth. Cook on low heat 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in milk.
Spray 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Separate biscuit dough and cut into quarters. Top sauce with biscuit quarters, points facing up.
Spoon half the egg mixture into bottom of baking dish. Top with half the gravy
Bake 20-25 minutes, or until mixture is heated and biscuits are golden brown.
Cook until bubbly and thickened. Add
Heat oven to 350 F.
mixture. Repeat layers.
For more breakfast recipes, visit Culinary.net
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9
‘Lightyear’ explores the origins of the popular space ranger
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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.
hen watching animated films and cartoons, viewers often were unaware of the character’s backstories. The “Tom and Jerry” cartoon series, for instance, featured a cat and mouse at odds with each other, but it wasn’t clear how they met and why they were always fighting. In contrast, “Lightyear,” a Pixar film about everybody’s favorite space ranger, arrives in theaters and tells the backstory of Buzz Lightyear, the inspiration for the children’s toy. The origin of “Lightyear” is tied into the powerhouse “Toy Story” franchise. In 1995, the film about the secret life of toys became a monster hit during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays. Until that time, Disney Studios relied on traditional, hand-drawn animation for films such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and the impressive “Lion King.” “Toy Story” was such a game changer that Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the rest of the toys appeared in three more feature films. According to Disney, “Lightyear” was considered a spin-off from the “Toy Story” universe and showed why Andy was so enamored of Buzz after seeing a film all about his hero. Chris Evans, who played Captain America in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe films, came on board to play Buzz, a test pilot who ultimately became a hero. Andy really wanted a Buzz Lightyear action figure for his birthday, which made Woody rather jealous. In the trailers, Buzz came across as a straight-shooter and a great guy, but the film took some hits in the press. Patricia Heaton, known for her work on “Everybody Loves Raymond” and
‘Lightyear’ photo courtesy Disney Pixar
“The Middle” said the character had been “castrated” by not casting Tim Allen, the original voice of Buzz. In truth, Evans had the right background and voice to play the hero while Allen’s interpretation of the character was more lighthearted and fun. A controversial same-sex kiss also was removed from the film, but Disney reportedly restored it. Origin stories have typically been intriguing and fun. In “Toy Story 2,” the animators and crew created a great backstory for Woody. While being the cowboy hero, Woody tried to save Wheezy, a squeeze toy penguin with a broken squeaker,
during a yard sale but, unfortunately, Woody landed in the hands of a devious toy collector. While being held by the collector, Woody met Jessie (Joan Cusack) and Bullseye the horse. His new friends told him they had been characters on a TV series where Woody was the star. Despite Patricia Heaton’s complaints, the trailers for “Lightyear” were rather good. The film showed real potential and an ongoing Disney+ series seemes like a given after seeing the footage. “Lightyear,” rated PG, currently is playing in theaters.
www.mycnews.com • Community News • June 22, 2022
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Feature
June 22, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
Crossword: At the Beach
‘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 Our sweet fatty cat went to that great litterbox in the sky. Although we are very sad, we’re also confident he went straight to cat heaven. He was such a good boy. It’s got to be a lovely place up there. We’re sure the streams run gently and are filled to the banks with warm milk – and whole milk not that nasty 1% mixed with WhiteOut and water stuff either. The food bowls never run low and are full to the brim with kibble; the expensive kind too with creamy fishy-filled centers. We know he’s doing fine. All good animals go to heaven, cats and dogs alike. And they’ll discover they really like each other too. They’ll be extremely happy because they still get housekeepers. Yes, all the cats up there still have personal wait staff, that hasn’t changed from Earth life. The only difference – the bad people who have been sent down to the fiery pit must first serve part of their sentence as a servant to the heavenly cat residents. That is punishment enough. Cat: “Servant, bring me warm cream in a saucer!” “Gag! Too warm! (Tosses it in the servant’s face). Bring me a grilled pork chop--medium rare, pronto!” “Ugh! This is a grilled pork chop--medium rare. I wanted a salmon and butter patty--raw!” Servant: “But you specifically said…” “Egads man, this is heaven! We can read minds up here. And my mind specifically said a salmon and butter patty! (Bites servant on the back of the calf.) “Servant, now rub my belly. Not two rubs, not three rubs only four rubs.” Servant reads cat’s mind and rubs five times. “Gadfry man! What’s with the extra rub?!”
All good cats go to heaven “But your mind specifically said five.” “That was five tuna treats. Read it right!” (Scratches servant’s retinas.) Most of those people plead to be sent down to the underworld’s inferno before their term ends. So, for now we have a hole in our hearts and our other cat is pretty lonely. Soon we’ll be in the market for another kitty. Not a replacement, nothing can replace perfection, but two’s a good number for cats. My mind says four. Good thing my husband can’t read minds down here. 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. Like a certain eagle 5. *Beach-goer’s protective acronym 8. “To ____ and to hold” 12. Arabian bigwig 13. Indian lentil staple 14. Wild West grazer 15. TV prize 16. Between Illinois and Nebraska 17. Quick and light on one’s feet 18. *Wooden walkway by the beach 20. Not this 21. Unwritten examinations 22. Cherry middle 23. Relating to a rib 26. *Beach suit type 29. Kanye’s genre 30. Pool hall mishap 33. 52 cards 35. *Sunny Dutch Caribbean vacation destination 37. Be unwell 38. Eagle’s home 39. Precedes carotene? 40. Twisted or meandered 42. Chill, with ‘out’ 43. Seat by day, bed by night 45. Modifies 47. *Just out of the water
48. Parallel grooves 50. Arrival times 52. *Wave rider 56. Nitrogen, in the olden days 57. In ____ of 58. Hipbones 59. Parcel of land 60. Et alibi 61. Auctioneer’s exclamation 62. A.C.T. section 63. Tie the knot 64. *Casual beach tops DOWN 1. British Broadcasting Corporation, colloquially 2. Shells in a magazine 3. Capital of Peru 4. Fungus damage (2 words) 5. *Same as sandbar 6. Catch for a ratchet’s notch, pl. 7. Criticism 8. *Water at its highest (2 words) 9. The largest continent 10. Retired electric Chevy 11. Compass dir. 13. Hindu Festival of Lights 14. Dyed fabric 19. Type of TV show
22. Eating contest staple 23. *Decapod on a beach 24. *Propelled like a paddle board 25. Plural of sputum 26. Type of bin in a grocery store 27. Bundle of axons 28. Slipperier 31. *Building material found at the beach 32. Jack Ryan’s and Jason Bourne’s org. 34. Barrels of beer 36. *Hasselhoff’s beach TV show 38. Improvise 40. Exercise group 41. Upbraiding 44. Annoy 46. Lao Tzu follower 48. Hotel room option 49. Metallica’s “Don’t ____ On Me” 50. Poet Pound 51. To perfection (3 words) 52. A bunch 53. *End-of-day summertime soother 54. Rub the wrong way 55. Pops 56. Cash dispenser SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9