CN: August 28, 2019

August 28, 2019

Build and play

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Joseph S. Davis. Pg. 2 Taste in Ferguson celebrates its seventh year. Pg. 3

Special Section Check out the winners of the Best of Northwest County.

Pg.4

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4 Submitted photos

Local groups come together to build a playground at the Emerson Family YMCA in Ferguson

By Charlotte Beard UnitedHealthcare’s volunteer initiative – “Do Good. Live Well.” partnered with KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to active play for children, to build a playground at the Emerson Family YMCA in Ferguson last Thursday, Aug. 22. The build took approximately eight hours.

UnitedHealthcare’s sources state that only one in four kids in the U.S. are getting the recommended daily amount of physical

activity and that children are not getting enough physical activity at home, in schools and in their communities.

Because helping people live healthier lives is part of UnitedHealthcare’s corporate mission, the “Do Good. Live Well.” initiative was established in 2009 to help combat hunger and obesity. UnitedHealthcare states that through partnerships, financial support and the volunteerism of its employees, they’re

able to help build healthier communities.

Building playgrounds around the country is one of the ways that they are satisfying that mission.

The playground-build for Ferguson marks Do Good. Live Well. and KaBOOM!’s 30th project. Pending the drying of the concrete, the playground was slated to be available for usage Sunday, Aug. 25.

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Around Town

August 28, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

STLCC releases 2019 State of the St. Louis Workforce Report With a full-employment economy, employers in the St. Louis region say it’s a challenge to fill open positions.

But, have employers been overlooking opportunities in our own community? While the overall employment rate is at record highs, certain populations have been left behind.

The 2019 State of the St. Louis Workforce Report presents a composite picture of the regional economy, with survey results from more than 1,100 area employers in 16 categories and 23 industry segments along with labor market information gathered from public and private sources.

In 2009, the first year of the State of the St. Louis Workforce report, across the nation there were 6.6 unemployed workers for every job opening, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eleven years later, more job openings are reported than unemployed persons. The national unemployment rate of 10 percent is down to 3.7 percent.

The report, which was released Aug. 7 at STLCC-Forest Park, presents vari-

ous findings, including the following four key insights: • Employers are increasingly willing to consider justice-involved employees: There is a shift in how employers view applicants with criminal records. In the last four years, the considerable number of employers who said they would not hire applicants convicted of a felony dropped from 26 percent to less than one percent, evidence that mindsets may be changing.

• St. Louis employers are pulling in a bit: Two years ago, there was ample evidence of economic growth and a full employment economy. However, this year’s data indicates that employers are at least somewhat concerned about the future and are taking steps to reduce risk. The percentage of employers reporting they will hire new full-time employees dropped by six percent compared to the 2017 response (63 percent vs. 69 percent). The number of employers indicating they will hire new part-time workers grew from 66 percent to 69 percent.

• Health care and information technology (IT) workers are in high demand with pace-of-need accelerating: Health care and social assistance employ-

COMMUNITY VOICES

ment has increased 26 percent over the last 10 years with employers currently reporting increased shortages of skilled applicants. On the IT side, the percentage of respondents employing IT staff increased from 20 percent in 2017 to 26 percent in 2019, with the rate of shortage increasing from four percent to seven percent. The uplift in demand could be a result of an aging workforce and the need to replace retirees.

• More companies are conducting drug screens and background checks as concerns around the opioid epidemic and loosening marijuana regulations make their way into the workplace: Only half of employers surveyed in 2015 reported requiring a drug screen, while 61 percent of the current survey respondents reported that they require a drug screen for at least some jobs prior to hire. In a significant shift, only one percent of 2019 respondents did not require background checks for any job compared to 26 percent of 2015 survey respondents, which may be due to the easier availability of federal employment checks or third-party background check providers.

To download the full 2019 report, visit stlcc.edu/STLworkforce.

By Dr. Joseph S. Davis

Ferguson-Florissant School District taking bold stance against violence in schools It’s hard to believe that summer vacation has ended and school has begun for the 2019-2020 school year in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. This is an exciting time in FFSD as we see the fruits of a two-year restructuring process. We’ve opened a new high school, and we are offering free, full day early education for three and four year-olds in our Pre K-Second grade schools. As we begin this new school year safety and security are foremost on our minds. We know that students need to feel safe to have the best opportunity to learn.

In light of the many school shootings and recent incidences of weapons on our campuses, And Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s School Safety Taskforce Initiative, we are launching a school safety campaign called “Let’s Be Clear, No Weapons In Our Schools.”

Places like Parkland, Columbine, and Sandy Hook are instantly familiar because of the school violence that occurred there.

We want to prevent that from happening in our schools, and more, we like every community, want safe and high-quality schools.

Over the last several months, district leaders have met with students, staff, parents, and community members and have listened to their thoughts and concerns regarding school safety and security.

In response to those concerns, Ferguson-Florissant School District is launching a safety and security campaign enti-

tled, “Let’s Be Clear, No Weapons in Our Schools.”

This campaign is based on our comprehensive safety and security plan we call CUBES. CUBES stands for the following five points of the plan: The C is for Clear Communication. We commit to keeping open lines of communication with students, parents and staff. We know good communication is two-way communication. We commit to keeping you informed and listening to you.

U is for Clear Understanding. We will have additional SROs in our secondary schools and security officers in all of our elementary schools. They will focus on building relationships and educating our students about safety, the students’ role as citizens, and how to communicate and collaborate to have safe schools.

The B is for Clear Book bags. The district has purchased and provided clear book bags for all sixth through 12th grade students. Students also received a small zippered pouch in the bag to conceal personal items or valuables. Sixth through 12th grade students will only be permitted to use clear book bags starting with the first day of school on Aug.15.

E stands for Clear Expectations. We have revised our Student Expectation Code to create a more restorative environment for our students while clearly communicating our expectations. We expect all students to commit to the Triple A pledge to have great Attendance, Attitudes and Academics.

Finally, the S is for Clear Supports. We will continue to use PSSTWorld.com as a tool for reporting safety and security concerns, and we will expand our use of Ci3T to provide comprehensive integrated Three-Tiered supports for students. We are expanding Advisory, and each secondary student will have an advisor to serve as advocate and guide. Our students also have the support of counselors, social workers, and others.

We are excited about the start of the new school year, and we want all of our children safe, and Let’s Be Clear. We expect No Weapons In Our Schools!

Dr. Joseph S. Davis began serving the Ferguson-Florissant School District as Superintendent on July 1, 2015. Prior to that he served as Superintendent of Washington County schools in North Carolina and Deputy Chief of Schools for Chicago Public Schools. Dr. Davis has over 24 years of experience in education starting as a bus driver before teaching middle and high school mathematics and serving as Assistant Principal and Principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Dr. Davis and his family live in Ferguson and also serves as an adjunct professor at Washington University 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 28, 2019

Taste in Ferguson celebrates its seventh year

Around Town

Submitted photo

Sample as many delicious offerings as you wish from over 20 of the best restaurants in St. Louis. If that doesn’t have you sold, it’s also for a great cause: scholarship money for kids. This is of course the fabulous Taste in Ferguson that takes place Sept. 8 from 3 – 6 p.m. at the Savory Banquet Hall in Ferguson, indoor and outdoor.

The annual Taste in Ferguson charity event is celebrating its seventh year of bringing top-notch food, drink, and entertainment all to one venue in North County. If you’re unfamiliar with this delicious event, you’ll want to mark your calendars and attend this year, because it’s bigger than ever and features new activities.

The Taste was started as a scholarship fundraiser to honor the memory of two bright Ferguson teens who tragically passed away, Samantha Lipka in 2007 and Robbie McGartland in 2012. Their parents started the organization Angels at Work and since the group’s inception, they’ve donated over 1650,000 dollars in scholarship money to local students.

The Taste is held each year in September and for the cost of one ticket, attendees get to eat and drink samples from over 20 different restaurant vendors. This year back by popular demand is the food vendor competition, “The Gourmet Gauntlet.”

This contest is where each restaurant competes for the title of “the best” in their category and the attendees get to decide the winners. Food categories include best: pizza, poultry, BBQ, dessert, and new this year- vegetarian. In addition to great food and drink, the Taste also has kid’s activities, giveaways, and cooking demonstrations. Even Fredbird will be

making an appearance for the kids of all ages. Grab a plate of delicious food and sit back to enjoy live music from the local sounds of The River City Blues Band and XPerience Band.

For more info and a list of participating restaurants, visit Facebook @TheTasteinFerguson and www.thetasteinferguson.com to purchase your tickets.

Ferguson Youth Initiative calls for new board members The Ferguson Youth Initiative (FYI) invites applications for new members of its board of directors. This call coincides with the start of a new school year and presents a unique opportunity to work in partnership with the Ferguson-Florissant School District, local and state officials, and the business community for the betterment of youth in north St. Louis County.

The online application may be found at: https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7M59M838rRIQDwPqaFpR0AZpZKrgJYOPmWmt2sVQKpP96Xw/viewform?usp=sf_link FYI is a community-based 501(c)3 nongovernmental organization established in 2010 to empower the youth of Ferguson and surrounding municipalities to become engaged and contributing citizens. Its programs include job-readiness training, computer literacy, safe after-school social and sports activities, monthly art and poetry slams, and bicycle maintenance.

The FYI Ferguson Youth Advisory Board enables youth to work directly with the Ferguson City Council on public policy issues.

All FYI programs were identified and created in response to the needs and requests of the youth of North County and are open to young people 13-19 years old.

FYI seeks a highly engaged and diverse board of directors. Its current members include the Superintendent of Ferguson-Florissant School District, the Principal of McCluer High School, a Councilwoman of the Ferguson City Council, an Alderwoman from Bellefontaine Neighbors, the Director of the University of Missouri Extension program, and local pastors and writers. Board members are actively engaged with the youth and a growing network of business and civic partners.

As FYI approaches its 10th anniversary, serving on its board represents an opportunity to make meaningful change and contribute to the revitalization of North County communities through the development of a new generation of leaders and engaged citizens.

For more information, please visit www.fyifergyouth.org or contact Executive Director Aaron Harris at 314-749-5379. Applications should be submitted by Sept. 11.

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www.gp-life.com

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August 28, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

2019 BEST OF Northwest COUNTY Congratulations to the 1st Place Winners www.hewkinautobody.com

Brown Smith Wallace Accounting

Vantage Credit Union Credit Union

A Skeetz Production Graphic Design

Thies Farm Nursery Garden

Fontainebleau Apartments Apartment Complex

Zipp Express Delivery Shipping Service

Branneky True Value Hardware Hardware Store

Rottler Pest Control Pest Control

Northwest Foundation Associations/Organizations

www.theresaleshop.org

Martha Burkhardt Attorney

CATCO, Catastrophe Cleaning & Restoration Disaster Restoration

Hewkin Auto Body Auto Body Shop

Baldi Electric Co. Electrician

All Star Dodge Auto Dealership

Unleashed Music & Event Planning Entertainment

Car Doc Auto Mechanic The Sweet Spot Café Bakery St. Johns Bank Bank Syberg’s Bar/Grill First Watch Restaurant Company Brunch/Breakfast

www.kennelwood.com

The Smile Co. Dentist

Waterway Gas & Wash Car Wash Smart Pain Solutions Chiropractor Olivia’s Cleaning & Janirotial Services CMIT Solutions Computer Services MJM Renovations Construction/Contractor Beyond Inc. Credit Card Processing

Orlando’s Event & Conference Centers Event Venvue Crown Vision Eye Care Chick-Fil-A Fast Food Edward Jones - Adam Patin Financial Planner/ Investments Planet Fitness Fitness Center

Classic Aire Care Heating & Cooling Your Way Homecare & Staffing Home Care Services Dalco Home Remodeling Home Improvement Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel Andy’s Custard Ice Cream Shop

Kennelwood Pet Resorts Pet Groomer Medicine Shoppe Overland Pharmacy Minute Man Press Printing/Copy Services Tessler Promotions Promotional Products Jenah Realty Group Real Estate Agent

O’Connor Insurance Insurance Agent

NHC Healthcare Maryland Heights Rehab/Skilled Nursing Care

Romantique Jewelers Jewelers

The Resale Shop Resale/Consignment Shop

Perales Land Maintenance Landscaping /Lawn Care

Kemoll’s Chop Shop Restaurant - Dine In

Overland Block Party Local Events/Festivals

Floor & Décor Flooring Center

Hunter Engineering Compnay Manufacturer

K & V Florist Florist

Avant Marketing Group Marketing

Collier’s Funeral Home Funeral Home

Massage Works Massage/Spa

Office Furniture Solutions Furniture Store

I Know A Mortgage Guy Mortgage

Norwood Hills Country Club Golf Course

The Kaufmann Fund Non-Profit Organization

S2Roofing Roofing Contractor The Sarah Community Retirement Community Baked T’s Specialty Shop Kelly Services Staffing PMMVACATIONS Travel Agent Total Access - Bridgeton Urgent Care Family Animal Hospital Veterinarian

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 28, 2019

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2019 BEST OF Northwest COUNTY www.iknowamortgageguy.com

Congratulations to all of this years BEST OF WINNERS

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August 28, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

2019 BEST OF Northwest COUNTY We at the thank you for participating and voting for your favorite businesses in this years Best of Northwest County!

www.massageworks.bz

Make sure to come back next year and vote for again!

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School facebook.com/ mycnews

STLCC-Florissant Valley unveils Emerson STEM Academy at ribbon-cutting

www.treesbywoody.net

Submitted photo The Emerson STEM Academy on the campus of St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley was dedicated Aug. 16 during a ribbon-cutting.

www.byerlyrv.com

Three engineering classrooms on the campus of St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley are now home to the Emerson STEM Academy.

The space, located at 3400 Pershall Road, in Ferguson, was dedicated Aug. 16 during a ribbon-cutting.

“We are extremely grateful to Emerson for their generosity and commitment to students in North County. Among other things, their $1 million grant is making the renovation of this space possible and really speaks to the company’s interest in sharpening young minds and pointing them toward careers in science, technology, engineering and math that are full of opportunity,” said Dr.

Steve White, dean, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

By September, renovations will be complete and furniture and technology will fill the space that will house tutoring services for students as well as a computer lab and quiet place for studying.

The Emerson STEM Academy is open to students who attend high school in the College’s service area — Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood, Jennings, Normandy, Pattonville, Ritenour, Riverview Gardens and Special School District (North Tech) districts — and are either part of the dual credit, dual enrollment or early-college academy program for high school students.

Northwest News

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Northwest Views: Parents are stressed about back-to-school, too

By Michael P. Brennan When we picture anxiety around back-to-school, we usually envision a little person with a big backpack gripping their parents’ hand as they trudge toward their first day.

We’re of course familiar with that kind of worry at Every Child’s Hope because we’ve had an on-campus school for over 30 years. But our experience has told us it’s not just little people who are having a hard time as they enter the building.

Parents of children with unique needs... we know what you’re feeling. Back to school is hard.

While the rest of the world is throwing confetti in the air as they hand off their students, parents with children who don’t fit a specific mold are often more fraught.

They’re wondering if the teacher will be up to speed on their child’s unique needs, will they eat their lunch, will they be able to connect with any peers, what skills were

lost over the summer and a million other things.

This is what our educational staff wish parents knew.

“I wish parents could see what we see. We get to know your child when you’re not present, which can be a valuable tool. We can be an incredible source of information and also important allies.”

“I would tell parents that success for all of us – child, parent, school – depends on a partnership. None of us can do this without the others. That team is so important.”

“Parents need to plan celebrations for their students and for themselves. They’re often used to getting negative phone calls from the school, but there is usually at least one small achievement each day. Did you get their lunch packed? Did they walk through the front door of the building? Pat yourself on the back and think about the good moments.”

MDC hosts teacher workshop at Powder Valley Nature Center The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a program that meets the educational curriculum needs of Missouri science teachers and includes unique grant opportunities.

MDC invites teachers to attend a Discover Nature Schools (DNS) teacher workshop for Nature Unhooked, the DNS aquatic instructional unit designed for grades six-through-eight. This program provides grant funding for middle school life science units to help cover educational materials and field trips.

The workshop will be held Sept. 6 from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood.

The workshop is free of charge for educators. The nature center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44.

Participants in this workshop who teach life science to more than 20 students will become www.autospaetc.com eligible to participate in the non-competitive grant program for equipment and field trips that support the unit. Portions of this workshop will take place outdoors.

Space is limited, and participants must register to attend the workshop. To register for the workshop, visit the Teacher Portal at https://tinyurl.com/ y62hyj48, create an account and complete the online registration form.

For questions, contact David Bruns at David.Bruns@mdc. mo.gov, or 314-301-1506, ext.

4212. For more information about MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program, visit www. www.LifeCareCenterofBridgeton.com mdc.mo.gov/education.

ECH is known for supporting children, but we’re also there for families. We wish each of you a happy and productive school year. And we also hope that when you’re whispering to the student in your life that it’s going to be ok, you’re also convincing yourself.

Michael P. Brennan is CEO of 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.

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www.TheSarahCommunity.com

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What’s Happening

August 28, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it!

EVENTS Aug. 28: Karaoke

Karaoke at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Aug. 30: Chicken dinner

Chicken dinner at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 4 to 7 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Sept. 14-15: Holistic fair

Internal Spirit Holistic Fair takes place at Machinists‘ District 9 Hall at 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd. in Bridgeton Sept.

14 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $5 admission.

This is a two day metaphysical/holistic fair with lectures, alternative healers, gems, crystals, jewelry, astrologer, aura and chakra photos, animal communicator, psychic/mediums and more. The first 50 guests each day will receive a gift bag. For more information visit http:// www.internalspiritholisticfair.com.

Sept. 20-21: Table and tailgate sale

www.ReCAST-STL.org

At Blessed Savior Lutheran Church at 2615 Shackelford Road in Florissant there will be an indoor table sale and outdoor tailgate sale from 7 a.m. to noon both days. Suggested donation of $15 per table for table sale and $15 per three adjacent parking spots for tailgate sale (you will have to provide your own tables). Call the church at 314-831-1300 for more details and to sign-up.

Sept. 21: Monthly writing workshop

Writing workshop at Jamestown Bluff branch of St. Louis County Library at 4153 N. Highway 67 in Florissant takes place from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Bring work to read and share with group.

This free event is sponsored by North County Writing & Arts Network.

Email nocowan@yahoo.com or call 314-210-4774 for more information.

Oct. 26: Benefit dance

The Breakfast Club, Inc, a breast cancer support group, is hosting its eighth annual Pink Posse Roundup for a Cure benefit dance from 8 p.m. to midnight at Machinist Hall at 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd. in St. Louis County. Tickets are $20 per person in advance or at the door. For more information visit www. breakfastclub-stl.org or call 314-9728883.

RECURRING EVENTS Any time: Tours at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine by appointment

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant. Donations accepted. Docents needed.

314-921-7582, Vicki Wittman Email: vicray01@aol.com.

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult vol-

unteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Weekdays: Tax filing program volunteers Seeking greeters, appointment schedulers, and tax preparers to assist older adults in the St. Louis County Tax Filing Program. Training and mileage reimbursement is provided. For more information and to start the volunteer application process, contact the County Older Resident Programs and ask for Mike Nickel at 314-615-4021.

Weekdays: Volunteer drivers

The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you!

No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314615-4516.

Mondays: TOPS meeting

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) at 9124 St. Charles Rock Rd. You can visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314-540-5223.

Mondays: Choral Art Singers

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. This session will include performance at St. James Cathedral, Chicago on June 25.

New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.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: TOPS

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) at 9124 St. Charles Rock Rd. in St. Louis County. TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight. You can visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314-540-5223.

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 Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane.

We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music.

We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

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 314-921-2132.

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: Chair Zumba

Chair Zumba every Tuesday from 2:15 – 3 p.m. at The Bridge At Florissant at 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. (Parker @ Arlington). For more information call 314-831-0988.

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery Tuesday meetings take place at 6 p.m. with a Saturday Bible Study at 9 a.m. at LifePoint Church at 424 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information visit www.lifepointministries.church/celebrate-recovery or call (men) Steve D. at 636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

Tuesdays: Vietnam Veterans Association meeting

Chapter 794 Vietnam Veterans Association meets on the third Tuesday of each month at VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant. Meetings start at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.

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 or Connie McConnell, 314-831-5476.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • August 28, 2019 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.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Doors at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

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

contact Jamie Stevens at 314.653.5331.

more information call 314.731.9330.

Thursdays: Bingo

Every 3rd Friday of the month: 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. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

Thursdays: checks

Blood

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

pressure

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.

chorus

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.

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.

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

Fridays: Fish fry

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.

Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?

Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 a.m. at Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.

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

2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314.831.3752.

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

For 25 years Celebrate Recovery has been helping everyday folks find freedom from whatever difficulty you are experiencing in your life. This Christ-centered, 12-step program is based on the Beatitudes. We meet every Friday at 6:15 p.m. for dinner ($5); 7 p.m. large group meeting; 8 p.m. Small groups sharing; 9 p.m. dessert at First Christian Church of Florissant at 2890 Patterson Rd. in Florissant. For more information call 314-837-2269 or visit http://www.fccf. org/ or Facebook page Celebrate Recovery-FCCF.

What’s Happening

at 1 p.m. Donations are appreciated.

There is a large group worship/lesson at 2 p.m., open small share groups – gender specific – at 3 p.m. There is also a newcomers group also to help you choose which class is best for you.

The group closes its time with fellowship/coffee-dessert from 4 - 4:30 p.m.

For more information visit lifepointministries.church/celebrate-recovery or contact Ministry Leader Steve Daughety at 636 634-6582.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

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

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Saturdays: Yoga

Come check out the benefits of yoga at Calvary UCC, at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Call Angela at 314801-8594 for more information.

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 314402-7025.

Saturdays: 12-step program

Celebrate recovery with “12 steps to Freedom.” Are you looking for a safe place to share your hurts, hang- ups or habits? This Christ centered program is based on the Beatitudes and meets at LifePoint Church Florissant at 424 Graham Rd. in Florissant. The group meets from 1 - 4:30 p.m. with lunch

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant.

Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314.921.2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314.994.3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs.

Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314.839.7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information,

9

www.aperioncare.com

10

Sports

August 28, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

w w w. s e n i o r s h e l p i n g s e n i o r s . c o m / s t l o u i s c e n t r a l

Rascals’ future in O’Fallon Recently I had conversations with several people discussing the River City’s existence.

Rascals’ owner Steve Malliet, Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee and Deputy Commissioner Steve Tahsler.

Malliet’s comments included not being able to work out a long-term lease with the city of O’Fallon whom owns the baseball stadium. After 21 years of entertaining fans at the complex in O’Fallon, he has made many faithful fans with some even opening their homes for players to live. His staff has tried to make every experience every fan had a memorable one with always a return trip in mind.

Lee is aggressively on a mission to keep or replace a team to play in the Frontier League. If the Rascals leave it would drop the number of teams to nine. His tenure in the league has seen many of the players take the next step in baseball into the Major Leagues. He is proud of each of the 10 teams as they add their own flavor to each city.

There are several possible solutions that are on the table at this time.

Lee resides right across the Mississippi River and has O’Fallon close to his heart.

Tahsler’s goal is to have a team in place within a few months. He commented it is vital to have a team in place to prepare all the details needed to play in 2020. This is another bump in the road that he is passionate on trying to make a solution and a win for all. * Great crew to solve the problem Rascals flirting with playoff possibility as season comes to an end The defending West Division champion River City Rascals baseball club plays in the Frontier League with home games at the friendly confines of the CarShield Field in O’Fallon.

With only a handful of games left the team in 1.5 games out of the top spot with two teams in front of them – Evansville and Florence. Two of the three teams will go to the playoffs.

Recently Braxton Martinez won Player of

www.TheTasteInFerguson.com

the Week in the Frontier League as Commissioner Bill Lee made the presentation along with Deputy Commissioner Photo courtesy Tim Maxvill Steve Tahsler.

For more information go to www.RiverCityRascals.com * Time is ticking Ambush get large group for tryouts The St. Louis Ambush play indoor in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

Recently there were nearly 40 players participating in Ambush Open Tryouts this weekend at Vetta Park Sports in Cottleville.

It is possible the introduction of the new professional soccer league brought on this large group.

Major League Soccer awarded St. Louis its newest expansion franchise last week, entering a market it long has coveted with what will be the first female majority-owned team in league history.

The new team will begin play in MLS in 2022 in a new outdoor stadium in downtown St. Louis. * Kickin’ good future 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 • August 28 , 2019

Recipe:

An easy solution to after-school snacking

Feature

F-1

– 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.

Harvest Fruit and Oat Energy Bites Recipe courtesy of Emily Caruso of Jelly Toast on behalf of Milk. Love What’s Real Servings: 10, 2 bites per serving

Ingredients 1/2 cup milk 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, divided 2 tablespoons almond nut butter 2/3 cup dried apple rings, chopped (soft variety) 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice 1 pinch salt 1/4 cup dried cranberries or dried tart cherries 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or almonds 1 glass milk (8 ounces each) per serving Directions: In bowl of food processor or high-speed blender, combine milk, 1 cup rolled oats, nut butter, dried apple rings, apple pie spice and salt. Pulse until mixture becomes fairly smooth and holds together when rolled. Transfer mixture to medium size bowl.

Stir in remaining oats, dried cranberries and chopped nuts. Roll mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Chill 1 hour, or until firm. Keep bites

covered and refrigerated up to 3 days.

Pair each serving with 8-ounce glass milk.

Nutritional information per serving: 190 calories; 3.5 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 12 g protein; 28 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 150 mg sodium; 334 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk and include 8-ounce glass fat-free milk.

For more tasty on-the-go recipe ideas to try this back-to-school season, and to shop for ingredients, visit milklife.com.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ is the latest video game adaptation

F

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.

or years, arcade games and amusements have been turned into movies and vice-versa. In “Rocky III,” for instance, Paulie, played by Burt Young, encounters a pinball machine honoring Rocky Balboa, his famous brother-in-law. Feeling neglected by his sister Adrian and her husband, Paulie takes his frustrations out on the mechanical version of Rocky. That pinball machine could be found in bowling alleys and arcades when the movie was in theaters.

More recently, “The Angry Birds Movie 2” and its predecessor were inspired by the adventure game from Finland’s Rovio Entertainment in 2009. Swine flu had caused a panic at the time, so game developers created sickly green pigs for the birds to battle. The pigs steal eggs from their nests, so the birds, who have special skills, launch an attack to save their unborn children. For both movies, Jason Sudeikis voiced Red, the bird who becomes a leader and a hero.

In 1993, Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo played two very famous plumbers in “Super Mario Bros.,” Samantha Mathis also was on hand to play Daisy, a university student who turns out to be an actual princess. It was an ambitious attempt to recreate the world of the Mario Brothers, but it didn’t light up the box office. Twenty-five years after its release, however, the film still has devoted fans.

It even returned to the big screen briefly on its 20th Anniversary.

In the late 1980s and early 90s, “Street Fighter” was one of a breed of fighting games that popped up in arcades and convenience stores. A single player could face computer-generated opponents or go one-on-one with another player.

Action hero Jean-Claude Von Damme starred as Colonel Guile in the 1994 cinematic ad-

aptation of the game. In one of his final film appearances, Raul Julia played the evil General M. Bison, who tried to dominate the world with his super soldiers.

2015’s “Pixels” took video game/movie crossovers to a whole new level, however. Adam Sandler starred as Sam Brenner, a video game champion whose life didn’t turn out quite as he expected. After aliens view footage of a video game championship from decades earlier, they attack the Earth with characters straight out of the arcade. In this context, Brenner and his friends have “a particular set of skills” that enable them to take on the aliens.

Directed by Chris Columbus, “Pixels” has an interesting premise but one that was never fully realized. Classic game characters such as PacMan, Q-Bert and the Centipedes from their own self-titled games do look great on the big screen. On the other hand, the performances, especially those by Sandler, Kevin James and Josh Gad, are somewhat wooden.

Pokémon has enjoyed world-wide popularity and earlier this year, “Detective Pikachu” arrived in theaters. Ryan Reynolds lent his voice to the title character, a “pocket monster” who also happens to be a detective. Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) teams up with the Pokémon to find out what happened to Tim’s missing father who also was Pikachu’s partner.

These crossovers sometimes work and fail miserably at other times. In early 2020, for instance, “Sonic the Hedgehog” will race into theaters. This popular character was created by Sega and first appeared in the early 1990s. Here’s hoping he still has the speed and charisma to attract audiences.

F-2

Feature

August 28, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Feature

August 28, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: The Beatles

‘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.

Moore On Life Kids these days (and by kids I mean anyone younger than 30) have such a different mindset today. For instance, just try and give them basic directions and see what happens. I’m convinced that it’s because they’ve never been through the training of having to find their whereabouts.

They’ve certainly never had to go through the torture of going on vacation and unfolding one of those paper accordion maps.

Back in the day, we’d have to try and maneuver through a logjam of semis and a string of speeding traffic while driving and trying to locate the tiny spot on the giant map which was the offramp to The Lazy Daisy motel. If we missed it we’d have to drive another twenty miles to find the next place to flip a legal U-turn. Finally after landing at our destination, it was my job to refold the map. My solution after multiple attempts was to wad it into a tight little ball and shove it into the glove compartment.

Here’s how it goes nowadays: Daughter: “Mom, how do we get to the new Steamy Beans coffee house? It’s free lattes and Wi-Fi all night.”

Mom: “Is that the one next to the hardware store?”

Daughter: “Mother, you are so lame. I think you mean software.”

Mom: “Huh?” Son: “You know, software, the stuff that goes

By Cindy Moore inside computers.

And no, why would we know where it is?”

Mom: Eye roll.

“Let me give you guys some simple directions. Get on the highway heading north then take the second off-ramp and turn right. Drive until you see the golden arches; it’s four blocks east of that on Elm Street just behind the big box store right next to the hardware depot that does not sell computer innards.”

Daughter: “Which of my hands is north and which is south?”

Son: Glaze-eyed. “I’ve never seen any street lined with elms or know where the store is that sells big boxes. So just give me the address and I’ll plug it into Google Maps, otherwise I’ll call an Uber and they can drop us off.”

Pity cellphones can’t be wadded up into tight little balls.

Misdirected

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, he 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. Patsy, e.g.

6. Olden-day aerosol can propellant, acr.

9. Between generations 13. Reduction/oxidation portmanteau 14. ____ Tsu 15. Page or Grable 16. Out in the open 17. Legal org.

18. Often-missed humor 19. *”Nowhere man, the world is at your ____” 21. *”...love was such an easy game ____ ____” 23. *”____ time at all, all you gotta do is call...”

24. *One more than The Beatles 25. 2019, Year of the ____ 28. Shell and its contents 30. Showing on TV 35. Mars, to the Greeks 37. “On a ____” or carefree 39. Rock bottom 40. Asian weight unit 41. Gladiator venue 43. Site of Leaning Tower 44. Zero calorie sweetener 46. Arab ruler 47. Zac Brown Band’s 2008 hit 48. Tight-____ 50. H or O in H2O, e.g.

52. ____ the season!

53. Word type 55. Booking photograph 57. *”...take a sad song and make it ____” 60. *”...____, it’s been a long cold lonely winter” 64. 2 halves of a diameter 65. Sis’ sibling 67. Sign of a saint, pl.

68. Financial backer 69. Summer mo.

70. *”..., but you can ____ how to play the game” 71. Pressure inducer 72. Born, in society pages 73. Synchronizes, for short DOWN 1. Gator’s cousin 2. To the left, prefix 3. Footnote word 4. Norman Bates’ Mother 5. Opposite of extinct 6. Decked out 7. *Like The Four 8. Raccoon’s South American cousin 9. *”...listen to my story all about the ____ who came to stay?”

10. Dwarf buffalo 11. Small and weak 12. Stratego piece S 15. Deliver via Keystone 20. Spiral-horned African antelope 22. Spermatozoa

counterpart 24. Supervisor 25. *”Yesterday” star 26. Baghdad resident 27. “Faster!” to a horse 29. *”...and if she’s beside me I know I need never ____” 31. Wholly engrossed 32. “The ____,” Dostoyevsky’s novel 33. One born to Japanese immigrants 34. *”Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona for some California ____” 36. Dueler’s blow 38. Opposite of purl 42. Something in the air 45. Dal seed 49. Anonymous John 51. Street artist’s masterpiece 54. City-like 56. Sticky 57. Misery cause 58. U2 guitarist 59. Wedding cake part 60. Venetian magistrate 61. A Flock of Seagulls’ 1982 hit 62. Narcotics agent 63. Singular of gentes 64. Drake’s genre 66. Parisian way SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9