CN: November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019

Thanksgiving on wheels St. Louis MetroMarket’s market on wheels brings fresh foods to food deserts and other underserved areas in North St. Louis County

Around Town St. Louis nonprofit empowers youth to succeed. Pg. 3

Special Section

By Charlotte Beard

Senior Living. Pg. 4

Approximately one week before Thanksgiving last year the last stores in the Shop ‘n Save grocery chain closed their doors. For some people in the community these closures caused extra financial hardship due to the food prices at other grocery stores.

Thanks to collaboration between Healthy Schools Healthy Communities (HSHC) and its community partners with the nonprofit – St. Louis MetroMarket, the community has an opportunity to experience a difference in their spending this coming holiday. St. Louis MetroMarket’s market on wheels (converted metro bus) will be on the grounds of the Emerson Family YMCA, located at 3390 Pershall Rd in Ferguson on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

“We’re calling it Thanksgiving Feast,” stated Phedra Nelson, HSHC’s Community Wellness Director for the Gateway Region YMCA. “Everything that will be on the bus that day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be everything imaginable that you would cook for Thanksgiving dinner. This is when people buy cases of collard greens, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, yams, etc. They (will) have other traditional things on the bus as well as meat, corn meal, bread – everything will be centered around things you need for Thanksgiving dinner.”

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a 501c3 nonprofit mobile farmers’ market. The organization transformed a donated city bus into a grocery store on wheels to serve areas identified as food deserts. Nelson became aware of the MetroMarket bus when it was only running in St. Louis City. She shared that one bus is used for all routes.

“Every fruit and vegetable imaginable is placed on this bus,” Nelson stated of the bus that starts its weekly routes in May and ends in November. “They get the produce from farm-

School Maryville University gifts Chromebooks to Normandy ‘Men of Code.’ Pg. 10

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 Submitted photo St. Louis MetroMarket’s market on wheels (converted metro bus) will be on the grounds of the Emerson Family YMCA, located at 3390 Pershall Rd in Ferguson on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

ers here in Missouri and place those (items) on the bus for purchase. It looks like a grocery store on wheels. (People) can shop for fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables. They accept EBT, double-up food bucks, cash, and credit cards. Everything is so affordable. The prices are ridiculously low. It’s unbelievable.”

HSHC’s partnership with St. Louis MetroMarket began in 2017 following Nelson’s research to find out more about the traveling MetroMarket and reaching out to the Executive Director, Lucas Signorelli.

“I drove him around North County – showed him how important it is for the bus to be out (here) and told him that I had funding to pay for a couple of stops in North County.”

Nelson shared that HSHC received fiveyear grant funding from Gateway Region

YMCA and the Missouri Foundation for Health. Dellwood Recreation Center became the first stop in North County for the MetroMarket bus.

Nelson has collaborated with Reggie Jones, Mayor of Dellwood and Ella Jones, Ferguson Councilwoman in securing the traveling bus’s presence in North County annually between May and November. St. Louis MetroMarket invited the mayor and councilwoman to become board members after the initiative for North County began and they remain current members.

Nelson stated, “They have been influential in making sure we keep the bus out here in North County. I’ve connected (MetroMarket) See ‘THANKSGIVING’ page 2

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prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.

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Around Town

November 20, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘THANKSGIVING’ from cover with the school districts as well.”

HSHC’s mission in North County focuses on combating childhood obesity in Ferguson-Florissant, Riverview Gardens and Normandy School Districts. Since Nelson’s quest began for more presence of the MetroMarket bus in North County, she states that the bus has been at Riverview Gardens and Moline Elementary School. In 2018 the bus had weekly funding for stops in the Canfield Green community where the Ferguson unrest took place.

In collaboration with Michael McMillan, Urban League’s President and CEO, this year HSHC’s funding secured stops on the grounds of the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center (FCEC) located on West Florissant where the former QuikTrip existed in 2014.

Nelson shared that weekly Friday service provided on the grounds of FCEC by the MetroMarket bus between May 3 and Nov. 8 this year yielded the following numbers: $10,227.27 in sales, 910 transactions,

3,730 people fed, and 5,660 lbs. of food sold. FCEC’s last stop for the year will be Friday, Nov. 22, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

“My hope is that we can continue,” stated Nelson. “Food justice is a major advocacy for me because it is needed, especially here in North County.”

To view the schedule for other stops in and outside North County until Nov. 26, visit https://www.stlmetromarket.com/about/schedule. To learn more about the mission of HSHC visit https://www.bjcschooloutreach.org/ healthy-schools-healthy-communities.

Submitted photos St. Louis MetroMarket’s market on wheels (converted metro bus) will be on the grounds of the Emerson Family YMCA, located at 3390 Pershall Rd in Ferguson on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 20, 2019

Around Town

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State Auditor releases report on Bel-Ridge Municipal Division; audit gives court rating of ‘fair’ State Auditor Nicole Galloway released an audit of the city of Bel-Ridge Municipal Division in the Twenty-First Judicial Circuit. Bel-Ridge is located in north St. Louis County. The audit gave the court a rating of “fair” and made several recommendations to improve accounting procedures and records.

The audit found several areas of concern with the court’s accounting controls and procedures, including a lack of adequate supervisory or independent reviews

of the work done by the court clerk. The division’s bank account was not reconciled on a monthly basis, and the municipal division was unable to explain to the Auditor’s Office why the reconciled bank account balance exceeded the court’s liabilities by more than $13,000.

The municipal division also has not established procedures to periodically review the status of cases involving unresolved financial transactions, such as bonds. The failure to routinely review these items

St. Louis nonprofit empowers youth to succeed

By Kristen Dragotto This past September, the Dewight E. Patton Jr. Foundation celebrated their seven-year anniversary and had much to commemorate.

The Dewight E. Patton Jr. Foundation is a St. Louis nonprofit that provides support and guidance to youths between the ages of 12 Submitted photo and 19, focusing primarily on the development of fundamental life skills that in turn promotes their success and ability to be a positive influence in their community.

The vice president of the foundation, Tadessa Murray, explained, “This began by having a conversation around the Sunday dinner table about we could help the youths stay out of trouble.”

Staying out of trouble had many layers to the founders of this nonprofit. ‘Trouble’ could range from disciplinary actions at school to interactions with law enforcement.

“What we found in a lot of the neighborhoods we were affiliated with and the teens that we knew between the age group that we focus on, was that they were making poor decisions. We really wanted to find a way to give back to them and help them make those decisions in the critical stages of their life,” Murray stated.

Murray further explained that she, along with her brothers, each followed different avenues that allowed them to tackle such a task. They realized what could be realistically changed - behavior. It was then decided that the organization would focus on helping youths with their decision making.

After that conversation they began working to make that dream a reality. They started the organization and watched as it began to grow. It was after that they brought in outside resources to form an executive board, and in 2012 they became a 501c3. The organization was originally named Youth Empowered to Succeed but was later renamed The Dewight E. Patton Jr. Foundation after their late brother and founding member, who passed away that same year. In 2015 they launched their first off site program.

Now, in 2019, they have helped around 300 at risk youths in the St. Louis area this year alone. They work with eight local agencies where they offer eight-week structured programs that help at risk youths by: minimizing their stress and anxiety, building resiliency, and improving their academic performance and decision making.

For more information on this non-profit, workshops or how you can help, visit: http://www.depjfoundation.org/ or call 314736-5458.

and apply, forfeit or refund money when appropriate increases the number of cases requiring monitoring, and money from those cases can’t be used. Additionally, the court did not maintain complete case records.

The court clerk could not locate 20 case files requested by auditors dated between March 2013 and September 2016.

A separate citizen-requested audit of the city of BelRidge is ongoing.

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Senior Living

November 20, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

www.facebook.com/mycnews

Understanding the right time for a loved one to move to an independent senior living community

By Bob Mogley

www.baucompreciousmemories.com

The question most often asked by adult children here at the Villa at Riverwood is, “How do you know when it’s time for a loved one to move to an independent senior living community?”

There are a number of things to consider – but first and foremost we ask if they’ve had “The Talk” with their parent or loved one. “The Talk” is planting the seed… and that it may be time to think about downsizing and moving out of the house.

More often than not, families wait too long before they have “The Talk.” They put if off. They don’t want to make waves, yet, at every family gathering - they see their loved ones struggling with some of the basic activities of daily living.

Those who are successful at bringing up “The Talk” are often faced with a reluctance to leave their home or even allow a professional caregiver in to provide assistance.

Don’t be surprised with the retort, “I don’t need help - and I don’t want strangers in my home.”

However, when safety and security become concerns, that’s when adult children are forced to tackle the issue. And truth be told, downsizing sooner as opposed to later, offers new opportunities that seniors may not have thought about, such as: becoming more active, more social, eating healthier and simply enjoying this stage of their life.

Many of our adult children have thanked us, saying, “You gave me back my mom!”

Do you really think a senior sitting at home alone watching TV all day with little or no social interaction is happy living that kind of life?

Of course not. The really sad part is that senior will most likely miss-out on this stage and will eventually move directly to a higher level of care. Speaking of which, have you noticed the cost of living in an independent senior living community when compared to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities? Take note, because the savings are substantial.

Here are a few red flags we typically share with families when they ask us for advice.

Signs to Look for in an Aging Loved One:

ally lost or gained weight? Is their refrigerator filled with out-of-date foods? Is their trash can full of microwave cartons and fast food bags and wrappers? Poor nutrition is another sign it may be time for a senior loved one to make a change.

Medication management: Has your senior made mistakes with medications? It might be they are forgetting to take medicines or worse yet, taking them twice. Either way, mismanaging medications can have life-threatening consequences.

Falls: Have they experienced any recent falls or close calls? Are they staying hydrated? Do they seem to be having difficulty walking or are they unsteady on their feet? Falls are the number one cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among seniors. A fall can mean the difference between living an active, happy-life in a senior living community or in a hospital-like nursing facility.

Housekeeping: Has a parent let housekeeping duties slide? If an always tidy parent now resides a messy or dirty house, it might be a sign they need help.

Personal Appearance: Along those same lines, how is their personal appearance and hygiene? Are they wearing clothing for the wrong season? Have they let their personal appearance go? These are likely signs they are struggling.

Finances: Are they safely maintaining their personal finances? Are bills and mail stacked up unopened or are they paying one bill twice while neglecting another? These are early indicators that more support is needed.

If more than one or two of these sound a little too familiar, it might be time to have “The Talk” with your senior loved one about the taking the next step.

Adult children sometimes prefer to visit a few independent senior living communities on their own and then share the information with an aging parent and we applaud this due diligence.

Bob Mogley is the Director of Sales & Marketing at The Villa at Riverwood.

Nutrition: Has your loved one unintention-

www.colliersfuneralhome.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 20, 2019

Record turnout for Florissant’s 2019 Veterans’ Day Parade and presentation On Nov. 10, a record crowd of parade goers with temperatures in the mid-60s came out to see the spectacular 2019 Veterans’ Parade followed by the presentation of the Veteran of the Year award that was held on at the VFW Post 4105 on rue St. Francois where the parade concluded.

This year’s Veteran of the Year award went to Lewis G. Bouwman. Bouwman entered active duty in January of 1994 and was stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division as an Infantryman with the 327th Infantry Regiment. He completed Air Assault School and Jungle Warfare School at Fort Sherman in Panama where he earned an Expert Infantry Badge.

In 1997 he became a reserve with the National Guard as a Military Police Officer and a Drill Instructor with the 95th Division. In December of 1999 he was hired by the St. Louis County Police Department where he is currently an investigator with the St. Louis County Special Response Unit and is also a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team.

He was deployed in 2007 to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a Squad Leader and Convoy Commander with over 200 combat missions. He has received numerous awards including Army Commendation Medals and the Combat Action Badge. He retired from military service in 2010.

Welcoming remarks and Master of Ceremonies was Tony Colombo from FM News Talk 97.1. This year’s Guest Speaker was SGM US Army (Ret.) Carl Hargus, Director, Service to Veterans – MO Veterans Commission (Ret.).

Mayor Lowery addressed the crowd with remarks and spoke about how the Veterans are the cornerstone of our great city and we will never stop paying our respect and honoring the

visit us at

Senior Living

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– TWITTER.COM/MYCNEWS

www.lifewisestl.org/who-we-serve/seniors/senior-companion-program

Photo courtesy city of Florissant

men and woman that served our country with pride, commitment and dedication.

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

www.perfecthandstl.com

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Northwest News

November 20, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

USO gives soldiers a respite at St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Submitted photo United States Air Force Veteran Stephen Ducar (right) volunteers at the USO of Missouri’s James S. McDonnell facility in St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Looking around the USO of Missouri’s James S. McDonnell facility in St. Louis Lambert International Airport, a civilian might see an unremarkable room full of standard dining tables, uniform chairs and a clean food court lit by the glow of stark fluorescent light. A soldier sees more than that: warm and friendly faces, an opportunity to rest, a space that’s outfitted with the comforts most take for granted (plentiful snacks, WIFI, and a comfortable recliner, to name a few.)

Just as our nation’s troops never take a day off, neither does the USO of Missouri, Inc. More than 800 volunteers work tirelessly to share the simple comforts of home including hot meals, conversation, and some refuge from the hustle and bustle of airport traffic. They also staff a USO club at Fort Leonard Wood near Waynesville, Missouri and two mobile units.

Many of the USO of Missouri Inc.’s volunteers are retired veterans or family members of veterans, who’ve experienced the hospitality of the USO’s services first-hand.

Ready to return the favor, volunteers like United States Air Force Veteran Stephen Ducar, wake up early for shifts or stay up late welcoming soldiers headed home from across the world - a real-time reminder of their time in service.

www.moolah.org/feztival-of-trees

Ducar has volunteered with the USO of Missouri for over seventeen years. Now with a son in the Marines, he feels a stronger connection to our troops.

“I enjoy volunteering and meeting with other service men and chatting about old times,” says Ducar, fondly reflecting on his time as a volunteer.

Volunteers also keep the mission of the USO of Missouri, Inc. moving, quite literally. Using two mobile units they travel across the state and into Illinois to feed, entertain, and assist partnering organizations during events held at posts and bases. Whether celebrating accomplishments or paying heartfelt tribute at the more somber ceremonies, volunteers offer genuine support for our soldiers in the times they need it most.

All services provided by the USO of Missouri, Inc. are free. As a private, nonprofit 501c3, the organization is financially dependent on the generous contributions of private and corporate donors. The charity uses its resources to create special memories for active, reserve, and National Guard military members and their families year-round, like the Harley’s who are stationed in the area.

“Thank you so much for always taking care of our families,” says Tiffany Harley whose family received complimentary baseball tickets from the USO of Missouri, Inc. to enjoy an evening out in their new city.

Volunteers rally to organize annual outings like the USO Day at the Zoo, Thanksgiving Basket Packing & Delivery, and Santa’s Express Train at Busch Stadium, often leaving these events with full hearts and special memories of their own.

Sharon, otherwise known as Mrs. Claus, notes “You can only imagine the excitement as these young men and women share the holiday spirit on their way home for Christmas, and I see the warm look in the eyes of their commanding officer standing at a distance taking it all in, too.

One very memorable occasion was at Holiday Leave Exodus when Santa and I literally had 14 young military personnel sitting on our laps, standing behind us or sitting at our feet for a photo.

After everyone left, a very young US Serviceman came back to me and planted a kiss firmly on my cheek and whispered, ‘Thank you Mrs. Claus… Merry Christmas!’”

With everyday acts like plating up fresh nachos, or those demanding careful preparation, like hosting a winter wonderland at Busch Stadium, volunteers at the USO of Missouri, Inc. wholeheartedly serve our communities and keep our soldiers connected to family, home, and country throughout their service to the nation.

www.stjohnsbank.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 20, 2019

Northwest News

The Moolah Shriners host ‘FEZtival of Trees’ The Moolah Shriners are hosting their annual “FEZtival of Trees.” This is a magical and exciting Christmas event for all ages held at the Moolah Shrine Center at 12545 Fee Fee Road in St. Louis County.

The Shrine Center will be decked out with 40 exquisitely decorated Christmas trees from Nov. 23 through Nov. 30. The hours are as follows: Nov. 23rd - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 24 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 25 - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 26 - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 27- 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 28 - closed for Thanksgiving, Nov. 29 - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 30 - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bring the entire family and enjoy browsing through a winter wonderland, and enter to win one of the beautifully decorated, gift-filled trees created by individuals, businesses and organizations.

Admission is just $2 per person, with kids 12 and under free, and there is plenty of free parking for your convenience.

Each tree with all the gifts has a minimum value of $500, and some are worth well over $1,000.

Take your chance at taking home one of these fabulously created and fully decorated trees and all the gifts that go with it as little as $1. Simply purchase your tickets and put them into the container next to the tree (or trees) you’d like to try to win. The drawing is done on November 30, at the close of the “Feztival.”

During selected days and times Santa will be making appearances, and you will have an opportunity to take a picture with Santa and tell him what you want for that special gift. Also, during selected days and times, there will be local live entertainment, and you can visit the Kris Kringle Café where sandwiches, sweet treats and beverages will be available for purchase.

Santa visits are 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3 - 6 p.m. on Nov. 23, Nov. 24, Nov. 29 and Nov. 30.

For more information visit https://moolah.org/feztival-of-trees/ or on Facebook at Moolah Feztival of Trees. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Moolah Shrine Center are not deductible as a charitable contribution.

www.stlukes-stl.com/urgent-care

www.LifeCareCenterofBridgeton.com

www.autospaetc.com

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What’s Happening

November 20, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

by the Choral Arts singers

Friday, December 6, 7:30 p.m.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 150 W. Hwy D, New Melle, MO

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

the public to view from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily from Nov. 23 through Nov. 30. Admission is $2 per person for ages 13 and above; children 12 years and under are no charge when accompanied by an adult. For more information visit https://moolah. org/feztival-of-trees/.

Nov. 23-30: FEZtival of Trees

Nov. 27: Karaoke

Nov. 22: Chicken dinner

The Moolah Shriners are sponsoring a FEZtival of Trees at the Moolah Shrine Center located at 12545 Fee Fee Road in St. Louis County.

There will be various fully decorated Christmas Trees on display for

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

Assumption Parish Chapel 403 N. Main St., O’Fallon, MO

Wentzville United Methodist Church 725 Wall Street, Wentzville, MO

Admission is FREE. Donations appreciated.

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

Dec. 14: Grief share

This Grief Share 13-week session (no cost) runs every Saturday from Sept.

21 through Dec. 14 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at Florissant Church of Christ at 16460 New Halls Ferry in Florissant.

For more information contact Arthur Matthews at 314-839-1449.

Dec. 14: Breakfast with Santa

Sunday, December 8, 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 15, 3:00 p.m.

Nov. 29: Pot luck dinner

Sign up for our FREE online subscription and a chance to win a $100 gift certificate.

www.mycnews.com

Calvary United Church of Christ at 2501 Hartland Avenue, invites the community to its annual Breakfast with Santa from 9 - 11 a.m. Cost is $4 per person. Children two years of age and younger are free. Cost includes a pancake breakfast, Christmas caroling, face painting and crafts and photo opts with Santa. All are welcome the day of the event, but advance reservations are requested.

Please call 314-429-7464 for reservations or questions.

www.TheSarahCommunity.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 20, 2019

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

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant.

Donations accepted. Docents needed. 314-921-7582, Vicki Wittman Email: vicray01@aol.com.

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult 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.

Weekdays: Tax filing program volunteers

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

doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you! No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available.

Call today at 314-615-4516.

Mondays: TOPS meeting

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. T.O.P.S.=Take Off Pounds Sensibly has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) 9135 Shelley Avenue, Overland, MO 63114. (Entrance is in the back on East Milton). TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight.

You may visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314-540-5223.

Mondays: Choral Art Singers

What’s Happening

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. This session will include performance at St. James Cathedral, Chicago on June 25. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www. concertarts.org.

Mondays: City council meetings

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

www.byerly.com

Weekdays: Volunteer drivers

The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from

www.cityofbn.com

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CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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School

November 20, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Maryville University gifts Chromebooks to Normandy ‘Men of Code’

www.treesbywoody.net

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative Pictured here with the Bel-Nor Men of Code students and their new Chromebooks are (from left): Greg Rowles, GlobalHack instructor; Mara Berry, site coordinator for Maryville University; Dr. Christopher Young-El, Bel-Nor School principal; and Passion Bragg, Bel-Nor School teacher.

Maryville University donated the Chromebooks for students in the Normandy coding program.

On Oct. 31, Maryville University donated nine Chromebooks to students who are part of BelNor School’s after-school program, Men of Code.

Men of Code is a program for seventh and eighth grade students at Bel-Nor School in the Normandy Schools Collaborative. The program is designed to develop in-demand STEM skills through computer coding and teaches students critical problem solving skills and planning skills. Computer coding builds proficient skills in math, science, creativity and teamwork.

“This program opens their minds to a variety of possibilities, endeavors they can pursue,” said Passion Bragg, Bel-Nor School teacher and Men of Code founder. “These Chromebooks will al-

low the Men of Code students to continue their academic odyssey in computer coding. We want them to be able to discover the next best thing.”

Men of Code collaborates with Maryville University and GlobalHack to help students to receive hands-on exposure to computer programming, as well as mentorship.

“With the Chromebooks in their possession, these are things they can practice and go ahead with at home,” said Mara Berry, site coordinator at Maryville University. “This is about career awareness and career possibility. The hope is that this opens up possibilities that they never dreamed of.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News • November 20, 2019

Recipe:

F

Pumpkin Trifle

Source: Diabetes Forecast | Makes: 12 Servings; ½ cup per serving

all flavors are abundant in this delicious trifle recipe. This layered look is pleasing to the eye, and the creamy texture topped with crunchy gingersnaps makes it a seasonal dessert to savor.

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

Ingredients: 3 cups low fat milk, cold 2 (1 oz.) packages vanilla pudding mix, sugar free 1 (15 oz.) can 100% pure pumpkin ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 1 2/3 cups ginger snaps, crushed 2 ½ cups whipped topping, low fat Directions: Place the cold milk in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add pudding mixes while mixer is running. Beat for 2 minutes on high speed, scraping down sides as needed. Chill pudding for 10 minutes in refrigerator.

Add pumpkin and spices to pudding and stir well. Set aside.

To assemble trifle, sprinkle 2/3 cup of ginger snap crumbs in the bottom of a large clear, glass bowl. Gently spread about 2 cups of the pumpkin pudding over the crumbs. Spread 1 ½ cups of whipped topping on top of the pudding. Repeat procedure

with another 2/3 cups of crumbs and remaining pudding mixture.

Top with 1 cup of whipped topping and sprinkle with 1/3 cup of crumbs for garnish. Chill until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 135, Fat: 2g, Carbohydrates: 26 g, Protein: 3 g, Calcium: 8%

For dairy-rich recipes or information about the health benefits of dairy foods, visit www.stldairycouncil.org, call 314-835-9668, or e-mail emcgraw@stldairycouncil.org

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Can the DC Extended Universe take on Marvel in 2020?

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.

Heading into the final weeks of 2019, “Best of…” articles become rather plentiful.

Most film fans realize, however, that this has been – and will continue to be – the year of Disney.

Looking at the current box office totals, Disney’s various holdings occupy the top 6 spots for the year. “Avengers: Endgame” was a brilliant, heart-wrenching end to a storyline that began back in 2008.

Photo courtesy Warner Bros.

Live-action remakes of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” exceeded expectations while “Captain Marvel” intro- ro teamwork, with 2012’s “Avengers” setting duced moviegoers to a powerful heroine. the heroic bar high. In contrast, the DCEU’s With “Frozen 2” and the latest “Star Wars” power lies in the strength of its individual film already on deck, the Walt Disney Cor- characters. Released more than a year after poration has 2019 locked up, but 2020 is still “Wonder Woman,” “Aquaman” was a huge up for grabs and the crown may change own- box office hit. Though the character has been ership. The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) parodied on both “The Big Bang Theory” released films such as “Man of Steel” and and “Family Guy,” Jason Momoa and direc“Suicide Squad” that were not well-received tor James Wan made Aquaman an incredible critically, but still did well at the box office. hero and a likeable person.

2017’s “Wonder Woman” changed all that, Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker with Gal Gadot bringing the iconic Amazo- in the recent solo film captivated audiences nian warrior to life on the big screen. Gadot’s like no other. As reported by Indie Wire, the solo outing outperformed its DCEU prede- film, made for a reported $62.5 million, has cessors and inspired a lot of moviegoers in become the most profitable comic book movthe process. ie ever. In 1989, Jack Nicholson played the The MCU’s strength has been its superhe- Joker in Tim Burton’s “Batman” and 20 years

later, the late Heath Ledger embodied the character’s madness in “The Dark Knight,” but Phoenix’s performance as the villain exceeded expectations.

“Joker” also opened the door for more dominant DCEU features. In 2020, “Birds of Prey” arrives in theaters as Margot Robbie reprises her role as Harley Quinn, the love interest of the Joker. She teams up with the Huntress, police detective Renee Montoya and Cassandra Cain, who has taken on the mantle of Batgirl.

Solo outings have been the moneymakers for DC, but with four solid characters like these, this one should do quite well at the box office.

Gal Gadot also returns next year for “Wonder Woman 1984.” Set during the Cold War of the 1980’s, Diana Prince takes on the Soviet Union and a new foe called the Cheetah. The sequel has a built-in fanbase, which went crazy when pictures of Chris Pine in character as Steve Trevor appeared online. Trevor, who shared some romantic moments with Diana, presumably died decades earlier but looks alive and well in the stills.

2019 was all about Marvel and Disney, but 2020 definitely could see the rise of DC Extended Universe.

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Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Thanksgiving

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

B

uying a home is one of the most important things you’ll ever do, aside from choosing the right peanut butter…creamy always, never chunky.

Take some advice from the master when considering a house. Here’s some crucial advice: Rule #1: Never buy a house in the spring.

Rule #2: Never buy a house in the summer.

Our experience: We inspected our house consideration in the late spring. Such a wonderful time. We ventured out into the backyard: the birds were chirping; the grass was greening; the flowers were vibrant and the sun bounced off the trees and bushes at a lovely angle. Oh so many trees and bushes filling every space in full bloom budding and leafing and looking like a beautiful park.

We were sold. We took it.

But then reality; the seasons changed. Spring turned to summer then to fall. Suddenly a fierce chill filled the air colder than a polar bear’s tush.

Everything around us froze and the falling began.

First one sack of leaves and then two and then too much too many to count. The neighborhood hardware store ran out of bags. I dashed to the big box depot.

“Help! Have you got anymore bags?!” I wailed.

The clerk stared at me cautiously then glanced left and right then said with a smirk, “You’re only the 80th person to come in today and ask. I told them the same thing. We’re out of bags, but you look like a nice person. I like the panic in your voice and desperation in your quivering lip. Tell ya what I’m gonna do. I got one package left in the back, but it’s been ripped open and one is missing.”

Leaf me alone!

“I’ll take it!” I screamed.

“Not so fast little lady. I have hundreds of people on a waiting list and twenty more that want that bag and are willing to…shall I say, throw in a little extra something-something for it, if ya know what I mean?”

“Okay. I see where this is going. What’s it gonna cost? I’ll throw in an extra five and my firstborn.”

“How old’s your firstborn?”

“He’s 35, but still acts like a baby.”

“Naw. I got two like that already. Next!”

We’ll think smarter and get a jump on it next year. Cut down all the trees and cement the yard.

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

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

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

ACROSS 1. Slick grp.?

5. Mountain basin 8. Bygone bird of New Zealand 11. Relating to armpit 12. Pestilence pest 13. End a mission 15. Ancient Greece assembly site, pl.

16. What little kittens did with their mittens 17. *Thanksgiving Cranberry concoction 18. *Site of the “First Thanksgiving” 20. “Guilty,” e.g.

21. Kiln, pl.

22. ____ Aviv 23. *Give what?

26. Strangling tool 30. Jul. follower 31. Pupil protector 34. Loads from lodes 35. Shows off 37. Part of human cage 38. Source of indigo dye, pl.

39. Laughing on the inside 40. Truly 42. Highest or lowest card 43. Nemo’s home plant 45. *U.S. President’s magnanimous gesture 47. Say “no” 48. Plural of carpus

50. Tom Jones’s “____ a Lady” 52. *First settlers 55. ____ con Carne or ____ Verde 56. Fe 57. Off-color 59. Popular jeans brand 60. Attention-getting sound 61. Peter, Paul and Mary, e.g.

62. Elvis’“____ Now or Never” 63. ____ someone off 64. Do like goo DOWN 1. Lout 2. Alka-Seltzer sound 3. James ____ Jones 4. Colored wax stick 5. VIP’s influence 6. Compass point, pl.

7. The Count’s favorite subject 8. Wry face 9. Black and white mammal 10. *What Thanksgiving celebrant did?

12. Excessively showy, slang 13. Turkish monetary unit 14. *Macy’s parade flyer 19. “Haste ____ waste”

22. Little bit 23. ____ Periódica 24. Connected to Lake Michigan 25. September stone 26. Hurtful remark 27. Synonym to #61 Across 28. Telephone company 29. City in Germany 32. Marine eagle 33. Jack-in-the-box part 36. *First Thanksgiving parade (Philadelphia) sponsor 38. What Darwin says we do 40. “No room in the ____ for the travelers weary...”

41. Print from a smartphone 44. Desert mirage 46. ____ Bridge in Venice 48. The ____ of the Bambino 49. What phoenix did 50. Bolted 51. Hurries 52. Hearts and diamonds 53. Claudius’ heir and successor 54. British slang for swindle 55. Computer-generated imagery, acr.

58. Anonymous John SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9