CNSTC: September 27, 2023

Charging ahead

Ameren Missouri has stimulated the development of electric vehicle charging station infrastructure with its Charge Ahead program

By Brett Auten

The growth has accelerated. Experts now predict sales of fully electric vehicles in the U.S. will break the 1 million vehicle barrier in 2023 for the first time ever. Those numbers do not even take into account sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which can run on gas or electricity and a battery that can be recharged with either a charging cable or a generator powered by the engine.

Ameren Missouri is trumpeting the success of its Charge Ahead program in the middle of National Drive Electric Week.

In 2023, St. Charles County had 28 total

EV charging ports installed thanks to five different Charge Ahead program participants. Since 2020, St. Charles County had 68 total public charging ports installed thanks to 16 different Charge Ahead program participants. Year over year there has been a 50% increase in electric vehicle registration in the county.

“The electric vehicle driver is unique and you are seeing more and more of them on the road,” Becky Whitman, Business Development Manager of Electric Vehicles & Charging for Ameren Missouri, said. “They do 80% to 90% of their charging at home.”

Experts like Whitman say electric vehicle sales are being propelled by a number of

compounding factors, such as price cuts, a wider variety of available vehicles and more government and manufacturing investments. Installing electric vehicle charging stations at your business can attract new people, generate revenue, promote sustainability and corporate social responsibility as well as future proof your business.

Ameren Missouri’s Charge Ahead program has stimulated the development of electric vehicle charging station infrastructure within its service area. Ameren Missouri is announcing that more than 160 electric vehicle charging ports have been installed across its Missouri service territoSee

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Governor visits Fort Zumwalt. Pg. 4

The connection between AFib and stroke. Pg. 3

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ry so far in 2023 thanks to more than 40 businesses participating in the company’s Charge Ahead program.

“These new stations are beneficial for businesses, too, allowing customers and employees to conveniently charge their vehicles at hotels, grocery stores and many other locations,” Greg Lovett, manager of energy services at Ameren Missouri, said. “We’re eager to continue our partnerships throughout the state to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles.”

The Ameren Charge Ahead program has over $1.5 million in funds still available to incentivize customers who are planning to install EV charging stations at public and multifamily locations.

Amren Missouri has been offering incentives since 2020 to businesses seeking to install EV charging stations at various locations. The incentives include up to 50% of the total project cost, or $5,000 for Level 2 ports and $20,000 for Level 3 ports (also known as DC Fast Chargers). The maximum number of qualifying ports at each premise will vary based upon the business type. Currently, more than 2,000 electric vehicle charging ports can be found throughout Missouri.

“This has been one of the easiest experiences with this kind of project for us,” Heidi Wil-

cox, CEO of First Call Hospitality said. “We were pleased with the outcome at our Hampton Inn location in St. Charles and plan to do more installations at other hotel locations in Missouri.”

In addition to supporting a cleaner environment, these charging stations can bring in additional revenue for businesses or be a complimentary service that could bring in new business, increase customer dwell times or attract new tenants.

National Drive Electric Week is Sept. 22 through Oct. 1. It is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. Earlier this week, Ameren Missouri teamed with the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis to host a Ride and Drive event in the garden’s parking lot. The free event offered educational demonstrations relating to electric vehicles and electric vehicle test drives through a variety of makes/models.

Visit AmerenMissouri.com/EV for more information on how to take advantage of the incentives available to local businesses and to put in an application. Ameren Missouri must pre-approve the projects prior to construction to be eligible. To learn more or attend a free webinar about how EV charging can help your business, visit their webpage.

St. Charles County property owners will save more on flood insurance

Nearly 1,200 St. Charles County property owners will receive an additional 5% discount on their flood insurance premiums, thanks to the county government’s floodplain management and awareness efforts. The added discount, which was announced for property owners insured through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), will take effect Oct. 1.

“The average annual cost for NFIP flood insurance in St. Charles County was $1,142 in 2022. Although the cost is increasing over time, discounts earned by the county are now saving property owners 20% of what they would have been paying,” says Robert Myers, County Planning and Zoning Director.

To achieve the lowest possible cost for NFIP participants, St. Charles County takes steps to reduce flood damage by using federal funds to purchase flood-prone properties and return them to a natural state; adopting a countywide flood emergency response plan and placing requirements on new development to reduce flood damage.

“We make sure any new construction in the floodplain is at least one foot above the base flood elevation,” explains County Floodplain Manager Mark Price. “We also have that requirement to rebuild any structure substantially damaged in a flood, and the county’s stormwater retention ordinances reduce the frequency of rain-based

flash flooding.”

The National Flood Insurance Program recognizes these additional efforts through a rating system that is directly connected to discounted insurance rates. St. Charles County earned an upgraded rating this year, increasing insurance discounts from 15% to 20%. Only one community in Missouri has a better rating than St. Charles County.

The exact savings for each property owner will depend on their local flood risk, type of construction, and contents covered at their property, Price says.

For its floodplain management efforts, St. Charles County received special recognition at the 2023 Missouri Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Conference last month.

Photo courtesy St. Charles County

Structures impacted by 2019 Mississippi River flooding at Church Road and Dwyer Road.

Submitted photo

The Hampton Inn in St. Charles is one of the Missouri businesses that has installed more than 160 new electric vehicle charging stations in 2023.

‘CHARGING’

Making the connection between AFib and stroke

For many people, the heart naturally contracts and relaxes to a regular beat. However, those living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) experience a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to further health issues including stroke, heart attack, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.

In fact, people with AFib are up to five times more likely to have a stroke, yet many people are unaware that AFib is a serious condition. Managing your AFib is important to reducing your stroke risk.

Consider this important information from the American Heart Association’s Getting to the Heart of Stroke, an initiative sponsored nationally by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, to understand if you may be at higher risk of a stroke.

Symptoms

While some people with AFib don’t have symptoms, those who do may experience a racing heartbeat or irregular heart rate. Other common symptoms include heart palpitations (rapid “flopping” or “fluttering” feeling in the chest); lightheadedness or faintness; chest pain or pressure; shortness of breath, especially when lying down; or fatigue.

During AFib, some blood may not be pumped efficiently from the atria (the heart’s two small upper chambers) into the ventricles. Blood that’s left behind can pool in the atria and form blood clots. The clot may block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop AFib. The risk factors for AFib are broken into two categories: heart-health factors and behavioral factors. Heart-health factors may include advancing age (especially over age 65), family history of AFib, high blood pressure, prior heart attack or disease, diabetes, sleep apnea and prior heart surgery. Behaviors that may be associated with higher risk factors include excessive alcohol use, smoking and prolonged athletic conditioning. (Appropriate physical activity is important for a healthy lifestyle, but you should discuss your exercise plan with a health care professional.)

“Early identification and treatment of AFib is critical to stroke prevention, especially in high-risk populations experiencing health care disparities or barriers to accessing vital health care resources,” said Steven Manoukian, MD, FAHA, senior vice president at HCA Healthcare. “Common risk factors, like high blood pressure, are more prevalent within Black communities, yet Black patients

may be diagnosed less often with AFib. Creating awareness of AFib, stroke risk and treatment options can be a lifesaving first step in stroke prevention.”

Treatment options

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you think you may have symptoms of AFib or be at risk for AFib. Diagnosis of AFib starts with an in-depth examination from a doctor. Work with your doctor to identify a treatment plan and goals to help manage your AFib and reduce your risk of stroke.

Treatment options for AFib may include medications to prevent and treat blood clots or control heart rate and rhythm, procedures or surgery. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to prevent and treat blood clots that can lead to a stroke. Discuss the best options for you with your doctor to create a shared decision-making plan.

To learn how to manage your AFib and connect with others, visit MyAFibExperience.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Governor visits Fort Zumwalt apprenticeships

Missouri Governor Mike Parson spent about an hour with staff and students at Fort Zumwalt East High School on Aug. 30, learning more about Zumwalt Apprenticeships and conducting a ceremonial bill signing.

Parson met with several district officials as well as East High Industrial Technology teacher Andy McHaffie, who also serves parttime as the district’s curriculum coordinator for that department.

McHaffie, along with Dr. Patrick Brown, Fort Zuwalt’s Executive Director of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math and Career Technical Education, are the guiding force behind Zumwalt Apprenticeships.

The governor was impressed with the opportunities three students shared with him about their classwork in Fort Zumwalt, and their work as apprentices with the district’s business partners.

Students interested in applying for the program need to enroll and complete one of the many Career Technical Education (CTE) Apprenticeship Courses Fort Zumwalt offers in Industrial Tech, Business, FACS, Computer Science, etc.

Once they have completed the course, they can fill out the application, including two instructor recommendations. Applicants

will then be asked to interview at a manufacturing partner for the apprenticeship position they have selected.

If hired, the applicant will be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor Recognized Apprenticeship Program, and complete the requirements set forth by the program. Minimum hours of on-thejob training is 2,000 hours.

Apprentices earn a competitive wage, credit through St. Charles

O’Fallon License Office transitioning to a new contractor

The Missouri Department of Revenue has awarded a new management contract for the O’Fallon License Office to 2015 Schotthill Woods, LLC.

License Office Contractor, David Koester, Jr., said, “We look forward to working with the Department of Revenue and citizens of Missouri. We will do our very best in order to provide quick, efficient service and promote a positive experience at the O’Fallon License Office.”

All license office contracts in Missouri are awarded through a competitive bid process. License offices are operated by independent contractors but overseen by the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Please note the location of the office is 2421 Hwy K in and the hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the telephone number is 636-394-5829.

A full list of license office locations and hours of operation can be found at https://dor.mo.gov/license-office-locator/.

Community College and, upon completion of the program, their apprenticeship certification.

After speaking with three Zumwalt apprentices about their handson experiences and their plans for after graduation, Parson stopped by to check out lunch, then met with social studies students in the auditorium where they joined him on stage after the ceremonial bill signing.

St. Charles County Police get new tool to help children experiencing autism events

St. Charles County Police say it’s a common problem.

“We get calls quite frequently for kids with autism who are out of control, and their parents are afraid they’ll hurt themselves or someone else,” says Sergeant Dan Asher, the Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator.

According to Autism Speaks, discomfort caused by autism-related sensory difficulties can sometimes result in extreme agitation or uncontrollable outbursts if not calmed by certain types of visual, auditory or tactile engagement.

To help solve the problem, The Synapsory, an area nonprofit that serves children who are struggling with autism-related behavioral issues, is donating 100 “calming kits” to St. Charles County Police. The kits include a collection of toys and other items – such as pop-it bubbles or soft lights that change colors – that are designed to soothe extreme behaviors sometimes caused by autism.

“Each item in the calming kit is designed to bring sensory regulation and calm to the child,” says Terrie Desloge, founder of The Synapsory. “We’ve had feedback from other police departments we’ve donated to, who said this has helped them deescalate situations.”

“The calming kits will be a great tool for helping these

Liberty High School students finish seventh in the national FCCLA Competition

kids that we didn’t have before now,” Asher says.

"Whenever we're called to a situation involving one of these kids, we want to make sure they're OK and have what they need to feel safe and calm," says Officer Joe Strehl, who helped coordinate the calming kits donation.

For more information about the St. Charles County Police Department, visit sccmo.org/Police.

For more information about The Synapsory, go to thesynapsory.org.

Liberty High School (LHS) students Abby Dickerson, Violet Grau and Ellie Crangle placed seventh at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Competition in Denver this July.

The team competed in the Interpersonal Communications Star Event with their Adaptive Dance display. Prior to the national competition, WSD students from three high schools - Liberty, North Point, and Timberland - competed in the state FCCLA competition in Osage Beach. The teams collectively took home three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal to the WSD.

Submitted photo The Synapsory, an area nonprofit that serves children who are struggling with autism-related behavioral issues, is donating 100 “calming kits” to St. Charles County Police.

Photo courtesy Fort Zumwalt School District Missouri Governor Mike Parson shares a laugh with at Fort Zumwalt East High School students in a quick visit in the cafeteria to check on lunch.

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

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 636-9700013.

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 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.stcharlesare-

awoodcarvers.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 Confer-

ence 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.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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 314-287-0569 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 prizes 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: 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.

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

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Sports you see with Gary B . . .

Need, The St. Charles Library Foundation, Friends of Kids with Cancer, Sunshine Kids, Our Lady’s Inn, St. Louis Food Bank and many others.

Players are needed for tryouts for the Ambush

The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) and play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The team will be holding tryouts on Saturday Sept. 30 at Vetta St. Charles located at 1425 St. Peters Cottleville Rd. in Cottleville.

Check in is at 2 p.m. and tryouts and evaluations are from 3 – 8 p.m.

Opening day is not too far away.

For more details go to www. STLAmbush.com

*You never know unless you try

Ambush executive on the Board of MASL

The Major Arena Soccer League announced the MASL Board of Directors Executive Committee for the 2023-24 season. The Board of Directors votes the positions on annually.

MASL Board of Directors - Executive Committee 2023-24

President - Jeff Burum (Empire Strykers)

Vice President - Lane Smith (Tacoma Stars)

Treasurer - Shelly Clark (St Louis Ambush)

Congratulations to Clark who is presently Co-Owner of the Ambush.

Clark has been a part of the ownership of the St. Louis Ambush since its rebirth in 2013. She became co-owner of the team in 2016.

Shelly graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kent State University in 1997 with a Bachelors of Science in Education. She and her husband Will started Cardinal Surveying & Mapping in 2003 and are both Professional Land Surveyors licensed in the state of Missouri.

Shelly is involved in their local community and serve and support several local charities including Youth in

She currently serves as the CEO of the St. Louis Ambush and oversees the day-to-day operations. She also serves on the Major Arena Soccer League Executive Committee as Secretary.

Under her ownership, the Ambush franchise has continued to grow.

Shelly and Will Clark have two grown children, Tyler and Annika. The family resides in Cottleville.

*A very nice and well-deserved accomplishment

Lindenwood men and women cross-country excel in local classic

Recently Lindenwood University’s cross-country teams competed at the Bearcat Classic hosted in Lebanon, Illinois.

The Lions placed first out of five teams in the men’s 8K, and on the women’s side placed second in the 5K. The Lions also had five individuals place in the top five in their respective races.

Notable Men’s Performances:

• 8K – Anders Hekkli (24:58) placed second, William Kaempfe (26:22.3) placed third, Luke Talbot (26:29.5) placed fourth, and Timothy Maxwell (26.42.2) placed sixth.

Notable Women’s Performances:

• 5K – Holly Harding (19:23) placed second, and Kadence Berry (19:41.3) placed fourth.

*Impressive times in a very competitive event

Women’s Volleyball team at UMSL still undefeated

The fifth ranked University of Missouri-St. Louis volleyball team swept past No. 25 Rockhurst in a Top 25 showdown recently at the Mark Twain Building.

The Tritons improve to 14-0, 2-0 GLVC while the Hawks drop to 10-2, 1-1 GLVC.

*Stay on the winning way

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 Sun day morn ings at 9.

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RECIPE : Add pop to a sweet snack time favorite

Perfect for a picnic, celebrating a birthday or just enjoying time with family and friends, the classic combination of strawberries and cream serves as both a sweet treat and a crowd favorite.

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries

6 cups popped popcorn

1 cup white chocolate chips, melted

DIRECTIONS:

In small food processor or spice grinder, pulse freeze-dried strawberries until finely ground.

Place popcorn in large bowl.

Strawberries

& Cream Popcorn

Servings: 4-6

Drizzle melted chocolate over top; toss until well coated. Sprinkle evenly with ground freeze-dried strawberries; toss until well coated.

Scrape onto large parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spreading into even layer.

Let stand at room temperature 30-60 minutes, or until chocolate is set

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.

and hardened. To serve, break into pieces.

Tips: To melt chocolate: In heatproof bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water, stir chocolate chips 3-5 minutes, or until smooth. To melt chocolate in microwave: In microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, microwave chocolate on medium heat 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or until smooth and melted.

more sweet snacking solutions

n the engag ing 2015 out er space adventure “The Martian,” Matt Damon played Dr. Mark Watney, a botanist, mechanical engineer and member of the Ares III mis sion to Mars.

During a dust storm on the surface, the crew evacu ated the area, but Dr. Watney was struck by debris and pre sumed dead by the crew. He was, however, very much alive and had to care for his own wounds. Knowing that the next Mars mission would land in four years, he kept himself alive by finding ways to grow food in the Martian soil. He also learned to communicate with NASA back on Earth to let them know he was alive.

Although Matt Damon had the lead in “The Martian,” actor Michael Peña played Major Rick Martinez in the film. Once communications were reestablished with Watney, Peña’s character had “interesting” dialogues with Watney.

That’s one reason why Peña was the best choice to star in “A Million Miles Away,” an Amazon Prime drama about Jose M. Hernandez, the first Mexican American Astronaut. Based on Hernandez’s autobiography “Reaching for the Stars,” the story focused on his

hard work and unwavering determination to become a NASA engineer and astronaut.

A multi-talented actor, Peña also appeared in 2004’s “Crash,” a film that focused on interactions between a group of Los Angeles residents. In one sequence, Detective Graham Waters (Don Cheadle) arrived at a crime scene where the body of deceased child had been discovered. In another sequence, Peña played Daniel Ruiz, a Hispanic locksmith doing his best for his family. He had moved his family from a rough neighborhood to one that appeared to be safer. Ruiz also told his daughter about an invisible cloak that would keep her safe at night.

When it comes to comedic roles, however, no one can bring the funny quite like Michael Peña can. He stood out in “Ant-Man,” a 2015 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film. Paul Rudd played the title role, an ex-con who tried his best to find work, but his past caught up with him. Peña was on board here as Luis, Scott’s former cellmate who had an interesting way of talking. Actor Michael Douglas played Hank Pym, a physicist who became the original Ant-Man and later became Scott’s mentor. Scott also was attracted to Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), Pym’s daughter.

Peña appeared in “World Trade Center,” “Shooter,” “Tower Heist” and “American Hustle.” He played the title role in 2014’s “Cesar Chavez” and was cast as DEA Agent Kiki Camarena in “Narcos: Mexico.” He also played CIA agent Domingo Chavez in season 4 of the Amazon Prime Series “Jack Ryan.” With his background, it was easy to see that the multi-talented Michael Peña was the best person to portray Jose M. Hernandez in “A Million Miles Away.”

“A Million Miles Away” was released on “Amazon Prime Video” on Sept. 15.

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.

Actor Michael Peña travels ‘A Million Miles Away’

‘A Million Miles Away’ photo courtesy Amazon Studios

Moore on Life: Shop ‘til you drop

Does this happen to anyone else? You’ll be shopping at the grocery store and for some reason bump into the same shopper in the same aisles going at the same pace repeatedly until it becomes more than uncomfortable.

It happened to me last week. I grabbed for the spaghetti sauce at the exact same time another lady was reaching for the sauce and our hands bumped into each other and then the awkward exchange began:

Me: “Oh, go ahead.”

Her: “No, you take it. You were ahead of me.”

“No, no clearly your thumb was pressed up against the lid long before my pointer finger was even close to it.”

“I insist you take it,” she said.

“Well, I insist more.”

We glanced at one another and both grabbed onto the bottle again at the same time then released it. It crashed to the floor exploding into what looked like a gruesome murder scene.

“Clean up on aisle four,” came over the intercom.

We both grabbed our carts and scooted off before security arrived.

I hunkered down in the produce section until the coast was clear then reached for a bunch of bananas just as another hand reached for the same ones.

“Oh, go ahead…” I almost said, until I realized it was the spaghetti sauce woman. What was she doing? Stalking my every move?

“You,” she said. “What are you doing? Stalking my every move?”

“Haven’t you got some cleaning up to do on aisle four?” I said.

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD: WORLD SERIES

She tugged at the bananas, but I kept hold of them. I gave them a jerk and they slipped from our grip. They landed on the ground and someone else’s cart ran over them leaving behind a pile of banana squish pudding.

“Clean up in produce,” came over the intercom. For the remainder of my shopping, I ran into her down every aisle.

Finally, I raced to the checkout stand only to have her come up right behind me.

“You!” I muttered.

“You!” she grumbled.

“Who’s stalking who now?” I said snarkily.

“It’s whom and you’re as dumb as you are rude.”

I’d had enough of her by that time. I punched out her loaf of bread and shook up her liter of soda then unscrewed the cap.

“Clean up at checkout,” the intercom said. Some things are worth being banned from the grocery store.

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.

LIFESTYLE: Budget-friendly ideas to freshen up indoor spaces

Whetheryou’re fatigued by seeing the same decor every day or simply looking for an opportunity to refresh indoor spaces with an appealing mini makeover, rethinking your favorite room in the house doesn’t need to be an expensive ordeal. Even if your budget is tight, you can still make small changes to transform a room. Consider these ideas:

• Bring stylish flair to your space with a new color scheme. Rather than replacing all the furniture, which can be costly, focus on smaller accessory pieces such as pillows and decorative items. Create variety by using multiple hues of the same color or mixing two or more complementary colors.

• Introduce new accent furniture. Smaller and less cost-prohibitive than centerpieces like a couch, for example, accent pieces such as end tables or a coffee table can provide subtle changes to the look of a room. You could also opt to refinish a piece of furniture you have on-hand to create a look that’s all your own.

• Morph your room by simply rearranging what you already own. Adjusting the orientation of your furniture and decor can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective.

• Whether it’s a flea market find, such as an old window frame that you paint and add a display shelf to the base, or a series of photos from your favorite vacation destination, adding some DIY art can not only update your room, but make it more personal, too.

ACROSS

1. In the middle of

6. "____, the Beloved Country"

9. Start of "The Night Before Christmas"

13. Anoint

14. *"...three strikes, ____'re out, at the old ball game"

15. Capital of Egypt

16. *Yanees owner, George ____brenner

17. Mandela's org.

18. Back street

19. *Walk-off move (2 words)

21. *One of MLB countries

23. Start an engine

24. Salvador Dali's muse

25. Old French coin

28. Select

30. Pass, as time

35. Antonym of is

37. Rumpelstiltskin's weaver

39. Virgo's brightest star

40. Snack, in Spain

41. Rose oil

43. *Yogi Berra - 295 PA, e.g.

44. *Player's representative

46. Eyelid affliction

47. Shade of beige

48. *a.k.a. Mr. October

50. Small island

52. In the know

53. Part of armor

55. Octopus' defense

57. *Last year's World Series winners 60. *Ronald Acuña Jr.'s home base 64. Indian monetary unit 65. Sun, in Mexico 67. ____ Asimov 68. Artemis' companion 69. E.T.'s craft, acr.

DOWN

1. It starred Alan Alda from 1972-1983

2. Digging, so to speak

3. Think

4. More like a fox

5. Madagascar's hedgehog-like animal

6. Printer cartridge color

7. *Guidry, Cey or Gardenhire

8. New Mexico's state flower

9. Samoan money

10. *____ card

11. Length times width

12. Tofu ingredient

15. Lock sites 20. Soft palate hanger 22. Kind of beer

Speech organ

Fretted instrument 26. a.k.a. People of the Middle Waters 27. Remove pegs 29. Auction portions 31. Cathedral recess 32. *____ clock

33. Close call 34. Relish (2 words) 36. NASA's orange drink 38. *"The Catch" (1954) catcher

Rekindled

Like theater seating

Big-headedness 51. Join the army

Matter of debate

Buckwheat dish

Halo

Do like volcano 59. Bluish green 60. Sir Mix-____-____

61. Delhi bread

62. Spill the beans

63. *Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson and Christy Mathewson

64. *Commissioner Manfred

66. Bug enemy

A new look for your favorite room can go a long way, so find ways to update your space for a comfy retreat you can enjoy. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

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