July 20, 2022
Walking the walk
Around Town A SENIOR MOMENT. Pg. 2 Daisy Award Winner is on a mission. Pg. 4
Senior Living STILL IN THIS TOGETHER How about a little walk? Pg. 6 The 14th Annual Robert Classic French Film Festival takes place in August. Pg. 6
Northwest News NORTHWEST VIEWS Care and compassion for every member of the family. Pg. 7 $1 million in additional financial assistance available for Ameren Missouri customers. Pg. 7
Features
Angela Clabon (center) is chief executive officer of CareSTL, which will host its third Opioid Awareness Walk- Run in Forest Park on Aug. 6
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Project O, a health initiative by CareSTL Health to address the opioid crisis, will host its third Opioid Awareness Walk- Run in Forest Park
Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1
By Wendy Todd
CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3
According the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, as of May 17 of this year, the state has seen the highest number of fatal drug overdoses, reaching 1,878. This is a 19% increase from 2019. Missouri ranked 32nd in the country for drug overdose death rates in 2020. The increase is likely due to the impact of the pandemic. For adults in Missouri aged 18-44, drug overdose is the leading cause of death. More than 70% of all drug overdose deaths in the state involve opioids, which includes but is not limited to heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, oxycodone and
some non-prescription pain relievers. And the Black community has been disproportionately affected by the opioid issue and has experienced a dramatic increase in usage and deaths. St. Louis has the highest opioid death rate in the state. Project O, a health initiative by CareSTL Health to address the opioid crisis that has hit this region with full force. The organization will host its third Opioid Awareness Walk- Run in Forest Park on Aug. 6 to continue raising awareness of the crisis and share resources with the community about opioids, particularly fentanyl. Addressing the opioid crisis is a community-oriented mission as well as a personal
topic for Angela Clabon, chief executive officer of CareSTL. “In some cases, the individuals don’t even know the drugs contain a fatal dose of fentanyl,” Clabon said. “Sadly, I can tell you my family has lost almost ten loved ones to fentanyl.” Many who haven’t been directly affected by the opioid public health issue may wonder why they should care. Clabon points out the economic impact. “The number of people dying from opioid-involved overdoses is staggering and the misuse is a serious public health crisis,” she See ‘WALKING’ page 2
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Around Town
July 20, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
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said. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the total “economic burden” alone is 78.5 billion a year with healthcare costs, lost productivity, addiction treatment and criminal justice involvement. At CareSTL Health, we see firsthand the devastating effect on families and children, which results in parentless homes, increased crime and trauma.” Anyone can be directly or indirectly affected by the opioid crisis, which is why CareSTL Health encourages all members of the community to participate in the upcoming walkrun event. “Whether they have a loved one who may suffer from addiction or not, it is important to have knowledge and awareness of public health crises and inequities facing the community,” Clabon said. “The results of such ills
Participants take part in last year’s Opioid Awareness Walk- Run.
are widespread and have an economic impact on us all.” For more information for to register for the Opioid Awareness Walk-Run event, go
Support for caregivers means better care for loved ones with COPD
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hances are you know someone who takes care of a sick parent or spouse. You may even know someone who cares for a person with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe and gets worse over time. Like other diseases, it often affects more than the person living with it. COPD can affect the whole family. Joel Africk found this out firsthand. “I watched my mother serve as the main caregiver for my father with COPD,” said Africk, president of Respiratory Health Association (RHA). “The follow-up appointments, the coordination of his care with his care team, the supervised exercise – my mother juggled it all. She was the driving force in my dad’s care.” Luckily, because of the work he does, Africk said, “I was able to put our kitchen table conversations in front of a dedicated team of patients, caregivers and providers, and ‘The COPD Caregiver’s Toolkit’ was created. We worked to simplify some of the most complicated parts of being a COPD caregiver and provide resources to help.” Caregivers who feel confident about what to do often provide better care for their loved ones. “The COPD Caregiver’s Toolkit” offers advice on a variety of topics for patients and caregivers, including how to prepare for doctors’ appointments, navigate changes in home life, provide help after a COPD flare-up or hospital stay and stay mentally and physically healthy through it all. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood
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Institute’s (NHLBI) Learn More Breathe Better® program recently partnered with RHA to update and make the toolkit more broadly available online. Learn More Breathe Better works to improve the lives of the millions of people living with COPD and other lung conditions. Through its educational efforts, NHLBI reaches patients, providers, researchers and now, caregivers. According to Jim Kiley, M.D., director of NHLBI’s Division of Lung Diseases, “COPD is a complex disease that over time can become debilitating. That’s why early diagnosis, treatment and disease management are so important. It can be overwhelming for many patients and their families.”
To help with disease management challenges, “The COPD Caregiver’s Toolkit” comes with medication and vaccination tracking sheets and a list of questions to ask doctors. It also features information caregivers can use to support their own health and well-being, such as how to find support groups and backup care. The right tools can make all the difference. “‘The COPD Caregiver’s Toolkit’ is a valuable resource that will help clarify what caregivers need to know to help themselves and their loved ones,” Kiley said. Find and share this free resource at nhlbi. nih.gov/COPD-caregivers.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • July 20, 2022
Around Town
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis honors alumni, board members, community partners and staff The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) has recognized the 2022 Annual Recognition event honorees and Alumni Hall of Honor inductees. Each year the staff, board members, volunteers and supporters are acknowledged and celebrated for their commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs as well as the kids and teens the club serves. The 2022 BGCSTL Alumni Hall of Honor inductees are Tia Brimer, Kia Brimer, Eric Rhone, Anthony Stallion, MD, Darnell Walker and Marquis Walker. The Hall of Honor recognizes outstanding alumni for achievements in their respective fields, commitment to leadership, serving our community’s youth, contributions to the St. Louis community and for living out the mission of the Boys & Girls Club. Additional categories and honorees for the evening were as follows (award descriptions below): Richard H. Amberg Award Recipient – David Aplington (Presented to a Board member whose leadership and commitment has a profound impact on the Club’s ability to achieve its mission.) Capture the Vision Award – Ascension Charity Classic (accepted by Nick Ragone) - presented to an individual or organization who demonstrates their devoted service to the Club through tireless innovation. National Award of Merit (Individuals and organizations outside Boys & Girls Clubs that have provided outstanding support to local Clubs or the Movement.) • Dr. Chauncey E. Granger, Hazelwood East High School Principal • Cameron A. Coleman, Larimore Elementary School
Principal • Grey Eagle Distributors, David Stokes • Heartland Coca-Cola, Travis Sarich & Matt Bynum Service to Youth Award – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Staff (Board, volunteers and staff who have rendered long and devoted service (five years or more) to the Boys & Girls Club Movement.) Five years: • Teri Bascom • Angel Jackson • Marla Jeffries • Regina Knapp • Melody Majeed • Brandy Sandford • Krystal Smith
Submitted photo (From left) Marquis Walker stands with Darnell Walker, Kia Brimer, Dr. Flint Fowler (President, BGCSTL), Tia Brimer, Anthony Stallion, MD (accepting on behalf of his brother, Mark Stallion) and Eric Rhone (accepting on behalf of her husband, Angela Rhone).
Ten years: Keisha Caruthers Thirty years: Brenda "Joyce" Jones BGCSTL President, Dr. Flint Fowler (reflecting on the annual event which has always been close to his heart) said, “It is an honor and privilege to recognize so many wonderful staff, volunteers and supporters for what they do to help our kids. It is
Home Builders Association donates $15k to Rebuilding Together – St. Louis On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2022 HBA President Jeremy Roth (Elite Development Services/McBride Homes) (left) and HBA Executive Vice President Celeste Rueter (right) presented a $15,000 donation to Rebuilding Together – St. Louis’ executive director Elaine Powers and Rebuilding Together – St. Louis board member and HBA member Mark Jansen (RubinBrown LLP). The donation will be used toward Rebuilding Together – St. Louis’ Rebuilding Day. Rebuilding Together revitalizes neighborhoods in partnership with the community by rehabilitating the houses of low-income home owners, particularly the elderly and the disabled, so that they may continue to live independently in comfort and safety. Rebuilding Day is the organization’s annual one-day blitz
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where volunteers make home repairs and a lasting impact on home owners in the St. Louis Metro area. The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.
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particularly gratifying to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our amazing alumni and the contributions they now bring to the community because of the club’s impact on their lives. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is shaping the future of St. Louis by promoting the positive development of children and teens.”
Around Town
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July 20, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Daisy Award winner is on a mission
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Playful, calm, empathetic, friendly, caring, helpful, phenomenal. These are just some of the many reasons Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital nurses nominated their co-worker Katy Cox, RN, for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. “She is the type of person that gives you a sense of happiness and relief when you see she is working with you that day because you know the day will automatically be a little better with Katy there,” said one team member. Another said: “Katy steps up to lend a hand when others are in need and always has a great attitude. She goes above and beyond for every single patient she cares for Submitted photo and is one of the most kind and compasRanken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital nurse Katy Cox, RN was the winner of the DAISY sionate people I know.” Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Her co-workers also nominated Cox for known for bringing mouth-watering, home-baked her willingness to teach other nurses and help her goodies to work that draw nurses from all over the teammates as a preceptor. She is an active member of hospital to the break room. But her reputation for Nursing Shared Leadership as well as subcommittees. going above and beyond for her team members and Cox was presented with the DAISY Award in May. patients is even greater. This national award is a way of providing nurses rec“Katy is so very helpful and is such a bright spirit to ognition and thanks for making a profound difference have on the unit,” a team member said. in the lives of those they touch through their care. Another co-worker added, “Rarely a day goes by “Receiving this award makes me feel special,” Cox that she is not helping others or teaching new nurses. said. “It’s nice that people noticed I’m doing good I know she has helped me be a better nurse through things.” her example and teaching.” A heart for helping Her commitment to helping others began in high school when she went on a mission trip to Ecuador. “We went to a remote village with no access to health care and no money for a doctor,” Cox explained. “So, we raised money to pay for a doctor to come see the sick kids. That triggered the idea that I wanted to help people. Becoming a nurse was a way I could do that. I can do both – work in the U.S. as a nurse and then go on special mission trips to other countries once in a while.” She brought this heart for helping to Ranken Jordan in 2015 after she graduated from nursing school. “I liked how different it was,” she said. “The kids are here longer so you can get to know them and build relationships. The kids at Ranken Jordan are the best.” She also appreciates the teamwork at Ranken Jordan. “It’s like a small town here. Everyone knows everyone and helps each other. And we’re always having fun and we make sure the kids are having fun, too. Our teamwork is crucial to how Ranken Jordan works. Nurses are always on the floor playing with little ones, getting them outside their rooms and doing artwork with kids,” she said.
Combining care and creativity As a self-proclaimed kid at heart, Cox is often the ringleader of fun with a creative approach to care. She adds bows to dressings, challenges patients to see who can drink their cup of water fastest to help kids reach their fluid goals, creates silly songs to make kids laugh, takes kids outside to play in the snow, and is known for instigating squirt fights with water-filled syringes. “It’s just water – it will dry,” she laughed. “And I sing a lot. As a big kid, I just channel my inner child so kids have a better day.” She also brightens up her co-workers’ days. Cox is
A calm, caring presence Her positivity and leadership skills have helped Cox advance quickly during her time at Ranken Jordan. In addition to being a preceptor and charge nurse, she has been serving as interim manager while colleagues are on maternity leave. “I like training new graduates because I remember being there and being terrified as a new nurse,” Cox said. “It’s surprising how comfortable you can get with things like changing a trach. That was scary the first time but now it’s no big deal.” Cox’s team members appreciate her support and ability to remain calm during high stress situations. “I guess I’ve always been that way,” Cox said. “On the outside, I may look calm, cool and collected but on the inside my mind is going a mile a minute thinking about what the next step is.” One of the most important lessons she has learned as a nurse is that you never know what someone is struggling with internally. “Teens may have been through a traumatic thing and are lashing out at others. Their whole life has been turned upside down so there’s a reason for their outbursts. You can’t take it personally,” she said. Cox believes she inherited her calm demeanor from her family. She grew up in Florissant as the youngest of four children. She still lives in north St. Louis County and enjoys spending time with her nine nieces and nephews and getting together frequently for family dinners. While Cox is making a difference for so many families in St. Louis, her drive to care for others around the world continues. Now that COVID-19 travel restrictions have eased, she is excited to travel to other countries for more mission trips. No doubt she will bring her playfulness and compassionate care to benefit children worldwide.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • July 20, 2022
Around Town
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The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis relocating to new space in downtown St. Louis The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) is relocating to a new ground-level space in downtown St. Louis at the Security Building at 319 N. 4th Street. BAMSL has enjoyed a wonderful experience at 555 Washington Avenue over the last decade. The lease expires at the end of this calendar year, and BAMSL plans to make the physical move in the first or second quarter of 2023. The project is being developed by New + Found, designed by Lawrence Group and built by Integrate Construction Partners. “We’re excited to welcome BAMSL to the Security Building,” said Steve Smith, CEO of Lawrence Group
and co-founder of New + Found. “Their new space is one of the most unique in the building and, together, we have the opportunity to create a modern office environment that honors the building’s history, supports BAMSL’s vision and meets their programmatic needs.” BAMSL’s goal was to provide better security, parking, a reduction in rent and to remain fiscally responsible. “Thank you to the BAMSL Facilities Committee, which spent countless hours touring spaces and discussing options with landlords and advising the BAMSL Executive Committee and Board of Governors,” BAMSL President Anne-Marie Brockland said. “We want to acknowledge our current land-
St. Louis alumnae members bring home top awards during sorority conference Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. kicked off the 2022 Regional Conference season with the Central Regional Conference happening first. The conference took place May 19-22, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Central Region is home of the St. Louis Alumnae (SLA) Chapter, as well as other Missouri chapters, and also includes collegiate and alumnae chapters of Delta in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming. Under the direction of Central Regional Director Dr. Felicia Echols and outgoing regional representative Alaina Meekins Kent, the 2022 conference, themed “Recovery Empowered by Inclusion,” was a time of learning and loving. One of the highlights of the weekend was the Social Action Luncheon, which was keynoted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. honorary member Michelle Howard, the first female four-star admiral to command operational forces and the highest-ranking woman in United States Naval history. The Honorable Gloria Reno, circuit judge, 21st Judicial Court, St. Louis County, and longtime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is this year’s Frankie Muse Freeman Award recipient. For Reno, the relationship she had with Freeman made for a special moment. During her acceptance of the award, Reno recalled the days of traveling with Freeman as they handled Delta business as part of the National Social Action Commission. “I got a chance to talk to her about her early days in Delta and how important the sorority was and the support the organization gave her during the civil rights movement,” Reno said. “I feel extremely humbled and honored to receive the award from Delta named after Frankie Freeman. This is truly something I will always treasure. SLA has always been at the forefront of voter education and registration. We used to hold candidate forums to ensure we were educating the community about the various important political and social issues of the time. We have been a leader in this area and continue to be. I’m honored to be a member of SLA.” Reno is a past president of the SLA chapter. “In SLA, our late sister Carol Strawbridge worked tirelessly on voter registration and education, so I’d like to acknowledge her and all the work she did,” Reno added. “She is sorely missed. We’ve always had
Submitted photo The Honorable Gloria Reno (left), circuit judge, 21st Judicial Court, St. Louis County, and longtime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is this year’s Frankie Muse Freeman Award recipient, and SLA member Shelia Jones is the 2022 Delta D.E.A.R. Award recipient for the Central Region.
really good members of our chapter to work on social action.” In recognition and honor of the 14th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Frankie Muse Freeman, Esq., The Frankie Muse Freeman Award is presented to a collegiate and alumnae member of the sorority within the Central Region who have demonstrated outstanding work through endeavors locally, regionally, statewide, or nationally in the areas of education, S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, math), civil rights, fair housing, pay equity, health care for the underrepresented, or employment issues that address advancement for women and minorities. Attorney Freeman was a member of St. Louis Alumnae Chapter. SLA member Shelia Jones is the 2022 Delta D.E.A.R. Award recipient for the Central Region. This award is presented to a Delta D.E.A.R. who has been an outstanding member of a chapter or a member-at-large, is caring, nurturing, and has served as a role model throughout her Delta career. She has also been a pioneer in her profession. “This honor caught me totally off guard, which is why I was so emotional upon hearing my name being called,” Jones shared. “To be recognized in this way, amongst my sisters, by my sisters made it even more wonderful.”
lord for building out our current space and a supportive relationship the last 10 years.” With more than 6,500 members in the St. Louis region, including attorneys, judges, paralegals and law firm administrators, BAMSL is the oldest and most respected voluntary bar association in the area. BAMSL exists to benefit its members as well as to serve the legal profession and the public at large.
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Senior Living
July 20, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Still In This Together: How about a little walk? It was an innocent question. At my last appointment, the doctor asked me about the amount of exercise I get on a regular basis, and I faltered. “Well, nothing really regimented,” I stammered. “You know, we used to go to the gym a couple of times a week, but with COVID…” “How about just taking a walk?” he offered. “Sure! I can remember how I used to walk around the block all the time with the kids when they were little. We didn’t have two cars then, and it was the only way to get through the day until John got home and there was adult conversation. The kids always started out riding a Big Wheel or pushing a doll stroller or a plastic kid-sized grocery cart, but we rarely ever made it all the way around our big block without my having to carry both a child and a push toy. The neighbors thought it was a lot funnier than I did. “And then I walked with my portable CD player attached to my waist when they were older. That’s how I fell in love with ‘Phantom of the Opera.’ I sent away for the CDs and the offer came with a copy of the musical, all the words and music. I still have it somewhere.” And the doctor smiled. “What about lately?”
“Well, not so much lately, I guess,” I confessed. “I don’t have as much reason to take a walk anymore unless I’m over visiting our youngest grandkids. My daughter and I walked to their neighborhood school to pick Adler up from kindergarten a couple of times when I was over there. There are no buses, and I can’t believe she does it twice every day pushing that big double stroller with the twins in it. She never had to stop once, except to wait for me to catch up.” “I do grocery shopping, of course,” I offered. “And I walk the big box store on a regular basis, because they keep changing the layout and moving merchandise around. I also park farther away than necessary in the parking lot. Always have. I got into the habit of doing that a long time ago, partially for the extra steps, but mostly to keep the car doors from getting dinged. “And I do take the basement steps more than John these days because of his knee replacement. But it’s not like it was when everyone wore pedometers at work and we tried to get 10,000 steps in every day. I don’t have an app on my phone or an Apple watch or anything…” At that point, I stopped, and looked at the young doctor who recently replaced our older, understanding,
By Vicki Bahr commiserating, wonderfully compassionate physician who had finally moved to his chosen field of hospice care full-time. He was grinning at me, in that way that I presume we all did when we were young, didn’t require any daily medications and could still sit flat on the floor without struggling mightily to get down or back up. “Let me guess,” I smiled right back at him. “You’d like to suggest that I make a concerted effort to get some extra steps in a few times a week.” “That would be wonderful,” was all he said. And he winked at me. I’m going to like him. 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.
The 14th Annual Robert Classic French Film Festival takes place in August The 14th Annual Robert Classic French Film Festival — sponsored by Jane M. & Bruce P. Robert Charitable Foundation — celebrates St. Louis’ Gallic heritage and France’s cinematic legacy. This year’s featured films span the decades from the 1920s through the 1990s, of-
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fering a revealing overview of French cinema. The festival takes place at Webster University’s Winifred Moore Auditorium in Webster Hall at 470 E. Lockwood Ave. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $12 for students and Cinema St. Louis members. Webster U. students are admitted free. Advance tickets can be purchased through the Cinema St. Louis website.Two types of passes are available: Five-Film Passes are $65, $50 for CSL members; All-Access Passes are $120, and $95 for CSL members. In honor of St. Louis’ own Josephine Baker and her installation in France’s Panthéon on Nov. 30 of last year, the fest will present her silent film debut, “Siren of the Tropics,” with an original score and live accompaniment by the Rats & People Motion Picture Orchestra. Every program features introductions and discussions by film or French scholars and critics. All films are in French with English subtitles. For more information call 314-289-4150 or visit cinemastlouis.org.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • July 20, 2022
Northwest News
Northwest Views: Care and compassion for every member of the family Parenting is never easy, and it’s not your imagination if it seems like it’s gotten harder recently. Loneliness, remote work, homeschooling, and major world events have combined to create a mental health crisis among children and adults that we are just starting to understand. In 2020, when COVID first hit, we went home and thought we’d be back in a few weeks. Instead, we’ve been subjected to a roller coaster of ever-changing rules and guidelines for almost two-and-a-half years. Children may have experienced the same confusion and isolation as adults, but in a way that is unique to their developmental stages. They may have been worried about family members, and they may have been bored or angry because they missed their friends. As children get older, connections with friends become incredibly important. They start to identify with their peers more than they do with their parents. They get their validation from each other. It’s a really important time in their lives, when they are figuring out who they are and how they fit into the world. That has all been upended by the challenges of the past two years. What I’m seeing with clients – and in my own life
– is that we are all on edge. We have less capacity to cope, less ability to self-soothe. It’s important to have an awareness that everyone feels this way right now. It’s also extremely helpful to have compassion and understanding with the people in your life. Here are a few suggestions for helping children and teenagers cope with their difficult emotions: • Let your children know on a regular basis that you want to know what’s going on with them. Counselors hear all the time that kids don’t want to worry their parents. Make the effort to let them know you’re there to help with anything that’s bothering them, and normalize talking about emotions by sharing your own. • Children need strong connections and relationships, just as adults do. Mister Rogers often told kids to “look for the helpers,” and this has never been truer. Remind them they can talk to school counselors and other adults they trust. • Consider placing limits on screen time – phones, television, social media and gaming. Encourage them to have face-to-face social time with groups of friends, which is a far richer experience than online interactions. Encourage their participation in activities where conversation can flourish, and
By DiAnne Mueller
friendships can grow. • If you need professional help, seek it out. We have a program at ECH called Family Solutions for Kids (FSK) that can help with family therapy, individual therapy, parent education, educational advocacy and support, communication skills training, child development education, and more. One of the most important people you can show compassion toward right now is yourself. I always remind those I work with that they do not have to be perfect... just good enough is a high bar when it comes to parenting! An added bonus is that you’re modeling good behavior for your kids at the same time you’re caring for yourself. Know that you are not alone. We are all in this together, and ECH is here to help. Eve Dyson is Director of Family Connections at Every Child’s Hope. 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.
$1 million in additional financial assistance available for Ameren Missouri customers With inflation causing more households to feel a financial pinch, Ameren Missouri has added $1 million to its Clean Slate fund, a program that helps eligible moderate-income customers clear their past-due balances and start fresh. “The Clean Slate program has been highly effective, helping thousands of families who often don’t qualify for state and federal assistance,” said Tara Oglesby, vice president of customer experience for Ameren Missouri. “We are excited to donate this additional $1 million to offer more customers a path to get back on track. We hope to alleviate some of the financial strain many families are currently navigating while helping them stay cool and safe in the summer heat.” Ameren Missouri recently expanded Clean Slate eligibility and introduced an even lower payment threshold to further support customers. Customers are now required to pay just 10% of their past-due balance rather than the previous 25% participation requirement, and the Clean Slate program will cover the remaining overdue sum. To be eligible for Clean Slate, customers must meet the following requirements: • Household income up to 300% of the federal poverty level. – For example, customers in a four-person household with income up to $79,500 annually are eligible to apply. • Pay 10% of the past-due balance. • Experiencing financial hardship. • Have an active Ameren Missouri electric account that is past due, on a payment agreement or in need of reconnection.
Customers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to a community action agency before their balance becomes unmanageable and funds are exhausted. Those local agencies, spread across Missouri, administer the Clean Slate program and determine eligibility. A full list of administering agencies is available at AmerenMissouri.com/CleanSlate or by calling Ameren Missouri at 800-552-7583. Ameren Missouri has previously pledged more than $5.4 million to the Clean Slate program, including a new fund this year specifically for natural gas customers. In addition to the Clean Slate program, other assistance programs can help customers save money and manage their bills, including: • Keeping Current: A payment assistance program that helps customers make paying their energy bill more affordable. It includes a monthly bill credit, along with help to reduce the total amount the customer owes. • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federally funded program that assists customers with an income at or below 60% of the state median income level to pay their energy bills. • Weatherization: A program for income-eligible homeowners and renters to make qualified, energy-efficient improvements to a home, including caulking, water heater jackets, weather stripping and insulation. Clean Slate participants are often eligible for more than one assistance program. For more information about energy assistance options, visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance.
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What’s Happening
July 20, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Tuesdays: Bingo
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. EVENTS
Aug. 26: Trivia night
The Center for Head Injury Services – a nonprofit that empowers those with brain injuries, autism, and other cognitive disabilities – will host its 16th annual “Gray Matters” trivia night at the Maryland Heights Community Center located at 2300 McKelvey Rd. in Maryland Heights. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit’s programs and services. Tickets are $25 per person and $200 for a table of eight. Premier tickets – which are $40 per person and $320 per table of eight – include a chef-prepared menu of snacks, appetizers, salad, entrée, dessert, beer and soda. For more information or to register, call 314-983-9230 or visit www. headinjuryctr-stl.org.
RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed
The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-tofour hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314513-1674 or cbanaskavich@ jfcs-stl.org.
Mondays: 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 636-579-9227, or email concertartsa@gmail.com.
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: meetings
Workshop
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
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cappella
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.
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.
Mondays: singers
Tuesdays: Chair Zumba
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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 fourpart harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314993-6134.
Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting
If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cordially invited to a meeting of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Association. Meetings take place at the VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant on the second Monday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-9212132. For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.
M o n d a y s -T h u r s d a y s : 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.
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
terfield, MO. Learn needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, and more.
For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314653-5331.
Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting
Thursdays: Bingo
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
Wednesdays: Bingo
Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 8313752 for more information.
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.
Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)
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.
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, Ches-
Quilting
Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. in the old school at the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, 1 Rue St. Francois, Florissant.
Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316
2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers:
Thursdays: guild
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314839-7604.
Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group
3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd.
Thursdays: Blood pressure checks
Thursdays: Women’s chorus meeting
Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.
Fridays: Fish fry
St. Ferdinand Fish Fry at 1765 Charbonier Rd. in Florissant, has resumed every Friday from 3 - 7 p.m.
Fridays: Fish fry
A fish fry takes place every Friday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.
Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo
6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.
Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo
2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314-831-3752.
Saturdays: Yoga
Yoga returns to Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on
Saturdays from 10:30-11:30. Masks and social distancing are required in the building and participants should bring hand sanitizer with them. For further information call Angela at 314-801-8594.
Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend Toastmasters Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Normandy United Methodist Church at 8001 Natural Bridge Road (across from UMSL). For more info call 314-402-7025.
Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic
Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by 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: 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
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • July 20, 2022 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., 314-741-3737.
HEALTH Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation
Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon–1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1-877-477-6954.
1st Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting
Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-2915210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314291-3021 Email: dbland@ sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.
Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.
Wednesdays: Schizophrenia Group
ACES Support
6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.
Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109
11133 Dunn Road.
Diabetes Basics:
314-344-7024 for info or 314344-7220 to enroll.
Crisis Nursery:
Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides shortterm, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314-7683201. Or 636-947-0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org.
Center for Senior Renewal:
Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314653-5123.
Nutrition Education:
SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314344-6157.
11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, SUDOKU answers from page F-1
Christian Hospital Recovery Center:
Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-953-8100.
Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call
314-653-5032.
Nicotine Anonymous
Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit www.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.
Look Good…Feel Better
SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. Info: 314-344-6090. CROSSWORD answers from page F-4
What’s Happening
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Sports
July 20, 2022 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
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Sports you see with Gary B... Hoots searching for the playoffs The O’Fallon Hoots are a baseball team that plays in the Prospect League in the Prairie Land Division playing their home games in O’Fallon at CarShield Field. The league has the season split into two sections when discussing playoffs. This allows teams that are near the bottom the first half to have an opportunity to be at the top the second half. There is already a winner for the first half of the season for each of the divisions and they will play the winner of the second half in their division. If the team wins both sessions, they play the next team with the best record. The Hoots finished in second place in the first half and presently are in second in the second half with roughly three weeks left in the season. They have several players that are excelling on the team as well as in the league. *Outfielder Patrick Clohisy remains hot leading the team and third in the league in hitting average at .380 and first in the league in slugging percentage at .750. *Clohisy is second in the league in doubles as well as homeruns and first in the sacrifice flies. *He is 14 out of 15 in the stolen base category. *Relief pitcher Rich Schmidt is fifth in the league in saves with 11 appearances for 21 innings with two wins and one loss. * The clock is ticking UMSL tennis athletes excel on court and in classroom The University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s and women’s tennis teams were each named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic Team. Additionally, six men and six women were named ITA Scholar-Athletes. To be named an ITA All-Academic Team, the program must have a team grade-point average (GPA) of 3.2 or above. To be named an ITA Scholar-Athlete, an
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individual must have a GPA of 3.5 or above. The men’s tennis team finished the year with six individuals with right at a 3.65 GPA. *They include AJ Bower, Karl Heinrichs, Raphael Kerndl, Jose Mayorga, Marcos Navas and Juan Vigil The women’s team posted a 3.84 GPA for the 2021-22 academic year, which led all teams at UMSL. *The recipients were Odette Beagrie, Anna Domingo, Tara Erler, Maja Lietzau, Clara Lopez Bueno and Leticia Lunge Each of the six far exceeded the 3.5 GPA cut off, all registering a 3.77 GPA or higher. * The complete package is the ultimate Ambush sign all-around player to a three-year deal The St. Louis Ambush has signed free agent defender Tyler Turner to a threeyear contract, the team announced this week. Turner is a native of Milford, Connecticut. He played high school soccer at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Connecticut and club soccer at the South Central Premier Soccer Club in Meriden, Connecticut. Turner comes to the Ambush with both professional and semi-pro experience including playing for the Orlando SeaWolves (2018-19) and Milwaukee Wave (2021) in the MASL. Last season with Milwaukee, Turner appeared in 22 games, posting four goals, three assists and blocking 24 opponent shots. * Welcome to the family 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 • July 20, 2022
Recipe: A traditional breakfast with a twist
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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.
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he same bowl of cereal can get boring after eating it for breakfast day in and day out. You may find yourself looking for something new and exciting to start your whole family’s morning off on the right foot. Kids can be picky when it comes to breakfast foods, but this recipe for Sausage Fresh Toast Roll-Ups is a quick and easy way to fill their bellies with a taste of several flavors they may already love. It’s a perfect way to fill your morning with joy, no matter if the hours ahead are filled with work, school or play. A sizzling sausage link wrapped with French toast, it combines a favorite breakfast protein and traditional deliciousness in one little roll. Drizzled with warm maple syrup at the end, even adults can’t help but indulge in these breakfast bites. This is a quick dish too, using few kitchen utensils, which makes for more time in the morning to enjoy the little things that matter most like moments with family before rushing out the door. This recipe can also be made when your family is craving breakfast for dinner.
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Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups Servings: 12
Ingredients: 12 sausage links 2 eggs 2/3 cup milk 3 teaspoons almond extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 bread slices, crust removed, cut in half 3 tablespoons butter syrup
Directions: In skillet, cook sausage links according to package directions. Set aside. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, almond extract and cinnamon. Dip bread slice in egg mixture. Wrap bread slice around cooked sausage link, pressing seam to keep from unrolling. Repeat with remaining bread slices and sausage links. In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Place roll-ups in skillet, seam-side down, and cook until all sides are browned, approximately 10 minutes. Drizzle with syrup.
Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9
Remembering James Caan
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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.
ames Caan was a consummate actor who could play just about any role. Caan, who passed away on July 6 of this year, left us with performances that ranged from the terrifying to the exceptionally funny. In 1971, Caan starred as football player Brian Piccolo in the MadeFor-TV movie “Brian’s Song.” Billy Dee Williams played Gale Sayers, another Chicago Bears player who became a great friend to Piccolo. The two men supported each other and, when he was diagnosed with cancer, Sayers was Piccolo’s strongest supporter. Piccolo died at the age of 26 and the relationship between the two men was the heart of the story. Caan also earned an Emmy nomination for his performance as Brian Piccolo. Rollerball,” a 1975 science fiction thriller, blurred the line between war and competitive sports. Set in 2018, corporations were in control and books had been edited and stored on computers. Caan played Jonathan E., the captain of the Houston Rollerball team who was being forced to retire. Jonathan refused to quit so the executives changed the rules to eliminate him. The most chilling line in the film was the most telling: “Game? This was never meant to be a game!” Rob Reiner directed Caan in 1990’s “Misery,” a film based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. Caan starred as Paul Sheldon, a writer who
James Caan photo courtesy Bigstock and “Elf” photo courtesy New Line Cinema
became popular for his gothic romances about Misery Chastain and the two men vying for her affections. After a horrific car crash, former nurse Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) saved his life and nursed him back to health. Unfortunately, Annie, who adored Paul’s books, refused to let authorities know that he was alive and forced him to write another Misery book. 1988’s “Alien Nation” put a new spin on police procedurals. A few years after a spaceship full of enslaved aliens landed in the Mojave Desert, they integrated into society. Police detective Matthew Sykes (Caan) had lost his partner and was teamed up with “Sam Francisco” (Mandy Patinkin), a Newcomer also known as “George.” Over time, the two
learned to work together and, in one scene, George put himself in danger to save his new partner. In 2003’s “Elf,” Caan faced the son he didn’t know he had. Will Ferrell starred as Buddy, an orphaned human child raised by his elf father (Bob Newhart). Buddy travelled to New York to meet Walter, a book publisher and his biological dad, but Buddy was quickly removed from his office. Walter later bailed him out of jail and learned that the man in the elf suit actually was his son. “Elf ” had lots of great family moments and laugh-out-loud scenes. From the football field to forced captivity to Christmas miracles, the films of James Caan cover many genres. Thank you, Mr. Caan, for the performances you gave us.
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July 20, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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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.
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over 4,000 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 60 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info
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July 20, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
Crossword: Annual Traditions
‘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 We’ve got an ongoing drought in the state I live in. Things are getting tough. How tough? So tough that spitting on the sidewalk is now considered a felony. “Because it’s gross and disgusting?” you ask. No, I say, because apparently, it’s a gross waste of water. Our area can now only sprinkle their lawns twice a week. Because of this, the grass is as dry as my sense of humor. Many people have even decided to give up on plants and flowers and replace them with plastic fakies. This explains why our neighbors, the Pilkinsons, have tulips in full bloom in July in 102 weather but a lawn that looks like smoldering ashes. We’ve been asked to conserve in any way possible. Putting a brick in the toilet is supposed to displace enough water to save two gallons. My husband screeched from the bathroom, “Who didn’t flush?!” There was a brief pause followed by, “I mean, who put a brick in the toilet bowl? It’s supposed to go in the tank!” The rules may not have been explained to me in quite enough detail. One day I decided to walk to the store to conserve on gas in the car. Halfway there I encountered the neighborhood water watch police. “Excuse me ma’am.” “Who me?” I asked huffing under the hot sun. “Yes, you. Here you go,” he said handing me a tissue. I mopped my sweaty brow and neck. “What are you doing?!” he scolded.
Spitting mad
“Drying off, of course.” “Umm, that’s a ticket for wasting water, not a Kleenex.” “Wait…what?! How was I wasting water?” “Illegal sweating. You should be using an antiperspirant which controls dampness, not a deodorant which only masks odor.” He then he leaned in and took a sniff. “May I add that you’re smelling a little ripe in that department as well.” “Hmph,” I said. “It’s because I’m trying to conserve water and only shower every other day. You just happened to catch me on the other day.” “Well fortunately your powder fresh deodorized armpits are keeping it at bay…slightly.” Seriously?! I was so mad I could spit and almost did if he hadn’t started to write a ticket for that too. I went away fuming, swallowing my pride along with my spit. 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. Verdant 5. Vietnamese neighbor 8. “Before” prefix 11. Curved molding 12. *It rings at midnight on Christmas Eve at church 13. Yarn store unit 15. Relating to armpit 16. Criminal’s surprise 17. Nephew’s sister 18. *4th of July spectacle 20. 1952 Olympics host 21. 1,000 kilograms 22. Meat sauce 23. Vacation location 26. French painter of “La Danse” fame 30. Menu words (2 words) 31. Lean 34. Wine valley 35. Impertinent 37. *Annual Assumption tradition blesses it 38. #2 Down, pl. 39. Highest volcano in Europe 40. Puppies 42. Bit of binary code 43. Dean’s official residence 45. Small stream
47. Wine quality 48. Bilbo Baggins’ land 50. Windsor family’s sport 52. *Popular New Year’s libation 56. Stored by bees 57. ____-de-camp 58. “On the ____” by Jack Kerouac 59. Make laugh 60. Tear 61. Tibetan priest 62. Woolen cap 63. Banned insecticide 64. Big Bang’s original matter DOWN 1. Bakery serving 2. Tangelo 3. Scorch 4. Regarding this point 5. “Live and ____” 6. Description for twins 7. Auto pioneer 8. Banana remnant 9. Puerto ____ 10. Compass bearing 12. “Jane Eyre” author 13. Pig part 14. *Action under mistletoe
19. Like a damaged apple, possibly 22. Jam container 23. Torn down 24. Fill with optimism 25. Sweating room 26. *Thanksgiving’s main event? 27. Beauty parlor 28. Chiropractor’s concern 29. Painting holder 32. Light gray 33. “Wow!” 36. *Birthday cake decorations 38. Seize the throne 40. Kind of humor 41. Ready 44. Deteriorate 46. Just about 48. Jumped aside 49. Lacked 50. Type of cotton 51. Female gamete 52. *Valentine’s Day tradition 53. *New Year’s resolution weight or savings target 54. One in a roster 55. Red-encased cheese 56. *Graduation flyer SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9