CN: November 27, 2019

November 27, 2019

Reaching for the stars

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Art McCoy, PhD. Pg. 2 Tickets on sale now for the St. Louis Family Theater Series at the Florissant Civic Center Theater. Pg. 4

Special Section Happy Thanksgiving! Pg. 6

Features (FLIP)

Submitted photo A check is presented to 2020 BGCSTL Youth of the Year Danielle Kain (right) of the Michael and Wanda DeHaven $5,000 Scholarship presented by Abby (left) and Travis Sarich (center), daughter and son-in law of Michael and Wanda DeHaven.

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis 2020 Youth of the Year winner looks to turn accolades into a career as an aerospace engineer

CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3

By Charlotte Beard Annually, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) uses its Great Futures Gala, their largest fundraising event for the organization, to announce the Youth of the Year winner. This year the honor went to 16-year-old Danielle Kain, a junior at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS). The gala and 2020 Youth of the Year honoring took place Nov. 8 at Chase Park Plaza.

In addition to Kain claiming the 2020 title, she received the honor of representing the club as a Teen Ambassador, she received the Michael & Wanda DeHaven $5,000 Scholarship, the Missouri State University Youth of the Year $4,000 scholarship, a celebratory dinner courtesy of the Saint Louis Club and

a car from Frank Leta Honda.

Youth of the Year is stated to be a signature national youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient’s contributions to their family, school, community and their Boys & Girls Club. Dr. Flint Fowler, BGCSTL President shared that the club has been honoring a youth every year since the organization began.

“Back then it was called Boy of the Year because it was Boys Club of America and our membership was focused on boys,” stated Fowler. “Ever since 1990 when we became Boys and Girls Club of America each year more and more girls competed for that title.

This is (between) the third and fifth year in a row that the winner of the St. Louis title

has been a female. Outside of this year, the last two years prior to this year all four of the finalists have been all female. This year three of the four finalist were female.”

This year Kahalia Adams, Herbert Hoover Club member, won second place and was awarded the $2,500 Emerson Scholarship.

Alex Mugisha, Roosevelt High School Club member, came in third place winning the $1,000 Be Great: Graduate scholarship and Fatuma Euli, also of Roosevelt, won the fourth place $500 Be Great: Graduate scholarship.

Fowler shared that Frank Leta Honda has participated in awarding the Youth of See ‘STARS’ page 2

Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 98 No. 48 | 636-379-1775

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

Weather FRIDAY Rain 50/45 SATURDAY Rain 60/38 SUNDAY Rain 44/27 FirstWarn Weather

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

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Around Town

November 27, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘STARS’ from cover the Year with a car for three years now. The dealership approached BGCSTL a couple years ago to talk about a way to support the work of the club.

“The idea of transportation popped up knowing that oftentimes our families are limited because they don’t have proper transportation. If they have a car it’s being shared by multiple family members or there is no car in the family. Given the opportunities that our youth have today, it’s a good thing if they have their own transportation and can get around to some of the activities and experiences. It’s certainly a plus.”

Kain, who has been a club member for eight years has seen several opportunities due to her involvement with the club. Last year she won the BGCA Hank Aaron Scholarship Award which allowed her to purchase STEM materials and equipment to provide sessions for elementary, middle, and high school club members in the summer of 2018.

Another opportunity for Kain was her past participation this year as a teen panelist at Harris Stowe State University’s Spark the Mind Advancing the Agenda for African Americans in STEM event. At this event she had

the opportunity to meet Aprille Ericsson, an aerospace engineer for NASA. Kain herself has plans to become an aerospace engineer upon completion of college.

“I’ve always been interested in STEM,” Kain said of her career choice. “I put in one of my essays that even before I could do my timetables in math class, I was looking at the stars – pointing out constellations. That’s always been an interest of mine. After I got older, I got into robotics. I’ve been on the robotics team since about fourth grade and that got me into engineering. So, I kind of put my love for space and my love for engineering together and decided I wanted to be an aerospace engineer.”

Kain is still deciding on a college post high school graduation in 2021 but she shares that she does have an interest in Florida Institute of Technology; the institute has vast STEM-related programs.

Other opportunities and accomplishments include her receiving of the Joan Ellyn Silber Award for Volunteerism and Leadership, and her first place award of an all-inclusive trip to Washington, D.C. in the high school division of the nationwide 2019 STEP Ahead Awards. In addition, she has spoken at events to share how the Boys & Girls Club has impacted her life.

When asked what she enjoys most about the club, Kain shared, “Being able to start my own STEM program—(overseeing) that – was one of the best experiences. The music video program which I have been a part of probably since seventh grade – I’ve gotten to cre-

COMMUNITY VOICES

ate my own song. I’ve gotten to be a part of that whole process and (learned) what it takes to create a song. I (have) improved my music skill – I play the piano.”

Kain also shared that at the club she is part of Smart Girls—a program that teaches life skills and etiquette.

Club members can choose their involvement in various programs based on individual interest.

“As a junior it’s been hard to go to the club this year on a regular basis. However, I always try to allocate time for the club; there are people there I feel like are my family.

So, I try to get there at least once a week. Over the summer, I go all the time.”

Kain shared that her 2020 responsibilities as Teen Ambassador requires that she attends BGCSTL events, visit various BGCSTL sites and participate in public speaking events to “spread a positive message.”

“The foundation is laid for these winners to be extremely successful moving forward,” stated Fowler. “It gives them a chance to have their talents and interests on display at a very early age. Each year there are 14 to 30 young people who (demonstrate they) have the leadership skills and the character to go out and help change communities and make St. Louis and several other communities better places to live. So, it’s my hope that the experience, not just winning it, but having gone through that training and engagement will help young people understand the impact they can have in any endeavor that they pursue.”

By Art McCoy, PhD

A paradigm shift: four bold career pathway guarantees for all Imagine if every K-12 public-school system ensured that all students received the following four bold guarantees: Guarantee No. 1: 100 percent of students engage in up to four career pathways, learning and earning programs with targeted mentors, starting in 1st grade continuing through 12th grade with paid apprenticeships and jobs from a broad business network.

Guarantee No. 2: 100 percent of students can earn up to an associate degree by high school graduation at no cost.

Guarantee No. 3: 100 percent of students receive at least six months of entrepreneurship and “power-skills” training in seventh through 12th grade.

Guarantee No. 4: 100 percent of students can pursue up to seven Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC) by graduation including certifications from Microsoft, CISCO, OSHA/Industrial Powertools, ProStart foodservice, RISE Up Sales, ACT Work Keys, and Missouri as Pharmacy Technicians.

Today, in Jennings School District, we ensure that all students receive these guarantees. While this is the Jennings Warrior Way, such guarantees are possible for all in St. Louis and beyond.

The reality today for most children is over 50 percent of U.S. public-school students are impoverished. People feel the effect of a 125 percent increase in public college costs in one generation.

Sadly, although the cost of college degrees has skyrocketed, the value of many degrees has diminished. Over 60 percent to 65 percent of all jobs will require some industry training typically taken after high school but not necessarily a college degree.

So, we redesigned the school system by placing such education and training in primary grades for construction and architecture, coding, and healthcare and continued it through middle and high school levels. By starting in elementary school, students complete nearly 10,000 hours of career-technical skills training during high school. This allows our students to do advanced doctoral research with UMSL and Washington University with pay in various areas like systems dynamics, genomics, and bioinformatics. Others work on building mobile library hubs, hospitals, or rehabbing houses and earn $20 per hour with benefits from Niehaus Building Services and full rides to the University of Missouri from Clayco with work and mentors.

This shows three things. First, such an education is a great equalizer. Secondly, greater access to outstanding opportunities like these is an equity super-sizer. Thirdly, a system-wide paradigm shift is essential for this redesign.

Prosperity occurs when proficient preparation meets personalized opportunities with powerful partners.

One example of such partnerships is the award-winning workforce develop-

ment initiative, STL.Works. It launched at the St. Louis American Center with over 600 attendees on August 6th, after months of planning with RBC CEO, Kathy Osborn, and other leaders. Over 100 Fortune 500 companies committed to this paradigm shift and getting more youth and adults to work.

These bold career pathway guarantees and powerful partnerships are proof positive that we as a community can: • Empower children and adults in a way that produces 100% graduation and career placement despite the zip code.

• Eliminate millions of dollars of college debt and the false choice of either college or career by doing both careers and college credit funded by business.

• Engage students in learning and earning early in life.

A zip code should not confine anyone.

Every student can thrive. But it requires a paradigm shift with bold career pathway guarantees for all.

Art McCoy, Ph.D. is the superintendent for the Jennings School District.

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 27, 2019

Pop-Up Coat Exchange being held at three Metro Transit stops Dec. 6 - 20 Transit is a viable transportation option in the St. Louis region, especially in the winter months and during inclement weather. To help riders stay warm, Citizens for Modern Transit, the Bureau of Transit Police, Metro Transit, Metro Transit Public Safety, St. Clair County Transit District, AARP St. Louis and University of Missouri–St. Louis are partnering to host a Pop-up Coat Exchange at three transit stops. Coat racks will be placed at the Belleville and North Hanley MetroLink Stations and North County Transit Center from Dec. 6, through Dec. 20. Riders will be encouraged to take a coat if they need one or leave any coats they wish to donate for someone who is in need.

The Pop-up Coat Exchange will feature options for men, woman and children. The assortment will vary on a daily basis and is subject to the number of coats taken versus left behind. This effort will officially kick off with a rider appreciation event at all three locations. Representatives of the partnering organizations, will be offering cookies and hot chocolate from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Dec. 6.

Throughout the remainder of the day, the Bureau of Transit Police and Metro Transit Public Safety will be randomly distributing hats and gloves to commuters along the MetroLink alignment.

“Transit rider engagement efforts like this serve as a means to promote the benefits of taking transit, build relationships between commuters and

the law enforcement patrolling the system, and demonstrate appreciation for riders,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit.

Taulby Roach, president and chief executive officer of Bi-State Development added, “We are always focused on delivering the best possible experience to our riders, and with the help of our partners, we have this special opportunity to help our customers stay warm, cozy and comfortable while they ride on our trains and buses this winter.”

The Bureau of Transit Police, Citizens for Modern Transit, Metro Transit, Metro Transit Public Safety, St. Clair County Transit District, University of Missouri–St. Louis are all members of the Transit Advisory Working Group (TAWG), which was established to help improve safety and security on MetroLink and restore public confidence in St. Louis’ main public transportation system. To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org or www.metrostlouis.org.

Around Town

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Christmas in Old Town Photo courtesy city of Florissant

The city of Florissant and Old Town Partners will co-host “Christmas in Old Town with Santa” on Dec. 7 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Florissant City Council Chambers.

There will be hot cocoa and cookies to enjoy. Santa Claus will be there and fun activities are planned like face painting, a clown making balloon animals, music, pictures with Santa, crafts and cookie decorating. Come early to shop and eat at the Old Town Florissant businesses.

There will also be a plaque dedication in honor of the late Rita Meyer Moellering in front of 990 rue St. Francois beginning at 4:45 p.m. At 5 p.m. the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on the front lawn of city hall. From the balcony Mayor Tim Lowery and the 2019 Valley of Flowers Queen Grace Gettemeier and her court will do the honors of switching on the Christmas lights to official start the holiday season.

For more information contact Old Town Partners at 314-8370033 or visit their website at www.florissantoldtown.com.

www.ssmhealth.com/DePaulMaternity

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Aound Town

November 27, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Tickets on sale now for the St. Louis Family Theater Series at the Florissant Civic Center Theater

www.mycnews.com

Tickets are now on sale for the St. Louis Family Theatre Series 2019-2020 season featuring “Click Clack Moo” on Jan. 12 and 18, “Owen & Mzee” on Feb. 2 and 8 and “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System” on Feb. 23 and 29. All performances are at 2 p.m. and will be held at the Florissant Civic Center Theater.

The St. Louis Family Theatre Series (SLFTS) celebrates “Page to Stage” theatre, bringing to life stories children of the metro region love.

These national touring performances provide countless children the opportunity to engage in

exciting educational theatre in hopes of inspiring young minds to live better and dream of a greater tomorrow.

Everyone is invited to these weekend shows. Local area schools attend weekday performances at subsidized prices, allowing all children to experience the magic and excitement of live theatre.

Individual show tickets are $8 each and season ticket packages are available now. Please call the box office at 314-921-5678 for more information or visit the St. Louis Family Theatre’s website at www.florissantmo.com/stlfamily.

MDC celebrates 50 years of urban fishing by stocking 10lb rainbow trout in select St. Louis lakes The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of its Urban Fishing Program (UFP) this year. Since 1969, the UFP has grown from a limited experiment to an expanded and robust program providing close-to-home fishing for St. Louis area citizens.

These opportunities include pursuing rainbow trout during the winter in select UFP lakes.

In that same theme of making things bigger, MDC will stock an increased number of extra-large lunker rainbow trout this season at its UFP lakes in honor of the 50th anniversary. Some of these giants could tip the scales at 10lbs.

“St. Louis-area trout anglers might need to buy some heavier tackle,” said Fisheries Management Biologist Kevin Meneau.

In addition to the normal eight stockings this season, including the lunker rainbow trout, MDC will also add an additional ninth stocking of brown trout in St. Louis UFP lakes, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. This will give trout anglers yet another unique fishing opportunity.

Winter trout stocking for MDC’s St. Louis Urban Fishing Program started the week of Nov. 4 this year. That’s good news for trout chasers who now need travel only minutes to pursue their passion rather than hours.

“The whole goal of the program is to bring fish to the people, so they don’t have to drive to an Ozark trout stream or trout park,” said Meneau.

MDC will stock the following St. Louis UFP lakes with special lunker rainbows and brown trout this season: • Carondelet Park Boathouse Lake in St. Louis • January-Wabash Lake in Ferguson • Jefferson Lake in Forest Park • O’Fallon Park Lake in St. Louis • Suson Park lakes 1, 2, and 3 in St. Louis County • Tilles Park Lake in St. Louis County • Vlasis Park Lake in Ballwin Additional St. Louis Area lakes that will continue to receive normal rainbow stockings this year include: • Koeneman Park Lake in Jennings • Walker Lake in Kirkwood • Wild Acres Park Lake in Overland • August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area lakes 3, 21, 22, 23 and 28 From November through February, MDC stocks

Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

rainbow trout in 12 St. Louis City and County lakes, as well as in five lakes at the MDC August A. Busch Conservation Area on Route D in St. Charles.

The rainbows bound for the St. Louis area are spawned and raised at MDC’s Montauk Hatchery, southeast of Licking. “We’ll stock nearly 40,000 fish this year,” Meneau said.

This season especially, anglers had better bring some larger nets. While the average size of the fish is about 11 inches, Meneau said that this year MDC will also be stocking some extra-large whoppers as well. “Some fish will weigh up to 10lbs,” said Meneau. “There’ll be some real tackle testers.”

Between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31, some lakes are catch-and-release only, and some are catch-andkeep. After Feb. 1, trout may be harvested from all lakes. Anglers should consult the St. Louis Area Winter Trout Program brochure for details, possession limits and bait restrictions, which is available at MDC offices or at https://short.mdc. mo.gov/Zd5, or check regulations posted at the lakes. All trout anglers between age 16 and 64 must have a valid Missouri fishing permit to participate. Anglers wishing to catch and keep trout must also possess a trout permit.

MDC provides a chance for anglers to keep on top of trout stocking efforts in the St. Louis area.

“The fish stocking hotline has become very popular,” Meneau said, “and we update it right after we finish stocking for the day. It’s toll free from anywhere in the St. Louis area. There’s a recorded message that tells when we stocked, where we stocked, and what fish we stocked.”

Anglers should call the hotline at 636-300-9651 to get the latest information.

For information about fishing, go online at https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 27, 2019

Northwest News

Bowling: the ‘gateway sport’ for disabled veterans When Drew Hodge, a Marine Corps Veteran from Fayetteville, Arkansas was involved in a terrible accident, his spine was severed.

He still remembers when he transferred to the St Louis VA Medical Center’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit for recovery and rehabilitation. At that time, he thought his life was over.

“I believed I could never again do the things I loved to do,” he said.

When the recreation therapists at the VA’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit told him they were going to teach him how to bowl…he thought they were crazy.

“Couldn’t they see that I was sit- A past PBA bowling tournament for wheelchair-bound veterans.

Submitted photo ting in a wheel chair?” he said.

But in fact, using “adaptive” equipment, these Volunteers keep score on paper sheets for the vettherapists can teach paraplegics and quadriplegics erans who need it. to bowl. And, they do it every week throughout The VA is in the process of constructing a huge, the year. new Veterans Rehabilitation Building (VRB) For those patients who have who have suffered nearby on their St. Louis Jefferson Barracks cama catastrophic injury or illness (e.g. spinal cord in- pus. It should be completed in late 2020 and will jury, massive stroke, mass amputation, MS, etc.), offer all of the rehabilitation sports available in the “adaptive” bowling is their first step in a return to VA. an active lifestyle.

This new building will have a 3,000 SF “shell” Once these veterans learn to bowl and have the reserved for a new, four-lane bowling alley. But, confidence to enjoy the sport and competition, there is no money in the VA budget to build out then the therapists introduce them to other “adap- this space and then purchase new equipment. tive” sports: swimming, kayaking, SCUBA, wheelAn “all-volunteer” Bowling for Veterans Health chair basketball, hand cycling, trap shooting, and (BVH) Committee has been formed to raise monnow, golf. The objective is to return veterans to a ey for the new bowling alley. Many individuals lifestyle where they can still enjoy sports and an and groups have supported this project. But, the active lifestyle…they just have to do it a different BVH Committee still needs to raise additional way. But, it all begins with bowling. That’s why it’s money for design, construction and equipment called the “gateway sport.” purchases.

At the St. Louis VA’s Jefferson Barracks medical In fact, few other donations will help so many campus, dedicated volunteers and therapists op- thousands of veterans for so many decades. If you erate a six-lane bowling alley. It is available to all are interested in helping with this project, please out-patients and in-patients at no cost. It is open contact Jim Donahoe (Email: donahoejb@hotfive days each week. mail.com, and phone number: 314-973-0012).

When you see this bowling alley, the first thing The BVH Committee has partnered with Heroes you notice is….it’s old. In fact, it’s been in contin- Care, a military /veterans charity, to make monuous operation for the past 65 years (since 1953). etary donations tax deductible. But, all donations Automatic pin setters were added in early 1970. will go directly to the bowling project.

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November 27, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 27, 2019

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What’s Happening

November 27, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

Dec. 14: Grief share

Featured Events . . .

Dec. 24-25: Christmas services

Come Home to Christmas at the historic Shrine of St Joseph Catholic Church at 1220 N. 11th St. in St. Louis, the site of the only authenticated miracle in the Midwest. Christmas Eve: 3 p.m., Carols and Anthems from around the world prior to Mass. Vigil Mass at 4 p.m. Christmas Day: 9:30 a.m., choral prelude and congregational carols, Solemnity of the Nativity Mass at 10 a.m. For more information visit www.shrineofstjoseph.org.

by the Choral Arts singers

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

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

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

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

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

Wentzville United Methodist Church 725 Wall Street, Wentzville, MO

Admission is FREE. Donations appreciated.

EVENTS Now - Nov. 30: FEZtival of Trees

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 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. 27: Karaoke

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.

Nov. 29: Pot luck dinner

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 6-7: Library fundraiser

FLIERS (Friends of the Ferguson Library) Treasures, Trinkets and Treats Sale takes place Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3

p.m. at Ferguson Public Library Auditorium at 35 North Florissant Road.

There will be gifts, vintage goods, books and baked goods. Proceeds go to the library and the workers are all volunteers.

Dec. 7: Holiday concert

The Ritenour High School Choir highlights the St. Louis Civic Orchestra’s annual Holiday Concert at 8 p.m. at Ritenour High School at 9100 St. Charles Rock Road. The St. Louis Civic Orchestra will perform a variety of holiday favorites at its annual Holiday Concert. Tickets are available online at the St. Louis Civic Orchestra’s website stlco.org, or the day of show at the hosting venue.

Dec. 13: Christmas house decorating contest

Applications for the Florissant Christmas house decorating contest are free to Florissant residents and are available at the James J. Eagan Center, JFK Community Center and Florissant City Hall. Parks and Recreation prizes are awarded to the best decorated homes. Temporary yard signs acknowledging first, second and third place winners will be posted. The city will remove the signs within one week. Deadline to apply is Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. Judging will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 17. For more information call 314-921-4466 or 314-921-4250.

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

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.

Dec. 14: Visit with Santa

Santa Claus is coming to town. Drop by the Nature Lodge at Sunset Park from 10 -11:30 a.m. for a Christmas craft, light refreshments and the opportunity to visit and take a photo with Santa. A ticket is required upon entry and will not be sold at the door.

You may obtain tickets by showing your resident card and paying $2 or for non-residents $4. A limited number of tickets will be available. Tickets are available at the JFK or JJE centers.

For more information call 314-9214250 or 314-921-4466.

March 15: Snowman building contest

Looking for best snowman in Florissant. Build the biggest, have a theme and make it cute then enter the contest. Build your most creative and unique snowman and send in a photo.

Until March 15, anytime it snows build a snowman. Take a picture of yourself and the snowman, and send it to the James J. Eagan Community Center at #1 James J. Eagan Drive Florissant, MO 63033 along with an application. Prizes will be awarded.

The Youth Advisory Commission will be the judges of this contest. You must be a Florissant resident to enter and 15 years of age or younger. For further information, call 314-921-4466 or 314921-4250.

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

www.StreetsofStCharles.com

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • November 27, 2019 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.

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 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 314540-5223.

Mondays: Choral Art Singers

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.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

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

Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane.

We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cordially invited to a meeting

of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Association. 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 314-921-2132.

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

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

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 Charlie at 314-954-1121.

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

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

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

Tuesdays: Food pantry

Every second Tuesday of the month, food pantry takes place from 9 - 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. – noon at St. Andrew United Methodist Church at 3975 N. US Highway 67 in Florissant. Other times by appointment, call 314-837-4233.

Tuesdays: Vietnam Veterans Association meeting

Chapter 794 Vietnam Veterans Association meets on the third Tuesday of each month at VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant. Meetings start at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.

Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)

(Take

off

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

What’s Happening

9

or Connie McConnell, 314-831-5476.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting

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

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Doors at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314921-2316.

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.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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Community Spotlight

November 27, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

DePaul Hospital’s New Family Birthplace Offers Alternative to Traditional Hospital Delivery

www.byerly.com

Now there is more to love at SSM Health DePaul Hospital. The hospital recently celebrated the opening of a new special care nursery, which is a part of the $6.3 million renovation of the Family Birthplace. The project also includes a complete renovation of the existing 15 labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum suites. The full project will be complete in February 2020.

DePaul Hospital’s Family Birthplace offers a welcome alternative to traditional hospital delivery. All phases of childbirth (labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum procedures) take place in the same specially designed private suite. A quiet, private room offers a peaceful environment which allows you to bond with your newest family member and get plenty of rest.

The new special care nursery is located in the middle of the unit to allow moms to spend more time with their babies if they require extra care. The nursery also offers private rooms so parents can remain at the bedside, even after mom is discharged home, which allows better opportunity for bonding and breastfeeding.

DePaul Hospital is the only hospital to provide maternity services in north St. Louis County. The Family Birthplace team delivers more than 1,000 babies every year.

DePaul Hospital is staffed 24/7 by some of the top doctors in the St. Louis and supported by SLUCare Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians for those patients who develop high-risk conditions. Physicians are supported by a team of compassionate and talented nurses and care partners.

“We wanted to ensure that we created an environment for Mom that was calm and soothing and that she felt like she was in the comfort of her own home,” said Amanda Gruen, director of Family Birthplace at DePaul Hospital.

“Within the suites, there also is space for staff to document and be present with their patient.

Building relationships with our patients is key to providing exceptional, quality and safe care for moms and their babies.”

Guided tours of the Family Birthplace at DePaul Hospital are a great opportunity to learn more about what we offer and to ask any ques-

Submitted photos

tions about the labor and delivery process. To register for a tour, please call toll-free 866-SSMDOCS (866-776-3627) or register online at https://www.ssmhealth.com/maternity/depaul-hospital-st-louis

12303 DePaul Drive St. Louis, MO, 63044 314-344-6000

www.mycnews.com • Community News • November 27, 2019

Recipe:

Frozen Family Fun

Frozen Banana Split Cups Prep time: 15 minutes, plus freezing time | SERVINGS: 12

In small, microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips in microwave oven on high 1 minute, or until melted, stirring every 20 seconds; stir in oil.

Make-Ahead Frozen Brrr-eakfast Bites

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.

Prep time: 15 minutes, plus cooling time Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients: 2/3 cup gluten-free dark chocolate chips 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil 3 strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced 1 ripe banana, peeled and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons chopped roasted unsalted peanuts Directions: Line 12-cup mini muffin tin with mini cupcake liners.

Kid-friendly, make-ahead meals

Feature

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 8 eggs 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 package (8 ounces) mushrooms, sliced 1 red onion, chopped 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped Fill cupcake liners with half of chocolate mixture; top with strawberries, banana, remaining chocolate mixture and peanuts.

Freeze in airtight container at least 1 hour, or up to 2 weeks.

Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 cup): 92 calories; 65 calories from fat; 7 g fat; 0 g trans fat; 1 g polyunsaturated fat; 1 g monounsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 0 mg sodium; 54 mg potassium; 10 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 6 g sugars; 2 g protein; vitamin A 0%; vitamin C 2%; calcium 0%; iron 15%; vitamin E 2%; thiamin 0%; vitamin B6 2%; phosphorus 0%; magnesium 2%; manganese 4%.

4 cups baby spinach 1 cup fat-free milk 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 8 100% whole-grain English muffins, split 8 frozen chicken breakfast sausage patties

Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Spray 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, whisk eggs. In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add mushrooms, onion and bell pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach; cook 3 minutes, or until spinach wilts, stirring occasionally. Stir milk, salt, pepper and vegetables into eggs; transfer to prepared dish. Bake 25 minutes, or until set and internal temperature reaches 160 F; cool and cut into eight equal pieces.

Assemble sandwiches with muffins, sausage patties and egg mixture; wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 weeks.

Unwrap one sandwich; wrap loosely with paper towel. Heat in microwave oven on high 2 1/2-3 minutes, or until completely heated through and internal temperature of sausage and egg mixture reaches 165 F. SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ shows the franchise’s power

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.

In 1981, Chris Van Allsburg’s “Jumanji” picture book was released. Aimed at young readers, it focused on a jungle-themed board game where the animals and other elements became very, very real.

In 2002, Van Allsburg followed up the first book with “Zathura,” another adventure featuring a board game with outer space elements and danger. In the story, two brothers play a magical board game that transports their house into space.

Allsburg’s literary efforts have been adapted more than once for the big screen. “Jumanji: The Next Level” is technically the fourth film in the franchise.

In 2005, Josh Hutcherson, who played Peeta Mellark in “The Hunger Games” series, played the older brother in Jon Favreau’s adaptation of “Zathura.” Though it takes place in space, it is considered by some to be part of the “Jumanji” universe, but there was no crossover with the characters.

The latest installments do owe a debt of gratitude to the late Robin Williams, who played the role of Alan Parrish in the original 1995 film. In that film, Williams displayed his comic timing and talent for physical comedy. Young Alan found the Jumanji board game and started to play with Sarah Whittle

sequel “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” arrived in theaters.

Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan play the avatars of four teenagers who are transported into a Jumanji videogame. Along the way they encounter Alex, a young man who was transported to the jungle years earlier.

“Jumanji: The Next Level” ups the ante by adding Danny DeVito and Danny Glover to the cast. After his first adventure with his friends, Spencer, Photo courtesy Heartbeat Productions played by Alex Wolf, repairs (played as an adult by Bonnie Hunt). He was the damaged video game and returns to the transported into the game and did not return jungle alone. His friends go back in to find him, but Spencer’s grandfather (DeVito), and home for 26 years.

The game attracts people who are not happy Milo (Glover), his grandfather’s friend, are or have some conflict to resolve. Alan Parrish pulled into the game as well.

Johnson, Hart, Black and Gillan are back in has issues dealing with his demanding father, who wants him to go to boarding school. Af- action as the avatars, but, except for Gillan, ter decades in the jungle, Alan returns home they must channel different characters. The and realizes all the mistakes he made with action also is not limited to the jungle, so father and his schoolmates. He’s also able to “Jumanji: The Next Level” looks like a great help new friends Judy and Peter with the loss Christmas present for fans this year. of their parents.

“Jumanji: The Next Level,” rated PG-13, An animated version of “Jumanji” ran for a few years on television in the 1990’s, but arrives in theaters on Friday, Dec. 13. the franchise was dormant until the 2017

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Feature

November 27, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • November 27, 2019

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Dannegger Brothers Contracting, Inc • Foundation & Basement Repairs • Waterproofing • Piering • Mudjacking • Stress Bracing • Concrete Flatwork

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Feature

November 27, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: State Capitals

‘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

T

his has been a weird November. One minute we turn on the gas fireplace to thaw our frozen bones and the next minute the sun’s blazing down in full force bikini weather.

By noon, the temperature soars. I am forced to open all the windows to let out the heat and cool things down. My husband is not happy about this.

“Windows open in November?!”

“But it’s hot,” I say. “The sun just erupted and emitted a solar flare and now it’s 105 degrees in the house.”

“I don’t give a rip about the sun’s flatulence. I’m not going to let all the heat out that I paid good money for. Strip down to your underpants if you have to.”

“Not on your life. If you recall, this weird weather phenomenon also happened last year and Pilkington’s called the vice squad on you for mowing the lawn in your boxer shorts!”

Just then the sun drifted behind some clouds and the temperature plunged. I closed all the windows and there was peace.

I needed to get out. I bundled up like an Eskimo to go to the store and get supplies for a nice pot of homemade stew to warm things up. Suddenly, a little devil appeared on my shoulder and said, “What the heck are you thinking. Relax.

Grab some take-out baby! YOLO!” That sounded like good advice, but then a little angel on the opposite shoulder flew down and said, “You should really make your husband a nice hearty dinner and save some money too.”

That sounded like better advice. I was just about to take her suggestion when the little devil returned and said, “Your husband was awfully cranky about the windows being opened. Do you

By Cindy Moore

Seesaw season

really think he deserves a delicious home-cooked meal? Think of the work.”

That made the best sense. I awaited the angel’s reply. There was only silence.

“Head for McDairyKing’s drive-through,” the devil said. “You won’t have to worry about her yapping anymore.”

“Oh, really? What happened?”

“I stuffed a triple bacon cheese in her mouth.

She’s on our side.”

Decision made! Besides, the temperature was boiling again. How could I go into a store stripped down to my underpants?

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. Ten Commandments word 6. Problem with concentrating, acr.

9. Black sheep’s gift 13. “The game of unspeakable fun!”

14. “Fancy that!”

15. One Direction’s “Truly, ____, Deeply” 16. Consumed, two words 17. Finish, with “up” 18. Extra software 19. The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Do You ____ in Magic” 21. *Badger State capital 23. Snow runner 24. Boris Godunov, for one 25. Every American’s uncle?

28. Aquarium organism 30. Hound or plague 35. He sacrificed a rib?

37. Nordic native 39. Singular of salpae 40. Sites 41. Joker or Batman, e.g.

43. Olympic one is 50 meters long 44. Terminate mission 46. Boor 47. If it fits...

48. *Centennial State’s

capital 50. Form of approval 52. As much as this and a leg 53. Saintly glow 55. Rub the wrong way 57. *Pine Tree State capital 61. *Garden State capital 65. Idle talk 66. Morning condensation 68. Île de la Cité river 69. Painter Degas 70. U.N. workers’ grp.

71. Samurai dagger 72. Fraternity recruitment season 73. Dog tags 74. Ancient Greek building for entertainment DOWN 1. Bayonet wound 2. Angie Thomas’ “The ____ U Give” 3. Killed by Cain 4. Jazz musician Armstrong.

5. *Sunflower State capital 6. Fit of shivering 7. *____ Moines 8. Regards 9. Dry riverbed

10. Bookie’s quote 11. Mishmash 12. Country singer Loretta 15. Hot curry dish 20. Mexican revolutionary 22. “I see!”

24. Food thickener 25. Type of bar 26. Acrobat maker 27. Wine from Mâconnais 29. Chutzpah 31. What Kanye does 32. *Greeting in Honolulu 33. Animal trail 34. *Beaver State capital 36. Type of missile 38. *St. ____ 42. It can lead up or down 45. Movie preview 49. Hard to escape routine 51. Faster than allegro 54. Forearm bones 56. Work the dough 57. Copycat 58. Pakistani language 59. Silences 60. *Salt Lake City State 61. A child’s “terrible ____” 62. Pitchfork part 63. Aware of 64. Ne 67. Old age, archaic SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9