CN: December 30, 2020

December 30, 2020

Improving homes for seniors

Around Town Boys & Girls Clubs Of Greater St. Louis And Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club unite to serve more youth. Pg. 2

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Art McCoy. Pg. 4

Special Section Senior Living. Pg. 5

School Hazelwood School District students address COVID-19 in PSA video. Pg. 7 Submitted photo The interest in the study originated with the desire to understand the extent of home repair needs in St. Louis, particularly for unaffordable repairs. Sources state that much of St. Louis’ housing was built before 1939 and there are increasing issues with vacant houses, particularly in the lower-income neighborhoods.

Features

UMSL’s Community Innovation and Action Center has received a grant to conduct a study of the repair needs of seniors in the city of St. Louis

By Charlotte Beard Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) for the Aging, based in Chicago, has given a $178,000 grant to UMSL’s Community Innovation and Action Center (CIAC) and its partners to conduct a study of the repair needs of seniors in the city of St. Louis.

RRF Foundation for the Aging has been investing in programs and research aimed at improving the quality of life for older people for 40 years.

“RRF Foundation for the Aging were intrigued by our design, but they were really impressed that we had the right partners at the table and that it’s research that has the potential to directly impact policy,” stated CIAC interim co-Director Kiley Bednar.

“Many organizations in St. Louis are looking at this issue. They are currently funding some home repair, but they’re struggling to

meet the demand for those services. There’s a potential window within some of their larger planning efforts to have more funding, more strategic funding.”

The collaborative team-study includes CIAC, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, St. Louis City Senior Fund, St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative, St. Louis Association of Community Organizations, St. Louis Community Development Administration, Mission St. Louis and Rebuilding Together St. Louis.

The interest in the study originated with the desire to understand the extent of home repair needs in St. Louis, particularly for unaffordable repairs. Sources state that much of St. Louis’ housing was built before 1939 and there are increasing issues with vacant houses, particularly in the lower-in-

come neighborhoods.

CIAC and its partners state that they will give attention to equity with this project because St. Louis’ history of redlining has led to unequal investment or disinvestment in many predominantly black communities.

“It is clear that we are focusing on those who need help,” stated Todd Swanstrom, E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration at UMSL. “We’re going to oversample parts of the city with lower incomes and more need for home repair loans because the groups we’re working with give either grants to do the home repairs or forgivable loans.”

The collaboration’s aim with the study is

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Around Town

December 30, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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“There’s very little research on whether more major repairs make sense,” stated Swanstrom. “What effect do they have? If somebody has a leaky roof, if we repair that roof, will they stay longer in their home? ‘Aging in place,’ a common phrase used to describe the ability of older adults to remain in their homes, is a lifestyle that many prefer, and research has shown it has many benefits. Especially in the age of COVID, forcing older adults to move into nursing homes can be problematic.”

Bednar states, “Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and the Vacancy Collaborative had been discussing needs for more free to low-cost home repair programs for some time and realizing that we don’t have data on the full scope of the need, it’s hard to make the case for funding home repairs if you don’t have the full pic-

ture of how much is needed.”

According to CIAC, in lieu of investing in a costly project to send skilled inspectors into homes to inspect plumbing, and areas of damage and decay, the collaboration will construct their own mail questionnaire (inquiring about various experiences in their home) to send to approximately 2,000 senior homeowners in January 2021. The idea was adopted from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank’s national study using American Housing Survey data.

“Our goal is that the methodology could be replicable for another city of similar size that is grappling with these same questions,” stated Bednar. “We think they could take what we’ve done, some of the foundational research, and then apply it to their own city and their own data.”

Boys & Girls Clubs Of Greater St. Louis And Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club unite to serve more youth Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club will soon be joining the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) family of clubs. The Boards of Directors and staffs of both Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis care deeply about the future of the children in this community and have been exploring ways to collaborate to serve more youth for years. Collectively, both clubs have served millions of children in the region for more than 113 years. The effective date for the combination agreement is Jan. 1, 2021.

Over the past few years, Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club board and staff have taken steps to build upon the foundation established by Martin Luther Mathews and Hubert “Dickey” Ballentine. These steps have included exploring partnerships with other nonprofit organizations. All parties agreed that a partnership would strengthen the organizations, influence the lives of more children and families, and provide more youth access to low-cost, life changing programs and services.

Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club Founder & President Emeritus, Martin Mathews said of the partnership, “Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club has been an important part of the St. Louis community for 60 years, and our biggest contribution to this community are the children we have served. They are our biggest asset and I know that Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis shares our commitment to children and their development. Both Clubs are committed to a future that focuses on our children that I strongly support.”

“There is a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr that seems especially fitting as we embark on this new journey together: ‘We are not makers of history. We are made by history.’ What will ultimately make us successful is the great history that is the foundation of our organizations and that combined will make us a force for change and good,” added Dr. Flint Fowler, President of BGCSTL.

Submitted photo

The agreement preserves the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club name, location and nationally recognized youth sports programs.

Joining forces and using the strengths of both Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club and BGCSTL honors and affirms their legacies.

An integration committee will continue to work to finalize all aspects of the new enterprise. In the short term, club operations will continue as they always have. In the long term, key programs and activities will be enhanced, new programs will be explored, and new data measurement practices will be deployed to ensure positive outcomes in priority areas that include Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, Sports & Athletics and Healthy Lifestyles.

In late October, BGCSTL announced it had merged with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bethalto, which has two locations in Illinois.

The combined organization will now be one of the region’s largest youth development agencies serving more than 10,800 kids and teens annually. In addition, the expanded organization will produce better outcomes for all members, extend opportunities for staff professional growth and development and boost fundraising.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 30, 2020

Around Town

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St. Louis County Library Foundation receives $25,500 in funding from Delta Dental of Missouri To help meet dental health needs of children and adults, Delta Dental of Missouri – the state’s leading dental benefits provider – has announced it recently awarded more than $428,000 to support oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes in Missouri and in South Carolina, where it also does business. The oral health grant funding is part of the non-profit company’s annual Mission Giving Program, which has contributed more than $2.6 million in support of community outreach initiatives in 2020.

“During this especially challenging year, so many of our neighbors are facing tremendous hardships,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “Helping them access vital dental care is even more critical. Supporting organizations that align with our mission to improve oral health is one of the many ways we can help meet the needs of those in the communities we serve.”

Delta Dental of Missouri awarded $217,358 in oral health grant funding to the following Missouri organizations: • Heartland Outreach Providers (Blue Springs) – received $75,000 to provide oral healthcare to children, adults and seniors in Jackson County who are uninsured or are on Medicaid.

• Spectrum Health Care (Columbia) – received $50,000 to provide restorative dental care for individuals with low incomes or without dental insurance.

• SWOPE Health Services (Kansas City) – received $34,483 to provide free dental screenings, education, fluoride varnish and preventive services in the Pediatric and Behavioral Health Services clinic areas of its Health Center.

• St. Louis County Library Foundation (St. Louis) – received $25,500 ($10,000 plus $15,500 for in-kind support) to further its Born to Read Program, which distributes materials with oral health information to parents during a child’s first year at eight St. Louis County hospitals.

• Hope House (Lee’s Summit) – received $17,410 to provide free dental care services to domestic violence survivors.

• SoutheastHEALTH Foundation (Cape Girardeau) – received $14,965 to provide free oral health care for underserved ventilated and non-ambulatory hospital patients, helping to reduce the number of hospital-acquired pneumonias in the healthcare system.

Delta Dental of Missouri also awarded $210,700 in grants to organizations in South Carolina.

In 2020, Delta Dental of Missouri’s total charitable contributions also included: • $662,000 in funding as part of its first oral health grant cycle of the year.

• $500,000 to 11 non-profit organizations providing COVID-19 relief efforts in Missouri and South Carolina.

• $30,000 for the Dental Lifeline Network’s (DLN) Lifeline Heroes Challenge for Veterans campaign in Missouri and South Carolina.

• Funding for the launch of Delta Dental of Missouri’s new virtual Land of Smiles® educational experience in response to the continuing impact of COVID-19, which reached 74,924 children in 330 Missouri and South Carolina schools since October.

• Donations and free dental care supplies given to charitable and community organizations in Missouri and South Carolina, to help improve the oral health and overall health of residents.

Delta Dental of Missouri is currently accepting applications for the first grant cycle of its 2021 Oral Health Grant Program. To be eligible for an oral health grant from Delta Dental of Missouri, applicants in Missouri must first complete a letter of inquiry through the online application system at https://www.deltadentalmo.com/ AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program, which includes program guidelines and application instructions. Online letters of inquiry are due on March 12, 2021, and online applications are due on March 24, 2021. Applicants must be considered tax-exempt under 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public or governmental entity, such as a public school or health department, and serve the

Submitted photo The St. Louis County Library Foundation recently received a $25,500 oral health grant from Delta Dental of Missouri to further its Born to Read program. Program staff are pictured stuffing the Born to Read bags distributed to new parents through a partnership with seven St. Louis County hospitals. The bag includes baby’s first library card as well as a book, an infant toothbrush, infant development information as well as other items.

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Aound Town

December 30, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES

By Dr. Art McCoy

Saying goodbye to Jennings School District To the Jennings School District (JSD) Board of Education and Community: we have had some unprecedented and unpredictable days.

Still, it has been my most distinct honor to serve the best, wisest, and multiple award-winning JSD Board of Education. Leading and seeing JSD staff, students, and stakeholders standing together, facing

everything and rising through epidemics and the current pandemic of COVID-19, have produced some of the most fulfilling days of my life. This is our Warrior Way: Loving others, uniting, fighting for what is right, leading, and teaming together to place students first to transform the community. Our work is internationally admired and exemplary to countless people. We are proof that united we can succeed at nearly anything.

As someone who was born and raised in St. Louis and Jennings, Jennings School District is home. So, it was a humbling mycnews honor when I received the call in the 2015-16 school year to come back home from Irvine, California, to lead Jennings School District as the superintendent and CEO. My elderly parents taught me to help home because home helped you become who you are today. In the interview, you asked me to take JSD to the next level and finish my career here unless called to serve at the state or federal level.

Since returning home to Jennings over five years ago, we have accomplished so much:

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Multiple graduating Jennings classes achieved 100 percent graduation, career, and college placement.

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Our Career Pathways and Academies from elementary through high schoolers provided real skills, jobs, and high wages for all JSD children, similar to my opportunity to become a 19-yearold certified math teacher in Rockwood School District.

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We performed at the “Accredited with Distinction” range in 2018-2019, making history: JSD is one of Missouri’s first and only districts, with over 90 percent of students on free meals and over 90 percent black students to achieve over 90 percent A.P.R./accreditation.

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JSD became a 1-to-1 District of computers-to-students in 2018 and 1-to-1 Chromebooks-to-students plus broadband connectivity in 2020.

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We expanded school-based clinics by creating a PreK-12 Federally Qualified Health Clinic at Fairview Elementary for all medical, dental, and mental health student needs; added a homeless shelter to reduce homelessness called Hope House II; created two grocery store food hubs for daily grocery shopping at the J Town Market and Fairview Food Hub; created Centers for Healing Engagement with Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and more.

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JSD became the first WE District in Missouri, helping 22,000 students in Missouri join WE Schools.

• JSD had budget surpluses for all six school years and grew the reserves from 21 percent to nearly 30 percent.

• $10 million was raised externally to provide extraordinary student programs and engagement.

• We reopened Gore Elementary School as the Gore Community Elementary Center as a small business incubation center by starting the first Raising STL Hub with BJC providing parent mentors and nurses for pregnant mothers, fitness programs, and a new alternative education program for court-appointed youth.

• As the only public district in St. Louis County and City to resume in-person schooling (P-12 grade) in July 2020, JSD has had zero confirmed student transmitted COVID-19 cases to date.

Still, to everything, there is a time and a season.

Endings are inevitable. They are essential for new beginnings and continual progress.

After much prayer and reflection, I am publicly formalizing my year-and-a-half old pronouncement to retire during 2021 from the Missouri K-12 Public School System. I am retiring from the system, but not our mission as a chief warrior in this war against ignorance. At our first press conference in February 2016, our charge was to take Jennings to higher levels from accredited to the accredited with distinction range together. We, the students, staff, administrators, board, and stakeholders, did just that for multiple years. We have made JSD history in many ways.

Most of all, we loved and led our children and the community together.

A sincere thank you to all the JSD Warrior staff, administrators, board and supporting partners for your unyielding labor of love, without whom success would be impossible and with whom nearly any success is possible. To the parents and students, I love you and always will. On June 30, 2021, I plan to retire as the Jennings School District Superintendent and CEO, but I will always be a JSD Warrior. Thank you for helping to make this true.

For me, retirement means tiring myself again doing what I love. Bridgebuilders are needed more than ever, today. I am humbled to have been called to empower people and lead regional, state, and national initiatives as a bridgebuilder.

No matter my title, everyone who knows me understands precisely what I plan on doing for decades to come, here and abroad: Educating as if our life, legacy, and liberty depend on it because they do; severing attainment gaps existing in society.

Art McCoy, Ph.D. is a PBS American Graduate Champion, BJC Healthcare Advocate of the Year, International WE Educator, Jennings School District fifth year Superintendent of Schools/CEO, and University Of Wisconsin–Madison Institute of Research on Poverty scholar.

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 30, 2020

Get tested for COPD: your lungs will thank you If you’re often short of breath during everyday health, consider getting a spirometry test. activities, your chest feels tight, or you cough a lot, Ask for a lung function test if you: you may be chalking it up to getting older, having • Are over age 40 allergies, or being a smoker (now or in the past). • Are or were a smoker Fortunately, there’s a way to know whether some- • Feel out of breath often thing more may be at play. Consider getting a lung • Bring up a lot of mucus when you cough function test to find out if you have a serious con- • Have already been diagnosed with a lung disdition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ease, or COPD. Knowing the cause of your cough • Have AAT deficiency and breathing problems will not only help you • Are concerned about your lung health manage your symptoms – it’ll help you feel better, Another factor to consider when assessing your too. lung health is COVID-19, the disease caused by COPD includes two main conditions – emphy- the coronavirus that has spread throughout the sema and chronic bronchitis. It’s usually caused by world. Unlike COPD, COVID-19 causes abrupt cigarette smoking or breathing in other irritants, coughing and trouble breathing, so your health such as dusts or chemical fumes. In a small frac- care provider may want to test you for it. tion of people, a genetic condition called alpha-1 If you have a chronic lung disease, such as antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency plays a role in caus- COPD, and get infected with COVID-19, you ing COPD. More than 16 million Americans have are at higher risk of getting very sick. COVID-19 been diagnosed with COPD, and millions more can affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat, have it but don’t know it, according to the Nation- lungs), and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute al Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). respiratory disease. For more information on COPD doesn’t have a cure at the moment, COVID-19, visit CDC.gov. but if you seek advice from a health care provider and get diagnosed early, you can slow down this progressive disease.

During your appointment, your provider will talk to you about your symptoms and your medical history then listen to your breathing. He or she also may recommend one or more tests to help diagnose COPD. Spirometry: A Lung Function Test The main test for COPD is called spirometry. During this test, a technician at your health care provider’s office will ask you to sit down and put a clip on your nose, so you can breathe only through your mouth. The technician will then ask you to put your mouth around a mouthpiece, which looks like the mouthpiece on a snorkel. It’s connected to a machine that measures how well you breathe.

The technician will ask you to take in a deep breath then blow all of your air out as fast as you can. You’ll repeat that a few times. It’s painless, but it does take some effort.

Your provider will use the test results to determine how healthy your lungs are, if you have COPD and how serious it is, or if asthma or other conditions are causing your symptoms. Spirometry can also help your provider know if you www.TheSarahCommunity.com have COPD before you even have symptoms, so if you’re concerned about your lung

Senior Living

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Business

December 30, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

St. Louis based health center gets big boost from state housing agency On Dec. 17, the Missouri Housing Development Commission approved housing tax credits to build 60 units of affordable housing in conjunction with CareSTL Health center expansion.

COVID-19, depression era unemployment, fights for social justice, and political division are all part of the fabric of 2020. The city of Submitted photo St. Louis, especially CEO Angela Clabon speaking to the crowd gathered at the corner of Newstead Ave. and St. Louis Avenue where north St. Louis, is the new site and housing will be located. not immune from these sweeping changes. As a result, no area has needs of north St. Louis. The new site, located been hit harder than north St. Louis. in the Ville Neighborhood close to the intersecCareSTL Health, a north St. Louis based FQHC tion of St Louis Ave. and N. Newstead Ave., will is poised to make a difference in impacting pos- utilize a healthcare campus approach to service itive change within the community. Obviously additional patients, expand access to behavioral COVID has exacerbated an already stressed com- health, dental care, maternal-family medicine, munity. This is why visionary CareSTL Health and to improve community health.

CEO and leader Angela Clabon created the Ville The health center component of the Ville WellWellness Campus (VWC). The campus is an am- ness campus will be financed with a combinabitious effort to not only address the health care tion of public and private resources. It has been problems that exist in the community, but to take approved for $2 million in CARES CDBG-CV a more holistic approach to social and economic funding and submitted an application to the Corcommunity development. poration for Supportive Housing (CSH) for up to “Part of living a healthier life means housing. $20 million in New Market Tax Credits. CareSTL It is critical to the wellbeing of children and fam- Health in partnership with the Nash (100 perilies to have affordable housing in the neighbor- cent minority owned firm)/Vecino Group will hood. I have worked for 40 years in this commu- advance the housing component of the project. nity. I am elated that we will be a part of ensuring “This project is a dream that is quickly becomthat affordable housing occurs in an area where ing a reality. We are excited about the New Year we provide health care,” said Clabon. and we hope building affordable housing will CareSTL Health is building a new (replace- result in healthier outcomes for everyone,” conment and expanded services) 46,000 square feet cluded Clabon. healthcare facility, designed to meet the specific

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Home Builders Association Donates $10,000 to Pony Bird, Inc. Submitted photo

On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2020-21 HBA President Bill Wannstedt of Consort Homes (left) presented a $10,000 donation to Sara Sucharski, president and CEO of Pony Bird, and Jennifer Adams, director of development for Pony Bird.

The donation will be used to replace flooring in one of six of Pony Bird’s residential homes, which will improve the quality of life for more than 20 individuals. Pony Bird serves individuals of all ages with significant intellectual and physical disabilities who are non-ambulatory and unable to meet their daily living needs without assistance.

The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

Home Builders Association donates $15,000 to Beyond Housing

Submitted photo

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On behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation (HBCF), 2020-21 HBA President Bill Wannstedt of Consort Homes (left) presented a $15,000 donation to Beyond Housing’s senior director of housing Cory Dickens, chief development office Becky Moss and maintenance superintendent Justin Waller.

The donation will be used to support roof and siding repairs at one of Beyond Housing’s properties. This will bring a currently uninhabitable home back online for use as affordable rental housing for a low-income family. Beyond Housing’s mission is to help entire communities become better places to live through educational programs and economic development. Ultimately, they seek to stabilize low-income families so they may focus on long-term goals like higher education, employment and homeownership.

The HBA is a local trade association of more than 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 30, 2020

School

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STLCC-Florissant Valley president to receive Christian Hospital’s Drum Major Award Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D., is being recognized

by Christian Hospital Foundation at its fourth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, “Embracing the Dream.” The virtual celebration will be held Jan. 15 from 12 - 1 p.m. Participants should visit https:// www.christianhospital.org/ for details.

Perkins, campus president and chief academic officer of St. Louis Community at Florissant Valley – as well as Chris Krehmeyer, president and CEO of Beyond Housing; Martha Jane Stewart, community activist; and Keith Williamson, president, Centene Charitable Foundation at Centene Corporation – will receive a 2021 Drum Major Award.

The award is the highest honor Christian Hospital bestows upon unsung heroes who have given their time, talents, treasure and service in the name of justice, equity and equality.

Perkins was taken aback when she learned about the recognition, “I have absolutely no idea what I have done to deserve this very nice honor,” she said.

“It truly is a privilege to be associated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I hope his courage to dream and most importantly act, continues to inspire our students, the

community and generations to come.”

In 2019, Perkins was honored with North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice’s Outstanding Education Award for her active support of NCCU activities and the College’s sponsorship of their joint Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. She chaired the celebration’s committee for two years.

Perkins joined STLCC as provost of the Florissant Valley campus in August 2016 and served in that role until the provost title changed to campus president and chief academic officer in January 2019.

In addition to her role as campus president, she serves as the administrator for the College’s dual credit, dual enrollment and early college partnerships.

While at STLCC, Perkins has led taskforces on

developmental education redesign and waitlisting options for students, and serves on a variety of committees for the College and campus. She also serves on the board of directors for the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce and as chair for North County Incorporated (her term ends Thursday, Dec. 31).

Her passion and work with developmental education redesign and removing barriers to education is fueled by her commitment to access for all, as these barriers disproportionately impact students of color nationwide. The intenSubmitted photo tion of her work in implementing multiple measures, corequisition remediation and other delivery models is to create access to education and help students graduate from college.

Hazelwood School District students address COVID-19 in PSA video Students from Hazelwood East, Central, and West high schools are featured in a new public service announcement aimed at slowing the spread of C OV I D - 1 9 .

“Mask, Wash, D i s t a n c e” is part of Ha z e lwo o d School District’s Help Hazelwood Get Healthy public health campaign.

The campaign encourages everyone in the Hazelwood area to wear masks, practice social distancing and wash their hands.

The PSA video can be seen at https://bit.ly/3miSWgd. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the zip codes HSD serves have experienced some of the highest infection rates in the state. As a result, school buildings were forced to close. The key to returning to face-to-face learning for all students without constant interruption is improving the health of the entire community. With that in mind, HSD is encouraging the community to Help Hazelwood Get Healthy by wearing masks, practicing social

distancing, and washing their hands. The health of a community greatly impacts the level of health in school settings.

The campaign started with a drive-thru resource event in November.

During the event, the district distributed approximately 4,000 Help Hazelwood Get Healthy resource kits. The free kits included thermometers, disposable masks, information about COVID-19, and a community resource guide.

Campaign Highlights • Drive-thru resource kit event.

• Public service announcement videos • Billboards at 270 and McDonnell facing west and 270 and Bellefontaine facing east.

• Resource postcards mailed to all residents in the HSD area.

• Radio advertisements on 95.5 FM and 104.1 FM through January 2021.

• Help Hazelwood Get Healthy website page.

• Building-level health contests supported by the Hazelwood NEA.

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What’s Happening

December 30, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

Take notice . . .

The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.

EVENTS RECURRING EVENTS

very inexpensive way to lose weight.

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

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

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

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.

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

The Gentlemen of Sound are looking for men who like to sing or want to learn. They practice Tuesdays at Lady of the Pillar school at 401 S. Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m. They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for new members. Come by or call Charlie at 314-954-1121.

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

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Chair Zumba every Tuesday from 2:15 – 3 p.m. at The Bridge At Florissant at 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. (Parker @ Arlington). For more information call 314-831-0988.

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

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

Tuesdays: 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.

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.

Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)

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

(Take

off

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

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Showme 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.

Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Doors at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314921-2316.

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: 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

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

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.

chorus

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.

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.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Fridays: Fish fry

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,

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • December 30, 2020 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 314402-7025.

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 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.

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109

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

Diabetes Basics:

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

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,

What’s Happening

9

shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit.

Light refreshments are served. Info: 314-344-6090.

at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314738-2599.

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

Smoking Cessation Classes:

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 SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

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

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

10

Sports

December 30, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

UMSL women put up big numbers in basketball victory The University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s basketball team has a winning streak early in the season as they picked up an impressive win recently over McKendree.

Senior Alex LaPorta scored a game-high 21 points

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

to go with 13 rebounds and seven assists, while junior Kiara Stewart recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds to help the Tritons team to an 80-70 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) road win.

The duo helped UMSL to a 43-24 rebounding advantage, including a 16-6 edge on the offensive end, outscoring the Bearcats, 20-4, in second chance points. UMSL was playing on the road for the first time after opening the season with four straight home games.

LaPorta moves her career points total to 990, needing just 10 more to become the 16th member of the program’s 1,000-point club.

UMSL made six-of-seven free throws in the final 1:22 to help seal the victory. The Tritons, which entered the game second in the league at the free throw line (76.6 percent), made 16-of-19.

Other notable players included Fresh? man Azaria Hulbert was three-for-three and scored five of her 11 points in the final 27 seconds along with Junior Faye Meissner adding seven points and seven rebounds. * On a roll

OR READ US ONLINE AT MYCNEWS.COM

Professional indoor soccer to start in January with the Ambush The St. Louis Ambush play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles and have announced the start of their 2021 Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) regular season. The Ambush will host four games at the Family Arena and play three on the road during the month of January.

Due to a fluid situation involving the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel restrictions, arena availability, and fan safety, long-term scheduling for the 2021 season

was nearly impossible, stated Shelly Clark, Ambush CEO and co-owner. The league announced earlier today that they anticipate announcing schedules on a month-to-month basis going forward with the goal of releasing an extended schedule further into the season if circumstances permit.

The Ambush will open the season on the road when they visit the Florida Tropics for a pair of games on Saturday, Jan. 2 and Sunday, Jan. 3. They continue on the road with a trip to Dallas to face the Sidekicks on Saturday, January 9. The team returns to the Family Arena when they host the Kanas City Comets in the Ambush home opener on Jan. 16. The next weekend, the Ambush host the Tacoma Stars on Jan. 24. They close out the month at home with games against Florida on Jan. 29 and Jan. 31.

Go to www.STLAmbush.com to get all the updates. * Kicking off the New Year Indoor football tickets available for the Bandits The St. Louis Bandits are scheduled to take the field in early spring playing at the Family Arena and will be a part of the Mid West Division of the American Arena Football league (www.AmericanArenaLeague.com).

Special seating is available before the season starts.

Also, cheerleading tryouts will be held mid January.

Go to www.BanditsInfo.com/PSL for more details. * Many options

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 30, 2020

Recipe:

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Smoked salmon for holiday soirees Smoked Salmon Cucumber Boats

A Seafood Superfood Smoked salmon is a nutritional powerhouse full of antioxidants, omega-3s and protein. A 2-ounce serving of Blue Circle smoked salmon contains 1,000 mg of health-boosting omega-3s, which meets the daily requirements recommended by the FDA’s 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To make the most of a healthy choice, look for smoked salmon that does not contain sugar or added preservatives.

Feature

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.

Recipe courtesy of chef Nora Pouillon

Ingredients: 1 English cucumber (about 1 1/2 inches thick and 10 inches long) 1 medium tomato, seeded and cut into tiny pieces 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon dill sprigs, finely chopped, plus additional for serving (optional), divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice 4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped or pulsed salt, to taste pepper, to taste

Directions: Slice cucumber in half lengthwise and use spoon to scoop out seeds. If cucumber skin is too thick, peel before slicing.

Gently mix tomato, scallions, 1 tablespoon dill, lemon juice and smoked salmon until combined.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Fill cucumber halves with smoked salmon mixture.

Slice cucumber boats into 1/2-3/4-inch pieces crosswise.

To serve, place pieces on platter and garnish with additional dill, if desired.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

To access more recipes and tips, visit bluecirclefoods.com.

A movie lover’s resolution for 2021

I

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.

n March of this year, I bought a ticket for “Onward,” a solid Pixar comedy about two brothers trying to reconnect with their deceased father. Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) lives in a magical realm where technology has replaced spells and charms. On Ian’s 16th birthday, however, he and his older brother Barley (Chris Pratt) receive a “visitation spell” that could bring their dad back for one day. Things don’t go as planned, however, and only the bottom half of their father returns from beyond.

“Onward” was the last movie I attended before the lockdowns happened in cities across the country. I passed up an opportunity to see another film thinking that theaters wouldn’t shut down, but my assessment of the situation was decidedly wrong. After many chains went dark, some highly anticipated films became available on streaming services. Some theaters reopened, closed and then reopened again in an effort to stay in business.

As the multiplexes shut their doors, I felt like

the rest of the world and lose myself in the latest offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or watch Tom Hanks channel Fred Rogers in the heart-tugging “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

Although I understand the desire and necessity of some movies debuting on streaming services, for me there has never been anything like sitting in an auditorium with hundreds of strangers enjoying the same film. I also would gladly stand in line at the box office for tickets and wait patiently to buy popcorn and soda just to do that again.

I’d even smile as people pushed by me on their way to the bathroom.

2020 has been a game-changer in many ways and I’ve learned the hard lesson of never taking anyone or anything for granted. In the past, there were times I thought I was too busy to head to the movies, but I won’t make that mistake again. We should spend time with the people we love and do the things that bring us joy and never take anything for granted. That’s my resolution for 2021.

Photo courtesy Walt Disney Pictures

I lost a lifelong friend, one that had been with me ever since I was a child. My parents took me to see great Disney movies and the whole family went to see “Patton” with George C. Scott. When I was old enough to head to the Avalon or the Granada, my choices were as diverse as “Grey Lady Down” with Charlton Heston and Kurt Russell starring in “The Strongest Man in the World.”

Like Ian and Barley from “Onward,” I have been trying to recapture something I lost in 2020. Movies have always been my escape from the pressures of school and work. For the price of a ticket, I could take time away from

Have a Happy New Year!

F-2

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December 30, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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

COLLECTIBLES

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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. R.H.

SERVICES

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Feature

December 30, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: BOARD GAMES

‘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 Can you believe it?!

This crumby year is almost over. Let’s take a look at it in the rearview mirror because 2020, you were nothing but a giant rear!

January: Things started heating up… literally.

Someone let their guard down and then… whoompf! Australia and later California incinerated. Reminder: Do not let 2021 anywhere near the matches!

February: Corona came creeping around. We all poo pooed it. How harmful could a disease be that sounded like a silly beer?

March: Pandemic pandemonium began. We learned how valuable a roll of TP could be. The stock market also went down the toilet. A coincidence? I think not.

April: UFO videos were released by the Pentagon. Aha! There really are extraterrestrials out there after all. Little known fact: In the same month we had an actual alien invasion. No one noticed. We were all quarantined inside our bunkers watching “Tiger King.” Talk about strange lifeforms!

May: Two words – murder hornets!

June – I don’t remember what happened this month, because…YES, Carole Baskin, we know you totally killed your husband and…sorry, still watching “Tiger King.” There’s really nothing else to do; everything’s closed and besides who wants to go outside and get stung in the face by giant bees!

July – All the summer weddings were done speedily and without fanfare. And then the riots broke out. Hmm, marriage and riots. Is there a correlation? Asking for a friend.

August – Everyone is masked. First time in bank history they demand you put on a mask before you rob the place.

September – The body is next to Jimmy Hoffa’s! Look there!

Carole is sooo guilty!

October – My snooty neighbors, the Pilkinson’s gave out king-sized candy bars for Halloween. They were mad-jealous because my line eclipsed theirs around the block. There were only three goblins on their doorstep demanding the big candy bars. Then they brought them over to trade for the TP rolls I was handing out.

November: Election mayhem. The end is near.

December: YAY! Hallmark is making a new Christmas movie called “Christmas Carole.” The true meaning of Christmas is realized when Carole Baskin visits her enemy, the Tiger King, in prison and smuggles him a cake. It all ends in cheer and merriment when we realize her long lost husband is actually…the cake.

The end is here!

Hindsight is

2020

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. Dealer’s hand, in cribbage 5. Wade’s opponent 8. Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____” 12. Nevada city 13. Prima donna 14. Weasel’s cousin 15. Makes collar for RBG 16. Between the id and super-ego, pl.

17. Can be hot or cold, meteorologically speaking 18. *Real estate-related board game 20. Elvis Presley’s “____ and Fortune” 21. Preface, e.g.

22. *A top one is a game piece in #18 Across 23. Open carriage 26. Having a malignant influence 30. “Wheel of Fortune” request 31. Stay clear of 34. Knife wound 35. Touch of color 37. Computer network acronym 38. Awaken 39. Wet nurse 40. Castrated man 42. Yale-____ College, Singapore

43. Aircraft’s additional equipment holder 45. They’re denoted in red 47. Eric Stonestreet on “Modern Family” 48. Allergic reaction to bee sting 50. Amusing 52. *Word game 55. Don McLean: “Drove my chevy to the ____” 56. Joie de vivre 57. Charlie Parker’s nickname 59. Bake an egg 60. Knocks on the door, e.g.

61. 1970s hairdo 62. Milk ____, candy 63. Swallowed 64. Reason to cram DOWN 1. Tube in old TV 2. Paper unit 3. “He’s Just Not That ____ You” 4. Herzegovina’s partner 5. Excessive sternness 6. Convex molding 7. *Candy Land difficulty level 8. *Napoleon-themed game of strategy 9. Niels Bohr’s study object 10. Autry or Wilder 11. Simon’s former partner

13. Performed comprehensively or in____, pl.

14. Butcher’s refuse 19. Beginning of sickness 22. TV classic “Hee ___” 23. *Board game island ready for settlers 24. True inner self 25. Linear particle accelerator, for short 26. Take-out handout 27. Half human-half goat, pl.

28. February “People,” e.g.

29. *Game with rooks 32. *Game involving Mr. Boddy’s murderer 33. Chewbacca’s sidekick 36. *a.k.a. draughts 38. Type of parallelogram 40. Liberty Tree, e.g.

41. Vacuums, e.g.

44. Extra shirt, e.g.

46. Sabbath, alt. sp.

48. Audience’s approval 49. Window treatment 50. Bloody king of Israel 51. “Metamorphoses” poet 52. Serum, pl.

53. *The Game of ____ 54. Makes mistakes 55. Acid drug 58. Part of URL SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9