CN: June 23, 2021 by Community News

June 23, 2021

Giving small businesses a boost

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES By Dr. Gloria J. Johnson. Pg. 2 Florissant schedules July 4th festivities. Pg. 3 JFS St. Louis Food Pantry celebrates 30th anniversary. Pg. 3

School Halls Ferry Intermediate has new Believe Lab library. Pg. 7 Photo courtesy Bigstock

Features

North County Incorporated (NCI) has partnered with the Missouri Small Business Development Center-St. Louis Region and the University of Missouri-St. Louis to launch the six-week North County Small Business Accelerator workshop which will help 15 small businesses in North St. Louis County

A six-week North County Small Business Accelerator workshop will help 15 small businesses in North St. Louis County By Charlotte Beard The year 2020 was not a good year for many businesses, particularly small businesses. However, North County Incorporated (NCI) has partnered with the Missouri Small Business Development Center-St. Louis Region and the University of Missouri-St. Louis to launch the six-week North County Small Business Accelerator workshop which will help 15 small businesses in North St. Louis County. The workshop, valued at $5,000 per participating business, is designed for retail and restaurant establishments. “It is anticipated that businesses that will take advantage of this program will likely have less than 25-30 full time employees,” stated Rebecca Zoll, NCI President/CEO. “In the past, most of the businesses (that) have participated in NCI’s small business

initiatives have truly been ‘mom and pop’ neighborhood businesses with 10 or less employees. However, we have not set a definite limit on the number of employees necessary for this pilot program.”

“ This program is a great

example of how collaboration can bring about critical supports and initiatives to bolster economic recovery in communities hard-hit by the pandemic. ” ~ Karl Guenther, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Economic & Community Development, UMSL

Businesses will be selected from the questionnaire/applications completed by July 24 at https://northstlouiscounty.com/accelerator-form/. The workshop will take place Aug. 24 – Oct. 8. According to Lynette Watson, Specialist/Small Business Technology Center for St. Louis Business Development Program, the questionnaire was developed to ensure businesses understand the time commitment and expectations of the workshop. In addition, the questionnaire enables the partnership to assess each small business’ status to better meet needs. “Each selected business will have a customized plan along with the general curric-

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June 23, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘BOOST’ from cover ulum and an assigned mentor,” states Watson. “This program is a great example of how collaboration can bring about critical supports and initiatives to bolster economic recovery in communities hard-hit by the pandemic,” stated Karl Guenther, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Economic & Community Development, University of Missouri - St. Louis and NCI Board of Directors member. Watson shared that the idea of the business accelerator came about when she was approached by Guenther and Zoll to develop a plan to assist small businesses increase their capacity, sustainability, and business resiliency. “I had already created something similar as the direct result of seeing how challenging it was for the smaller businesses; particularly black, indigenous, and people of color; and women’s businesses, to access the disaster and pandemic relief because they did not have the necessary paperwork and/ or expertise to apply for the funds,” stated Watson. “I knew I had to create something that addressed this issue and helped them navigate the recovery, create a resiliency plan, and focus on sustainability.” “NCI has been involved with small business sustainability and growth initiatives over the past several years; so, we were aware of their vulnerability, especially during times of crises,” Zoll stated. “The impact that the pandemic had on our area small businesses and the owners’ struggles to ac-

cess grant and loan assistance was devastating. Small business owners, many times, are so busy keeping their doors open and working in the business, they do not have time to do all the behind the scenes work necessary to run the business—planning, paperwork, and strategically positioning themselves to be resilient, much less look forward to sustainability and growth. Unfortunately, financial records and other documentation is key when it comes to accessing dollars to help a business. We want to try and provide some of the necessary knowledge and tools they need to be resilient and sustainable long-term. NCI is incredibly fortunate to have partners, like the SBDC and UMSL to help our organization bring this amazing opportunity to our North County business community. Last year, as part of NCI’s Collaborative Conversations work, we formed the North County Economic Developers Cohort. The cohort is made up of economic professionals. This cohort has spent the past nine months discussing ways to impactfully assist the small businesses, out of those discussions the north County small business accelerator initiative developed.” According to multi-business owner and one of the instructors for the workshop, Watson, the SBDC created and customized programming for the accelerator. “The ‘Looks Like Me’ mentor project will be contracted by the SBDC to handle the mentoring,” states Watson. “The SBDC will utilize their entire network across the state

COMMUNITY VOICES

to assist with portions of the programming including the market research and financial and industry analysis.” In addition to first-hand knowledge in operating a business, instructors for the sixweek workshop are stated to be experienced with backgrounds in business administration and economics, as well as expertise in training and counseling entrepreneurs. According to Zoll, the $5,000 accelerator workshop is being financially sponsored by a grant from US Bank Foundation to NCI for assistance with its 2021 economic sustainability initiatives. In addition, St. Louis Community Credit Union provided additional funds to assist with communication costs for the program. Watson shared that she would like to secure additional sponsors to help defray the cost of adding additional staff and investment in SBDC’s mentor project. She further stated that additional contracted consultants are needed to handle the one-on-one counseling. “(Businesses) will be receiving market research, financial analysis, business resiliency creation, mentoring, training, and one-on-one consulting,” stated Watson. “After further customization and adding programmatic components, I estimate the scholarship value to be closest to $10K.” Registration deadline for the workshop is July 24, 2021. Visit https://northstlouiscounty.com/accelerator-form/.

By Gloria J. Johnson

Marvella’s story When Marvella walked into the office of Life Source Consultants for the very first time, she had a patch over her right eye. Her husband, Lindsey, had hit her in the eye the night before because she made airline reservations to leave on the weekend to visit her mother and he said she could not go. Lindsey said that he was the king of his home and his wife was supposed to be obedient to him. He felt like he had to punish her for being disobedient by hitting her in the face. Lindsey told the police “maybe now she will listen to me.” Because Marvella was injured, the police took Lindsey to jail and charged him with assault. However, Lindsey was released 20 hours later. Marvella had two children by a previous marriage, was not from St. Louis and had no family here. On the Order of

Protection request, she asked to live in the house for 30 days so she could find a place to move. Lindsey owned the home before their marriage and they had only been married for three years. Marvella found favor and was granted 30 days to find an apartment for her and her children. This made Lindsey furious and he began to stalk her. When Marvella called the police on Lindsey, she learned that some of the officers were his friends. To our surprise, they did nothing about her calls. In court for the Full Order of Protection hearing, Marvella told the judge what was happening. Thanks to the judge – “he wasn’t going to tolerate this kind of behavior or favoritism.” He told Marvella he would take care of this. We don’t know who the judge called or what he did – but

Marvella had no more problems with Lindsey. This story does have a good ending. Through a home ownership assistance program, Marvella purchased a house and is doing well. It is a great feeling to know that we were instrumental in helping a victim of abuse begin a new and safe life with her children. Physical abuse is a pattern of hits, pushing, choking, etc. It is usually used to control a partner and scare them into doing what the abuser wants. Sometimes there are injuries from physical abuse such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, or miscarried pregnancies. Some victims even suffer wounds from guns or knives. Life Source Consultants provides free support and confidential services for women dealing with physical, mental, emotional, verbal, financial

or sexual abuse. For restored hope and healing, call us: 314524-0686. D r . Gloria J. Johnson is the Founder/CEO of Life Source Consult a n t s , the first non-residential African American domestic and sexual violence organization in the State of Missouri. Motivated by a deep love and commitment to abused women and to forever change images and perceptions toward domestic violence, family violence and abuse, Johnson shares true life stories of victims in her book “I Cried Alone.” Johnson received a Master’s in Biblical Counseling and a Ph.D. in marriage and family counseling from Biblical Life College and Seminary.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 23, 2021

Around Town

JFS St. Louis Food Pantry celebrates 30th anniversary The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry (HKJFP), a service provided by Jewish Family Services (JFS), recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. In 2020, St. Louis’ largest food pantry supplied 21,500 individuals – regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, and gender – with nutritious food, a 30% increase over the prior year. Located at 10601 Baur Blvd., the pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with no appointment needed. Individuals and families receive 10 days’ worth of food every month including fresh produce, dairy, bread, and shelf-stable items. Since the onset of the pandemic, the pantry has adopted a drivethrough distribution model to maintain the health and safety of its clients, staff, and volunteers. There are currently 12 staff members and nearly 200 volunteers who register new families, stock shelves, sort food, and load vehicles with groceries. The pantry currently supplies food to residents located in 77 zip codes throughout St. Louis County and City, with 85% of all households served earning incomes below the federal poverty level. In 2020, 34% of all guests were 18 years of age and younger, and 26% were 55 years of age and older. Last year the pantry helped 3,100 new

families and 9,467 new individuals. “We hope the pandemic has diminished the stigma of relying on a food pantry because now it’s your neighbor and even your family members seeking help during this very trying time,” said Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry Director Erica Steen. “In this new reality, we are assisting more guests who have never utilized a pantry. We are fortunate to be able to serve our community both now and throughout the past 30 years.” Jewish Family Services (JFS), which provides mental health and social services for all St. Louisans, created the food pantry in 1991 when it began serving 40 families. The pantry relies on monetary donations, private food drives, grocer donations, and monthly food allocations from the USDA, Operation Food Search, and the St. Louis Area Foodbank. According to Steen, “We believe the need for food assistance will remain high, which is why we will continue providing aid to those who are seeking relief while facing ongoing challenges.” Founded in 1871, JFS is a multiservice nonprofit that supports families and seniors, alleviates hunger,

Submitted photo The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, a service provided by Jewish Family Services, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

and improves mental health for all St. Louisans. The organization serves individuals and families in crisis, as well as helps seniors remain independent and connected to the community. JFS supports the emotional and physical well-being of more than 50,000 area children, families, and seniors annually. For more information, call 314-993-1000.

Florissant schedules July 4th festivities

Photo courtesy city of Florissant Florissant’s proud tradition of celebrating Independence Day is back on for 2021 and will be held on the grounds of the James J. Eagan Civic Center at Florissant Valley Park, which is located at the intersection of Parker Road and Waterford Drive.

Florissant’s proud tradition of celebrating Independence Day is back on for 2021 and will be held on the grounds of the James J. Eagan Civic Center at Florissant Valley Park, which is located at the intersection of Parker Road and Waterford Drive. Once again this year food trucks to help celebrate, so come hungry. Mann Meats and Homestyle Grill are scheduled to be at the fireworks event with others possibly signing up. Festivities begin with an outdoor concert performance by the Midnight Piano Band at 7:30 p.m. Following the concert, the city of Florissant is sponsoring its renowned fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. This year’s extravaganza features a dazzling fireworks

presentation combining brilliant shells, color sequencing, dimensional frontage, and low and high level aerial combinations. Florissant’s show has always been very heavily attended and is widely honored and acclaimed by thousands of Florissant and North County sightseers. So bring out the blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy top notch, free entertainment for the entire family. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks display only will be held the following evening (July 5 at 9:15 p.m.). For additional information, please call the James J. Eagan Center at 314-921-4466.

www.stlcc.edu/apply

Aound Town

June 23, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

St. Louis Area Diaper Bank introduces first period guide wu Anikamadu, Gabriella Schmidt-Grimminger, Allie Pinson, Adrienne Beckett-Ansa, and Jilliam Root – held local focus groups for menstruators ages nine to 13 to gather data for the booklet. The booklets were designed to reduce negative period stigma and increase correct menstrual hygiene education, as well as give young menstruators autonomy over a traditionally frustrating and stress-inducing life event. The Diaper Bank will give these published guides to its partners, who will distribute the free guides to trusted service providers and caregivers. Founded in 2019, STL APS is a Diaper Bank program that collaborates with the National Diaper Bank Network and its Alliance for com Period Supplies. The service distributes

St. Louis Area Diaper Bank and its St. Louis Alliance for Period Supplies (STL APS) program recently released a new period guide for first-time menstruators. The “Go with the Flow” booklet was created by a team of graduate students from the School of Public Health and Social Justice at Saint Louis University through the college’s grant program. Each year Saint Louis University’s 1818 Community Engagement Grant program awards 18 grants of up to $1,800 each to groups of students and faculty, in partnership with a local nonprofit, to make a positive impact on the community. SLU graduate students who created the Diaper Bank’s guide – Onyekachuk-

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period supplies through community partners, as well as advocates for the elimination of “period poverty.” To date more than 450,000 period supplies have been distributed in St. Louis, with 10,800 period supplies allocated each week. Last year two-thirds of low-income women in St. Louis could not afford menstrual hygiene products, with 46% of low-income women having to choose between food and period products. “Most menstruators are unprepared for their first period, so this booklet guides them through the process in a fun and friendly way,” said St. Louis Area Diaper Bank Executive Director Muriel Smith. “We are truly grateful to SLU and its graduate students who created a guide that discusses all the topics and questions our community’s youth have but may be too inhibited to ask.”

Secrets to success: be hungry for growth but remain humble and passionate about helping people By Art McCoy, Ph.D. STL.works Leader and Champion

www.SelzleandAssociates.com

Have you ever wondered how hospitals create the latest practices to provide patients the best care? Who shows them? Who leads the vital work of transforming good research into best practices, particularly during a pandemic? At Mercy, the Clinical Care Redesign and Optimization department leads such work under the direction of Vice President Ursula Bonner-Wright. Its leaders are responsible for developing new clinical pathways – structured, interdisciplinary clinical standards – that detail essential steps in the care of patients with a specific clinical problem. Using the latest medical studies and evidence, they determine the best possible care and create better outcomes for Mercy patients. Mercy, a proud Regional Business Council member and Chesterfield-based company serving four states, is dedicated to advancing the health, wellbeing, and workforce of St. Louis and beyond. Mercy’s motto is “Your life is our life’s work.” During this COVID crisis, their 45,000-member health care workforce has proven to be real heroes. Among them, Vice President Wright is not only a hero but a bright star supporting thousands of individuals. “As a young person, I watched my mother and aunt help people in their white starched nurse’s uniform, white shoes – and, at that time, their caps. And I had the desire to follow in their footsteps,” Wright recalled. After leaving Webster Groves High School, she started her professional journey as a student nurse at Mercy while earning an Associates of Science in Nursing at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. Gaining exposure and experience, she started as a full-time Orthopedic and Trauma Unit nurse immediately after graduation. Within two years, she became a clinical supervisor and used her skillset to lead a small team in providing care. Truly investing in their employees, Mercy provided tuition reimbursement for Wright’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Webster University, Master in Business Administration from Lindenwood University, and Master in Science of Nursing with

a Family Nurse Practitioner focus from Maryville University. Mentors like Executive Vice President of Operations Donn Sorensen, Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer Chief Operating Officer of Mercy Kids Chris Crain, and Chief Quality Officer Keith Starke, MD, supported Wright in gaining additional leadership training and opportunities. Like other leading institutions, Mercy used the Six Sigma Training and Certification as an effective way to improve its health care services. Hungry to grow, Wright became a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Leader in between her two master’s degrees, learning Mercy’s business operations from top to bottom with experiences ranging from improving finance processes to improving the distribution of linen services. From 2016 to 2019, Mercy was named one of the top five large U.S. health systems by IBM Watson Health, annually, being among the first health care organizations in the U.S. to have an integrated electronic health record connecting all points of care. During that decade, Wright was a systems analyst, and afterward Clinical Performance Acceleration executive director, involved in creating this finely-tuned electronic health record with clinical best practices hard-wired into the system, early warning triggers, and data reducing variation and compliance issues. In 2018, Wright was elevated to vice president of Clinical Care Redesign and Optimization. Her journey reveals how rising star-leaders are both born and created. On June 7, Wright celebrated 21 years at Mercy. Vice President of Operations for Mercy Clinic Adult Primary Care Tesh Jewell shared, “Ursula is a brilliant clinician and excellent leader. She is very passionate about helping to improve the overall health of our community through her work in quality, especially in more vulnerable communities. She is too modest to admit this, but Mercy is very fortunate to have such a strong and dynamic leader helping to advance our work in quality, safety, and clinical process improvement.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 23, 2021

Senior Living

A plaque dedication for late Florissant police officer is set for June 23 The city of Florissant along with Old Town Partners will host a dedication to unveil a plaque in honor of the late Lt. Jay Noser, Sr. who passed away in 2008 from complications of an injury sustained twenty-nine years earlier. This will be the 45th Walk Through History plaque in honor of someone who has made a valuable contribution to the city of Florissant or someone with Florissant roots who has had an impact on our community. The ceremony will be held on June 23 at 5:30 p.m. in front of 619 rue St. Francois. The plaque dedication will take place before the start of the second Wednesday Night Out festivities “Decorate Your Favorite T-Shirt Contest” which is being hosted by Kortes Custom Framing & Antiques. The festivities will take place on the corner of N. Jefferson and rue St. Francois and will start at 6 p.m.

Still In This Together:

Submitted photo

By Vicki Bahr

And that’s when the Underoos hit the fan… Our sixth-grade son, Adam, plopped down in the back seat of the car, slammed the door and hissed. Yep, hissed. “I don’t ever, ever want you to write about me again. Ever!” If he could have cried, he would have. He was that angry. A little background info here, if I may. When our kids were little, I had the wonderful opportunity to stay at home with them. Those were the days before computers, cell phones and the certainty that being a stay-at-home mom was a noble profession. I was a little restless, always wishing for a way to be “productive” and feel that I was contributing to our family’s bottom line. I made phone calls for an organization that picked up donations from peoples’ porches for a while, and made fifty cents for each positive pickup. I worked from home as a part-time proofreader, and actually enjoyed that a lot, but it required the kind of peace and concentration that I could only find late at night when the house was asleep, and I enjoyed my own sleep way too much for that to last. But at the slamming of the car door point, after having mailed a sample of my writing to a little local newspaper, I had been writing a weekly human-interest column for a couple of years, and I loved it. The editor was very accepting of my attempts to be an Erma Bombeck wannabe, family and friends were extremely supportive and I had even been asked to speak at a couple of women’s church group functions. Most of my inspiration came from our family, of course, and I even had a friend ask me if our fourth pregnancy was a result of needing new material for the column. The answer was no, but it sure did come in handy for a few years. Now, back to Adam’s outburst. It wasn’t until a few days afterwards that I learned the particulars. I loved writing about our family, exaggerating shamelessly and drawing upon the commonalities of ev-

ery young mom, using both my imagination and my English degree. That week’s article revolved around Adam’s habit as a three-year-old of running around the house in his Incredible Hulk Underoos (incredibly popular in the late 70’s), jumping from the hallway into our family room on a regular basis, adopting the Incredible Hulk pose and growling louder that his little body should ever have been able to growl. It was a cute column, right up to the point that his sixth-grade teacher forgot every bit of child psychology she’d been taught and asked Adam to read the piece in front of the entire class as part of an English lesson. He had no idea I had even written about him that week, and was understandably mortified by my reminiscences of his adorably pudgy toddlerhood. Our kids pretty much ignored what I did, after all, although they happily enjoyed a trip for a Happy Meal once in a while, courtesy of my writing. I understood, I empathized, and I abstained from any reference to our twelveyear-old for an abnormally long amount of time. I missed being able to share Adam’s adventures with my readers, but I honored my promise. Because the day the Underoos hit the fan was horrendous, and I wanted our second-born to know that I never thought that my part-time, stay-athome job could ever be a source of embarrassment to our kids. But, oh, as parents, do we ever have that power. Almost super-human…like the Incredible Hulk. Sorry, Adam, but I couldn’t resist the reference. Hopefully, thirty-plus years is long enough for the statute of limitations.

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.

www.thevillaatriverwood.com

Business

June 23, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Ameren Missouri donates firstof-its-kind fire truck to St. Louis Fire Department The St. Louis Fire Department has welcomed to its fleet a unique, stateof-the-art fire truck designed to help fight underground electrical fires. Ameren Missouri donated the fire truck to help fight these uncommon but challenging fires that are especially hazardous to firefighters. The specialized fire truck cuts down the time it takes to fight these fires from hours to minutes, speeding service restoration time for Ameren Missouri customers. Crews have already used the fire truck multiple times, battling complex underground fires in downtown St. Louis and the recent chemical fire in Affton. St. Louis is the first city in the nation to have a fire truck designed specifically for this purpose, thanks to this donation from Ameren Missouri. “This piece of equipment has already been a game changer for us. The donated fire truck has proven to be instrumental in multiple fires and we appreciate Ameren Missouri’s generous donation,” said Dennis Jenkerson, chief of the St. Louis Fire Department. The new truck uses carbon dioxide and a specialized nozzle to quickly extinguish underground fires making it safer and faster for firefighters. Carbon dioxide is safer and more effective for extinguishing underground fires. As a result, Ameren Missouri customers will experience fewer and shorter service interruptions. “In the event of an underground fire, we typically can’t address it until the flames burn themselves out,” Jenkerson said. “The longer these fires burn, the more damage they can cause to major electrical infrastructure that powers the city.” The new St. Louis Fire Department truck includes: • A 4,000-gallon low pressure carbon dioxide (CO2) tank • A foam agent system • A specially designed nozzle to fit Ameren Missouri equipment • A high pressure pump for high-rise firefighting • A large dry chemical system Firefighters can use these tools on various fires involving electrical equipment. “We all want to protect the infrastructure that keeps downtown running. Our fire truck donation will help firefighters better handle unique situations like underground fires,” said Marty Lyons, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. “All of us at Ameren Missouri appreciate the brave members of the St. Louis Fire Department, and what they do every day to keep us safe.”

www.treesbywoody.net

St. Louis Regional Freightway’s 2022 Priority Projects List released

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Regional Freightway The $222 million project to replace the Merchants Bridge linking Missouri and Illinois in Downtown St. Louis is the St. Louis Regional Freightway’s highest priority project and on target for completion in late 2023.

The St. Louis Regional Freightway’s 2022 Priority Projects List features 21 projects representing a total investment of $2.75 billion. The projects represent key infrastructure needs of the manufacturing and logistics industries in the Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois area, and more than $1.1 billion of the projects on the list are already funded and under construction, expected to start in 2021/2022, or scheduled to begin within the next few years. “The 2022 list indicates tremendous progress is being made on nearly two dozen projects that will strengthen critical roads, bridges, rail infrastructure and port and airport facilities across the bi-state St. Louis region, supporting multimodal connectivity and providing global access to shippers and carriers throughout the world,” said Ron Tindall, President of Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) and Chairman of the Freightway’s Freight Development Committee. “The St. Louis Regional Freightway’s approach to creating a Priority Projects List that identifies key infrastructure projects and advocates for funding for them continues to gain national recognition, most recently being recognized in a joint report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Transportation as a model of partnership and productive collaboration between the public and private sector across the eight county area the St. Louis Regional Freightway serves. It continues to drive the success in regional project prioritization.” Among the priority projects funded, under construction and on target for completion in late 2023 is the region’s highest priority -- the $222 million project to replace the Merchants Bridge linking Missouri and Illinois in Downtown St. Louis. This vital rail artery across the Mississippi River is one of the nation’s primary east-west rail corridors serving the nation’s third largest rail hub. Looking to the highest priority projects partially scheduled for construction, more than $100 mil-

lion has been allocated for improvement projects on Interstate 70 in Missouri from Wentzville to the Stan Musial Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. Improvements on I-70 from Route 141 to I-170 near the St. Louis Lambert International Airport have been identified as a new high priority project and represent an addition to the 2022 list as part of the overall I-70 project. The importance of the I-70 investments for the agriculture industry alone is underscored by the same USDA/USDOT report that showcased the Freightway’s approach to project prioritization. The report revealed that agricultural freight is expected to increase 23% over the next 20 years, with the majority moving on just 17 percent of highway mileage, including one corridor that includes I-70 spanning the entire state of Missouri and serving the St. Louis region, which is home to the third largest rail hub in the United States, the third largest inland port as well as the Ag Coast of America. “I-70 is one of the key highway corridors feeding into all three of those things,” said Tom Blair, MoDOT’s St. Louis District Engineer. Nearly $600 million in funding has also been approved for the I-270 corridor improvements in north St. Louis County and Madison County (Illinois), including the Chain of Rocks Bridge replacement connecting the two states. The Priority Projects List is compiled annually by the St. Louis Regional Freightway’s Freight Development Committee. Business and industry leaders work directly with local and state officials and the Illinois DOT and the Missouri DOT to set infrastructure priorities by helping them to understand how infrastructure and efficiency impact on-time delivery and costs. The ongoing regional effort to compile and build consensus for this list remains a key accomplishment of the organization and plays a vital role in helping to ensure various parties are familiar with the priorities before they see them on a grant application.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 23, 2021

School

High school students accepted into the Emerson STEM Academy St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley has accepted students from the Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood and Ritenour school districts into the Emerson STEM Academy for fall 2021. Students are selected for the ESA after submitting an application, including essays and recommendations, and completing an interview. Selection for this dual enrollment program is competitive and requires students to meet the following goals by the time of high school graduation: 1. Be interested in pursuing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) major or career. 2. Be willing to complete at least 12 hours of college credit before high school graduation. 3. Be willing to take and pass MTH 140 or place into MTH 160 or higher STEM math. 4. Have a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher (3.0 recommended).

In addition to the academic benefits of taking dual enrollment courses, students in the ESA program also receive the following perks: • Textbooks, materials and supplies are covered for dual enrollment courses. • Students have access to the exclusive ESA Suite, which is complete with computers, a place to store belongings and a place to meet. • Dual enrollment students have access to all the benefits provided to STLCC students, including Universal Pass (U-PASS enables students to ride the MetroBus and MetroLink at no extra cost.), student clubs and activities, Academic Success & Tutoring, Instructional Resources, etc. • Students have a dedicated STLCC faculty liaison to serve as a mentor. “I’m pleased to welcome this new group of students into the Emerson STEM Academy and tell them congratulations,” said Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D. “They met the require-

Photo courtesy STLCC ESA students and administrators. Emerson STEM Academy students and administrators share a moment during a breakfast held Dec. 13, 2019.

ments of this competitive program that will enable them to earn college credit, work with mentors and participate in the program’s various STEM activities while they are still in high school. “I’m glad we’re able to provide this amazing opportunity to them, and I know this program will only enhance their abilities and prepare them for careers in these areas.” Districts with at least 10 students participating in the ESA program are also eligible to receive up to $15,000 to-

Halls Ferry Intermediate has new Believe Lab library

Photo courtesy Ferguson-Florissant School District Halls Ferry Intermediate has a brand-new space to help students cultivate enhanced literacy skills and develop a love for reading.

Halls Ferry Intermediate has a brand-new space to help students cultivate enhanced literacy skills and develop a love for reading. The Believe Lab’s mission is to foster awareness about the importance of early literacy by creating innovative opportunities for all kids to access black children’s literature. Julius Anthony, president of St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature created the Believe Project to create literacy spaces in schools to promote an environment that encourages creative

expression, exploration, and activities designed to build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students can develop a strong foundation for academic success through reading readiness. “That’s what we’re trying to prove,” said Anthony. “When students have access, that confidence turns into competency if the experience is right.” Dr. Exley Warren, principal at Halls Ferry, and Anthony partnered with Mallinckrodt and other community partners to fund the new reading library at Halls Ferry.

ward the cost of student transportation from their high school(s) to STLCC for the purpose of participating in dual enrollment courses on campus for fiscal year 2022. Three renovated engineering classrooms on the campus of St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley is the home of the academy. A $1 million grant from Emerson awarded in 2016 made the dedicated space and enrichment program possible.

What’s Happening

June 23, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

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

Take notice . . .

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

EVENTS June 26: Recycling event

Spectrum Ecycle Solutions will be accepting all electronic and technology devices for secure and eco-responsible recycling from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 6100 Natural Bridge Rd. east of Jennings Station Rd. Items accepted include all office and home technology-related devices and electronics such as computer monitors, keyboards and hard drives. Additional items include any size flat screen TV/monitor, any size tube or console TV and big screen TV’s. Visit the Spectrum Ecycle web site for a complete list of all accepted items.

July 17: Recycling event

July 21: Public speaker

In 1984, Darryl Burton was wrongly convicted of a murder in St. Louis. He was proven innocent and exonerated after serving over 24 years in prison. Darryl travels the globe to share his story and powerful message of hope and forgiveness and will be speaking at SunRise Church (7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd. in O’Fallon) at 7 p.m. This is a free event but RSVP’s are required at sunrisefamily.org/life.

July 31: Outdoor concert and food truck festival

The Hulapoppers Outdoor Concert and Food Truck Festival takes place from 5 – 8 p.m. at SunRise Church at 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd in O’Fallon. Free admission, food trucks cost extra.

August 14: Breakfast event

The Red Hat Society’s Eastern Missouri Queen’s Council will host a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” event. There will be a formal coronation for all new RHS Standing Proud Queens and will be held at Marriott St Louis Airport at 10700 Pear Tree Lane between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information please contact Council Queen 314-496-6625 or email ladiesinred6309532gmail.com.

Sept. 11: Fundraiser

Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, will host Feast for Change at 5:30 p.m. The

fundraiser, which commemorates OFS’s 40th anniversary, will be held at Kuhs Estate & Farm located at 13080 Spanish Pond Rd. in Spanish Lake. The farm-to-fork experience includes fresh, locally sourced food, fine wine, and a live auction. Proceeds from the evening benefit OFS’s services that focus on finding solutions in response to the region’s food systems challenges. Tickets are $150 per person and $1,500 for a table of 10. For ticket details or to become a sponsor, call 314726-5355.

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

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

Mondays: TOPS meeting

Come, join and take off those extra pounds. T.O.P.S.=Take Off Pounds Sensibly has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) 9135 Shelley Avenue, Overland, MO 63114. (Entrance is in the back on East Milton). TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight. You may visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314-540-5223.

Mondays: practice

Choral Arts Singers

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. 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.

(without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting

If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cordially invited to a meeting of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Association. Meetings take place at the VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant on the second Monday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132. For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food Pantry Clients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are available. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@caastlc.org for additional information.

Tuesdays: Bingo

Florissant Elks Bingo takes place at 16400 New Halls Ferry every Tuesday. Doors open at 4 p.m., bingo starts at 6 p.m. No outside food or drinks allowed per St. Louis County. Food and drinks available for purchase. Maximum 150 players. Must wear mask to enter. Social distancing followed.

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

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

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

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

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

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.

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.

Mondays: A cappella singers

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

Mondays: Workshop meetings

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

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 314660-1813.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Life Care Center of Bridgeton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, welcome all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. Please RVSP at 314-298-7444 with the month you will attend and number of people attending.

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant. For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314-9943300. 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: Quilting guild

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

Thursdays: checks

Blood

pressure

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

chorus

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

Fridays: Fish fry

A fish fry takes place every Friday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.

Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo 6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314-831-3752.

Saturdays: Yoga

Yoga returns to Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30. Masks and social distancing are required in the building and participants should bring hand sanitizer with them. For further information call Angela at 314-801-8594.

Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting

Everyone is welcome to attend Toastmasters Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Normandy United Methodist Church at 8001 Natural Bridge Road (across from UMSL). For more info call 314-402-7025.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 23, 2021 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 314521-5694 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 314-6302671 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:

Christian Center:

Hospital

Recovery

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314953-8100.

Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314-653-5032 Nicotine Anonymous

Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit www.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.

Look Good…Feel Better

SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive. Radiation OncologyBridgeton. Attend a great makeup session sponsored by the American Cancer Society. A licensed cosmetologist teaches a session of scarf tying, shows a parade of hats, and provides each participant with a makeup kit. Light refreshments are served. Info: 314-344-6090.

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

A fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. A Silver Sneakers membership includes access to the city’s Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and circuit training. Membership is available at little or no cost through your health plan. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 314-738-2599.

Smoking Cessation Classes:

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

SSM DePaul Wellness Center:

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

Free Mammogram Screenings:

SSM Health Care free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments at 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis, 636947-5617

Speaker’s Bureau:

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

Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314-653-5123.

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS

Nutrition Education:

Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

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

6:30 - 8pm, 7401 Delmar Ave. in University City, 314-993-5421.

First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Surviv-

What’s Happening

ors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

12:30 - 2 p.m., 320 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314-968-3477.

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

Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group:

Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, 10:30am 314383-4765

Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

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

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group

H.W. Koenig Medical Building at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 3 - 4:30pm, free, 636-755-3034

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

Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. Information: metrostlouissia@gmail.com.

Wednesdays: New Choices NarAnon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church

12075 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.Nar-Anon.org

Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group

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

Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/ for people with pulmonary disease

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

SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West Auxiliary

Non profit organization assisting the hosp. by holding fund raisering activities, being of service to patients, families, employees & physicians and acting as good will ambassadors to community. We welcome new member. Call Barb Hutchinson 636-9475466.

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

If you would like to become a member please call 636-916-9664.

Gateway to Hope Program

The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/ breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured and reside in MO. Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treatment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed w/breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314569-1113 or www.gthstl.org.

Every Wednesday Take Pounds Sensibly Group

Off

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 414 S. Church St., St. Peters. Weigh-ins at 8:30 a.m. Business mtg at 10 a.m. Call 636.397.1727 or 636-272-4995 for more info.

Every Tues. 6:30–8 p.m. Chemical Dependency Mtg.

Graham Medical Center, 1150 Graham Rd. Suite 104, 11am - 12pm, $30, 314953-6090

Christian Hospital. 314-839-3171.

Wednesdays: STEPS Schizo-phrenia Support Group

Take Off Pounds Sensibly. John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., Florissant. 314-921-7582.

Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program

Every Tues.: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free Pilates Class for Cancer Patients & Families

6:30-7:30pm, 314-839-3171.

SSM DePaul Health Center. This program uses advanced (CT) imaging to scan the arteries around the heart and measure or score the amount of calcium present in the plaque deposits. SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Every Tues.: 9–10:30 a.m. TOPS Meetings

Bring own mat. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636-9219920. CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports

June 23, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B... Ambush are one player shorter The St. Louis Ambush is a professional soccer team that plays in the MASL east division with home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. One of the original members of the St. Louis Ambush is moving on. Corey Adamson, who made the team in the club’s first open

tryouts in 2013, has accepted a position with another team. Adamson is a veteran of nine professional arena soccer seasons. After breaking in with the Las Vegas Legends in 2012, he then journeyed to St. Charles for open tryouts with the Ambush in the summer of 2013, and was one of the first players to be offered a contract. Corey made his mark on St. Louis early, scoring the first goal in franchise history, then jumping into the stands to celebrate with the fans, in a 17-4 win over the Pennsylvania Roar on Nov. 22, 2013 at the Family Arena. Ambush co-owner and GM Jeff Locker said, “Corey Adamson is one of those players who is important to the franchise both on and off the field. His combination of enthusiasm, experience, intensity and talent should serve him well as he takes the next step in his soccer career.” *Thanks for the memories

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

OR READ US ONLINE AT MYCNEWS.COM

Professional soccer team to have tryouts Here is an opportunity to be part of an exciting sport and play in one of the nicest arenas in the area in front of all your family and friends. The St. Louis Ambush will hold Open Tryouts for the upcoming 2021-2022 MASL soccer season. The dates will be Aug. 7 and Aug. 8. The location will be the Vetta St Charles facility at 1425 St. Peters Cottleville Rd. in Cottleville. Ambush owners, coaches, and staff will be present for the tryouts both days. For more information go to www. STLAmbush.com *Kickin’ good time MASL get new leadership After a nationwide search and thorough vetting process the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) has selected JP Dellacamera, Shep Messing and Keith Tozer to lead

the league moving forward. A former MISL player and coach, Tozer will serve as MASL Commissioner. Former NY Arrows goalkeeper Messing will become the league’s first Chairman, and Dellacamera, once the TV voice for the original MISL, will become the league’s president of communications/ media. *Fresh ideas Baseball Hoots lead the pack The O’Fallon Hoots are members of the Prospect Baseball League, playing in the West-Prairie Land division and began play in O’Fallon at their home field CarShield in May 2020 after relocating from Hannibal following the 2019 season. The team has taken sole possession of first place in the league as they approach the halfway part of the season. The O’Fallon club has been victorious in eight out of 10 games to hold onto a slight lead at this writing. Nick Hofmann continues to rip the ball as he leads the team in hitting with a .350 average after 16 games and Elias Stevens is right behind him batting at .344. On the mound, the right-handed Masen Palmie continues to be perfect this season with four wins in four attempts. Go to www.OfallonHoots.com for more information. *Fun and exciting times in O’Fallon

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 • June 23, 2021

Recipe:

Corn Muffin Hot Dog Sliders Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6 (2 sliders per serving)

• Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly coat 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. • In large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking soda and salt. In separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, butter, sugar and eggs. Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir until moist. • Scoop batter into each muffin tin cup until halfway full. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

F-1

– SUDOKU –

A summer meal solution

Directions:

Feature

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1/3 cup sugar 2 large eggs 6 hot dogs, cut into coins or sliced on bias, 1/2-inch thick 1 cup baby arugula mustard, for garnish (optional) ketchup, for garnish (optional) relish, for garnish (optional)

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.

• Remove pan from oven and cool on wire rack 10-15 minutes before removing muffins from pan. • In large skillet over medium heat, cook hotdog slices, turning occasionally with fork until slightly browned. • Slice each muffin in half horizontally, add arugula and hot dog slices then garnish with mustard, ketchup and relish, if desired. Substitution: Use store-bought corn muffin mix rather than making corn muffins from scratch, if desired.

For more recipe ideas, visit ColemanNatural.com/Recipes

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘In the Heights’ has lots of heart

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.

Despite social media backlash, “In the Heights” finally is in theaters, making it one of the first big tentpole releases of the summer. The story is set in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in Manhattan that over the decades welcomed immigrants from Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The action takes place over a three-day period between July 3 and July 5 during an unspecified year as the characters struggle with choices. Anthony Ramos stars as Usnavi de la Vega, a young Washington Heights resident who runs a bodega (grocery store) and has some big dreams. Navi, whose name also has a unique origin, plans to restore his father’s beloved bar despite the damage to its structure. While making plans to leave the Heights, he meets Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), an ambitious fashion designer who wants to move downtown. Car service owner Kevin Rosario (Jimmy Smits) invests all his dreams and money in his daughter Nina (Leslie Grace), who is going to Stanford. Nina returns home for summer break with doubts about ever returning to school, however. Benny (Corey Hawkins), Kevin’s dispatcher, has feelings

without mercy for hesitating to ask Vanessa out. Actress Leslie Grace really shows the emotional battles inside Nina throughout the film. Her father has already given up so much to send her to school and she doesn’t want him to sacrifice anything else. Benny has strong feelings for Nina, and she reciprocates them, but going back to Stanford means she won’t be back in the Heights for a while. Though the time period is ambiguous, “In the Heights” offers clues in the form of products such as cell“In the Heights” photo courtesy Warner Brothers. phones and Beats headphones. The biggest clue is young Sonny, who for Nina, but he isn’t sure what’s going on in remains in the United States under DACA her life. Usnavi’s cousin Sonny works hard (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), for him, but Navi learns that he is an undoca policy announced by President Barack umented resident of the United States. Obama in 2012. Sonny has been an indusThough some question the hiring of ditrious young man and a good friend, but rector Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians”), he without enough money or help, he could beautifully adapts the Broadway sensation face deportation. created by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“HamDirector Chu captures the energy and love ilton”). The result is an energetic summer of the story in his beautiful adaptation of musical with lots of heart and soul. As boLin-Manuel Miranda’s work. It’s what sumdega owner Usnavi, Anthony Ramos serves mer musicals really need to be. as the tour guide for the audience in his “In the Heights,” rated PG-13, is currently Manhattan surroundings. Usnavi also is a hopeless romantic and his friends tease him playing in theaters.

F-2

Feature

June 23, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

ACTIVE BUYER

HELP WANTED

RECORDS WANTED Cash paid for 78, 33 & 45 RPM records

House calls made Call Bob 636-296-5240

COLLECTIBLES

HELP WANTED www.marygrovechildren.org

www.dawcstl.com SINGERS WANTED

Let help advertise your sale! Call Brooke at 636-379-1775

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. 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. C.M.F.

REAL -E

NOVENA

ATE SP ST

IAL EC

Do you have lots of unwanted “Stuff?”

per run

2x2 c w/color Call Brooke 636-379-1775

www.mycnews.com • Community News • June 23, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS

www.treesbywoody.net

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June 23, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: The 4th of July

‘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.

Moore on Life Anyone else getting annoyed by store cashiers trying to take your money? Here’s what I mean: The other day I picked up my pizza in my car using my gas and my time and leg muscles. I tried to pay my bill, but the credit card machine suddenly froze up. The words, “Would you like to leave a tip?” appeared. I tried to skip past it, but it wouldn’t let me without a response. Awkward. “So,” asked the 16-year old cashier with various piercings in painful facial areas, “are you gonna leave a tip?” The entire pizza-baking staff behind her stopped all production and stared at me blankly. “Well, I hadn’t thought about it because nothing tip-worthy has occurred yet. For instance, normally I would tip for doorstep delivery, but since…” She opened the pizza box and jabbed her finger into the middle of it then slammed the cover shut and turned it upside down, which ensured the cheese would stick to the lid. I tossed her a dollar to stop any further destruction and ran out. Later I picked up a few things at an outlet store. My purchase came to $9.92. I was asked, “Would you like to round that up to an even ten dollars?” “Oh…I’ve never been asked that before. Why would I do that?” “Seriously, because it’s only like twenty cents. What can you buy with twenty cents?” “Actually, it’s only eight cents.” “Are you sure? She punched some numbers into a calculator. That’s even worse! What a cheapskate. I’ll bet you’re the type that doesn’t tip for pizza.” That had me flustered; I needed a stiff drink. Afterwards, I pulled into a drive-in and ordered a fully caffeinated beverage priced at $1.06. I gave the cashier a dollar and ten cents. “Would you like your pennies back?” “Ummm, yes I would actually.”

By Cindy Moore

SHORTCHANGED “Huh? Are you crazy? What can you do with pennies?” That was it! “For one thing, if you keep enough of thousands of people’s pennies it will add up to hundreds of dollars and that’s stealing. And for another thing, the next time I go to a store and use my pennies for correct change I won’t be hassled by snarky clerks about keeping my own money!” “Whatever,” he said. “Oh, would you like to donate to our charity today? We’re funding important math skill courses for cashiers.” “I’m going to pass on that. But you still owe me money.” He handed me a quarter. “Never mind. Keep the change and enroll in that class stat!” 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. Steps to the river, in India 5. Hot springs resort 8. Meal in a shell 12. Driver’s misbehavior? 13. *Grilling technique 14. Medal of Honor descriptor 15. Cracked open 16. What Knave of Hearts stole from Queen of Hearts, sing. 17. Raise one’s rank 18. *July 4th pyrotechnic display 20. Hubble Space Telescope operator, acr. 21. Chip dip 22. i topper 23. *Main Street tradition on the 4th 26. Superlative of fumy 30. Ribonucleic acid 31. Store as fodder 34. Moonfish 35. Rose oil 37. Number cruncher 38. Fairytale garden dweller 39. Indian Lilac tree 40. Extinct type of zebra 42. Steampunk decoration 43. Did 2 + 2 (2 words) 45. Crocheted blanket 47. Swedish shag rug

48. Ancient port city in Israel 50. Smiley face 52. *First President to hold July 4th celebration at the White House 56. Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and ____” 57. Medicinal succulent 58. Hit the bottle 59. Earthenware pots 60. View from a highspeed train? 61. Observer 62. “Glengarry ____ Ross” 63. G, in solfa 64. “The Fountainhead” author DOWN 1. Former tennis pro Steffi 2. One who’s made the pilgrimage to Mecca 3. Petri dish filler 4. Mother of Calcutta 5. Roebuck’s partner 6. a.k.a. anorak 7. A in B.A. 8. *”No ____ without representation” 9. Unfortunately, exclamation 10. *Drink to wash down burgers and hot dogs? 11. Table scrap 13. Steal, past participle

14. What haters spew? 19. Crane or heron 22. Expecting woman’s date 23. Life force in Sanskrit 24. Chipped in 25. What Motion Picture Association of America did 26. *Most popular July 4th decoration 27. Notable period 28. Polynesian island country 29. Feudal lord 32. Fish a.k.a. porgy 33. Beer acronym 36. *Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to Be an ____” 38. Blooper 40. Sine ____ non 41. Old-timer 44. Force units 46. Wedding tossable 48. Jiggly dessert 49. Run _____ of the law 50. Type of sea bird 51. Agitate 52. Kickboxing moves 53. Miso bean 54. U.S. ____ in golf or tennis 55. Egghead 56. Leisurely run 58. Morning condensation SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9