CN: September 2, 2020

September 2, 2020

Reaching out to young voters

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Halbert Sullivan. Pg. 2

Special Section

The Objective Reporter’s founders – Ziyaad Raza, Josh Antony, Thomas Champer, and Rahul Jasti.

Submitted photos

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Features

The Objective Reporter, a student-led nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, seeks to educate and inform voters across Missouri about politicians at all levels of government

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

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By Charlotte Beard

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While the quarantine of 2020 has birthed new money-making ventures for some people amid job losses, it has also birthed ventures to promote change. Such is the case of The Objective Reporter, a student-led nonprofit organization based in St. Louis that seeks to educate and inform voters across Missouri about their politicians at all levels of government.

The Objective Reporter was established by four high school students from John Burroughs School, a private, non-sectarian preparatory school with 631 students, during the early stages of the shut-downs in St. Louis. The founders – Ziyaad Raza, Josh

Antony, Thomas Champer, and Rahul Jasti – have since been joined by other team members from Ladue High School, Clayton High School, Parkway West, Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS), and Whitfield.

“We started on this project during the early months of quarantine,” stated Raza. “It took us about two months to get the website up and running. One of our teammates was the main person building the website while the rest worked on research, creating content, and managing other tasks. During this time, we also filed all our legal paperwork, assembled a board of directors, launched

our media platforms, and sought donations.”

According to Raza, The Objective Reporter exists of more than 30 volunteers and so far, all donations have been used to purchase publicity advertisements for the organization on Facebook and Instagram. In addition, donated funds were used to file legal documents such as its 501c3.

“Eventually we would like to spend our future donations on marketing for our new teams in Dallas and Atlanta,” stated Raza.

“They are just starting out, so getting their name out to their respective large cities is See ‘VOTERS’ page 2

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September 2, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘VOTERS’ from cover going to be a good challenge.”

One of the driving forces behind the four high school friends beginning this particular type of venture stemmed from information they discovered about their peers – that “only 10 percent of Americans between 18 and 24 have met a standard of ‘informed engagement’ for the past election cycles.”

“During the months of the pandemic and the protests after the death of George Floyd,” stated Raza, “we noticed that much of the younger generation was very involved in social activism. We also found many statistics including this one that showed that voter turnout amongst this age group, 18-25, was lower than any other age group and that (most) voters in this group were not properly informed for elections. We knew that this generation was capable of creating social change through protests and media, but we wanted to also facilitate political change through our content and resources.”

The Objective Reporter website (https://theobjectivereporter.com/) not only accommodates searches on politicians at the federal, state, and local level (individual policies, historical facts on the

politician, and contact information), it also provides videos of one-on-one interviews between politicians and members of The Objective Reporter team. These interviews address current issues and policies.

“The first politician I interviewed was Luke Barber, who is running for state representative,” stated Raza. “It was a very rewarding experience because I got to know him personally, hear his story, some of his accomplishments and challenges, and hear him expand on many of his policies. The experience also opened my eyes to the fact that these politicians are just people – people who have their own stories and who I could relate to on a personal level. Rather than reading a list of legislation he passed or his stances on policies, I actually got the chance to understand his voice and his mission.”

While many adults may believe that youth and young adults are solely driven by uninformed passions, there are those in the younger generation who are aiming to change the narrative.

“People of our age/generation feel that the best way to make change is to pick up a sign and protest or post articles on Snapchat or Instagram stories in order to gain awareness of the country’s problems,” stated Raza.

‘But I feel that the best way to create change is through knowledge. If we can get more people to take their anger out by voting, I believe we will see a huge change in the way our country is run. But to go along with that, I want people not to just make any vote but an informed

COMMUNITY VOICES

vote. They should know what each candidate’s views are on the major issues. If you believe in pro-choice and you do not realize the candidate that everyone told you to vote for it pro-life, then you are not doing anything to support your own cause. If you believe that our government is not doing enough to protect the black community in this country, go out and vote for the candidate that has made it a top priority to deal with that issue. On our website, you will be able to get those key positions from each candidate.”

The Objective Reporter desires that everyone benefit from the content they provide, but stresses that the focus is to influence the youngest generation of voters.

“High school students, who cannot vote yet, should be politically informed whether to have political discourse, influence other people in their community, or just to wait until they turn 18,” states Raza. “The youngest voters, 18-25, are involved with activism and many want to see change, but they also have the lowest voter turnout. Whether this is because of the difficulty of finding information on local candidates or the complex language of legislation, we hope that through our content we can ease this process and increase everyone’s political knowledge so that they are confident and passionate enough to go to the voting booth and cast an informed vote – not just for federal representatives or the President, but for state and locally elected officials who can make meaningful change in their area.”

By Halbert Sullivan

Fathers are important now more than ever There’s no good time to be an absent father — but especially not now.

The pandemic has created too many absences in our children’s lives: absence from school (and for some, absence from nutritious breakfasts and lunches), absence from friends, absence from grandparents who must guard their own health, absence from the financial security that comes from a parent having work, absence from a sense of safety and stability.

I know all about absent fathers; I was one myself. And if I could relive those decades, I would do it all differently.

Nearly one in four American children today (more than 24 million) live in single-parent households, usually without fathers. For minority children, the numbers who live without fathers is even greater: 42 percent of Hispanic children and nearly 67 percent of black children.

I don’t believe that all two-parent homes are better for children than single-parent homes, but I do think that our children are in the midst of a crisis. This is no time for any father living separately from his children to be an absent father as well.

When my son was born, I was 31 years old and busy with a drug habit. He was a few months old before I even saw him. Then, I became a street-walking, vacant-building-living, crack addict. During the next dozen years of my son’s life, I probably laid eyes on him just two or three times.

Back then, everyone called me “Hammer,” and I thought of myself as tough.

Now, as I near 70, I know I wasn’t tough at all. Tough would have been being an active and supportive father.

I was 43 before I got myself clean. One morning, I woke up on a bench at a bus stop and said: “I must be crazy. This ain’t me.”

After rehab, I went to community college and earned a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. When the opportunity came along to help other men (mostly dropouts with drug habits and prison records like I had) to become responsible fathers, I grabbed it.

That’s how the Fathers’ Support Center was born. It’s still what I do. In 23 years, we’ve had 17,000 men go through our programs, affecting the lives of more than 42,500 children.

Let’s be clear: if you’ve made a baby, you need to help support your child and your child’s mother. You also need to understand the psychological and emotional negatives for your child if you are not supportive.

Children without fathers in their lives are more likely to run away, more likely to drop out of high school, more likely to become involved in crime and illegal drugs, and more likely to commit suicide. Girls without fathers in their lives are more likely to become teenage mothers.

And that’s without all the extra stresses

on children from absences caused by the coronavirus.

So, what can fathers living outside their children’s homes do right now to help?

Call your children and ask about their day. Help with homework. Talk over problems they’re having. At bedtime, read a story. Or tell a story. Maybe tell the story of your own life: the things you did wrong and the things you did better.

As social distancing rules relax, take your son or daughter for a walk in the park, spend an afternoon playing ball, or explore a new part of town.

If you can be there every day for your child (even for now just by phone), you increase their sense of stability, support and love. That will encourage them to strive to do their best and to have hope for the future.

In this moment, when our children experience so many absences, we — their fathers — need to help. Don’t be absent.

Instead, it’s time to step up and say, “Here I am.”

Halbert Sullivan is the founder and CEO of Fathers & Families Support Center 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 • September 2, 2020

Around Town

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Eighth Annual Taste in Ferguson “Boxed” What do you mean “Boxed?” Since March of 2020, many things have changed as we continue to navigate through the effects of COVID-19. Events having large gatherings of people have taken on a different look, so has the Taste in Ferguson.

You have always enjoyed great food from an array of vendors at the Taste in Ferguson event. Well you still can this year! You are going to enjoy their same great food individually packaged and served in a large box.

Instead of coming to the Savoy and walking up to the food vendor’s tent, you will be driving up to the Savoy and receiving a large box filled with 15 delicious freshly prepared sample size servings from our local food vendors. Hence, the Eighth Annual Taste in Ferguson will be served “Boxed!”

This year’s Taste event has a dual purpose. As always, The Robbie McGartland and Samantha Lipka Memorial Scholarship Funds will continue to provide scholarships to our local grade school and high school youth. Your support will also be helping local food vendors. Many of them have faced challenging times this year and unfortunately, a few core restaurants have had to close their businesses. In past years, food vendors provided most of their food for free. This year a portion of each ticket sold will be coving their

food cost.

Food vendors this year are Paul’s Market, Red’s, Mann Meats, Adam’s Smokehouse, Drake’s Place, Just Chicken, Helfer’s, Papa Murphy’s, Amore Pizza, Pho Long, Sam’s Club, Cupcake Fetish and Made. by Lia. Event Food Box pick up will be Sept. 13, from 4-6 p.m. at the Savoy Banquet Center at 119 S Florissant Road in Ferguson.

There are three levels of tickets: Taste Sampler Box: $35 with samples from every vendor includes a soda or water.

Taste Sampler Box Plus: $50 with samples from every vendor includes a soda or water plus special gift.

Taste Sampler VIP Experience: $125 with samples from every vendor, unlimited beer, wine, soda & water, special gift, reserved parking behind the Savoy and music to enjoy. Limited tickets will be sold.

The VIP Experience begins at 3 p.m. on Sept. 13. Social distancing requirements will be followed.

Tickets are on sale at Paul’s Market, Robinwood Automotive, Saturday mornings at the Farmers Market and

Ready by Five, PrepareSTL and United 4 Children distribute masks to childcare and education programs The Ready by Five Campaign, in partnership with PrepareSTL held a second mask giveaway on Aug. 22 for the Early Childhood Education community, specifically childcare and education programs that have remained open or reopened to support families and children in communities most impacted by COVID-19.

Masks were distributed through six Community Collective Hubs in St. Louis City and North St. Louis County (Unleashing Potential, Baden Christian Childcare Center, Our Daycare Learning Center, New Day Child Care Center, Lot-A-Luv Child Development Center and Brilliant Minds Private School) that were established in March 2020 by United 4 Children to provide centralized locations for early childhood educators to receive supplies, information, and moral support while they have navigated this time.

Early Childhood Care and Education programs were able to receive commercially produced cloth masks with filters for each of their staff as well as family kits that included an adult size and child size mask for each of the children they serve. More than 10,000 masks are being distributed through these ECE Hubs.

These Community Collective Hubs are part of United 4 Children’s work as the lead agency on the Covid-19 Regional Response Team led

by Dr. Jason Purnell of Washington University/ Health Equity. As a lead agency, United 4

Submitted photo

Children addresses childcare challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. They support children, families and childcare providers in the most vulnerable populations of the St. Louis Metropolitan Region by providing PPE supplies, trauma and pandemic specific education, and community-centered network coordination so children are safe and lovingly cared for during this challenging time.

online at thetasteinferguson.com.

Online you will find a 50/50 raffle and your donations are always welcome.

Come on out, pick up “The Taste in a Box” and enjoy some great food in the comfort of your own home all while supporting our local youth and food vendors.

For more details and the latest updates visit us at thetasteinferguson.com.

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Aound Town

September 2, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

St. Louis Community Rallies in Support of Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s Celebrity Night Fundraiser

Northwest Views:

Parkway School Districts meets challenges head on as school year begins

By Dr. Keith A. Marty, Ed.D.

Submitted photo

Bringing together local restaurant partners, generous corporate and philanthropic sponsors, and celebrities from the St. Louis area media, business, and public service communities, the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery hosted its third highly successful fundraising event during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The revised and mostly virtual “Celebrity Night for the Crisis Nursery” event took place on Aug. 20 and raised a total of over $103,000, far surpassing the goal of $75,000. The amount raised is enough to keep 345 children safe at the Crisis Nursery.

This year’s event was decentralized in light of the risk posed by the pandemic. Despite the constraints, SLCN was joined by 11 restaurant partners and boasted over 64 local and national “celebrities,” including the St. Louis Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright and St. Louis native Cedric the Entertainer.

Crisis Nursery CEO, DiAnne Mueller, summa-

rized the success of the event, “When we call on the St. Louis community to rally together for a cause – especially the cause of caring for, protecting, and helping children and babies – we know we can always rely on them for a strong showing of support. It’s the reason why the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, even now during this terrible pandemic, remains open for parents experiencing overwhelming stress and crisis. This community supports agencies who do good in this region, through thick and thin.”

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery currently has three Nursery locations in full operation, with public health protocols in place, and its Family Empowerment Program has conducted over 5,000 individual telehealth sessions since March.

Over 400 emergency fund requests have been disbursed to families in need, in many cases preventing shut-off of utilities or evictions that would exacerbate the underlying issues that lead to crisis and stress.

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Parkway, like every other school district in the region and in the nation, has intensely engaged in planning for the 2020-21 school year. It is being called “reentry” back into school in the era of COVID-19. Our students have been away from our classrooms for over five months, and they need to get back in school.

Due to the current spread of the virus and the related health and safety needs of students and staff, Parkway has decided that our first quarter (through Oct. 23) will have instruction delivered virtually in all grades. This will also provide much needed certainty and consistency for families as they plan to support their children at home Over the summer, we have worked hard to make this fall’s experience much better for students and families than it was last spring when we were operating in an emergency mode. Teachers have spent the past few months preparing for the potential of a virtual format. They will be ready to deliver a high quality learning experience for our students.

I want to suggest three new behaviors, virtues and human characteristics we all need to possess and share in the months ahead.

The first is “patience.” We are used to definite answers and a clear roadmap provided by leaders. We all need to be patient with one another, and accept responses such as “I’m not sure,” “We will do our best,” and “Give us time.”

The second virtue is “flexibility.” School district approaches in the region will likely be multifaceted. There will be choices to be made by parents, and as the year progresses, schools may need to change schedules.

Finally, we all need to be “nimble.” Nimbleness is the ability to change direction, change schedules and daily routines quickly, but effectively. Military personnel practice nimbleness – a quick change of plans, accompanied by the ability to adjust as if we knew the predicted plans would change.

I have no doubt we can have a productive and successful year of learning and teaching, knowing it may not be “normal” as we have planned and predicted in the past. In March, our spring break was extended and eventually, the face-to-face instruction canceled. Educators, students and parents all stepped up. Were the results perfect – no; were there problems – yes; but did everyone try and were there sincere efforts and sincere care for children – yes.

Let’s all work together as we did in the past months. And I ask you all to be patient, flexible and nimble in the days ahead.

Dr. Keith A. Marty, Ed.D. is Superintendent of Parkway School District.

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 • September 2, 2020

The 23rd Annual Florissant Fall Festival has been canceled for this year Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery announces, after being informed by the Fall Festival organizers and the members of Old Town Partners, that the decision has been made to cancel the 23rd Annual Fall Festival event which was scheduled for Oct. 11.

This was a very difficult decision to make; however, as the current COVID-19 pandemic situation continues and with the rise in cases in the

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area, the decision was made to cancel the event for this year to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone.

The current pandemic situation remains fluid.

The Fall Festival organizers and the members of Old Town Partners made this decision because keeping everyone safe and healthy is the ultimate priority.

Operation Food Search collects 53,000 pounds of food

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Submitted photo Operation Food Search recently hosted its 10th annual Shop Out Hunger Day and collected more than 53,000 pounds of food. The event also collected nearly $14,500 in monetary donations, which includes a $5,000 donation from Schnucks.

Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently hosted its 10th annual Shop Out Hunger Day and collected more than 53,000 pounds of food. The event also collected nearly $14,500 in monetary donations, which includes a $5,000 donation from Schnucks. The total donation, which is valued at $103,963, will provide 145,492 meals to the community. That means 42,200 individuals will be fed for one entire day.

Shop Out Hunger Day is a summertime event designed to alleviate the area’s food insecurity.

The region-wide food drive helps restock the shelves of both OFS’s distribution center and its 220 community food partner agencies. This year OFS partnered with more than 100 locally owned grocery stores, including Schnucks and Straub’s, to collect nonperishable food items and donations that will stay in each store’s community.

OFS also teamed up with numerous community partners for the annual event including the

Community Council of St. Charles, Jefferson County Hunger Task Force, and Franklin County Hunger Task Force.

“At Schnucks, we are committed to leveraging our business expertise to help communities and organizations, like Operation Food Search, fight food insecurity and hunger,” said Schnucks Director of Corporate External Relations Schron Jackson. “As they always have during our 20year Shop Out Hunger partnership with OFS, Schnucks customers responded generously once again this year when asked to help those in their communities in need.”

“Straub’s was proud to partner again with Operation Food Search for its Shop Out Hunger Day, which was even more relevant this year based upon the heightened food insecurity due to the ongoing pandemic,” said Bill Hussey, Straub’s Forsyth Store Manager. “As a company that has served the region for nearly 120 years, we are extremely appreciative of our customer’s support for those who need food assistance.”

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Around Town

September 2, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

“Pandemic Delay” keeps Challenger Baseball players in the dug out America was thrown a curveball when the COVID-19 pandemic hit this spring. We waited for months for baseball to return after an historic “pandemic delay.” While professional bats are swinging again— at least for now – one league is still waiting in the dugout: Challenger Baseball.

The Challenge Baseball League was formed nationally in the late 1980s for children with disabilities.

Baseball fan Buck Smith then started a local league in 1994. St. Louis boasts 16 teams with a total of 72 teams across Missouri and Illinois.

Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital has fielded at least one Challenger Baseball team for the past 14 years. The Lions and Bears teams at Ranken Jordan are made up of current and former patients as well as other community members.

Before the pandemic, nothing stopped players on the Ranken Jordan Lions or Bears teams. Sporting their team’s full uniform, they rounded the bases whether they were on a gurney, in a wheelchair, or were connected to a ventilator. Meanwhile, the enthusiastic crowd cheered and memories were made.

“There’s not a child who can’t participate in Challenger Baseball at Ranken Jordan,” says Janine Roe, community programs coordinator at the hospital.

Roe partnered with Smith to build the Ranken Jordan Challenger Baseball program.

“At Ranken Jordan, we’ve taken what the national league has created and modified it,” Smith explains.

“It’s not baseball focused. Instead we focus on one goal and that’s making friends. Baseball is just the tool to make friends.”

Some of the most meaningful friendship are between the players and the Challenger Baseball Buddies. Buddies are children and young adults ages 1025 who volunteer to assist the players on the field or around the bases.

“Sometimes it’s the first time these Buddies have met someone with a disability,” Smith says. “Challenger Baseball breaks down barriers. The kids and the Buddies develop strong friendships and they learn how to relate to each other. Many Buddies come back year after year.”

Curveball hits team play The cancellation of Challenger Baseball has taken a toll on these opportunities for friendship and fun.

“Although we had to cancel the season to ensure ev-

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eryone’s safety, it’s a true loss for these kids who look forward to being with other kids and being part of a team,” Roe says. “Some of them have never been able to be part of a team because of a disability, which is why wearing a uniform means so much to them. I know at least one of our kids has slept with her trophy from the season, too.”

And at the end of the season, the players typically enjoy a celebration complete with a trophy presentation, hot dogs and other entertainment.

“Challenger Baseball isn’t about us or the parents – it’s about the kids,” Roe says. “If they have a great time, then so do we.”

The benefits of Challenger Baseball are a grand slam.

“It improves children’s self-esteem and confidence and also allows them to be the center of attention for reasons other than a disability,” Roe says. “It gives the children and their families a sense of normalcy. Siblings, parents and grandparents can cheer the child on during the game. And they get to see the child in a different setting than in a hospital.”

Building a field of dreams Roe recalls other challenges the first few years of Challenger Baseball at Ranken Jordan. They started on a grass field that wasn’t fully accessible. The grass made it difficult to use a rolling walker or wheelchair.

But Roe proves where there’s a will, there’s a way.

One Christmas Eve, former St. Louis Cardinal’s player and manager Mike Matheny visited the children and staff at Ranken Jordan. After he asked the children what they wanted for Christmas, he asked Roe what she wanted. She told him she dreamed of an accessible baseball field for the children. That go the ball rolling.

“Mike was excited to help make that happen,” Roe recalls.

Thanks to Mike and Kristin Matheny’s Catch-22 Foundation, a multi-purpose, adaptive and accessible synthetic baseball field was installed at Ranken Jordan in 2018. The built-to-scale field has hosted dozens of Challenger Baseball games, All-Star games, soccer games, golf and many other activities. The field’s flat surface gives all children the opportunity to participate in games to the best of their abilities.

“Miracles do happen,” Roe says. “Mike funded the field and I got my Christmas wish for the kids.”

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The Ranken Jordan team played in parking lots, basketball courts while waiting for the new field to be completed. And it was worth the wait, Roe says.

“The Ranken Jordan field is the most beautiful field in the league. Opening day on the new field was very emotional. It was wonderful how it all came together.”

Finding creative ways to connect While the official league is canceled for the year, Roe is determined to find a way the children can still safely play on the field this fall with Ranken Jordan staff and patients. However, the Buddies won’t be able to participate this year because of the pandemic and we won’t be able to play other teams in the region.

“I have no doubt we will play again,” Smith says.

“But we will not take a chance with the kids’ health.”

Meanwhile, technology is pinch-hitting for actual play. Smith keeps the St. Louis Challenger Baseball players connected through themed Zoom calls on Saturday mornings when the teams would have been playing.

“The kids are missing hanging out together,” Smith says. “I can see their eyes go from square to square to see all their friends’ faces on the Zoom calls. And I really miss seeing the kids on the field smiling and laughing. Before being involved in Challenger Baseball, I had no friends with disabilities. Now I have hundreds. These kids are the best people.”

Learning new plays from courageous children Smith says he is a better person since working with the children in Challenger Baseball.

“Every day, these kids face something brand new that they have to overcome, even before the pandemic. We could learn a lot from them in dealing with adversity and having the courage and patience to address challenges. When I struggle, I think what would my friends at Ranken Jordan do? It helps me keep a good outlook.”

While high fives may not be on the roster for a long time to come, Smith looks forward to the exciting day the teams can return to the baseball field.

“When this pandemic ends and we can play again, we’ll go crazy,” he said.

Similar words have been spoken before during a memorable baseball moment. Let’s hope we’ll all soon be cheering the famous words of former St. Louis Cardinal’s Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck, “Go crazy, folks. Go Crazy!”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • September 2, 2020

Protect yourself against the unexpected A financial emergency may have previously seemed like a “not me” scenario, but it’s now a reality many families across America are dealing with as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the economy.

Savings accounts may not be robust enough to weather a significant blow, according to research from Colonial Life. The survey found 38% of U.S. adults have less than $5,000 in savings for a financial emergency, and 23% have less than $1,000.

The study further revealed Americans are already stretched thin due to financial constraints like vehicles with mechanical problems, an unemployed spouse or partner, supporting children and other dependents, mortgage payments and other debt.

Planning ahead for a financial emergency with tips like these can help reduce the long-term impact on your finances and credit.

Avoid unnecessary charges.

Late payment fees can add up fast and put a dent in your credit rating. Take inventory of your monthly expenses and note the due dates then plan a payment schedule around your paychecks. Be sure to account for possible mail delays or the time needed for electronic transfers.

If your schedule doesn’t work, contact your creditor and ask if you can move to a different due date that helps reduce your risk.

Anticipate unforeseen illnesses. A critical illness such as a heart attack, stroke or major organ failure can impact anyone, from the least health-conscious to the most fit. When a critical illness strikes, major expenses often follow. Health insurance may cover some of your medical costs, but not everything. An option like Colonial Life critical illness insurance helps supplement your major medical coverage by providing a lump-sum benefit you can use to pay direct and indirect costs related to some of the most prevalent critical illnesses.

Reduce debt. Doing what you can now to reduce your financial obligations can pay off in the long run if you experience a loss of income. That may mean

Senior Living

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making extra payments on a loan rather than paying just the minimum balance due. Interest is calculated based on your balance, so paying extra not only reduces your original debt, but also saves you money that would have been lost to interest.

Keep up on maintenance.

When money is tight or you’re worried a reduction is coming soon, it may seem counterintuitive to spend money. However, taking care of ongoing maintenance for big-ticket items like your home and vehicle is an investment in the future. Spending a little now to keep things in good working order can help protect you from a costly problem down the road.

Start thinking smaller. Lifestyle adjustments can be tough when they’re abrupt and unexpected, but if you gradually transition to a more frugal way of living it may not feel as disruptive. For example, start by cutting back on entertainment expenses and dining out. Look for lower-cost ways to enjoy

time with loved ones and dial back spending on things like birthday gifts.

Learn more and find programs and services designed to protect your financial interests at ColonialLife.com.

Poetry Corner...

ANCHORED

By Donna M. Huneke The beacon of your smile Guides me safely To the slip of your love.

Your arms are the oars, The fulcrum that holds me, Centered.

Suspended in the seas Of your shining eyes, I rest.

www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral

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What’s Happening

September 2, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

Weekdays: Volunteer drivers

Take notice . . .

The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.

EVENTS

askavich@jfcs-stl.org.

RECURRING EVENTS

Weekdays: Tax filing program volunteers

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cban-

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.

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. T.O.P.S.=Take Off Pounds Sensibly has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) 9135 Shelley Avenue, Overland, MO 63114. (Entrance is in the back on East Milton). TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight. You may visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314-540-5223.

Mondays: practice

Choral Arts 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. 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: 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

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.

ial American Legion Post 335 meeting

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

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 314921-2316.

The Gentlemen of Sound are looking for men who like to sing or want to learn. They practice Tuesdays at Lady of the Pillar school at 401 S. Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m. They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for new members. Come by or call Charlie at 314-954-1121.

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

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

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

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

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.

Tuesdays: Vietnam Veterans Association meeting

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul McConnell, 314-831-5476.

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.

For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

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.

Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

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 Memor-

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

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 314660-1813.

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 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314-9943300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314-839-7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314-653-5331.

Thursdays: Bingo

Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on the third Thursday of each month starts at 2 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more information call 314-831-0988.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • September 2, 2020 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: Blood pressure checks

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

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

chorus

Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.

Fridays: Fish fry

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 314660-1813.

Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo

6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo 2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314-831-3752.

Saturdays: Yoga

Yoga returns to Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30. Masks and social distancing are required in the building and participants should bring hand sanitizer with them. For further information call Angela at 314-801-8594.

Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting

Everyone is welcome to attend Toastmasters Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Normandy United Methodist Church at 8001 Natural Bridge Road (across from UMSL). For more info call 314402-7025.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County

hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m.

For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support

On the fourth Saturday of each month, grief support meeting “A Way With Words Ministry” meets at 12:30 p.m. at Community Christ Fellowship, rear, at 121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood, 1/4 mile south of Hwy 270 off Florissant Rd. There are a variety of topics monthly. You are not alone. Come help your heart heal with others. For more information call 314-605-3949.

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.

Sundays: Meat shoot

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 4445 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Rd. between Sinks Rd. and Lindbergh starting noon Sept. 15 thru Nov. 17; and in the spring, Feb. 2 thru March 8 rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.

Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot

Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314-630-2671 or 314-330-7269.

Sundays: meeting

Jennings

Do-Dads

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www.jenningsdodads.org.

CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314-741-3737

HEALTH Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation

Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon– 1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center.

Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1-877-477-6954.

Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed

4-7pm, Christian Hospital, 1225 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information, please contact Lee Shields at 314-653-5032.

1st Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm.

Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.

What’s Happening

adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314-653-5123.

Nutrition Education:

SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314-344-6157.

Christian Hospital Recovery Center:

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314953-8100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314-653-5032

9

Look Good…Feel Better

SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit.

Light refreshments are served. Info: 314-344-6090.

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit www.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.

A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with stateof-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314738-2599.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Nicotine Anonymous

Wednesdays: ACES Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

Diabetes Basics:

314-344-7024 for info or 314-344-7220 to enroll.

Crisis Nursery:

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314-768-3201. Or 636-947-0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org

Center for Senior Renewal:

Day treatment programs for older

www.langinsurance.com

10

Sports

September 2, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

SCC plays sports and hits the books well St. Charles Community College was recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with 10 Academic All-Americans for the 201920 academic year. The NJCAA recognizes those student athletes with a 3.60 or higher GPA. All-Academic First Team (4.00 GPA) • Allison Carnell - Softball • Kelly Mense - Women’s Soccer • All-Academic Second Team (3.80-3.99 GPA)

• Tyler Defoe - Baseball • Maggie Dooley - Softball • Dan Fick - Baseball • Olivia Pilsing - Softball • Kameryn Weicht - Women’s Soccer • All-Academic Third Team (3.60-3.79) • Blake Bax - Baseball • Kaitlyn Eppers - Women’s Soccer • Nicole McCoy - Women’s Soccer * Our hats are off to you Stay tuned for UMSL info that features many details The University of Missouri-St. Louis may not have the constant flow of game recaps and stories on awards and honors to fill daily sports news but they plan on keeping you connected.

Starting soon, the UMSL Athletics Communication office will be publishing new content each week. That, along with recaps from competition of our cross country, golf and swimming teams (which we are hoping will still be able to compete) will help keep you engaged to UMSL Athletics.

Mondays: Get to know an athletics staff member or assistant coach. Throughout the summer you heard from all our head coaches in the Triton Talk feature and now you will get to learn about some of the other individuals that work behind the scenes in the athletics department.

Tuesdays: Where are they now? Feature stories and Q&As with alumni.

Wednesdays: Student-athlete feature stories and Q&As. The student-athletes will still be training and working hard in the classroom and still have stories to tell even if they are not currently competing.

Thursdays: All-decade teams. Each week will unveil the top student-athletes from the 2010’s for one sport.

Fridays: Freshman (and newcomer) Fri-

day will be an update some of the newest members of the Tritons family.

Stay tuned to a weekly update. * Changing with the times Volleyball team excel in academics and in play Lindenwood University men’s volleyball has received the 2019-20 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award for the team’s showcasing in the classroom and on the court. The award is presented to men’s volleyball teams that finish the academic year with a team GPA of 3.30 or higher.

The Lions have seen numerous student-athletes earn both athletic and academic honors over the course of the season including: Hunter Bailey, Kyle Deutschmann, A.J. Lewis, Brady Castillo, Diego Negron, Phil Swartz, Brian Schwob, Cal Werths, Brad Brinkerhoff, Logan Nash, Charley Hlavin, Michael Jennings, Sam Schindler and Nick Stevenson.

All were recognized by the MIVA for their academic excellence, being named 2020 MIVA Academic All-Conference honorees, as each student-athlete finished with a 3.0 GPA or higher for the semester.

Negron and Schindler were also recognized by the conference with first-team All-MIVA nominations, for their strong play on the court. It marked the first time in both players’ career that they had been named to the All-MIVA first team. Negron and Schindler were each selected to the All-MIVA freshman team in their careers. * Need more athletes like this

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 • September 2, 2020

Recipe:

Simple steps toward nutritious meals

Step up your snack game with a salsa that takes flavor to the next level. With a variety of veggies mixed together, this Lentil Salsa brings balance to snack time by offering a more nutritious way to curb hunger. Plus, it can serve as a perfect complement for juicy, tender pork chops at the dinner table.

Ingredients:

As part of the Power Pairings initiative, launched by the National Pork Board and USA Pulses in an effort to promote pairing whole foods to bring taste, balance and nutrition to the center of the plate, this recipe encourages a healthier way to enjoy fresh taste.

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.

Lentil Salsa

6 pork chops 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste

Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses | Servings: 6

pepper, to taste olive oil 1/2 cup canned lentils, rinsed 1 pound cherry or heirloom tomatoes, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and finely diced 1/2 red onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and finely diced 1 jalapeno pepper, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and finely diced 1/4 cup cilantro, gently rubbed under cold running water and roughly chopped 2 limes, juice only

Directions:

temperature. Let rest 3 minutes.

Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

In large bowl, mix canned lentils, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice and kosher salt.

In pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add pork chops and cook 3-5 minutes each side until they reach 145 F internal

Serve salsa immediately or cover and refrigerate 2-3 days.

Find additional nutritious inspiration snacks, meals and more at powerfulpairings.com

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” announced at DC FanDome event

P

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.

rior to 2020, large pop culture conventions such as the San Diego Comic-Con were common during the summer and early fall. Because social distancing is next-to-impossible at events such as these, most were cancelled and rescheduled for next year due to the pandemic. To fill the gap, Comic-Con hosted an online “@ Home” event in July featuring pre-recorded panels shown on ‘Shazam’ photo courtesy Warner Bros. their YouTube channel. A big part of a panel discussion is the the DC Comics Extended Universe (DCEU), it live interaction with the audience members, tells the story of Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a and that was lacking in this online event. young orphan who is looking for his long-lost DC Comics did better, though, with a “Fanmother. A wizard named Shazam chooses Dome” event talking about “Shazam! Fury of Billy to become his new champion against evil the Gods,” the sequel to the 2019 hit starring and, by saying the wizard’s name, he becomes Zachary Levi. The actor, who played the title a red-suited adult (Levi) with the powers of role, was joined online by Asher Angel, who Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and played Billy Batson, and other members of the Mercury. cast. Comedian Sinbad even crashed the virBased on the characters created by artist C.C. tual discussion because many people believe he Beck and writer Bill Parker back in 1939, “Shastarred in an earlier film called “Shazaam,” but zam!” was a fun adventure with plenty of acthat movie was never made. tion and humor. Levi, who starred in the cult A few weeks before “Avengers: Endgame” NBC series “Chuck,” had a lot of fun playing an became a global sensation in 2019, the origadult character with the personality of a child. inal “Shazam!” arrived in theaters. A part of

Overwhelmed by his superpowers, Billy’s friend Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer) helped him test the limits of his abilities. The two of them even used Billy’s adult form to buy beer in one hilarious sequence.

“Shazam!” also contained themes about family and togetherness.

Mark Strong, who plays the villainous Dr. Sivana, hates his family and covets the incredible powers possessed by Shazam. On the other hand, Billy, who has been in numerous foster homes, always runs away to search for his missing mother. He eventually finds a real family with Freddy and the other children at the group home run by Victor and Rosa Vasquez (Cooper Andrews and Marta Milans). That family bond comes in handy when Billy must face off against Dr. Sivana at a carnival.

The DC FanDome event didn’t reveal much beyond the film’s title and that David F. Sandberg would return to direct the sequel. Still, if Levi, Sandberg and company can channel the magic of the first film, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” is worth waiting for. It is scheduled for a November 2022 release.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • September 2, 2020

Feature

F-3

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Feature

ACTIVE BUYER

September 2, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

COLLECTIBLES

RECORDS WANTED

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

Cash paid for 78, 33 & 45 RPM records

over 4,000 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 60 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

House calls made Call Bob 636-296-5240

HELP WANTED

SINGERS WANTED

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.

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STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

F-4

Feature

September 2, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: 1980s Lyrics

‘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 I recently had a debate with my father-in-law. He lived in Depression-era circumstances and is proud of it.

“You kids have it made. Why, when I was a youngster we didn’t have the luxuries of today. Remember, we walked to school uphill both ways.”

“Gotcha beat,” I said. “Today…there are no schools.”

“Hmph, wise apple. Well we had to use the Sears catalog for toilet paper.”

“What’s a catalog? Besides, Sears is no longer around. I’d say you had it pretty good. We were lucky if we found a few wrinkled up napkins from McBurgerQueen in the back of the glove compartment. That was Christmas day for us.”

“Smart aleck,” he grumbled. “Money was scarce.

Movies cost twenty cents; a loaf of bread was two nickels and that was a lot for us.”

I challenged back, “The theaters are shut down and you can’t find twenty cents or even two nickels today, there’s a coin shortage!”

I could tell I had him cornered. He got up and left saying something about needing to move the hose on the lawn.

“You have a sprinkling system!” I yelled.

So I’ll use this to my advantage. When my grandkids get a little mouthy and unappreciative, I’ll simply remind them of the dark days of 2020.

“Listen you little imps; you’ve got it made. I should know, I lived through the Great Apocalypse of 2020. Mayhem and madness prevailed.

You couldn’t find a scrap of toilet paper anywhere.

We used grass clippings instead and when the winter came and there was no more grass…snowballs! And believe me, it stung like a bugger!”

The grandkids stared into their handheld devices oblivious.

“And furthermore, we didn’t walk to school both ways uphill like your grandpa. Oh no, that would

By Cindy Moore

Depths of depression

have been a treat. No, we didn’t even have schools.

Kids had to learn math from their moms and dads.

We tried to teach them how to count back change from a dollar, but there were no more coins. It disappeared like the dinosaurs and double-ply tissue.

And that’s why no one can give out correct change from a dollar to this very day!”

They all yawned.

Exasperated I barked, “You kids get outside and water the lawn!”

One of them pushed an app to turn on our sprinkling system.

We need another apocalypse.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings.

Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

ACROSS 1. Lascaux and Mammoth, e.g.

6. At the stern 9. Eyeball rudely 13. Inuit boat 14. And not 15. Sing like Sinatra 16. Manicurist’s file 17. Old-fashioned “before” 18. *”If you ____, I won’t cry. I won’t waste one single day” 19. *”Steve walks warily down the street with the brim pulled way ____ ____” 21. *”She’s just a girl who claims I am ____ ____” 23. “Play it, ____,” from “Casablanca” 24. Boris Godunov, e.g.

25. *”All right stop collaborate and listen, ____ is back...”

28. Between Phi and Kappa 30. Restriction limiting use of lights during air raid 35. J.D. Power awards competitors 37. *”Oh, back on the chain ____” 39. Ann Patchett’s novel “Bel ____” 40. Slightly 41. Algorithmic language 43. French “place” 44. Kind of potato masher 46. Brickowski’s brick 47. Cleopatra’s necklace 48. Canine’s coat 50. Sol or fa 52. National Institutes of

Health 53. *”____ Christmas, I gave you my heart” 55. Trinitrotoluene 57. *”You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar when I ____ ____” 60. *”I wanna dance with somebody, with somebody who ____ ____” 64. Lithograph, for short 65. Holstein sound 67. Radio sign 68. Killed, like dragon 69. Commotion 70. Yiddish shrew 71. Sleep in rough accommodations 72. Gourmet mushroom 73. Cancel an edit, pl.

DOWN 1. Whispered from a prompting booth 2. Shells and such 3. *”Meeting you with a ____ to a kill” 4. Brings home the bacon 5. First U.S. space station 6. Again 7. *”Hello, is it me you’re looking ____?”

8. Weight of refuse and chaff, pl.

9. Black and white cookie 10. One from Goa 11. *”And I’m never gonna make it like you do, making ____ out of nothing at all” 12. Compass reading 15. One of religious orders

20. Last letter of Greek alphabet 22. Experienced 24. Sine over cosine 25. *”I long to see the sunlight in your hair and tell you time and time again how much ____ ____” 26. Northwoods dwelling?

27. The Goldbergs sibling 29. *”Cuase I’m your ____ cool one, and I’m built to please” 31. Scotch ingredient 32. Kitchen tear-jerker 33. Wombs 34. *”Ooh, what’s the matter with the crowd I’m seeing?

Don’t you know that they’re out of ____?”

36. Petals holder 38. *”Wake me up before you ____” 42. It creates instant millionaires 45. Count on, two words 49. One from Laos 51. Emissaries 54. Poison ivy or Poison oak 56. Religious doctrine 57. Venus de ____ 58. Greek Hs 59. Not that 60. Pilot’s stunt 61. Not loony 62. Catcher’s gear 63. Geological time periods 64. Psychedelic acronym 66. Lyric poem SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9