CN: December 29, 2021 by Community News

December 29, 2021

Local control returning to Normandy

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES By Dr. Rance Thomas . Pg. 2 8th Avenue brings manufacturing plant, more than 300 jobs to Hazelwood. Pg. 5

Business Greater North County Chamber celebrates awards at 2021 Nite of Stars. Pg. 6

Special Section Senior Living. Pg. 7 Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative

Features (FLIP)

The Missouri State Board of Education voted for The Normandy Schools Collaborative to elect board members as opposed to having members that are appointed.

The Normandy Schools Collaborative will begin the process of electing board members as opposed to them being appointed by the state in a sign of the district’s improvement By Wendy Todd The Missouri State Board of Education voted for The Normandy Schools Collaborative to elect board members as opposed to having members that are appointed. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education disassembled the Normandy School District in 2013 and dissolved the elected board. The transition back to an elected board will begin with two new board members next year. The update in procedure will give members of the community an opportunity to run for election to the board and give them a voice. “This change will allow even more diversity of thought from our community and help us better meet the needs of students and fami-

lies,” says Marcus C. Robinson, Normandy Superintendent of Schools. Elected residents will have a direct impact on the Normandy Joint Executive Governing Board (JEGB). “Having a board selected by the community is critical to the district’s transformation,” says Robinson. Community voice will help provide needed feedback and connection to our families and neighborhoods to help the district improve and succeed.” Currently the appointed board is comprised of people who live in and outside of the Normandy Schools Collaborative area. Candidates to be elected to the board will be required to be residents and/or taxpayers of an urban district. The district hopes to draw candidates committed to continuing a positive and impactful shift for students and fam-

ilies. “We’re hoping to attract mission-minded individuals who will have the best interest of students as their first priority,” says Robinson. “These individuals will need to be focused on making decisions to support improving student academic achievement. They must be dedicated to making the district a top education system, not only in the area but the state.” The requirement of candidates being residents of an urban district speaks to the necessity of authentic ties to the Normandy region. “Board members who understand the needs of the community and are willing to support initiatives that make a positive impact in the district and the community are the kind of board members the district needs,” Robinson says. See ‘CONTROL’ page 2

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Around Town

December 29, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘CONTROL’ from cover Newly appointed board members will be tasked with issues school districts across the country are grappling with. “There are several issues challenging the district board members will need to face, many directly resulting from the post-pandemic climate districts nationwide are dealing with,” says Robinson. “Teacher recruit-

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ment and retention are critical issues the district is facing. On the other side of the coin, the district is struggling with student attendance. Another critical issue is the behavioral challenges we’re seeing with students. How can we address those mental and behavioral issues to ensure students are learning, and teachers can teach?”

The candidate submission period ran through Dec. 28. New board members will be elected April 5, 2022. The two current board members stepping down, Mike Jones and Sara Foster, will continue to serve until June of 2022.

Florissant hosts Christmas lights and tree disposal program Gateway Disposal STL will offer the “Christmas Tree Disposal” program to Florissant residents having real Christmas trees. Also, the city’s health department will be accepting Christmas lights for recycling purposes from residents as well. If you have Christmas lights you wish to dispose of, please bring them to the Health Department building in St. Ferdinand Park and there will be a large tote outside of the building for you to dispose of your lights. Residents can dispose of their Christmas

lights for recycling at the Health Department Building until Jan. 14, 2022. The “Christmas Tree Disposal” program will include curbside pick-up of real Christmas trees during the holiday season and go through the month of January. Gateway Disposal STL will be providing this service free of charge to any Florissant resident regardless of them having weekly yard waste service. Any Florissant resident wishing to take advantage of this free service must place

their tree at their curb on the day of the week that yard waste pick-up is normally provided in their neighborhood. Trees must be free of all contaminants, such as garland, tinsel, lights and ornaments and if the tree is larger than six foot it must be cut in half to fit in trash truck. Recycle, reduce and reuse for a better environment for all. For additional information or questions, call the Florissant Health Department at 314-839-7654 or Gateway Disposal STL at 314-900-2070.

Good Shepherd Arts Center announces exhibit line-up for early 2022 The Good Shepherd Arts Center in Ferguson hosts online exhibits by local artists each month on its website at www.goodshepherderts.org. Glynis Mary McManamon’s exhibit “Shining Like Stars – Amazing Women in History” is currently available to view through the end of December, and in January, Shannon Corgan will be the featured artist. Current exhibits can be found online at: www.goodshepherdarts.org Currently Featured Exhibit – December

2021: Shining Like Stars – Amazing Women in History, features the work of GSAC’s Executive Director. Glynis founded GSAC and finds it hard these days to make art. “I have less and less time to do what I love most: Making art,” she says of her exhibit. “But having less time makes me love art even more.” Her exhibit is about “women who have lit up history” and focuses on “The Virtues of Kwanzaa” and “The Matriarchs and Heroines of the Hebrew People.”

COMMUNITY VOICES:

Upcoming Schedule: • January 2022: Shannon Corgan • February 2022: Davion Henry • March 2022: An exhibit by St. Louis Refugees • April 2022: TBD • May 2022: Second Annual Ferguson Children’s Art Festival participants

By Dr. Rance Thomas

Vaccination is still the best way to fight coronavirus As we celebrate this Christmas season, we see more individuals than last year shopping. gathering. partying, and not seeming to be as concerned about the COVID-19 virus as last year. Of course, it is nice to be doing these things. We all want to gather and socialize with one another, but we are still faced with a crisis among us. This is especially true in those states where the vast majority of people are not vaccinated. What we see is the virus and its Delta and Omicron variants are infecting primarily those who are unvaccinated in a number of states. In fact, it has been reported that many ICUs around the country are almost full. In fact, some states have had to mobilize the National Guard once again to deal with this situation. It has been reported that approximately 95% of those in the ICU’s have not been vaccinated.

The vast majority of those who die have not been vaccinated. Some people still believe the vaccine causes serious problems. In fact, some still tend to believe that the vaccine changes their DNA, instill within them a microchip that will enable them to be tracked no matter what. In some of these states fewer than 40% are fully vaccinated. This is especially true in some southern states. In Missouri and Illinois, the vaccination rates are higher than that, but still not as high as health officials would like for them be. For example, in Missouri the fully vaccinated rate is 51%, but the booster rate is considerably lower. Whereas in Illinois, the fully vaccinated rate is 61%, and as expected the booster rate is higher also. The desirable goal has been for over 70% in every state to be fully vaccinated. As we can see we are far from this rate in all

states. This is a sad situation because the Omicron variant is spreading throughout the United States. Some health officials say that it spreads more quickly than the Delta variant. They also report that the booster shot helps protect us from the new Omicron variant. Therefore, it is important that everyone receive the booster shot when they are eligible. Dr. Rance Thomas is Professor Emeritus of Sociology/Criminal Justice and co-founder and President of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice. 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 29, 2021

Around Town

STLCC-Florissant Valley and NCCU to host 2022 Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice will host their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Jan. 18. The community event – which is from 6-7:30 p.m. – will include an opportunity to add to the MLK wall, hear inspiring speeches, celebrate excellence in the community with a formal award presentation, and more. The community is invited to attend the celebration in the Terry M. Fischer Theatre at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley at 3400 Pershall Road in Ferguson. Seating is limited to 150. Keep in mind: Masks are required indoors. Alternatively, participants can enjoy the event virtually by visiting stlcc.edu/go/ fvmlkday or 89.5 KCFV-FM “The Wave.” Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides social services, will speak on the celebration’s theme, “We’re Better Together.” McMillan is a member of the boards of directors of numerous organizations and has received hundreds of awards and commendations from various organizations. Most recently, he was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame as its youngest member and named the 2020 Person of the Year by the St. Louis American. Keeping with tradition, north St. Louis County students will lead and participate in the celebration. Tyler

Hoskins, a freshman, graphic communications student at the college, will serve as emcee. Beyonce' Hightower and Javon Spearman, freshmen, general transfer students at the College, are the student speakers. Participants will also hear winning speeches from NCCU’s Oratorical Contest and a musical performance of James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Alayna Epps, University of Missouri-St. Louis vocalist, accompanied by Paul Higdon, DMA, professor of music and pianist. In addition to being inspired by rousing speakers and a musical performance, guests will learn more about why Emerson Electric Co. is being honored with the 2022 Dr. Rance Thomas Excellence in Community Partnership Award. “I can’t begin to count all the ways Emerson has shown its support. Most recently, thanks to Emerson, STLCC-Florissant Valley is home of the Emerson STEM Academy, a program that ensures students are ready for STEM careers and majors after graduating from high,” said Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D., campus president and chief academic officer at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. “Emerson had a sincere interest in joining us in the work of preparing young minds for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, and as a result, provided us with a $1 million grant that made creating the dedicated tutoring and learning space, covering the costs of books and materials for students, and making

both transportation and enrichment programs possible. We deeply appreciate our partnership with Emerson. This is just one of the many ways Emerson has supported STLCC, the Florissant Valley campus and the community.” Following Dr. King’s commitment to service, guests are asked to make a donation to the Archers’ Market, a campus food pantry for STLCC students to get food and hygiene items free of charge. The Archers’ Market has an abundance of canned vegetables; donations are requested for deodorant (for men and women), drink mixes and single-serve flavor packets for water like hot chocolate and tea, feminine hygiene (tampons, pads and panty liners), hand warmers, lotion, men’s razors, microwavable shelf-stable meals, nuts, protein bars and granola bars, single-serve soups, socks, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, trail mix, and winter gloves. Leading up to the celebration, STLCC-Florissant Valley students and employees created messages on sticky notes in keeping with the theme that form the letters MLK on a theatre wall. Community members will also have an opportunity to add to the MLK wall during the celebration. The contingency date for the celebration, should the college close due to inclement weather, is Jan. 20 on the same time schedule.

The Opportunity Trust funds classroom needs for holidays The Opportunity Trust is funding $10,200 in classroom requests at St. Louis-area schools this holiday season through DonorsChoose, a nonprofit online platform that allows individuals to pay for classroom needs. Rather than throw a holiday party for staff, The Opportunity Trust gave each team member and fellow $700 to spend through DonorsChoose on requests from teachers. The gifts helped fund 20 projects at 15 schools and will enhance classrooms with new libraries, more comfortable furniture, reading nooks, tumbling equipment, calculators, science equipment, an art room makeover, and more. “When we set out to plan our holiday party, we took a look at the budget and asked if there was a more purposeful way to spend our time, money, and energy,” said Eric Scroggins, founder and CEO of The Opportunity Trust. “We agreed that helping teachers get supplies and materials they need was a better way to celebrate the holidays.” Donations will benefit classrooms by fully or partially funding projects in the following schools: • Atlas Elementary School, St. Louis – engineering kits, classroom library, phonics material, musical instruments • Barbara Jordan Elementary School, The School District of University City – online math access, snacks, science books

• Bel-Nor School, Normandy Schools Collaborative – musical instruments • City Garden Montessori School, St. Louis – classroom libraries, science equipment • Columbia Elementary School, St. Louis Public Schools – art supplies • Kairos Academy, St. Louis – calculators • KIPP Inspire Academy, St. Louis – sensory room, classroom library • KIPP St. Louis High School, St. Louis – art room makeover, journaling materials, • KIPP Triumph Academy, St. Louis – tumbling equipment • KIPP Victory Academy, St. Louis – musical instruments • KIPP Wonder Academy, St. Louis – writing supplies • Lucas Crossing Elementary School, Normandy Schools Collaborative – bean bags and other comfortable seats • Monroe Elementary School, St. Louis Public Schools – headphones • Normandy High School, Normandy Schools Collaborative – science equipment • Southside Early Childhood Center, St. Louis – sanitation products

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Around Town

December 29, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

SLA Deltas celebrate 95th chapter anniversary and initiate 95 new members On Dec. 19, the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated 95 years of service to the St. Louis community. For 95 years, the St. Louis Alumnae (SLA) used their voices, resources, and collective strength to advocate for the African-American community, especially those who are underserved or have been marginalized by society or systemic injustices. They serve under the banner of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which are: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness & Involvement, Physical & Mental Health and Political Awareness & Involvement. “I am extremely humbled and proud when I reflect on the impact that the women of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has made on the St. Louis Region for nearly a century,” said SLA President DeJeanette Williams. “It is my desire that we continue to use our sisterhood, scholarship and service to push forward while making a difference in our community.” Key community service projects include Financial Fortitude workshops, Breakfast with Santa, World

In the fall of 2021, the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. initiated 95 new members.

AIDs Day recognition, as well as their youth programs, which include the Ariya, Delta GEMS, Delta Academy and Delta Twinkles. As a result of the notable programs, they were honored by their regional leadership for exemplary programming and most recently honored at the national level for their video on SLA’s heritage. In addition, the SLA Chapter has paved the way in a wide array of fields from education at all levels, to social justice, the medical profession, lawyers, elected officials, entrepreneurs, judges, community activists and the performing arts, just to name a few.

Submitted photo

In the fall of 2021, the chapter initiated 95 new members. Ironically, the number of new members coincided with their 95th year anniversary celebration. The chapter now has more than 500 members. Lambda Sigma, the original name of the chapter, was chartered on Dec. 19, 1926, under the leadership of one of the Sorority’s Founders, Madree Penn White, along with Golda Crutcher, Elizabeth Gross Green, Helen Lucas and Imogene Wilson. To learn more about the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter and their 95th Year Anniversary Celebration, please visit their website, at sla-dst.org.

MSL Accelerate accepts five founders into its second Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Accelerator cohort UMSL Accelerate has named the five Founders who will participate in its second Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Accelerator (DEI2). • Butter Love, La’Crassia Wilderness • Nebula Media Group, Will Bubenik • Picky Eaterz, Paris Rollins • Pop Pop Hurray! Gourmet Popcorn, Tony Davis • VR Creative, Valeria Rodriguez The UMSL Accelerate team encouraged diverse founders to apply regardless of socioeconomic background, education level, race, ethnicity, age, gender, immigration status, or lived experience. 189 of the area’s brightest early-stage entrepreneurs applied, highlighting both the abundance of entrepreneurial talent in the St. Louis region and the need to better fund and engage underrepresented founders. UMSL has long been a national leader in fostering di-

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versity, equity and inclusion to promote social mobility through education and a regional advocate for entrepreneurship and economic development. The DEI Accelerator, UMSL Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said, represents an innovative way to meld those strengths to improve local communities. “We are thrilled to support these impressive founders, and we hope to be a true catalyst for significant business growth and success,” Sobolik said. “When we get behind good ideas and bright people, our whole region wins.” Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion to create more opportunity within regional startup and small business ecosystems lies at the center of a mission that sees community impact as its highest priority. Dan Lauer, executive director of UMSL Accelerate, said that work is not possible without a strong support system. “Positive change happens with investment and we are grateful for Ameren and Edward Jones leading the way along with our anonymous corporate and private contributors,” said UMSL Accelerate Executive Director, Dan Lauer. “We are so pleased with the traction our inaugural cohort has seen since completing the program and can’t wait to see what this year’s founders will accomplish.” Lauer says DEI2’s impact goes beyond the founders, “Many of our student interns have shared that UMSL Accelerate is one of their favorite programs. All of our interns have expressed growth and value stemming from the hands-on, real-world experience and education they receive working with our cohorts.” Ameren and Edward Jones stepped forward to continue to fund the UMSL DEI Accelerator through 2025, recognizing both the need and possibilities when tak-

ing a chance on five early-stage business owners. Lauer said that support was critical to make the program possible. “Their participation demonstrates – that to us – inclusive prosperity should be and must be the foundation upon which St. Louis rests its economic future,” Sobolik said. “St. Louis is home to an abundance of entrepreneurial talent with good ideas, but not everyone has the same access to opportunity,” Lauer said. “We are doing our part in moving the needle through significant capital injection. By leveraging university strengths, we will offer these outstanding entrepreneurs talented paid student interns, engaged alumni leaders and brilliant faculty committed to amplifying with possible grants and further research.” DEI2 Managing Director Monique Bynum said, “While we saw a lower number of applications this year, we saw a higher number of eligible, competitive contenders. There is a clear need for capital investment in scalable, early-stage companies owned by Black, Brown, and other underrepresented founders.” Bynum says the opportunity is bigger than any one business, “When they succeed, we all succeed. These founders are creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and improving their communities. That’s good for everyone, but it remains disproportionately more challenging to secure funding as a marginalized business owner. We have to keep working to change that if we want to see broadscale economic growth.” DEI2 will begin in January, 2022. The public will be invited to meet the founders at a Demo Day event in May. More information about the program is available at https://www.umsl.edu/accelerate/dei.html.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 29, 2021

8th Avenue brings manufacturing plant, more than 300 jobs to Hazelwood 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc., a rapidly growing manufacturer of high-quality private-label consumer products, will relocate its fruit and nut manufacturing plant from Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, to Hazelwood. The 250,000-square-foot plant, which will prep and package snack nuts, trail mix and dried fruit for retail, food service and ingredient customers, will bring more than 300 new jobs to the St. Louis area. Hiring efforts are currently underway with production scheduled to begin in January. 8th Avenue has hundreds of supervisors and entry level jobs immediately available in a variety of fields including quality, operations, production, warehouse, forklift operator, sanitation, and maintenance across three shifts. For a full list of positions, visit the careers page of 8ave.com or text “CAREERS” to 314-597-8151. “We’re excited and proud to bring new employment opportunities for 300-plus team members to the St. Louis region where they can join a new plant and help build a great workplace culture,” said Julie Burns, general manager of Healthy Snacks, 8th Avenue. “Our competitive pay and benefits will help us attract great talent, and our focus on training and development will support people in growing their careers with us long term.” Charles Sargent, a dynamic leader with years of industry experience, has been hired to manage opera-

tions at the plant. Sargent was born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, served in the Navy for six years and worked in the private sector for industry-leading companies including Nestle, Procter & Gamble and, most recently, McCormick Spices in Springfield, Missouri. HQ move to St. Louis in 2020 8th Avenue, a billion-dollar company, moved its headquarters from Minneapolis to St. Louis in June 2020. 8th Avenue produces customized, high-quality, private label products including pasta, peanut butter, snack nuts, trail mix, granola and more to retail, food service and ingredient customers. In addition, with the purchase of Ronzoni, the second leading dry pasta retail brand in the country earlier this year, 8th Avenue is now the third-largest supplier of pasta in the U.S. The company operates its corporate office in Fenton with approximately 120 team members. 8th Avenue operates nine other North American plants with approximately 2,000 team members worldwide. “8th Avenue’s move to St. Louis is a big, big win for the St. Louis region and an important catalyst for North St. Louis County,” said Jason Hall, CEO, Greater St. Louis, Inc. “This investment in our region is an endorsement of our strategic location and talented workforce and a welcome addition to our region’s growing food sector.” More information is available on the 8th Avenue careers page at 8ave.com.

Northwest Views:

By Jason Kempen

Blood donors change the world for patients Zeke Miller may only be six years old, but he has a lot to say about why blood donors matter. “I think it is really important for people to donate blood because it saves other lives,” Zeke states. Zeke was born 3 months early and weighed just two pounds 15 ounces at birth. He immediately received a blood transfusion. When babies are born so premature, their bodies aren’t quite ready to make the blood cells they need to survive. He received that transfusion so his blood cell count could go up and ultimately save his life. Zeke and his mom Liz know firsthand how blood transfusions can impact life. Liz is a teacher at Notre Dame High School in St. Louis. The two of them help motivate the students at a drive hosted by the school each year to collect lifesaving blood to help families like theirs. Zeke made a video last year prior to the drive telling the students to not be afraid and be brave. Donations are greatly needed during this time of year and especially in the days leading up to holidays. There is a constant need for blood transfusions at local hospitals. Amanda Hess, VP, Donor Relations and Marketing at ImpactLife. “We work to prevent blood shortages by keeping five or more days’ supply in our blood inventory hubs at all times. This allows us to consistently refill hospital shelves and ensure we have enough for their daily blood utilization needs.” To thank those who come to give blood at this critical time of year, everyone who registers to donate at an ImpactLife Donor Center or mobile blood drive will receive a voucher to redeem for a $10 gift card to the recipient’s choice of Amazon.com, Dunkin’ Donuts, Lowe’s, Target, Starbucks, or Walmart.

Submitted photo Zeke Miller encourages others to donate blood.

As Zeke would say, “Donate Blood Today! Donate Blood Today! Donate Blood Today! Appointments and masks are required to give blood. For more information, go to www.bloodcenter.org. Jason Kempen is the Community Development Advocate for ImpactLife 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@impactlife.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.

Around Town

Jennings School District Early Childhood Center will expand early childhood services to residential families Jennings School District will expand early childhood for the 2022-2023 school year. Jennings’ residents with students ages three-to-five will be able to attend school free of charge. “Early intervention is the key to preparing students for kindergarten. Participation in our pre-kindergarten program will get students ready for a successful school experience and prepare them to be productive citizens,” said Kimberly J. Wooden, EdS, Director of Early Childhood. In order for students to be enrolled in the early childhood program, scholars must reside within the Jennings School District boundaries, be age three or four by July 31, and complete a developmental screening. All eligible students will be placed according to their developmental score. For more information, call 314-653-8084. Space is limited.

Business

December 29, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Greater North County Chamber celebrates awards at 2021 Nite of Stars Guests enjoyed Greater North County Chamber’s Nite of Stars 2021 “There’s no place like North County: The Emerald City” on Dec. 3. That evening, the chamber awarded the prestigious 2022 Business Person of the Year award and the 2022 Zykan Family Legacy Award. Bob McGartland was awarded the 2022 Business Person of the Year. The chamber has annually given the award to an individual(s) that embody the best qualities of community leadership through the combination of business, civic and community activities. McGartland has devoted almost 40 years serving the community at Robinwood Automotive & Tire Service. “I am humbled, blessed and honored to receive this award as the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the year. Humbled because it is God who gets the glory for all my efforts and accomplishments. I am truly blessed with good health, lots of energy, abilities and talents to get up every day and do all the things I am able to do. Honored to be selected and recognized by my peers and fellow chamber members,” McGartland stated. By his leadership, Robinwood Automotive & Tire Service has been a AAA Approved repair shop for over 30 years. The shop is also a member of the Midwest Auto Care Alliance & Alliance of Automotive Service Producers of Missouri. Robinwood also participates in the St. Vincent DePaul Auto Repair Program. McGartland has served as the AMI Automotive Management Institute Master Accredited Automotive manager, Ferguson Small Business District treasurer, Ferguson Main Street Association board member and mentor for Cool Valley Innovation School for the Ferguson Florissant School District. He was the co-founder of Rob & Sam Inc., in 2013 and has been the co-chair of The Taste in Ferguson for the past nine years. “Bob is an exceptional human being. He has been committed to making a positive impact on our community and we are so thrilled to award him with this prestigious honor. He is the humblest guy around and deserves so much recognition for all he’s done as a business owner and a community leader,” said Venus Martz, president of the Greater North County Chamber. McGartland is an active member of Blessed Teresa Catholic Church, where he serves as member on the Finance Committee. He is husband to his loving wife of 32 years, Peggy and is a loving father to his three children, Robbie, Maggie and Kelly. Dr. Rance Thomas was awarded the 2022 Zykan Family Legacy Award. The Zykan Family Legacy Award was established to preserve the legacy of the Zykan Family and their contributions to the Greater North County Chamber and the North County community since 1955. This award was given to Thomas as he has demonstrated commitment through his time, talent, and treasure towards the North County community. “I have received many awards over the years, but the Zykan Family Legacy Award is truly one of the most important to me. This is the case for several reasons. I

Submitted photo Bob McGartland (right) was awarded the 2022 Business Person of the Year at the Greater North County Chamber’s Nite of Stars 2021 by Venus Martz (left), president of the Greater North County Chamber.

Submitted photo Rance Thomas (right) was awarded the 2022 Zykan Family Legacy Award at the Greater North County Chamber’s Nite of Stars 2021 by Venus Martz (left), president of the Greater North County Chamber.

was truly honored and humble to be recognized by the chamber for my contribution to the community… I felt so honored that I have known several Zykan family members for many years and have worked with them over the years in their making outstanding contributions to our community. These include Don and the late Grace Zykan. They were truly committed to our community and Don is still making a difference… I really appreciate all the Zykan family has done to improve conditions in our community. I am also grateful for all the Greater North Chamber of commerce for what it has done and is still making a significant difference within the community,” stated Thomas. Thomas served and serves on numerous boards, currently serving as president of three boards and vice president of one, and chair of many committees. He served on the SSM DePaul Hospital Community Advisory Board for 12 years and its Foundation Board 2013-18. He serves on the Florissant Fine Arts Council (past president), North Star Scouting Nomination Committee Boy Scouts of Greater St. Louis, and the Area Scouts Religious Relations Committee. Member

of the St. Louis County Outreach Group for C0vid-19 working to encourage members in the County to get vaccinated. Serves on Christian Hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Council 2018 to present. Serves on the Mayor’s Steering Committee for the city of Florissant. Serves as President of the Rotary Club of Florissant 2021 to present. “Dr. Rance Thomas is an inspiration to us all, he has dedicated his life to serving the community and embodies the Zykan Family Legacy Award,” said Venus Martz, president of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce. Thomas has received numerous awards for outstanding citizenship, community development, dedication, devotion, education, human relations, human and civil rights, leadership, living legend, peacemaking, service and loyalty. The chamber awarded the Cathy Behlmann Volunteer of the Year award to Brian Douglas, with State Farm Matt Brown Agency. Douglas has been a longstanding member of the chamber. He has been heavily involved, serving as a past board member and is an active member of Leads 2. Douglas has volunteered at different chamber events, including the 2021 Scavenger Hunt, the 2021 Scholarship Bowl and many other events that the chamber hosted in 2021. Douglas never fails to always be a supporter of the chamber and chamber members. The chamber awarded the Rookie of the Year award to Brennen Sowa, with Brennen Sowa State Farm Agency. The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce began this award in 2015 to highlight a member who has been in the chamber two years or less and who became actively involved from the beginning. It is members like the Rookies who make a difference in our committees because once they become involved, they tend to stay involved. They understand the needs of the chamber and are willing to go the extra mile. Sowa has made a positive presence throughout the chamber, getting involved and sponsoring different chamber events, including the Golf Tournament, Music Trivia, and many other events during the year. The chamber awarded the Ambassador of the Year award to Barb Lytle, with Sam’s Club. The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador Committee is one of the most important committees in the chamber. Committee members attend ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours and Membership Luncheons. They reach out to new members, welcoming them to the chamber and encouraging them to become involved in chamber activities. Once Lytle joined the chamber, she became active wherever she could and joined the Ambassador committee. Lytle has a deep belief in giving back to the community and shows it through her commitment in giving of her time.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 29, 2021

Senior Living

Experience the sights and sounds of an 18th-Century holiday ball at the 1772 Twelfth Afternoon Ball Gateway Arch National Park celebrates the end of the holiday season as St. Louisans did in 1772 with the Twelfth Afternoon Ball in the Gateway Arch Visitor Center on Jan. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. The Twelfth Afternoon Ball recognizes the completion of the Twelve Days of Christmas, which leads to Mardi Gras. This year’s ball highlights popular music and dancing from 1772. The Twelfth Afternoon Ball will feature live music from Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Espirit Creole and dancing by living history interpreters dressed in authentic 18th-century clothing. Food Historian Suzanne Corbett will display 18th-century French Creole holiday treats. This event is free and open to all ages. Visitors may drop in to observe at any time

during the event. “Celebrate the New Year with us by journeying back 250 years to 1772!” said Pam Sanfilippo, Program Manager, Museum Services & Interpretation, Gateway Arch National Park. “You, your family and friends are invited to a historical holiday ball that you can’t experience anywhere else but at Gateway Arch National Park.” No reservations are required. Consistent with CDC recommendations, face coverings are required to be worn by everyone ages 2 and older in all federal buildings, regardless of vaccination status. All COVID-19 safety protocols can be found online at nps.gov/jeff.

Still In This Together:

www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral

By Vicki Bahr

A new New Year’s Eve tradition The first time I saw the quote, I remember thinking, “I like that.” The second time I saw it, I thought, “You know, that’s absolutely true.” The third time, it finally dawned on me that there might be a reason I kept seeing the phrase, “Thanksgiving was never meant to be limited to only one day.” Especially since Thanksgiving had been over for some time. Of all the holidays, I’ve felt sorriest lately for Thanksgiving. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to fit the holiday in anymore. Christmas seems to start earlier every year, and it’s not Thanksgiving without Christmas lights up and down the block and a smattering of Christmas trees twinkling in the front windows just to frighten all of us into overreacting and rushing forward before even enjoying Thanksgiving. When I saw the phrase for the third time, I decided to give it some serious thought. Thanksgiving shouldn’t be rushed, shouldn’t be just about the price of turkeys skyrocketing and shortages of holiday staples, or when Black Friday sales will really be starting and what stores will be open at what times. Thanksgiving is a state of being, all too often rushed past, rarely visited, hurriedly if at all appreciated, often with a caveat. “I’d really be thankful if I got this gift for Christmas.” And then we rush on to Christmas and New Year’s, anxious to be rid of the turmoil and anxiety of whatever this year has brought, ready to start the brand spanking new, certainly better year, we deserve. I’ve made a pledge this year that New Year’s Eve is also going to be Thanksgiving. Not for the turkey and stuffing feast, although there just might be pie involved, with whipped cream in a can, just for the fun of it. Our New Year’s Eves have always been a bit unorthodox anyway. We had a snow emergency the second year we were dating and drove down a steep hill in the park which nearly required a tow truck to get back up, and a near accident the year John was home on leave from the Navy for the holiday. We never really enjoyed partying just for the sake of it, especially when driving could be so perilous, and spent our New Year’s Eves with our family once we had children. It became tradition to go to dinner early as a family,

then head home for board games, jigsaw puzzles, popcorn and movies. Midnight meant banging pots and pans on the front porch and enjoying the looks on the kids’ faces as they made enough noise to be in serious trouble any other night of the year and loved every minute of being awake way past bedtime. I’ve missed the sheer simplicity of family New Year’s Eves since the kids are grown and celebrating their own family traditions. What better time for another Thanksgiving as I try mightily every year to make it to midnight… at least midnight in the Eastern Time Zone. I’m going to be sure to be mindful of the wonderful blessings that have been mine this year, not dwelling on pain or sadness and purposely ready to ditch 2021 for the certain bliss that 2022 will bring. No year will be perfect just because it’s unspoiled, brand new and looking all fresh and pretty. Every year will have its ups and downs, and what better time to count the ups and celebrate another Thanksgiving than on New Year’s Eve. I’ll be remembering those first tentative visits with friends and family, the excitement of finally getting an appointment for my COVID shot, birthday parties and cross-country grandkid visits, a couple of early family retirements and subsequent fifth wheel adventures to be shared, two vacations this year because a whole year was just too long to be missing the beach, the blessing of an early catch of a couple of basal cell carcinomas, watching spring thunderstorms rolling toward us, the promise of knee replacement for John and so many wonderful, simple moments of joy for our family. New Year’s Eve will never be the same; I’m certain of it. Another Thanksgiving most definitely belongs here, and is here to stay. Join me if you’d like!! Vicki Bahr is an inveterate word lover and story sharer, a published author in magazine, newspaper and blog forms. As a mom of four, grandma of nine, and wife of one for nearly 49 years, she finds that inspiration and wonder are everywhere. The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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What’s Happening

December 29, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

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. 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.

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. T.O.P.S.=Take Off Pounds Sensibly has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) 9135 Shelley Avenue, Overland, MO 63114. (Entrance is in the back on East Milton). TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight. You may visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314540-5223.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

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

Mondays: City council meetings

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

Mondays: meetings

Workshop

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

Mondays: singers

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 314-9212132. 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.

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

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 infor-

mation call 314-831-0988.

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

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

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul McConnell, 314-831-5476.

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 314298-7444 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, 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 314-831-0988.

Thursdays: guild

Quilting

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 29, 2021 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.

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 314630-2671 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 314291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@ sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.

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

11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.

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.

What’s Happening 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.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports

December 29, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B... UMSL volleyball standout excels in classroom and the court The University of Missouri-St. Louis woman’s volleyball player has picked up a lot of attention lately. Senior Charlotte Richards knows a thing or two about sustaining success on the volleyball court is a vast understatement. Her authoritative play helped guide the Tritons to a 25-9 record this season and securing their first-ever NCAA Tournament win recently. Now, the Iowa native has been named to another prestigious club as she has been named a First-Team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association (AVCA). This season, Richards played in all 34 matches/123 sets, compiled 569 kills (4.36 per set) and had 10 assists. Some of her fall 2021 accolades include: GLVC Player of the Year (back-to-back), All-GLVC First Team, All-Region First Team, 2021 Crossover All-Tournament First Team, USI All-Tournament First Team, and GLVC Offensive Player of the Week. UMSL’s Richards now has added to her volleyball honors. She has been named to the All-America Second Team by the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association, it was announced recently. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native will return to the court next fall.

A total of 21 student-athletes from 13 universities are represented on three All-American teams. This marks the 15th year teams have been selected since the All-America program began. Along with Richards, players from other schools join her on the second team include: West Virginia State University, Washburn University, Winona State University, Hillsdale College, Lewis University and University of West Florida. The volleyball phenom has also made a name for herself throughout the UMSL business program, and the latest is just another example of how versatile the Tritons student-athlete has displayed her talents. Richards recently was named one of two recipients of the 2021 Supply Chain & Analytics Outstanding Student Award. * Very well-deserved honors Lindenwood football standout is nominated for a special award Drew Seers of Lindenwood University has been named a 2021 Cliff Harris Award Nominee. He was nominated for the Cliff Harris Award after an outstanding senior campaign. The 2021 nominees were recognized recently for the eighth year of the award and out of the past seven winners, Lindenwood was represented twice as Pierre Desir (2013) and Connor Harris (2016) claimed the award after the conclusion of their respective careers.

He was also named first-team AP All-American, his second time earning All-American status after he was honored by the American Football Coaches’ Association (AFCA) in early December. After being named GLVC Defensive Player of the Year for the second time, Seers was named first-team all-region for the second time in his career. In 2019, Seers was named first-team All-American across three different media outlets. The Parkway West product was a unanimous first-team all-GLVC selection in 2021, as he repeated his accolades from his junior season. Heading into the final week of his career, Seers was the active career leader in all of NCAA football in total tackles. Seers ended his career with 468 tackles, and an average of 10.88 stops per contest. The St. Louis native ranked inside the top-10 in NCAA Division II with 10.9 tackles per game in 2021 and his five interceptions during the season stood in the top-20 in the nation, as he closed his career with eight picks. * Lookout National Football League 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 29, 2021

Recipe: A cheesy winter warm-up

Feature

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– SUDOKU –

Cheesy Spinach Ravioli

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

Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: about 1 hour | Yield: 17-20 ravioli Dough: 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1 pinch salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 4 whole eggs 2 egg yolks water

Filling: 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 2 cups chopped spinach, fresh or frozen 1 pinch salt 1 pinch pepper 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese

Toppings: 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce shredded mozzarella cheese 2 chopped basil leaves 2 chopped sprigs rosemary grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions: To make dough: Place 2 1/2 cups flour in bowl and make hole in center. Add salt, garlic powder, olive oil, eggs and egg yolks to hole. Slowly bring flour into middle and knead into ball. Cover with bowl and let rest 20 minutes.

squares then spoon 1 teaspoon spinach-ricotta filling in center of every other square. Top with remaining squares. Use fork to crimp edges. Repeat with remaining dough. Form scraps into ball and repeat.

To make filling: In pan over medium heat, add olive oil; add spinach, salt and pepper then saute until spinach is wilted. Let cool then mix in ricotta cheese; set aside.

Put ravioli in boiling water, 8-10 minutes; they will rise to top when done.

Cut dough in half. Sprinkle remaining flour on large cutting board and roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into rectangle then cut into 2-3inch squares. Set scraps aside. Brush water on

Place ravioli on plate and top with warm sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil and rosemary. Grate Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

In saucepan over medium heat, heat sauce until simmering.

Visit Ragu.com to find more winter recipe inspiration.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ takes the MCU in a new direction

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.

pider-Man is one of the most intriguing characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Actors ranging from “Sound of Music” star Nicholas Hammond to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield have played Peter Parker, a brilliant science student who gained superpowers from a radioactive spider bite. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” proved, however, that no one handled the dual roles of Peter Parker and his web-slinging alter ego quite as well as Tom Holland. “No Way Home” picked up right where “Far from Home” left off. Peter and Mary Jane (Zendaya) returned from an overseas school trip and discovered that publisher/video blogger J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons) played damaging footage left behind by Quentin Beck/Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal). With his secret identity exposed, Peter tried to maintain a normal life with Mary Jane, but the stress was too much for him. He then asked Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Dr. Strange’s incantations don’t just summon villains from the multiverse, however. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield reprised their roles from earlier “Spider-Man” movies. Both actors were older than when they first put on spandex suits years ago; however, and they commented on how things have changed. They helped battle the “Spiderman: No Way Home” photo courtesy Columbias Pictures villains and officially passed the Spider-Man torch to Tom Holland. to make people forget that he was Molina), Norman Osborn/Green “Spider-Man: No Way Home” a superhero. Goblin (Willem Dafoe) and Ja“Spider-Man: No Way Home” mie Foxx’s Electro to enter their had enough action, surprise appearances and heartbreaking was easily the best installment in world. the franchise. Holland’s interpreOver three movies, Zendaya tragedy to keep MCU fans comtation of Peter Parker has been redefined the role of Mary Jane. ing back. After the events in the spot on since 2017’s “Homecom- In the MCU, she’s no shrinking film, the closing scenes showed ing” and he got better with each violet and handled herself well in how Peter’s life changed and what film. Despite his superpowers a fight. The relationship between direction he was heading. Holand scientific genius, he was still Peter and Mary Jane became land reportedly had been signed a young adult with a lot to learn. stronger with every movie and it for three more movies so we Peter understood science but; un- was clear that she loved Peter be- should have more web-slinging fortunately, he was not a wizard cause he’s a great guy. Jacob Bat- action and adventure coming to and interfered with Dr. Strange’s alon’s Ned Leeds also had Peter’s theaters. “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” spell. That fractured magic al- back even when things got rough. lowed villains such as Otto Oc- He even got a chance to wield rated PG-13, currently is playing tavius/Doctor Octopus (Alfred some mystical power in this film. in theaters.

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December 29, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Feature

December 29, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: MOVIE QUOTES

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

By Cindy Moore

Moore on Life The new year is fast approaching and you know what that means, time to make ridiculous promises you never intend to keep – in other words, act like a politician. This makes it totally easy without the feelings of guilt. And as a bonus if you have no feelings, you’re a shoe in for a term in Congress. The most popular New Year’s resolution is to exercise more and lose weight. I’ll begin there with my big fat liar intention. I blame my increase in girth and hideous wagglebags under my arms due to the fact that every holiday in the last three months has demanded food exponentially, starting with Halloween. It is estimated that parents pick out and eat one-third of their kids’ candy from their treat bags. Parent: “What are these peanut butter cups doing in here? Don’t you know they are the main cause of lockjaw; and these chocolate bars are the reason you can’t focus on math. Out they go. Here, take these sour gummy worms and chew on this candy corn. Now, what’s next? Ugh, what food terrorist gave out bags of pretzels? Okay, even I can’t be that mean. I’ll trade them for this smashed gumball. Now go feed them to the dog.” Only half the amount of kids came to our door this year than last, which resulted in a leftover bowl of candy. I did my duty and ate

it over the course of the next few days. Waste not want not, or in my case…want no waist. Next comes the mass stomach stuffing of Thanksgiving along with a week of fatty leftovers followed by the major eating month of the year: December. All those parties and neighbor gifts and family dinners and goodies left on the doorstep and candy canes and sugar plums and pies and fruitcakes and…err…wait! What?!? “Come here Sparky, more treats.” Another food terrorist plot foiled. So yes, I along with hundreds of thousands of others will make big pledges and break them shortly after. Also, I will be running for office. After all, I do have the main qualification. That’s a promise you can count on. Or not.

Cross my fingers and hope to lie

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. THESE 5. General Services Administration 8. Ex-Miami Heat player Dwyane 12. Pomegranate seed 13. Actor Chris O’____ 14. Pacific Crest Trail walker 15. Country dance formation 16. Wished undone 17. Popeye’s sweetie 18. *”Sudden Impact”: “Go ahead, ____ ____ ____” 20. Arm part 21. Gold unit 22. Parabola, e.g. 23. San Joaquin Valley city 26. Hangs out with 30. Unit of electrical resistance 31. *”Star Wars”: “Stay in ____ formation” 34. Mr. Jinx’s (of “Meet the Parents”) cry 35. Clay and silt deposit 37. Camel debris 38. Japanese sword fighting 39. Was aware of 40. Come into sight 42. *”Independence Day”: “I belong in the ____” 43. *”The Dark Knight”: “Why so ____?” 45. Common allergen 47. Cup alternative

____” 19. Supernatural life force, pl. 22. Query 23. *”Who Framed Roger Rabbit”: “That’s all, ____!” 24. Côtes du ____, wine region 25. Mideast V.I.P. 26. Soreness 27. Kidney-related 28. *”Princess Bride”: “You killed my father. Prepare ____ ____” 29. Bound by oath 32. “Lights out” tune 33. Nile reptile DOWN 36. *”Finding Nemo”: “Just 1. Precedes storm? keep ____” 2. Soprano’s song, e.g. 38. Danish money 3. *”Mean Girls”: “On 40. Two before Oct Wednesdays, we wear 41. Lack of enthusiasm ____” 4. Makes smooth, as in hair 44. 1/16th of a pound 46. Not two years but 5. Dutch cheese 6. *”Darkest Hour”: “I have three, e.g. nothing to offer but blood, 48. Coped (2 words) 49. Freshwater eel, in Japan toil, tears and ____” 7. ____ Walker, American 50. Comics character Little ____ Girl doll 51. Fe 8. *”Field of Dreams”: “If you build it, he ____ 52. Caribbean island _____” country 9. Related 53. Carpenter’s joint 10. Deity, in Sanskrit 54. Like a fairytale 11. “... ____ he drove out stepmother? of sight” 55. Network of nerves 13. Fungus damage (2 56. Acronym, abbr. words) 14. Meryl Streep’s “The SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9 48. Bird-made fertilizer 50. Sketch 52. *”On the Waterfront”: “I coulda been a ____” 56. El Dorado-related 57. Tabernacle Choir’s home state 58. Contributed 59. Star Wars attacker 60. Unidentified aircraft 61. Prep for publication 62. Ladder step 63. Tropical American cuckoo 64. Part to play