CN: November 8, 2023

November 15, 2023

Turning the page

Around Town Regional Holiday Volunteer Guide opportunities available. Pg. 2 Ferguson-Florissant School Board receives national award. Pg. 2 STILL IN THIS TOGETHER: The mid-life crisis. Pg. 4

Features (FLIP)

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Lifestyle & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4 Submitted photo: The nonprofit Turn the Page STL is working to help more students reach reading goals, become proficient in literacy and mitigate other educational difficulties.

The nonprofit Turn the Page STL is working to help more students reach reading goals, become proficient in literacy and mitigate other educational difficulties

By Wendy Todd According to the Missouri Assessment Program, in 2021, only 14.1% of third-grade students attending a school in the St. Louis Promise Zone School District, the seven poorest performing school districts in St. Louis, were reading at or above grade level.

Being able to read proficiently at the thirdgrade level is paramount because prior to third grade, students are learning to read. In and after third grade, students are reading to learn and comprehend.

Studies show that if students have not reached their reading levels by the third grade, it can indicate that students will experience educational challenges down the line and possibly even drop out of school.

The nonprofit Turn the Page STL is work-

ing to help more students reach reading goals, become proficient in literacy and mitigate other educational difficulties. It is part of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading community, a coalition that brings programs together to “align, collaborate and support,” said executive director, Lisa Greening.

“When we started three years ago,” she continued, “we spent a year meeting with nonprofits, schools, libraries and many families to determine why our children are not reading proficiently.”

The results of those meetings uncovered five primary reasons for underperformance: lack of kindergarten readiness, summer learning, teacher preparedness, family engagement and community awareness – which the organizations works to improve.

The nonprofit is primarily focused on

school districts in the STL Promise Zone that have been federally designated as underperforming and include the city of St. Louis, Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood, Jennings, Normandy, Riverview Gardens and University City. Turn the Page STL works with the St. Louis County Library and several literacy-focused nonprofits in the region to increase reading and comprehension outcomes for its students.

Helping students achieve success in literacy is a professional passion for Greening. After serving as the executive director of Ready Readers a nonprofit that provides literacy services to low-income, preschool-aged children, Greening ventured out to start Turn the Page to address this See ‘TURNING’ page 2

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Around Town

November 15, 2023 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘TURNING’ from cover Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com

specific community of students.

“After looking at the work happening in other cities,” she said, “especially in Kansas City, I decided to start a Campaign for Grade-Level Reading community in St. Louis to align all of our great programs and resources so that we are working towards a common goal, third-grade reading proficiency.”

Though improvements in third-grade reading have been made, particularly due to students engaging in an hour a day of literacy in the organization’s summer camp, Greening needs help. She is looking for volunteer literacy tutors.

“We need St. Louisans to tutor,” said Greening. “Our children need another adult in their life that provides one-on-one tutoring.”

To find out more about Turn the Page STL, go to www.turnthepagestl.org.

Submitted photos: The nonprofit Turn the Page STL is working to help more students reach reading goals, become proficient in literacy and mitigate other educational difficulties.

Regional Holiday Volunteer Guide opportunities available The season of giving is here. United Way of Greater St. Louis is releasing the free Holiday Volunteer Guide, an online tool featuring local volunteer opportunities during the holiday season. The guide can be found at STLVolunteer/hvg.org.

“Volunteering during the holiday season is the perfect way for people throughout the region to lend their time and talent to lift our communities and celebrate United Way’s Volunteer Center’s 90th anniversary,” said Rick Skinner, Vice President of United

Way’s Volunteer Center.

All of the opportunities listed are through reputable nonprofit agencies throughout the St. Louis region in Missouri and Illinois. There are a wide array of volunteer opportunities that people can explore by location, age, skillset, passion and keyword. Additionally, there are in-person, virtual and do-it-yourself at home opportunities available through the guide.

Current examples include creating holiday goodie bags for local children, deliver-

ing holiday meals for homebound individuals, serving as a greeter and assisting with children’s activities at local holiday events, sorting and organizing clothes and donations, and unloading and bagging meals at local food pantries. Virtual and do-it-yourself opportunities include filling out holiday greeting cards for older adults, contributing to holiday wish lists and creating holiday wreaths for those who are newly housed.

MoDOT opens new fly-over ramp from eastbound I-270 to northbound Rte. 367 On Oct. 27, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) opened the new fly-over ramp from eastbound I-270 to northbound Route 367.

“Opening this new ramp is a huge milestone for us as it is the last new feature of the project, and it eliminates the weaving pattern and traffic merge that previously occurred as drivers exited the loop ramp,” said

Niall Jansson, I-270 North project director.

“This opening, like every element of the project, helps improve both efficiency and safety throughout the entire I-270 North Corridor.”

This critical opening moves MoDOT closer to its December 2023 completion of the $278 million I-270 North Project. The project improves safety within the I-270 North

corridor through infrastructure upgrades.

To stay current on the status of this closure and to view a project overview and graphic displays of planned construction, please visit the I-270 North Project website at: www. i270north.org. Travelers can also contact MoDOT’s customer service center at: 314275-1500 or the I-270 North Project Team at: I270North@modot.mo.gov.

St. Louis Housing Authority awarded $520K by HUD to address housing-related health hazards The St. Louis Housing Authority was recently awarded $520,300 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to advance the remediation of housing-related health hazards at the agency’s Northside Scattered Sites (NSS) public housing development.

The funds were received under HUD’s Housing-Related Hazards & Lead Based Paint Capital Fund Program, which enables public housing agencies to identify and eliminate housing-related environmental health hazards – such as carbon monoxide, mold, and fire risk – to protect the safety and health of its residents. SLHA will utilize grant funds to transition 34 units from natu-

ral gas to clean energy through appliance replacements, furnace and electrical services upgrades, and exhaust fan replacements.

“Research has proven that, at elevated levels, indoor air pollution from combustion appliances can affect respiratory and heart health, among other conditions,” said St. Louis Housing Authority Executive Director Alana C. Green. “Eliminating combustion appliances and inadequate ventilation at the Northside Scattered Sites makes way for improved health outcomes and indoor air quality by reducing our families' exposure to fire hazards and harmful household pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.”

SLHA’s focus on NSS carries a significant value because the scattered development is located in or near high-poverty north city neighborhoods that experience disproportionate exposure to higher levels of environmental pollutants, resulting in poorer health outcomes.

“Historically, gas stoves have been linked to childhood asthma. North city residents account for most of the asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations in the city. These upgrades not only modernize the household, but it allows SLHA to remove the risk of hazardous pollutants in the household to protect the health and safety of our children and families,” Green said.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 15, 2023

Ferguson-Florissant School Board receives national award

Submitted photo: CUBE Chair Gill Garett and NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs stands with Ferguson-Florissant School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Davis, School Board President Dr. Courtney Graves and other members of the Ferguson-Florissant School Board.

The Ferguson-Florissant School Board was honored at the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) Annual Conference last month before an audience of nearly 1,000 urban school board members.

The Ferguson-Florissant School Board received the 2023 Award for Urban School Excellence, which considers four core areas of governance: School Board Performance; Academic Improvement; Educational Equity; and Community Engagement.

Located in the city of Hazelwood, the 9,500-student Ferguson-Florissant School District’s stated mission is to provide high-quality instruction “to every student in every neighborhood while prioritizing equity and compassionate relationships.” Focused on data-driven decision-making and evidence-based practices, the Ferguson-Florissant board works toward measurable improvements in student achievement and narrowing opportunity gaps. It recently adopted a series of antiracist standards to further educational equity for all students, especially those most marginalized.

“Receiving the CUBE Urban Board of Excellence Award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensure that every student receives an equitable education in the Ferguson-Florissant School District,” said Dr. Courtney Graves, Board President of Ferguson-Florissant School District. “Together, we've overcome trials and tribulations, cultivated a culture of excellence, and secured our promise of a brighter future. This recognition is a reminder that when a community comes together, we can achieve greatness. Our journey continues, guided by the belief that education is the key to unlocking limitless possibilities for our students, our families, and our community. It's worth noting that our board, once a non-majority Black representation, now stands as a symbol of unity and progress, ready to lead with renewed purpose and determination.

We understand that by providing the necessary emotional supports and re-

sources, building trusting relationships, delivering quality instruction, and ensuring equitable social and academic opportunities to our most marginalized scholars, we will positively impact the trajectory of their future endeavors and well-being. Together, we are the architects of a brighter and more equitable future for all.”

“I applied for this job nine years ago because of what happened to Michael Brown,” said Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Dr. Joseph Davis during his acceptance speech. “Too many of our black sons are dying and it is our responsibility as black men to stand and take responsibility for what is happening with our children.”

Davis stressed the importance of rewriting the story of Ferguson that focuses on the district’s impressive achievements, including the highest growth in mathematics in the St. Louis region on state assessments; a 93.6% four-year graduation rate, including a 94% four-year graduation rate for black boys; 92% of incoming STEAM Academy ninth-graders scoring at proficient or advanced on the eighth-grade state math assessment; and STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School being named as one of the best high schools in America by U.S. News and World Report.

“Let me be real clear that we are not there yet,” Davis said. “We still have a lot of work to do. Our school board believes in building community and engaging our community and meeting them where they are and not where we think they ought to be. But let it be said today across America that the Ferguson story is being rewritten.”

“The Ferguson-Florissant School District has made a transformational change, emerging from one of its darkest days with the killing of Michael Brown nearly 10 years ago,” said McCotter-Jacobs. “Today, its future – and the future of the students it serves – is extremely bright, evidenced by tremendous gains in math, graduation rates and college readiness.”

Around Town 3

Local Greek organizations unite to support the region The United Way of Greater St. Louis Louis region to join this friendly comCharmaine Chapman Society kicked petition and contribute to United Way’s off its annual Divine 9 fundraising efforts to build a stronger and more eqchallenge last month and has already uitable region for us all.” raised $169,592 with Delta Sigma The money raised for United Way’s Theta ($48,599) and Kappa Alpha Psi campaign will be used to support over ($35,092) leading the way.

160 local nonprofits throughout the reThe Divine 9 Challenge is designed gion that help the people they serve get to increase financial support for United access to essential needs, youth success, Way’s community campaign and celejobs and financial security, health and brate Black Sororities’ and Fraternities’ wellbeing, and community and crisis recontinued commitment to service that sponse. Thirty of the nonprofits served ensures the St. Louis region is a better

by United Way are led by Black CEOs or place to live, work and thrive. executive directors.

The fundraising challenge began on Those looking to support United Sept. 25 and will run through Nov. 20.

Way by making a donation can visit This serves as an avenue to bring togethHelpingpeople.org. er members of the nine historically Black Sororities and Fraternities in the St. Louis region to support the community by pledging to the United Way Leadership level annual gift of $1,000 or more.

“We are having so much fun with the Divine 9 challenge so far, the spirit of giving is in full swing, and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” said Cedric Mitchell, Divine 9 challenge co-chair.

“The best part is that the challenge isn’t over yet. www.treesbywood.net There’s still plenty of time for our generous neighbors throughout the St.

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4

Around Town

November 15, 2023 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

UMSL’s new Advanced Workforce Center aims to equip workers with essential business skills The University of Missouri–St. Louis has been a leading driver of workforce development in the St. Louis region since its founding 60 years ago.

The majority of its more than 112,000 alumni remain in the region after graduation to live and work, and they fill jobs in every industry.

But the model for equipping employees with the skills they want and that businesses need has been shifting, and UMSL is adapting to that reality. The university’s new Advanced Workforce Center will provide accessible educational opportunities for all by delivering diverse pathways to degree attainment to meet workforce demands.

“Nontraditional is traditional,” said Reggie Hill, UMSL’s vice chancellor for strategic enrollment and career advancement. “We know that, give or take, 10% more students are choosing to go into the workforce

than ever before, so the need for a tailored program has become more and more necessary. We’ve always provided workforce training, but typically, it took four years.

Now students can learn and earn at the same time.”

The university is committed to working with business partners to identify and address their needs to attract, retain and nurture talented workers. The center will provide a customized corporate partnership model where employers invest in their employees through degree obtainment as well as through certifications and noncredit coursework.

BJC HealthCare and Compass Health have each faced an increased need for quality, trained social workers who can help manage cases and assess, diagnose and treat mental illness as well as substance use and addiction. Last year, the two providers signed agreements with UMSL that allow eligible employees to pursue Master of Social Work degrees through the

university while receiving relevant academic support services to ensure student achievement and degree completion.

UMSL is working to finalize similar agreements with regional employers in other industries through the Advanced Workforce Center.

The university is also a strategic education partner with the Amazon Career Choice program, which provides employees benefits that include full college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and English language proficiency, high school diplomas and GEDs. “It will help us scale nationally,” Hill said of the partnership. “UMSL is a top-tier regional public institution. We’re not only looking to have an impact in the region; we’re looking to build an advanced workforce initiative of consequence that can have an impact around the nation.”

Still In This Together: The mid-life crisis

T

www.VillageNorthRetirement.org

he first hint that I paid absolutely no attention to, but most absolutely should have, was a picture our oldest, Chris, sent to us on a lazy Saturday afternoon. It showed our almost-13-year granddaughter, Caroline, standing in front of an insanely bright orange Jeep with a grin on her face so big that it closed her eyes, and a thumbs up on her left hand that said it all.

I figured they had been out somewhere in North Carolina that afternoon buying groceries or running errands in preparation for Caroline’s upcoming two weeks at camp and she had seen the Jeep and decided it would make a nice addition to their family. Leave it to an adolescent lover of all things bright and shiny to find this one-of-a-kind bauble to beg her parents to bring home. It was just the kind of thing in miniature that Caroline would plunk dollar bills into a claw machine at the arcade to try to win when they’d been in town, I thought.

I showed John the picture of Caroline and the Jeep and we both laughed as we headed out the door on our own Saturday afternoon errands, and promptly forgot about it.

The next Wednesday evening, when son Chris called just to check in and see how things have been here in Missouri, he asked what we thought about the picture of Caroline and the Jeep.

“Oh, my gosh!” I laughed. “Where did she find that Jeep, and when are you and Maureen going to break down and buy it for her? At least you’d never have trouble finding your car on the parking lot!”

“Actually, we were at the car dealership just looking around and I found it,” he said. “It had already been bought or I would have taken it on a test drive.”

John and I just looked at each other, certain this was another of Chris’ jokes.

“I took one look at that orange Jeep and decided I’d love to have that to drive when we go up into the mountains hiking or over to Charleston or the beach for a weekend.”

It was quiet for a minute as I decided whether this was another of the perennial jokes Chris has been catching us off-guard with since he was a toddler. It wasn’t.

“I know it’s never going to happen, but I just like the idea. Must be mid-life crisis, although that means I’m going to live to a hundred or something,” he laughed.

And with the fierce tenacity of a mother who wants

By Vicki Bahr

nothing but what her child has his heart set on, I set out to convince myself that Chris’ shiny orange Jeep was a great idea.

Funny thing was, just as it always happens when you start fantasizing about something, we started seeing Jeeps everywhere... all sizes and shapes and colors.

At church, on the highway, in the driveway of a new neighbor moving in around the block.

Every time we talked to Chris, we asked him about it and he just laughed. We told him about all the ones we seemed to be encountering everywhere and said maybe he should come here and drive one back home to North Carolina.

“Nah, they get terrible gas mileage. I’ll either find one here or not at all,” he said.

For a while, we didn’t mention the shiny bright orange Jeep anymore. Chris was busy with work, the kids were getting ready to go back to school, life got in the way of his mid-life crisis, claw-machine dream.

And then there was an orange Jeep that the dealer Chris had been speaking with was going to have brought across the county for him to look at. But then it took longer than he thought, Chris was in a 24-hour charity bike ride and the car needed to be decided upon, then the Jeep was delayed and wouldn’t be cleaned up and ready for him to inspect until the following week.

Life was conspiring against his ever actually being able to decide for or against this crazy dream of his.

Until the morning he sent us the video of him banging the gong in the dealership after signing the paperwork (a tradition he said he may very well have ended because of his boisterous enthusiasm at his chance to show his pride of ownership).

The bright orange Jeep is theirs … proof of unswerving patience and the power of persistence, the love of a father’s family and the sheer joy of a mid-life crisis.

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 15, 2023

What’s Happening 5

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

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

unteers needed

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food Pantry Clients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are available. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@ caastlc.org for additional information.

Tuesdays: Bingo

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

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

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

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.

Tuesdays: singers

Mondays: meetings

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

Workshop

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: singers

A

cappella

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: Vol-

A

cappella

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 .

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 Donna Grellner, 314303-1947.

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 314-6535331.

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 314-8310988.

Thursdays: guild

Quilting

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

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: Women’s chorus meeting

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

St. Ferdinand Fish Fry at 1765 Charbonier Rd. in Florissant, has resumed every Friday from 3 - 7 p.m.

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 314831-3752.

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.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

6

Sports

November 15, 2023 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Ambush sign talented rookie The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) and play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The team has signed rookie Jason Payne, the team announced today.

Payne is a native of Vista, California and began playing youth soccer at the age of five. His collegiate career was spent at Mira Costa College in Oceanside, Califronia and he played prep soccer at Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista.

He played semi-pro soccer for Albion SC (NPSL)

in San Diego and recently spent two seasons honing his indoor skills with San Diego Sockers 2 (MASL2).

In 23 games played for San Diego during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, Payne scored 15 goals and added five assists for 20 points. He has primarily played midfield and forward. Payne also holds a USSF D coaching license and enjoys sharing his knowledge of the game with young players.

Ambush co-owner, GM and head coach Jeff Locker said, “Jason is player with a lot of potential and we look forward to his continued development in the indoor game and contributions to the future success of the Ambush.”

Payne said, “I am incredibly grateful and appreciative to have the opportunity to play with the St Louis Ambush. I heard nothing but good things from the San Diego Sockers staff about this organization and I am excited to represent St. Louis in this new chapter of my career.” * Young addition to the roster Ambush start the 2023-2024 season at home The professional St. Louis soccer club comes off the off-season to play in front of their home town fans.

The Ambush will kick off their eleventh season when they host the Milwaukee Wave in their home opener on Black Friday, Nov. 24 at 5:05 p.m. at The Family Arena.

For more details go to www.STLAmbush.com * Another exciting season of soccer

www.midwestbankcentre.com/cds/cn

UMSL finishes season undefeated The second-ranked University of Missouri-St. Louis volleyball swept Southwest Baptist on Saturday afternoon at John Q. Hammons Court to finish the regular season undefeated.

The Tritons end the regular season 28-0, 13-0 GLVC. UMSL never trailed in the opening stanza as it

www.occsi.com

began the match with three straight points. They led by as many as 12 in the frame taking the opener 25-13.

The Tritons hit .394 in the opening set with 16 kills against three errors in 33 attempts and were led by Lexie Rang with five kills while Humm and Mya Elliott had four kills apiece.

UMSL hit .324 in the frame and was again led by Rang with five kills while Humm and Elliott had four kills each.

The final set was tight early before the Tritons pulled away with another run to grab a 17-11 lead after a ball handling error by Katie Pogue.

The Tritons finished the contest hitting .357 with 45 kills against 10 errors in 98 attempts and was led by Rang with 14 kills while Humm finished with 12 and Elliott added 10 more UMSL will be the number one seed in next weekend’s GLVC Tournament. The Tritons will take on eighth seeded Upper Iowa. * On to the next level 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.

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Feature

November 15, 2023 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY

BY DAVID FINKLESTEIN

The 2023 Nissan Leaf brings affordability to the electric vehicle market In 2022, Nissan Motors reduced the price of their all-electric battery powered compact Leaf. Now, manufactured in its second generation, the 2023 model reflects this identical pricing strategy.

The Leaf is offered in two trim levels. It begins with an entry level S model. From there, they offer the SV Plus build combination. MSRP pricing starts out at $29,135 for the S Edition and the SV Plus that I tested, was priced at $35,800.

Predictably, the SV Plus has the most advanced technologies and generally features what most customers tend to find appealing. It also includes the longer-range enhanced battery pack as well as a higher output drive motor for improved acceleration. The upgraded battery helps to put to rest driver anxiety. This allows the operator to be totally focused on driving, rather than constantly looking at the distance gauge.

As expected, drive range distance is certainly fluid, depending on many fluctuating variables. Once the battery capacity might be in jeopardy, the computer-controlled system automatically goes into “turtle” mode in order to conserve power. The S Model gets around 150 miles on a full charge, the SV Plus reflects approximately 230 miles of drive distance. The odd thing is that Nissan choose to include a strange looking and somewhat awkward Chademo on-board charging connector. I

– 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.

discovered that not all public universal charging stations are compatible with this unusual setup.

Regardless, on a Level-1 charge (home 110-volt AC system) it often takes some 24 hours or more to achieve a full charge. With a Level 2 (220-Volt AC charge setup), it generally takes less than eight hours for a full charge. The entry LEAF S is equipped with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery and 110-kW electric motor that delivers some 147 horsepower. The Leaf SV PLUS features

‘AUTOMOBILE ALLEY’ continued on F4

SEE ANSWERS ON STL PG. 7

MetroLink: whose pass is it anyway?

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.

According to Wikipedia, construction on what would become the MetroLink light rail service began in 1990. In 1993, the first 13.9-mile leg opened with 16 stations between the North Hanley and 5th and Missouri stations in East St. Louis. Stations such as College in Belleville opened in May 2001.

An extension from College to the Shiloh-Scott station opened in May 2003. Residents in the greater St. Louis area have used the light rail system to attend special events, concerts and, more recently, soccer matches.

While looking for work, I found myself immersed in MetroLink history after taking a temporary job as a surveyor.

The work seemed straightforward: spend several hours on station platforms asking riders which MetroLink pass they were using for their current trip. Although some declined to answer, others were happy to talk about their experiences. I spoke to one regular rider who said she was grateful for the service because she suffered from seizures. She didn’t drive anymore and relied on MetroLink to get to work and also see her family.

I spent a lot of time on train platforms during the last month. When I was assigned to an unfamiliar station, the first thing on my “to-do” list was locating the

id temperature drop in the afternoon.

Thankfully there were heaters at the station to keep me and the passengers somewhat warm and dry.

On Nov. 7, my last day contracting for MetroLink, I left home and walked over to my assigned location for a double shift. It turned out to be a picture-perfect day as I walked under a sky that shifted subtly from dark clouds to traces of blue to sunshine. The weather was comfortably warm, which made my job easier. In the afternoon, several workers were on the platform as music was playing Submitted photo courtesy of other passengers. After a glorious start, though, I was running bathrooms. When you work hours on your out of steam and waited for my shift to end. feet, knowing where to go when you’ve reI chose the headline “MetroLink: whose ally “got to go” becomes crucial! Suffice it pass is it anyway?” for this piece because to say, my bathroom survey came in handy MetroLink really belongs to everyone. I more than once (trust me on that!). Good witnessed men and women carrying what walking shoes and weather-appropriate l thought were all their possessions and, clothing will make the task more enjoyable. when I asked which pass they were using, During my final days on the platforms, they told me. Other commuters brought I spent six hours at Emerson Park station their bikes to use once they reached their in East St. Louis in the rain. That was folstop. I looked at my tracking sheet and saw lowed up the next day at the same spot for a cross-representation of humanity who another wet and cold shift. Each shift starthad taken MetroLink or were about to take ed slowly, but I was able to talk to people the light rail to go home. about the passes they were using. Later in Whose pass is it? It’s yours, mine and evthe day there were distractions such as a eryone’s. domestic disturbance just outside the gates to Emerson Park station followed by a rap-

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November 15, 2023 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Moore on Life

By Cindy Moore

Feature F-4

CROSSWORD: THANKSGIVING

R

estaurant prices are getting totally out of control and it’s not just me. Here’s how I know.

Recently a family took their kids to a restaurant. All seemed to be going well until the bill arrived accompanied by a nasty little surprise.

“A long hair in the house dressing?” You say.

No, worse.

“Oh, no…you don’t mean? Paper straws that fall apart in your mouth?!”

Wow, that is extremely nasty, but this was even more offensive. The group was fined $50 for “bad parenting.”

When the parents demanded an explanation, the owner snorted haughtily then said, “Your children were breathing loudly and stared in my general direction more than once.”

I just think this must be a way to get extra dough. Apparently, the tip jars taped to every cash register and inside the bathroom stalls are not bringing in enough cold cash.

So not only are restaurants raising menu prices, but some also charge fees for credit card use and water and even something called a kitchen appreciation fee. I guess that must be for the use of the gas stove instead of cooking over a fire pit in the parking lot.

I suspect it will get worse.

Me: “Excuse me. Where are the restrooms?”

Waiter: “Down the hall to the left, but you’ll need to get a key at the front desk which requires a $10 deposit.”

“What for?!”

“College! You don’t think I want to work here for the rest of my life, do you?!”

We finished our meal and I asked the waiter

‘FINE’ DINING for a doggie bag. We then paid the bill and headed for the door.

“Oh Ma’am,” he said. “You left your doggie bag.”

“That’s for you. I couldn’t afford to use your restroom and can’t wait long enough to get home to use mine. Let’s just say, that’s my deposit.”

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.

‘AUTOMOBILE ALLEY’ from F1 a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 160-kW electric motor that produces 214 horsepower. The battery module warranty is covered for defects, materials and workmanship issues for eight years, or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. These models also include Nissan’s regenerative braking system. It’s engineered to help recharge the onboard battery while decelerating.

New model year changes that help with the cars design identity include an attractive and revised front grille and bumper/fascia assembly, slight improvements with its modern exterior lighting, exclusive eye-catching aluminum-alloy multispoke wheels and a rear underside wind diffuser.

Also new is a modified rear air spoiler, designed to help with aerodynamics while cursing on the interstates. Minor changes were incorporated with the vehicle’s comfortable and quiet interior.

With my test drive of the SV Plus rendition, Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist was included as well as their hands-on driver assist system. It combines electronic Intelligent Cruise Control and steering assist technologies. ProPILOT Assist also includes a stop and hold function. It’s de-

signed to bring the vehicle to a full stop, hold it in place, and can bring the vehicle back up to speed when traffic starts moving once again. The factory’s 360-degree safety shield is also included.

It’s partly made up of their automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, plus lane change and rear cross traffic backup warning. This model is assembled at their facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. The majority of the drive line components originate and are imported from Japan. Leaf is one of the most affordable EV’s in its segment. The factory shipping and destination charges are extra, they were posted showing $1,025.00.

David Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Technician, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well.

He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards.

SEE ANSWERS ON STL and STC PG. 5

ACROSS 1. "If all ____ fails..."

5. End of philosophical system 8. Center of our orbit 11. Indian flatbread 12. Take down, as in a dragon 13. Yemeni neighbor 15. Homer's "Iliad", e.g.

16. *Copper coin with issuer of Thanksgiving Proclamation 17. A sign or symbol, archaic 18. *A certain famous Mayflower rock 20. *5K, a.k.a. Turkey ____ 21. Blair or Hayek 22. Spy org.

23. Like hikers' camps 26. Tourney grid 30. Beehive State native 31. Casual top 34. Money in Milan 35. Belches 37. Roth ___, acr.

38. Low-ranking workers 39. Old Norse texts 40. Major Black Sea port 42. Dog command 43. Resize 45. *Thanksgiving, a.k.a. ____ Day 47. Baby goat 48. Subway entrance 50. Parting words 52. *Massachusetts' contender for first Thanksgiving celebration 55. Oyster gem 56. One thing on a list 57. Of two minds 59. Sonnets and such 60. Mastercard rival 61. Carve in stone 62. Ted Turner's "baby" 63. Lt.'s inferior, in the Navy 64. "James and the Giant Peach" author

DOWN 1. Compass dir.

2. Arctic native 3. Flying jib, e.g.

4. Enclose in a cyst 5. Part of small intestine 6. *Traditional occupant of the last parade float 7. *Pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving, e.g.

8. Asian food thickener 9. *Tbs. or tsp., in Thanksgiving recipe 10. Zip 12. Chews out 13. Ostium, pl.

14. *"____ on 34th Street" 19. '90s TV sitcom "Boy ____ World" 22. TV tube in days gone by, acr.

23. *Sweet one or russet one 24. Short musical composition 25. Smart candy?

26. Women's undergarments 27. Newsstand, e.g.

28. "Sesame Street" Muppet 29. *Dinner exclamation?

32. Sweep under the rug 33. Fury 36. *Lions' opponent this year 38. ____ exclusion principle in physics 40. Like something for a wedding day 41. Bad rep 44. Supermarket walkway 46. Let for money 48. Form of civil disobedience 49. Lock of hair 50. Past participle of "be" 51. Knitter's ball 52. Long live, in French 53. Itty-bitty bit 54. Like part of McDonald's logo 55. Rubber substitute, acr.

58. Stanley Cup org.