CN: December 1, 2021

December 1, 2021

Backpacks of love

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Larry A. Brown. Pg. 2 DEC. 2-3: Florissant Civic Center Theatre kicks off the holiday season. Pg. 3 NORTHWEST VIEWS Staying motivated when stuck in a rut. Pg. 3

School Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority donates gift to Normandy Fine Arts Program. Pg. 7

Features (FLIP)

Photo courtesy Ladue School District The Ladue School District has stepped in to contribute to ongoing efforts that aid in Afghan refugees’ transition by donating nearly 500 backpacks full of school supplies.

The Ladue School District has donated nearly 500 backpacks full of school supplies to Afghan refugees resettled in the St. Louis area

By Wendy Todd According to The International Institute of St. Louis, roughly 1,400 Afghan refugees will be resettled in Missouri. Escaping a country that devolved into chaos after the U.S. ended the war and evacuated in August, evacuees are in need of support to begin a new life in the states.

The Ladue School District has stepped in to contribute to ongoing efforts that aid in the

refugees’ transition by donating nearly 500 backpacks full of school supplies.

Students and staff volunteered to participate in the Backpacks of Love initiative donating 272 backpacks of elementary school supplies and 210 of supplies for middle school. The idea was conceived by a Ladue School District teacher.

Jenn Hadfield, who teaches fourth grade at Reed Elementary School initiated the idea.

She remembered when Bosnian, Serbian and

Albanian refugees were moved to St. Louis and the urgent need of assistance to build a life in the region.

In October she coordinated with the Ladue School district and character education department to organize a drive in every district school for those displaced from Afghanistan.

And Hadfield didn’t stop there, enlisting support from St. Louis Public Schools.

See ‘BACKPACKS’ page 5

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Around Town

December 1, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘BACKPACKS’ from cover

Hazelwood City Council candidacy filing opens

Hadfield spearheaded a collaboration with Dr. Alla Gonzalez Del Castillo, director of the ESOL/Bilingual/Migrant program in the St. Louis Public School District. The program will assist with the placement of around 600 Afghan refugee children in area schools.

Backpacks will be distributed through this program.

Supporting young Afghan evacuees has been Get your event or a symbiotic experience. good news published While backpack recipin Community News: ients get much needed email your information supplies, students who in calendar and article participated in the iniformats to tiative shared a learning editor@mycnews.com experience about giving. To emphasize that message, Hadfield called upon two of her former students who were refugees from Bosnia to make a video about the positive impact of getting support from St. Louis communities has had on their lives.

Along with speaking of the impact of community service, there were conversations about refugees, immigrants and diversity and inclusion in schools across the Ladue School District.

Persons interested in filing as candidates for election to the Hazelwood City Council for Wards 1, 3, 5, or 7 may obtain nominating petitions from City Clerk Julie Lowery at Hazelwood City Hall at 415 Elm Grove Lane. Positions to be filled at the election on April 5, 2022 are for three year terms.

Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, a registered voter, a resident of the city for at least two years immediately prior to the election, and a resident of the ward for which the office is sought. Nominating peti-

tions shall be signed by no less than 25 and no more than 50 registered voters eligible to vote for the candidate. These petitions must then be filed with the City Clerk.

Filing for candidacy opens on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. and closes on Dec. 28 at 5 p.m.

For further information, contact City Clerk Julie Lowery at 314-513-5020 or jalowery@hazelwoodmo. org with any questions.

Normandy breaks ground on new high school campus connector

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative

The Normandy Schools Collaborative celebrated the construction of the new secured campus connector at Normandy High School. The new connector will provide a secure and covered connection between the school’s Central and East Halls. The connector will also house new administrative offices, and a new student commons.

The construction is scheduled for completion in 2023.

The project is part of the high school’s renovation, made possible by the voters’ approval in April 2017 of Proposition V, a $26 million no-tax-rate increase bond issue.

Other improvements happening at the high school include a new cafeteria, and culinary arts suite.

COMMUNITY VOICES:

By Dr. Larry A. Brown

Who, me?

Often, we find ourselves in a situation where we ask ourselves this question. When we are in a crowd and someone says something that is negative and that is intended for someone in the group, we ask this for clarification to understand if the comment was directed to us or not. In many instances, we have already crafted a response, if the comment was meant for us. We may even get angry and be ready to defend ourselves physically or verbally, as necessary.

There are occasions when we observe something that needs to be corrected and internally, we ask ourselves if we should be the one to initiate an action that will provide the necessary corrective measures that are needed. We may not wish to be overly involved and make our determination based on what we perceive might be required of us in the future.

I am reminded of the old saying that goes as follows, “If not you, then who? If not now, then when?”

We tend to procrastinate when it appears that becoming involved may require extensive “time” or “financial” involvement. We, also, tend to hesitate when we are unsure of the outcome or future requirements of our involvement. I suppose this is human nature

and neither right or wrong.

The problem is though, because there are so many of these instances occurring these days, unless we become “more” involved in some situations, all may be lost.

Becoming involved in problem solving, can be looked at as an opportunity to help move humanity forward in a positive way. Also, if we understand that we are always in control of our own participation and involvement, and that our intentions are positive, we can enter the situation with honesty and zeal, which often represents the ingredients necessary for positive conclusions.

Often, we can be the voice of experience, or we can use important tact in arriving at a good conclusion.

How awful it is for us to stand on the sidelines and allow the situation that needs to be handled, deteriorate or remain unsolved or at the very least, be addressed by others who may not be as skillful or helpful as we might have been.

We then become “armchair quarterbacks” who comment from the sidelines on solutions that should be implemented.

Our young people need our support and participation so that they become responsible

adults and that the society moves forward in a positive way. One way to help solve negative situations is to support organizations who are committed to doing this. Visit our website at www.gracechapelministries.org to see how you can become more involved. We are all in this together.

Therefore, the answer that should be used more often perhaps is “Yes.” As the prophet said when Jesus asked the question, “Who will go for us or who should I send?”

The prophet simply said, “Here am I, Lord, send me!”

Dr. Larry A. Brown is a retired Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Worknet, Inc., which has a national ten year contract with the Social Security Administration to find jobs for people with disabilities who are interested and qualified to enter the traditional workforce. He is also co-founder and president of Grace Chapel Ministries, former president of National Cable Training Centers, and president of Woodstock Industrial Products Group.

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 • December 1, 2021

Around Town

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Florissant Civic Center Theatre kicks off the holiday season

Miracle on Rue St. Francois Street presents a Florissant business decoration contest

Are you ready for a little Christmas magic?

Those crazy Herdman kids are back to kick off the holiday season. The Alpha Players of Florissant will present the comedy “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” based on the classic book by Barbara Robinson at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre, located at Parker Road and Waterford Drive. Directed by Stephen Chamineak, there will be performances on Dec. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The Herdman kids are an awful bunch. So, when they show up at church (because they heard there were free snacks) and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other kids are shocked. It’s obvious that they’re up to no good. But Christmas magic is all around and the Herdmans, who have never heard the Christmas story before, start to reimagine it in their own way. This year’s pageant is like no other, but maybe that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, Inc. Ticket price is $15. Tickets can be obtained by

A Florissant Business Decoration Contest will take place for all Florissant Businesses this holiday season, with bragging rights and the Charlie Brown Tree Trophy on the line. Photos need to be submitted to Old Town Partners at office@florissantoldtown.com by Dec. 3. The residents of Florissant will vote via Facebook. Winner will be announced on Dec. 13 at the Florissant City Hall Council meeting.

Northwest Views:

calling 314-921-5678 or visiting https://florissantmo.thundertix. com. (Subject to availability tickets may be sold at the lobby box office 30 minutes prior to the show.) Seating will be socially distanced and masks will be required. Run time is approximately 60 minutes.

By Jessica Denham

Staying motivated when stuck in a rut Navigating work and life can often feel like a maze, and it can be hard to stay motivated. Thankfully, there are some great strategies for motivation that can help those of us who are stuck in a rut push forward. Give these strategies a try to see which ones work for you: Take a break. The rise of working from home has blurred the lines between work and family time. It’s important to give yourself designated relaxation time to avoid burning out. By squeezing some mindfulness into your schedule, you can keep your work and personal lives balanced.

Listen to music. Sometimes all you really need is for the right song or playlist to set the mood. Music and sound play a large role in our cognitive functions and abilities. Upbeat music can help increase energy levels, while instrumental music can help with focus and creativity. You’d be surprised how quickly your mood can shift with the right soundtrack.

Talk about it. We can’t always do everything on our own. Sometimes, we need to rely on a friend, co-worker or family member to help us feel motivated. Reaching out to close contacts for support –even if it’s just to get something off your chest – is a positive step.

Seek mental health counseling or therapy. If you’re truly struggling, it may be a good idea to seek the guidance of a trained mental health professional.

They’ll know what to do, and taking this important step can start a wonderful

journey towards finding your motivation and achieving your goals.

Change your current path. If something gets difficult, quitting isn’t always the answer, but if doing it routinely makes you anxious, it may be time to try something else. Whether that means changing jobs, finding new activities or switching majors for those that may be in school, finding a better path for yourself can be an effective motivation booster.

Celebrate successes to build momentum. We often focus on our failures without celebrating our accomplishments. Every milestone you achieve, no matter how small, still deserves celebration to keep the momentum going.

A little positive reinforcement can give you the morale boost you need to reach your end goal.

Taking the first step to address the lack of motivation you are feeling is important. Give some of these strategies a try next time you need that boost of motivation and you’ll get back on track in no time.

Jessica Denham is currently Public Relations Manager for WGU Missouri.

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.midlandsb.com

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Around Town

December 1, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Pure Farmland awards $5,000 grant to Urban Harvest STL through its Pure Growth Project Pure Farmland recognized Urban Harvest STL (UHSTL) in downtown St. Louis for its positive impact in the area with a recent donation of $5,000.

The contribution is part of the Pure Growth Project, an initiative launched by Pure Farmland in 2020 to ensure community gardens and farms continue to thrive and help increase access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables nationwide. UHSTL was selected as a 2021 grant recipient to support its commitment to growing and harvesting food that is donated to nearby food insecure communities.

After receiving 103 applications from community gardens and farms across 29 states, 55 organizations were carefully selected to receive grants, providing a total of $125,000 in financial support to nurture these unique neighborhood spaces. In the spirit of continued growth, Pure Farmland increased its financial commitment by 25% this year in hopes of positively supporting as many green spaces as possible.

Food insecurity is a serious threat to the health of St. Louisans with currently 24% of residents experiencing this hardship. Coupled with high concentrations of poverty due to institutional racism and economic segregation, food insecurity has significantly increased over the past year due to business closures, job loss, and public transit restrictions, leaving many without any access to fresh produce. UHSTL is dedicated to solving this problem by diligently growing food across a network of urban farms in the community and donating the majority of its harvest to non-profit partners who help to distribute the food to those in need.

In 2021, UHSTL harvested over 5,000 lbs. of food

and donated more than 60% to its distribution partners. In addition to food donations, the farm network aims to generate a more equitable food system through advocacy and education. UHSTL leads weekly garden/nutrition lessons at a local preschool, offers food justice/urban agriculture internships, and hosts educational community events at their flagship FOOD ROOF farm. Residents are inspired to volunteer because of the impact that the organization makes directly in the communities in which their farms are located. In fact, UHSTL has already logged over 600 volunteer hours this year.

Pure Farmland is celebrating the urban farm network’s exemplary stewardship and response to the need for affordable, nutrient-dense food, fulfilling their mission even during the current public health and economic crisis. The award of $5,000 will be used to support the dedicated staff, the backbone behind every successful program, as they lead the way in cultivating a more sustainable and equitable food system for all St. Louisans. The grant will provide general operating support for administrative expenses, including salaries, insurance, and benefits.

“Pure Farmland is proud to bring this opportunity to Urban Harvest STL so they can continue to uplift the community and act as a pillar of inspiration and strength,” said Michael Merritt, Senior Director of Marketing for Pure Farmland at Smithfield Foods.

“Having access to fresh, healthy food shouldn’t be a privilege that only some Americans have. This is a longstanding battle in many urban and rural areas across our nation where residents suffer from lack of access to crucial nutrients. Seeing the impact of the Pure Growth Project grants implemented in these

Submitted photo

amazing programs only encourages us to keep doing what we can to provide financial relief and spotlight the work of these incredible organizations.”

“During the pandemic, we experienced a surge in food insecurity in St. Louis. Many of the folks living in the neighborhoods we serve already had very little access to fresh, nutritious food. Tack on business closures and job loss, and many people had trouble accessing any fresh produce whatsoever,” says Dameian Duwe, Director of Urban Agriculture for Urban Harvest STL. “We are really proud of the work we’ve done over the past year to provide nutritious, organically-grown produce to those who need it most in our city. This grant from the Pure Growth Project will help to support our staff as we continue working toward our mission of making healthy food available to all people in St. Louis.”

For more information, please visit puregrowthproject.com.

Missouri bicentennial projects offer online resources for learning Missouri history

www.treesbywood.net

Missouri’s bicentennial year brought many organizations together to create new and expand digital resources for learning about the state’s history. Students, teachers, researchers and the public at-large will find learning aids in many different subjects, including a new registry of past Missouri artists, a digital exhibit that explores Missouri’s struggle for statehood, and curriculum that teaches the history of Missouri courts. History timelines, a Missouri Constitution quiz and online history exhibits are among the free resources available to help people understand Missouri and its past of more than 200 years.

The Missouri Timeline, developed by staff of the State Historical Society of Missouri, begins with ancestral Missouri from 1250 to present-day and offers photos, artworks, maps, manuscripts, documents and other images from the society’s vast collections with narrative text accompanying each entry year.

Missouri Encyclopedia and Historic Missourians are a growing digital resource that expanded this year to commemorate the bicentennial.

“Many hours of staff and volunteer time have developed these resources to broaden the public’s understanding of the culture, people, institutions, plac-

es and events that continue to shape Missouri,” said Beth Pike, who has been working on the planning of Missouri’s bicentennial year and helped to create the Missouri Timeline project. “While these digital resources were created and/or expanded to commemorate Missouri’s 200th year of statehood, these links will continue well past the bicentennial year and, hopefully, engage people of all ages to learn from our past and to think about how we want to be as Missourians in the future.”

A new online resource Making Missouri created by the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis offers primary sources, video content and custom plans for grades K-12. Another curriculum developed for elementary schools Four Years to Statehood comes from Missouri Council for History Education and covers the years between Missouri’s first petition to become a state and its final admission to the Union.

Additional Missouri history educational resources from Missouri Humanities Council, Missouri Secretary of State, The Supreme Court of Missouri, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Missouri Legislative Library and more can be found on the Educational Resource page on missouri2021.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 1, 2021

Around Town

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Freedom Community Center awarded 2021 J.M.K. Innovation Prize Freedom Community Center (FCC), a Black-led nonprofit organization working to build a movement of survivors impacted by violence and spur system-shifting change, has been awarded The 2021 J.M.K. Innovation Prize. From a nationwide search for transformative, early-stage projects, The J.M. Kaplan Fund awards the prize biennially to ten innovators in the fields of social justice, the environment, and heritage conservation. Awardees receive a total of $175,000 over three years and participate in a learning collaborative designed to support their journey as change agents.

“Freedom Community Center offers a potentially game-changing answer in a category of critical need,” says Amy L. Freitag, Executive Director of The J.M. Kaplan Fund. “Like their fellow J.M.K. Innovation Prize awardees, they’re building collective power that promises to reshape communities in more just and equitable ways. We can’t wait to see how their pathbreaking ideas develop.”

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize is designed to support nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling America’s most pressing challenges through social innovation – defined as those pilot projects, new organizations, or nascent initiatives that involve a certain amount of measured risk, but which may ultimately lead to large-scale, transformative results. This year’s

awardees were selected from among 2,826 applications, by far the most participation in the Innovation Prize since its inception in 2015.

Rates of homicide and violent crime in St. Louis are consistently among the highest of all cities in the US. Simultaneously, St. Louis stands out for its high rate of incarceration and racial disparities in violence, incarceration, and poverty. Founded and led by local Black survivors of violence, Freedom Community Center (FCC) aims to dismantle systems of criminal punishment that are not only ineffective at controlling and preventing violence but also inflict trauma on Black communities. FCC is grounded in the principle that the Black survivors of St. Louis are best equipped to build new models for restorative justice and systemic change.

“We’re positioned as a fusion of individual, intrapersonal, and systemic intervention,” FCC executive director Mike Milton asserts. “We do not believe in punishment. We believe in accountability.”

Milton and his staff – all of whom are violence survivors – know first-hand how the work of healing personal trauma can be leveraged to spur system-shifting change.

“The work that we do is really about how we turn trauma into power,” Milton attests.

FCC’s innovative work tackles core drivers of vio-

Still In This Together:

lence through three overlapping strategies: transformative practices, community-building, and advocacy.

Its initiatives range from the Free Us Project, an eightmonth restorative justice and violence intervention program for newcomers to the criminal punishment system, to campaigns for legislative and policy change such as Defund. Re-Envision. Transform., which seeks divestment from institutions that harm, surveil, incarcerate, and kill Black and Brown communities, and investment into what actually makes us safe. All of the work at FCC centers on five main principles: collective power, communal healing, true accountability, embracing repair and nonviolence.

“The J.M.K. Innovation Prize is a tremendous blessing,” Milton declares. “I’m so excited about our work at FCC because I am seeing, in front of my eyes, what happens when you truly invest in people versus throwing them away. I hope to see a transformed St. Louis where violence – gun violence, sexual violence, domestic violence – is dramatically reduced in our communities, and we have the same access to quality of life as everyone.”

By Vicki Bahr

Dear holiday drivers … you couldn’t have known It was 2019. The world was in the throes of holiday shopping and I was driving my youngest daughter’s car for the first time. The other drivers on the road couldn’t have known that I was nervous, not only because I was unfamiliar with the car and the area roads where she lives, but because our six week old twin grandsons were asleep in their car seats directly behind me while I was trying to find turn lanes and heat controls and drive around the parking lot when Becca walked cautiously into the dollar store to buy a few things, not for Christmas but for the babies’ upcoming baptism.

You were unbelievably patient as I merged a little too slowly onto the highway, and waited longer than I usually would to start up at the green light. The cargo was precious and I was concerned. Thank you for allowing me to squeeze into the turn lane in front of you and forgiving me for that yield that I missed when you were turning into the restaurant driveway and I was focused on the highway entrance ahead.

You also couldn’t have known that this was my daughter’s first excursion out of the house since her strep throat became a double ear infection that then became a debilitating bout of vertigo because of an inner ear infection. She had stoically been battling dizziness while learning to turn her head slowly, teach us how to make bottles and use the microwave sterilizer, and allow us to carry her babies up and down the steps for her. She had to be patient not only with herself, but with allowing husband Andy, family and friends to make the days and nights with newborns manageable, drive four-year-old Adler to and from daycare and provide a few meals for them, while trying to keep herself hydrated, rested and unstressed.

I caught Becca smiling at the simple things the rest of us just take for granted. Like being able to push a cart with one baby in it while I followed behind with the

other twin in my cart, just wandering through the craft store. The sun was shining as we walked outside past the bell-ringing reindeer, and she lifted her face upward and just reveled in the warmth and the light. She didn’t see the tears in my eyes as I watched her cautiously enjoying the morning and the shopping trip that would have been such a minor thing a few weeks before.

Drivers didn’t know that I was slowly moving up and down the parking lot aisles not only to keep the babies comforted but to also to watch that Becca didn’t have to walk too far when she came out of the store. They couldn’t have heard the older twin start to fuss or see me park and stretch my out of shape body crazily backwards to pop a pacifier in his mouth and silently pray that Becca would be able to check out quickly so we could start moving toward home again. They didn’t know that we enjoyed a cacophonous duet on the thankfully short ride home or that stress doesn’t pair well with vertigo, and I was worried not just for the new grandsons as I drove as quickly as possible, but for my fun-loving, awe-inspiring, bravely coping, precious little girl.

Thank you, drivers, for your patience and your holiday spirit, and know that I will be returning your graciousness as I come across something on the road or in the stores that I might have seen as unusually trying in the past. And that I’m sending a little prayer for a wonderful holiday season for all of us.

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 nearly 49 years, she finds that inspiration and wonder are everywhere.

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

www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral

www.hazelwoodschools.org

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Business

December 1, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

The Home Depot Foundation and Rebuilding Together St. Louis partner for rebuilding day for local veterans

On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2021 HBA President Bill Wannstedt (Consort Homes) (left) presented a $10,902 donation to Independence Center chief program officer Jennifer Higganbotham and resident John French.

The donation will be used to fund the installation of new vinyl flooring at one of Independent Center’s apartment buildings for adults with serious mental illness. Independence Center is a community-based rehabilitation program for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses in the St. Louis area. Its mission is to provide all the services and resourc-

Submitted photo

es a person with a serious and persistent mental illness needs, to manage their symptoms, find belonging and purpose, and gain the independence to live a healthy, quality life.

Ameren Missouri and United Way 211 partner to help active military and veterans

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On Nov. 11, The Home Depot Foundation partnered with Rebuilding Together St. Louis to provide critical home repairs for six local veterans.

Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force, worked alongside Rebuilding Together to complete the project, following all CDC and government safety guidelines.

As part of The Home Depot Foundation’s national Operation Surprise campaign, local Team Depot volunteers made vital home repairs for local veterans with the goal of improving the homeowners’ safety, security and comfort. Repairs were specific to each veteran’s home but included a variety of critical updates like plumbing or electrical repairs, window or door repairs, ramp or lift installation and landscaping.

More than 70 volunteers came together for this project, which is part of

HBA donates $10,902 to Independence Center

The Home Depot Foundation’s Operation Surprise campaign, an annual celebration of The Home Depot’s commitment to giving back. The Foundation’s seasonal giving campaign, kicking off on Veterans Day and running through the end of the year, features life-changing surprises for communities and individual recipients. In addition, each Home Depot store nationwide will give back locally and support projects in the community where they operate.

Giving back to veterans is personal to The Home Depot as more than 35,000 of the company’s associates are veterans or military spouses. About a month ago, The Home Depot Foundation teamed up with Paraquad St. Louis, a nonprofit focused on helping children and adults with disabilities.

Volunteers built six wheelchair ramps at the homes of six local veterans.

Active local military families and veterans throughout Missouri are eligible for additional utility assistance from United Way 211 and Ameren Missouri.

Together, the organizations are providing up to $25,000 in assistance through partnership with statewide Community Action Agencies.

“United Way 211 is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Ameren Missouri and grateful for their efforts to help military families and veterans who have served and protected our country,” said Michelle Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Through this partnership, we can help even more families across our community and state meet their basic needs.”

Since launching in 2018, the Ameren Missouri Veterans Fund has assisted 431 veteran and military households, totaling

more than $121,000 in utility bill assistance statewide.

“Our veterans, active-duty military members and their families sacrifice so much in the name of protecting our country. We are humbled by their service and proud to support these families who may need help paying their utility bills,” said Tara Oglesby, vice president of customer experience for Ameren Missouri.

Veterans, active military members or their spouses are eligible to apply for assistance today. Eligible customers must be without service or have a disconnect notice for their Ameren Missouri utility bill.

Interested applicants should call United Way 211 at 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626 to apply. A maximum of $600 per household is available to be used toward unpaid Ameren Missouri utility bills with proof of veteran or active military status.

St. Louis Oasis teams up with Humana to offer members benefit St. Louis Oasis, a local nonprofit educational organization dedicated to enriching the lives of adults ages 50 and older, is teaming up with Humana Inc. to offer Humana members a health benefit designed to increase cognitive and physiological health in adults.

Humana Medicare Advantage HMO and LPPO members on plans H002814 and H5216-033-002 in St. Louis will receive an $80 credit toward St. Louis Oasis in-person programs and Oasis Everywhere virtual programs. Class prices range from $6–$18 for single sessions and $20–$85 for multi-session classes, which typically range from 2–24 sessions.

“Humana is thrilled to be working with St. Louis Oasis to bring a new adult learning benefit to our Medicare Advantage members in the St. Louis area. This live, interactive program gives members the

opportunity to take exciting virtual and in-person classes,” said Dr. Elizabeth Peterson, Regional Vice President Health Services for Humana.

Humana members enrolling for plans H0028-14 and H5216-033-002 during the open enrollment period through Dec. 7 will receive information about the Oasis programs benefit and can begin registering for classes beginning Jan. 1, 2022.

Affordably priced classes are open for registration through the St. Louis Oasis at https://st-louis.oasiseverywhere.org/ for in-person and hybrid classes. Registration for Oasis Everywhere online classes is available at www.oasiseverywhere.org. Courses cover a variety of topics ranging from art and history to science, theology, cooking, technology, current events, health and more.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 1, 2021

School

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STLCC-Florissant Valley honors Emerging Scholars Class of 2021

Ladue High School senior named St. Louis Fed Student Board Member

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley held its 25th annual Emerging Scholars Awards Banquet Nov. 4.

During the celebration, six students who initially struggled with coursework were recognized as Emerging Scholars for earning a 3.5 GPA. One of the students was also honored as the Emerging Scholar of the Year. Ella Jones, mayor, city of Ferguson, was the guest speaker.

To be selected as an Emerging Scholar, students must complete at least two or more developmental courses in English, math or reading. In addition, they must complete 24 or more college level credit hours at STLCC-Florissant Valley while maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or above. Students who meet the criteria are invited by a committee to apply for the recognition.

“This is a very special program that we are proud to offer Florissant Valley students,” said Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D., campus president and chief academic officer. “The students have worked incredibly hard to complete their developmental courses and have proven to themselves and others that they have the skills necessary to achieve academic excellence.”

The Emerging Scholars program was established in 1996 at STLCC-Florissant Valley as a way to recognize academic excellence and encourage students taking developmental courses. Since then, the program has been adopted districtwide and provided students with thou-

Ladue Horton Watkins High School senior Ryan Silver has been selected to the Student Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Students selected for the role participate in meetings and opportunities throughout the Photo courtesy Ladue School District school to learn more about the Federal Reserve’s role in the U.S. economy and interact with various employees. A total of 29 high school seniors from the St. Louis area make up the 2021-22 Student Board of Directors.

Photo courtesy STLCC Emerging Scholars Class of 2021 are (from left) Agnes Gichuhi, Vanessa Hurtado, Janice Kithinji, Iola Knox and Jalisa Williams.

sands of dollars in scholarships.

During the ceremony, students received an award and certificate from the College. The faculty or staff who the student identified as having made the most significant impact on their success were named Mentors and also received an award and certificate.

This year’s Emerging Scholars are Agnes Gichuhi, Vanessa Hurtado, Janice Kithinji, Iola Knox and Jalisa Williams.

Emerging Scholars Award recipients received paid memberships into Phi Theta Kappa, the largest honor society in American higher education. In addition, scholarships were awarded to some recipients based on financial need.

For more information about STLCC’s Emerging Scholars program or to make a donation, contact the STLCC Foundation at 314-539-5472.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority donates gift to Normandy Fine Arts Program

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative Pictured (from left) are Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, Missouri Board of Education; Sheila Williams, JEGB vice president; Suzanne Palmer, NSC teacher/AKA; LaKeisha McKeown, AKA; Rachel Burse, Ivy Foundation of St. Louis; Duane Foster, Normandy Fine Arts director; Marcus Robinson, NSC superintendent; William Humphrey, JEGB president; Sara Foster, JEGB member; Veronica D. Stacker, chapter president; JEGB members Anthony Neal, Valerie Patton and Ronald Roberts; Carolyn Wilson, chapter vice president; Barbara Champagne, SSD administrator/AKA member.

Normandy Schools Collaborative received a major gift from the Omicron Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority Inc., to support the district’s enduring legacy of fine arts excellence.

Chapter President Veronica Stacker and Rachel Burse, president of the chapter’s Ivy Foundation, presented the check for $4,000 at the November meeting of the Joint Executive Governing Board. Duane Foster, District Fine Arts Coordinator, accepted the gift.

During the presentation, Foster said the donation will be used for stage renovations at Jefferson School, a project that will benefit all NSC EleMiddle students throughout the district.

“The Normandy Fine Arts program continues to thrive due to the talent in our district and the support from our community,” said Foster. “We’re grateful for supporters like the Normandy AKA chapter and their commitment to keeping the arts alive for our students and district.”

Normandy fine arts program has received multiple honors and participated in a variety of outreach programs. The district received the National Association of Music Merchants Best Music Community award for 2021, the second consecutive year the district received the honor.

www.hazelwoodschools.org

8

What’s Happening

December 1, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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.

EVENTS

Dec. 2-3: Theater production

The Alpha Players of Florissant will present the comedy “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” based on the classic book by Barbara Robinson at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre, located at Parker Road and Waterford Drive on Dec. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, Inc. Ticket price is $15. Tickets can be obtained by calling 314-921-5678 or visiting https://florissantmo. thundertix.com. Seating will be socially distanced and masks will be required.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service

Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue is back this year for in-person worship on Christmas Eve. This traditional service, which includes candle lighting and communion, begins at 11 p.m., with some preservice music beforehand. All are welcome, but as of now masks and spacing are required. Call 314-429-7464 with questions.

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

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

sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-tofour hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314513-1674 or cbanaskavich@ jfcs-stl.org.

Mondays: 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 Arts Singers practice

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. 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: meetings

Workshop

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

Mondays: singers

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cappella

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker 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. 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 Pantry Clients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are available. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@ caastlc.org for additional information.

Tuesdays: Bingo

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

Tuesdays: singers

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cappella

The Gentlemen of Sound are looking for men who like to sing or want to learn. They practice Tuesdays at Lady of the Pillar school at 401 S. Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m.

They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for new members. Come by or call 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: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly) From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/ Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul McConnell, 314831-5476.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers:

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

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

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

Wednesdays: Bingo

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

Wednesdays: Bingo

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

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m.

- 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant.

For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

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

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314-

839-7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314-653-5331.

Thursdays: Bingo

Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on the third Thursday of each month starts at 2 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more information call 314-8310988.

Thursdays: Quilting guild Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 8313752 for more information.

Thursdays: Women’s chorus meeting

Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bistate region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.

Fridays: Fish fry

A fish fry takes place every Friday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 1, 2021 Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo 6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314-831-3752.

Saturdays: Yoga

Yoga returns to Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30.

Masks and social distancing are required in the building and participants should bring hand sanitizer with them.

For further information call Angela at 314-801-8594.

Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting

Everyone is welcome to attend Toastmasters Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Normandy United Methodist Church at 8001 Natural Bridge Road (across from UMSL). For more info call 314-402-7025.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

ing 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 Community Christ Fellowship, rear, at 121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood, 1/4 mile south of Hwy 270 off Florissant Rd. There are a variety of topics monthly. You are not alone. Come help your heart heal with others. For more information call 314-6053949.

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 314-388-2400.

Sundays: Meat shoot

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 4445 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Rd. between Sinks Rd. and Lindbergh starting noon Sept. 15 thru Nov. 17; and in the spring, Feb. 2 thru March 8 rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United 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 sponsored by the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org.

Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot

Saturdays: Clothing sale

Sundays: Jennings DoDads meeting

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 cloth-

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 information, contact 314630-2671 or 314-330-7269.

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in Decem-

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ber) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www.jenningsdodads.org.

CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group

Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314-7413737.

HEALTH Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation

Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon–1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation 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.

1st Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Wednesdays: Schizophrenia Group

ACES Support

6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous 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:

What’s Happening Nutrition Education:

a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. Info: 314-344-6090.

Christian Hospital Recovery Center:

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314344-6157.

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-953-8100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call

314-653-5032.

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides shortterm, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region.

24-hour helpline: 314-7683201. Or 636-947-0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org.

Nicotine Anonymous

Center for Senior Renewal:

SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches

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

9

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit www.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.

Look Good…Feel Better

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@ sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital

11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts.

Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

www.8ways.wustl.edu

A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training.

Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers. com or call 314-738-2599.

Smoking Classes:

Cessation

Free ongoing 8-week sessions, 866-SSM-DOCS to register or for more information.

SSM DePaul Center:

Wellness

Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314-344-6177.

10

Sports

December 1, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

WWW.MYCNEWS.COM

Sports you see with Gary B...

Women of UMSL set to play in the regionals The University of Missouri volleyball team is preparing for the NCAA Midwest Regional.

The team will play Lewis University on their home court and the time is finally set.

The Tritons who are seeded fifth and Flyers who are fourth will square off at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 that will be the final match of the day.

If UMSL advances, they will play at 7:30 p.m. the following evening against the winner of the host, Ferris State who is top seeded and Rockhurst seeded eighth.

The Tritons ended the regular season 22-7 and currently are 24-8 as they enter the tournament.

UMSL already has a feel for Ferris State’s home court, as they played there on Sept. 3 dropping the match 3-0.

As for Lewis, the Tritons are 0-2 against the Flyers this season and as the time-honored adage goes: it’s tough to beat the same team three times in one calendar year. * Do your best Hoots baseball gear up for a fun-packed 2022 The O’Fallon Hoots, proud members of the Prospect League, announced the hiring of two new fulltime front office staff members.

Jen Wunder begins as the Director of Fan Engagement and Digital Media and Jordan Burrows will serve as the team’s new Director of Stadium Operations.

“Jordan and Jen are two people who live and breathe our ‘For the Fan’ mentality,” General Manager David Schmoll said. “I look forward to seeing them grow into their roles and help the Hoots get to the next level in sports entertainment for the O’Fallon community.”

Jen Wunder joins the Hoots as Director of Fan Engagement and Digital Media after a two-year stay with the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League serving, most recently, as the team’s Director of Promotions and Community Engagement. She is a graduate of Lindenwood University and Duchesne High School. With the Hoots, Jen will oversee all aspects of in-game entertainment, the Hoots digital presence and community

appearances.

Jordan Burrows takes over as the team’s new Director of Stadium Operations. He recently served as a Stadium Operations Intern before joining the Hoots fulltime. He is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and native of Branson, Missouri. With the Hoots, Jordan will oversee stadium and field maintenance as well as the team’s merchandise store. * Quality personnel added to the front office Lindenwood wrestler gets honored Lindenwood University’s men’s wrestler was acknowledged with his recent performance on the mat recently.

The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) announced on Tuesday that Abner Romero of Lindenwood wrestling has been named GLVC Wrestler of the Week.

Romero, ranked No. 1 in his class, won the 174-pound Open Division on Saturday at the Lindenwood Open in St. Charles.

The Fresno, California native is the first Lion to win the title in the Open Division since the event went to a two-division format in 2013. Romero went 3-0 on the day including wins over three NCAA Division I wrestlers, including a 9-7 decision in the finals over Missouri’s Sean Harman who defeated Romero two weeks ago at the Maryville Open.

Romero and the Lions will return to the mat on Dec. 4 when they compete in the Drury Open in Springfield, Missouri. * Great accomplishment Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, among many other activities. I am currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com. It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 1, 2021

Recipe: Comfort holiday guests with a satisfying snack Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy

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– SUDOKU –

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

Ingredients: 1 box stovetop stuffing 2 tablespoons butter 2 cups diced Envy Apples 1/2 onion, diced small Gravy: 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons flour 2 cups beef broth 2 teaspoons kosher salt 20 turns fresh cracked pepper 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary Directions: Preheat broiler.

Cook stuffing according to package directions; set aside and allow to cool slightly.

In large saute pan, melt butter saute apples and onion until tender. Set aside to cool slightly.

Stir together stuffing and apple mixture.

Spread stuffing on sheet tray and allow to cool in refrigerator.

After cooling, form stuffing into medium bites and place on sheet tray lined with parchment paper.

Broil bites 8-10 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.

To make gravy: In small pot, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook flour 1 minute, whisking frequently.

Whisk in beef broth, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce; bring to boil, whisking frequently. Remove from heat and stir in rosemary. If desired, continue gently simmering gravy to thicken.

Arrange stuffing bites in serving dish and drizzle with gravy. Serve hot.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find more holiday appetizers.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 8/9

Oscar watch: the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ becomes ‘King Richard’

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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.

he talented Will Smith showed his comedic side on the popular 1990’s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and in films such as “Men in Black” and “Independence Day.” The actor also portrayed real-life characters like Dr. Bennett Omalu, the subject of “Concussion” who showed how repeated head trauma led to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players and wrestlers. Smith earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of the amazing Dr. Omalu.

In “King Richard,” Smith portrays Richard Williams, the real-life father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. He is a hard-working father and husband of many children, but he devotes the most time to daughters Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton). He takes his girls to tennis courts before they are even five years old and trains them himself. As Serena and Venus grow up, Richard seeks help from legendary tennis coach Rick Macci (Jon Bernthal), but the doting father also interrupts their lessons with his suggestions.

Director Reinaldo Marcus Green and Will Smith make “King Richard” an engaging and fascinating film. Smith captures Wil-

ena doesn’t get as much attention from her father as she deserves.

Her mother, tennis coach Oracene “Brandy” Price (Aunjanue Ellis), takes Serena under her wing and helps her hone her skills. Ellis is rock solid in this role and should easily earn award nominations for her performance.

When all is said and done, however, “King Richard” is all about Richard Williams. When Serena and Venus are on the tennis courts, “King Richard” photo courtesy Overbrook Entertainment he has them post motivational signs that read “If you fail to plan, you plan Photo courtesy Bigstock liams’ mannerisms perfectly, including his to fail.” While living in Compton, Williams no-nonsense approach to the press. He takes scrounges old tennis balls for his girls to use his girls to rundown tennis courts but some- and works a night job as a security guard. times is attacked by gang members who take Will Smith captures Williams’ devotion to too much interest in his underage daugh- Serena and Venus as well as his in-your-face ters. Even when Venus is successful on the attitude with Rick Macci and members of the courts, Richard refuses to allow fame to go press. to her head. He always puts education ahead Overall, “King Richard” is a fascinating of athletics, insisting that his children get look at a man who accomplished what he set straight A’s. out to do. Will Smith’s performance here is Venus is the center of attention for much one of his best and an Oscar nomination is of “King Richard” and one of her proudest almost a certainty. moments is recreated on screen. Saniyya Sidney does an excellent job portraying the “King Richard,” rated PG-13, is now playfuture tennis star, but Demi Singleton’s Ser- ing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.

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December 1, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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NOVENA 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, Pray for 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. L.M.

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December 1, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: REALITY TV

‘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.

By Cindy Moore

Moore on Life

T

hanksgiving was a big hit at our house and by big hit I mean it almost came to swinging fists and throwing punches.

What was the reason behind the fiasco?

You may have thought someone brought up politics. That’s always good for a conk to the cranium. It usually falls to Aunt Fiona to get round one going.

Me: “Aunt Fiona, could you please pass the stuffing?”

Fiona: “Stuffing? Yeah, well I’d like to stuff this up the president’s…”

“Fiona! No politics. Remember? Now pass the giblets.”

“Well if the president had any giblets, he’d…”

That’s when Fiona was excused to sit at the children’s table where she discussed soaring inflation and the price of gas to a captive audience of toddlers, who enjoyed shoving mashed potatoes up their nostrils and blowing them across the table.

Round two came at the end of dinner. It started with Uncle Cloyden complaining about the pies.

“Pumpkin pie?! Is that all we have?”

“Sorry, but we only have one choice this year.”

“It’s a vegetable! Might as well have red cabbage pie! Where’s the cherry? What about apple?”

“Uncle Cloyden, you’re more than welcome to bring your own next time?”

“Oh, so now I have to bring pies plus a bag of frozen corn. Who do I look like? Rockefeller?”

“Actually, you do kind of look like him.”

“Only because he’s dead,” a teenager whispered loud enough for Cloyden to hear.

That’s when things got ugly.

Cloyden bellowed, “I know an insult when I hear one!”

Fiona yelled from the kiddy table, “Oh sit down Cloyden. This dinner is the most expensive in history. No one can afford more than one choice of pie thanks to you voting for…”

Cloyden grabbed a handful of leftover corn and was about to throw it at Fiona. She scooped up some nostril potatoes from the table with a spoon and pulled back the handle aimed at Cloyden’s midsection – a very large target. The teenager grabbed a drumstick ready to do battle.

Fiona was immediately banned from the kid’s table and forced to sit on the porch with the pets.

The teenager was given his phone to play with and Cloyden was sent home with his remaining corn.

Thus, the highest priced food fight in history had just been prevented.

Fightin’ Talk

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. “Oh, my!”

5. Say untruth 8. Left or right 12. Spiritual leader 13. *”____ing Up with Marie Kondo” 14. Great reviews 15. Related 16. Double reed woodwind 17. Fourth deck 18. *”The ____ ____,” MTV’s trailblazing reality show 20. Affirm with confidence 21. I to Greeks, pl.

22. ____ Baba 23. Powerball and such 26. Swaggering show of courage 30. Spermatozoa counterparts 31. Based on two 34. Has a mortgage 35. ____ dog, gin and grapefruit juice cocktail 37. DNA transmitter 38. *”The Real Housewives” is full of this type of conflict 39. Write on a tombstone 40. Unwholesome atmosphere 42. Hairpiece, slangily 43. Stitched again 45. Unit of electric current

flow 47. Solemn pledge 48. Like nose during hayfever 50. Uncouth one 52. *”Who ____ ____ ____ a Millionaire?”

56. Front of cuirass 57. Sixth month of civil year 58. “Jack and the Beanstalk” instrument 59. Travesty 60. Italian money 61. *”Vanilla Ice Goes Amish” and “Cleveland Hustles” state 62. *”____house Masters” on Animal Planet 63. *Not Khloé or Kourtney 64. Common allergens DOWN 1. Gelatin substitute 2. Gospel writer 3. “Tosca” song, e.g.

4. Like sunroom, hopefully 5. Balance in the sky 6. *”Pop ____” and “American ____,” pl.

7. Gave the once-over 8. *”Outwit, Outplay, Outlast” show 9. Not active 10. Point of entry 11. Sixth sense

13. Foot, to a child 14. Aussie bear 19. Buzz Lightyear’s buddy 22. Brow shape 23. *”The Biggest ____” 24. Egg-shaped 25. Same as talcums 26. Civil rights concern 27. In the know 28. Raise objections 29. Missouri River tributary 32. Like a desert 33. Crime scene evidence 36. *Singing competition (2 words) 38. Curses 40. Feline sound 41. “I think I can, I think I can...”, e.g.

44. “For better or for ____” 46. “Monty ____’s Flying Circus” 48. r in a circle, pl.

49. Deprive of weapons 50. *Star of wilderness reality shows, ____ Grylls 51. Fairytale beast 52. Street-crossing word 53. Hawaiian island 54. Londoner, e.g.

55. Narrative poem 56. Back of a boat SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 8/9