CN; December 11, 2019

December 11, 2019

Fighting winter hunger

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Tasmyn Scarl Front. Pg. 2 Dec. 17: Hazelwood City Council candidacy filing opens.

Pg. 3 Dec. 17: FFSD Board of Education candidate filing begins . Pg. 5 Hendels Café celebrates 25 years. Pg. 5

Features

Operation Food Search helps to fill the gap for child hunger by offering an afterschool meals program and meals over winter break.

Submitted photo

Operation Food Search partners with the St. Louis County Library system to provide children continuous food service free of charge while school is out for winter break

By Charlotte Beard Operation Food Search (OFS) exercises its mission to fill the gap for child hunger by continuing awareness of what the nonprofit offers to the communities it serves. With school winter breaks quickly approaching, the organization is aiming to remind the community that its programming structure which provides meals during the summer months when schools are closed, continues to do so during winter breaks. OFS’ afterschool meals program, now in its second year, picked up where the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) left off in August and provides continuous food service free of charge, through May 2020 to youth 18 years of age and younger.

“We recognize a child’s need to access nutritious food during breaks, and our mission is to address this gap that happens every time school is not in session,” stated Brian Wieher, OFS’ Director of Child & Family Nutrition. “We partner with the library system throughout the year, so this continuation of a program that works well makes perfect sense.”

The following libraries will continue food service Monday through Friday during the winter break from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Prairie Commons branch located at 915 Utz Ln in Hazelwood, Lewis and Clark branch located at 9909 Lewis and Clark Blvd, Rock Road branch located at 10267 St. Charles Rock Rd.

in St. Ann, Natural Bridge branch located at 7606 Natural Bridge Rd, Florissant Valley branch located at 195 New Florissant Rd. S. in Florissant, and Jamestown Bluffs branch located at 4153 N. Highway 67 in Florissant.

The Weber Road branch located at 4444 Weber Road will provide service 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Participants receive a meal consisting of a fruit, vegetable, protein, dairy and a whole grain.

“The traditional afterschool meal programs happen in schools. Schools close for winter break. (However), with (OFS) and our community partner site locations that See ‘FIGHTING’ page 2

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December 11, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘FIGHTING’ from cover are not in schools, we’re able to keep them open throughout the break and all the children (can) still get a meal. Even though winter break is happening and schools close, (these locations) are still offering a meal and an activity.”

In addition to the “healthy grab-and-go light meals” with activities, for the first time this year OFS’ nutrition education team will provide cooking demonstrations and taste tests, as well as distribute recipe cards, for the students and families at the library sites.

The nutrition education team for OFS provides off-site nutrition education on a regular basis utilizing their portable equipment for demonstrations. Wieher stated that the onsite library demonstraSubmitted photos tions are an extension of that service.

The nutrition education activities will take place during food Operation Food Search helps to fill the gap for child hunger by offering an afterschool meals program and meals over winter break. service times on the following dates: Dec. 16 at Prairie Commons, Dec. 17 at Lewis and Clark, Dec. 18 at Rock Road, Dec.19 at Natural Bridge, Jan. 7 at Florissant Valley, Jan. 8 at Jamestown Bluffs, and Jan. 9 at Weber dustry, manufacturers, and distributors. In addition, OFS recovers leftover prepared Road. food from dining facilities such as employee cafeterias, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, OFS is supported by the donations from individuals, corporations, foundations schools and universities, and events. and organizations. The organization reports that the food it distributes to its partners Operation Food Search’s headquarters is located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. in St. Louis. For is collected from food drives, discounted purchases, donations from the grocery in- more information, call 314-726-5355 or visit http://www.OperationFoodSearch.org.

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Tasmyn Scarl Front

Entertainment company + calendar company = STEM Day The commercialization of holidays is nothing new – nor is it unique to this time of year. Nearly a century ago, when Harry Spencer Stuff published “The Book of Holidays,” he specifically called out how holidays, known and unknown alike, could be leveraged by “merchants, window dressers, advertising agents and publicity men.”

It is not surprising then that what started as taking advantage of holidays for marketing purposes eventually led to creating holidays for marketing purposes. But what about the manufactured holidays that market an idea we support?

Nov. 8 was National STEM Day, which is a day set aside to inspire people, especially young people, to explore and engage in science, technology, engineering and math activities. Although my initial response to this “day of STEM” was to “pooh-pooh” it (because, after all, shouldn’t we be working on how to inspire students to pursue STEM interests every day?), it did lead me to wonder how this day – and those like it – came to be.

The most well-known STEM-related holiday, Pi Day, is celebrated on March 14 (3.14 being the first three digits in the mathematical constant). First celebrated by staff at the Exploratorium science museum in 1988 for their own amusement, the day has grown organically and is used to celebrate the wonders of math in general and circular geometry in particular. With its play-on-numbers date – not to mention its dessert-affirming name – it’s hard not to like Pi Day. It turns out the other letters in STEM (Science, Technology and Engineering) also have their own days, though finding them all took some digging. World Science

Day for Peace and Development, which is celebrated on Nov. 10, was created by UNESCO to “underline the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.” I love this because it includes some great aspirations, such as “renewing the national and international commitment for the use of science for the benefit of societies.” The date may not be as creative as Pi Day, but the ideas promoted are well worth marketing.

According to National Day Calendar – the accepted authority on holidays such as National Bittersweet Chocolate Day and National Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day – National Technology Day was founded by a private tech company.

The first listed way to celebrate National Technology Day: “Check out (said company’s) website”. It’s celebrated on Jan. 6, but there does not seem to be a reason as to why that date was chosen. Perhaps while the rest of us are beginning the new year searching for bargains or the latest fad diet to take off the extra pounds we put on over the holidays, our future generation of technologists can develop an app to make a more meaningful connection to this day.

Engineering is celebrated through National Engineers Day, but is celebrated on different dates around the world to recognize the accomplishments of a pioneering engineer from that country. In the United States, it is celebrated during a week in February that encompasses George Washington’s birthday. Although many people (including me) only think of George Washington as the first president of the United States, the National Society of Engineers chose this date because Washington is also considered the first engineer for his work as a land surveyor.

As for National STEM Day, it is – alas – the most marketing-y of all: It was founded by MGA Entertainment to promote its Netflix series, “Project Mc².” The STEAMbased franchise features “four super smart girls who are part of a super-secret spy organization called NOV8 (that’s ‘innovate’)” – hence National STEM Day’s date, Nov. 8. Like Pi Day, this day at least has a clever reason as to why it’s celebrated when it is, and I particularly like that it celebrates girls who are into STEM. Still, learning this history did little to address my initial cynicism about the day.

So, even though STEM Day was created by a commercial venture and then officially proclaimed as a national day by the esteemed National Day Calendar Company, I hope that the recognition will at least help bring more attention to the critical need to engage more students in the STEM disciplines. Perhaps all promotion of STEM is, ultimately, positive promotion. After all, not every holiday can be as indisputably important as National Doughnut Day. Tasmyn Scarl Front is the Executive Director of the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis and has over 25 years of experience in informal science education. Tasmyn serves on the board of directors for New City School, Challenger Center for Space Science Education, and the Jewish Community Relations Council, and as a steering committee member of the St. Louis STEM Ecosystem. She is a marathon runner and leads a local running group, the Missouri Running Club. Tasmyn graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with a degree in Industrial Design.

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 11, 2019

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State auditor says local taxing districts in city of St. Louis established without adequate taxpayer protections In the first of three audits related to economic incentives in the city of St. Louis, State Auditor Nicole Galloway highlighted lack of planning and oversight in the establishment and administration of local taxing districts in St. Louis. The audit, which is part of the comprehensive audit of St. Louis, found that the city should do more to ensure local taxing districts are in the best interest of taxpayers.

“The rampant use of local taxing districts in St. Louis has resulted in the highest sales tax rates in the state.

It’s outrageous that, for too long, these districts have operated unchecked. Taxpayers deserve to know their money is being used efficiently, effectively and for the benefit of the entire community,” Galloway said. “It’s up to the city to put processes in place to protect taxpayers and ensure projects have meaningful oversight.”

The report examined the city’s processes when establishing Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) and Special Business Districts (SBDs) and approving Transportation Development District (TDDs) projects. The majority of CIDs and TDDs are funded through increased sales taxes on purchases within the district while SBDs are funded by increased property taxes and business license taxes. There are 138 of these districts located in the city.

The audit found the city only performs the bare minimum

legal review and does not evaluate the merits of proposed districts and projects. In their responses, the city cited state law, which does not require any specific analysis to evaluate the merits of a proposed district or project. However, approval by the city is required and would allow officials the ability to provide additional scrutiny. As a result of lack of oversight by the city, some districts have formed with vague purposes.

The report identified 25 layered incentive districts, which include at least one local taxing district as well as Tax Increment Financing, where the developer receives a percentage of the sales taxes collected, or tax abatement, where the developer does not have to pay property tax increases that result from the project. The sales tax rates in these districts are the highest in the state, leaving taxpayers on the hook for the majority of project costs.

Lack of oversight in CIDs and TDDs allow spending decisions to be made by those that benefit the most. The city does not require anyone independent of the developer or property owner to serve on the boards that oversee the districts. The report found 96 percent of CID

boards in the city are developer controlled, and 92 percent of TDD boards in the city are developer controlled.

The report recommended that the city ensure these districts are formed to include independent oversight.

The report recommended the city establish a comprehensive economic development plan to better evaluate districts, ensure taxpayer protections, review the purpose and merits of proposed districts, and develop procedures to improve compliance with reporting requirements among districts.

In the coming months, the State Auditor’s Office will release two additional reports related to economic incentives in St. Louis. These reports will examine the city’s use of tax abatements and TIF. The audits began after Galloway accepted a request by the board of aldermen to complete a comprehensive, independent audit of the city of St. Louis. That request came after a group of St. Louis residents initiated a petition drive to require an audit of the city. For more information on the ongoing audit of the city, visit auditor. mo.gov/STLAudit.

Hazelwood City Council candidacy filing opens Persons interested in filing as candidates for election to the Hazelwood City Council for Wards 2, 4, 6, or 8 may obtain nominating petitions from City Clerk Christine Thomas at Hazelwood City Hall at 415 Elm Grove Lane. Positions to be filled at the election on April 2, 2019 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 petitions 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 Dec. 17 at 8 a.m., and closes on Jan. 21 at 5 p.m.

www.bjc.org/marketplace

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Aound Town

December 11, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

CONCERT REVIEW:

By Scott Shy

The Last Waltz anniversary celebration rocks the Stifel Theater The Last Waltz 40th anniversary celebration came to town last month featuring Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Don Was, Margo Price, Neville Brothers and many more talented artists, all known for carrying “the weight” of the best of musical tributes. It’s no surprise that some of today’s best talents are gladly onboard to immerse themselves in The Band’s iconic catalog.

Though most of the gold mined by The Band was in the bygone era of the 60s and 70s, their roots ran deep and the branches of Americana, Folk and Rock music are now forever entwined with the songs of Robbie Robertson, Rich Danko, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson and Levon Helm. The Band forever proving that they were so much more than Dylan’s backing band, through their musical complexity and organic raw expression.

When seeing the Martin Scorsese concert movie documentary in 1978, I remember thinking that these songs had always existed. That final historic show was performed on Thanksgiving Day in 1976 with a stage

full of famous guests. As the original line-up said goodbye to their fans a new generation was experiencing their music for the first time. This series of shows will culminate in a large event in Nashville with Robertson also performing.

Two surprises were Bob Margolin, who performed with Muddy Waters at the actual 1976 concert, treating the audience to some Bo Diddley.

Second, Kris Kristofferson was viewed in the wings enjoying the show after his own concert across town.

The extensive set list of favorites was everything that you would have expected and more. If you only had half of this set, it would’ve been considered a great

Photo by Scott Shy

show. Highlights included: “Up On Cripple Creek,” “Ophelia,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “The Shape I’m In,” “Rag Mama Rag,” “The Weight” and “I Shall Be Released.”

Delta Dental of Missouri launches online dental care resource guide to help Missourians in need To help address unmet oral health needs of children and adults, Delta Dental of Missouri, the state’s dental benefits leader and a non-profit organization, recently launched the first edition of its Dental Care Resource Guide. This new online directory, available at www.DeltaDentalMO. com/ResourceGuide1, aims to help Missourians, who are unable to afford dental care, easily access information about low-cost and free dental care options available in their area.

The Dental Care Resource Guide currently lists more than 100 provider locations offering lowcost dental care, as well as nearly a dozen that provide treatment completely free of charge to those who qualify. In the guide, provider locations are grouped in categories by geographical regions throughout the state. Services offered vary by provider location and can include dental exams, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, crowns, root canals, bridges, extractions, dentures and partial dentures.

“Many of our neighbors in Missouri face tremendous challenges in getting vital dental care,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “As a nonprofit, we’re committed to helping people in our communities live better lives through improved dental health. That’s why we created this guide to help those in need find low-cost or free care, to connect them with treatment options for dental issues.”

The low-cost and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) options listed in the Dental Care Resource Guide provide dental services at a discounted rate or sliding fee scale for those with limited financial means. Free clinics and programs provide services at no cost and are made possible by volunteer dental care professionals.

Residents utilizing the guide should always call the listed providers to ensure eligibility, availability of services and whether an appointment is required. Since transportation can be an access barrier, the Dental Care Resource Guide also provides a link to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website and its catalog of free or low-cost transportation services to assist Missourians with travel to and from medical appointments.

To learn more about the Dental Care Resource Guide and access additional helpful oral health news and information, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com, or find the dental benefits leader on Facebook and Twitter @DeltaDentalMO.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 11, 2019

FFSD Board of Education candidate filing begins Dec. 17 Individuals wishing to file a Declaration of Candidacy for three open seats in the 2020 Ferguson-Florissant School District Board of Education election may do so beginning at 8 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17. The three-year terms of current board members Rob Chabot, Donna Paulette-Thurman and Jessica Ponder will expire in April 2020.

Declarations of Candidacy may be picked up in the Office of the Superintendent at 8855 Dunn Rd. in Hazelwood from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days the district is open. Under Missouri law, the first day to file as a candidate is Tuesday, Dec. 17. Filing closes at 5 p.m. Jan. 21, 2020. District offices will be closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, 2020 and Jan. 20, 2020. The annual election for the Board of Education is April 7, 2020.

Individuals wishing to file for candidacy for the board of education must be: • A citizen of the United States • At least 24 years old

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• A resident taxpayer of the school district • A resident of the state of Missouri for at least one year In addition, the candidate must follow these procedures: • File a declaration of candidacy • Line up for filing pursuant to district Policy 4013 The Ferguson-Florissant School District board election in April 2020 will be conducted by cumulative voting, a change ordered by the federal court. In cumulative voting, voters cast as many votes as there are seats. Voters are not limited to giving only one vote to a candidate. Instead, they can give their votes to one or more candidates. For instance, in this election for three open board seats, voters could choose to give one vote each to three different candidates, one vote to one candidate and two votes to another, or three votes to a single candidate.

Hendels Café celebrates 25 years On Nov. 24, Hendel’s Café celebrated its 25th anniversary. Over 300 people attended the sold-out event. Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery presented a proclamation to the Bennett family thanking them for their continuous commitment and support to the Old Town area and to the Florissant community.

In 1873, Hendel’s Market was established as a grocery and general store. It was purchased by the Hendel family in 1915, and for the next 78 years, the store continued as a specialty grocery and butcher shop, offering quality products and superior service until Henry and Marge Hendel retired in August 1993.

Photo courtesy city of Florissant In November 1994, Ed Pictured above is (from left) Nathan, Christina, Kyle and Kaylie Bennett.

Bennett bought the historic building and transformed it into a restaurant.

For over 20 years, Nathan has been the chef Hendel’s Café creates a warm atmosphere and and Christina has managed the front of the with a retro décor that frequently changes to house and coordinated special events and toreflect the seasons. Ed Bennett passed away in gether they have created the premier restaurant.

August 2009, and while he is dearly missed, his In 2016 Hendel’s Café was voted best family dreams live on through his family Julie, Josh, owned restaurant in St. Louis by SBA. And they Nathan and Christina. were honored as one of the 30 leaders in their Throughout the years, Hendel’s reputation of 30s by North County Incorporated. In January having wonderful hospitality continues to bring of 2018, they received the Greater North Counpeople from all over to experience the variety of ty Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders of specialty dishes. They continue to improve the the Year Award and in March of 2018 was feaproperty and every aspect of the business. They tured in the STL Magazine. strive to uphold high standards and make their For more information on Hendel’s Café visit community a better place for those who live or their website at www.hendelsrestuarant.com. visit there.

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December 11, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

2019 MetroScapes program draws record number of entries from St. Louis area artists The fifth year of MetroScapes is proving to be a year filled with firsts for the Arts in Transit, Inc. program that annually selects 10 local artists whose winning artwork is showcased on the Metro Transit system for the next year. Aside from the fact that total submissions soared to 471, among this year’s winners are the first ever husband and wife to each be selected as winners, along with an artist who marked another first as the only person to have her artwork selected in three different years of the program. The winning artists for 2019 include amateurs and professionals from across the St. Louis region and, ranging in age from 12 to 72, demonstrating that people of all ages have the ability to create works of art that inspire.

The public was invited to view the winning works of art and to meet the 10 artists on Nov. 14 at a free public exhibition and reception in St. Louis. The event drew the artists, their families and friends and other art lovers who got to preview the artwork that will soon be installed at up to 100 MetroBus shelters across the St. Louis region. The winning artworks, selected by a panel of artists and art professionals, will remain on display for a year.

Tim Boyle, chairman of the Arts in Transit, Inc. Board of Directors, said the winning artworks will be viewed thousands of times by thousands of people using the Metro Transit system or who travel past the bus stops.

He said their work is a win for the community too.

“We’re all winners, because we all get to revel in your creativity,” Boyle said.

For Diawly Diop, a sixth grader at Barack Obama Elementary in Pine Lawn, that inspiration came from Manal Ali-Sharif, the women’s rights activist from Saudi

Arabia who helped start a women’s right-to-drive campaign in 2011. Diawly actually created the artwork when she was a fifth grade student at Jefferson Elementary School, and her colorful depiction of the activist behind the wheel was intended to motivate others the way that she herself was inspired by Ali-Sharif.

“My painting wasn’t just about winning. I put kind and heart into it,” said Diawly. “You should just go out and express yourself.”

The ink on paper drawing titled “ECAEP EVAH SU TEL” depicts two linked hands of different shades reaching out from two clusters of multiple hands of varying shades. It represents peace on earth to Quinton Davis, the artist who created it and creatively named it “Let us have peace” spelled backwards. The 17-year old high school senior from Belleville, Illinois., said his original inspiration stemmed from the fact that there is so much unrest in the country, racial and otherwise.

“Rainbow Trail” is a colorful photograph captured by Taylor McIntosh of St. Peters, during the Pride STL parade this summer.

For Jason Hoeing of Shrewsbury, the inspiration for his mixed media entry “Lotus Folds” came from his desire to repurpose pieces of approximately 20 other prior projects that he cut up and mixed with other elements, whether from one of his children’s old paintings or a map from his mother’s house or something else from one of his bins of scraps.

Among the other 2019 winners who will have their artwork featured on the Metro Transit system over the next year are: • Cary Horton (Shrewsbury), joins her husband Jason Hoeing in the winners’ circle. She captured her first MetroScapes win with her digital photograph “Carr School.”

• Angela Vories (St. Louis), is a student at Florissant Valley Community College working toward a degree in fine art photography, whose vibrant artwork titled “Querencia” made her a three-time winner in the MetroScapes contest.

•

www.treesbywoody.net

• Morgan Hill (St. Louis) graduated from

Submitted photo Diawly Diop, a sixth grader at Barack Obama Elementary in Pine Lawn, stands with her painting of Manal Ali-Sharif, the women’s rights activist from Saudi Arabia which made her a winner in MetroScapes, the Arts in Transit, Inc. program that annually selects 10 local artists whose winning artwork is showcased on the Metro Transit system for the next year.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and created “Rome’s Chicken” by using computer generation to juxtapose ancient ruins over a scene of a Fish and Chicken spot on Natural Bridge Road.

• Patricia Brewer (Chesterfield), created “Red Window.”

• Irek Szelag (Ballwin), created an oil painting on canvas titled “St. Louis Art Museum with Monument.”

• J.B. Nearsy Wright (St. Louis) who used acrylic and spray paint on canvas to create his winning entry titled “Positive Valence.” The painting is a vibrant cityscape depicting Fox Park in south St. Louis.

“To you, our winners, I say thank you for inspiring St. Louis and for inspiring our riders across the transit system,” Zimmerman said. “Through MetroScapes, there are great opportunities to see the wonderful art that comes from so many diverse backgrounds, and that’s what we want to be able to celebrate.”

For more information about MetroScapes, and to view this year’s winning works of art and artwork from previous MetroScapes, visit artsintransit.org.

Normandy High School students earn music honors Four Normandy High School music students have earned spots in the All-Suburban music programs.

Trinity Singleton, 11th grade, was selected for the All Suburban Honors Treble Choir. Melvin Gates, 10th grade, was selected for the All Suburban Honors Mixed Choir. Angel Shelton, 11th grade, was selected for the All Suburban Honors Orchestra and Rakaya Hillard, 12th grade, was selected for the All Suburban Honors Concert Band.

Margaret Mischeaux, 11th grade, was selected to participate in the Opera Theater of St. Louis’ Artists-in-Training program. This is the second year Mischeaux has participated in the program.

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative (Clockwise from top, left) Trinity Singleton with Melvin Gates, Rakaya Hillard and Angel Shelton.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 11, 2019

Northwest News

Northwest Views: Ritenour School District focused on serving the ‘whole child’ every day

By Dr. Chris Kilbride In the Ritenour School District, we are committed to serving the “whole child” every day.

Serving the “whole child” means we must meet our students’ basic needs so they can learn at high levels.

This means we must find ways to ensure that every student feels safe, healthy, engaged, supported and challenged.

A student who feels connected to school is more likely to stay in school, grow, learn and thrive. All students who have access to challenging and engaging academic programs are better prepared for further education, work and civic life. These components must work together, not in isolation. That is the goal of “whole child” education.

Students cannot learn at high levels when they are hungry. Students are not functioning at their best when they have a chronic medical condition that is not properly addressed. Students who have experienced toxic stress and trauma in their lives cannot achieve at high levels if we are not aware and responsive to their social and emotional needs.

The expectation of great education systems has grown from simply educating students to becoming an economic driver for communities. Schools must meet the academic, social and emotional needs of every student, every day. We believe by serving the “whole child” our district will ensure the Ritenour community thrives both now and in the future.

We know obstacles arise in the lives of students that may prevent them from attending school every single day. Because we know challenges arise, we have taken steps to provide wrap-around services to decrease lost learning time. These wrap-around services include free medical care, mental health services and dental care in our district at our Husky Health Center.

We also provide free breakfast, lunch for all students, and afterschool meals for high school students in extracurricular activities. The Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry is a vital non-profit organization that provides quality nutrition to more than 750 families and 4,000 people in our district each month.

Our district has taken a purposeful approach over the last several years to increase the wrap-around services for children and families. This year, Ritenour purchased the Overland Baptist Church Property located at 9303 Midland Blvd. in Overland. The new facility will be called the “Husky Support Center.”

For the past two years, our district rented the site for our award-winning transportation department. We are thrilled to acquire prime real estate in the heart of our district for a permanent home for our transportation department.

By purchasing the property, we also have the opportunity to give the Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry a new home, as well as create an area for centralized storage to free up some much needed space in our schools. The site is large enough that it also offers the opportunity for expansion of other district programs in the future.

The Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry is the second largest pantry in the St. Louis area and currently rents space under the building at 9516 Lackland Road. It relies heavily on volunteers and donations. The pantry almost closed in July 2017 because of unsustainable rent costs and lack of funding. The pantry is expected to move to the new site in early 2020.

Over the course of the past few years, we have worked to build academic and emotional supports for students to experience success on their path to graduation. We look forward to continuing to find ways to partner with organizations, civic leaders and businesses to meet the “whole child” needs of all our students and strengthen our community.

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.

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Dr. Chris Kilbride is Superintendent of Schools for Ritenour School District.

Helping veterans in need with winter clothing Veterans Day, Nov. 11, was cold and snowy this year. But inside St. Patrick Center, The Kaufman Fund honored our nation’s veterans with warm winter clothing. In partnership with St. Patrick Center and St. Louis Rotary Club 11 they distributed winter coats, hats and gloves to 100 needy veterans.

The Kaufman Fund is a local nonprofit that supports veterans and children, in our community, who are “at risk for basic needs.” This 100 percent volunteer organization, with no paid employees, helps veterans with dental, legal and mental health programs plus Trees for Vets, which provides 300 Christmas trees each year to deserving veteran families to brighten their holidays. These programs are a way of saying “thank you” to those that have served our country in peacetime and war. The Kaufman Fund also supports over 20 local nonprofits that help us fulfill this mission.

The Winter Coat Program, in its third year, is a great collaboration between The Kaufman Fund and St. Patrick Center, with individual case managers from St. Patrick Center identifying and working with the veterans to ensure they receive the clothing. St. Patrick Center has been a valuable partner of The Kaufman Fund for several years with both organizations doing other events and programs during the year to benefit veterans’ welfare.

The Kaufman Fund was founded in 1990 and in the past 30 years has raised and help distribute over $1.5 million. It is through the many volunteers and donors that support us, that we are able to make a difference in veterans’ lives, touching over 600 veterans each year. If you would like to volunteer, please visit www.TheKaufmanFund. org to learn more about us and how you can help.

If you know a veteran who is in need of help, please contact 314-753-8355.

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What’s Happening

December 11, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

Dec. 14: Visit with Santa

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.

EVENTS Dec. 11: 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.

Dec. 13: Meatloaf or country fried steak dinner

Meatloaf or country fried steak 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. 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.

Dec. 14: Grief share

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

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

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

Dec. 14: Breakfast with Santa

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.

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 314-921-4250 or 314-921-4466.

Dec. 14: Breakfast

Breakfast at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 to 10 a.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

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, photo opts with Santa. All are welcome the day of the event, but advance reservations help to better prepare. Please call 314-429-7464 for reservations or questions.

Dec. 14: Army/Navy game and cook off

Army/Navy game and cook off Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, starts at 2 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314831-6121.

Dec. 14: Flea market

Flea market at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Dec. 18: 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.

Dec. 20: Pork steak dinner

Pork steak 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. 25: 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.

Dec. 27: Chicken dinner

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

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve party

New Year’s Eve party with live music at Florissant Valley VFW Post 4105, located at 410 St. Francois. All profits go to support veterans. For more information call 314-831-6121.

Jan. 17: Art exhibition

Good Shepherd Arts Center in Ferguson will present “400 Years and Beyond” to commemorate the observance of 2019 as the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans to be sold into slavery. The exhibit will run through Jan. 17. This artwork by local African-American artists will invite viewers into reflection, conversation and visioning about creating a world where all are valued, all are welcome, all belong.

Good Shepherd Arts Center is located in downtown Ferguson at 252 S. Florissant Road, next to Cathy’s Kitchen. Hours are: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturdays 12 – 5 p.m. For more information call 314-522-1155.

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

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Weekdays: Tax filing program volunteers

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

Nickel at 314-615-4021.

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 314-540-5223.

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 11, 2019 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 w w w.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 314-9212132.

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 or Connie McConnell, 314831-5476.

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.

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.

Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?

Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 a.m. at Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.

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 314-921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314994-3300. 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 314-6535331.

Thursdays: Bingo

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

For more information call 314-8310988.

Thursdays: 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: checks

Blood

pressure

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 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

chorus

What’s Happening

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

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m.

For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support

On the fourth Saturday of each month, grief support meeting “A Way With Words Ministry” meets at 12:30 p.m. at 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 314-605-3949.

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 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.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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

Fridays: Fish fry

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.

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

Come check out the benefits of yoga at Calvary UCC, at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Call Angela at 314801-8594 for more information.

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

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

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.

9

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

10

Sports

December 11, 2019 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

UMSL head coach picks up 100th win The University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s basketball team ran its winning streak to seven games on Saturday with a 92-48 victory over Missouri Baptist.

UMSL shot a season-high 56.1 percent, including a season-best 56 percent from three-point range and was led by senior Jalen Wilkins-McCoy who scored 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting.

The win was also the 100th UMSL victory for seventh-year head coach Bob Sundvold. He is just the third coach in program history to achieve 100 wins, joining Hall of Famers Chuck Smith (171 wins, 1966-79) and Rich Meckfessel (214 wins, 1982-99). * Great night on the court Ambush look for first victory of the season The St. Louis Ambush play in the South Central division of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with home games at the Family Arena.

The Ambush has yet to get a “W” this year but have played very aggressively.

The home opener for the Ambush saw the division winners Milwaukee Wave of last year, walk away with a 7-2 win.

This past Saturday they took a trip to Independence, Missouri to take on the Kansas City Comets. The trip was not successful as they were on the wrong end of a 6-4 loss.

Sunday, the Milwaukee Wave got the best of St. Louis club again by taking a 4-1 victory.

The next home contest will be Sunday, Dec. 15 against the cross-state Kansas City Comets.

Go to www.STLAmbush.com for all the details. * Always exciting Lindenwood gets first win in the GLVC in women’s basketball The Lindenwood University team defeated UMSL 78-70 in a thrilling overtime win Tuesday

night.

Kallie Bildner and Devin Fluhring each scored 20 points against the Tritons to lead the Lindenwood offense. The win moves Lindenwood to 5-0 overall and 1-0 in GLVC action.

The Lions trailed UMSL 31-30 at halftime, and a back-and-forth second half left the game tied at the end of regulation. Lindenwood tied the game with 27 seconds left after Julia Ruzevich stole the errant pass from UMSL and scored a layup on the other end to tie the game at 64.

The Tritons had a chance with four seconds remaining, but the shot was off-line, leading to overtime.

In overtime, the Lions capitalized on several trips to the free throw line, scoring eight points led by Bildner who was 5-6 from the charity stripe. In addition to the free throw performances, Julia Ruzevich grabbed five offensive rebounds in the overtime period, helping seal the 78-70 victory.

Highlights: • The contest featured 20 lead changes and eight ties.

• Devin Fuhring scored 20 points with six rebounds at UMSL. She was 3-7 from beyond the arc, tying a season-best for the sophomore.

• Kallie Bildner also had 20 points and led the Lions with 15 rebounds, her fourth double-double of the season. She finished the game 7-9 from the free throw line. * A nail biter 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 11, 2019

Recipe:

A

F-1

– SUDOKU –

A comforting casserole

lmost nothing says comfort food quite like a freshly baked casserole. Next time your family asks for a warm, comforting meal, try this

Feature

Rotisserie Chicken-Biscuit Casserole with just a handful of ingredients and less than 15 minutes of cook time.

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.

Rotisserie Chicken-Biscuit Casserole Ingredients: 1 whole rotisserie chicken 8 refrigerated biscuits 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of mushroom soup 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup sour cream 2 cups frozen vegetables 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/8 teaspoon pepper Directions: Heat oven to 450 F. Remove meat from rotisserie chicken and shred; set aside. Discard bones.

Cut biscuits into quarters; set aside.

In saucepan, stir soup, milk, sour cream, chicken, vegetables, basil and pepper.

Cook until boiling.

Spoon chicken mixture into baking dish.

Arrange quartered biscuits over filling.

Bake 10-12 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown.

Find more comfort food recipes at Culinary.net

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ is complex, beautiful

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.

rowing up in St. Louis in the late 1960s and early 70s, Channel 9, the home of “Sesame Street” and “The Electric Company,” was my go-to TV channel. That public broadcasting channel also was the local TV home of Fred Rogers, a genial, kind and gentle soul who knew how to communicate with children. I was extremely upset one time when Channel 9 pulled the show for lack of funding, playing an audio track of Fred Rogers as they made an appeal for donations.

Mr. Rogers had that effect on most people, not just children. He was our friend, the kindly neighbor next door who always had a smile and a good word. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” documents real-life journalist Tom Junod’s friendship with the television host. In truth, this film is more about Junod’s personal issues and how Rogers influenced him.

Matthew Rhys plays Lloyd Vogel, a writer based on Junod. With his bad reputation and attitude, most celebrities and public figures don’t want him to interview them, but Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) does. Ellen (Christine Lahti), his boss at Esquire Magazine, assigns him to write a few paragraphs on Rogers for

about a children’s TV host. Rogers gets through to Lloyd in his own inimitable style: calling the writer at home and focusing all his energies on that phone interview. Mr. Rogers even makes sure to learn the name of Lloyd’s wife and child and always shows up with a smile.

When he comes for a visit in one scene, he brings good wishes and pie.

Tom Hanks is extremely good at playing real-life characters like Chesley Sullenberger in “Sully.”

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is a rare example where Hanks just falls short of capturing the character. He emulates the mannerisms and style of Fred Rogers very well, but no one can do Mr. Rogers like Mr. Rogers did over 31 seasons on PBS. Audiences should find “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” to be rather cathartic.

The plot deals with topics such as death and the disconnect between adult children and their parents. Though Fred Rogers is gone now, films like this one and the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” honor the good-hearted spirit of the man in the sweater and sneakers. They prove that we are never too old to get a life lesson from Fred Rogers.

Photo courtesy TriStar Pictures

G

a hero profile, but the journalist keeps going back for more.

The iconic set of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” serves as the framework for the story.

In the first few minutes, Hanks, channeling Fred Rogers, talks about his new friend Lloyd and all his troubles. Director Marielle Heller makes good use of Hanks’ acting talents as well as the iconic models used in the television series. When Lloyd must travel to Pittsburgh, where Rogers lives and films the show, his journey is represented by little travelling cars and planes.

Matthew Rhys does a solid job as the cynical journalist assigned to write a “puff piece”

F-2

Feature

December 11, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

NOVENA

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COLLECTIBLES

SCHOOL

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.

RECORDS WANTED

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

It has never been known to fail.

Cash paid for 78, 33 & 45 RPM records

House calls made Call Bob 636-296-5240

Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 11, 2019

Feature

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F-4

Feature

December 11, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: The 1950s

‘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 The holidays are in full force. Is it just me or do they seem to sneak up faster every year?

I remember at the beginning of November hearing a station play, “Deck the Halls!”

What?! Already?

My Halloween decorations were still up and the candy corn wedged in between my back molars had not even melted off yet.

I’m sure this was a direct violation of the holiday constitutional bill of rights and wrongs. There needs to be order and proper spacing in between these events. My rule of thumb is that when the Thanksgiving leftovers run out, Christmas can officially begin.

About a week ago my husband and I sat down to eat our last nibbles of turkey and side dishes.

My husband did the honors of reheating our meal and placed a paper plate in front of me. Images of ghosts and ghouls peeped out from beneath my mashed potatoes.

“Oh, no. This isn’t right, I said scraping the food onto a dinner plate. It’s time for frankincense not Frankenstein.”

“Does it matter?” He asked “Of course, Halloween is long over.”

“Cousin of a barbarian,” I thought.

He then proceeded to wipe up a spatter with a kitchen towel which was covered in pumpkins and pilgrims.

“Umm, where did you get that?”

“Bottom drawer.”

“No, no. Those are the towels of holidays past.

Only use the ones in the top drawer.” Son of a barbarian!

“Really? Food tastes the same on any plate and gravy wipes up the same with whichever towel. Why make such a big deal?”

I asked him to pass the turkey. He handed me a plate.

“What have you put the turkey on?”

“A…a…plate?”

“Plates are for eating, platters are for serving.” Full-fledged barbarian!

“No difference!” He grumbled.

“Oh, really? Well next time your truck needs gas, I’ll top it off with a couple gallons of antifreeze because…no difference.”

He glumly went to retrieve a platter. I took one look and gave him the stink eye.

“What now? Isn’t this a platter?”

“Sort of.”

“Then what?”

“It has Easter bunnies on it.”

By then our meal was cold and unappetizing.

We dumped our leftovers and headed to McDairyKing. Christmas had officially begun.

Let the season begin

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. Bottomless pit 6. Banned insecticide 9. Exclamation of contempt 13. Start with a clean one?

14. Lennon’s lady 15. Editing command 16. Feudal lord’s property 17. Dunce 18. *Ayn Rand’s “____ Shrugged” 19. *Record-breaking Oscar-winner 21. *TV’s Jim Anderson 23. Immeasurable period 24. Editor’s oversight 25. Fugitive’s get-away 28. Vegas cube 30. Even smaller 35. “Rock of ____” 37. Cleopatra’s necklace 39. Saddam Hussein’s Islam 40. Surrender 41. Young Atlantic cod 43. Eastern ____ 44. Work the dough 46. Diamond Head island 47. Quarterback’s downfall 48. Pollen producer 50. Charged particles 52. *”____ must I be a teenager in love?”

53. Sound of pain or pleasure 55. Us, in Mexico 57. *Levittown, e.g.

60. *Like one born in ‘50s 63. Like a private circle 64. Highest card in “War” 66. Sea near Australia 68. “The ____ Runner,” pl.

69. *Cuban syllable 70. Musician’s exercise 71. Heroic poem 72. Boy toy 73. Sterilize DOWN 1. Cigar residue 2. Blister 3. New Haven Ivy 4. Kidney problem 5. Modus operandi 6. Point of entry 7. *Crick/Watson/Franklin discovery 8. Toffee, alt. sp.

9. Trodden track 10. “Cast Away” setting 11. *”A ____ Is Born” with Judy Garland 12. “For ____ a jolly ...”

15. Jamaican vernacular 20. Yards and miles, e.g.

22. Address abbreviation

24. T in ATV 25. *Source of immortal Hela cells 26. *Occupation of Ian Fleming’s protagonist 27. Mythological princess of Colchis 29. *Fashion designer who made a comeback in 1954 31. Small pieces 32. *Rose to Jackie 33. Methuselah’s father 34. *Tenant of Fred Mertz 36. Clothing line 38. Type of salmon 42. “Beats me!”

45. Formal objections, in court 49. And not 51. Like Santa after coming down the chimney 54. Taken follower 56. Inflict a blow 57. Barber shop sound 58. To, in the olden days 59. Swarm members 60. Pinto or black 61. Outback birds 62. Was a passenger 63. *”We’ll take ____ to Washington” 65. *Guevara’s nickname 67. Tyrannosaurus follower SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9