CN: December 15, 2021

December 15, 2021

Trees for Vets

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Marcus C. Robinson. Pg. 2 Missouri remains vigilant in COVID-19 variant monitoring. Pg. 3 Missouri American Water encourages customers to winterize water pipes . Pg. 5 Ferguson-Florissant School District launches virtual 24/7 live tutoring program. Pg. 6

Special Section Senior Living. Pg. 7

Features (FLIP) Each year in the first two weeks in December, 300 veterans receive a free tree and stand as a park of the Kaufman Fund “Trees for Vets” program.

Submitted photos

The Kaufman Fund ‘Trees for Vets’ program has donated over 2,000 Christmas trees to veterans and their families since 2014

By Wendy Todd The Kaufman Fund “Trees for Vets” program has donated over 2,000 Christmas trees to veterans and their families since 2014. Each year in the first two weeks in December ,300 veterans receive a free tree and stand. Participating veterans sign up to receive a tree and are assigned a time to pick it up.

One could say this act isn’t an essential service; however, it offers a significant feeling of community and upliftment many veterans need.

“It provides the veterans a symbol of the joy of the holiday season,” says Irwin Loiterstein who is chairman of the program.

The practice of giving veterans trees came about naturally.

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December 15, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘TREES’ from cover “I have been in the tree business for over 50 years and served on the National Christmas Tree Association board for eight of those years,” says Loiterstein, who procures the trees for the vets. “When I was chairman of the promotions committee, we were told about a group of growers in Texas that gave Christmas trees to a military base there. And the NCTA started giving trees to active military on bases around the world. When I retired from the retail tree business, I was on the board of The Kaufman Fund and thought it would be a good project for us to give trees to local veterans.”

With the assistance of 50 volunteers, a group of veterans, along with the yearlong services, receive a free donated tree and stand that acts as a symbol of appreciation for their service.

“It’s a great thing you’re doing for the vets. It means a great deal, what they’re doing for the vets.

I appreciate the tree. I appreciate everything they do,” says Joe Hanslick, an Army veteran.

Submitted photo

According to the Pew Each year in the first two weeks in December, 300 veterans receive Research Center there a free tree and stand as a park of the Kaufman Fund “Trees for Vets” program. are roughly 19 million veterans in the United States. And there are over 400,000 in Missouri, many of whom are in need of resources. The Kaufman Fund works to amend that by offering referrals to services and support.

The organization was founded in 1990 by Vietnam veteran Wayne Kaufman. It provides services from legal referrals, free dental care and mental health resources, to er health issues, the Kaufman Fund is a bright light in brand new winter coats. Another winter gift from the what can be a dark existence. The free Christmas trees nonprofit is the free Christmas trees. are just an additional sparkle to let veterans know they With many veterans facing severe challenges like are not forgotten. homelessness, mental illness, job insecurity and oth-

St. Luke’s Hospital named one of the best hospitals for maternity

by U.S. News & World Report St. Luke’s Hospital has been named one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity by U.S. News & World Report. In its inaugural list of Best Hospitals for Maternity, U.S. News has recognized St. Luke’s as “High Performing” in caring for patients with uncomplicated pregnancies.

“Being named a ‘High Performing’ hospital on the Best Hospitals for Maternity list is

exciting because it shines a spotlight on the high-quality, compassionate care expectant families receive when they choose to deliver their babies at St. Luke’s Hospital,” said Daniel Wagner, MD, St. Luke’s Hospital chief – department of OB/GYN. “Our healthcare team is committed to providing excellence in maternity care during one of life’s most precious experiences.”

COMMUNITY VOICES:

To be recognized among the Best Hospitals for Maternity, hospitals had to excel on multiple quality metrics that matter to expectant families, including complication rates, C-sections, whether births were scheduled too early in pregnancy and how successfully each hospital supported breastfeeding. The evaluation reflects 2019 hospital data related to uncomplicated pregnancies.

By Marcus C. Robinson

The status quo is no longer an option As an educator, there are obstacles and difficulties. It is a challenging profession but you do the work because you love students and want the absolute best for them.

When the Normandy Joint Executive Governing Board selected me as the district’s newest leader, I asked them, “Are you ready for a bold transformation?”

To make bold moves, it requires a certain level of bravado, a certain level of fearlessness. We have to do things that would make others retreat and return to the status quo.

Normandy students and families can no longer afford the status quo. For years, the district has languished at the bottom, struggling to provide the students of this community with the rigor and supports to ensure they graduate with the tools they need to succeed. The district has survived in spite of our challenges but we remain hopeful and confident about the future because our students deserve the best. It’s time to demand more!

Normandy has launched new curricula in English language arts and mathematics,

increasing the rigor and deepening comprehension of these critical subject areas. If our students can’t read or compute, there is little reason to believe they will see success in other subjects. We are also reinforcing the instructional capacity of our teachers, providing weekly professional development for the new curricula to ensure they are armed with the skill and knowledge necessary for superior student performance.

At the high school, we are rolling out an ambitious renovation of the campus’ West and East Halls, including extensive classroom renovations, a new Culinary Arts suite and cafeteria. When planning the renovations, students said they wanted a safer environment that maintained the family feel of the campus. In response, we are also building a new secure connector/welcome center to help manage entry to the campus and provide a gathering place for students. The renovations at the high school are scheduled to be completed in fall 2022.

The status quo is no longer an option. Our

students and families are demanding more from us because the world our students live in is requiring more from them. I want to thank the students, teachers, staff, and community for standing with me to do the work to make Normandy a premiere education system. Working together, we will make it happen.

Marcus C. Robinson joined the Normandy Schools Collaborative as Superintendent of Schools in May 2020. A St. Louis native, Robinson is a veteran educator who has earned a reputation as a turnaround specialist in urban school districts. His prior experience includes his role as the Chief Executive Officer for the Memphis Education Fund, and Chancellor & CEO for the Tindley Accelerated Schools in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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 15, 2021

Missouri remains vigilant in COVID-19 variant monitoring On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant named Omicron, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern. Staff with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) are working closely with federal officials to stay apprised of information that impacts the health and safety of Missourians.

In Missouri, Delta accounts for over 99 percent of the variants currently being circulated.

To further enhance public health monitoring for variant SARS-CoV-2 viruses, Missouri healthcare providers have been submitting specimens from eligible individuals to the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory as part of the state’s variant surveillance program. These capabilities are supported through a partnership with the University of Missouri to provide bioinformatic analysis.

In partnership with researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia, DHSS and the Department of Natural Resources are continuing longstanding efforts within the Coronavirus Sewershed Surveillance Project. For nearly 18 months, the Sewershed Surveillance Project has been testing community wastewater facilities weekly to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to help inform disease mitigation efforts. In February of this year, the team was one of the first in the nation to begin conducting sequence monitoring of wastewater samples, which allows for identification of variant viruses present. Sewershed researchers say the project can provide early detection of an upcoming COVID-19 outbreak or emerging novel viral variants.

“If the Omicron variant emerges in Missouri, the public health community has the resources available to identify it through the state’s extensive partnerships and monitoring systems, as has been done with other emerging variants,” said Donald Kauerauf, DHSS Director. “Emerging COVID-19 variants can be highly unpredictable in the early stages, so the public needs to remain vigilant to prevent their risk of exposure. The most effective way to protect yourself or others from being impacted

by COVID-19 variants is to get vaccinated or receive your booster dose when eligible.”

DHSS has been regularly providing the public with actionable information to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The agency continues to recommend that residents follow prevention strategies such as wearing a mask in public

indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, frequent handwashing and maintaining physical distance from others.

Everyone five years and older is highly encouraged to protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated. Missourians should also take the opportunity to get their annual influenza vaccination as part of their risk reduction activities to protect themselves and others from seasonal respiratory illness.

“Although we will learn more about the Omicron variant in the coming weeks, I encourage all Missourians to make it their personal responsibility to take control of the COVID-19 threat and follow public health recommendations for vaccinations,” said Kauerauf. “By getting vaccinated, we are doing our part to limit the impact of the current variants that are circulating in Missouri. There is no better time than today for individuals to get vaccinated, so you and your family can have a happy and healthy holiday season.”

Travelers to the U.S. should continue to follow CDC recommendations for safe traveling. Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines in Missouri at MOStopsCovid.com.

Around Town

FFSD held vaccine clinic for newly eligible elementary students Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District

Ferguson-Florissant School District held a vaccination clinic for newly eligible five-to-11-year-olds on Nov. 20, to help ensure the community can stay protected against COVID-19 heading into the winter months and holiday season.

Hundreds lined up at STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School in Ferguson to get vaccinated. The clinic was held for district families and staff in

partnership with Visionary Vaccination Health Services and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

In addition to vaccinating elementary students, the clinic provided older students and adults the opportunity to get first, second and booster doses.

Those who received their first dose on Nov. 20 received the second dose at the high school on Dec. 11.

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 vaccine: • Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for availability by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).

• Call the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (or TTY 1-888-720-7489). Help is available in multiple languages.

• Locate local vaccination events in Missouri at MOStopsCovid.com.

• Seniors and homebound adults can make arrangements using information at MOStopsCovid.com/seniors – Missouri DHSS COVID-19 Public Hotline • 1-877-435-8411 • Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 test: • Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites.

• Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program.

• Find a free testing option near you through the federal pharmacy locations.

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www.carestlhealth.org

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Around Town

December 15, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services warns citizens of text message scam The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) is warning citizens of a new text message scam targeting citizens and their personal information. According to website registration information, it was established on Dec. 2, and was registered using a provider from the European Union.

The text message requests that citizens visit a website to enter their social security number, name and date of birth, and upload photos of their Driver License to “validate” their “one-time Covid-19 Vac-

cine verification.” In an attempt to legitimize the site, logos of DHSS and the Missouri Department of Revenue’s myDMV portal appear along the top.

DHSS has worked with the Office of Administration’s Information Technology Services Division (OA-ITSD) to take all actions at the state’s disposal to report the site to the proper authorities, although the site is hosted and maintained externally.

DHSS will never ask for a citizen’s SSN over email or text message and only provides vaccination verification and records upon request. Although citizens have reported text messages originating from 1-704-525-9772, DHSS encourages citizens to protect their personal information online no matter the source.

If a citizen submitted their information through this website, DHSS recommends starting with the following steps to protect themselves: • Contact your financial institutions to notify them of the privacy breach.

• Contact the Social Security Administration to report an exposed SSN.

www.treesbywood.net

• Contact credit reporting services to alert them your information was disclosed.

Parkway South Middle student wins St. Louis County Library bookmark contest Meghan Hebbar, an eighthgrade student at Parkway South Middle School, recently won the St. Louis County Library bookmark contest in her age category. The bookmarks were professionally printed and distributed at all SLCL branches in October.

The bookmark contest was open to students six to 17. Hebbar was one of eight winners of the bookmark contest.

Photo courtesy Parkway School District

Christian Hospital Foundation to host free virtual MLK celebration Jan. 14 with service awards and scholarships This year due to the pandemic, the Christian Hospital Foundation will host a free, virtual celebration that exemplifies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings on Jan. 14, from 12-1 p.m. During this celebration, the Foundation will recognize five local heroes and several student scholars in our communities. Guests will enjoy music from a local musician and a courageous conversation related to rising above the challenges of race, injustice, and exclusion, including commentary from William F. Tate IV. William F. Tate VI is the first African American President of Louisiana State University. Tate has served as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of South Carolina since July 2020. Prior to that, he served as dean of the Graduate School & Vice Provost for Graduate Education at Washington University in St. Louis from 2002 to 2020. Tate also spent time at Texas Christian University and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tate received his Ph.D. in mathematics education from the University of Maryland, Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Texas at Dallas, Master of Psychiatric Epidemiology from Washington University School of Medicine, and Bachelor of Science in economics from Northern Illinois University.

At the event Christian Hospital Foundation will recognize and celebrate the 2022 Drum Major Awardees. This award is the highest honor Christian Hospital Foundation bestows upon unsung heroes from our community who have given their time, talents, treasures, and

service in the name of justice, equity, and equality. The 2022 awardees are: • John Bowman – President of St. Louis NAACP • Charlotte Hammond – President & CEO of Challenge Unlimited Inc. • Andreal Hoosman – Owner of Hoosman Haywood Realty • Michael P. Mcmillan – President & CEO St. Louis Metropolitan Urban League • Donald Suggs – St. Louis American Publisher & Executive Editor Scholarships will be awarded to local high school students in the following schools and school districts who plan to pursue a degree in health care: Jennings, Normandy, Ritenour, Hazelwood, Pattonville, Ferguson-Florissant, Riverview Gardens, Incarnate Word Academy, Cardinal Ritter College Prep and Lutheran North High School. Additionally, two scholarships will be provided to St. Louis Community College students and one scholarship to a Goldfarb School of Nursing student to support their nursing education.

To register and for sponsorship information, please visit www.christianhospital.org/ MLK-Celebration, call 314-6535162 or email chfoundation@bjc.org.

Christian Hospital Foundation raises and allocates funds to support efforts such as patient care, advancing medicine and technology, community benefit programs, community health access, staff education and new hospital facilities and equipment.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 15, 2021

Around Town

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Missouri American Water encourages customers to winterize water pipes In advance of freezing temperatures, Missouri American Water is advising homeowners and business owners of ways to avoid frozen water pipes.

Property owners are responsible for maintenance of indoor pipes within their residence or business, as well as the water service line running from the outdoor water meter or property line to the house/business. Missouri American Water encourages customers to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of freezing and bursting pipes.

Before frigid weather sets in: • Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, you’ll want to shut the water off immediately.

• Protect your pipes by wrapping them with insulation.

• Know which areas in your home are most vulnerable to freezing, such as basements, crawl spaces, unheated rooms, and outside walls.

• Eliminate cold air sources near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces, and eliminating drafts near doors.

When temperatures are consistently at or below freezing: • Allow a small trickle of water from both your cold and hot water faucets to run overnight to keep pipes and meters from freezing. The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe.

Customers should implement wise water use practices and collect the running water for later use, like watering indoor plants or cooking.

• Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing, although be careful not to create a tripping hazard.

If your pipes do freeze: • Shut off the water immediately.

Don’t attempt to thaw pipes without turning off the main shut-off valve.

• Thaw pipes with warm air. Melt the

frozen water in the pipe by warming the air around it. Be sure not to leave space heaters unattended and avoid the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.

• Be careful turning the water back on. Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check pipes and joints for any cracks or leaks that might have been caused by freezing.

The Walk-Through History Program unveils its 48th plaque in honor of late jeweler

Photo courtesy city of Florissant Pictured above is Florissant Tim Mayor Lowery as he reads the mock plaque to the family and friends that attended the 48th Walk Through History plaque dedication in honor of the late Richard Henefer. Also, in attendance was members of the City Council, President of Old Town Partners and the 2021 Valley of Queen and First Runner-Up.

Family and friends gathered in the 1000 block of rue St. Francois on Nov. 27 to unveil the 48th Walk Through History plaque in honor of the late Richard Henefer before the traditional tree lighting ceremony that took place in front of City Hall.

Don Henefer Jewelers was founded in 1946. Richard attended Paris Junior College in Paris, TX where he learned the art of gemology. Richard joined the family business of Don Henefer Jewelers in 1963. In 1970, after the passing of his father George, in 1971 Richard took over the ownership and operations of Don Henefer Jewelers and moved the business to its current location in Florissant.

Richard was certified as an Appraiser & Master Craftsmen. He served as President/ Past President for local chapters

of Rotary International. He also served on other community boards and commissions.

Richard was named Business Person of the Year by the North County Chamber of Commerce in 2009 and was a member of the chamber for 45 years. Don Henefer Jewelers was voted Best Jewelry Store in North County for many years.

Richard believed a man was only as good as his word and his word was everything to him. He set the bar high.

Pride, workmanship and honestly were Richard’s watchwords which still holds true today by his family.

He always believed in providing quality products and service, be fair with employees and care about the people.

Richard loved his family and the community he served.

www.midlandsb.com

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Around Town

December 15, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Ferguson-Florissant School District launches virtual 24/7 live tutoring program Starting this month, all Ferguson-Florissant School District students in grades 3-12 will have 24/7 access to virtual tutoring services for help in any subject.

Last month, the FFSD Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the use of TutorMe, an online tutoring platform that connects students with a live tutor 24 hours a day in over 300 subjects right from home. Students can also submit a paper to TutorMe’s Writing Lab and receive detailed feedback in less than 12 hours. Best of all, these services are no charge for FFSD families; it is provided by the district for FFSD students.

Students in grades 3-12 can access the platform, which provides on-demand

assistance in hundreds of subjects. For example, students can get an essay edited or math questions answered with a live one-on-one tutor. Tutoring is also available for students preparing for Advanced Placement exams or taking AP courses.

The hope is that the tutoring services, along with other additional educational resources provided by the district, will help mitigate learning loss resulting from the pandemic and allow students to receive additional help outside of the classroom at any hour of the day. FFSD students can access TutorMe through their Canvas account through Chromebooks provided by the district.

Vantage commemorates National First Responders Day Vantage Credit Union honored local first responders on National First Responders Day by delivering surprise recognition baskets to fire stations and police departments across the St. Louis area. National First Responders Day, held on Oct. 28, recognizes the heroic men and women who serve as first responders—firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and 911 operators.

“We value the relationships we have within the communities we serve, and first responders play a vital role in the health and safety of those communities,” said Rachel Parrent, Marketing Director, Vantage Credit Union. “First responders

give so much of themselves. These surprise recognition baskets are one way we can express our profound gratitude for their dedication to the service of others.”

“On behalf of the men and women of the Bridgeton Police Department, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the cookies and swag you provided,” said Mark Mossotti, Chief of Police, city of Bridgeton. “We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

Vantage supports the community throughout the year, from clothing and food drives, teacher appreciation events, school supply drives, holiday toy drives, secure document shredding events, a college scholarship program and more.

Nearly 300 coats distributed at Operation Warm Giveaway

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative

Thanks to Stifel Financial and its Operation Warm initiative, 287 Barack Obama School students have a new coat and gloves for the winter.

For the annual coat collection, Stifel chooses elementary schools with the largest need in the St. Louis area and purchases new coats for those who need them. Over the years, Stifel has

handed out nearly 8,000 coats through the initiative.

Volunteers with Stifel matched each Obama student with the perfect coat – one that’s the right size and preferred color and style to make sure each child will not only be warm this winter, but also feel special.

RGSD scholars, educators earn Apple for the Teacher accolades

Photo courtesy Riverview Gardens School District Kyrie Hayes and Ambriel Willis, scholars at Central Middle School, were named first- and second-place awardees in an essay contest.

Scholars and educators from Riverview Gardens School District were honored at the Apple for the Teacher Awards, hosted by the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Kyrie Hayes and Ambriel Willis, scholars at Central Middle School, were named first- and second-place awardees in an essay contest (Middle School Division) held by the sorority. The essay question asked: How Does Social Media Affect Teens?

Pamela Fountain, CTE/Marketing instructor at Riverview Gardens High School and Stacey Miller, math teacher at Central Middle School received the prestigious Apple for the Teacher Award.

“We are grateful to the Alpha Zeta

Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority for honoring these amazing scholars and instructors,” stated Acting Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, Ed.D. “These talented and hard-working individuals truly represent Riverview Excellence.”

The scholars and educators were presented with their awards at the Nov. 20 Apple for the Teacher Awards Luncheon at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel.

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. is a business and professional women’s organization founded in 1929 which promotes increased interest in business education among high school and college women through planned programs and scholarships.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 15, 2021

Senior Living

Still In This Together:

By Vicki Bahr

We knew it was Christmas when…

full circle. I know it’s the holidays.

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.

M

y mom and dad always reminisced that they knew it was Christmas when they smelled oranges in the house as kids. They lived through tough times, times without plenty, times when fruit was a luxury because transporting it was expensive and time-consuming. Their eyes would light up at the holiday memories, much as mine do now as I replay memories of when my sisters and I knew the holidays were near.

My dad would unearth the nut bowl and sit it next to his easy chair on a tray table. Carved from some sort of ancient wood, the bowl had a perch in the center for a metal nutcracker and various tools which were used to pick the meats from the various holiday nuts in the bowl.

There were sprayed snowflake stencils on the living room window, and lights in the front bushes and magic in the air. And there was a Sunday afternoon each holiday season when we piled into the car to take a ride and returned to a miracle. The real Christmas tree would be set up, lit and adorned, on the big white train board, and the electric train would be circling the town and creche beneath the tree. To this day, I have no idea how the magic happened, and I never will now. I loved the miracle and always will. It was my job as the eldest to place the ceramic baby in the manger and arrange the miniature lead-cast people bustling about town in their places, and I took that job very seriously.

At my grandparents’ house there were bubble lights on the tiny artificial tree and a town arranged on shoe boxes covered with cotton batting so the little plastic church with the red film stained glass windows perched above the houses and sleighs and little glass pond below.

There were too many people and too small a kitchen to prepare the feast, and so much love to keep us laughing, waving black olives on the tips of our fingers at the kids’ table in the back bedroom, which was made of a piece of plywood over two saw horses and covered with a festive tablecloth. And presents for everyone as we ate dessert and drank little pretend cocktails with orange slices in crystal mugs.

It’s the reason I’ve always insisted on bubble lights for our own artificial Charlie Brown tree and bubble nightlights for the bedrooms our grandkids sleep in when they visit at Christmas.

Our daughters started a conversation last Christmas about their own holiday memories and our sons joined in with smiles on their faces that rolled the years away.

“Remember how we had to wait in the hall while Mom dramatically tiptoed into the family room with her camera and started oohing and aahing at the presents so she could take our picture on Christmas morning?”

“Remember the Christmas lights blinking outside the bedroom windows for weeks when we tried to go to sleep?”

“The TV blaring ‘Bells of St. Mary’s’ on Christmas Eve?” “What about the night Becca swore she saw Rudolph’s red nose outside her bedroom?”

“The wrapping paper that was never the same as the

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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.

paper Mom wrapped the other presents with because it was Santa’s paper?”

“Monkey bread for Christmas breakfast.”

“Creating a Christmas play at Grandma and Grandpa’s after dinner.”

“We knew it was the holidays when we found an orange in the toe of our stockings. The oranges Grandma and Grandpa smelled and knew it was the holidays because that was the only time they had them.”

And the traditions and the memories have come

www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral

www.TheSarahCommunity.com

www.VillageNorthRetirement.org

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What’s Happening

December 15, 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. 18: Youth orchestra concert

St. Charles County Youth Orchestra 25th Anniversary Winter Concert takes place at 2 p.m. at Missouri Baptist University Pillsbury Chapel at 1 College Park Dr., in St. Louis County. To purchase tickets contact sccyomusic@ gmail.com.

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 314-540-5223.

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

A

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

A

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 314-8393495 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.

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

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.

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 15, 2021 Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot

Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314-630-2671 or 314-330-7269.

Sundays: Jennings DoDads meeting

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more 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., 314-741-3737.

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

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 314-2915210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314291-3021 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.

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:

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.

Center for Senior Renewal:

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

Nutrition Education:

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

Christian Hospital Recovery Center:

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

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call

314-653-5032.

Nicotine Anonymous

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and 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

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 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.

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

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-ofthe-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 Wellness Center:

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

Free Mammogram Screenings:

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance.

Appointments at 300 First

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636-9475617.

Speaker’s Bureau:

SSM speakers available for organizations, clubs, community and church groups for up to one hour free of charge, 636-949-7159.

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314-993-5421.

First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 12:30 - 2 p.m., 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314-968-3477.

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9 a.m., 314.355.1516, Helpline 800-272-3900.

Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group:

Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314-383-4765.

Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Lewis & Clark, St. Louis, 1 p.m., 314-340-6389.

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 - 4:30pm, free, 636-755-3034.

12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse:

Meets in 4 locations in the CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

What’s Happening metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@ gmail.com.

Wednesdays: New Choices Nar-Anon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church 12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.

Nar-Anon.org

Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group Church of the Nazarene, 1309 N. Elizabeth Ave., Ferguson 6:30 - 8pm, leecedra@sbcglobal.net.

Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/for people with pulmonary disease

Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am 12pm, $30, 314-953-6090.

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizo-phrenia Support Group 6:30-7:30pm, 314-839-3171.

Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program

SSM DePaul Health Center.

This program uses advanced (CT) imaging to scan the arteries around the heart and

9

measure or score the amount of calcium present in the plaque deposits. This screening, in combination with other heart disease risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, etc.) can help determine an overall picture of your current heart health and your risk for developing heart disease. Call 314-344-6030 to learn more about the heart scan program or to schedule an appointment.

SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West Auxiliary

Non profit organization assisting the hosp. by holding fund raisering activities, being of service to patients, families, employees & physicians and acting as good will ambassadors to community. We welcome new member. Call Barb Hutchinson 636-947-5466.

The Barnes St. Peters Hospital Auxiliary is looking for New Members

If you would like to become a member please call 636-9169664.

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Sports

December 15, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

WWW.MYCNEWS.COM

Sports you see with Gary B...

Ambush win their first game The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the MASL with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

After winning their first game of the season defeating the Dallas Sidekicks 8-4, the team returns home to host the Milwaukee Wave Dec. 19 at 4:05 p.m. * Keep the winning streak going Home games to be broadcast on local radio station for the Ambush The St. Louis team announced a partnership with The Big 550 KTRS that will bring fans radio broadcasts of the team’s remaining 11 home games of the 202122 season. Broadcasts will begin with the next Ambush home game on Dec. 19, when the Milwaukee Wave come to town.

The Ambush broadcast team of Joey Zanaboni and Matt Rocchio will bring fans all the action on KTRS 550 AM with live streaming available at ktrs.com and via the SoundCloud app.

Ambush co-owner and CEO Shelly Clark said, “This partnership is another way we can bring coverage of Ambush games to our fans and gain more exposure for the exciting sport of professional indoor soccer. We’re thrilled to partner with KTRS.” Mark Dorsey, President and General Manager of KTRS said, “The Big 550 KTRS is proud to be celebrating 25 years of live and local programming and we are extremely excited to partner with the St. Louis Ambush this season and broadcast home games on 550 KTRS. This continues our commitment to live and local programming, supporting soccer in St. Louis and our local teams. The St. Louis Ambush have a rich history and we are thrilled to be partnered with them for the 202122 season.”

Ambush co-owner and General Manager Jeff Locker said, “For a quarter of a century, KTRS has been a mainstay on the St. Louis radio dial and we couldn’t be happier to partner with them to deliver St. Louis Ambush home games to our fans as we continue our efforts to broaden our fan base.” * Hear the games LIVE

Lindenwood University has the top ranking in their association The Lindenwood Lions remained No. 1 in the country in the latest American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Men’s Division I Ranking. It was the third ranking in a row that Lindenwood claimed the top spot.

Lindenwood finished the semester with an overall record of 11-3-0, the only three losses coming against NCAA foes. The Lions sit at 6-0-0 in the CSCHL with eight conference games remaining on the season.

Highlights include: • Andy Willis leads the Lindenwood offense with 12 goals and 28 points total for a 2.15 points per game average in ACHA play.

• Ryan Finnegan leads the team with 18 assists and has 25 points overall.

• Kyle Jeffers has 13 assists and 17 points overall.

• Caige Sterzer also has 17 points with 11 assists.

• Aiden Yakimchuk also has 11 assists.

• Freshman Trent Burnham has accumulated the most minutes between the pipes at 416, compiling a .906 save percentage and 2.31 goals against average.

• Junior Stephen Friedland has played 244 minutes, posting a .890 save percentage and 3.20 goals against average as goalie.

• Sophomore Ethan Paulin-Hatch has only played 120 minutes, but has a solid 1.00 goals against average and .846 save percentage also between the pipes. * Great start 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 15, 2021

Recipe: ’Add grapes to your holiday gatherings

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

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

Peanut Butter Grape Bites Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Yield: 12 pieces

A

dd a special touch this holiday season with simple yet stunning small plates that add beauty and flavor to gatherings with friends and family.

Available into January, California grapes offer a way to make the season special as an ingredient in your favorite recipes or as decoration for a festive centerpiece. Pops of red, green and black provide a seasonal touch and they’re perfect as an easy, fresh, healthy snack.

Plus, you can dip grapes in nut butter and finish with coatings of coconut, dark chocolate and almonds to make these Peanut Butter Grape Bites for a holiday treat that’s simply divine – without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients: 12 California grapes, chilled 1/3 cup natural peanut or almond butter 1/4 cup shredded coconut 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate 1/4 cup chopped almonds

Directions: Place sheet of wax paper on baking sheet. Dip each grape in nut butter to coat half then dip in either coconut, dark chocolate or chopped almonds. Transfer to sheet then chill until ready to serve.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 70 calories; 2 g protein; 4 g carbohydrates; 5 g fat (64% calories from fat); 1.5 g saturated fat (19% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 25 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Visit grapesfromcalifornia.com to find more holiday recipe inspiration.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Will ‘Daredevil’ finally make his way to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

W

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.

hile growing up in St. Louis, the public library was an almost daily destination for a bookworm like me.

Though I loved young adult books written by the late Beverly Cleary and Carolyn Haywood, comic books have always been my favorite reading material. Because libraries typically didn’t carry them, my friends and I would head to grocery stores and confectionaries to buy Marvel and DC comics. While the cover price back then was 15 cents, today’s superhero adventures will set a reader back at least $3 or $4.

Though the “Fantastic Four” was my favorite superhero team, the character I admired most was Daredevil, a blind vigilante.

In 1964, the late great Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett introduced readers to Matt Murdock, a brilliant attorney who fought crime in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York. As a teenager, Matt saved a man from being hit by a car but, in the process, Matt was exposed to radiation that blinded him.

Although sightless, his other senses were enhanced and he developed a form of echolocation similar to what bats use for navigation.

of crime. During interviews for the film, Duncan said that Affleck looked like a “pixie” in his red costume.

For three years beginning in 2015, Charlie Cox played the sightless superhero on a Marvel Television series for Netflix. Recently, Marvel’s Kevin Feige said Daredevil would appear in future projects and that Cox would reprise his role in those projects. That announcement opened up a world of possibilities, especially when it came to “Daredevil” photo courtesy Netflix Spider-Man. A team-up with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man would be amazing to watch on screen. Matt could be Superheroes can fly, smash buildings or an incredible mentor for Peter as well. turn invisible, but, in my humble opinion, Though Feige may be a bit elusive about Matt Murdoch has been Marvel’s coolest his announcements, any news about Darecharacter ever. Matt trained himself to be- devil is good news. The Marvel Cinematic come physically strong and use his abili- Universe is heading into its next phase and ties to fight crime on the streets and in the Matt Murdoch deserves his place alongside courtroom. In 2003’s “Daredevil” movie, the other heroes. In 2008, Feige and his Ben Affleck played both Murdoch and his team started a MCU storyline in the original crimefighting alter ego. An amazing Jennifer “Iron Man” movie that wasn’t complete until Garner was Elektra Natchios, a skilled mar- 11 years later. Matt Murdoch and Daredevil tial artist and love interest for Matt. The late definitely deserve a place in the next phase of Michael Clarke Duncan stole the show, how- superheroes. ever, as Wilson Fisk, the notorious Kingpin

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Feature

ACTIVE BUYER

December 15, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

NOVENA

HELP WANTED

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

www.dawcstl.com

facebook.com/ mycnews

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.

SINGERS WANTED

COLLECTIBLES

HELP WANTED

The City of St. John currently has an opening for a full time Court Clerk. Regular hours would be 8am-5pm, Monday thru Friday. Court days will require additional hours based on the length of the court for that particular day. Main duties include working with the: public, police department, attorneys and prosecuting attorney’s office. Job duties include, but are not limited to, answering phones, processing communications and correspondence for the Judge, court notices to defendants, organization, ling of les and attendance at all courts. The successful candidate sel must be a self-motivated person. Prior experience in the municipal court eld is highly desired. Certiication with IMDSPlus and experience with the Show Me Courts softwares are a deenite plus. Must be proocient in Windows 10 Pro, MS Word and Adobe PDF, as well as general computer skills.

An attractive beneet package includes fully paid health insurance for employee along with a percentage for dependents’ cost; thirteen paid holidays throughout the year, vacation and sick leave beneets, term life insurance, retirement plan in LAGERS, service and longevity awards, a tuition reimbursement policy including college incentive pay. Starting salary is $31,200. Apply at the City of St. John, 8944 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 100, St. John, MO 63114 or send resumes to Connie Poteet, Asst. City Manager (cpoteet@cityofstjohn.org). Applications will be acc accepted until the position is lled.

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V/E-VERIFY

CLASSIFIED $ SPECIAL! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items.

CALL

636-379-1775

45

for the first week (1.5” x 1” ad) $15 each additional week after that. $30 for a 1.5” x 2”

– Check it Out – www.MYCNEWS.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 15, 2021

Feature

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CLASSIFIEDS

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

314-993-1833

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Feature

December 15, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: YEAR IN REVIEW

‘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 It’s not hard to be unlikable lately. Anything can get you blackballed or scrubbed nowadays.

So it is with my Christmas card list.

Back in the day when postage was affordable my list ran for pages.

The long-lost cousins who I wasn’t even sure we were related to would get one as well as high school friends I barely saw anymore or neighbors two streets over. Heck, even the crabby guy around the block who never mowed his lawn would get some Christmas cheer.

Well times they be a changin’. The price of everything is going up: gas, heating fuel, new and used cars and food. Of course, the cost of postage went up again. Well, something’s got to give and that right there is going to put the Grinch in my giving.

Stamps rose from 55 to 58 cents. So basically, anyone who was worth 55 cents last year and isn’t worth three pennies more this year doesn’t make the cut.

I studied my list. First, remove any person who didn’t send me a card last year. Oh yes, I keep track and don’t think I don’t pay close attention. I have a spread sheet. Off they go! That put thirty cents in the bank.

Second, anyone who has made me mad. For starters, Aunt Fiona! She criticized my mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. She said they tasted like the boxed kind. Rude! They totally came

from a packet. She’s so off the list. But then again…I just might be in her will. I’ll give her one more shot. But she owes me three cents and an apology!

Next, neighbors. The guy with the shaggy grass has been terminated…much like his lawn. How about the lady across the street that keeps giving us dried up fruitcake?

Hmm, maybe if I cancel her card she’ll cancel the cake. Done!

Let’s see now. It looks like I’ve saved a whole dollar. Great! I can go to the dollar store and buy…wait! I just remembered that the dollar store has gone up too. They’ve raised prices to $1.25.

Grrr, back to the list.

You have been unliked

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. Coalition of countries 5. King trump-er, sometimes 8. Cuckoo bird 11. ____ weevil 12. Smelting waste 13. Kitchen-wear 15. Coke or Pepsi 16. Check-in via text, email, etc.

17. Settler transport 18. *2021 Super Bowl winner, two words 20. Before long, to Shakespeare 21. Jeopardy 22. Auction action 23. Puts down 26. Coroner’s performance 30. Band booking 31. Snicket of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” 34. Stravinsky’s “The ____ of Spring” 35. Mine passages 37. *Build Back Better ____ 38. Eucharist plate 39. Table hill 40. Good review 42. “Tit for ____” 43. Buck feature, pl.

45. *First female VP 47. Evergreen creeper 48. It goes with gin,

according to Snoop Dogg 50. Mongolian desert 52. *COVID-19, e.g.

55. Poison ivy or Poison oak 56. International Civil Aviation Org. 57. Distinctive smell 59. House coat 60. Asian cuisine food thickener 61. Pelvic parts 62. Gallery display 63. Self-proclaimed greatest boxer 64. Count on

23. Old World lizard 24. *January 20th honoree 25. Anti-elderly one 26. Those not in favor 27. Pita, alt. sp.

28. Take without asking 29. Gossiper, Yiddish 32. *Perseverance landing spot 33. Edible tuber 36. *Kabul’s organization in power 38. *The Nobel ____ Prize was awarded to Ressa and Muratov 40. Snoop around 41. Snowmobile brand DOWN 44. Give the boot 1. “Monty Python” broadcaster 46. *”Stronger” by Cindy McCain, e.g.

2. Rioter’s take 48. Southwestern hut 3. Cantina pot 49. Sushi restaurant staple 4. Fasteners or holders 50. ____ gum, food 5. Cover story 6. *Suez ____, too tight for additive 51. Leave out Ever Given 52. Home to the Leaning 7. Like custard Tower 8. Mythological ship 53. Not in use 9. “High” time 54. One in mattress 10. Wayside stop 55. Spot for a facial 12. Thinly spread 58. *Actor Liotta, star in “The 13. Look forward to Many Saints of Newark” 14. *____ Papers, leaked offshore account information 19. Banana refuse, pl.

22. Exchange for money SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9