CN: December 16, 2020

December 16, 2020

The press behind the paper

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Larry A. Brown. Pg. 2

Special Section Senior Living. Pg. 5

Business Draft of STL 2030 Jobs Plan released for community feedback. Pg. 6

School ‘Rainbow of Mothers’ delivers words of wisdom at . Pg. 7

Features (FLIP) Erwin J. Mahlandt (left) purchased Breese Printing & Publishing on May 6, 1925.

Submitted photo

A look behind the scenes at Breese Printing & Publishing, the printing company that makes this, and every edition of the Community News possible

By Charlotte Beard What does one of the largest publishers in the Midwest – Breese Printing & Publishing – have in common with Community News?

Both were founded in 1921. However, in 2005 Breese Printing & Publishing (BP&P), located in Breese, Illinois began a partnership with Community News to become the printer for the newspaper’s weekly publication – the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

BP&P began as Breese Journal, printing its own publication though the business was also involved in commercial printing for other entities during that time, according to Steve Mahlandt, President of BP&P. Mahlandt’s grandfather, Erwin J. Mahlandt was an apprentice to Guy C. Stearns for the Breese Journal prior to his grandfather’s purchase of

the business May 6, 1925. “(We) always did commercial printing, but (it) was not the focus of business,” stated Steve. “I changed that in 1978 as I aggressively went after this work.”

When BP&P began printing papers in 1921 a two-page Huber press was used that could handle approximately 500 copies an hour. After one side was completed, the newspapers were turned over and printed on the opposite side. The papers were then hand-folded.

Mahlandt states that the commercial printer has always used offset press equipment but continues to upgrade its equipment over time. One big change was the switch from film to direct-to-plate equipment. “(It) takes the digital files and lasers the image directly to the plate – eliminating film,”

stated Mahlandt.

Though it may seem like magic how the Community News publications show up on grocery store racks at Dierbergs Markets and Schnucks every Wednesday, there is a process.

“We receive digital files on Monday afternoon,” stated Mahlandt. “The files are then run through our prepress systems that paginate pages, check for errors and then is sent back to (Community News) for approval.

Once we get approval, the files are sent to the computer-to-plate system to have plates made, then on to the printing department to run the papers. (After) the job is finished (the papers are) ready for pick-up Tuesday morning.”

See ‘PRESS’ page 2

Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 99 No. 50 | 636-379-1775

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4

Weather FRIDAY Cloudy 49/38 SATURDAY Cloudy 47/29 SUNDAY Partly Cloudy 51/36

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Around Town

December 16, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘PRESS’ from cover There has been a growth of publications opting-in to online-only periodicals; however, it is publications like Community News that have sustained BP&P. “I think publishers are finding out that online publications are not the hype that was originally forecast,” stated Mahlandt. “We are gaining much business from these publishers that are finding out they need a print version also to sustain their business. We are growing our print business everyday with new customers which is evident in us adding two new presses in the last year, one high end commercial heat set web and another 40” sheet-fed press.”

BP&P’s presses allow them to print catalogs, magazines, and newspapers around the United States, as well as brochures and smaller items.

“We print many weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual type publications that total in the hundreds!” stated Mahlandt.

BP&P is fourth-generation family-owned since 1925, including Erwin J. Mahlandt’s son Jerry, followed by inclusion of Jerry’s sons – Dave and Steve (along with his son Josh). The printing and publishing company has gone from six full time and several part time employees in the 1980s to over 175 employees today.

According to Mahlandt, approximately 75 percent – 80 percent are employed as a direct result of commercial printing, as Breese Journal is still in operation.

Submitted photos Top Left: This plate machine takes digital files and lasers the image directly to the plate for printing.

Bottom Left: This areal shot shows the campus of Breese Printing & Publishing in Breese, Illinois.

Right: One of the presses at Breese Printing & Publishing at work producing a print publication.

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Larry A. Brown

Saying ‘congratulations’ and ‘thank you’ spreads holiday cheer “Congratulations” and “thank you” are terms that, when people say them to us, it makes us feel good and it also gives the person offering the statement a very positive feeling. Therefore, in instances like this, both parties to the conversation have good experiences. Isn’t that great? Why can’t we have more win–win situations like these in life? They are very simple and affordable to achieve?

This is a season when” good cheer” is supposed to abound, but why confine it to a season when people like to feel good throughout the year?

It seems that we have gotten used to, and almost look forward to, life having more “downs” than “ups” We are sometimes programmed to believe that we will appreciate and savor the taste more of “ good times” if they are far and few between!

But, I believe that “life has loveliness to sell” as mentioned in the poem “Barter”

by Sara Teasdale, and the more of it we obtain, the better we are and so is the world in which we live.

Many people, companies and other operatives thrive on keeping us under the impression that we are doing bad, or that we should be doing better. We often are compelled to overlook the simple things around us that make us feel good and fresh. Usually, many of these things are free.

The rainbow in the midst of a torrential downpour, a robin redbreast or sparrow

that happens to alight and sing out of nowhere, the ripple of a quiet stream and the silent wave of a hand from a neighbor are just a few of the enjoyable and free blessings we all appreciate as they occur.

We are not gluttons for punishment, but we have been brainwashed to believe that punishments, often undeserved, are to be expected and we just have to expect and bear them.

However, I am here to tell you with emphasis that you have to change your way of thinking because there are things that occur daily, in which you may find pleasure and they usually are free.

I am also here to let you know that you have a responsibility to help your fellow man enjoy life and. as the saying goes, “have a nice day.” So, when you congratulate someone, thank someone, or pat someone on the back, all of which can be done freely, you are helping yourself and the other party enjoy positive moments of life.

I suggest to you therefore, to make a pledge to yourself to congratulate, thank, and encourage others daily. See how your life becomes more enjoyable and also notice the impact it has on others.

We must begin to show our love for our fellow men early on so that individuals know that there are folks out there who are pulling for them.

Grace Chapel Ministries has developed a program that is designed to touch the lives

of every high school senior so that they are encouraged to become positive adults and know that there are many folks in the community who respect them and look forward to their becoming the community’s leadership of tomorrow. We must stop the senseless killings that are occurring and often affecting our young people. If you would like to support this program visit the website www.gracechapelministries.org. or send your support to Grace Chapel Ministries, P.O. Box 952, Florissant, Mo. 63032. You may also contact them by email at gracechapeldevelopment@gmail.com or call 314995-5013.

Let us all seek to spread more good cheer and have more good times and good feelings as we look forward to a very productive year!

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

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 16, 2020

St. Louis County Executive appoints new President of the Housing Authority St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page recently announced the appointment of Bishop Calvin Scott, Believers Temple Word Fellowship (BTWF), to President of St. Louis County Housing Authority.

Scott has served as a board member on the St. Louis County Housing Authority for more than eight years since his initial appointment in 2012.

He also serves as the CEO of BTWF Urban Initiative Community Development Corporation.

His leadership led to securing land and overSubmitted photo seeing the $9.2M development of Scott Manor, a low-income independent living facility, which Bishop Calvin Scott, Believers Temple Word Fellowship, was recently appointed to President of St. Louis County Housing Authority. currently houses residents age 55 and over.

“I am both humbled and grateful for the opporry Committee for the Riverview Gardens School tunity to serve as President of the St. Louis County District.

Housing Authority,” said Scott. “I look forward to As a strong advocate for underserved commucontinuing my work with the county executive’s nities, Scott said, “I believe in taking a holistic office and residents to reexamine current systems approach to the kingdom of God, focusing on and practices to help meet the current and future family, marriage, children, youth, leadership and housing needs of county residents.” economic development. I am doing the work that Scott is a well-known leader in the St. Louis I have been called to, which is to act justly, to love Metropolitan area as he serves on several orga- mercy and to walk humbly with God.” nizational boards and received numerous recogScott has been married to Prophetess Deborah nitions, which include the President’s Volunteer Scott for over 41 years. They have three adult chilService Award for community service from Presi- dren and six grandchildren. He is the founding dent Barack Obama. He received a key to St. Louis pastor of Believers Temple Word Fellowship and County and a proclamation which declared, “June has been pastoring for 27 years. He has a thriving 19, 2011 as Bishop Calvin Scott Day.” ministry with close to 1,000 members spanning He participated on the Community Adviso- across both physical and virtual platforms.

Around Town

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Circuses mark St. Louis and Stuttgart, Germany Sister City 60th Anniversary 2020 is known for many things, but one thing that may have been overlooked is that 2020 is the 60th anniversary of St. Louis and Stuttgart, Germany being Sister Cities. To celebrate, Circus Harmony in St. Louis and Circus Circuli in Stuttgart formed a Peace through Pyramids partnership and co-created a show.

Through a series of online meetings, workshops and classes the two troupes created six different circus acts and then filmed them at iconic architectural locations in each of their cities. The combined video show celebrating the two cities, “Sister City Circus,” will premiere on Circus Harmony’s YouTube page at noon on Dec. 19.

Circus Circuli’s artistic and education director, Lena Biedlingmaier, said, “In such difficult times as in a global pandemic it is important to break down borders, stick together and make new friends.

This exchange and the collaboration with Circus Harmony was a perfect example of this! In addition to the exchange of circus skills, we hope that the world was able to move a little closer together and that our young people were able to experience that language is an important means of communication, but movement and a shared passion can easily shrink language barriers. We hope this is just the beginning of a long friendship and we can meet in person soon.”

The two troupes will also be sharing holiday packages with each other. Circus Harmony will be sending Circus Harmony t-shirts along with local favorites gooey butter cake and Red Hot Riplets chips. This collaboration is funded in part by St. Louis Stuttgart Sister Cities in St. Louis and Stadt Stuttgart and Stuttgarter Jugendhaus Gesellschaft in Germany.

Jessica Hentoff, the artistic/executive director of Circus Harmony said, “This partnership has been a bright pandemic positive for the students on both sides of the world. ‘The Sister City Circus’ video is an entertaining and beautiful celebration showing that we can all be connected in spite of time, distance, and a worldwide pandemic!”

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Aound Town

December 16, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Operation Food Search receives more than $1.9 million

Winterfest at Home hosts online activities and contests for all ages As Kiener Plaza dazzles nightly with the bright lights of Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s Winterfest presented by Bank of America and World Wide Technology, you are invited to enjoy Winterfest from the comforts of home with online activities and contests for all ages.

Share your at-home version of Winterfest with Gateway Arch Park Foundation. Post your home, room, or sweater decorated with holiday lights or your favorite holiday tradition and be featured on our social media channels: @GatewayArchPark and #WinterfestSTL. Winterfest Online Videos *Following premieres, all videos are available on-demand at archpark.org/winterfest.

Submitted photo

Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently received $1,975,086 from the CARES Act funds in St. Louis County. The funds will be used to distribute food to children and families who are experiencing food insecurity during this current climate.

This is the second round of CARES Act fund-

ing that the nonprofit has received. The first grant, which totaled $1,312,320, was awarded in June. The entire two-part $3,287,406 grant provides a total of 1,236,000 meals that began in June and will be available through the end of this year.

OFS – which currently holds food distributions through schools, libraries, community organizations, and food pantries – will add new opportunities CLARIFICATION in high needs communities.

In the Dec. 9 edition of the St. Louis County Community News in the cover story titled “SeekThe CARES Act funding will ing a new vision” the following information was not included in the story: “The following dospecifically go toward serving nors have agreed to match every donation up to $50,000: Gerald and Judith Jehling, Healthy 10 school districts, 10 librarVision Association, Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation, Midland Optical, William and Karen ies, numerous churches and Jehling, Eureka Lions Club, Clarkson Eyecare, David and Emily Fingerhut, and Kyle and Kelly Wiethchter.”The Community News regrets the oversight. community centers in St. Louis County. Products that will be distributed include shelf-stable, non-perishable pantry-staple style foods plus a limited amount of fresh produce to specific sites.

OFS typically distributes food to 200,000 people per month in the bi-state region.

The nonprofit’s free meal distribution program serves the region’s children and families who need food assistance. For details about where families can receive food, visit https:// www.operationfoodsearch. org/find-food/.

“Food is an essential basic need that must be addressed during COVID-19, particularly for low-income communities,” said OFS Executive Director Kristen Wild. “We offer an equitable approach to food distribution and, thanks to this very generous funding

by St. Louis County, we can concentrate on answering this growing need.”

www.stlcorona.com

Holiday Happy Hour with STL Barkeep Sponsored by Bud Light Seltzer Perfect your cocktail-making skills with the help of STL Barkeep! Owner and Chief Mixologist Matt Longueville demonstrates how to perfect popular festive cocktails. (Friday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.)

Mrs. Claus Story Time Readings Sponsored by MO Lottery Cozy up with a mug of hot chocolate and listen as Mrs. Claus reads some of her favorite children’s holiday books. (Sunday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m.)

Winterfest Story Time with Ryan Nusbickel Join local author Ryan Nusbickel as he reads some of his popular children’s books such as “The St. Louis Night Before Christmas.” (Dec. 23 at noon) Princess/Hero Holiday Crafts and Baking Sponsored by RubinBrown Get crafty and bake holiday treats with the help of your favorite princesses and superheroes! “Baking with Princesses” premieres December 10 at 6 p.m. and “Holiday Crafts with Princesses” premieres Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.

Winterfest Contests Winterfest Coloring Contest Presented by Edward Jones Download and print a Winterfest coloring page, then upload a photo of your finished coloring page masterpiece to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Tag @gatewayarchpark and use #winterfestathome for your chance to win an Arch Coloring Shirt and Puzzle Prize Pack. Coloring pages must be submitted by Dec.19.

Holiday Lights Sponsored by Bank of America and World Wide Technology Take a photo of your favorite holiday lights display (whether it’s at home or around town), upload it to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and tag @gatewayarchpark and use #winterfestlights for your chance to win a Gateway Arch holiday ornament and stemless wine glass from The Arch Store. Photos must be submitted

by Dec. 17.

Winterfest Lights in Kiener Plaza Through Jan. 3, 2021, Winterfest transforms Kiener Plaza into a magical wonderland, delighting people of all ages as they drive around the park. Winterfest features more than 70,000 lights in the trees of Kiener Plaza to complement the iconic backdrop of the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Winterfest is free to enjoy and will be available every night of the week, from 5 – 9 p.m.

Winterfest will share Kiener Plaza with the Salvation Army Tree of Lights.

For more information and updates about Winterfest, visit ArchPark.org/Winterfest.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 16, 2020

Senior Living

Northwest Views: You can help others. Donate plasma.

St. Peters Donor Center 4891 Mexico Rd Suite 100 St. Peters Hours: Monday and Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Saturday: 7 - 11:30 a.m.

By Pat Dillon and Jason Kempen, Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center If you’ve recovered from COVID-19, you could help other patients.

With rising COVID-19 infection rates and a corresponding spike in hospital admissions, Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is working hard to keep pace with demand for COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma.

We are asking for your help in recruiting donors who may be eligible to provide this importance resource for patients currently hospitalized with a COVID-19 infection.

You can start the process by going to the inquiry form at www.bloodcenter.org/cp or by calling (833) 610-1025.

Regular blood donations also are greatly needed during the pandemic, and especially in the days leading up to Christmas. Blood donation is considered an essential service for health care and has continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve taken steps to ensure blood drives will remain an acceptable activity under federal, state, and local public health guidelines. Masks or facial coverings are required for all staff and donors at Donor Centers and blood drives, and all donors are required to make an appointment for donation. By eliminating walk-in donations during the pandemic, the Blood Center can exert greater control over donor flow and social distancing.

Learn more about donating with us at https://www.bloodcenter.org/ Jason Kempen is the Community Development Advocate for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center in Earth City.

He promotes the mission of the blood center through community events and media engagement and leads an Associate Board of volunteers from the St. Louis area. For more information on how to get involved with the blood center, go to bloodcenter. org or email Jason at jkempen@ mvrbc.org.

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.

Crestwood Donor Center 9860 Watson Rd Crestwood Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday: 7 - 9:45 a.m. (platelet only)

Submitted photo Dr. Martin Schmidt, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital after donating plazma.

The process is very easy and you can help a lot of other people.

www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral

www.TheSarahCommunity.com www.DeSmetRetirement.org

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Business

December 16, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Draft of STL 2030 Jobs Plan released for community feedback

www.treesbywoody.net

A draft of the first plan to create a significant number of quality jobs for the entire St. Louis metropolitan area in more than 10 years was released Dec. 3, and now broader engagement and feedback from the community is needed over the next several months. The draft is known as the “STL 2030 Jobs Plan: Driving a Decade of Inclusive Growth.”

The draft jobs plan is based on an objective assessment of St. Louis’ macroeconomic performance, distinctive industry strengths and comparative position relative to peer metro areas. In addition to an extensive quantitative analysis, a diverse group of hundreds of community, business, civic, nonprofit and economic development leaders participated in working groups and feedback sessions to help shape the recommendations in the plan. International economic development expert Bruce Katz, of New Localism Associates, conducted the research and guided the plan’s development. Civic Progress provided funding to support the project.

“The St. Louis metropolitan area has many assets other regions envy,” said Katz. “Our initial research and conversations with community leaders made clear how much potential St. Louis has to lead the nation on inclusive economic growth that benefits citizens and neighborhoods across the metro. The STL 2030 Jobs Plan is designed to provide a roadmap for driving the growth of quality jobs, while reducing racial and ethnic disparities in income and wealth. Now we hope St. Louisans will review the draft and provide additional feedback, ideas and suggestions so that we can make the jobs plan even stronger.”

The STL 2030 Jobs Plan will inform early priorities for Greater St. Louis, Inc., the recently announced group that combines five private-sector economic development organizations.

“The draft of the STL 2030 Jobs Plan is designed to spark community engagement and conversation so that we can further refine the plan to create more jobs for all St. Louisans,” said Jason Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “While a lot of work has gone into developing these data-driven, recommended actions to create more jobs in our metropolitan area over this decade, more conversation is necessary now that a draft has been prepared. Over the coming weeks, community forums and conversations will seek feedback about the concrete recommendations to create jobs and address the challenges and opportunities we face. Those conversations will need to continue over the coming decade as we bring even more community leaders together to shape the implementation of these actions to create a more thriving economy for all.”

The draft STL 2030 Jobs Plan focuses on five actionable strategies for the next 10 years. They are: Steward an Inclusive Economy; Restore the Core of St. Louis as the Jobs and Cultural Center of the Metropolis; Build a World Class Ecosystem for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs; Become a Talent Engine and Magnet and Make St. Louis a Hub for Next Generation Industries and Technologies.

Across all of the strategies, the draft STL 2030 Jobs Plan calls for the St. Louis metropolitan community to make a commitment to work together in bold new ways to create more high-quality job opportunities while also acting with intention so that all residents have access to those opportunities. In this way, a more vibrant and equitable economy can make meaningful contributions to reducing unacceptable racial disparities in our community.

“We all have a role to play in creating meaningful, positive systems-change towards inclusive economic growth, enabling all our St. Louis regional family members to thrive,” said Penny Pennington, the managing partner of Edward Jones and chair of the Business & Community DEI Task Force organized by Civic Progress member companies.

The Task Force co-leads are Susan Stith, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Civic Affairs at Cigna, and Sharon Harvey Davis, Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer of Ameren Corporation.

Pennington continued, “Increasingly business has an important role to play in generating innovation, raising standards, taking action, and holding ourselves accountable for results.”

The draft jobs plan is available for public review and comment on GreaterSTLInc.com/jobsplan/ through at least Jan. 31, 2021. At that point, the plan’s leadership team will determine whether an extension of feedback is needed or if the plan can move into the next phase of incorporating feedback and implementation. Additionally, online community forums on the draft jobs plan will occur over the next several weeks. These events will be: • Jan. 7, 2021 from 1 – 2 p.m. Hosted by the St. Louis American and 5 On Your Side • Jan. 12, 2021 from 10 – 11 a.m. Hosted by the St. Louis Business Journal Members of the public can find more details and register for any of these forums at GreaterSTLInc.com/jobsplan/.

“I am glad to have been part of the team supporting the development of this draft jobs plan, which outlines concrete actions we can take over the next decade to foster inclusive growth throughout St. Louis,” said Yemi Akande-Bartsch, Ph.D., President and CEO of FOCUS St. Louis, who is a member of the St. Louis leadership team guiding development of the action plan and co-chair of the plan’s talent and workforce development working group. She also serves on the Greater St. Louis, Inc. Integration Advisory Team. “The draft is an important start and now we need the community’s feedback. At FOCUS St. Louis, we look forward to hosting one of these important forums to gather additional feedback to refine the plan.”

The draft action plan notes, “Disruptive periods enable communities that are organized and focused to leapfrog ahead of others. This is one of those periods—and St. Louis is one of those places. The region can do grand things, together.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 16, 2020

School

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‘Rainbow of Mothers’ delivers words of wisdom at inaugural Michael Brown Program for Social Justice and Leadership “What do we do about police brutality?”

That question is a heavy one, but for Lezley McSpadden-Head, the question is complex, emotional and extremely personal. McSpadden-Head is the mother of Michael Brown, the young man who was killed by a Ferguson police officer in 2014 and helped spark what is now known as the “Black Lives Matter” movement. A student posed the question to Brown’s mother during last month’s inaugural session of the Michael Brown Program for Social Justice and Leadership at Normandy High School, Brown’s alma mater.

McSpadden-Head paused and was noticeably affected by the question.

“It’s not easy; it’s very difficult because it becomes a trigger for you,” she reflected. “It’s a reminder that you didn’t get justice and you know how that mother and the family feels. I know what it feels like.”

McSpadden-Head was joined by her fellow “Rainbow of Mothers” – Wanda Johnson, mother of Oscar Grant; and Marion Tolan, mother of police shooting survivor and activist (and former St. Louis Cardinal) Robbie Tolan – to share their journeys and words of advice with the students. The women in the group have gone through the traumatic experience of losing a loved one, or having a loved one seriously injured, by police. The panel discussion was moderated by St. Louis native and best-selling author Lyah LeFlore-Ituen.

The timing of the program’s launch – shortly after one of the most contentious election seasons in this nation’s history – is intentional.

“Given what has happened and continues to happen in our communities – the pandemic, and the rising tensions around racial justice – our students need a lot of support and encouragement,” explained Nakia Douglas, principal at Normandy High School.

“Students want to process what happened and know ‘where do we go from here?’” said Isaiah Melendez, assistant principal at Normandy High School. “This will help create that space for them.”

This session also featured messages from Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, superintendent of the School District of University City, and member of the Ferguson Commission and Dr. Terry Harris, executive director

of Student Services at Rockwood School District, and co-founder of The Collective STL, a health and wellness group.

Hardin-Bartley pressed the students to use their voices for change.

“Stay engaged and stay informed,” she said.

“How are you going to plant yourself in your community and make a difference? You can use your voice to disrupt anything that is unjust.

Submitted photo Put actions behind your Lezley McSpadden-Head, mother of Michael Brown, participates via Zoom in the inaugural session of the Michael words and work together Brown Program for Social Justice and Leadership at Normandy High Schoolz to make your communifamilies to support upcoming school community serties better. (Your voice) is a most powerful resource.”

The program is geared toward sophomores and will vice projects like a toy drive.

At the end of the session, students thanked the panel, be held via Zoom.

This monthly program will focus on a variation of guests and staff for putting the program together. “(The program) is giving us inspiration,” said student the theme ‘BE,’ for example, BE Powerful, BE an Advocate, BE Courageous. For the November event, the Tianna Shelton. “With everything going on, we really focus was on wellness - BE Well. The theme for De- appreciate it.” cember is BE Inspired.

In addition to the guest speakers, the program also featured discussions with students on the recent presidential election and coping strategies for COVID-19. There were also performances by students, local musicians and video clips from topical movies and documentaries.

Students will also be challenged to do a legacy project in honor of Michael Brown, who was known to spend time in the music department. The project is to raise funds to build a recording studio in Brown’s honor.

Students will also present a challenge to the community, encouraging residents and

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What’s Happening

December 16, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

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 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-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.

Mondays: TOPS meeting

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. T.O.P.S.=Take Off Pounds Sensibly has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) 9135 Shelley Avenue, Overland, MO 63114. (Entrance is in the back on East Milton). TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight.

You may visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314540-5223.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays: City council meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular city council meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the

second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: 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 314-9212132. For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food 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.

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: 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. Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)

(Take

off

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.

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.

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, 314-831-5476.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314-839-7604.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Showme Stitchers:

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.

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.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

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

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

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 16, 2020 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.

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: meeting

Jennings

Do-Dads

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 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.

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

11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm.

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

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

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 stateof-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314738-2599.

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

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.

Classes available on strength training, nutrition and smoking cessation, 314344-6177

Diabetes Basics:

Free Mammogram Screenings:

Crisis Nursery:

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, 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: 314-768-3201. 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, 314-653-5123.

Nutrition Education:

SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314-344-6157.

Christian Center:

Hospital

Recovery

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-9538100.

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.

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

Smoking Cessation Classes:

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

314-344-7024 for info or 314-344-7220 to enroll.

What’s Happening

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

9

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 CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

10

Sports

December 16, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Howell football players pick up some honors The head football coach of the Francis Howell Vikings’ Bryan Koch, is very proud of several of his players.

WHERE CAN YOU GET Pick up a at all 35 Dierbergs & Schnucks stores in St. Charles County and North and Northwest St. Louis County

First of all, the Missouri Football Coaches Association named senior linebacker Calvin Munson as the Class 6 Defensive Player of the Year.

Besides that, the All-State teams were released last week and a total of four Vikings took firstteam honors, while two more were named to the second team.

Joining Munson on the first team were senior running back Donte Harrell, senior offensive lineman Jimmy Alloway and senior defensive back Zac Perkins. Perkins was also named as the first team kicker that included a school-record 50-yard field goal.

On the second team were seniors’ defensive lineman Donovan Walker and Jarrett Franklin, a senior defensive end who set a school record for most sacks in a sin? gle season with 21.

The Vikings made it to the Class 6 Championship game, the first St. Charles County team to make it to the State Finals in 30 years, where they lost 42-3 to Blue Springs. * Special day for these players

OR READ US ONLINE AT MYCNEWS.COM

Indoor soccer Ambush brings fans into the arena The St. Louis Ambush is a professional indoor soccer team that plays in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) league with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

Recently the Ambush played at the arena against the Wichita Wings starting the four-team tournament with the other two teams being the Kansas City Comets and the Dallas Sidekicks.

The St. Louis team did not bring a win to the hometown fans as they fell 8-3 in the contest, but that was not the important point. The arena did have fans in the stands using the protocol set to keep social distancing at a maximum.

The next contest at the Family Arena

will be Sunday, Dec. 20 against the Dallas Sidekicks at 2:05 p.m. That will be the finals of this short tourney.

For tickets, go to www.STLAmbush.com to get all the details. * 1st of many games with fans, hopefully UMSL men’s basketball picks up first win on the road The University of Missouri-St. Louis under the leadership of Head Coach Bob Sundvold, took their 1-1 record across the state to take on the Rockhurst club.

Five players scored in double figures to help the UMSL men’s basketball team to an 82-77 road win against the Hawks.

Senior Shane Wissink scored a season-best 19 points and knocked in a three-pointer with 54 seconds on the clock with the Tritons leading by two.

Redshirt junior Marquis Collins came off the bench to add 15 points on a perfect shooting night, netting all five field goals, including all three from long distance.

The Tritons improved to 2-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

For more information, go to www.UMSLTritons.com * Only the beginning

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 16, 2020

Recipe:

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

A savory way to start holiday celebrations

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.

Savory Cheese Balls Servings: 6-12

T

hese Savory Cheese Balls are not only simple to make but perfect for any holiday get-together or celebration. They’re fun to create and even more enjoyable to dive in to once finished. Texture and color are the name of the game with this recipe. The result is a beautiful array of red, gold and green, all on one plate.

Start by rolling cream cheese into balls and mixing up three bowls with powerful flavors to create the three different colors. The “green” bowl gets parsley, thyme, rosemary and, of course, some garlic, just for an extra kick of seasoning. The “gold” ball calls for caraway seeds, poppy seeds and garlic. Finally, the “red” ball includes cranberries and pecans.

Simply roll each cream cheese ball around gently until it’s coated.

It doesn’t get any simpler than that.

Display the array of cheese balls on a festive plate for something equally cheery and heavenly. Serve the plate with crackers, fruit or vegetables for complementary dipping options.

Ingredients: 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese 2 tablespoons caraway seeds 1 teaspoon poppy seeds 2 cloves garlic, minced, divided 1/4 cup parsley, chopped 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, chopped 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped 2 tablespoons pecans, chopped crackers (optional) fruit (optional) vegetables (optional)

Directions: Cut each cream cheese block into three squares. Roll each square into ball.

In small bowl, combine caraway seeds, poppy seeds and half the garlic.

In second small bowl, combine parsley, thyme, rosemary and remaining garlic.

In third small bowl, combine cranberries and pecans.

Roll two cheese balls in seed mixture, two in herb mixture and two in cranberry mixture.

Cut each ball in half and serve with crackers, fruit or vegetables, if desired.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Find more recipes and holiday fun this season at Culinary.net

Preserving the movie-going experience

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.

On June 19, 1905, Harry Davis and John P. Harris opened the Nickelodeon, a 96-seat theater that was dedicated to showing motion pictures. Over the next 115 years, movie studios and theater owners made the movie-going experience even more memorable. Technological innovations such as sound, 3-D movies and motion-capture pushed the boundaries of where movies could go.

As for the concession stand, the traditional popcorn, soda and candy began sharing space with burgers, pizza and other treats.

Is it possible for more than a century of movie going to simply disappear? When AT&T’s WarnerMedia announced that they will be releasing their 2021 offerings in theaters and on the HBO Max platform simultaneously, things looked a little shaky. Over the last nine months, families have become accustomed to streaming films from home without the hassle of standing in line to buy tickets and concessions. With potential blockbusters such as “Wonder Woman 1984” heading to HBO Max, WarnerMedia is leveraging their position while affecting the revenues of theater owners.

In my opinion, I don’t think theaters are going to disappear for many reasons. When

about sitting in auditoriums with others who may or may not be wearing masks. The pop-up drive-ins allowed families to get out of the house and share the movie-going experience with their families and others.

Even with the occasional annoyances of people talking and coming late to the auditorium, there’s a lot to be said about seeing films such as “The Lion King” and “Avengers: Endgame” with a large audience. There’s an energy and excitement when a Photo courtesy Bigstock full auditorium is watching reissues of the original “Die Hard” or “2001: governors across the country announced A Space Odyssey.” Though it’s available lockdowns in their states, people spent a lot in various formats, there’s still nothing quite more time at home. Many schools switched like viewing “Star Wars” in a packed theater. to online learning and employees whose jobs I’ve been going to movie theaters since I made it possible to work from home stayed was a child and I was lucky to live near such productive. Speaking from personal experi- venerable St. Louis venues as the Granada, ence, though, I’m tired of my home serving the Kingsland and the Avalon on Kingshighas both my office and living space. Leaving way. Throughout my life, I always found mythe apartment for work, shopping and the self living near a local movie house. Movies movies had been essential to my mental are a huge part of my life and I look forward health. to the day when theaters can reopen again Over the summer, the increase in “pop- without fear of closure. I will gladly stand up drive-ins” also showed how much people in huge ticket lines and wait for concessions want to go to the movies, especially in a safe as long as the movie-going experience conenvironment. At that time, some indoor tinues. theaters were open, but there were concerns

F-2

Feature

ACTIVE BUYER

COLLECTIBLES

December 16, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

SINGERS WANTED

HELP WANTED

www.dawcstl.com

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

HELP WANTED

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

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

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. K.B.

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– CHECK US OUT AT WWW.MYCNEWS.COM –

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 16, 2020

Feature

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F-4

Feature

December 16, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: Happy Holidays

‘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 Zoom meetings are popular now.

It’s one good thing that has come about because of this nasty plague.

We can join together virtually and don’t have to go in person to most any meeting.

We even met together for church via Zoom. Those in the congregation that had cameras on their computer logged in from home. Soon everyone showed up live in their separate little boxes on screen. We could all see and hear everyone else. What could go wrong?

What couldn’t go wrong?!

Our teacher began. “Hello everyone, welcome to our Sunday School meeting. Remember, push the mute button when you are done speaking.

Mrs. Jenkins, I see your lips moving but can’t hear anything. Push mute again.”

“CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?! HENRY, THEY CAN’T HEAR ME! FIX THIS #!@%$ THING!” “Mrs. Jenkins. We heard you fine. Could you please use your inside voice and clean language.

The children heard you, as did Jesus. Now then, does anyone have any good news to share?”

VROOOOOOM! “Miss Fernsby, could you please press mute. We can hear your vacuum. It’s rather loud.”

“I have some news,” someone said.

“Oh, thank you Mr. Stewart. Your sound is coming in clear, but all we see is your forehead…one really large forehead. Could you back away from the camera? Now I am staring at an eyeball. Further back. And I’m not sure what we’re seeing right now, but it’s rather disturbing. I believe we

are looking at a close-up of your left nostril. Mr. Stewart, please move to the right.

And now we are peering into your right nostril.”

It didn’t seem to be working for everyone.

The teacher moved on. “We should begin the lesson, but we are hearing from somewhere what seems to be the flush of a toilet. Mrs. Jenkins! For the love of all that is holy, please turn off your camera!”

There were definitely a few bugs that needed to be ironed out. The teacher gave up. “Maybe we should just end in prayer and everyone can do some home study on their own. Norman Grubs would you stand and offer a closing prayer.”

Norman stood.

“Mr. Grubs sit down now!” the teacher shouted.

“Next time please remember to wear pants.”

The sight of Norman’s baggy boxers brought the class to a quick ending.

Zoom doom

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. “Lord of the Flies” shell 6. *New Year’s Eve choice: Brut or Demi-____ 9. Get-out-of-jail money 13. Convex molding 14. *”____ I Want for Christmas...”

15. Sign of life 16. Redo, to a carpenter 17. Flying saucer acronym 18. Often-missed humor 19. *Hanukkah toy 21. *____ Santa, giftgiving tradition 23. Ides mo.

24. Part of a hammer 25. Cook’s leaf 28. “Hey!” 30. Brain’s ____ system 35. Revered one 37. “____ Your Enthusiasm” 39. Capital of Egypt 40. Went by horse 41. “I do” spot 43. *____ Sandler’s “Eight Crazy Nights” 44. Scary movie consequence 46. Dexterity 47. Boundary line 48. Modern self-portrait 50. Superman’s last name 52. Actor’s domain 53. Wild plum

55. Mama sheep 57. *”I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my ____” 60. *African-American celebration 64. Town news announcer 65. Charged particle 67. Elephant poacher’s ware 68. Give new guns 69. *The night before Christmas 70. Present 71. *Like a Christmas sweater, often 72. Uncooked 73. Adherents of Sikhism DOWN 1. Umbilical connection 2. *”Grandma got run ____ by a reindeer...”

3. *Santa’s “cheeks were like roses, his ____ like a cherry” 4. Request to Geico 5. Carriage on top of elephant 6. Pulitzer winner Bellow 7. *Santa helper 8. Bring to an end 9. Jefferson’s Vice President 10. Medicinal succulent 11. Negative contraction 12. Bovine hangout

15. Alfresco meal 20. Novelist Jong 22. Sushi restaurant choice 24. *Have a piece of Christmas Goose, e.g.

25. *”Five golden rings, four calling ____...”

26. Dig intensely 27. Cry of the Alps 29. *Time for log 31. Address with apostrophe 32. Stays somewhere 33. About to explode 34. *Vixen follower 36. Table extension 38. Diamond’s corner 42. Sign up again 45. Divest one of a gun 49. “Slippery” tree 51. Mark and Shania 54. Twig of a willow tree 56. End of a poem 57. Fortune-teller’s residue 58. Iranian coin 59. Suggestive of the supernatural 60. Was aware of 61. Fall asleep, with ‘out’ 62. Foot part 63. Pirates’ affirmatives 64. French vineyard 66. Female gametes

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9