CN: June 28, 2023

June 28, 2023

Joining forces

Food Outreach and DOORWAYS collaborate to provide resources, food and housing for residents living with HIV

By Olivia Holler

Homelessness and hunger are ongoing issues in society that are more prevalent for those with chronic illnesses.

Food Outreach and DOORWAYS have both served metro St. Louis residents living with HIV and experiencing nutrition and residential instability, and now they have collaborated to launch a new nutrition program.

The collaboration will help make sure homeless community members living with HIV transition to a DOORWAYS supportive housing program and will receive healthy meals that will help them build a healthy foundation for nutrition.

The purpose of this program is to look for solutions to provide access to well-balanced meals to this vulnerable community.

“In a community like St. Louis, it has been a priority to provide housing first.

DOORWAYS provides so much – it looks at the whole human – housing and other resources such as mental health. It helps those people move back into the community in an impactful way,” said Julie Lock, Executive Director at Food Outreach.

“Now more than ever it will help people move back to the community with the addition of the nutrition program.

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‘FORCES’ from cover Operation Food Search receives $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act Funding

People who are food and nutrition insecure suffer disproportionately from chronic diseases like HIV,” said Opal M. Jones, President and CEO of DOORWAYS. “We’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of nutrition insecurity among our clients and believe tackling this issue is key to building the foundation for improved health and life outcomes. Partnering with Food Outreach will ensure we are offering an effective food and nutrition program.” Statewide, HIV transmission has increased 19% since 2016, and 70% of households using food pantries experienced food insecurity last year.

“We are honored to be partnering with DOORWAYS,” said Lock. “With this co-located agency model, we have a real opportunity to meet individuals living with chronic illness and experiencing economic disparity where they are, and provide for their basic needs, support them on their treatment journey, and help improve their quality of life.”

Jones and Lock have frequent meetings to discuss their agencies and had a conversation about the collaboration over breakfast a couple years ago.

“Community members can get involved in a variety of ways, they are all listed on both of our websites,” said Lock.

They are looking at the impact of the program, since it is a recently built program, they are unsure of what the next steps are yet. Regardless, both organizations are looking forward to seeing how it positively impacts the surrounding area of the St. Louis community.

To learn more information about either of these organizations to volunteer please visit, https://doorwayshousing.org/ or https://foodoutreach.org/.

Operation Food Search has been awarded $1.2 million to add a new electric MetroMarket bus and charging station to the nonprofit’s “grocery store on wheels” program. The St. Louis County Council is providing $600,000 and the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Community Revitalization Grant Program is providing $635,000 through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

Launched on May 9, MetroMarket will operate every Tuesday through Friday May through November, making two, two-hour stops at designated partner locations, including the Lewis and Clark County Library, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Center, Affinia Healthcare, and the CareSTL Health, Homer G. Phillips Senior Apartments, International Institute, and Mercy Clinic Primary Care. Additional flex stops will be made at various locations that are shared via text update. Full information can be found on MetroMarket’s dedicated webpage: http://www.stlmetromarket.org

“MetroMarket creates healthier communities by delivering fresh, affordable produce to locations that are considered

COMMUNITY VOICES:

The concept of block units for neighborhoods is a very valid one because it allows people in an area to get familiar with each other, and it creates a family of concerned citizens. Furthermore, it establishes a kind of community attitude of pride and care so that everyone strives for the best of the neighborhood. Residents try to keep things clean and safe, and they look out for each other.

These days of increased crime require increased organizing along these lines as a way to help protect our neighborhoods and the people who live in them. The job cannot be left only to the police because of the size of the problem. The Neighborhood Block Unit Association is one of the oldest organizations around and was founded by the Urban League many years ago.

Looking out for our neighbor discourages crime from within and without because those who have bad intentions know that people within the neighborhood are not going to stand by and let negative things happen. Evildoers will look elsewhere to ply their trade and if the communities nearby have strong associations, the evildoers will become discouraged and will go outside of the organized area; or maybe even, forget about doing evil deeds.

Presently, cars are being stolen and broken

food deserts in our region,” said Kristen Wild, president and CEO of Operation Food Search. “We thank our partners like Councilwoman Shalonda D. Webb for helping us expand our service area and serve more people. This new bus will allow us to meet our mission in an environmentally-friendly way.”

Councilwoman Webb Represents District 4 in St. Louis County, which includes the neighborhoods of Florissant, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Black Jack, and unincorporated areas north to the Missouri River. The new bus will eventually replace the existing MetroMarket bus, which is nearing the end of its service life. This will ensure continued service for people who are experiencing low to moderately-low food insecurity. The electric bus will also have a longer service life and lower operating costs.

Through the addition of a farmer’s market-style truck in September 2023, and the new electric bus in 2025, MetroMarket will add more stops and increase the number of individuals served from 41,000 in 2022 to a projected 65,000 in 2025.

By Dr. Larry A. Brown

into, people are being robbed, homes are being vandalized, and all sorts of crimes are being committed within our neighborhoods because they are not organized and the individuals who reside within them often don’t know each other or look out for each other. This is a sad documentary of neighborhood life today, but it is a real assessment of conditions. Whatever happened to the slogan, “It takes a village to raise a child?”

Senior citizens are afraid to travel within or outside of the neighborhood, and often, this is the area in which they have invested their whole lives in.

We must do something because the neighborhood should be safe. It should be a place where we get to know and appreciate human beings. It should be a place that we can make as beautiful and meaningful as we would have it, instead of making it a defensive shelter and vulnerable place in which to dwell. It should be a place where socialization first occurs. The Neighborhood Association usually plans a few social events that bring folks together in addition to their regular monthly meetings. Sometimes they have block parties which allow folks to fraternize and meet socially.

Block units are also meeting places for neighbors and problems are often solved therein. Believe me, there is a different and

more positive atmosphere that exists in communities that have active neighborhood block units.

Of course, the most recent months have discouraged group activities because of the spread of COVID, but as things get back to normal, we might want to increase the organizing of more block units.

Grace Chapel Ministries works to see that people thrive and survive within their communities and that folks do well while they are alive in this world. Grace Chapel Ministries may be reached at www.gracechapelministries.org or email: gracechapeldevelopment@gmail.com or phone, 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.

Neighborhood block units promote a sense of community

Citizens For Modern Transit’s ‘Talking Transit’ event provides forum for transit security updates

Transit safety is a top regional priority, and leadership continues to take a very active role in addressing challenges, implementing changes and helping the community regain confidence in the system that serves the St. Louis region.

On May 31, a virtual “Talking Transit” event was held by Citizens for Modern Transit to serve as a forum for transit security updates. Those in attendance received valuable insights and updates on the $52 million Secure Platform Plan, a metal detector pilot program, efforts to increase law enforcement presence on MetroLink and MetroBus and other means to address challenges and implement change.

The discussion featured Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development; Kevin Scott, General Manager of Security for Bi-State Development; Catina Howard, Vice-President of the ATU Local 788 and Kathy Osborn, President & CEO of the Regional Business Council. The forum was moderated by Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit.

“Our region has been challenged,” stated Roach. “In response, we have reinvigorated partnerships between the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis County Police Department, along with Transit Security Specialists and Contracted Security through Metro Transit. Together we are embarking on a very ambitious, fully layered security strategy that keeps riders safe and comfortable and is designed to constantly evolve.” Bi-State Development operates the Metro Transit public transportation system in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County in Missouri and in St. Clair County in Illinois.

Portions of this strategy discussed during the forum, included the following updates:

• The $52 million Secure Platform Plan (SPP) is a fully layered security strategy that will add gates, fencing and new security cameras, along with the integration of a new fare collection system, at each of 38 existing MetroLink stations and the new MetroLink station planned at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. A phased implementation approach is moving forward expeditiously and aggressively. The first phase includes the installation of gates and fencing at four MetroLink stations in East St. Louis and the eastern edge of Belleville, including Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Em-

erson Park, Washington Park and College Stations. Phase one is going to bid in August 2023 and is expected to be complete by the end of Q1 2024. Phase two – which includes the Cortex, Delmar Loop, Forest Park-DeBaliviere, Grand, Union Station, Central West End and Civic Center MetroLink Stations – is already in progress with final design underway. Phase two is expected to go to bid in November 2023 and be completed by the end of Q2 2024.

• The new Real Time Camera Center, which is at the core of the SPP, is now fully operational. It features a Closed-Circuit Television system where the system is proactively being monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When all phases of the SPP are complete, the number of camera positions will increase from 800 to 1,600. Those riding MetroLink and MetroBus will also be monitored on camera.

• Law enforcement partners and Metro Transit’s contracted security team are currently providing onsite coverage of the MetroLink system, while the 52 internal Transit Security Specialists are riding on MetroBus routes and taking a zoned-approach to covering the vast bus operation areas so they can more expeditiously respond to occurrences. Metro Transit recently committed $750,000 to cover overtime wages to help further increase the law enforcement presence through the summer months on MetroLink and at MetroLink stations.

• Metro Transit will roll out a fourweek metal detector pilot program in the near future. Mobile metal detector equipment will be rotated through various MetroLink stations in Missouri and Illinois to establish checkpoints. Outcomes from this pilot will determine next steps, but Metro Transit officials reinforced that the system will never have TSAtype scanning capabilities as it is simply not feasible.

• Actively addressing mental issues has also been an area of key focus. A pilot program initiated by the St. Clair County Transit District, in partnership with Chestnut Health Systems, has been expanded to two high-volume transit center locations in Missouri and on board MetroLink trains in Missouri. A total of $1.5 million has been dedicated to the program to place four teams of behavioral health providers on the system to help re-

duce loitering; address behaviors impacting operations, including alcohol and drug use, sleeping and argumentativeness; provide early detection and intervention for riders who need services; and improve overall rider experiences.

“We are working to produce first quarter numbers for 2023, but we currently have far less than one percent of incidences on the MetroLink system itself and when compared to the

broader communities we are in a solid position,” stated Scott. “We will never reach a point of euphoria where nothing will ever happen. That is just not realistic. We will always face challenges. That said, all these layers will work in concert to mitigate as many problems as we can.”

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.

Metro Transit recently committed $750,000 to cover overtime wages to help further increase the law enforcement presence through the summer months on MetroLink and at MetroLink stations.

Submitted photo

Always gonna be here Still In This Together:

It all started very innocently many years ago when I wrote a weekly column for the North County Journal. One of my columns dealt with the interesting talks I had on the Fourth of July with John’s cousin’s fatherin-law, Lawrence, and what an impact he had on me.

Lawrence was a lifelong farmer, and he and his wife Hilda lived in an old farmhouse on the back edge of the land we were celebrating on, at the new home John’s cousin Lou and her husband, Lawrence’s son, Norvel, had built. It was a family tradition to get everyone together every Independence Day, and I had been invited ever since I began dating John to the gathering of more people than I could ever remember the names of, for more delicious homegrown and homemade food than a small army could have eaten, and more fun than we could ever imagine. We ate at least twice at those gatherings, and generally sat in the shade in the heat of the afternoon to relax before the fireworks began.

I’m not sure how I started talking to Lawrence, but I loved the fact that all the parents and older aunts and uncles were revered at these gatherings, and I wanted to hear more about Lawrence’s lifelong farming, in particular the story about the tree we were sitting under and the metal ring he had put around a tiny branch when the tree had first been planted and was still there, embedded in the huge branch it had grown

into. Lawrence was quiet, soft-spoken, and wise. So very wise.

I felt honored that he had sought me out and spent time with me, and I wrote the column about my sincere appreciation of his time and the fact that the older folks loved us being there on the Fourth and watching our families grow from year to year.

When Lawrence passed away, his son Norvel asked that the column be read by the minister at the funeral as a tribute to the gentle farmer, and I was honored.

And then Norvel, who had been the instigator and host of all the July Fourth gatherings, started joking with me that he wanted me to write an epitaph for him. I laughed every time he asked me how it was coming along, telling him I had plenty of time to think about how to tell the world about him, that he was going to live to be 100, scared that he was actually serious. I told him I wasn’t an epitaph writer; the piece about his Dad was just my telling a story about a conversation we’d had.

I also said there were way too many stories for me to ever do him justice and he knew it, starting with the first time I’d ever been to his and Lou’s home, and Norvel had turned me loose on one of their biggest horses when I had no business being on a horse at all. He had laughed at me and pointed to the little pony wagon careening around the corner of the house with their two little daughters at the reins. “If they can do it, so can you, Queen Victoria,” Norvel laughed.

The name stuck, and over the years we were entertained every July Fourth at their home, no matter the weather, no matter how the families had grown, no matter that their basement was filled to the brim with brightly covered folding tables and we had to eat in shifts.

There were always kittens in the barn that Norvel offered to send home with our girls, and new thrills waiting for our boys every year because he loved teaching them how to drive ATVs and motorbikes,

By Vicki Bahr

how to hide firecrackers in the flower beds and how to steal homemade ice cream from the churns when no one was looking. One year there was a new trampoline in the yard, another year there was an above ground pool. And always, always, a bumpy hay wagon ride around the property for all of us before it got dark enough to bring out the fireworks.

“Come look at the new hay baler. Want to pet the cows? Here’s an apple to feed the horse. Want to take the dogs out and throw them a ball?”

And Norvel laughed, throwing his head back at the heavens. It was magical for the kids. And even though we haven’t been together for a number of years, when I had to tell the kids a few weeks ago that Norvel was going to miss his personal projection of 90 years by only three, because he had been in a car accident while helping out a neighbor, our kids had so many wonderful memories of him and our Fourth of Julys together.

From the pet name he had for Katie, Princess Kate, to Adam running into the barn every year to see if the cobwebs had been cleared off the old minibike so he could go hill-jumping, to Chris remembering him as one of the good guys with a perpetual smile on his face, and Becca’s remembrance of him pulling her pigtails, his memory is ensured.

I can hear Norvel asking if I’ve started working on that epitaph yet. Nope. Because in all of our hearts, the guy with the perpetual smile will always be here.

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

$25,000 Saigh Foundation grant to help Saint Louis Crisis Nursery

The Saigh Foundation has generously granted $25,000 to the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery. Established in 2000, the Saigh Foundation works to enhance the quality of life for children and youth in the St. Louis metropolitan area by supporting educational and health-related charitable institutions and organizations as it continues the legacy of Fred Saigh, a St. Louis lawyer, businessman, real estate investor and owner of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

The Saigh Foundation grant will go to the Crisis Nursery’s Keeping Kids Safe program.

“We are so grateful to the Saigh Foundation for helping the Crisis Nursery offer a safe place for children in St. Louis,” said DiAnne Mueller, CEO of the Crisis Nursery. “Over the years, grants from the Saigh Foundation have kept hundreds of children at risk of abuse or neglect safe.”

“The Saigh Foundation is proud to support St. Louis Crisis Nursery and their steadfast commitment to keeping our children safe from abuse and neglect,” said Elke Buckland, Executive Director of the Saigh

Foundation. “We are pleased to provide our support to the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.”

The Crisis Nursery’s Keeping Kids Safe program provides emergency care to St. Louis City children facing crises related to homelessness, domestic violence, parental mental health crisis, or a lack of basic necessities. By offering support in these situations, the Nursery can help prevent child abuse and neglect and avoid out-of-home placement.

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery provides a safe haven 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for children, birth through age 12, whose families are facing a crisis. Parents bring children to the Nursery free of charge, on a voluntary basis, where they receive a medical exam, therapeutic activities, nutritious meals, and take-home necessities. Parents receive crisis counseling, in-home visits, parent educational groups, and community outreach. In 37 years, we have served over 132,000 children. For more details on the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, please call 314-292-5770 or visit www.crisisnurserykids.org

Florissant schedules July Fourth festivities

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 will have food trucks to help celebrate, so come hungry. Homestyle Grill, Street Sweetz and Cool Delights are scheduled to be at the event.

Festivities begin with an outdoor concert performance by The Well Hungarians at 7:15 p.m. Following the concert, the city of Florissant is sponsoring its renowned fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.

This year’s extravaganza features a dazzling fireworks presentation combining brilliant shells, color sequencing, dimensional frontage, and low- and 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 p.m.). For additional information, please call the James J. Eagan Center at 314-921-4466.

Public reminded that fireworks are prohibited by law in Florissant

On average, more than 200 people go to the emergency room on or near 4th of July each year. People die from different fireworks related accidents. Small children and family pets can be terrorized by fireworks.

According to the Florissant Police Department, the city of Florissant and the nation has experienced a noticeable increase in the amount and size of the pyrotechnics that individuals are using on 4th of July and New Year’s Eve, which has resulted in complaints of peace disturbance.

A more disturbing trend is the national increase in the discharge of firearms on the 4th of July holiday and New Year’s Day. What goes up must come down and spent bullets can kill or maim a child, adult or pet and cause expensive property damage. Discharging firearms is always illegal and violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The sale, possession and use of fireworks are prohibited by law in section 215.020 of Florissant city code which was enacted by the city council several decades ago.

The current administration has placed a renewed priority on enforcement of this ordinance in an effort to prevent death, injury, fires and disturbance of the peace. Violators will be subject to a fine of up to $1,000.

The city of Florissant provides a safe, professional fireworks display each Independence Day at the James J. Eagan Center grounds and everyone is invited to en-

joy Independence Day fireworks safely this year at the Eagan Center. The public is encouraged to notify the

police department at 314-831-7000 of any illegal fireworks or firearms activities

What’s Happening

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 con-

temporary 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, 314-831-5476.

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

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion

Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Bingo takes place every Wednesday at American Legion 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 314-831-0988.

planned

underway in the St. Louis Region

Three global manufacturing companies are currently investing more than $1 billion in new facilities or expansions in different parts of the St. Louis region, and another $1.2 billion investment is planned on the downtown St. Louis Riverfront, a clear sign of positive momentum for the bi-state area. Representatives of the companies responsible for these investments were featured panelists during FreightWeekSTL 2023 and shared details on the myriad factors driving their decisions to invest in the region, providing tremendous insight to help continue this growth trend.

The panel discussion highlighted plans by Good Developments Group to develop Gateway South directly adjacent to the Gateway Arch, anchored by a design and construction innovation district driven by prefabricated modular manufacturing; American Foods Group’s new beef processing plant in Warren County, Missouri.; James Hardie Industries’ first Missouri facility coming to Jefferson County, and Tyson Foods plant expansion underway in Caseyville, Illinois.

Alec Jadacki, Partner with Good Developments Group, kicked things off with an overview of the Gateway South Development, to be located on approximately 100 acres directly south of the Gateway Arch on a site known as Chouteau’s Landing. Jadacki said the development will be parsed out into three separate sub-districts, with the

main one being the Design and Construction Innovation District. Another component will involve recreation and residential, mixing in green space, sports courts, and a skatepark with the goal of driving foot traffic which contributes to a safer environment. The final piece will be an entertainment district focused on food and beverage as well as construction themed entertainment tenants.

“But the main idea,” Jadacki said, “is trying to co-locate some advanced modular manufacturers. When you think E S G, this is kind of the future in reducing carbon [emissions] and speeding up the process. The Empire

State Building, Chrysler Building, these took about a year to construct, but more recently, the Freedom Tower, it took about seven years, so we’re kind of going backwards. Construction is 15% of the world’s G.D.P so, obviously something needs to change or there needs to be some advances in the technology. And when we’re talking modular now – and the next generation of it, picture a Lego block. Essentially, they’re building these blocks onsite, co-located with their suppliers, soup to nuts. So, it’s literally an entire apartment, live ready, bathroom, kitchen, wall panels, flooring that’ll get brought to a construction site and dropped on top of a podium, ultimately creating the final structure.”

He said they have unbelievable local partners who plan to co-locate at Gateway South, including universities, trade schools, accelerators, incubators and nonprofits. “The idea is really to create a center of excellence. Silicon Valley is the tech hub of the country, and we want Missouri, and specifically St. Louis, to be the construction capital

of the country.”

Their plan for the site also includes repurposing some of the existing buildings that have long been abandoned and leveraging the infrastructure running through the site with the goal of bringing what was once a thriving riverfront industrial site back to life.

“One of our investors came up with a term that we’ve adopted and love: ‘multimodal heaven.’ We have direct access to the road, river and rail. So, there’s obviously major efficiencies and synergies that can be gained if everything is planned correctly ahead of time,” said Jadacki. “Working with the various rail companies, St. Louis Port Authority, and the St. Louis Regional Freightway, we have high hopes for utilizing all three modes of shipping in the future. If you really think about it, there’s not really a place in the country or maybe even the world where you could set up all three shipping channels within a stone’s throw. So, that was the major draw for us.”

To review the full panel session, visit www.freightweekstl.com.

St. Johns Bank announces 2023 scholarship winners

Graduating high school seniors Myracle Jones of Ritenour High School, Benjamin Wallace of Pattonville High School and Donovan Crandall of Ft. Zumwalt South High School have been named recipients of a St. Johns Bank Excellence Scholarship. Each recipient receives a check for $1,000.

To date, St. Johns Bank has awarded over $80,000 through the annual scholarship program honoring high school seniors demonstrating above-average

talent, effort, and vision for their future that focuses on business or banking careers.

Founded in 1926, St. Johns Bank is a locally owned, full-service community bank with four locations in St. Louis and St. Charles counties, serving the entire metropolitan St. Louis area. For more information on the bank please call 314-428-1000 or visit www.stjohnsbank.com.

Submitted photo

The Gateway South Development is to be located on approximately 100 acres directly south of the Gateway Arch on a site known as Chouteau’s Landing.

More than $2.2 billion in new manufacturing investments

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RECIPE : A luscious lime smoothie for hot summer days

During summer months, it’s common for many people to want to spend as much time outside enjoying the weather as possible. From the minute they wake up to when the sun goes down (and beyond), nearly everyone wants to take advantage of the warm summer heat. Especially kids, who often want to enjoy their break from school for the year.

From beach towels and sunglasses to swimsuits and flip flops, almost everything you need to enjoy some fun in the sun is likely already on-hand. However, summer can be so much sweeter with a fresh and fruity drink in your hand. Made with fresh ingredients, this drink is a perfect addition to any poolside party.

Next time you are looking to relax outdoors all day, try this Tart Lime Smoothie, which is filled with fresh fruit and cool enough to wash away that summer warmth. This chilled, tart drink will have everyone in the family ready to go for round two down the water slide.

To make this smoothie, in a blender, blend two kiwis, two ripe bananas, some fresh mint, lime juice, orange juice and 2 cups of crushed ice until all the ingredients are incorporated.

Light, fresh and a little bit frothy, this smoothie has a unique texture that may leave you wishing for a second cup the moment you take your first sip. Find more fun summer recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Tart Lime Smoothie

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

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.

INGREDIENTS:

2 kiwis, peeled and halved

2 ripe bananas

3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

2 limes, juice only

1 cup orange juice

2 cups ice, crushed

In 1978, Christopher Reeve played dual roles in “Superman,” an epic adventure that arrived in time for the Christmas holidays. Directed by Richard Donner, the film had a great ensemble cast featuring Marlon Brando as Jor-El, a scientist on the planet Krypton who warned citizens that their planet was doomed. As time ran out, Jor-El sent his son Kal-El to Earth in a rocket ship where he would grow up and gain amazing powers. Reeve was the perfect choice to play both reporter Clark Kent and his heroic alter ego. 1981’s “Superman II” showed Kryptonian criminals arriving on Earth where they learned that Superman was the son of Jor-El, the man who imprisoned them in the Phantom Zone.

The first two “Superman” movies were crowd-pleasers and can be considered the predecessors of both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). During the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con, director Jon Favreau teased the audience with old Marvel cartoon footage from the 1960’s before unveiling exciting scenes from “Iron Man,” the 2008 film that initiated a storyline that

DIRECTIONS: In blender, blend kiwis, bananas, mint, lime juice, orange juice and ice until smooth.

Pour into glasses to serve.

“The Flash” photo courtesy DC Entertainment.

culminated in “Avengers: Endgame.” After intergalactic bad guy Thanos used the Infinity Stones to wipe out half of all life in the universe, the remaining heroes used time travel to acquire the stones and defeat Thanos once and for all.

While talking about these characters and references to time travel, however, it’s easy to feel “Superhero/Villain Fatigue,” especially with an anticipated release like the DCEU’s “The Flash.” Ezra Miller played Barry Allen, a police scientist and Justice League member who could run at super speed. His attempts at time travel, however, had unintended side effects. In the film, Miller also portrayed versions of his younger and older self. Actress Sasha Cal-

le joined the cast as Kara ZorEl, a Kryptonian and Superman’s cousin while Michael Shannon reprised his General Zod role from 2013’s “Man of Steel.” Michael Keaton, who starred in 1989’s “Batman” as well as 1992’s “Batman Returns,” also appeared in “The Flash.”

With the robust cast of characters referenced above, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the heroes, villains and their respective powers and loyalties. After helping to stop a bank robbery in “The Flash,” Barry Allen revisited his childhood home and inadvertently used the “Speed Force” that gave him his powers to go back in time. However, he had been warned that time travel had serious consequences. When talking about his character, Miller described Barry Allen as “multi-dimensional with human flaws.” Although “The Flash” brought in $55.1 million at the domestic box office, Ezra Miller’s behavior off the set raised some eyebrows. On the “Rotten Tomatoes” website, the film had a 66% rating “Fresh” rating.

As of this writing, the Writer’s Strike is still under way, which means production dates for both MCU and DCEU movies will most likely be pushed back.

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.

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. J.S.

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

Moore on Life: Not getting any younger

There’s a saying, If the music’s too loud, you’re too old. I think my husband and I have reached the “too old” point. All the indications are there.

For instance, the other day we went into a restaurant. The music was really loud and obnoxious. We generally don’t say a lot when we’re dining together, but this time it was so noisy we could hardly hear each other not speaking to one another.

“Looks like it might rain,” I finally said.

“My mother is NOT a pain,” he barked. “Your mother is the one with issues.”

I handed him a napkin.

“What’s this for?” he asked.

“You said you wanted a tissue.”

“I can’t hear what you’re saying,” he said.

“Well, I can’t hear what you can’t hear that I’m not saying so let’s just get out of here.”

“But I haven’t got my milkshake yet.”

“Don’t be silly, there’s not going to be an earthquake! Now let’s go.”

We headed out the door just as a couple of teenagers came in. My husband was putting the money for his milkshake back into his wallet, but instead he handed it over to the girls. They looked at the money and then him and then each other and shook their heads in disbelief.

“What the heck are you handing out money to total strangers for?” I asked.

“Didn’t you see the condition of their clothes? Their jeans had holes in the pant legs big enough to drive a semi through. They’re probably going into the restaurant to scrounge for leftovers from tabletops.”

LIFESTYLE: Garage safety tips

When you throw open the windows, you’ll likely be spending more time with the garage door open, too. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the warmer months.

Organizing clutter is part of the process, but warmer weather can also serve as a reminder to make sure your garage equipment and features are secure and functioning properly.

Your garage floor tends to capture grime and grit from the outdoors, especially where your car sits. Take time to thoroughly sweep and mop, but also take stock of the floor’s condition for any chips or other damage that may grow worse over time and pose a risk for tripping or other safety issues.

• Check your garage door performance. Ensure doors are rolling smoothly with no hitches. If you do happen to notice any abnormalities, it’s a good time to investigate. In some cases, a little grease or a minor adjustment is all you need to get things back on track.

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD: THE 1970S

“Sweetie, I think those are fashionable now. They pay big bucks for those holes.”

“Nice try, but nobody’s dumb enough to pay for holes.”

Just then his phone alarm went off.

“Now what?” I asked.

“It’s time for my pills. We need to go back into the restaurant.”

“We just left, why would we need to go back?”

“Because I need some water to take my pills. I left a full glass on our table.”

“That’s ridiculous. We can buy a bottle from the drugstore here.”

He laughed, “Number one, I gave my last dollars to those homeless orphans and number two, why would I buy water when I can get it for free?”

We’re either old…or senile…or both. All the indications are there.

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.

• Don’t forget to check your garage door sensors, too. Warmer weather means animals and children (and their toys) are more likely to find themselves in an automated door’s path when it begins to lower. Ensure sensors are operating properly to prevent injury or property damage.

• Verify all outlets, lights and other electrical features are in proper operating condition and all wires are intact and free of damage or fraying.

• Ensure any poisonous materials, such as paint, garden pesticides, cleaners and automotive fluids, are safely stored out of reach of pets and children that may have increased access to the garage during warmer months. Also check for spills or leaks of any potentially hazardous or flammable materials.

Taking time to safety-proof your garage can provide your family months of stress-free use. Find more tips for getting your garage in order at eLivingtoday.com.

ACROSS

1. Aardvark's repast

5. Game official, colloquially speaking

8. In alignment

12. Tiny bottle

13. Big rig

14. ____ Apso

15. Fairy-tale opener

16. Arabian chieftain

17. Peter Pumpkin ____

18. *White House Plumbers' affair

20. Arrival times, acr.

21. *Gerald R. Ford and Nelson A. Rockefeller

22. Tolkien's Ogre-like creature

23. *Charlie's TV detectives

26. At sea but close to shore

30. Always, poetically speaking

31. Adjust

34. Cupid, to the Greeks

35. High

37. 9 to 5, e.g.

38. Bow-like structure

39. Hippocrates' promise

40. Struck in certain way, in baseball

42. Paleontologist's estimate

43. Like a kilt

45. English county

47. Boiling blood

48. ____, Stinky and Stretch

50. Shade of beige

52. *"Rainy Day People" singer Gordon

56. Things on a list

57. Rod of a hot rod

58. *Bee Gees or The Supremes, e.g.

59. Saintly glows

60. Never, poetically speaking

61. Pre-Easter period

62. Demeanor

63. *Banned insecticide, acr.

64. Oxen connector

1. Assert

2. *"Black Gold" singer Nina ____

3. Diplomat's asset

4. *Popular bell-shaped part of garment

5. Gerrymander

6. Gives off

7. *Earth and Wind partner 8. *First female British prime minister 9. Pro ____ 10. Operates 11. Head canal locale

Wisest

Unfriendly looks

Track event

Buck 23. Famous fable-maker 24. *Kathmandu location and Hippie Trail stop 25. Heating outlet cover

Research facil. 27. Shamu and such 28. *Khmer ____ 29. English county 32. Sound of impact

33. Coffee holder 36. *Mao's honorific 38. Sunbaked, archaically speaking 40. Busy flyer

41. *____ Rolle of "Good Times" 44. Corbel 46. *"Killing Me ____ with His Song" 48. Spayed 49. End of a shoelace 50. Evening purse

51. Wrap in waxy cloth

52. It "was made for you and me"

53. Black and white cookie 54. Piglet sound 55. Carrying container

56. *Helen Reddy's "____ ____ Woman"