CNSTC: January 25, 2023

Cottleville

By Brett Auten

Nor too long before its now-familiar sputter of golf carts and restaurants bustling, the city of Cottleville had its salad days.

“It was kind of run down,” Scott Lewis, Cottleville historian, said. “It needed to be cleaned up. It needed redevelopment. It

needed some reason to encourage people to locate here.”

When not the official historian for Cottleville, Lewis has a side gig as sheriff of St. Charles County. He was chief of police for 18 years, beginning in 1997. He was also a city administrator for 15 years. As one of the oldest cities in St. Charles County, Cottleville has been working to preserve

and enhance its historic downtown district which it is becoming noted for. It plans to celebrate the 225th anniversary of its founding throughout 2023, beginning with the selling celebration spirit wear, including shirts and hats that can be found on its website.

Around Town

Ameren Missouri offers tips and deals amid National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. Pg. 3

MDC offers Introduction to Predator Hunting class. Pg. 3

Healthy Living Features

Delta Dental of Missouri awards $730,931 in oral health grants. Pg. 4

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

CLA SSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3

Moore On Life, Lifestyle & Crossword. Pg. F-4

‘COTTLEVILLE’ from cover

If you build it they will come, goes the famous quote from “Field of Dreams” and that proved true here as well. The revitalization can be credited to the city leadership and planners. Cottleville launched a $1.2 million StreetScape project in 2011 to add 120 parking spaces, lighting and sidewalks to the historic downtown area along Highway N. From the years 2015 thru 2019, similar streetscape improvements were made to Fifth Street and Main Street. Additional streetscape improvements are coming to Chestnut Street and the remaining portions of Main Street.

Before there was anything, there was St. Joseph Parish and School. It was established in the mid-1800s by 35 Catholic families living nearby on one acre of land. Now, it has more than 5,000 families and is the largest parish in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

“Back in ‘97 or so, St. Joe’s was all that was here,” Lewis said. “That’s not the case anymore.”

Cottleville has many well-known enterprises.

Mannino’s Market is a familiar, family-owned business that has been passed down through four generations and counting. It was set up here in 1998 and continued its long-history, first established in North St. Louis.

You can hear the hum of good times from Frankie Martin’ Garden from here.

Martin was a fixture of the community, known for his charitable nature and fun personality. He was employed by St. Joseph Church and a frequent customer at local haunts Bemo’s and Jo’s 5th Street Pub.

In March 2020, Martin passed away and was honored with the garden, built on his former home. Today, with a bevy of food trucks and drink options, it has become a place where the whole community can

Give blood and warm hearts in Lake Saint Louis

Donors are needed to warm patient hearts this winter by giving blood to combat challenges like inclement weather, which could impact the blood supply.

The Lake Saint Louis Police Department will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Feb. 9 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Lake Saint Louis Civic Center at 200 Civic Center Drive.

“The Lake Saint Louis Police Department is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations,” said Officer Susie Ochs, Community Resource Officer. “This blood drive is our way of giving the community an opportunity to help save lives.”

Blood is a perishable product that can only

come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross. Each pint of blood collected can help save

come together and celebrate. The city declared June 2, Frankie Martin Day, Chef Carl McConnell and his wife, Nancy put fine dining in Cottleville on the map with the establishment of Stone Soup Cottage took root in 2009, going on to win numerous regional dining awards. In the fall of 2022 Stone Soup Cottage began its transitioning to Le Champ De Fleurs by Stone Soup Cottage. This 33-acre farm will feature acres of seasonal flowers and a respite for culinary health and wellness. A portion of the existing farm will house a non-for-profit agricultural cortex for education and community food outreach.

Plus, St. Charles Community College and Francis Howell Central High School have been institutes for decades.

The Shamrock parade drew people by thousands but eventually the juice turned out not to be worth the squeeze. The event typically brought over 50,000 people to watch 100 floats go by on the mile and a half route. The Cottleville Firefighters Outreach, the organization in charge of the parade, said the revenue generated is unable to support the current costs.

For more information, including upcoming events, visit cityofcottleville.com.

up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more.

As a thank you, all who come to give blood will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email and will automatically be registered to win a trip to Clearwater, Florida.

To make an appointment go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: LSLPD or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1800-733-2767). Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire found at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. Walk-ins are currently being accepted, however, those with appointments have precedent.

Ameren Missouri offers tips and deals amid National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

On National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, Ameren Missouri is reminding its customers that it’s not too early to start saving money in the new year. With a few simple behavior changes, maintenance fixes and technology updates, households can experience a more comfortable living space this winter.

Whether homeowners or renters are interested in making small changes to their routine or looking to invest in a full suite of energy-efficient home products, Ameren Missouri has eight tips to help them get the most bang for their buck this winter:

• Schedule a free in-home assessment. Ameren Missouri customers can take advantage of the Pay As You Save Program (PAYS) which can help them make energy-efficient upgrades to their home. Customers will receive free energy-saving products when they register online for a free in-home assessment.

• Set the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach for a sweater before reaching for the thermostat. By lowering the temperature for at least eight hours in a day, it’s possible to save as much as 10% on heating bills.

• Switch to LED bulbs. ENERGY STAR certified LEDs use up to 70%-90% less energy than standard bulbs, last at least 15 times longer and save about $55 in electricity costs over their lifetime.

• Keep the heated air indoors. Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help your home be more comfortable and energy efficient while providing up to 10% savings on your annual energy bills.

• Lower the water heater temperature. Many manufacturers set their water heater thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but most households are comfortable with 120 degrees. This can save 6% to 10% on water heating costs.

• Replace air filters every three months. Improve air flow while preventing things like dirt, pet dander and pollen from circulating throughout the home. A clogged air filter can cause HVAC systems to use up to 15% more energy.

• Install an advanced power strip. Advanced power strips provide surge protection while intelligently cutting off power to connected devices when they’re not in use. Eliminating standby power from unused devices can save the average household $100 per year.

• Track energy usage online. Ameren Missouri’s new, interactive Energy Manager dashboard makes it easier than ever for customers to see trends in their energy usage and make adjustments to lower their overall energy costs. Customers can even enroll in usage alerts to help them track their costs throughout the month.

“With more people relying on electronics to power work, school and entertainment from home, many families are consuming higher than average amounts of electricity,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri. “Implementing our energy efficiency tips will allow households to significantly lower their energy costs this winter while still maintaining a comfortable home.”

Instant savings can be found at AmerenMissouriSavings.com, which offers sales on smart thermostats, advanced power strips, LED bulbs and more. Customers who own or purchase a qualifying smart thermostat can also earn a $50 sign-up bonus and receive $25 annually for enrolling in Ameren Missouri’s Peak Time Savings Program.

In addition, Ameren Missouri wants to help customers shore up their home for the winter months to save energy and lower costs. Qualifying income-eligible homeowners and renters are eligible to receive assistance in the form of weatherization improvements to their homes, such as caulking, weath-

MDC offers hunters new challenge with Introduction to Predator Hunting class

Among the most challenging and elusive prey a hunter can pursue in nature are animals that are themselves hunters. The intelligence and cunning of these predators are next level when compared to much of the quarry hunters typically chase.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites hunters to expand their game with the “Introduction to Predator Hunting” program Jan. 30 from 5:307:30 p.m. This class is free and open to ages nine and up. It will be held at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance.

“With a lot of other hunting seasons winding down, predator hunting is a great alternative to continue the hunting season,” said MDC Busch Outdoor Education Center Manager Bryant Hertel.

Predator species that are legal to hunt or trap in Missouri include coyotes, foxes, bobcats and mink.

The “Introduction Predator Hunting” class will teach participants skills they will need to hunt and call-in common predators. Students will learn the seasons and regulations to legally pursue these animals as well as techniques used in the field to increase their chances of success.

The class will introduce participants to the appropriate gear they will need, how and where to locate a stand, and what calls to use and how to use them. Hunters will learn safety considerations specific to predator hunting. Busch Range staff will cover a brief discussion covering trapping predators as well.

“Introduction Predator Hunting” is a free program, but advanced

online registration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4fs.

The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D in Defiance, approximately five miles west of Highway 94.

er stripping and more, through local agencies. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance.

www.mycnews.com

Submitted photo

MDC invites hunters to the “Introduction to Predator Hunting” program Monday, Jan. 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. It will be held at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center.

Delta Dental of Missouri awards $730,931 in oral health grants

To help meet the dental health needs of children and adults, Delta Dental of Missouri – the state’s leading dental benefits provider – recently awarded $730,931 in oral health grant funding to 22 organizations in support of oral health initiatives and educational programming in Missouri and in South Carolina, where it also does business. This funding completes the second cycle of the nonprofit company’s annual mission giving efforts. During cycle one earlier this year, Delta Dental of Missouri awarded $481,327 in grants to 16 organizations for a combined total of more than $1.2 million in oral health grants for 2022.

“Many of our neighbors throughout the state face challenges in getting dental care,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “By donating to a variety of organizations that align with our mission to improve oral health, we’re able to help thousands of children and adults get vital dental treatment and services to enhance their overall health and quality of life.”

The oral health grants most recently awarded in Missouri include:

• Vivent Health – AIDS Resource Center (St. Louis) – received $50,000 to provide dental care to people who are uninsured or underinsured and living with HIV.

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (Statewide) – received $50,000 for the Missouri Dental State Loan Repayment Program to address dental provider shortages by encouraging providers to serve in HPSAs in exchange for loan repayment assistance.

• The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital (St. Louis) – received

$40,000 to address the dental needs of patients with transplants or head or neck cancer and the continued specialized management of oral health to support patients’ long-term health.

• Give Kids A Smile (St. Louis) –received $40,000 to provide comprehensive treatment, preventive care and oral health education at no cost for children who are underserved and at risk.

• We Care Mobile Dental Foundation (St. Louis) – received $25,000 to provide care to individuals with low incomes in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and adult daycare centers.

• Rural Parish Clinic (St. Louis) – received $25,000 to expand its program that provides free dental care through a mobile dental unit to individuals who are uninsured and living in poverty in rural areas.

Delta Dental of Missouri also awarded $344,296 in grants to nine organizations in South Carolina.

Delta Dental of Missouri will begin accepting applications for the first grant cycle of its 2023 Oral Health Grant Program in January. 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/oralhealth-grant-program, which includes program guidelines and application instructions. 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 people of Missouri.

Submitted photo

During cycle one earlier this year, Delta Dental of Missouri awarded $481,327 in grants to 16 organizations for a combined total of more than $1.2 million in oral health grants for 2022.

Mondays: Parent support group

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

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

Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org. Take Notice . . .

Choral Arts Singers practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at

Connection ChristianChurch, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New singers (high school and older) are welcome.

Jan.

29: All you can eat breakfast

The Knights of Columbus at St. Robert Bellarmine Church (1424 First Capitol Drive South, St. Charles) welcomes you to their All You Can Eat Breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes: made to order omelets, pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee. Cost for adults is $12, children six to 11 is $6 and children five and under are free. For additional information please call 636-946-6799.

Feb. 4: Quilt social bingo event

Quilt Social Bingo Event takes place at Sts. Joachim and Ann School Cafeteria at 4110 McClay Road in St. Charles. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., games start at 11 a.m. The quilt raffle includes a St. Louis CITY SC handmade quilt. Food and drink available for purchase. Must be aged 16+ to enter. Contact Laura at 314-3697631 or LauraLFree@att.net for more information.

Feb. 4: Trivia night

Mary Martha Thrift Shop

Trivia Night takes place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 7701 Dardenne Town Square Ave. (Highway N) in Dardenne Prairie. Doors open and silent auction at 6 p.m., trivia starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $25/person, table of eight/$160. Beer, soda, water, and popcorn provided. Contact Mary Crook at 314-5049095 or mecrook47@gmail. com for more information.

Feb. 10: Trivia night

Join the Kiwanis Clubs of Cottleville-Weldon Spring and O’Fallon for an evening of trivia and fun to raise funds

that support Youth Leadership Programs in our local schools. Doors open at 6 p.m. at Harvester Lion’s Club at 4835 Central School Road in St. Charles. Cost is $25/person, $200/table. Beer and light snacks provided. Register online at https:// k05443.site.kiwanis.org/trivia-night-2023/. For more information, email kiwanised@ gmail.com or call 636-3573060.

March 11: Trivia night

Saint Charles Daughters of the American Revolution and Fernando de Leyba Sons of the American Revolution are hosting a trivia night at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Parish Center at 221 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event starts at 7 p.m. A table of eight is $160. Contact Jan Radcliff at 314578-4242 or Bernadette Hall at bhall63376@gmail.com to reserve your table or for more information.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

Mondays: Take off Pounds

Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please call Leogene Weber. 636-399-3124.

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@ yahoo.com. BILY is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.

Mondays: Alcoholics Anonymous

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636-970-0013.

Mondays: Kiwanis Club meeting

Cottleville-Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at Bandana’s at 3446 Pheasant Meadows Dr. in O’Fallon. Contact Mary Vaughan at 314-581-0497 or Karen Grant at 773-914-4900 for more information.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting

Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http://www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

CROSSWORD

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

Ambush win an exciting game

The St. Louis Ambush, your professional indoor soccer team, showed last-minute heroics that was on full display at The Family Arena recently when the St. Louis Ambush notched a 5-4 overtime thriller over the Kansas City Comets.

St. Louis struck first in the eighth minute of the contest when Lucas Almeida took a shot that found the foot of Comets defender Ray Lee, who inadvertently tapped it into the goal.

Down 4-1, the first tally of the second half came from the Ambush when Christian Briggs got a low shot by Comets goalkeeper Steven Tekesky in the fifth minute of the third quarter to close the gap to 4-2. St. Louis scored again when Robert Kristo outmaneuvered two Comets defenders then put the ball in the net in the seventh minute. The remainder of the period remained scoreless, giving the visitors a 4-3 lead heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was a scoreless affair until the very last second, when Robert Kristo sent the home crowd into a frenzy when he found the back of the net with .9 on the clock, sending the duel into overtime.

The extra period lasted just over two minutes until Duduca Carvalho put an absolute rocket in the net to secure the 5-4 win for St. Louis.

~~A nail biting evening

UMSL men’s basketball back on track

The No. 16 University of Missouri-St. Louis basketball team snapped its two-game skid with an 80-69 win over Quincy recently at the home arena the Mark Twain Building. The Tritons improve to 15-3, 7-3 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) while the Hawks fall to 11-7, 7-3 GLVC.

UMSL led by as many as four early in the contest

after back-to-back threes from Donovan Vickers and Isaiah Fuller with 12:35 to play in the opening half. The Tritons went cold from the floor as Quincy went on a 22-9 run over a stretch of 10 minutes to take its largest lead of the half at 31-20 after a layup by Isaiah Foster with 2:10 left in the half.

UMSL closed the half on an 8-0 run to cut the Hawk lead to three at the break. Fuller, Bowen Sandquist, Drew Cisse and Matt Enright all scored in that final run of the half.

The Tritons extended that run after the break hitting six of their first nine shots and outscoring the Hawks 15-6 to take a 43-37 lead on a layup by Victor Nwagbaraocha less than four minutes into the half.

Quincy battled back to within 48-47 after a layup by Malik Hardmon but UMSL never relinquished the lead.

The Tritons extended their lead to nine after a fourpoint play from Sandquist with 7:27 remaining in the contest.

The Hawks still refused to quit going on a 10-4 run in the span of four minutes to get within three at 6865 on a conventional three-point play from Jamaurie Coakley. However, UMSL sealed the win with a 12-4 run over the final three-plus minutes for the final margin.

Fuller and Hardmon went back-and-forth all-night but it was Hardmon who finished with a game-high 29 points while Fuller had 24 points.

Joining Fuller in double figures was Sandquist with 18 points. Mayson Quartlebaum added nine points off the bench while Cisse, Enright and Vickers had eight points each.

~~~Start a new streak

Gary Baute, aka Gary B, a St. Louis native, maybe educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan and an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season and broadcasted for several indoor football teams since 1999.

Recipe: Warm up winter with watermelon fun

Ingredients:

Kitchen knives

1 round seedless watermelon

2 personal-sized watermelons, one larger than other ice cream scoop or large spoon melon baller mini melon baller or paring knife blueberries

large wooden skewers y-shaped sticks scarf

Directions:

Using knife, cut 1/4-inch slice off bottom of round seedless watermelon and both personal watermelons to provide stable bases.

Use smallest melon for head, second largest for torso and largest for lower body. Set aside smallest watermelon.

Cut tops off large and medium watermelons to create bowls. Using ice cream scoop or large

spoon, scoop out flesh.

W ATERMELON SNOWMAN

Using melon baller, scoop eyes out of smallest watermelon. Invert melon balls and reinsert.

Using mini melon baller or paring knife, scoop out holes for nose and mouth. Carve one piece of watermelon into triangle for nose and fill mouth holes with blueberries.

On platter, using large wooden skewers, connect all three watermelons.

Insert y-shaped sticks in middle watermelon for arms.

Fill bottom sections with fruit salad of melon balls and blueberries. Decorate with scarf and hat.

Tofindmorefamily-friendlycraftsandsweetsnackideas,visitWatermelon.org.

‘All in the Family’ and its multiple spinoffs

– SUDOKU –

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

After the country humor of “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “Green Acres,” CBS shifted gears in 1971 with the debut of “All in the Family.” Carol O’Connor and Jean Stapleton starred as Archie and Edith Bunker, a blue-collar couple living at 704 Hauser in Queens, New York.

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.

Archie, who worked on a loading dock and later became a foreman, was opinionated to the point of being a bigot. Michael “Mike” Stivic (Rob Reiner), his son-in-law, would frequently argue with Archie on hot topics of the day. The Bunker’s daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) also had strong opinions, especially when Archie criticized her Polish husband.

Some characters that originated on “All in the Family” were given sitcoms of their own. After appearing in two episodes, Bea Arthur’s liberal character, Maude Findlay, got her own self-titled show.

“Maude” ran for six seasons and introduced Florida Evans (Esther Rolle), the housekeeper for Maude’s family in Tuckahoe, New York. Rolle’s performance was so memorable that another spinoff, “Good Times,” was created. For Esther Rolle, though, there were not-sogood times on the new series. She wasn’t happy with aspects of the show, in particular Jim-

mie Walker’s portrayal of J.J. Evans. Though “Maude” was set in New York, “Good Times” took place in Chicago.

With its 253 episodes, “The Jeffersons” became one of the longest-running sitcoms on television. George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford) had lived next door to the Bunkers. Edith and Louise were great friends, but after George’s dry-cleaning business took off, the Jeffersons moved from Queens to a deluxe New York apartment. Florence Johnston (Marla Gibbs) became their maid, which led to arguments between her and George. “The Jeffersons” had one spin-off, “Checking In,” where Florence became an executive housekeeper at a New York hotel, but this series ran for only four episodes.

In 1979, “Archie Bunker’s Place,” a rebooted version of “All in the Family,” debuted. Murray Klein (Martin Balsam), Archie’s Jewish partner, worked in the bar while dealing with the opinionated Archie. The revamped cast

included Danielle Brisebois as Archie’s niece and the wonderful Anne Meara as the bar’s cook. After Edith’s off-screen death, Archie wasn’t sure he was ready to date again, but that was before Katherine (Yvonne Wilder), a woman had previously expressed interest in him, walked back into the bar. “Archie Bunker’s Place” lasted a total of four seasons.

Archie’s daughter Gloria appeared in the final episode of “Archie Bunker’s Place,” which set the stage for “Gloria,” her own 1982 series. After husband Mike left her for someone else, Gloria returned to New York, but she didn’t want to raise her son in the big city. She then became the assistant to two veterinarians, Dr. Willard Adams (Burgess Meredith) and Dr. Maggie Lawrence (Jo de Winter). Counting the final episode of “Archie Bunker’s Place,” “Gloria” ran for 22 episodes, but it was not renewed for a second season.

Archie Bunker’s former home address became the title of another spin-off, “704 Hauser.” John Amos, whose character had been killed off years earlier on “Good Times,” played Ernie Cumberbatch and Lynnie Godfrey played his wife, Rose. Though they were working-class Democrats, their son Goodie (T.E. Russell) was highly conservative. Six episodes of “704 Hauser” were shot, but the final episode never aired.

(Left) ‘All in the Family’ photo courtesy Tandem Productions. (Right) ‘The Jeffersons’ photo courtesy Embassy Television.

It’s happening again, the crazy run on a vital grocery item. Last time it was TP, this time… eggs! The chickens have finally come home to roost and had it up to their tail feathers. They’ve staged a revolt.

For too long we have taken for granted these egg-producing wonders. Now they have formed a hen union and staged an uprising. More feed, better nests and longer bug breaks out on the range, they clucked. The head of the egg conglomerate corporation said, “No deal!”

The hens balked or more accurately, bawked: bawk, bawk, bawk! They took their tasty little drumsticks and egg-producing parts and chicken walked right out of that meeting. And as an act of rebellion, each left a little pile of their disgust atop the CEO’s desk. Fun fact: the mounds may have looked like pieces of chewed up gum, but they definitely were not.

Eggs are now as rare and valuable as double-ply toilet paper once was and these hen ladies know it –they have all the power. Just try and make a batch of brownies without these miraculous white orbs and you’ll get a nice baked slab of shoe leather. Better yet, just try and push out an egg on your own; you’ll wind up with…well, let’s just say if it wasn’t laundry day, it just got moved up.

The other day I went grocery shopping to pick up a few basics: eggs and milk. I strolled over to the egg aisle; the shelves were bare. I soon encountered some sort of skirmish. Two ladies were fighting over the last

Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes. These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.

Luxurious mudrooms in high-end homes can sometimes boast custom cabinetry, full bathrooms, laundry facilities, showers for pets and direct pantry access.

Regardless of whether your mudroom is an actual room or just a small space near the front door to hang bags and jackets, the organizational basics are the same:

Corral clutter: One of the most important items in any mudroom is storage for shoes, pet supplies, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items. If built-in storage isn’t in your budget, put up a sturdy shelving unit with a bin or basket for each family member.

Get hooked: Securely anchor a row of strong hooks

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD: AT THE

carton of eggs.

“Let go! Mine, mine!” They screeched.

While they were preoccupied slapping and pulling each other’s hair, I reached in between and snagged the carton for myself. I peeked inside the dented container: two were missing and three others were cracked enough to see the yolks. In previous times I would have tossed them aside, but today I realized it was nothing a little tape couldn’t fix.

Next, I headed over to the milk aisle. Aww, such a lovely sight to see: fully stocked shelves.

I then offered up a prayer to the grocery gods: Please, for the love of cheese and yogurt, do NOT tell the cows about this chicken revolt!

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.

along the wall for coats, hats, scarves or other seasonal accessories that may otherwise find themselves dropped on the floor upon arriving home.

Mud happens: Mudrooms are meant to handle dirt so nix the carpet and lay down tile or hardwood flooring. Pick a stylish rug to catch dirt in its tracks while also adding a design element to the space.

Shoe space: Place a wooden bench or sturdy coffee table near the door so everyone has a place to sit while removing shoes. Slide a few baskets or bins underneath as an alternate location for storing backpacks and other gear when not in use.

Take command: Create a family command center by adding a small cabinet or desk with a corkboard above. It makes for a perfect spot to stash keys, charge cell phones, open mail, sort school papers and post the family calendar.

Find more organization tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.