CNSTC: October 4, 2023

Charging into the future

Charge!, a youth career program offered through the Missouri Job Center of St. Charles County, is designed to help young adults facing job barriers

By Brett Auten

Young adults in the county who need to electrify their career opportunities, look no further.

Charge!, a youth career program offered through the Missouri Job Center of St. Charles County, is here to help.

Charge! is designed to help qualifying young adults with social, economic, educational, or health-related barriers build a better future by starting with a good career. Basic youth eligibility includes, must live in St. Charles County, must be 16-to-24-years-old and must be out of school. Other stipulations

include; pregnant/parenting, homeless/foster child, justice system involved, high school dropout, or has a disability. Charge! is a federally funded youth development program; there is no cost to qualified participants.

The Job Center hosted an open house Tuesday. The visitors learned about the Charge! program’s free educational, career training, and job placement opportunities. The biggest hit was the virtual reality demonstrations where attendees learned about working in the fields of robotics, automotive maintenance, electrical service, and other skilled occupations.

The Charge! program can help in many

ways, including:

• Pay for High School Equivalency Tests (HiSET, formerly called GED)

• Place eligible participants in a permanent, full-time job with on-the-job training

• Help find training for careers with strong job placement opportunities

• Assist in attaining professional certification in a range of growing career fields

• Place participants in part-time jobs that pay above minimum wage

• Provide valuable workplace experience

See ‘FUTURE’ page 2

Grant helps Marthasville Fire Protection District with equipment needs. Pg. 4

Submitted photos

(Left) Kololia Beckmann successfully finished an apprenticeship program and passed a certification test through the American Association of Medical Assistants. She is now a Certified Medical Assistant and obtained full-time employment (with benefits) with Washington University. (Middle) Henry Simon was able to be placed at a local automotive dealer who agreed to take him on through the Charge! work experience program. After the work experience program ended, the employer hired Simon full-time with benefits. The employer intends to help Henry obtain additional certifications and will eventually pay for his ASE Certification. (Right) Harrison Bantz shows off his HiSET diploma and is slated to join the United States Army.

WSD staff member honored. Pg. 4

“We have gotten an increase in federal funding and we want to spread the word about an opportunity to do a variety of things,” Lori Meyers, Executive Director of Workforce Development with St. Charles County, said.

Meyers spoke of the need for additional business to get involved and also the many success stories.

At 18 years old and after graduating from high school, Henry Simon was interested in working in the auto service technology field. He had participated in the auto service technology program at Lewis & Clark Career Center and wanted to continue in this field but did not have any work experience. He was placed with a local automotive dealer who agreed to take him on through the work experience program.

“We were also able to use our Youth Program funds to purchase tools and a tool chest for Henry,” Meyers said. “He successfully completed his work experience program and proved to be an excellent worker. He worked hard, was willing to learn and had great attendance.”

After the work experience program ended, the employer hired Simon full-time with benefits.

“The employer intends to help Henry obtain additional certifications and will eventually pay for his ASE Certification,” Meyer said. “Henry is on his way to a great career.”

Harrison Bantz started the program at 17 years old. He had never worked before and needed to obtain his HiSET diploma.

“Harrison’s goal was to obtain his HiSET so he could join the United States Army,” Meyer said. “The Youth Program assisted Harrison by paying for his HiSET exams which he passed and graduated with honors. Harrison

is scheduled to move forward with his enlistment in October 2023.”

Kololia Beckmann was unemployed and sought assistance from the Job Center to help her get into a good career pathway, being a young parent of three children. She was interested in medical assisting and the Job Center works with the Washington University’s Medical Assisting Apprenticeship Program.

We were able to get Kololia into this apprenticeship program. Youth funds paid for part of her apprenticeship training. Beckman finished an apprenticeship program and passed a certification test through the American Association of Medical Assistants. She is now a Certified Medical Assistant and obtained full-time employment (with benefits) with Washington University.

For more information about Charge! and other Missouri Job Center programs, call 636-255-6060.

Yadi’s Yummies celebrates five-year anniversary with ribbon cutting

Yadi’s Yummies celebrated their five-year anniversary. To commemorate the opening, they held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Cottleville Weldon Spring Chamber on Aug. 30.

Members of the Cottleville Weldon-Spring Chamber and other community leaders were in attendance.

“We are celebrating five years of providing all natural, human grade yummies for our four-legged best friends,” said owners Cindy and Jessica Eisenbeis.

Yadi’s Yummies is a dog treat store that gives back to the community by providing a place for individuals with disabilities to work. They also support local animal rescues by donating a portion of proceeds to a medical fund for dogs in rescue.

For more information on Yadi’s Yummies, follow them at: www. yadisyummies.com.

Submitted photo

‘ FUTURE’ from cover

Healing body and mind

- By Brett Auten

The St. Charles County Ambulance District’s Substance Use Recovery Response Team battles the ongoing mental health crises and opiate epidemic

The St. Charles County Ambulance District received a substantial boost to its arsenal to combat ongoing mental health crises and the opiate epidemic.

In August, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded numerous grants to agencies to expand access to substance use disorder treatments.

Among the initiatives funded was St. Charles County Ambulance District’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare network for Substance Use Disorder and Behavioral Health, which was fully funded in the amount of $1.5 million.

Since the onset of the opiate epidemic, the district has taken an innovative approach to patient care – paired with prevention and harm reduction strategies, its Substance Use Recovery Response Team garnered significant attention and was named 2017 Community Impact Program of the Year by the American Ambulance Association. It has since become a model utilized by numerous EMS agencies throughout the United States and Canada.

“The primary goal of this initiative is to save lives and improve referrals to appropriate treatment and recovery supports for high-risk individuals,” SCCAD Assistant Chief David Lewis, said. “This is a way to address the ever-growing volume of calls and to utilize resources in the best way.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration funding, which will be awarded over a fouryear period, will enable the district to expand the SURRT program.

Chief among the enhancements to the program is a dedicated, 24-hour-aday/seven-day-a-week position available to immediately initiate treatment with the provision of field administration of buprenorphine – an FDA-approved medication used to stabilize patients and treat opioid addiction.

In the event of a suspected opioid overdose call, a member of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare team will be dispatched along with the ambu-

lance. Working with the patient, the team member may offer to initiate medication-assisted treatment, refer to program partners for inpatient or outpatient treatment, and address other critical needs.

“It is what we like to call, wraparound services,” Lewis said. “We are excited about the prospects. This is going to be tremendously beneficial. Patients will be able to get service immediately instead of waiting for a follow-up.”

The newly dedicated position will enable the district to partner with area hospitals to offer Substance Use Disorder Mobile Integrated Healthcare IH services to individuals who self-present at the emergency department. Residents also may contact the district if they find themselves or a family member in need of assistance.

“Our vision for the program is that it becomes self-sustaining through our normal reimbursement pathways after the four-year grant period ends,” Lewis said.

In addition to substance use disorder services, the district’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare network will work to address health inequities and social determinants of health. Program partners include Preferred Family Healthcare, Compass Health, St. Charles County Department of Health, and the St. Charles City Fire Department, among others. The program will focus primarily on serving individuals under 200-percent of the federal poverty level, but no patient will be turned away.

The ambulance district received more than 50,000 calls in 2022, which was a record for the nearly 50-year-old ambulance district. It marked a 5.9% increase over 2021.

Submitted photo

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded numerous grants to agencies to expand access to substance use disorder treatments. Among the initiatives funded was St. Charles County Ambulance District’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare network for substance use disorder and behavioral health, which was fully funded in the amount of $1.5 million.

Grant helps Marthasville Fire Protection District with equipment needs

When the Marthasville Fire Protection District responds to its next call, it will be doing so with a new set of gas monitors.

The district was recently awarded an Operation Round Up grant totaling $1,998 to go toward the purchase of two gas monitors.

The monitors test for carbon monoxide, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide and various flammable gases.

The grant was necessary, Fire Chief Sean Johnson said, because the district’s current monitors were aging and costing upward of $200 to replace a sensor on each one.

“As they get older, we worry about their integrity,” Johnson remarked.

The monitors also come in handy when the volunteer-based agency assists neighboring departments, such as Warrenton, Wright City, Washington, Au-

gusta or New Melle, on mutual aid calls.

Like many industries, inflation has caused equipment and other expenses to increase significantly in recent years for the district.

For instance, Johnson noted the gas monitors jumped in price after

submitting the ORU grant application.

“It’s a common trend today,” Johnson said. “We’ll make up the difference through fundraisers and other ways.”

Operation Round Up funds are donated by Cuivre River Electric members who partici-

pate 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.

Wentzville School District staff member honored with 2023 Journalism Education Association Medal of Merit

Priscilla Frost, director of secondary programming in Academic Services, received the 2023 Journalism Education Association (JEA) Medal of Merit, given to JEA members who make significant contributions to scholastic journalism.

Frost worked as a journalism teacher for 13 years prior to transitioning to administration. During her time in the classroom, she was involved in local, state, and national journalism education associations — serving as co-president, secretary of the local St. Louis area organization, and support to journalism teachers

across the area.

After leaving the classroom, Frost said she wanted to stay connected to the world of scholastic journalism as a better way to advocate

for teachers, students, and programs that were important to them. She found that her role in the JEA gave her that opportunity, and she has supported teachers

and students through her membership and various responsibilities for the national conventions.

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

Submitted photo

The Marthasville Fire Protection District was recently presented with a $1,998 Operation Round Up grant to purchase two gas monitors. Pictured above (from left) are Olivia Korte, Cristenee Smith, Marthasville Fire board member Bob Koch, Marthasville Fire board member and retired Fire Chief Jim Buescher, Fire Chief Sean Johnson, Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board members John Nordwald, Kyle Shell, Lisa Dunham and Tammy Miller.

ONGOING EVENTS

Oct. 14: Rummage and bake sale

Grace United Church of Christ has a fall rummage and bake sale at 8326 Mexico Road in O’Fallon in Grace’s lower level from 8 a.m. until noon. Shop the “treasures” for a freewill offering. Baked goods will be available for purchase.

Oct. 28: Blood drive

The Saint Charles Daughters of the American Revolution and VFW Post 2866 is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at VFW Post 2866, located at 66 VFW Lane in St. Charles.

Oct 29: Quilt bingo

Quilt bingo takes place at the VFW Auxiliary Post 2866 at 66 VFW Lane (and South Hwy 94) in St. Charles. Doors open at 11 a.m. and bingo begins at 1 p.m. Plated lunch is available. For more information contact Earline at 636-697-8157.

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.

Sports you see with Gary B...

Lindenwood Women set record and their fourth home victory

Major announcement from the Ambush

The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).

The MASL partners with ISL, a global sports marketing agency in promotion of pro-player combine.

The Major Arena Soccer League is proud to announce a new partnership with global marketing agency, ISL, focused on the promotion of the MASL Pro-Player Combine, hosted by Utica City FC in Utica, New York, Oct. 19-22.

The MASL teams are looking to identify and sign players for the 2023-24 MASL season. Teams from across the league will be seeking high caliber, top tier players to add to their rosters.

ISL is a global sport management and marketing agency that works with the world’s top sports properties. The new partnership is centered on the MASL Pro-Player Combine, by utilizing ISL’s vast marketing capacity and experience to access new players and fans, and to bring them to the game of indoor soccer.

ISL relies on its powerful network, experienced team, and comprehensive knowledge of the US and European markets to generate ongoing business opportunities for the most prominent sports organizations, brands, and athletes worldwide.

For over 10 years, ISL has been the liaison between the corporate and soccer world. Through their unmatched network and one-stop shop offering, they have successfully generated international growth opportunities for the biggest in the game.

For more information and to apply for the 2023 MASL Pro-Player Combine visit https://www.maslsoccer.com/masl-pro-combine

More about the Major Arena Soccer League:

The Major Arena Soccer League is the highest level of professional indoor soccer, featuring teams stretching across North America, from coast to coast in the United States and Mexico. The MASL’s players originate from over 30 nations, representing the best talent from across the globe.

For more details go to www. STLAmbush.com

*The future just got a bit brighter for soccer players

Lindenwood University’s women’s volleyball finishes their fourth straight home match with a win against Ohio Valley Conference opponent UT Martin by a final score of 3-1. Jessie Seidel set the all-time Lindenwood record in digs in the NCAA era in the second set with her 1,377th career dig.

“The team did a great job of learning from last night’s match and making the adjustments necessary to flip the result,” said head coach Will Condon. “We challenged them to be more willing to make adjustments pre-match and during the match and they responded. Martin has the ability make a lot of changes and it requires you to made adjustments.”

“It was a special night with Jessie breaking the dig record,” said Condon. “With Megan on the team our first year I have an appreciation for that record and how good a player they both have been for the program.”

Allie Otten was the leading assister with 22 while VanBuskirk added 18 off the bench. Nyah Wilson also had nine kills and 11 digs for the Lions in their seventh victory of the season.

*Great game with an impressive record

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 sea son, among many other activities. I am currently host ing a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com.

It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

RECIPE : A heart-healthy, whole-grain breakfast

Ingredients:

Muffins: Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/2 cups whole grain sorghum flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk

1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

3 large egg whites

1/4 cup canola or corn oil

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed if frozen

Streusel:

2 tablespoons whole grain sorghum flour

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons uncooked quick-cooking rolled oats

2 tablespoons chopped pecans

2 tablespoons light tub margarine

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Raspberry Streusel Muffins

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association and Sorghum Checkoff Servings: 12 (1 muffin per serving)

DIRECTIONS:

To make muffins: Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, stir sorghum flour, cinnamon and baking soda.

In medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, brown sugar, egg whites, oil, lemon zest and vanilla. Stir into flour mixture until batter is just moistened and no flour is visible without overmixing. Spoon batter into muffin cups.

Top each muffin with raspberries.

To make streusel: In small bowl, stir sorghum flour, brown sugar, oats, pecans, margarine and cinnamon to reach texture of coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over muffins, gently pushing into batter. Bake 16 minutes, or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. The USDA recommends cooking egg dishes to 160 F. Transfer pan to cooling rack. Let stand 5 minutes. Carefully transfer muffins to rack.

To find more heart-healthy recipe inspiration, visit Heart.org/healthyforgood

Remembering David McCallum

– SUDOKU –

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.

Neighborhood,” eat dinner and catch a few minutes of “The Monkees” before “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” came on. As I got older, one of my favorite shows was “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” a Cold War series that didn’t take itself too seriously during its fouryear run (The acronym U.N.C.L.E. stood for “United Network Command for Law and Enforcement”). Scottish actor David McCallum played Illya Kuryakin, a secret agent who teamed up with Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) on a spy-themed show.

McCallum, who received two Emmy Award nominations for playing Kuryakin in the 1960’s, passed away on Sept. 25, at age 90. In a notable early role, the actor played Harold Bride, a young RMS Titanic radio operator in the 1958 film “A Night to Remember.”

In the engaging 1963 film “The Great Escape,” McCallum took the role of Lt. Cmdr. Eric Ashley-Pitt, an officer who figured out how to disperse large amounts of dirt in the compound while creating escape tunnels.

Vaughn and McCallum also starred in 1983’s “Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E.”

In my mind, though, David McCallum’s 1975 TV series “The Invisible Man” was not given enough time to show how good the actor was in the role of scientist Daniel Westin. One of Westin’s experiments could turn objects invisible, so he tried the technique on himself. After becoming invisible, he learned that the military took over his experiment, prompting Westin to destroy his work. Unfortunately, after becoming invisible twice, he could no longer become visible. The series ended after only 13 episodes and was followed up by “Gemini Man,” a shortlived series with Ben Murphy playing Sam Casey, a secret agent who also could turn invisible, but for a limited time.

In the eyes of his fans, David McCallum’s most beloved role was Dr. Donald Horatio “Ducky” Mallard, the chief medical examiner at NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service). After retiring from his position, he became an NCIS historian and had the nickname “Ducky,” a reference to his last name. The Scottish-born Mallard also used a ringtone with bagpipes playing “Scotland the Brave” and talked to the deceased. Keeping up with the times, Ducky listed etymology, ornithology and archeology as some of his interests. His alma mater, the University of Edinburgh, also wanted to present him with an “honorary doctor of Humane Letters.”

In the animated world, David McCallum voiced Alfred Pennyworth in the 2008 animated film “Batman: Gotham Knight” and played Zeus in 2009’s animated “Wonder Woman.” He also appeared on “The Outer Limits, “Rod Serling’s “Night Gallery” and “The Six Million Dollar Man.” Other notable appearances included “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and “Babylon 5.” Even though his role as “The Invisible Man” didn’t last very long, McCallum will always be quite “Ducky” to everyone who worked on NCIS. Thank you, David McCallum, for all your fine work. You will be missed.

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.

‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E’ photo courtesy Arena Productions

Moore on Life: Old school

School’s back in session and that means it’s time to play Then and Now.

Then: We could eat things called peanuts. These were tiny nutty seeds that grew in the ground and when mashed made a nice creamy spread. It was delicious on bread. We ate them by the handfuls and could often trade our peanut butter sandwich for a prized marble at lunchtime.

Now: Peanuts are banned. They are to be more feared than an outbreak of Covid headlice. If one is found within a block of the building’s parameters, school will be immediately cancelled. A notice will then go out informing parents that a caustic toxin was found within proximity of the student’s breathing space and proper action should be taken. This includes a month-long quarantine followed by a thorough bleach bath.

Then: We participated in a sport called dodgeball. This fast-paced activity really got kids up off their lazy behinds after a long day spent trying to understand what a fraction was and eating paste. There was a real need to get their stagnant bodies exercising by dodging those fast balls, but mostly it was needed to help digest all that glue.

Now: Dodgeball is strictly outlawed. The possibility of being thumped on the head with a rubber ball is considered far more dangerous than juggling chainsaws or even eating a peanut butter and paste sandwich.

Then: Discipline. Back in the day a teacher could administer strict punishment for a student who dared to bend the rules. My husband was given a swift smack to

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD: THE 2000S

his backside because he threw snowballs during recess. To this day he will do a double take before lobbing one for fear of the dreaded wooden paddle.

Today: Teacher, “Jimmy, put the flamethrower down before you hurt someone!”

Jimmy: “Oh ya, well you’ll need to put that in writing in triplicate form and send a copy to my legal team; another to my therapist for the sessions I’ll need to overcome the emotional distress you’ve caused and one more for a personal tutor. I’ll be taking off the remainder of the school year to recoup from the damage to my self-esteem.”

Things have changed so much. I seriously fear if we’re ever invaded by a hostile country the enemy won’t need grenades or bullets, just a few rubber balls, a bucket of peanuts and some harsh words.

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: Create beautiful, inviting outdoor spaces

With all the beauty Mother Nature has to offer, a few pops of color or other simple embellishments can help make your yard look superb from the curb.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your front yard, backyard, porch or patio space, consider these easy and affordable ways to spruce up your outdoor oasis:

Add mirrors

Just as they do indoors, mirrors can open up small patio spaces and make areas feel larger. Use mirrors made with resin or other waterproof materials so they won’t be compromised when exposed to the elements.

Make bold statements

Plant your favorite flowers in a giant, bright red or yellow pot or hang a bright colored swing from a tree. Just a little dab of color can make a statement and brighten the whole space.

Hang it up

Place hanging baskets around the porch to bring punches of color to your outdoor sanctuary. With the freedom to pick and choose your favorite plants and flowers, these baskets have the added benefit of easy maintenance.

Consider time when planting

If you wish to add color to your landscape, consider

the time of day you normally spend in your outdoor space. Early risers may appreciate vibrantly colored foliage that perks with the morning sun. Those who spend time outdoors in the evening hours can incorporate white or lightly colored plants that take on a silvery sheen in the moonlight.

Tie up a hammock

Make a relaxing retreat in the comfort of your own yard by hanging a hammock from trees or between posts on your deck.

Add a birdbath

These garden favorites come in a variety of styles and colors to fit your unique tastes and budget. Birds of all kinds can find an oasis in their new bath and provide you with a beautiful view.

Throw some pillows

Outdoor pillows are often available in the same fun designs of their indoor counterparts. Add some throw pillows to your outdoor furniture for a chic yet comfortable update.

These subtle changes can help beautify your outdoor spaces and cause onlookers to do a double-take – for the right reasons. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

ACROSS

1. Interest in a venture

6. Hundredweight, acr.

9. Med. sch. requirement

13. ____ the tail ___ the donkey

14. Duran Duran's 1982 hit

15. All plants and animals

16. Part of an eye, pl.

17. Go for the bull's eye

18. Reduction/ oxidation portmanteau

19. *Best selling author of the 2000s

21. *Billboard's music artist of the 2000s

23. Chicken ____ ____ king

24. From a thrift store

25. Class-conscious grp.

28. Formerly, once

30. Marine mammal in famous Beatles' song

35. Fabled fliers

37. Jealous biblical brother

39. Averse

40. *"He's Just Not That ____ You" (2009)

41. Acrylic fiber

43. Arabian chieftain

44. Apartments, e.g.

46. *Friendster or Facebook, e.g.

47. 5,280 feet

48. Metal detector, e.g.

50. Goose egg

52. Cry of horror in comics

53. Made a basket

55. *Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee or Nemo and Dory, e.g.

57. *Name for 2000s

60. *Popular social network of the 2000s

64. K-pop country

65. Woody creeper

67. Teletype machine, for short

68. Picture within a picture, e.g.

69. *"____ Smart" (2008)

70. Make a canyon, e.g.

71. Furniture wood

72. Utmost degree

73. Financing values DOWN

1. Horse prod

2. *Popular DVR device

3. All over again

4. Eucalyptus-eating marsupial

5. Store in a silo

6. Mountain goat terrain

7. *Xbox competitor

8. Libraryful

9. Dignified manner

10. *"The Da Vinci ____," best selling book of the 2000s

11. A-bomb particle

12. Levy

15. Like "something new" boutique

20. Beginning of

sleeping disorder

22. Feline sound

24. Put to work

25. *Toyota Hybrid introduced worldwide in 2000

26. 1,000 kilograms

27. Play a part (2 words)

29. *2002-2004 zoonotic epidemic cause, acr.

31. Rich soil

32. China grass

33. Handy

34. *First ever recipient of Oscar for Best Animated Feature

36. Chronic drinkers

38. Post-it slip

42. Like #59 Down

45. *Pink's 2008 hit (2 words)

49. Break down

51. Dismissal or ejection

54. "Peace" with fingers

56. "Madame Butterfly", e.g.

57. First rate (2 words)

58. Sky's Major one

59. *Like Best Buy's Squad

60. Urban legend

61. Tons (2 words)

62. Relinquish, as in property

63. *Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, after 2005

64. *American Girl

____ Kittredge

66. Doctor Dolittle, e.g.

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