CNSTC: June 21, 2023

A STEM project homerun

Duchesne High School student designs prosthetic batting glove to help people with hand disabilities play baseball

By Olivia Holler

A Duchesne High School student took a STEM project to a whole new level.

Sophomore Logan Murrish designed a mechanical prosthetic batting glove to help hand amputees or individuals missing a hand due to congenital anomaly to participate more fully in playing baseball.

According to Eric Seiffert, Marketing Director for Duchesne High School, the purpose of the project was to try to come up with something that would benefit someone in the community with the knowledge from their STEM class.

The prosthetic batting glove consists of human-like fingers driven by a small motor. It also has a flex sensor.

Murrish plays for a local baseball team in town, with his passion and love for baseball and STEM, he designed a prosthetic batting glove. Almost all of the pieces were designed and 3D printed by Murrish.

This annual STEM Scholars program assignment asks students to use STEM to help better the lives of others.

“Logan’s final project represents the best of what Duchesne and the STEM Scholars program stands for — experimentation, design, creativity, and service to others,” said Duchesne STEM

teacher Glennis Ziegler.

After completing the project, Murrish did test it out on himself and it was strong enough to hold a bat and accomplish the task at hand. While completing this proj-

ect, it made him consider the possibility of engineering as a career in the future.

“It’s a choice to make a little down the road,” he said. “But this project has made me consider studying engineering over business.”

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

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

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Lindenwood track athlete overcomes cancer diagnosis and returns to competition. Pg. 4

Grant helps LCCOA keep feeding seniors. Pg. 3

Photos courtesy Duchesne High School Duchesne High School Sophomore Logan Murrish designed a mechanical prosthetic batting glove to help hand amputees or individuals missing a hand due to congenital anomaly to participate more fully in playing baseball.

WIC available to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at the Lake Saint Louis Farmers Market

A new program introduced by Missouri’s Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) enables participants to obtain vouchers exchangeable for fresh produce at the Lake Saint Louis Farmers Market and other select locations around the state now through Oct. 31. The benefits are available electronically this year through the app “Homegrown Benefits for eFMNP.”

“Taking advantage of the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program allows our families the opportunity to obtain flavorful and nutritious produce that was picked straight from the tree, vine or soil just days ago,” says St. Charles County WIC Program Coordinator Megan Hickey. “Since these products are at their peak when picked by local farmers, they’ll be high in many important nutrients that improve health and development for mothers and children, and they’ll typically be available at a lower cost than fruits or vegetables shipped to our community from around the nation and the globe.”

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers $20 per year for every WIC participant (including women and children ages four months-five years). This means a mother and her two children (ages two and four) could receive $60 in produce through the program. Eligible foods include fresh, un-

processed

herbs.

fruits and vegetables and fresh cut

How to participate

To participate in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, a family must be enrolled in the WIC program. St. Charles County’s WIC services are open to pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and infants and children up to age five who meet program eligibility. St. Charles County’s WIC office is located at 1650 Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles. For information on WIC eligibility or registration, please visit sccmo.org/WIC or call 636-949-7402.

Why choose fruits and vegetables?

Because of their many benefits, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends

Wentzville School District names new principals

The Wentzville School District Board of Education approved the hiring of Alicia Hooton as principal of Duello Elementary and the hiring of Jordan Steffen as an assistant principal of Timberland High School, both effective July 1.

Hooton has served as the assistant principal of Duello Elementary for four years. Prior to joining the WSD, she spent 17 years in the Fort Zumwalt School District – 12 years as a classroom teacher, two years as an administrative intern (assistant principal), and three years as head principal.

“As a leader, the vision and mission we create for our school family help serve our ultimate purpose, to create productive citizens within our own community that will continue to serve future generations,” she said.

Hooton is expected to complete her doctoral degree in education with an emphasis on leadership and teaching and learning from Missouri Baptist University in May. She also holds an educational spe-

cialist degree from Missouri Baptist University, a master of art in education and a master of art in administration from Lindenwood University, and a bachelor of arts in elementary education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Steffen currently serves as a Spanish teacher at Timberland High School, where he is a member of the superintendent faculty advisory committee, the THS scheduling committee, and the National Honor Society faculty council. He also taught in the Francis Howell School District, at St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, and at Duchesne High School.

“I am very excited and honored to join the team of educators and leaders at Timberland High School,” he said. “I look forward to serving the students, faculty, staff, and the Wentzville community in this new role. Being part of such a rich tradition is a responsibility that I fully embrace and hope to expand on as I move into the role of assistant principal here at Timberland.”

Americans fill at least half their plates with fruits and vegetables and offers a guide for peak times for selecting produce. Studies show that a diet high in fresh produce is associated with a decreased risk for heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers. In addition to adding flavor, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources for important nutrients like potassium, vitamins A and C, folate, and fiber. Here is a sampling of the benefits gained from a diet that includes colorful produce:

• Red fruits and vegetables (such as watermelon, apples, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, and beets): Promote heart health, improve memory, and reduce certain cancer risks.

• Orange fruits and vegetables (such as cantaloupe, mangos, carrots, and sweet potatoes): Improve eyesight, lower cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure.

• Blue and purple fruits and vegetables (such as blueberries, prunes, and eggplant): Boost the immune system, reduce cancer risks, and aid in digestion.

• Green fruits and vegetables (such as melons, grapes, avocado, spinach, broccoli, and peas): Lower blood pressure, reduce cancer risks, strengthen bones, and aid vision.

He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northwest Missouri State University and a specialist degree

in the superintendency from Northwest Missouri State University.

Photos courtesy Wentzville School District

Photo courtesy Bigstock

Grant helps LCCOA keep feeding seniors

When the COVID-19 pandemic halted many services, the Lincoln County Council on Aging (LCCOA) was the only “meals on wheels” program to continue home delivery.

“We never stopped a single day,” said Lindsey Kelley, LCCOA fundraising and growth coordinator.

The need never stops. LCCOA continues to see an increase in its services as it provides around 350 meals every weekday, at the organization’s facility in Troy or delivered to homebound seniors by volunteers.

To help replace aging equipment, LCCOA was awarded a $6,000 Operation Round Up grant to help purchase a new freezer.

Besides lunches, LCCOA holds a variety of daily and weekly activities for seniors, including exercise classes, bingo, card games and day trips. Veterans Coffee Talk also meets every Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Troy center, located at 1380 Boone St.

To learn more or to make a donation, call 636-5287000 or visit lccoaonline.org. Operation Round Up

funds are donated by Cuivre River Electric members who participate in the program by rounding up their electric bill payments each month to the next highest dollar. The funds, administered by a seven-member volunteer board, are available to help individuals, families and organizations.

New administrators named in Fort Zumwalt School District

Dr. Danielle Todd will take over as the Fort Zumwalt School District Executive Director of Early Learning effective July 1. In this position she will oversee the district’s Early Childhood Center, which is home to all Pre-K programs, including pre-school, Early Childhood Special Education and Parents as Teachers.

Jessica Hanks will join Fort Zumwalt School District as the Principal at Emge Elementary.

Todd comes to Fort Zumwalt from the Wentzville School District, where she has been the principal at Duello Elementary for the past four years where she also has worked as an assistant principal and as a kindergarten teacher. Her background in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education has roots in her work at United Services.

“My goal is to start forming relationships right away. Positive student relationships are fundamental to success,” Todd says. “When our students feel supported, they’re more engaged in learning. My goal is for every child to feel safe, loved, and valued within our programs.”

The Early Childhood Center serves more than 650 students ages three, four and five years old with programs rooted in learning through play. An emphasis is placed on learning to work together and solve problems together as students prepare for kindergarten and beyond.

“I am most looking forward to joining and becoming part of a collaborative, team-focused culture, that provides opportunities for our youngest learners and families,” Todd says. “In this position, I will focus on serving the needs of all of Fort Zumwalt’s youngest learners and setting them up for a successful transition to elementary school.”

Todd replaces Dr. Sharon Ellerbrook, who served seven years as the Executive Director of Early Learning. Ellerbrook is the founding principal of Fort Zumwalt’s Early Childhood Center, whose motto is “where children learn through play

When she is not at school, Todd is busy with her

young family and two dogs, but still finds time to travel and read, often about the power of play.

Hanks, who comes to Fort Zumwalt from the Wentzville School District, has had the chance to meet with staff and is looking forward to getting to know them, their students, and the Emge community better.

“My biggest goal is to begin building positive relationships with students, staff and community members,” she says. “I am eager to learn more about Emge, their traditions and how I can best support them through this transition.”

Hanks has served as the building principal at Wentzville Heritage Intermediate for the past year. Before that, she served as an assistant principal for two years and taught fifth grade for nine years. She is excited about joining Fort Zumwalt and, more specifically, Emge.

“I am extremely honored and excited to join the Fort Zumwalt School District and to begin this new role at Emge Elementary,” she says. “I am eager to meet the students, staff and community members and to begin forming partnerships that center on building a positive school climate and academic excellence and maximizing the potential of every student.”

When she’s not at school, Hanks spends as much time outdoors as she can with her family.

Photos courtesy Fort Zumwalt School District

(Left) Dr. Danielle Todd will take over as the Fort Zumwalt School District Executive Director of Early Learning effective July 1. (Right) Jessica Hanks will join Fort Zumwalt School District as the Principal at Emge Elementary.

Submitted photo

Lincoln County Council on Aging (LCCOA) was recently awarded a $6,000 Operation Round Up grant to purchase a new freezer for the facility. Pictured (from left) are LCCOA employees Kelly Hardcastle, Janet Carver and Lindsey Kelley.

Around Town

Beating the odds

- By Brett Auten

Lindenwood track athlete from Troy overcomes thyroid cancer diagnosis and returns to competition

With her infectious laugh and unbreakable spirit, it's impossible not to be a fan of Ashley Shoemake. Even if you didn't know all that she has been through.

It was around a year ago, and something just didn't feel right.

Shoemake was then a sophomore at Lindenwood University thanks in part to a successful throwing career in track and field as a high school student at Troy Buchanan. She was competing in a big meet for the Lions, but her throws were coming up short. Though she still managed a first-place finish, later that night, cold chills, sore throat and a thumping migraine took over. Things continued to slowly worsen over the summer. In late June, she had a sore throat, enlarged tonsils, and a lymph node on the left side that was protruding. Two day later, she woke up with her face swollen and eye nearly shut. Her lymph node was protruding even more and her swollen tonsils were making it difficult to breathe.

“A tumor that was 1.7 centimeters in diameter was found,” she said. “Later, my thyroid was examined with an ultrasound on my lower neck. A second tumor was discovered by the ultrasound technician. It was four centimeters. But, the first initial tumor that was found had doubled in size in nearly a month. Things were becoming more frightening, but being positive was critical.”

In September of last year, a fine needle aspirate (biopsy with needles to the neck) was performed on her thyroid.

“It wasn't numb, and instead of five needles, they tapped eight into my lower neck,” she said. “Extremely disturbing, unpleasant, and intense.”

The results came back soon after; “Suspicious for papillary thyroid cancer.”

Shoemake and her family went to the Pratt Cancer Center, where they were informed that she had papillary thyroid cancer.

“It was the one day I didn't cry or become emotional, which may seem odd, but it was because I had months to think about (it),” Shoemake said. “Once I finally heard those words, I was ready to take it on, I asked a lot of questions and got my booklets. The most alarming response I received was that this cancer has been progressing for nearly four years.”

In October, 2022, she had her first surgery and although the thyroidectomy was effective in removing the majority of the thyroid, there were still some tissues left over, which is typical. But, because of her age, the physicians decided to undergo more therapy. The panel of specialists determined that radiation would be the best choice for killing out the residual tissues and ensuring it wouldn't return.

“Finding out that the culprit that had been tormenting my body and mind for four years was cancer didn’t hurt me as badly,” Shoemake said. “Of course, I was shocked. I was enraged, saddened, and anxious. But I reminded myself that's what every athlete goes through, maybe not to that extreme, but everyone's experience is unique, and mine won't end here. I wasn't going to let myself abandon all of my hard work over the last four-to-eight years.”

Even though she knew she had tumors when she started her junior year of college, she wasn't going to let up. She still conditioned, trained, threw, lifted, and gave her body everything it had because, in February 2023 she competed in her first Ohio Valley Conference meet. She started 10th, but three personal-record throws put her in seventh and garnered two points for the Lions.

“I was still fulfilling my ambitions less than three months after radiation therapy,” she said. “It was my favorite athletic meet of my career. I'm eager for

more. My objective is to establish a new season best, personal best, and move up to Lindenwood's third highest women's Hammer thrower.”

The Lions competed in the Music City Challenge in Nashville, Tennessee on April 28-29 before ending the year at the OVC Championships on May 11-13 in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Even though she’s been officially cancer-free since November of 2022, Shoemake's long-term objective is to continue spreading awareness among young adults, athletes, families, and others battling with mental, emotional, and physical health by being an advocate and sharing her story.

“I am no longer the same woman I once was, nor am I the same athlete I once was.” she said. “I hope that my experience inspires people to see the bright side of their circumstances and to keep working toward their ambitions.”

Photos courtesy Don Adams Jr. Lindenwood University junior Ashley Shoemake, of Troy, is putting the finishing touches on her spring season as a thrower for the women's track and field team all despite having her thyroid removed due to cancer.

EVENTS

June 21: Senior seminar

The Truth About Trusts, Wills & Probate takes place 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Library in St Peters, Room A. Learn from panelists how to create a plan that gives you and your family the comfort, clarity, and confidence to know your instructions are known and your wishes will be followed. Please register online or by phone: www.seniorsempowermenttruthseries.com or 636-336-6819.

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: 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: 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.

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: Parent support group

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: 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 314581-0497 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.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice 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. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636219-0553

Mondays: Measurement Mondays: 10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement

Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636-3792505.

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 314-954-3364 for info.

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

Candlelighters Women in Recovery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb pre-School, turn left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.

Tuesdays: Seniors luncheon

On the third Tuesday every month a luncheon for seniors takes place from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. For more information call 636-561-8951. Free bingo and cards are available.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant. For more information contact Jack Ross at 314287-0569 or jack-ross@att.net.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win priz-

es and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Tuesdays: Diabetes support group

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-625-5447.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers

dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Tuesdays: Mended Hearts

This heart patient support group provides hospital visitation support for people with any type of heart issues. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Spencer Road St. Charles Library, at the corner of Boone Hills Dr. and Spencer Rd. For additional information please call 636-639-0875.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

two-hit games, Long registered a triple as well.

• Besides Meyer, Tyson Ludwig and Nick Harms also knocked in RBIs.

Ambush, MASL players compete in high stakes national tourney

The St. Louis Ambush play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles and play in the MASL.

Several members of the Ambush recently competed in a $1 million, winner-take-all, 7v7 national soccer tournament with three Ambush players taking home their share of the prize as the tournament champions. The Soccer Tournament (TST) was held recently at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina and televised by NBC Sports.

Thirty-two teams participated in the tournament, which featured players from around the world. Sixty-eight players from the Major Arena Soccer League were among those competing. Prominent MASL players like Ian Bennett and Nick Perrera were among the league’s stars who participated. Ambush players Paulo Nasicmento, William Eskay and Marcel Berry played for the tournament winner, Newtown Pride FC. Ambush player Robert Kristo also participated in the tourney as a member of the Raleigh Rebels, a team that reached the quarterfinals.

*Congrats

Hoots kick off road trip with win

The O’Fallon Hoots play their home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon and play in the Prospect League.

The Hoots (3-7) kicked off their road trip with a visit to the Jackson Rockabillys (4-6) on Sunday night. Thanks to both strong offense and defense, the Hoots proved victorious, defeating Jackson 7-2.

Several highlights:

• Owen Schexnaydre led the charge on the mound, earning his first win of the season. The LSU-Eunice product pitched 5.2 innings while only allowing two earned runs and racking up seven strikeouts.

• Jack Meyer hit his first homerun of the year, driving in two runs while doing so.

• *Braedon Stoakes and Michael Long both tallied

~~~Great start on the away from the friendly confines of CarShield Field

Lindenwood ends baseball season with a win

Lindenwood University Junior Logan Stevens racked up four hits to help propel the Lindenwood baseball team (13-42, 8-16 OVC) to a victory over the SIUE Cougars (26-27, 9-15 OVC) by a margin of 11-5 on Saturday at Lou Brock Sports Complex in St. Charles.

In addition to his four hits, Stevens had two doubles and three RBI to lead the Lions.

Senior Joe Copeland furnished a standout performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, two walks and three RBI.

Sophomore Dawson Hokuf also contributed for Lindenwood, putting together one hit in five trips to the plate while adding a double and two RBI.

Highlights for the club:

• Copeland and Stevens drove in three runs each for the Lions.

• The Lions out-hit the Cougars at a 12-8 clip,

• Lindenwood went 7-for-16 (.438) with runners in scoring position.

• Lindenwood pitchers limited SIUE to just 2-for15 (.133) with runners in scoring position.

• Lindenwood pitchers faced 44 SIUE hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and 12 fly balls while striking out six.

• The Lions drew seven walks from SIUE pitching.

*Good finish for the Lions

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.

Spotlight on O’Fallon Plaza

Made Today Cafe and Bakery

Made Today Cafe and Bakery is a locally owned and operated breakfast spot and bakery located in O’Fallon, MO. Owner, Jennifer Garner has always been passionate about cooking made-from-scratch foods for her family. In 2015, she made her dreams come true by opening her cafe and cooking for a much larger crowd.

Dining at Made Today Cafe is an experience! Please do not expect a quick in and out meal. All meals are made to order, so please sit back and relax, enjoy a cup of coffee and good company while someone else takes care of the cooking. Gluten free/dairy free available.

Visit our website for full menu and hours. We hope to see you soon.

RECIPE : On-the-go breakfast options

If you’re in need of a quick breakfast, consider starting your day with one of these tasty breakfast ideas. This on-trend Acai Bowl with Whole-Wheat Toast provides a flavorful serving of fresh fruits while Overnight Oats can be made the night before for a grab-and-go solution as you head out the door in the morning.

Overnight

Oats

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup low-fat milk

Acai Bowl with Whole-Wheat Toast

INGREDIENTS:

1 frozen acai smoothie pack (100 milligrams)

1 cup low-fat milk

1 medium frozen banana, sliced

1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries

2 slices whole-wheat bread

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.

fresh blueberries

granola

coconut flakes

DIRECTIONS:

Under warm water, thaw frozen acai smoothie pack about 5 seconds.

In blender, combine acai, milk, banana and mixed berries. Blend until smooth. Toast bread slices to desired doneness.

Pour acai mixture into bowl and garnish with blueberries, granola and coconut flakes before serving. Serve with toast.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

In1998, Peter Weir’s “The Truman Show” debuted in theaters and could be considered a precursor to Reality TV. Jim Carrey played Truman Burbank, the only “true man” in the town of Seahaven. The other residents were actors performing on a movie set. Burbank was trapped much like a goldfish in a bowl while multiple cameras recorded his every move. Some viewers even watched Truman overnight while he was sleeping because it gave them comfort. He was married and did have friends and acquaintances, but these relationships weren’t exactly real. Truman typically hung out and drank beer with his friend Marlon (Louis Coltrane), but he, like everyone else, was just an actor playing a role.

After “Dumb and Dumber” and “Batman Forever,” Jim Carrey showed what he could do with a more dramatic role.

“The Truman Show” arrived in theaters years before social media, the Internet and Facebook became strong influences on people. In the false reality of Seahaven, Burbank appeared to be fairly well-adjusted until stage equipment unintentionally fell from the sky. He also learned that there was more to his life than just selling insurance. When given a choice to stay or leave Seahaven, Truman took his bows and headed out into the world.

Jim Carrey turned in a subtle, complicated performance in “The Truman Show.” After he uncovered the false reality of his life,

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons mixed dried fruit

1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped

1 tablespoon honey

DIRECTIONS:

In bowl or jar, combine oats, milk and vanilla extract. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, stir in dried fruit, walnuts and honey.

Truman played along until he could make his escape from Seahaven. Ron Howard’s 1999 comedy “EDtv” picked up similar themes from “The Truman Show.” Cynthia Reed (Ellen DeGeneres) was a TV producer who wanted to film a normal person’s life 24/7.

Matthew McConaughey played Ed Pekurny, Reed’s choice for her new reality show on the True TV network. His show was titled “Ed TV,” but after it aired, the show moved slowly until things became interesting. Ed’s growing relationship with Shari (Jenna Elfman) had

potential but she didn’t want to be shown live on “Ed TV.”

On May 31, 2000, the American version of “Survivor” debuted on CBS. Jeff Probst hosted the show that gathered real people from different walks of life who would then have the chance to win one million dollars. Players were divided into tribes and had to find food, build a fire and create shelters for the other members of their tribe. They also competed in challenges to win rewards and earn immunity from being voted out of the game. Only one player, however, would go on to become the sole survivor.

The show was not without its problems, though. Survivor Stacey Stillman filed a lawsuit claiming producers persuaded two members of Stillman’s tribe to vote her off instead of popular United States Navy Seal Rudy Boesch. Richard Hatch, the first season winner, was sent to jail for failing to report his “Survivor” winnings to the IRS. While playing the game, Hatch had figured out a way to win in the first season by making alliances with other players. In “Survivor: Island of the Idols,” contestant Dan Spilo had been warned about touching other players and was later removed from the show.

Whether it was the movie set of “The Truman Show” or the challenges of “Survivor,” Reality TV has a way of drawing us in for a closer look.

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.

Reality TV: “The Truman Show,” “EDtv,” “Survivor”

“The Truman Show” photooc ourtesy Paramount Pictures. “Survivor” photo courtesy Mark Burnett Productions.

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NOVENA

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, have mercy on 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. L.M.

SINGERS WANTED

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: TV DADS

‘

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

In case you didn’t know, things have been getting pretty argumentative up in the air. Yes, the friendly skies are not quite so friendly. The latest battle seems to be over whether to recline your seat or not. This is the question.

Now, as a person who has flown some, I have oft thought the bigger question was always: is peanut butter a liquid or solid? TSA believes anything that is not hard as cement qualifies as a liquid, therefore your peanut butter, smooth or chunky, will be confiscated.

Of course, as everyone knows peanut butter has long been used as a weapon of war. Just ask any veteran of the GPPB (Great Peanut Butter Battle of 19-something-or-other). They will tell you horrid stories of peanut combat that will make your milk curdle.

Fun fact: Curdled milk is considered a liquid by the TSA. So don’t try and sneak your cottage cheese onboard. They will seize it along with your whipped honey butter and make a tasty lunch in the employee’s lounge during break.

So, on to the real fight…the battle of the reclining seats.

It is a truth that if I pay on average $260 for a one-way flight within the U.S. and my space in coach is roughly 32 inches from my seat to the seat in front, that I am shelling out $8.125 per inch for that space. (I knew my seventh-grade math skills would come in handy someday!)

Now, if the person in front encroaches on my valuable real estate by reclining, it is only fair to recoup that property by reclining my seat back to regain those losses.

But that still upsets some people. Especially the ones who get their icy beverage shloshed onto their lap by the guy who thrusts their chair into reverse without warning.

Here’s the solution. Flight attendants, after that

By Cindy Moore

Bending over backwards

same old safety spiel which no one’s listening to, announce the exact time to recline.

Attendant: “Attention passengers, because you did not listen to my flight safety speech, today’s pretzel snacks with the expiration date of 2-24-15 will be withheld. Now, you may all recline your seats in 3-2-1-go!”

If this isn’t done, we may be faced with terrible battles in the sky. Hmm, maybe that’s the real reason for seizing our peanut butter. No one wants to relive the GPPB of 19-something-or-other.

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. Necklace lock

6. Blue

9. *Mr. Micelli in "Who's the Boss"

13. "The Tortoise and the Hare," e.g.

14. Beer acronym

15. Check recipient

16. Angler's basket

17. Circle part

18. "Orange" warning

19. *Mr. Keaton in "Family Ties"

21. *Mr. Cunningham in "Happy Days"

23. Dad's offspring

24. "Jack and the Beanstalk" instrument

25. General Post Office

28. Plural of cecum

30. Pompous windbag

35. Not written

37. Scotch ingredient

39. Complain

40. Spanish surrealist Joan

41. Formed #17 Across

43. Press back arrow key

44. Not odds

46. "Musical" constellation

47. Backgammon predecessor

48. Louisiana music genre

50. Aware of

52. Jeans brand

53. In a little while, oldfashioned

55. Old age, old-fashioned

57. *Mr. White "Breaking Bad"

60. *Mr. Stark "Game of Thrones"

63. Ruffle on a blouse

64. Determine the sum

66. Feline sound

68. Bronze, e.g.

69. Chasing game

70. "All joking ____"

71. Big Bang's original matter

72. Compass bearing

73. Type of stocking

DOWN

1. Olden-day aerosol can propellant, acr.

2. Lawrence, for short

3. Aid and ____

4. Like gelled hair

5. Relating to pelvis

6. a.k.a. Xi'an

7. Credit card rate, acr.

8. Putin's country house, e.g.

9. Samoan money

10. Deed hearing

11. Egghead

12. Up to the present time

15. a.k.a. melon tree

20. Organ swelling

22. What organza and forgiveness have in common

24. Calm and peaceful

25. *Mr. Addams "The Addams Family"

26. Outhouse

27. Propelled like Argo

29. *Mr. Winslow in "Family Matters"

31. Give the cold shoulder

32. Twofold

33. *Mr. Johnson in "Blackish"

34. Glittery stone

36. Like certain Ranger

38. Seaside bird

42. Old hat

45. Scatterbrained, in U.K.

49. Top seed

51. Nickname for dad (2 words)

54. Speak like Cicero

56. ____ Buchanan of "The Great Gatsby"

57. China's Great one

58. Often goes with "willing"

59. Rumpelstiltskin's weaver

60. Upper hand

61. Not top-shelf

62. Popular symbol of extinction

63. *Mr. Pritchett in "Modern Family"

65. *Mr. Conner in "Roseanne"

67. Skin cyst

Yeggs’ is a comic series