CN: November 23, 2022

By Wendy Todd

According to the national nonprofit Code. org, which focuses on providing computer science education to youth from kindergar ten to 12th grade, there were nearly 700,000 computing jobs open in the U.S. in 2021, but fewer than 80,000 computer science stu dents graduated into the workforce.

Whether one is learning computer science as preparation for a career, or to gain an ad ditional skill, understanding computer tech nology has become increasingly important in the ever-expanding digital age. With that

in mind, the local nonprofit, Unleashing Potential, has partnered with Code.org to host a free Hour of Code event in Ferguson next month for up to 100 K-12 students and learners of all ages.

Code.org, the leading provider of K-12 computer science curriculum in the largest school districts in the United States, orga nizes the annual Hour of Code campaign, which has engaged more than 15% of all students in the world. A large part of the organization’s efforts focus on providing computer science education to underrepre sented groups.

The 10th annual Hour of Code, held during Computer Science Education Week, will feature opportunities to learn about coding, game design and cybersecurity. The event is part of Unleashing Potential’s STEAM program, which exposes partic ipants to possible future careers and pro motes a lifelong interest in Science, Technol ogy, Engineering, Art and Math by offering technology-based programming.

There will be other activities including board games, a cardboard arcade and a

‘CODE’ from cover

dance party. The event will also have a session of Saturday morning car toons, harking back to the nostalgic traditions of youth of previous gen erations.

Unleashing Poten tial, which serves four schools in the Fergu son-Florissant School District, would like the event to help more peo ple become interested in computer science and re alize how engaging it can be.

“We hope to spark creativity and imagination in young ones,” marketing manager at the nonprofit, Ja cob Russell said. “The goal of Hour of Code is to teach that computer science is fun and creative, that it is ac cessible at all ages and for all students, regardless of background. This effort aligns with Unleashing Poten tial’s mission. We like to say, ‘If they can see it, they can be it.’ By partnering with Code.org to host their Hour of Code we are exposing children to future computer science opportunities.”

In addition to the computer science education, the nonprofit also creates early childhood education and after-school programs, youth development and enrich ment camps.

The Hour of Code will be held on Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Immanuel Church of Christ. For more information, please go to www.upstl.org/events.

COMMUNITY VOICES:

Celebrate principals by embracing change

By Dr. Miranda Ming and Dr. Rhonda M. Key

As we leave behind another National Prin cipals Month, the state of education is at the forefront of all our minds. Principals are the core of promoting and sustaining positive school culture and mas tery learning for all. It is our principals who must be unapologetic about responding to the changes at our doorstep.

Education as we once knew is being forced to change. The pan demic has substantial ly increased the rate of change, but we all knew change was evitable.

Some are still clinging to the outdated hiring practices, instructional methods and systems due to fear. This fear has resulted in some leaving the profession to pursue other career options and

leaders still looking for more people as means to address challenges. This has created panic regarding the shortage of teachers.

Rather than allowing fear and panic to stifle school culture, during National Principals month, we challenged leaders to shift their focus. How can we em brace innovation in re sponse to the challenges we are facing? Princi pals rally with educators who choose excitement as a response to these “forced changes.”

Innovation within ed ucation has been on the horizon for years. There continue to be new ideas regarding learning space, furniture, virtual education, social media, and the pathway to col lege and universities. In our new world of edu cation from PreK to 21, microschools, virtual learning, certification, and trades have gained momentum. Have you researched and opened your mind to these con cepts? Are you having conversations about the most ideal learning en vironment for students? Our students have op tions. Our educators and leaders have op tions.

Principals choose to see the opportunities brought by these unique challenges. Celebrate opportunities to offer both in-person and hy brid instruction. Em brace partnerships with construction and IT companies where pro fessionals provide stu dents with certifications. Encourage students and teachers to embrace coding, IT, and collab orations with educators from other countries. Be courageous in col

laborating and partner ing to address the needs of the families we serve. Be bold in supporting, nurturing, and develop ing the committed few who continue to serve in education. Most im portantly, be unapolo getic in chartering paths to deliver a high-quality education by any means necessary.

Education as we know it, has changed, and will continue to change. Principals, will you cel ebrate or fear change?

Dr. Rhonda M. Key has served as a teacher

Dr. Miranda Ming, Assis tant Principal, at Jennings School District’s College &Career Prep Academy is a devoted educator. She attended Alabama A&M University, but obtained her Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate Degree from the University of Mis souri St. Louis.

The opinions expressed in this column are the col umnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Commu nity News.

and administrator in suburban, rural, and urban school districts throughout her ca reer. Currently, she serves has Principal/Director of Secondary EducationCommunity Partnerships in Jennings School Dis trict.

Unleashing Potential, has partnered with Code.org to host a free Hour of Code event on Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Immanuel Church of Christ.

Submitted photo

Gateway Arch National Park announces Thanksgiving holiday hours

This Thanksgiving holiday weekend, gather friends and family to spend a day at Gateway Arch National Park. On Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26, the Gateway Arch will operate in extended holiday hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Take advantage of these extra hours to experience all that Gateway Arch National Park has to offer. Discover more than 200 years of St. Louis history by exploring the six museum exhibit galleries in the reimagined Mu seum at the Gateway Arch. Learn about the construc tion of the monument by watching the documentary movie “Monument to the Dream.” Ascend 630 feet into the sky for bird’s-eye views of St. Louis and the Mis sissippi River on the Arch’s Tram Ride to the Top. Get started on holiday shopping at The Arch Store, which is stocked with unique Arch- and St. Louis-centric ap

parel, gifts and souvenirs. Grab a bite to eat at the Arch Café. Enjoy the five miles of paved paths around the Gateway Arch grounds after your Thanksgiving feast.

The Gateway Arch will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24.

Visitor Reminders

The Thanksgiving weekend is a very busy time at the Arch. Visitors are strongly encouraged to secure Tram Ride to the Top tickets in advance by calling 877-9821410 or going online to gatewayarch.com/buytickets.

Visitors should arrive at the Arch at least 30 minutes ahead of their scheduled tram time and enter the mon ument at the Arch entrance plaza, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Arch legs are exits only. Entrance to the Arch Visitor Center and the Mu

seum at the Gateway Arch is always free.

Parking is available at the Stadium East Garage, lo cated at 200 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, for a fee. Visit iparkit.com/TheArch to pre-purchase parking with no validation required. If parking is not pre-pur chased, validation is required by scanning/stamping parking tickets at one of two validators located inside the Arch Visitor Center. With each parking purchase at the Stadium East Garage, $1 will go to support ongo ing conservation and preservation efforts, educational opportunities, and community programs at Gateway Arch National Park through Gateway Arch Park Foun dation.

For more information, visit nps.gov/jeff or gatewa yarch.com, or call 877-982-1410.

Arts And Education Council awards $135,000 in Arts and Healing Initiative grants

Eleven organizations have been awarded a total of $135,000 in funding through the Arts and Healing Initiative, a program aimed at increasing the capaci ty to heal through the arts. This initiative, which was launched in partnership with Missouri Foundation for Health in 2020, aims to improve the quality of life for people throughout St. Louis City and County in its first year, and other Missouri counties in subsequent years.

The Arts and Education Council believes that heal ing is a transformative process of meaning, well-being or wholeness that reduces suffering or other factors that contribute to a low quality of life. Programs such Arts Rolla’s Art Therapy will market a series of art class es to the people in the region who serve as caregivers and Hope Creates’ Arts and Healing Program will offer youth who are the children of parents in recovery from substance use disorder a multidisciplinary arts healing experience.

“The arts are known and proven to be an aid in healing,” said Lyah LeFlore-Ituen, Arts and Education Council president and CEO. “While it can be seen as nontraditional, we are in the third year of showing how normal this path to wellness can be. I am so proud to partner with these organizations who are doing the work to create a better city for us all. I’m thankful for the support of Missouri Foundation for Health and the additional support from Missouri Arts Council who made this initiative possible.”

The organizations and programs that have been awarded 2022-2023 Arts and Healing Initiative grants are, in alphabetical order:

• A Call to Conscience “Emerging from the Pandemic” will utilize writing workshops, public performances, and a panel discussion with representatives from the Behavior Health Institute and the Black Healing Col lective to provide a cathartic outlet for participants to express mental, emotional, economic, and social experience in surviving the pandemic.

• Artists First “Artists First for Veterans” will use an expressive arts-based therapeutic curriculum and incorporate evidence-based practices to support and strengthen recovery, rehabilitation and overall well-being of veterans as they transition to a success ful civilian life.

• Arts Rolla “Early Stage Social Engagement for Alz heimer’s and Caregivers:” With the help of the Alz heimer's Association and Phelps Health, Arts Rolla

will market a series of art classes to provide an outlet and socialization for people with the early stages of Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

• Consuming Kinetics Dance Co. “Vitality through Movement” is a movement arts education program for older adults and those with different physical abilities that will encourage creativity, strength and energy while also building community.

• The Covering House “Art Therapy for Youth Survi vors of Sex Trafficking” provide services for youth survivors of sex trafficking including individual and group therapy, specialized therapy (equine and hor ticultural), expressive arts, a full in-house education program, case management, life-skills training, nu trition, recreation, experiential learning and sensory integration.

• Hope Creates “Make Your M.A.R.C. – Music. Art. Recovery. Connection.” will partner with St. Louis Classical Guitar (SLCG) and Child and Family Em powerment Center (CAFEC) to offer youth who are the children of parents in recovery from substance use disorder a multidisciplinary arts healing experi ence.

• Intersect Arts Center “Integrated Art Therapy” ser vices will integrate into the various existing after school, youth mentorship, teen apprenticeship, and professional and curriculum development programs with a focus on social and emotional skill develop ment through the arts.

• MindsEye Radio “Access to Public Artworks: Inclu sion through Audio Description (APA:IAD)” will take a multifaceted approach to help make local art accessible through their Audio Description Program.

• Prison Performing Arts “The Healing Power of Tell ing Your Story” will offer six weeks of theatre, visual arts, and writing workshops, a culminating perfor mance and the opportunity to engage in the Alum ni Company to incarcerated participants as a means of working through trauma and building resilience, self-confidence, and creative skills as a healthy re sponse to the stress of re-entry.

• Ragtag Film Society “Show Me Series” will co-curate a series of free monthly film screenings and commu nity conversations with its five Community Partners to invite diverse races, ethnicities, cultures and gen ders to discuss larger community issues.

• The Women’s Safe House “The Art Empowerment Project (AEP)” will collaborate with John Burroughs School to offer residents a space to create visual art and display their artwork in an exhibition gallery setting.

Applications were evaluated by the Arts and Healing Initiative Advisory Panel comprised of leaders in the arts, healthcare and research fields.

The Arts and Healing Initiative is supported with lead funding from Missouri Foundation for Health and additional funding from the Missouri Arts Council and Graybar.

For more information about the Arts and Education Council and the Arts and Healing Initiative, visit Keep ArtHappening.org.

Happy Tahanksgiving to random angels Still In This Together:

I met Mr. Percy a few weeks ago, purely by accident, as I randomly walked into Dierbergs on a Tuesday for the two-liter soda they’d had on sale the week before. We usually shop on Thursday, but the store had been out of the caffeine-free version when we were there, and I was checking to see if they had restocked. Turned out to be one of those serendipitous occasions that is simply too good to be called a coincidence.

A man was arranging the week’s Community News papers on the top left rack of the wire paper stand, making sure the bin was full and the papers were all straight.

“I didn’t know you restocked the papers on Tues days,” I said when I saw him. “I always thought you filled the stand with new papers on Wednesday.”

“Nope,” he said with a curious look on his face. “It’s always on Tuesdays.”

“We usually shop on Thursday,” I explained, “and I grab at least three of them: one for myself, and one for each of my daughters. Sometimes more, if the column is about the grandkids or the doctor or a neighbor, so they can all have a copy.”

Of course, he looked confused.

“I write a weekly piece for the paper,” I explained, as I took one of the papers off the rack and opened it up to Page 5, where my column was that week.

“You do?” he asked, as he looked at my picture on the

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page I held out for him.

“Today, I’m kind of wind-blown and I wasn’t even planning on being in the store. I’m sure I don’t look much like this picture at all,” I stammered.

“Well, my goodness, it is you,” he said as he reached for my hand and shook it. “My name is Percy, and I’ve been delivering these papers to all the stores for years. It’s very nice to meet you.”

I explained that I have been writing the column for about a year and a half, how I had randomly contacted the editor on the chance I might be able to find another outlet for my writing, that I had written a lot when the kids were little, but there just aren’t many magazines any more and my column in the old “North County Journal” had run for years until the paper stopped pub lishing.

“I used to deliver that paper, too,” Percy said, and I laughed. “My gosh,” I said, “you’ve been a big part of my writing career and we never even met until now. Thank you for making sure my words got to people for all those years. I’m proud to meet you!”

And Percy just smiled. “I’m pleased to meet you, too.”

Once again, I was amazed at the way people come into our lives and leave an indelible impression without meaning to, purely by coincidence, but at the very mo ment we’re meant to cross paths.

Thanksgiving is the day I have chosen to revel in those random angels.

After all, Thanksgiving Day isn’t just about turkey, or pilgrims, or the official beginning of the holidays. It never has been. When I recently looked more closely at artist Norman Rockwell’s famous Thanksgiving piece, I noticed something I’d never appreciated before: none

By Vicki Bahr

of the people gathered around the table is looking at the food. They’re happily smiling at each other, pleased to be in each other’s company and part of each other’s lives. As it should be.

When my brother-in-law recently had a health scare that took him to the E.R., the nurse who came to take him to his hospital room looked at my sister and said, “I know you. You were my third-grade teacher.”

Gail said as she hugged the former student, she imme diately felt a sense of calm and wonder in the random proof of the fact that her teaching career has come full circle. Her teaching from years ago had helped bring about the knowledge to help Bill when they needed her. You just never know about the lives you’ve touched. They’re all around us, and they deserve recognition. The teachers, coaches, nurses and grocery store clerks, the firemen and garbage collectors who wave and smile at my three-year-old twin grandsons, strangers who just bring goodness into our lives with random acts of kindness and random proof of Godness.

Thanksgiving just seems so much more meaningful these days.

So nice to meet you, Mr. Percy!

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

Citizens for Modern Transit to host next ‘Talking Transit’ event on Nov. 30

The transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) has announced plans for its next virtual “Talking Transit” event, which is set for Nov. 30, at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom. This event will highlight how to create an environ ment for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Success. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org.

Those in attendance will hear from developers, planners and architects who are working in this arena to entice more development. The panel will feature Joel Fuoss, Principal with Trivers Archi tects; Aaron Burnett, President of Bywater Devel opment; Cady Seabaugh, Senior Vice President at McCormack Baron Salazar and John Langa, Vice President of Economic Development at Metro Transit. These leaders will discuss their projects, and the associated policies and ordinances that would create more pro-development environ

ments around transit.

“There is a lot to be excited about as it relates to transit in St. Louis,” Cella said. “This panel will look at ways to create even more development around the system in St. Louis, a critical compo nent to building ridership on the system. We en courage those with an interest in the impacts of public transit to join this online forum.”

CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of top ics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

St. Louis Area Diaper Bank kicks off “The Big Ask” year-end campaign

The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank is asking the community for assistance during the up coming holiday months with its “The Big Ask” year-end campaign running through Dec. 31.

The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank – which provides access to diapers and period sup plies for low-income families – needs to raise $100,000 to successfully provide essential ser vices in the upcoming new year. Fundraising efforts will alleviate the growing diaper need that continues to be a burden for families. The efforts will also include support for its period supply program, St. Louis Alliance for Period Supplies, to help end period poverty for many struggling to afford those basic need items. Specific campaign goals include financial as sistance for the Diaper Bank’s many programs and services including:

The Diaper Bank’s first period kits – each includes approximately 20 menstrual hygiene products for girls experiencing their first period – are distributed through schools and partner organizations. To date more than 800,000 period supplies have been distributed in St. Louis, with 10,800 period supplies al located each week. Last year two-thirds of low-income women in St. Louis could not afford menstrual hygiene products, with 46% of low-income women having to choose between food and period supplies. Partners in clude the St. Louis County and Public Libraries, orga nizations (Assistance League of St. Louis, I Define Me Movement, The Little Bit Foundation, and Youth In Need) and schools (Gateway Science Academy, Park way School District, Pattonville Heights Middle School, and Riverview Gardens School District.)

• The St. Louis County Library distribution program, which began in 2020, partners with the Diaper Bank to provide families with 25 diapers and one period kit per month. This year the partnership has already served approximately 14,000 families by distribut ing nearly 700,000 diapers and 3,489 period kits to those who need emergency products. There are six participating St. Louis County Library branches (Florissant Valley, Grand Glaize, Indian Trails, Lew is and Clark, Natural Bridge, and Weber Road) and two city branches (Central Library and Julia Davis.)

• The need for pull-ups – which are potty training pants – continues to increase in the community. The Diaper Bank’s cost is 23 cents to 25 cents per pull-

up, which is nearly 10 cents more than a single diaper.

To date, more than 10 million diapers have been distributed in St. Louis including nearly 900,000 diapers during the height of the pan demic. The Diaper Bank offers both emergency and long-term diaper distribution. This service is a much-needed resource since government programs – including food stamps and WIC –do not provide funding for diapers or period supplies. These items cannot be obtained with food stamps and are classified as luxury items along with cigarettes, alcohol, and pet food as disallowed purchases.

“Access to basic hygiene items has been growing since even before the pandemic,” said St. Louis Area Diaper Bank Executive Director Muriel Smith. “The struggle is real, which is why our work is critically important. We ele vate the issues of diaper need and period poverty to a national level so we can receive essential resources for our community.” Smith added that on average women and girls “miss four days of work or school each month because they simply cannot afford the necessary hy giene products to live their daily lives.”

For more information, call 314-624-0888 or visit their website at www.stldiaperbank.org.

Powder Valley Nature

Center

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is exhibiting the 2022 Missouri Junior Duck Stamp Con test winning art entries during the month of November at Powder Valley Conserva tion Nature Center.

The exhibit includes the contest’s Missouri Best of Show winning artwork of an American wigeon by Mia Foote, a student at Jackson High School.

The contest catego ries are divided into four groups based on grade level, K-third, fourth-throughsixth, seventh-throughninth and 10th-12th. Foote will receive a $500 reward as Best of Show winner, while all category first place win ners will receive $50, donated by Bass Pro Shops. The exhibit showcases all winning entries in each category. Each individual winner gets a ribbon, certificate, and educational materials.

K-12 students compete every year in the free Junior Duck Stamp wildlife art contest as part of the Feder al Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Pro gram. This dynamic art- and science-based curriculum

exhibiting 2022

Missouri Junior Duck Stamp Contest art entries

teaches wetland and waterfowl conservation to stu dents from kindergarten through high school. Students demonstrate what they have learned about waterfowl and wetland conservation by drawing or painting a native North American duck, goose, or swan. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

All state Best of Show winners go on to compete in the national level con test. The national best of show artwork provides the design for the Junior Duck Stamp, which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sells each year for $5. Proceeds go to promote conservation education in every state, Washington D.C., and the U.S. territories.

The 2022 Missouri Junior Duck Stamp Contest art work will remain on display in the nature center’s ex hibit gallery until the end of November.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is locat ed at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the in tersection of I-44 and I-270.

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Seen here is the Missouri Best of Show entry, American wigeon, by Mia Foote of Jackson High School.

Greater North County Chamber will celebrate the 2023 Business Person of the Year at Nite of Stars

The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 2023 Business Person of the Year and the 2023 Zykan Family Legacy Award Winner at Nite of Stars on Dec. 2 at Orlando’s Event and Conference Center. Tickets to the event are $100 per person and can be purchased at www.gnccstl.com.

John Londoff Jr., owner of Johnny Londoff Chevrolet will be awarded the 2023 Business Person of the Year. The chamber has annually given the ward to an individual(s) that embody the best qualities of community leadership through the combination of business, civic and community activities.

Dave Otto, owner of Handyman TrueValue Hardware will be awarded the 2023 Zykan Family Legacy Award. The Zykan Family Legacy Award was established to preserve the legacy of the Zykan Family and their contributions to the Greater North County Chamber and the North County community since 1955. This award will be given to Otto

for his commitment through his time, talent, and treasure towards the North County community.

The chamber will award the Cathy Behlmann Volunteer of the Year award to Melissa Adney with One Way Roof ing. Adney has been heavily involved, serving previously on different event committees, Women In Networking, is a current ambassador, and is a member of Leads 2 Group. Adney has also vol unteered for many events including the music trivia, golf tournament and other fundraising events for the chamber.

The chamber will award Melissa In gram with Issa Lifestyle as the 2022 Rookie of the Year. The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce be gan this award in 2015 to highlight a member who has been in the chamber two years or less and who became ac tively involved from the beginning. It is members like the rookies who make a difference in the committees because once they become involved, they tend to stay involved. They understand the needs of the chamber and go the extra mile. Ingram has made a positive presence throughout the chamber, getting involved in Leads 2, Women In Networking and ribbon cuttings.

The chamber will be giving the Ambassador of the Year Award to Da vid Hermann, with New York Life. The Greater North County Cham ber of Commerce’s Am bassador Committee is one of the most import ant committees in the chamber. Committee members attend ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, and membership luncheons. They reach out to new members, welcoming them to the chamber and encour aging them to become involved in chamber ac tivities. Once Hermann joined the chamber, he became active wherever he could and joined the Ambassador commit tee. He has a deep be lief in giving back to the community and shows it through his commitment in giving of his time.

The Regional Business Council award ed $100,000 in grants to 35 nonprofit and community agencies as part of the “It’s Our Region Fund – Small Change, Big Impact Grants” initiative, which supports capital projects that are typ ically difficult to fund, but essential to keeping the organizations operational.

It’s Our Region Fund is one of the Regional Business Council’s initiatives to increase philanthropic investment in the region.

The grant committee is comprised of members of the RBC’s Leadership 100 of the Young Professionals Network. Grants – each in the $1,000 to $10,000 range -- are distributed throughout the 16-county region. Organizations use the money to cover capital expenses that fall outside typical funding specifications such as an irrigation system for a com munity garden, updated windows for a shelter, or shade structures for an early education center.

More than $1.3 million has been awarded to 215 nonprofits as part of the program since its start 12 years ago. The fund was started by RBC members Mi chael Staenberg, John Ferring, Sue Mc Collum, Jeff Fox, John Capps and John Tracy.

“These might seem like small gifts compared to other funding opportu nities, but they can make a huge dif ference.” said Kathy Osborn, CEO and president of the RBC. “The feedback we receive from the nonprofits is they fill critical infrastructure needs, many of them unexpected.”

Michael Staenberg has agreed give an additional $50,000 to match the RBC’s $50,000 investment to It’s Our Region Fund in 2023. The grant cycle opens in May and the Its Our Region Fund will invest another $100,000 into the com munity. The application will be listed on the Regional Business Council’s website www.stlrbc.org.

City of Florissant names new director of economic development

Former Ward 6 Councilman Patrick Mulcahy has been appointed to the position of Director of Economic Development for the city of Florissant. Mulcahy stepped down from his council position to accept the appoint ment.

Mulcahy is a proud, life long resident of Florissant that had served the resi dents of Ward 6 for almost three years. Mulcahy is very active in the commu nity and has served on nu merous committees most recently serv ing as Vice President of the Florissant St. Patrick’s Day Committee and on the board of Florissant Old Town Partners.

He is very familiar with the business community and is aware of the challeng es the city has faced in the past, as well as the opportunities for the future. He be lieves he can place a strong emphasis on new techniques and strategies to retain and help grow existing businesses, while marketing the city to be more attractive for new business development.

Mulcahy has almost ten years of local and state government experience relat ed to economic development. He has worked in the Missouri House of Rep resentatives, St. Louis County Council,

St. Louis County Planning Department and most recently served as the Coun cilman for Ward 6. His years spent with these various departments and organizations has pre pared him to take the lead as city’s new Director of Economic Development which will not only bene fit the city but the business community.

He holds a bachelor of arts degree in history and a minor in political sci ence from the University of Missouri- Columbia and a master of public policy administration degree from the University of Missouri- St. Louis as well as a graduate certificate in local government management. While working on his graduate degree, he was recognized for excellent academic achievement and received the Robert J. Bauer Endowed Fellowship in Public Administration award.

After receiving his master’s degree, he successfully completed the Chan cellor’s Certificate program in the Fun damentals of Economic Development at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. In 2016, Mulcahy was named one of the “30 Leaders in their 30s” by North County Incorporated.

The Regional Business Council infuses $100,000 into the community with grant program

Photo courtesy city of Florissant

Recipe: Thanksgiving traditions and memory-making meals

Starting with parades and ending with fam ily meals, Thanksgiving provides all-day opportunities for celebrating life’s special mo ments with those nearest and dearest to your heart.

Waking up to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition that brings smiles and happiness for many families, and this year, an iconic brand will join the festivities. Since 1921, Wonder Bread has captured the “wonder” its founder Elmer Cline experienced when first watching a hot air balloon race. It’s often credit ed with the popularization of sliced bread in the United States and now, for the first time, its leg acy will be on display Nov. 24 parading through the streets of New York City.

To celebrate the special occasion and the joy that Thanksgiving brings, you can enjoy a de licious homemade meal that’s as easy to make as it is to share. If you’re searching for a tasty side that’ll leave your loved ones stuffed, look no further than this Thanksgiving Stuffing, a classic accompaniment to holiday meals and a favorite of home chefs across the country.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided

3 cups chopped onion

2 1/2 cups chopped celery

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped

fresh thyme

2 teaspoons celery seeds

1 pinch grated nutmeg

1 pinch ground cloves

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 loaf white bread, cubed

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth

Directions:

Heat oven to 325 F.

In large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, celery seeds, nutmeg, cloves and salt.

Cover and cook until onions are soft, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

In large bowl, toss sauteed vegetables with bread cubes and season with pepper. Melt remaining butter and pour over stuffing along with broth then toss to coat.

Bake, covered, until heated through, about 35 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 15 minutes.

Thanksgiving Stuffing

What’s Happening

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

Take notice . . .

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

RECURRING EVENTS

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of on going adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Mon day-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.

Mondays: Choral Arts Group meetings

Choral Arts Group practices every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Connection Chris tian 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 636-579-9227, or email con certartsa@gmail.com.

Mondays: City council meetings

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

Mondays: Workshop meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meet ings 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 Par ker Raoad which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompani ment). We sing some trad itional songs, as well as show tunes and more contempor ary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interest ed can come right on in or for more information call Al

at 314-993-6134.

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting

If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cor dially invited to a meeting of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Asso ciation. Meetings take place at the VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant on the second Monday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-9212132. For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

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 Pan try Clients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are available. If you are inter ested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@caastlc.org for addi tional 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. Max imum 150 players. Must wear mask to enter. Social distancing followed.

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 infor mation call 314-831-0988.

Tuesdays: Celebrate Re covery

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 Floris sant. For more information visit www.lifepointminis tries.church/celebrate-re covery or call (men) Steve D. at 636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.

Tuesdays: Choir rehears als

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chor us, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Luther an Church at 12397 Natur al Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Gov ernment Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stloui schordinals.org.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. lo cated at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Char bonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul Mc Connell, 314-831-5476.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers: Show-me Stitchers is the lo cal chapter of the Embroid erers’ Guild of America. We meet on the second Tuesday, Sept.-June at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Ches terfield, MO. Learn needle point, embroidery, cross stitch, and more.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefon taine Memorial Amer ican Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Cen ter at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in member ship 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 Bridge ton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, wel come all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday

of the month at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. Please RVSP at 314298-7444 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 con tact 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 Cit izens’ Bingo Clubs: 314839-7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Sup port Group 3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Ja mie 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.

Thursdays: Quilting guild

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 pres sure check s

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Floris sant 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 sing ing four-part a cappella harmo ny, 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 Fri day 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 Hazel wood. For more information call 314-731-9330.

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo 2 p.m., Life Care Center of Flo rissant, 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 fur ther 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 Nat ural Bridge Road (across from UMSL). For more info call 314402-7025.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s Unit ed Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly spon sored by the Muslim Commu nity of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and refer rals free of charge for the un insured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon day – Friday or visit www.stpe terschurch.org.

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support

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

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314388-2400.

Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot

Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and

food and drink are available in the club room. For more infor mation, contact 314-630-2671 or 314-330-7269.

Sundays: Jennings DoDads meeting

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

CHURCH

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

HEALTH

Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replace ment (HMR) Program Orientation

Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon–1pm SSM DePaul Well ness Center. Attend a free orien tation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1-877-477-6954.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Sup port Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital 11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314344-6873.

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

Sundays: Alcoholics An onymous Group 109 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am,

11133 Dunn Road.

Diabetes Basics: 314-344-7024 for info or 314344-7220 to enroll.

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

Center for Senior Renew al:

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anx iety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314653-5123.

Nutrition Education: SSM DePaul registered diet icians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314344-6157.

Christian Hospital Re covery Center: Outpatient mental health and

What’s Happening

substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-953-8100.

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

Nicotine Anonymous Nicotine Anonymous is a 12

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

Washington State Park, De Soto, Missouri Missouri Concession Contract Bid Opportunity IFB22002529

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is seeking bid applications for the concession operation at Washington State Park in De Soto, Missouri. The concession opportunity includes the operation of lodging, including 11 cabins, watercraft rental and floats, swimming pool and swimming pool concession with visitation of more than 300,000 annually.

Interested parties need to register on the official offeror list by contacting Mike Zielinski at (573)751-6758 or email mike.zielinski@dnr. mo.gov. Registrations can be completed online at https://missouribuys.mo.gov/registration.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B...

Francis Howell heading to semifinals

The Francis Howell High School Vikings football team will be part of semifinal competition for 2022.

They sealed the next step in the playoffs by defeating the Timberland Wolves 48-18 in the Class 5 quarterfi nals at Timberland’s Scott Swofford stadium recently.

This is the first time that Francis Howell has made it this far for the past 10 years.

* Go Vikings

Ambush open season Friday

The professional St. Louis Ambush soccer team play in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles for the 20222023 season.

The team will start the season at home on Nov. 25 for a 5:05 p.m. contest against the Kansas City Comets.

Co-owner, general manager and head coach of the Ambush, Jeff Locker’s enthusiasm and energy for the franchise is evident.

Locker became co-owner of the Ambush in Decem ber 2019 and took over the general manager position in March 2020. He added the role of interim head coach in January 2021 before dropping the “interim” title prior to the 2022-23 season.

Several assistant coaches back him up with impres sive backgrounds starting with Jamie Swanner. He is a St. Louis indoor soccer legend who has played for the St. Louis Ambush, Canton Invaders, Buffalo Bliz zard and Kansas City Attack in a stellar career that spanned 16 seasons.

Donnie Alberty joined the Ambush as an assistant coach in November, 2020. Alberty is also head coach of men’s soccer at Fontbonne University.

The 2022-23 season is Lucas Almeida’s ninth in pro fessional indoor soccer and his eighth with the Am bush. For the 2022-23 season, Almeida takes on the additional role of assistant coach as well as a player.

Off the field, there is Shelly Clark and her husband Will who have been a part of the ownership of the St.

Louis Ambush since its rebirth in 2013. They became co-owners of the team in 2016.

Shelly graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kent State University in 1997 with a bachelor’s of science in education. She is involved in their local community and serve and support several local charities includ ing Youth in Need, The St. Charles Library Founda tion, Friends of Kids with Cancer, Sunshine Kids, Our Lady’s Inn, St. Louis Food Bank and many others.

Shelly currently serves as the CEO of the St Louis Ambush and oversees the day-to-day operations and also serves on the MASL Executive Committee as Sec retary.

* They is finally coming up fast…ShowTime!

The women’s volleyball team at UMSL excels

The University of Missouri-St. Louis volleyball team clinched its first regional title in program history in dramatic fashion on Saturday as the Tri tons reverse swept No. 3 seed Ferris State to win a thriller at Pepsi Arena in Quincy, Illi nois. UMSL improves to 24-6 on the season while the Bulldogs finish their season with a 26-10 record.

The Tritons now advance to the NCAA Quarter finals that will be held the first part of December at Royal Brougham Pavilion on the campus of Seattle Pacific in Seattle, Washington.

* Impressive season with more to come

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 activi ties. 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.

Recipe: Thanksgiving traditions and memory-making meals

To celebrate the special occasion and the joy that Thanksgiving brings, you can enjoy Turkey Cranberry Dinner Rolls as a delicious homemade meal that’s as easy to make as it is to share.

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray

1 package of dinner rolls

2 cups diced turkey, cooked

1 cup cranberry sauce or relish

6 slices Swiss cheese

6 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon parsley

1 cup Parmesan cheese

Turkey Cranberry Dinner Rolls

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 F. Cover 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Remove rolls from package in one piece, cutting entire slab in half lengthwise to create one half of “tops” and one half of “bottoms.”

Place bottom half in foil-covered pan and layer with turkey, cranberry sauce and Swiss cheese. Add top half

of rolls.

In microwave, melt butter and whisk in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion and salt and pepper, to taste. Pour evenly over rolls.

Cover with foil and let sit 5-10 minutes then bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Slice into individual rolls.

Tofindfamily-favoriterecipesfitforThanksgivingfeasts,visitwonderbread.com/macys-parade.

‘Jerry & Marge Go Large’ and other real-life

– SUDOKU –

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

Based on Jason Fagone’s 2018 HuffPost article, the comedy/ drama “Jerry & Marge Go Large” showed how the generous Evart, Michigan couple made things better for their neighbors. The Selbees found a mathematical loophole in a lottery game called “Winfall” that they exploited and shared. According to “The Cin emaholic,” they spent as much as $720,000 on lottery tickets for one drawing and ultimately made $26 million before they were done. Lottery officials then stepped in to investigate and discovered that other people found the same loophole.

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.

The Selbees are considered folk heroes thanks to their honesty and generosity. They also did nothing illegal. That wasn’t quite the case with “Press Your Luck” con testant Paul Michael Larson. He recorded episodes of “Press Your Luck” at home and, after watching his tapes, Larson uncovered the five patterns used on the “Big Board.” In the studio, he made over $110,000 during his appearance, which was shown in two parts. Although producers thought he cheated, Larson claimed his winnings. A thief later stole $50,000 in cash from Lar son’s home (He was using the money to win a radio contest.)

In 1956, producers of the quiz show “Twenty-One” wanted college professor

Charles Van Doren to replace reigning champion Herbert Stempel to boost ratings.

Stempel later reported that he had been coached by producers to give an incorrect answer and throw the game in favor of Van Doren. In 1959, Van Doren, who was be loved by viewers, admitted to a congressio nal committee that he received answers to questions in advance. Although Van Doren had a three-year contract with NBC, the network dropped him during the ongoing investigations.

Things turned out better for other contes tants. Dr. Joyce Brothers, who appeared on “The $64,000 Question” as a boxing expert, testified before congress about her game show appearance, but she was cleared of

winners and losers

cheating. She went on to appear on her own TV talk show as well as guest appearances on other shows. As a child, actress Patty Duke appeared on “The $64,000 Challenge” when she was 11 years old and won $32,000. Testifying before the Legislative Oversight Subcommittee, Duke said an as sistant producer had told her to study topics that “may be on the show.” Patty Duke went on to have a great career.

If Charles Ingram and his wife Diana had watched “Quiz Show,” they might have avoided cheat ing. Charles was selected as a contestant on the British version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” but he used two lifelines before the episode ended. Conspiring with lecturer Tecwen Whittock, Charles and Diana created a plan for the next episode: Charles would read the four possible answers aloud and Whittock would cough when he spoke the correct answer. Their scheme was uncovered and the trio were convicted on April 7, 2003.

When presented with a unique oppor tunity, people react in different ways. The Selbees thought of others while Paul Larson tried to break the “Press Your Luck” bank and lost a small fortune. No matter what, it always pays to do the right thing.

“Jerry & Marge Go Large,” rated PG-13, streams on the Paramount+ network.

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.

‘Jerry & Marge Go Large’ photo courtesy Landline Pictures

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

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

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.

PET CEMETERY

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

www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

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And you thought COVID was a crazy plague. There’s an even worse one on the rise today; it’s called rudeness and it’s also an epidemic.

Maybe it’s because people were locked up for so long that they forgot social graces and ba sic manners. But it’s getting so scary I’m even afraid to get on social media anymore.

I posted a picture of my cat on Facebook and was immediately attacked in the com ment section by some stranger.

“People like you disgust me!” wrote the dis gruntled person.

“Huh? Why would you say that?” I wrote back.

“Because obviously you hate dogs! Now I’m go ing to have to unfriend you because you’ve caused Flapjack undue stress!”

“How was I to know your pancake had actual feelings,” I shot back.

“Excuse me! Flapjack is my miniature Pomera nian. He has his own Facebook page and used to like you, but no more. People are so rude!”

Wait?! Rude? I wasn’t being rude. She was the one… Too late. I had actually been unfriended by a breakfast item.

I needed to get out and decompress. I drove to the grocery store. Thanksgiving was fast ap proaching and I had to stock up before the day of the big feast, even though prices were outrageous.

On the way to the store I was met with a series of road-ragers. First, I got cut off as I approached the intersection and then someone honked at me mercilessly a nano-second after the light turned green. Then to top it off, I received a one finger salute from a driver who sped by. He let me know that five miles above the speed limit was not ac ceptable on his personal road space.

At home I set my grocery bags on the kitchen counter. My husband started to unload them as I related my stories of all the rude people I had encountered that day.

“What’s all this for?” he asked as he unpacked some chicken thighs, a bag of salad and a brownie mix.

“That’s our Thanksgiving dinner. Everything’s super expensive so I had to downsize this year.”

“Chicken!” he squawked. “We can’t have chick en. That’s blasphemy! And whoever heard of brownies for Thanksgiving?”

“Listen, Mr. Sassy Pants! I’ve had it up to here with impolite people. So just because you’re un grateful you get the I’ve-been-rude meal plan for Thanksgiving.”

“Oh, and what’s that?” he snarled.

“Flapjacks!” I barked..

Cindy Moore is the moth er of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nif ty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological

Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hi larity in strange and unusu al places including public restrooms, the lint fil ter, and church meet ings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone

do not reflect the

of

of

By Cindy Moore

John Hanna Yeggs