CN: September 13, 2023

September 13, 2023

Painting for Peace

Dozens of the murals created on storefronts along the streets of Ferguson following social unrest in 2014 will be permanently housed at the Delmar DivINe office building

By Wendy Todd

After the killing of Michael Brown, many in St. Louis experienced immense emotional suffering. Artists and community leaders came together to figure out how to help the community heal. The collaboration resulted in a project of creative expression called “Painting for Peace.”

In November of 2014, 500 people gathered along the streets of Ferguson, Dellwood and South Grand in St. Louis and St. Louis County to create what resulted in 300 murals. The themes of the artwork were hope, change, equality, love, justice and peace.

Now, dozens of the murals from the “Painting for Peace” movement will be per-

manently housed at the Delmar DivINe, an office building created by Build-A-Bear founder, Maxine Clark, which is occupied by programs and institutions that are equally devoted to social change and cultural legacy that will amplify its impact. A public gallery opening on Sept. 22 and 23 will be held at the location and visitors will get to see over 60 of the large-scale pieces.

“Each brushstroke tells a story of resilience, compassion and the unwavering determination to stand up for one another,” Clark said. “These events also inspired the creation of the Delmar DivINe.”

Carol Swartout Klein, who grew up in Ferguson, was instrumental in bringing the murals to the Delmar DivINe.

“Carol’s tireless efforts have brought these

artworks to their rightful home at the Delmar DivINe,” Clark said. “We will forever be grateful. This 100-plus-year-old building has walls large enough and strong enough to properly host and honor this collection.”

Klein wanted to find a way to preserve the artwork that was born from the care and resilience of the community.

“It’s part of our history,” said Klein. “Delmar DivINe’s mission is to be an ongoing catalyst for collaboration that leads to positive change. It’s the perfect fit for this art and a true full circle moment that shows what we can accomplish when we reach across the lines that divide us to make something beautiful.”

Photos courtesy Michael Kilfoy Artist Ronald Young appears in front of his mural “We Matter Together” that was originally painted on the New Chinese Gourmet restaurant on South Florissant.

Klein also wrote an award-winning children’s book on the subject, “Painting for Peace in Ferguson” that features the project’s art.

Ronald Young explained his involvement in the mural painting, “I was driving through Ferguson and we saw the mural painting happening and my son said, ‘Dad, you have to do this.’ So the next weekend I went up — impromptu — didn’t have anything specific in mind. It was more about making a contributionthan an artist statement.”

He saw some young college students painting and joined in. Young added the boy and girl holding the sign “We Matter.” The multi-colored handprints filled in the rest of the background and were contributed by the whole group creating a lasting image of their collabora-

tion “Together.

Ronald Young explained his involvement in the mural painting, “I was driving through Ferguson and we saw the mural painting happening and my son said, ‘Dad, you have to do this.’ So the next weekend I went up — impromptu — didn’t have anything specific in mind. It was more about making a contributionthan an artist statement.”

He saw some young college students painting and joined in. Young added the boy and girl holding the sign “We Matter.” The multi-colored handprints filled in the rest of the background and were contributed by the whole group creating a lasting image of their collaboration “Together.

Ronald Young, one of the artists who participated in “Painting for Peace” and whose mural was located at the New China Gourmet Restaurant at 42 South Florissant Road in Ferguson, shared his motivation for creating a piece for the project.

“I was driving through Ferguson,” Young said, “and we saw the mural painting happening and my son said, ‘Dad, you have to do this.’ So the next weekend I went

COMMUNITY VOICES:

Civility is becoming an antiquated term. Its meaning is consistently modern. Civility is how we treat one another as human beings – properly.

What is clearly apparent to any casual or intentional observer of American culture in reality or the virtual realm reveals pervasive incivility. The language and public square interactions are replete with routine vulgarity and abusive language use.

Just as philosopher Rene Descartes famously stated, “I think therefore I am,” how you speak tells how you are.

Tyre Nichols deadly traffic stop visually documented the Memphis Police SCORPION unit’s brutality, but so did the incident’s audio recording. Nichols was cursed and dehumanized over and over. Dehumanization

up — impromptu — didn’t have anything specific in mind. It was more about making a contribution than an artist statement.”

AJ Rosenberg, who created a mural of a colorful dove, came with her daughter and friends to Ferguson to paint after Thanksgiving in 2014. She felt it would be a cathartic way to process her complicated emotions.

“Art is such a huge part of protest, self-expression, and communication,” Rosenberg said. “It doesn’t matter what your level of talent is or whether you created ‘something’ in that moment. Rather it was about how expressive and healing it can be and how art can bring people together.”

Artists of the “Painting for Peace” project will be on hand Friday, Sept. 22. The event on Saturday, Sep. 23 is family-friendly. Both events are free and open to the public but an RSVP is requested through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painting-for-peace-gallery-opening-at-the-delmar-divine-tickets-694118155087?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete.

By Rodrick Burton

Language and incivility

is the standard operating procedure of those who commit crimes against individuals, ethnic groups and countries.

Verbal dehumanization was an essential tool in the imposition of chattel slavery, dehumanizing the enslaved. The American use of dehumanizing language has been present in conflicts from the Indian Wars; the Spanish American War, World Wars 1 and 2, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, the Iraq War and Afghanistan.

At this point in this essay some have taken offense and would lodge a charge of “wokeness”; however, I would assert from a perspective of faith, that the Christian Bible has many warnings around using corrosive language.

Here are Jesus’ own words, “It is not what

goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth that defiles the person.”

A glance at our awards shows, our media, even our State of the Union audience response is ladened with defilement pouring collectively out and in response.

This must change and can change by a decision to be intentionally disciplined governing our individual speech. Even when angry – think before making an utterance. When in public, consider and be wary that our words can offend and pollute the auditory airspace for kids, seniors, and your fellow citizens.

Let us use language to recapture civility before incivility is our permanent neighbor.

Rodrick Burton is the pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church, a member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, the Ecumenical Leadership Council, St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence (SIRV), Voices for Early Childcare Programs and a field education mentor at Covenant Theological Seminary.

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.

Still In This Together:

A proverbial swift kick into winter

Itwas July 28, the 217th day in a row that we had been under an extreme heat warning, and I was ready to give summer a swift kick right into winter.

I know my convictions will be tested come January and the ice and cold is firmly entrenched, but it has been so miserable the past couple of weeks that I will testify under oath that I would much prefer to be too cold than too warm.

I’ve watched the weather on my phone app, and listened faithfully to the promises of assorted local meteorologists that there are storm chances and cool fronts and cloud formations on the horizon and there is certainty that some area or other will be getting relief from the heat, but hope always ends up evaporating before the weather front gets here, or we see hailstones the size of softballs that fell just on the other side of the river or there are magically disappearing vortexes unlike anything the meteorologists have ever encountered. The false sense of hope has become almost too much to bear. I’m ready to take things into my own hands; I need relief.

In a fit of disappointment when I looked at the updated long-range forecast that had promised a half percent chance of rain for a week from Tuesday and a cute little gray cloud picture to go along with it, and saw that the cloud was now gone and a bright sunshine with a manically happy smile on its face had replaced it, I rebelled.

I looked out the window in the direction we now watch for storms to form and saw nothing but bright blue sky and wavering heat waves on the horizon. The cows that live on the farm just beyond our back fence were all at the bottom of the hill under non-moving leaves on the trees, and one by one walked straight into the lake up to their necks in muddy water just to escape the heat, the flies, and I’m quite certain, the disappointment of the latest weather forecast. And

By Vicki Bahr

from the looks of it, they weren’t coming out of the water any time soon.

So, I marched myself to the basement, moved a few boxes around, grabbed the one marked FALL CLOTHES, carried it right upstairs, and in violation of all common-sense procedures, began pulling out pumpkin shirts, skeleton and ghost socks and a longsleeved denim harvest blouse. I needed reinforcement that the 100-plus heat indices weren’t really going to last and that fall is going to come this year.

I put on the short-sleeved shirt that reads HAPPY FALLIDAYS and drove to the dollar store that already has shelves of candy corn, scarecrow decorations for the front yard and spooky skulls that shriek when you touch them, apologized to the cashier ahead of time, and pushed the skull buttons a time or ten, just out of sheer necessity.

Funny thing was, I wasn’t alone. There were several folks with autumn window clings and fake flowers in their carts who came over and joined me. We all just needed proof that this heat wave, too, shall pass.

On the way home, I stopped at the grocery store and bought a package of the pumpkin muffin mix that I had seen the week before when we were shopping, reduced to half price because it was nearly expired.

The muffins were worth turning the oven on for. The house smelled great and I had the biggest smile on my face when I bit into the first one, and the second one, and the third!

Vicki Bahr is an inveterate word lover and story sharer, a published author in magazine, newspaper and blog forms. As a mom of four, grandma of nine, and wife of one for 50 years, she finds that inspiration and wonder are everywhere.

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Dr. Lisa McDonald and Associates 7247 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63130 314-727-1319

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Carol’s Corner Florist & Gifts 9456 Midland Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63114 314-427-1221 www.carolscornerflorist.com

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A plaque dedication for late immigrant businesswoman is set for Sept. 27

The city of Florissant and Florissant Old Town Partners will hold a plaque dedication in honor of the late Satoko “Sue” Mitchell.

This will be the 60th Walk Through History plaque in honor of someone that have made valuable contributions to the city of Florissant or someone with Florissant roots that has impacted the community.

The ceremony will be held on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in front of 111 rue St. Francois. The plaque dedication will take place before the start of the last Wednesday Night Out festivities hosted by Hendels Café.

Satoko Yamamoto was born in Nikko, Japan. She married Al Mitchell in 1952 and went by the name “Sue.” She came to the U.S. knowing only her husband. They raised five children. As a child she taught herself to sew when she lived in Japan. She opened Sue’s Alteration Shop in Old Town Florissant and was there for over 20 years. She had strong ties with the Florissant community and was known for her kindness that built lifelong friends.

Obituary: Marie I. Marfia (née Stortz)

Marie I. Marfia (née Stortz) entered eternal rest on Aug. 20, aged 97.

Marie joins her beloved husband James (Jimmy) Marfia, parents John and Pearl Stortz (née Geile) and brother David Stortz.

She is survived by her loving and devoted sister, Betty Stortz; her treasured nieces, Melissa Argo, Amy Stortz Miller and Lindsey Stortz; her cherished grand-niece and grand-nephew, Lauren and Brendan Argo and her precious dog, Nicky.

A devout Catholic and proud Greyhound retiree, Marie was born in Perryville, Missouri and spent most of her life in the St. Louis area. She was strong-willed, intelligent, loyal and independent. In addition to her deep affection for her family, she enjoyed travel, had a fondness for jewelry and appreciated good food and good company.

Marie greatly enriched the lives of her family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Her memory will continue to be a blessing to all those who knew her.

A visitation and funeral service was held on Aug. 29 at the Schrader Funeral Home. Marie was interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery beside her husband Jimmy. Contributions may be made in her honor to the Catholic Charities of St. Louis, St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.

2023 BEST OF NORTHWEST COUNTY

Thank you ads continued on page 6...

What’s Happening

EVENTS

Sept. 15: Food truck event

The Knights of Columbus Duchesne Council #2951 and the city of Florissant will be co-sponsoring a Food Truck Knights from 5 to 8 p.m. on the lot near the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine located at 50 rue St. Francois. The trucks will serve until 8 p.m. and performing at the event will be Decades Apart. The truck

line up for the evening will be: Seoul Taco, 2 Girls 4 Wheels, Mann Meats, Angie Burger, Truck Norris, Doughboy’s Pizza, The Tamale Man and TruckOSoup. Proceeds will benefit local nonprofit charities including the TEAM Food Pantry. Patrons are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for collection barrels that will be on site.

Sept. 16: Reunion picnic

The Breckenridge Hills Reunion Picnic will take place at Vinita Park Pavilion at 8374 Midland Blvd. from 12-7 p.m. Bring your own food. Contact Valarie Owens at 314-5044515 with any questions.

Sept. 22-23: Table and tailgate sale

At Blessed Savior Lutheran Church at 2615 Shackelford Road in Florissant an indoor table sale and outdoor tail-

gate sale runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. Suggested donation is $15 per table for table sale and $5 per parking lot space for tailgate sale (you will have to provide your own tables). In case of rain, event will be rescheduled to Sept. 29-30.) Call the church at 314831-1300 for more details and to sign-up.

RECURRING EVENTS

Weekdays: Volunteer drivers needed St. Louis County Older Resident Programs (CORP) is seeking dependable volunteers who reside in St. Louis County, to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and other essential destinations for senior residents. Mileage reimbursement is available. To learn more about volunteering contact, Laura Conners at 314-615-4435 or lconners@

stlouiscountymo.gov.

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

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

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RECIPE : Boost your afternoon with energy bites

Whenyou need a quick pick-me-up during the workday to fight off the post-lunch slump, a protein-powered burst of energy may just do the trick. A perfect on-thego snack solution with no baking required, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites only take 15 minutes to prepare a batch that can last the whole week.

Packed with protein and easily made from ingredients you may already have on-hand, these quick and easy bites are perfect for storing in the fridge for when you need a delicious, healthy snack. You can also easily substitute ingredients based on what you have in the pantry or to fit your dietary preferences.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE ENERGY BITES

Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8 (3 bites each)

– SUDOKU –

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup nut butter of choice

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or raw cacao nibs

DIRECTIONS:

In large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flaxseed, nut butter, syrup and chocolate chips; mix well using spoon or mixer. Using hands, roll mixture into balls, approximately 1-inch

Find more healthy snack ideas at Culinary.net.

n 2000,en Run,” a stop-motion-

ed by Nick Park and Peter Lord, the story featured chickens who lived on an egg farm run by Mrs. Tweedy (Miranda Richardson) and her husband. If one of their flock no longer laid eggs, the farmer and his wife would kill the chicken and eat it for dinner. In the upcoming 2023 sequel, “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and her friends thought they were finally safe until Mrs. Tweedy revealed her plans for a new delicacy called the “Chicken Nugget.”

“Chicken Run” was an animated adventure that, like other films, returned for a sequel.

2012’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” for instance, featured Ralph (John C. Reilly), a digital villain that terrorized characters in the game called “Fixit Felix, Jr.” Tired of playing the villain, Ralph worked to earn respect from the other digital characters. After he accidentally crashed into the “Sugar Rush” game, however, Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), one of the “Sugar Rush” racers, stole Ralph’s gaming medal to enter a race. In 2018’s “Ralph Breaks

each. Place balls on cookie sheet and chill in refrigerator until firm.

Note: Balls can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.

the Internet,” Ralph and Vanellope searched the Internet for a “Sugar Rush” replacement part so that it wouldn’t be unplugged.

Emmet Brickowski (voiced by Chris Pratt) was a sturdy character that always followed the rules in 2014’s “The Lego Movie.” After a wizard named Vitruvius was blinded protecting a super weapon, he believed that a character known as “The Special” would find the “Piece of Resistance” and stop the evil Lord Business (Will Ferrell). In 2019’s “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part,” Chris Pratt reprised his role as Brickowski, a construction worker, Master Builder and the boyfriend of Lucy (Elizabeth Banks). The cast also included the vocal talents of Ralph Fiennes, Will

Forte and Bruce Willis. Brad Bird’s “Incredibles 2” was the sequel to the popular 2004 animated film. The original showed Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and Helen Truax/Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) on the day of their wedding. Before making their vows, Bob was especially busy stopping suicide attempts and getting rid of bombs. The collateral damage caused by the fighting forced Bob, Helen and their children to go into hiding and refrain from using their powers. “Incredibles 2” gave the heroes a chance to show what good they could really do.

Pete Docter’s “Monster’s Inc.” revealed what’s hiding inside the closet. John Goodman played James P. “Sulley” Sullivan, a huge “Scarer” that worked at Monsters Inc., a company harvesting the screams of children. Ironically, the monsters themselves thought children were toxic and could conceivably kill them. Sulley and his best friend Mike (Billy Crystal) also became attached to a little girl that they nicknamed “Boo.” In 2013, Dan Scanlon directed “Monsters University,” a prequel that showed how Mike and Sulley became the best of friends.

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.

‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget’ and other animated sequels

Moore on Life: National Day of Dumb

Wejust missed National Eat Outside Day. Dang, and we ate inside too. Now we won’t be able to have a picnic for another year.

There are so many nonsense national days. That was just one cornball example. Here are a few more:

Festival of Sleep - I actually like this one, but I don’t need some government holiday telling me when I can snooze. Me and my hammock have that one figured out – any day is Festival of Sleep day.

Bean Day – This one’s a stinker; a real gas! Naw, too easy. I’ll pass on this one. Ha! Pass! See what I did there? Or didn’t do. I’ll admit to nothing.

National Fanny Pack Day – This is one to which my kids say, “What’s a fanny pack?” I say, “It’s a kind of satchel.” They say, “What the heck’s a satchel.” I say, “You know, a pocketbook, a handbag, a carryall…” Blank stares. “Oh, never mind!” This holiday must be cancelled.

Fun Day at Work – I’m convinced this holiday starts on Friday afternoon at quitting time.

National Pet Day – I told my cats about this one, thinking they’d be excited. They promptly scoffed then shredded the couch cushions in protest and muttered, “Hmph! All pets?! How dare you include us with the likes of fuzzball hamsters and drooling pooches. Count us out! We only celebrate those holidays reserved especially for us!” They wouldn’t speak to me for a week.

Talk Like a Pirate Day – All I can say to this silly celebration is, “Ugh.” No, I actually meant, “Arrr!”

Backward Day – Sense no makes!

Do a Grouch a Favor Day – Ahh, here’s one I can re-

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD: NURSERY RHYMES

late to. “Hey Sweetie, I’m gonna take the trash out for you today. And you’re welcome, but don’t get used to it!”

National Acts of Kindness Day – Hey! I just took out the garbage! Don’t be pushing it you makers of national days!

National Bikini Day – If I pranced around in one of these they’d have to rename it, National Purge Your Stomach Day.

National Earmuff Day – These would really come in handy for the above holiday. Now place them over your eyes.

National No Holiday Day - Now you’re talking. This is a free space like for Bingo. A day just to be normal and not think about foolishness.

I invented this holiday. Thank me, thank me very much.

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.

LIFESTYLE: Steps to babyproof your home

Your little one’s on-the-go adventures mark a huge milestone for his or her development and your family. Before you allow your baby to trek freely from room to room, get your home ready for a child on the move with these safety steps and precautions:

Prepare before the birth: First-time parents are likely to embark upon a new life filled with late nights, sleep deprivation and a world of stresses they’ve never experienced or considered. Prepare your home before the baby is born to avoid the panic of waiting until the last minute.

Tour like your tot: The first step toward ensuring your home is ready for a mobile child is to see the world from the same level. Take a crawling tour around your home to see things that may be in the way or discover hazardous items that are within easy reach. Use all of your senses to assess any potential dangers.

Latch it up: Protect your little one from sharp objects and heavy items by installing child protection latches on all cabinets and drawers. For an added layer of protection, keep any sharp objects and harmful chemicals in high places only adults can reach.

Evaluate leaning objects: Bookshelves, bedside tables and the items placed on them, such as television sets and other large appliances, can be a threat to the safety of a small child trying to pull him or herself up and balance on two feet. Ensure these items are properly secured or keep them put away unless in use to avoid them being pulled on top of your child.

Other safety measures: To properly prepare your home for a mobile child, don’t forget to take steps such as:

• Covering electrical outlets with safety plugs

• Placing safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases

• Installing fireplace screens

• Adding foam padding to sharp furniture corners and edges

• Placing a soft cover over the bathtub waterspout

• Removing blinds with looped cords or installing safety tassels and cord stops

• Stocking your first aid kit

• Putting non-slip pads under rugs

Find more tips to child-proof your home at eLivingtoday.com.

ACROSS

1. Ground grain

6. *Black sheep answer: "Yes ____, three bags full."

9. Estimator's phrase (2 words)

13. Washer cycle

14. Australian bird

15. Plants and animals

16. Chipped in

17. Dashboard acronym

18. Not over

19. *Rhymes with Porgie

21. *Container in nursery rhyme and Ella

Fitzgerald's song

23. Ray shooter

24. Gloomy

25. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

28. The Wise Men

30. Type of mold

35. Civil Rights icon

37. Front of ship

39. Marilyn's real name

40. Distinctive elegance

41. Meal in a shell, pl.

43. Plant anchor

44. Strong and sharp

46. *"Three Little Kittens" cry

47. Shower with affection

48. Bungle (2 words)

50. Snow ride

52. P in mpg

53. Debilitating spray

55. *"How I wonder what you ____"

57. *Bed on the tree top

60. *____ John, or Frère Jacques

64. Formerly known as Pleasant Island

65. Commotion or fuss

67. One of journalism's Ws

68. Vinyl collectible

69. *"Tom, Tom, the Piper's ____"

70. Israel's neighbor

71. Big Bang's original matter

72. Deviled one

73. One deserving of respect?

DOWN

1. Hand grenade

2. Pick-up expression

3. On top of

4. Website visitors

5. Wrigley's Big ____ ____

6. Bone-dry

7. Elf on the Shelf, e.g.

8. Cuban dance

9. *Old MacDonald's farm sound

10. Traveled on

11. Proofreader's mark

12. Sail alternative

15. Boot that reaches halfway or more to knee

20. Unsuitable

22. Pitcher's pride

24. Bishop's jurisdiction

25. *Life is but this

26. Marcello Mastroianni's "La ____ Vita"

27. Some Romanovs

29. SI unit of mass

31. *"Here goes my ____ a trot, a trot..."

32. Sag

33. Portray emotion

34. *Jack and Jill's quest 36. Black tropical cuckoos 38. *Sheep's bagfull 42. Curse

45. Lollipop brand 49. Bud or chum

51. Snooze 54. ____ and desist 56. C2H5

57. Pay a visit

58. Bumpkin

59. Famous boxing promoter Bob

60. Smoker's water pipe

61. Group of cows

62. Great Lake

63. Back seat, e.g.

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