CN: August 23, 2023

August 23, 2023

Housing security

Features (FLIP)

The St. Louis Housing Authority now provides Section 8 participants assistance with security deposit vouchers, removing another barrier to housing

By Wendy Todd

For the over 6,000 St. Louis residents who are receiving Section 8 housing assistance, there is good news. The St. Louis Housing Authority is offering security deposit vouchers to Section 8 participants.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program Section 8 is a federal housing program that allows very low-income families, elderly and disabled people to afford suitable housing in the private market. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units in subsidized housing projects. The security deposit assistance was

developed to help alleviate interruptions that slow down the process for Section 8 participants to secure a residence.

A participating family is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of their choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family’s present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the public housing agency.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the public agency on behalf of the participating family. The family is responsible for the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the

amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the public housing agency, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

For renters in the program, the security deposit assistance can be the difference between stability and experiencing displacement.

“The St. Louis Housing Authority has provided affordable housing solutions to local families for more than 80 years,” said Alana C. Green the St. Louis Housing Authority Executive Director. “The new program reduces housing instability by providing much-needed funds to Housing Choice

See ‘HOUSING’ page 2

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By Maida J. Coleman. Pg. 2

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‘HOUSING’ from cover

Voucher families who struggle to afford security deposits.”

The deposit assistance from the HUD-funded program is not only an effort to offset climbing housing rental fees, but also to prevent disruptions in the rental process.

“The Security Deposit Assistance Pilot Program limits delays in the leasing process for those who cannot afford to pay the full security deposit,” said Val Joyner, director of communications at the St. Louis Housing Authority.” Therefore, families can move into their new homes without delay.”

Priority for security deposit assistance may be given to House Choice Voucher Program participants who are: homeless, experiencing domestic violence, required to relocate due to disability, required to relocate due to unsafe housing conditions or facing exigent circumstances.

So far, since launching the program Aug. 1, the SLHA has received over 100 applications, which are reviewed daily for eligibility. Housing Choice Voucher participants may apply for assistance online at www. slha.org or in-person at the SLHA Central Office located at 3520 Page Boulevard.

The security deposit voucher assistance offer is a pilot program and the funding will last until the end of the year or until funds are exhausted.

Partners encourage area residents to ‘Get Back in the Groove’ with transit

As students get ready to head back to school and the workforce settles into more routine schedules, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), Metro Transit and St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) are encouraging people to “Get Back in the Groove” by taking transit to get where they need to go.

Those who are new to the public transit system can take advantage of a groovy deal – a free monthly transit pass to give transit a try for their school or workday commute throughout the month of October. Passes are available to the first 250 individuals who register between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15. Registration can be completed at www.cmt-stl.org.

“As we get back into a more regular routine in the fall, it is a great time to give transit a try,” commented Kim Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Plus, gas prices continue to fluctuate. This, coupled with parking and vehicle wear and tear, can make the expenses associated with driving quick-

COMMUNITY VOICES:

ly add up. Public transit is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to work and school. According to the American Public Transit Association, a two-person household can save as much as $10,000 annually by downsizing to one car and using public transit. The free monthly pass promotion allows new riders to try out the system and see just how easy it is to utilize.”

Street teams will be downtown and near the Cortex Innovation Center and BJC Health Care during the morning commute on Aug. 29, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. They will be talking to commuters about the benefits of transit and how riders can register to receive a free monthly pass throughout October.

“Get Back in the Groove” is part of the partnering organizations’ ongoing efforts to interact with riders, strengthen relationships and reinforce their collective commitment to a safe, comfortable, customer-focused transit experience. To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

By Maida J. Coleman

How to prepare for power outages

This summer has been a brutal one with record breaking high temperatures and storms with strong winds downing trees and power lines. As a result, Missouri has experienced several widespread power outages. I know how frustrating it can be to have a refrigerator full of food or no means to stay cool or charge your electronic devices. We may not be able to control Mother Nature but we can take steps to prepare for when the worse weather happens. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Trim trees and branches: Regularly trim trees and branches near power lines and your home. This helps reduce the risk of falling limbs causing power outages or damage during storms.

2. Create an emergency kit: Include essentials such as flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, first aid supplies, non-perishable food, water, and blankets. Don’t forget to include items for your pets. Store the kit in an easily accessible location.

3. Install a backup power source: Consider installing a generator to provide backup power during extended outages.

4. Secure outdoor items: Secure or bring indoors any outdoor items that could become projectiles during high winds, such as patio furniture, toys and garden tools.

5. Protect electronics: Invest in surge protectors for sensitive electronics and ap-

pliances to safeguard them against power surges when the electricity is restored.

6. Know how to manually open garage doors: Learn how to manually open your garage doors in case the power outage affects automatic operation.

7. Keep important documents safe: Store important documents, such as identification, insurance policies, and emergency contacts, in a waterproof and easily accessible container.

8. Stay informed: Purchase a weather radio so that you can receive updates and alerts.

9. Charge devices in advance: Charge your mobile phones, tablets, and other devices in advance to ensure you have communication during power outages.

10. Know how to shut off utilities: Learn how to shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity in case of emergency situations that require you to disconnect them.

11. Consider battery-powered lighting: Invest in battery-powered lanterns and LED flashlights, which can be safer than using candles during power outages.

12. Prepare for food safety: Keep a supply of non-perishable food items that do not require cooking.

13. Have cash on hand: Keep some cash on hand as ATMs and credit card machines

may not work during power outages.

14. Stay away from downed power lines: Always assume that downed power lines are live and dangerous. Keep a safe distance and report them to the utility company immediately.

You can also access checklists and resources to help you before, during, and after specific weather events and other emergencies by downloading the free “Consumers and the Catastrophes” guide here http://bit.ly/ConsumerCatastropheGuide.

Commissioner Maida Coleman was appointed to the Missouri Public Service Commission by Governor Jay Nixon, effective Aug.10, 2015. She was unanimously confirmed by the Missouri State Senate on Jan. 21. Prior to her appointment, Commissioner Coleman was the Director of the Office of Community Engagement. From 2001 until 2009, Commissioner Coleman served first as a State Representative and then as State Senator from St. Louis, becoming the first African-American woman in state history to serve as Senate Minority Leader. Coleman has a B.A. in Journalism from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis in 2008. A native of Sikeston, Missouri, Coleman lives in St. Louis.

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.

Local nonprofit receives substantial amount of US Department of energy $90 million allocation

Building Codes Outreach & Advocacy, an initiative of the Cabanne District Community Development Corporation (CDC), has been selected as a recipient of the U.S. Department of Energy's competitive funding. This esteemed recognition allocates a significant portion of the $90 million fund to bolster energy codes education in the eastern part of Missouri.

The U.S. Department of Energy's decision to grant funding to Building Codes Outreach & Advocacy is a testament to its dedication to fostering sustainable and energy-efficient practices within the region.

With this investment, Cabanne District CDC aims to empower local communities by expanding access to vital energy education resources, ultimately leading to greater awareness and adoption of energy-efficient practices.

"We are thrilled to have been chosen as one of the recipients for this funding opportunity," said Justin Idleburg, Executive Director Of Cabanne District CDC.

"Through our Building Codes Outreach and Advocacy program, we aim to bridge the knowledge gap and foster a culture of sustainable energy practices in eastern Missouri Justice 40 communities. This initiative will not only benefit individuals and households but also contribute to the overall environmental well-being of the region."

Cabanne District CDC plans to leverage its extensive network of local partners and community stakeholders to ensure that this energy education expansion reaches underserved populations and communities not typically engaged in energy initiatives.

By promoting an improved understanding of energy codes, the initiative will lead to the creation of healthier and more resilient buildings while reducing utility costs for residents and businesses alike. Moreover, it will play a crucial role in mitigating the climate impacts associated with energy consumption, leading the way to a more sustainable future.

Great Rivers Greenway and City Museum have unleashed Greenway Quest scavenger hunt

Did you hear the buzz? The second annual “Greenway Quest” has kicked off offering families the chance to find one of 250 hidden, hand-painted bee rocks. Great Rivers Greenway and the City Museum have teamed up on this adventure that encourages exploration of nature with a twist of fun.

Thirty rocks are hidden at City Museum, while the rest can be found along the 135 miles of greenways in the St. Louis region, which includes St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. Adventurers who find a bee rock can bring it home and register it online at GreenwayQuest. com for a chance to win free tickets to City Museum and other fun prizes.

“The rocks have been painted by volunteers to look like our important pollinator friends, the bees,” said Dallas Adams, Great Rivers Greenway Communications Manager. “The native plants and habitats we install along the greenways rely on bees to pollinate and keep the plants productive. Bees are vital to our entire ecosystem and bee populations worldwide are on the decline. So, if you see a bee, say thank you and please, let it bee!”

Greenway Quest will continue until all of the bees have been found. This fall, Great Rivers Greenways will draw prize winners from the people who have found and registered their bees online.

How to participate: Head out to a greenway or visit the City Museum to see if you can find one of the painted bee rocks. If you find a bee rock, take it home

Around Town 3

Saint Louis Story Stitchers artists collective announces participation in new video series

The Lewis Prize for Music in partnership with its esteemed Accelerator Awardees Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective, Hyde Square Task Force, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, and Beyond the Bars, and is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated 2023 video series titled "Accelerating Change: Creative Youth Development Across the United States."

Creative Youth Development (CYD) programs have long been at the forefront of empowering young people as thriving leaders in communities nationwide, and this series will shed light on the invaluable work carried out by CYD organizations in their respective communities, highlighting the inspiring stories of young individuals who have experienced the transformative power of music.

and log it at GreenwayQuest.com. You will be automatically entered into a drawing to win one of several prize packages with goodies like City Museum tickets, greenway swag and gift certificates from St. Louis area favorites.

You are encouraged to post photos of you and your bee rock and tag @ GreatRiversSTL and @ CityMuseum so they can see and share your Greenway Quest finds!

The bees will be hidden along the edges of the greenways or at designated trailheads, never on private property. Please stay near the greenway trail on your quest! Plan your greenway visit (and see where bees have already been found) at GreenwayQuest.com. Plan your visit to City Museum at CityMuseum.org

“We encourage people to look around and see how many animals and insects they can find as they walk or ride, but please enjoy them from a distance,” Adams said. “If they are lucky enough to find a bee rock, they can take it home and win prizes.”

If someone finds more than one bee rock, Greenway Quest partners encourage them to place it in the same spot so more people can join in the fun.

"Exploration and curiosity are what we’re all about at City Museum, so we hope people will explore and have fun finding the hidden bee rocks both at the museum and along the beautiful greenways,” says Katy Enrique, director of marketing and sales at City Museum.

For more information, visit GreenwayQuest.com.

Expanding upon the success of the initial Accelerating Change collection, which debuted in 2021, this year's video series comprises individual short films produced by each award-winning organization. These compelling videos offer an immersive perspective into the world of Creative Youth Development, as witnessed through the eyes of young people and the dedicated adults who support them. Together, they weave narratives of young individuals hailing from Boston (MA), Detroit (MI), Philadelphia (PA), and Saint Louis (MO), delving into their unique communities, personal experiences, and profound connections to music.

The video series unveils the following consensus stories from the Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective: The vibrant video titled "Pick the City Up" showcases the journey of young people as they spearhead the creation of their new SPACE, illustrating their instrumental role in its development. The song dropped on major music platforms Aug. 5.

The second annual “Greenway Quest” has kicked off offering families the chance to find one of 250 hidden, hand-painted bee rocks.

Submitted photo

Around Town

Saint Louis Science Center’s ‘Mandela: The Official Exhibition’ enters final weeks

Nelson Mandela believed that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Knowledge is key to eliminating inequality, advancing peace and enhancing our planet.

To enable more guests to learn about Mandela – from his childhood to iconic freedom fighter to prisoner and eventually President and renowned world figure – and understand his message, the Saint Louis Science Center is offering 50% off the original ticket pricing until the special exhibition closes in mid-September. Ticket prices during these final weeks are $8 for adults, $7 for military personnel, $6.50 for those ages 60 and older, and $5 for children ages 5-12. Science Center members of any age may tour “Mandela” for just $4 per person.

“Mandela’s legend has been told many times, but few know his entire tale,” said Neville Crenshaw, Science Center manager of special exhibitions and featured experiences. “Through this special exhibition, the Science Center reveals deeper stories behind the headlines and displays rare, personal artifacts that bring guests closer to understanding Mandela’s lasting impact. With these lower admission prices, more guests will be able to discover the ‘Meaning of Mandela’ and continue discussions on how his focus on education and equality remain important for us today.”

“Mandela: The Official Exhibition” is full of fascinating objects, images, documents and more – many of them personal to Nelson Mandela and never before seen outside of South Africa. Mandela’s epic story is told through a series of seven experiential zones, including:

• “Meeting Mandela” – introduces guests to Mandela and his impact on the globe.

• “The Early Years” – presents a look at Mandela’s early life in rural South Africa. Impactful displays: a leopard-skin crown presented to Mandela by the King of the Xhosa people, traditional clothing and art.

• “The Struggle is My Life” – looks at the rise of apartheid and Mandela’s transformation into a leader amongst the African National Congress. Impactful displays: signs of apartheid issued by the South African government and a television interview with Mandela.

• “Prison Years” – an exploration of Mandela’s 27-year imprisonment. Key displays: personal letters and notes written to family and friends, the bed mat and silverware he used, and a re-creation of his cell.

• “Freedom?” – the story of South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democratic election. Key displays:

The energy of the day Still In This Together:

Icame across a quote a few months ago in a novel I was reading that really made an impression on me: “Your energy introduces you before you even speak.”

I’ve been trying to adapt it into my everyday life and interactions, and last week was no exception.

I was really looking forward to the day. It was one of those rare days that we had a plan, there was structure to it, and there was adventure in the air as I planned to accomplish the list of “to do’s” that we had put together, since we were going to be in the old neighborhood anyway.

I think the novelty of a planned day had me smiling before I was even truly awake that morning. Funny, because those used to be the days that I dreaded. Too many “need-to’s”, “gotta-do’s” and deadlines used to irritate me before retirement days. Not anymore.

But I should have heeded the warning signs from the start. Somehow, John’s hand had slipped during the night and he had inadvertently moved the time on the clock ahead two hours. When the alarm started beeping, I knew it couldn’t be the correct time, because the sun wasn’t even up, but John was awake and there was no chance he’d be going back to sleep.

Then, it took me all five tries to solve the Wordle game. I adopted my go-to excuse that there were too many possible combinations of letters, and I know too many words. But it didn’t help that both our daughters got it in three tries, and sent laughing faces along with their results.

But then there was the unplanned stop at the old neighborhood donut store on the way to John’s eye doctor appointment because we had time to kill. The donut was a little taste of heaven, and it was great to catch up with the “donut lady” as our kids used to call her as she added extra sprinkles to their already very colorful donuts each time we would stop in before I dropped them off at school so many years ago.

The vision center was crowded, and I banged a chair into the wall as I tried to unobtrusively pull it halfway

across the room so I could plug my nearly dead phone into the only available outlet. I apologized profusely to the receptionist when I bumped into her desk, mortified at my clumsiness. Turned out okay, after all, because we had a great conversation about her winning $100 with a Powerball ticket the night before. It was a multi-billion-dollar jackpot, but she was truly happy about being able to buy gas on the way home that day and having it already paid for. And I found myself smiling again. Her energy was contagious.

And when the super-energized two-year-old in the pink tutu started running around the room and bumped into a display of sunglasses, I reached into my purse and, after getting an affirmative shake of the head from her mom, who was trying to carry on a phone conversation, handed her a pad of paper and an extra pen I always carry. Crisis averted.

But then the little $5 car wash in the old neighborhood that we planned to go by was closed, the fast food restaurant we used to like to stop at because it’s so wellstaffed and organized was ridiculously busy as was another one we were going to try, traffic was backed up because of road work as bright orange cones were being dropped right in front of us, the post office we planned to mail our granddaughter’s birthday package from because it was never crowded was closed for lunch break, and the energy of the day was quickly changing.

John decided against making the planned stop at the hardware store, even though we had hunted through several drawers the night before specifically to find the rebate checks we knew we had. The mood of the day was gone, and so was our list of plans for the day.

Coincidentally, I had a message on my phone from the pharmacy about the ease of scheduling a shingles vaccination as early as that afternoon, and decided to take them up on it. Seemed like the perfect day to willingly ask a stranger to jab me with a needle, so I filled out the paperwork, set the appointment time for an hour and a half from then, and laughed out loud.

images from the period and the Nobel Peace Prize Mandela earned with F. W. de Klerk in 1993.

• “Healing a Nation” – images from Mandela’s presidency. Key displays: the suit he wore as South African president for the opening of parliament and photos, videos and correspondence with world leaders.

• “The Meaning of Mandela” – guests hear from Mandela as he presents a call to action to solve many of the world’s problems and reflect on his message. Key display: the lion skin that draped his burial casket.

“The Royal House of Mandela is delighted to endorse this exhibition honoring the life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlalha Mandela as it truly captures the spirit of our global icon,” said Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Chief of Mvezo and grandson of Nelson Mandela. “It succeeds in quintessentially depicting the man and the legend whose struggle and sacrifice has captivated the hearts and minds of millions around the world. I believe that everyone who sees this exhibition will agree that Mandela’s legacy lives on and that the dream will never die.”

Purchase tickets to “Mandela: The Official Exhibition” online at slsc.org/mandela, by calling 314.289.4400, or at the Science Center box office. For more about this special exhibition, visit slsc.org or call 314.289.4424.

By Vicki Bahr

Energy, indeed!

We pulled into a McDonalds we’d never gone to before on the way home, I pulled up the free fry offer on my phone, and the two us smiled again and sat companionably at a booth in the back of the restaurant. I couldn’t help watching a woman at the front of the store with a computer set up across from her in the booth. She would stare at the computer screen, type something, then read with her mouth moving soundlessly, first frowning, then smiling, typing, then frowning again, sit for a few minutes staring at the screen, then smile again.

The energy. I wondered if she was working, or grading students’ papers, or writing a novel or a newspaper article, and I was intrigued enough that I almost interrupted her just out of curiosity. But at that very moment, I thought of the quote. The energy introduced her without our even speaking.

And I couldn’t help replaying the day and understanding just how confused anyone would be if they’d been trying to decipher the energy we’d been introducing ourselves with this entire day.

I smiled to myself as I walked past the computer lady, never even glancing to see what was on her screen. It seemed more interesting, somehow, just to wonder about her day and sashay my way to the next adventure of the afternoon at my appointment with a needle I fully intended to laugh at.

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

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: 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 636579-9227, 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.

Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Raoad which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food Pantry Clients

Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are available. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@ caastlc.org for additional information.

Tuesdays: Bingo

Florissant Elks Bingo takes place at 16400 New Halls Ferry every Tuesday. Doors open at 4 p.m., bingo starts at 6 p.m. No outside food or drinks allowed per St. Louis County. Food and drinks available for purchase. Maximum 150 players. Must wear mask to enter. Social distancing followed.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 10 – 11 a.m. at Expansion Church at 11150 Old Saint Charles Rd. in St. Ann. For more info, contact Pat Pinson 314-4281168 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 636-634-6582 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, 314831-5476.

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 314-921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library

Branch Programs: 3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314-994-3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314839-7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group 3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314-653-5331.

Thursdays: Bingo Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on

the third Thursday of each month starts at 2 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more information call 314-831-0988.

Thursdays: Quilting guild

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. in the old school at the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, 1

Rue St. Francois, Florissant.

Thursdays: Blood pressure check s Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B...

Lindenwood Athletics announces Hall of Fame

Class of 2023

Lindenwood University’s Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics

Jason Coomer revealed the names of the eight inductees for the Lindenwood Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday morning. Cory Arentsen, DeDe Dorsey, Mike Failoni, Amanda Greene, and Alecia McGillivray are the five individuals to earn the honor while the 2015 large coed cheer team and the 2017 baseball team will also be enshrined. Longtime Lindenwood photographer Don Adams will be honored with the Meritorious Service Award.

Cory Arentsen

Student-Athlete | Men’s Basketball | 2014-16

Arentsen was a member of the Lindenwood men’s basketball for two seasons from 2014-2016. During his two-year career as a Lion, he solidified his legacy as one of the best shooters in program history, averaging 19.8 points per game while knocking down a staggering 42.4% of his attempts from three-point range.

DeDe Dorsey

Student-Athlete | Football | 2004-05

After converting to running back during the 2004 season, he would go on to accumulate 2,541 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns over the remaining 16 games of his career as a Lion.

Dorsey played several seasons of professional football, which included winning Super Bowl XLI with the 2006 Indianapolis Colts.

Mike Failoni

Student-Athlete | Baseball | 2012-14

Failoni was a member of the Lindenwood baseball program during the 2013 and 2014 seasons and compiled one of the greatest single seasons in program history during his junior year. In 2013, he started all 46 games in which he appeared in for the Lions and was a unanimous first-team All-MIAA selection, first team all-region, and ABCA/Rawlings All-American after breaking the MIAA single-season batting average record by hitting .500.

Amanda Greene

Student-Athlete | Women’s Bowling | 2009-13

Greene was a National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA) first-team All-American three times throughout her time as a Lion, earning the distinction in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Alecia McGillivray

Student-Athlete | Women’s Swimming & Diving | 2013-17

McGillivray was a member of the Lindenwood women’s swimming and diving team from 2013-17 and became Lindenwood’s first individual NCAA National Champion in any sport after winning the 1000 free and 1650 free titles at the 2015 National Championships.

Don Adams Jr. | Meritorious Service Award

Adams Jr. has spent nearly two decades covering

athletic events at Lindenwood as the primary photographer for the Lions. Over the course of his career, Adams Jr. has attended and covered an unmatched amount of Lindenwood events and provided imagery for some of the most memorable moments in Lindenwood’s illustrious athletic history.

2015 Large Coed Cheer | Team

The Lindenwood Large Coed Cheer program became the program’s first National Championship squad since 2011, as they secured their national title at the NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

2017 Baseball | Team

The team was chosen to finish 11th in the MIAA Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Undeterred by that prediction, the Lions far exceeded those expectations, posting a 40-20 record, which included the program’s first MIAA Conference Tournament Championship, NCAA Central Regional Championship, and the first NCAA Division II Baseball Championship appearance in program history.

* Congratulations to all for memories that will last forever

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 sea son, among many other activities. I am currently host ing a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com. It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

RECIPE : Healthy meal options, including dairy foods, support school success

Versatile cottage cheese can be eaten alone or easily incorporated into other foods. Cottage cheese is a great way to boost the amount of protein and calcium in a meal. The addition of cottage cheese to this recipe results in 12 g of protein per serving! Start off the first day of school with these fluffy pancakes to fuel your family.

Servings: 5 (2 pancakes)

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup 2% cottage cheese

2 eggs

1

½ teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 cup flour

½ cup milk

¼ cup canola oil

COTTAGE CHEESE PANCAKES

Adapted from Drozhzhin, N. (2020, March 22). Cottage Cheese Pancakes. Momsdish.com

In a blender, add all ingredients in the following order: cottage cheese, eggs, canola oil, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, baking powder and flour. Blend the ingredients until the batter is smooth.

Coat skillet with cooking spray or melt butter on skillet as it preheats. Once skillet is preheated, add

starts to bubble, flip the pancakes and cook until both sides are golden brown.

Serve with maple syrup, jam, peanut butter or fresh fruit.

Store leftovers in refrigerator and use within 3 days. The pancakes reheat well.

Find nutritional information, fun facts and summer recipe ideas at NCSweetpotatoes.com.

Stage plays that became movies (and vice-versa)

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.

oming off her award-winning performance in 1990’s “Ghost,” Whoopi Goldberg shifted gears to play a lounge singer in disguise for the comedy “Sister Act.” A flashback to 1968, showed a young Deloris Wilson who enjoyed music more than making good grades. A few years later, she was known as Reno, Nevada lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier. After witnessing a gangland murder, Deloris was put in witness protection and sent to Saint Katherine’s Convent to keep her safe. While disguised as a nun, Deloris, now known as Sister Mary Clarence, used her musical talents to reshape the choir and inspire the other nuns.

After watching the Muny’s recent production of “Sister Act,” other stage plays that became movies came to mind. For instance, Aaron Sorkin’s 1989 play “A Few Good Men” was the basis of the film of the same name. Tom Cruise was outstanding as Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, a character that according to Aaron Sorkin was not based on any specific person. After Marine William Santiago was tied up, beaten and ultimately passed away, two other marines were accused of his murder. Playing Colonel Nathan R. Jessep, Jack Nicholson commanded incredible respect during the courtroom scenes. Kaffee was encouraged to put Jessep on the witness stand, which led to the most explosive moments of the entire film.

Based on the play by Afred Uhry, “Driving Miss Daisy” arrived in theaters in 1989. Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman had great

chemistry together on screen in this period piece. Miss Daisy (Tandy) was a retired schoolteacher who drove her car into a neighbor’s yard and, to keep her mobile, her son Boolie Werthan (Dan Aykroyd) bought another vehicle and hired Hoke Colburn (Freeman) to be her chauffer. Miss Daisy rebelled at first but she eventually let Boolie drive her around town. The film was popular and Jessica Tandy received a Best Actress Oscar for her performance.

Sidney Lumet’s 1957’s film “12 Angry Men” was adapted from Reginald Rose’s teleplay of the same name. The film’s setting was a jury room in a New York County Courthouse where 12 men met to determine the fate of a teenager accused of stabbing his father. The cast was filled with such talented actors as Martin Balsam playing Juror 1, an assistant high school football coach, Jack Klugman as Juror 5, a man who had a rough time while growing up, and Henry Fonda, an architect who questioned the evidence and voted his conscience.

In 1988, John Waters’s film “Hairspray,” had a cast that included Ricki Lake, Divine, Debbie Harry, Sony Bono and the inimitable Jerry Stiller. Although the box office gross for the movie was rather modest, “Hairspray “found an audience over the years. In 2002, Waters’ film became a Broadway musical that won eight Tony Awards. Another version of “Hairspray” was released in 2007 with John Travolta in drag as Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s mother. At the end of the film, the ensemble cast participated in a huge song and dance number that will make you smile.

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.

“Sister Act” photo courtesy Touchstone Pictures

Moore on Life

It’s a nightmare trying to make a return online. Here’s how mine went.

It was a dark and stormy night. I was in a haunted house being chased by a horribly disfigured madman with a sharp, bloody instrument. Finally, the demented creature caught me and cackled, “Aha! Now I’ve got you! Any last requests?!”

“Yes, I need to make a return online.”

The fiend trembled and whimpered, “That’s so cruel and mean. Are you trying to scare me to death?”

He then dropped his weapon and ran off shrieking into the night.

I tried to get a refund from a book seller last week. First, I attempted to call.

“Ha, boomer! Companies don’t talk to you anymore. That’s so 1960’s. They rarely even use phones manned by robots. Now it’s all done online so you can’t have the satisfaction of yelling at a human.”

Thanks for that vital info strange-interrupting-voice-person.

So, using my phone, I went ahead and perused their website for a few days until I found a tiny box buried under layers of ads and click bait and other useless garbage.

It was tucked under a little banner that read: “Don’t read this.”

I read it.

It said: “In the rare event you should need to make a return please click here.”

I clicked.

It said: “We told you not to read this! Because you have not followed our instructions, we have determined you may need additional help. Please hold while we connect you with a

By Cindy Moore

representative in Jalalabamania.”

After 45 minutes of waiting and listening to some on-hold music which sounded like the screeching of a cat in heat, someone with an unusual accent answered.

“Alo, may I assist you?”

“Yes, I’d like to return an item.”

“Certainly. Do you have the secret code listed beneath the little hidden box inside the square on page 14 which instructed you not to read it?”

“No, I didn’t notice a code. I barely noticed the little hidden box.”

“Right. So, I will pass this on to corporate that our little hidden box has been discovered. This is not good news. Thank you for contacting Easy Sleazy Book Buys. Would you like to make a purchase?”

“No! I want to return something!” Click.

The choice is down to being chased by a psychopath or trying to make a return online. Either way it’s murder.

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.

CROSSWORD: BACK TO SCHOOL

ACROSS

1. *Medical school entry requirement, acr.

5. *Atlas image

8. Hula dancer's necklace

11. German money

12. Ready for picking

13. Nerd

15. Like many Brothers Grimm stories

16. Month of Purim

17. *Some exams

18. *Laptop and books container

20. Fastens a fly

21. Licorice-like herb

22. *Teacher's favorite

23. Like hot lava

26. Cassava, pl.

30. Chapter in history

31. Deadly

34. DEA agent

35. Second person singular past of "do," archaic

37. Greet, to a dog

38. Be in harmony

39. Inwardly

40. Opposite of pluralism

42. Even, to a poet

43. *Academic planners

45. *High predecessor

47. Passé

48. Barnyard honker

50. Rooftop contraption

52. *Meal container

55. Emerald or aquamarine, chemically speaking

56. Trans-Siberian Railroad city

57. Venus de Milo's are missing

59. *Plural of #51 Down

60. Comments from prompt box

61. Do like Ella Fitzgerald

62. *PE in school

63. Make a choice

64. Piece of cake

DOWN

1. Actress Ryan

2. Larry David's "____ Your Enthusiasm"

3. Bizet's "Habanera," e.g.

4. Tabby's mate

5. King with a golden touch

6. Rapidly

7. ____ up, to become more cheerful

8. Spring

9. Morays

10. Abdominal pain cause, acr.

12. Plunder

13. Dirty one

14. *One of 3 Rs in grade school

19. Genuflected

22. Letter-writing friend

23. *M in LMC, educationally speaking

24. Circular gasket

25. Big Dipper's visible shape

26. Biblical gift-givers

27. Propelled a boat

28. Angler's basket

29. Part of an act

32. Rare bills

33. Chewbacca's sidekick

36. *Word in thesaurus, e.g.

38. Mennonite's cousin

40. *Gym class prop

41. *Art class cover ups

44. Old fashioned contests at dawn

46. Lower value, as in currency

48. Plug a pipe, e.g. (2 words)

49. Beginning of ailment

50. Exceedingly

51. Bob of boxing world

52. Bonkers

53. Shamu, e.g.

54. Dec. holiday

55. Capture 58. Porky's or Petunia's home

‘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.

John Hanna Yeggs

Past the point of no return