CN: September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

Lights out

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES By Darlene Sowell. Pg. 2

Nov 5-19: The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival. Pg. 3

Features (FLIP)

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

CLA SSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3

Moore On Life, Lifestyle & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4

Weather

By Wendy Todd

For those who can view the Gateway Arch at night, lately, something has been different.

The Arch is unlit as The National Park Service turned off exterior lights for September to protect birds migrating south for the winter.

According to the National Park Service, 40% of the nation’s migratory waterfowl use the Mississippi River corridor during their spring and fall migration. The practice of turning off lights at the Gateway Arch at night began in 2002.

“One of the main reasons birds migrate during the night is so they can use the positions of the stars and the moon as spatial

references and navigation aids,” said Dan Zarlenga, the media specialist at the Missouri Department of Conservation. “The excess artificial light of our urban environments overwhelms the stars and obscures a critical reference these birds use to find their way. Artificial lights can also cause disorientation that leads the birds to impact with buildings.”

Birds also fly at night because it’s cooler, which mitigates the risk of them overheating while flying long distances. Additionally, at night, the atmosphere is more stable with less turbulence, allowing for a steadier course.

“The darkness of night probably makes birds safer from predators too,” Zarlenga

added, “so they can concentrate more on traveling instead of getting eaten.”

It is estimated that 600 million birds die each year due to nocturnal building collisions caused by disorientation from artificial lights.

St. Louis is located on the Mississippi Flyway, one of the largest migratory paths for birds. As a result, St. Louis is ranked as the fifth most dangerous city for migrating birds in the spring and sixth in the fall.

“There are many species of birds that navigate during the night,” Zarlenga said. “It is believed that the majority of bird species do so.”

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The Gateway Arch has turned off its exterior lights for the month of September to protect birds migrating south for the winter

Submitted photo : An estimated 40% of the nation’s migratory waterfowl use the Mississippi River corridor during their spring and fall migration. The practice of turning off lights at the Gateway Arch at night to protect these birds began in 2002.

Around Town

Home Builders Association donates $15,000 to St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation

On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2023 HBA President Jeremy Roth (Elite Development Services/ McBride Homes) (left) and HBA Executive Vice President Celeste Rueter (right) presented a $15,000 donation to St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation’s director of development Christine Rutherford (left center) and chief development officer Janet Leigh (right center).

The donation will go toward St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation’s Safe Home for Seniors program, a minor home repair program that helps low-income seniors remain in their own homes, safely and independently. The grant is estimated to impact 18-20 client homes.

St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation is part of St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors, a faith-based, non-sectarian, nonprofit dedicated to building a society in which older adults are respected and whose needs for a secure and productive life are fulfilled. St. Andrew’s meets the needs of the aging population in the St. Louis area and focuses on enhancing the lives of each older adult by providing a full range of well-being services and secure living environments to older adults over the age of 60.

The HBA is a local trade association of nearly 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

Reducing artificial lights helps to prevent disorientation and allows birds to see the stars better, aiding in navigation. There are ways the public can help as well.

People can turn off or even eliminate nonessential lights, close curtains and window shades to keep light inside, uti-

COMMUNITY VOICES:

lize motion detector lights so they don’t stay on constantly and use light fixtures that have down shields that direct light to the ground instead of upward.

The Gateway Arch’s exterior lights will be turned back on beginning the evening of Oct, 1, and remain lit nightly thereafter.

By Darlene Sowell

Expanding STEM education programs will narrow the racial gap in tech

Children from under-resourced communities face the greatest disparities with access to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, labs, and materials. The consequences are dire. Black workers comprise only 9% of those employed in STEM fields and only 5% in engineering jobs.

At Unleashing Potential, we are working to reverse this trend by increasing access to STEM education early on. When Myron*, age 11, one of the more than 750 children we serve annually, was challenged to think about global good, he wondered, “How can we use science to cut down on environmental harm from cars?” Answering this question fueled his quest to discover and research the technology that powers cleaner vehicles.

In today’s digital world, STEM skills are essential and becoming increasingly specialized. We are actively engaged in closing the opportunity gap for our scholars and recently launched a geospatial learning hub for children in K-8 grades. Our new GeoQuest program expands access to hands-on learning and skill training in geospatial technology. Geospatial education complements STEM learning and uses location-based technology, like global positioning system (GPS) and

geographic information systems (GIS), to problem solve.

We also bring in experts in STEM-related fields, including geospatial technology. As one of the fastest-growing fields in information technology, geospatial science jobs are in high demand. Our scholars can ask questions, tinker with devices like Mico:bits and drones, and receive instruction and mentorship from technologists working in the field.

STEM learning and engagement is more than encouraging our youth to pursue careers as scientists and engineers, although I hope many will. It’s also about fostering STEM literacy and challenging students to value the important lessons learned in their discovery process: attention to detail, problem-solving, perseverance, and creativity. It’s essential we start early! The future depends on our youth being ready to address pressing issues locally and globally.

Our efforts in bringing this vision to fruition are more than a one-agency crusade. We have partnered with many outstanding and dynamic organizations, including the Deaconess Foundation, United Way of Greater St. Louis, MHB, and, most recently, TREX. Providing the conditions for positive youth

development is a responsibility shared by all of us—families, schools, and communities. With your support, we will continue to build on the strengths of our remarkable children and support their families. If you are interested in joining our team or supporting our mission, learn more by visiting www.upstl. org. We can’t do what we do without you! You help us make a difference each and every day in the lives of children and families in our community!

*Actual student/name has been changed to protect child’s identity

As President/CEO of Unleashing Potential, Darlene Sowell has led the agency for 15 years, and serves on the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations. Her lifelong commitment has been to engage and expose children of color to opportunities that can change the trajectory of their future. As she often says, “If they can’t see it, they can’t be it!

An estimated 40% of the nation’s migratory waterfowl use the Mississippi River corridor during their spring and fall migration. The practice of turning off lights at the Gateway Arch at night to protect these birds began in 2002.

Submitted photos

The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival announces four headlining authors

The 2023 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival has not one, but four major authors headlining the 45th annual book festival that will be held Nov. 5-19. The Jewish Community Center will host Andrew Rhea, Rebecca Minkoff, Martin Fletcher and Mitch Albom throughout the two-week-long event.

On Nov. 7 at the festival’s cookbook panel, YouTube star Andrew Rea, from the show “Basics with Babish,” will show off his latest cookbook, written to help troubleshoot anything from broken butter to burnt bread to bony branzino. “Basics with Babish” is a kitchen bible for the new generation of trial-and-error home chefs.

On Nov. 9, luxury fashion mogul and social activist Rebecca Minkoff will kick off Women’s Night with her latest book, “Fearless: The New Rules For Unlocking Creativity, Courage, And Success.”

“Rebec The 2023 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival has not one, but four major authors headlining the 45th annual book festival that will be held Nov. 5-19. The Jewish Community Center will host Andrew Rhea, Rebecca Minkoff, Martin Fletcher and Mitch Albom throughout the two-week-long event.

On Nov. 7 at the festival’s cookbook panel, YouTube star Andrew Rea, from the show “Basics with Babish,” will show off his latest cookbook, written to help troubleshoot anything from broken butter to burnt bread to bony branzino. “Basics with Babish” is a kitchen bible for the new generation of trial-and-error home chefs.

On Nov. 9, luxury fashion mogul and social activist Rebecca Minkoff will kick off Women’s Night with her latest book, “Fearless: The New Rules For Unlocking Creativity, Courage, And Success.”

“Rebecca Minkoff is not only an icon in the fashion dimension as a world-renowned designer, but she is also a business maven whose efforts to recognize the unique struggles of women and mothers in the workplace are reflected in her podcast and in her book,” said

Hannah Dinkel, Director of Literary Arts at the J. “We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca for Women’s Night. Her uplifting character and wisdom pay tribute to the spirit of the evening as we come together to amplify powerful female, Jewish voices!”

NBC news correspondent and National Jewish Book Award–winner, Martin Fletcher, will be presenting his latest book, “Teachers: The Ones I Can’t Forget” on Nov. 14. This book features photographic montages paired with moving stories of resilience collected from Fletcher’s memories in international news coverage. “Teachers” is a welcome reminder of the integrity, devotion, and empathy that still goes into news reporting.

Mitch Albom, author of the No. 1 bestseller “The Stranger in the Lifeboat,” will close out the festival on Nov. 19 discussing his latest novel, “The Little Liar,” which will be officially released during the book festival. This moving story of three Holocaust survivors focuses on the consequences of what they said, did, and endured as children to survive such a devastating moment in history.

In addition to these three authors, the festival will offer a diverse lineup of bestselling authors, investigative journalists, historians, and more. Highlights include:

• Internationally acclaimed intuitive self-improvement advisor and psychic medium Rebecca Rosen will take the stage to discuss her book, “What’s Your Heaven?

7 Lessons to Heal the Past and Live Fully Now.” This book is a guide to overcoming harmful intergenerational patterns and tapping into your own divine guidance to start living the life you were born to lead.

• Historian and specialist for Holocaust and German-Jewish history, Wolf Gruner, will speak on his newest book, “Resisters: How Ordinary Jews Fought Persecution in Hitler’s Germany.” This highly original and compelling account, tells the tales of individ-

Bench dedication to honor the longtime chairman of Florissant subdivision

"Chelsea Manor Salutes the Memory of Chairman Willie E. James. ‘Although we are Apart, Your Bride Remains, My Love will Continue for You, Beyond the Grave,’ Love, Your Forever Bride, The Rev. Dr. Dorthea King-James.”

These words are inscribed on a wooden bench being dedicated in honor of Rev. Willie James, who served as chairman of the Chelsea Manor Subdivision Board of Trustees for more than 25 years.

The posthumous dedication took place Aug. 19 at monuments circle in the Chelsea Manor Subdivision, which is adjacent to 2412 Strawberry Fields Court, in Florissant.

Rev. James’ service to the community extended far beyond his neighborhood in Florissant.

He also served as pastor of the New Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of the Ville, in the city of St. Louis, for 38 years, police chaplain for the city of St. Louis for 15 years and police chaplain for St. Louis

County for 25 years.

His widow, the Rev. Dr. Dorothea King-James, promoted her book, “Waves of Faith: My Life Experiences Shared With Pastor Emeritus Willie Earl James,” at the event.

In the volume, she records the many challenges she faced nursing her husband back to health as he battled serious medical conditions and regular dialysis treatments. She credits Jesus Christ alone for sustaining her.

“If he had lived, Willie would have turned 74 on Aug. 18, so remembering all my husband did for the community and holding this bench dedication is like a birthday gift to him that I hope is making him smile in heaven,” she said.

The program began with a prayer by Joanne Reuter, chaplain of the O'Fallon Police Department, and among other things, include reflections from King-James, a presentation by Rep. Jay Mosley, and remarks from James’ classmate Herman Jones, president of Sumner High School’s graduating class of 1968.

ual Jews who resisted Nazi persecution, challenging the traditional portrayal of Jewish passivity during the Holocaust.

• Dr. Rosanne M. Leipzig, a top doctor with more than 35 years of experience caring for older people, presents “Honest Aging” an indispensable guide to the second half of life, describing what to expect physically, psychologically, functionally and emotionally as you age.

Participants can also expect names like Andrew Mellen, Andrew Meier, Diana Fersko, Aaron Hamburger, Weina Dai Randel, and Michael Strassfeld to present their latest books throughout the festival. See the full lineup of authors, prepare your calendars for the schedule of events, or purchase tickets at jccstl.com/JBF-authors-events.

Those who want the full St. Louis Jewish Book Festival experience can purchase Premiere Pass Tickets, which provide entrance to more than 18 author programs year-round. These tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.showpass.com/jewish-bookfestival-all-access-pass-3/.

The Rev. Willie James was longtime chairman of the Chelsea Manor Subdivision, in the city of Florissant, as well as pastor of the New Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of the Ville, in the city of St. Louis.

Submitted photo

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund announces 2023-2025 Grassroots Funding recipients

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) announced its 2023-2025 Grassroots Funding recipients. In its second funding allocation, the Grassroots Funding cycle will distribute $3,643,428 among 29 organizations that provide mental and behavioral health services to children and families in St. Louis County.

CSF launched its Grassroots Funding Opportunity in 2021 as a pilot program to channel additional funding toward underserved communities in St. Louis County. For this second cycle of Grassroots Funding, CSF has nearly doubled its investment as well as the number of organizations it funds. Each funded program falls within one of CSF’s focus areas, which includes crisis intervention, substance use treatment, therapeutic and non-therapeutic counseling, transitional housing and more. CSF staff, along with an external team of community reviewers, reviewed applications before recommendations were approved by the board of directors.

“As we enter a new funding cycle, we are excited to welcome back our previous partners, who were part of our initial Grassroots Funding Opportunity in 2021. We are also thrilled to form new connections with 12 organizations that we are partnering with for the first time. We all have a shared vision of supporting the mental and behavioral health of kids and families in St. Louis County, and we look forward to growing and learning together over the next two years,” said Emily Koenig, executive director of CSF.

The 2023-2025 Grassroots Funding Recipients are:

• Family Resources and Community

The beauty of an unintended day Still In This Together:

Connections

• Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation

• St. Louis Queer Support Helpline (SQSH)

• The Community Reach

• The SoulFisher Ministries

• Dr. Mesha’s Chosen Women Foundation

• Infant Loss Resources

• Save Our Youth

• The Collective STL

• The Oxygen Project: Yoga for Youth

• Behind It All Foundation

• Chinese Service Center in St. Louis

• Joe’s Place

• St. Louis Survivors Legal Support

• Vitendo4Africa

• Artists First

• Bread and Roses Missouri

• Good Journey Development Foundation

• Hope Creates

• St. Louis ArtWorks

• A Red Circle

• Barak Christian Church

• Bridging Families to Communities and Beyond

• KHAOS Inc.

• Episcopal City Mission

• Flourish Foundation

• Girls In The Know

• MPWER

• Triple A Youth Foundation

CSF celebrated its 2023-2025 Grassroots Funding partners at its Zest For The Best event on Aug. 24, at the Norwood Hills Country Club.

For more information about CSF and the Grassroots Funding Opportunity, visit stlcsf. org. CSF also encourages those searching for mental and behavioral health services and partners to take advantage of its interactive map of providers, which can be found at https://stlcsf.org/finda-service/.

John and I have gotten into the habit of going over the next day’s plans each evening, just to prevent any surprises or unexpected early wake-up calls. To be honest, I wish we’d thought to do it years ago, but I think we were too busy to even realize a calendar on the counter and a couple of simple questions could have made a difference in the chaos.

A couple of weeks ago, John asked me before we started watching a movie what we had scheduled for the next day, and I chirped “not a thing” as I grabbed a package of microwave popcorn and stuck it into the microwave.

There were storms predicted for overnight and early the next morning, all the better to hunker down with the adventure movie and then crawl into bed to flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder. The storms lasted all night and into the morning, bringing heavy rain and wind just as had been forecast, but since we had no plans for the day, the inclement weather didn’t matter.

Until it did.

My phone buzzed earlier than planned, and our three-son daughter was on the line telling me their power had been out for a couple of hours, their house was getting hot, and in an effort to keep the boys busy she had given each of them a flashlight and built a fort under the kitchen table, but the fun hadn’t lasted nearly as long as she’d thought it would, and if one of them “accidentally” shone a flashlight into her eyes one more time, there was going to be trouble.

They could see that there was a fire engine halfway up the neighboring block where a huge tree had fallen across the lawn, taking electrical wires with it as it landed in the street. There was no estimate on how long the power would be out, husband Andy was out of town on business and might not make it home until the next day, and she and the boys needed to go somewhere, anywhere, and could they come over. We were thrilled at the prospect of an unintended day…the very best kind of day when you’re a grandparent.

Not long after the phone call, there were three rings of the doorbell and three faces staring into the windows that flank our front door. The boys looked thoroughly surprised when we came to the door, and started hopping up and down in sheer delight. I could feel my smile growing as I opened the door to the fun I knew lay ahead.

The twins pulled the play kitchen away from its storage spot and began

By Vicki Bahr

emptying boxes and tote bags filled with pretend food and plastic tableware while big brother Adler assembled the small blue table and three chairs they use to set up their business. Then he told me he was really hungry for pancakes and lots of syrup and maybe some milk because they really hadn’t had breakfast since the power was out and the packaged muffins and granola bars they had eaten just weren’t enough.

Before Becca could argue the point with him, I had already set up the griddle and Adler was stirring the first of three batches of pancake batter we would ultimately finish off…along with a full can of mandarin oranges, the last banana split evenly among them, one yellow Skittle apiece, and more syrup, please.

Because there was serious work to be done. We needed to bring out my Halloween earring collection earlier than usual this year and make sure all the pairs matched, cook a pretend picnic to be enjoyed at the bottom of the basement steps, practice hitting wiffle balls in the basement, play hide and seek in the spare bedroom closets, read all the favorite books they allow me to keep at our house for them, and sit on the kitchen counter stools and place all the Battleship pegs into the holes while Grandpa sat just beyond them working on his calculator where they could keep an eye on him.

Legos and Connect Four, several snacks on fish-shaped plastic plates and perfectly-timed bathroom visits for the three-year-olds, conversations about the fire engine by their house and a couple of Amazon kid episodes later, there was news that the power was back on at home, and Becca decided to head home and try for a couple of little guy naps. Turns out naps didn’t happen at their house that day, but it sure did at ours.

Unintended days sure take a lot out of us grandparents…but the memories are so worth it!

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

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

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 314504-4515 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 tailgate 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 314-831-1300 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-tofour hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314513-1674 or cbanaskavich@ jfcs-stl.org.

Mondays: Choral Arts Group meetings

Choral Arts Group practices every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Connection Christian Church at 1332 Feise Rd. in O’Fallon. Auditions not required. Ages high school and older are invited to join. There will be spring and fall public concerts. For more information call Marty at 636579-9227, or email concertartsa@gmail.com.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: A cappella singers

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

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food Pantry Clients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are avail-

What’s Happening

able. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@ caastlc.org for additional information.

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

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 10 – 11 a.m. at Expansion Church at 11150 Old Saint Charles Rd. in St. Ann. For more info, contact Pat Pinson 314-4281168 or 314-435-5898.

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

The Gentlemen of Sound are looking for men who like to sing or want to learn. They practice Tuesdays at Lady of the Pillar school at 401 S. Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m. They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for new members. Come by or call Kirk at 314-954-7920 .

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

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

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/ Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul McConnell, 314831-5476.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers: Show-me Stitchers is the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. We meet on the second Tuesday, Sept.June at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO. Learn needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, and more.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Bingo takes place every Wednesday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Life Care Center of Bridgeton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, welcome all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. Please RVSP at 314-298-7444 with the month you will attend and number of people attending.

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) TOPS (Take Off Pounds

Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant. For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 8:00 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314-921-2316.

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

3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314839-7604.

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

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

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B...

Lindenwood’s football team picks up second win Lindenwood University’s football squad (2-1) defeated Western Illinois (0-3) by a score of 43-40 on Saturday night in Macomb, Illinois. The Lions outscored the Leathernecks 29-9 in the second half.

Western Illinois opened the scoring early in the first quarter, going up 7-0 less than a minute into the game. On Lindenwood’s first drive, Robert Giaimo got going on the ground, but the drive stalled after a fourth down stop by the Leathernecks. Western Illinois doubled its lead with another long strike and went up 14-0 with just over nine minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Lions needed just two plays to respond on its next drive, as Cole Dugger found Jeff Caldwell over the middle from 37 yards out, cutting the lead to 14-7. After a Lindenwood turnover, Western Illinois would add a late field goal to lead 17-7 after one quarter.

The Leathernecks extended their lead to 24-7 early in the second frame. Lindenwood responded with a methodical 11-play 75-yard drive, which was capped off by a Giaimo receiving score from seven yards out to make the score 24-14 with 8:40 remaining in the half. Lindenwood’s defense bent but didn’t break on

the ensuing Leathernecks drive as they missed a field goal. However, Western Illinois would capitalize on a turnover to go up 31-14 late in the half and that would be the score after two quarters.

Lindenwood opened the second half with a touchdown when Giaimo Broke through from 17 yards out to cut the deficit to 31-21 early in the third quarter. Lindenwood’s defense stood strong once again on the next possession. Western Illinois couldn’t handle the snap on a field goal attempt and Devon Edwards was there to make the stop. The Lions capitalized on the offensive end, Dugger found Caldwell for a 40yard score, making it a one possession game, 31-28 with 3:40 left in the third. We’d head to the fourth with that score.

After a long-sustained drive by the Leathernecks, Lindenwood was able to hold them to three, which made the score 34-28 with just over three minutes gone in the fourth. Once again, the Lions responded with a quick strike, as Dugger and Caldwell hooked up again, this time for a 72-yard touchdown to give Lindenwood a 35-34 lead. Western Illinois responded, taking the lead right back, going up 40-35 with just over five minutes to go in the game. Lindenwood answered the call once again on offense, going on an 11-play 75-yard drive, which ended in another Cald-

well score. The Lions got the two-point conversion to go up 43-40 with just over a minute left in the game. The Lions stood strong on defense, getting a stop and sealing the win in comeback fashion.

“Last week, we asked our guys how they were going to respond,” said head coach Jed Stugart. “I couldn’t be more proud of the resiliency they showed tonight down 17 at half. They believe in and love each other And a team that has that can overcome a lot of things. We’re a young team and they grew up a lot tonight.”

Leaders of the game:

• Jeff Caldwell (five catches, 185 yards, four touchdowns)

• Cole Dugger (16-for-22, 270 yards, five touchdowns, 57 rushing yards)

• Robert Giaimo (20 carries, 120 yards, four catches, 29 yards, two total TDs)

• Kobe McClendon (three tackles, two TFL’s, two sacks)

• Devon Edwards (14 tackles, two TFL)

* Just getting started

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural sea son, among many other activities. I am currently host ing a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com.

It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

RECIPE : Boost your afternoon with energy bites

ThisCreamy Vegan Grape Ice Cream offers a dairy-free alternative to traditional summer sweets and is powered by Grapes from California. Simply puree grapes, combine with oat coffee creamer and let your freezer do the work. The result is a perfect balance of cold, fruity goodness in a silky-smooth bite.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound stemmed black Grapes from California

12 ounces vanilla oat coffee creamer, well chilled

12 ounces unsweetened oat coffee creamer, well chilled

DIRECTIONS:

In high-speed blender, puree grapes until smooth. Transfer to medium saucepan and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook 10-15 minutes, or until reduced to 1 cup. Cover and

CREAMY VEGAN GRAPE ICE CREAM

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10-15 minutes, plus 6-8 hours freeze time Servings: 8 (1/2 cup per serving)

Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 0 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 6 g fat (39% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 45 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

refrigerate until well chilled. Stir creamer into pureed grapes and pour into stainless steel mixer bowl. Using stand mixer, mix well. Cover and freeze 6-8 hours or overnight.

Find more ways to cool off in the heat by visiting

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.

Substituion: For lighter color, use 3/4 pound black grapes and 1/4 pound red. Note: Make sure stainless steel bowl is well chilled or frozen before making ice cream.

Looking back: John Travolta in ‘The Boy in the Plastic Bubble,’ ‘Phenomenon’

ith films such as “Saturday Night Fever,” “Grease,” “Pulp Fiction” and “Hairspray” under his belt, John Travolta continues to have a successful film career. In 1976, Travolta starred in “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble,” a made for television film inspired by David Vetter and Ted DeVita, two young men born with weakened immune systems. Travolta played Tod Lubitch, a boy who spent much of his life in germ free environments and took classes remotely. As Tod grew older and became interested in Gina Biggs (Glynnis O’Connor), the girl next door, he wanted to risk his compromised immune system and see if he could survive in the outside world.

“The Boy in the Plastic Bubble” aired while Travolta was making a name for himself on the sitcom “Welcome Back Kotter.” His performance in the television film helped further his career. Travolta also started a relationship with Diana Hyland, the actress who won an Emmy for her performance as Tod’s mother. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away on March 27, 1977, at age 41. She had been filming episodes of the new television series “Eight Is

Enough,” a series based on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden. In 1996, Travolta starred in “Phenomenon,” a romantic drama directed by Jon Turteltaub. Travolta played George Malley, an auto mechanic who lived in a small California town. He also was interested in a single mom named Lace (Kyra Sedgwick). To get closer to her, George let her sell her handmade chairs in his shop, but, in reality, he was the only person buying them. During his 37th birthday celebration, he said he saw “bright white lights” in the sky that knocked him down. After that encounter, George was able to process complex information and developed what appeared to be telekinesis. He even came up with new solar

panel designs and correctly predicted an earthquake.

Instead of taking over the town, George used his newfound abilities to develop a powerful fertilizer for the local farmers. He even played matchmaker for his good friend Nate (Forest Whitaker). Because George had always been a nice guy, the residents were now wary of him. After a shave and haircut courtesy of Lace, George agreed to appear at a county fair to demonstrate what he could do. The crowd lost control, however, and George fell to the ground and once again witnessed those “bright white lights.”

Science, technology and Travolta played a big part in both movies mentioned above. He was the perfect person to play George Malley in “Phenomenon,” an engaging story about a man given who took a great gift and used it to benefit others. In “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble,” Travolta was equally impressive playing Tod Lubitch, a teenager who spent most of his life relying on technology to survive. I look forward to seeing what film role John Travolta will tackle next.

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.

‘Phenomenon’ photo courtesy Touchstone Pictures

Yeggs’

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’m flying off to see my grown kids and I hear there is something to be excited about on this trip. What could it be you ask?

Maybe the bathroom space has increased so I won’t have to sit with my knees wedged up next to my earlobes until I’m cramped and locked into place.

No kidding

Eventually I’ll push the help button. It’s always embarrassing when the flight attendant has to ask people in the emergency row section to help unpack me from the restroom. I’m sure they weren’t expecting that type of urgent situation when they all verbally agreed to assist in the event of an emergency.

Perhaps the space between seats has been blocked so the guy behind me will keep his smelly feet inside his shoes this time? I always get some backseat intruder who thinks my armrest is his personal real estate and there for his footrest.

The buzz this time around is that kids have been relegated to a “children only zone.” Oh, how nice it will be not having some colicky baby breaking the sound barrier or not having someone’s hyperactive toddler kicking my seat for three hours like some deranged metronome.

Soon I was seated then snuggled in for a restful flight of blissful tranquility. Lucky me, I was seated in the emergency row and could enjoy a bonus of extra legroom.

No sooner had I drifted off into la-la land then I was being yelled at by the flight attendant. “Emergency!” he barked. “Follow me. This is

By Cindy Moore

not a drill!”

Our aisle ran to the back of the plane where we had to yank a portly woman out of the restroom. Believe me, I felt her pain.

Exhausted, I crawled back to my seat and tried to catch a few winks. But it was not to be. My slumber was soon interrupted by a putrid smell. Mr. Foot Odor had wedged his feet onto my armrest and was sharing his bouquet with everyone around. Fortunately, I had packed a freshly sharpened number two pencil for my crossword puzzles. One quick jab solved the problem.

I then pushed the button for the steward. He quickly came by and asked how he could help.

“One bandage for the bleeding dude behind me and a seat reassignment back with the children please.”

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

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

CROSSWORD: OCEAN DWELLERS

ACROSS

1. Kind of wrap

6. Pose a question

9. Be sore

13. Ottoman title

14. Ornamental ponddweller

15. Florida Key, e.g.

16. Mr. T and friends

17. Knot-tying vow (2 words)

18. Milan's La ____

19. *Walrus' cousin (2 words)

21. *Crustacean "on the barbie"

23. Finish line

24. Creole vegetable

25. He had

28. Gives a helping hand

30. Tranquil

35. Frosts, as in cake

37. Bear, in Latin

39. All the words in a language

40. "By ____, I think she's got it!"

41. Silver to Lone Ranger

43. Chows down

44. Mark Twain to Samuel

Langhorne Clemens

46. Toupee spot

47. Pestilence pest

48. Singer Eilish

50. Rub the wrong way

52. Yoda: "Do or do not.

There is no ____"

53. *A type of whale or the color of many dolphins

55. Overnight lodging

57. *Inspiration for a certain pineapple dweller

60. *Inspiration for Marvel's Doc Ock

64. South American juice flavor

65. Bearded antelope

67. All thumbs

68. Pineda of Journey

69. Stomach pain-causing acronym

70. Hundred, in Italian

71. Hammer part

72. Not stood

73. Bar, legally

DOWN

1. R&R destinations

2. Angie Thomas' "The ____ U Give"

3. Seaward

4. *Cetology object of study

5. Thin layer

6. *Like green sea turtle and loggerhead sea turtle

7. Grass "carpet"

8. Newsstand, e.g.

9. Fungal spore sacs

10. *Edible bivalve

11. S.O.S.

12. Pilot's estimate, acr.

15. Netanyahu's country

20. Abomination

22. 9 to 5, e.g.

24. Bone burial spot

25. Muslim woman's headscarf

26. Cause for food recall

27. a.k.a. Lucifer

29. Between stop and roll

31. *Coral polyps' structure

32. Raise one's rank

33. Potassium nitrate

34. Student's request for ChatGPT?

36. *#19 Across' earless cousin

38. Hostile to

42. Opposite of ecbatic 45. Smoke, sometimes 49. Energy unit 51. Attract

54. Front of cuirass

56. Religiously unaffiliated, pl.

57. Confident answer

58. Glazier's unit

59. Baker's baker

60. Give a boot

61. Closely confined

62. Plotting

63. "____! In the Name of Love"

64. Year off in school

66. Giannis' league

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

John Hanna Yeggs