St. Louis region gets an economic boost as redevelopment projects bring new jobs

Vantage Credit Union announces Quest For Education scholarship recipients St. Louis region gets an economic boost as redevelopment projects bring new jobs at former auto assembly plant sites

Vantage Credit Union congratulates ten local high school seniors selected to receive a 2021 Quest For Education scholarship (QFE). Recipients were honored with a reception at Topgolf on May 18. Eric Acree, Vantage President & CEO and Dr. Jerry Eichholz, Board Chairman presented each recipient with their $1,000 scholarship. The QFE scholarship has supported college-bound high school seniors and their commitment to further their education for over 25 years, and has granted over $700,000 during that time.

With roots deep in the educational community, Vantage recognizes the importance of higher education for a successful future, and strives to give back to its younger members for all their hard work and dedication.

“We’re so proud of these outstanding student leaders and grateful for the opportunity to support them on their educational journey,” said Jenny Sandifer, QFE scholarship coordinator.

Here are the 2021 Quest For Education scholarship recipients with their high school, listed in alphabetical order: Wesley Arndt, Warrenton High School; Molly Fitzgerald, Francis Howell High School; Mary Kate Gillespie, Hillsboro High School; Kaleb Jenkins, Clayton High School; Aleksandra Levin, Whitfield School; Jaxon Luraschi, Pattonville High School; Isaiah Thompson, Westminster Christian Academy; Faith Wenzel, Warrenton High School; Grace Wenzel, Warrenton High School; and Symone Woods, Parkway North High School.

Winners of the QFE scholarship were judged on their essay response to the question, ‘If you could have one do-over in your life, what would it be and why?’ and a combination of appropriate honors and awards; participation in extracurricular, community and volunteer activities; employment and recommendation letters. Credit Union membership is required. Every year, dedicated volunteers (local educators, Vantage Board and Supervisory Committee members and select employees) serve as QFE Selection Committee judges.

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Major redevelopment and investment in former and current auto manufacturing sites in the St. Louis region are part of a success story that highlights rebirth, resiliency, ingenuity to attract new businesses, the value of public-private partnerships, and the excellent locational attributes the bi-state area offers.

After purchasing the former Ford Motor Company property in Hazelwood, in 2008, Panattoni Development Company invested $250 million to transform the property into Aviator Business Park, a 160-acre development with 2.6 million-square-feet of space housing more than 1,150 employees. US Capitol Development purchased the former Chrysler plant facilities on 300 acres in Fenton in 2014 to develop Fenton Logistics Park, where they have now completed five buildings that are 100% percent occupied, with another four buildings under construction. The redevelopment represents an investment of $300 million and has resulted in 2,000 jobs. Each project was highlighted during FreightWeekSTL 2021. Mark Branstetter, Partner with Panattoni Development Company, provided insight on what attracted his company to the former Ford auto assembly site. “There’s an old axiom in real estate; it’s location, location, location,” Branstetter said. “And for us, as we looked at the site that was Ford and became Aviator, it was 160 acres and a purely urban infill. It’s adjacent to all the major Interstates – I-270 is the loop and 70 and 170 and Lindbergh (Boulevard), which is a major thoroughfare, adjacent to Lambert Airport, and it was rail served by Norfolk Southern. So, it had a whole lot of arrows in the quiver that, you know, if you can see through what was sitting on top of it and you could get to the dirt, then it became a really interesting site for us.” Branstetter reinforced the need for labor.

“It’s eminently important. I’d be hard pressed to point to any deals of significant size of late that you haven’t seen some form of a workforce analysis done by the tenant to find out if they can come up with labor, particularly for anybody that’s employing a number of employees there. So, we see that consistently,” Branstetter said. “When I said this is an urban renewal project, and the same goes for (Fenton Logistics Park), you’re surrounded by residential density and workforce development already built in without the need for significant ground. So, you’re already an infill. You already have access. And then, for our project, we have connectivity with Bi-State (Development) and Metro (Transit), so we’re able to move a lot of employees into and out of the site.” Branstetter joked that the former Ford plant site was covered by a 3.3 million-square-foot manufacturing facility. He said that, if you had the parts to make a car, you could have made it, because everything was left behind by Ford - 73 robots, the tracking system, the chain drive system, and all the pits were fully equipped. It took until 2008 for the real estate deal to close. Then the financial crisis happened in 2009 which ended up being a positive, as Branstetter said they were able to take their time from a demolition and remediation standpoint. Through this process, they had Ford as a partner, two of the largest environmental remediation companies in the world, and the state of Missouri, city of Hazelwood and St. Louis County. Their equity partners and lenders all were extraordinarily flexible.

“I would say if there’s anything to note on these projects, that is a must, it is flexibility, because you’re going to run into things that you didn’t anticipate and you just have to deal with them,” Branstetter said.

Alma mater concludes social justice program with commemoration of Michael Brown’s 25th birthday

Photo courtesy Normandy Schools Collaborative

Students from University City and Clayton high schools joined students and staff from Normandy High for a march in honor of Michael Brown’s 25th birthday. The group marched from Normandy High School to St. Peter’s Cemetery where Brown is buried.

It’s been almost six years since images of Michael Brown’s lifeless body lying in the street galvanized a movement. Today his legacy lives on at his alma mater.

Michael Brown, the teenager who was killed in August 2014 by a Ferguson police officer, has been memorialized with the Normandy High School Michael Brown Program for Social Justice and Leadership.

The Program for Social Justice and Leadership closed out the school year with a special observance of Michael Brown’s 25th birthday. On May 17, Normandy High School students joined with students from University City and Clayton school districts for a program including recorded greetings and remarks from national speakers, speeches from students and staff, special performances from Margaret Mischeaux, NHS senior and Opera Theater of St. Louis Artist-in-Training student, the Gentlemen of Vision youth development program/step team, percussionist David A.N. Jacksin, and an original spoken word performance by Grace Ruo, St. Louis youth poet laureate. The theme for the May 17 program was “BE Courageous.”

Also present were the Rainbow of Mothers, women who have lost loved ones due to police violence. Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice; Wanda Johnson, mother of Oscar Grant, and Gina Best, mother of India Kager, joined McSpadden to thank the students, staff and community for their support and keeping their loved ones’ legacies alive.

The May 17 program culminated with a march led by the Normandy High School drumline and Lezley McSpadden, Brown’s mother, to St. Peter’s Cemetery where Brown is buried. Students joined McSpadden and her family at his grave, before laying 25 roses and releasing 25 doves in his honor. Michael Brown would have turned 25 on May 20.

The Michael Brown Program for Social Justice and Leadership is a program committed to promoting social justice awareness, leadership, and civic engagement in Normandy High School students. Students are presented with a platform and space where they are encouraged to learn, engage, and take action on a series of topics and initiatives that move and challenge them. Each month students are granted the opportunity to interact with thought leaders who focus their dialogue on that month’s selected topic, encouraging, challenging, and outlining what students can do to be the difference they want to see in their school and community.

Normandy High School leaders, along with Brown’s mother, launched the program in November 2020. The first session was introduced following a summer of social justice protests and one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history.

“Given what has happened and continues to happen in our communities, the pandemic and the rising tensions around racial justice, our students need a lot of support and encouragement,” explained Nakia Douglas, Normandy High School principal and assistant superintendent for secondary education. “Students want to process what happened and know ‘where do we go from here?’” said Isaiah Melendez, Normandy High School assistant principal. “This will help create that space for them.”

Since the inaugural webinar, students have heard from some of the nation’s most prolific leaders in the social justice movement. Speakers have included Patrisse Collurs, founder of the Black Lives Matter movement; U.S. Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri; civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton; Justin Hansford, associate professor at Howard University School of Law and Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center; and recently elected mayor of St. Louis, Tishaura Jones. “This program has been a great way to connect our students with relevant leaders and the current events in our nation and provide them ways to learn how to positively impact their communities,” said Douglas. “We are so grateful to Ms. McSpadden and the Michael O.D. Brown Foundation for allowing us to be a part of Michael’s legacy.” www.theyfc.org

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Take notice . . .

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

EVENTS

August 14: Breakfast event

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

Sept. 11: Fundraiser

Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, will host Feast for Change at 5:30 p.m. The fundraiser, which commemorates OFS’s 40th anniversary, will be held at Kuhs Estate & Farm located at 13080 Spanish Pond Rd. in Spanish Lake. The farm-to-fork experience includes fresh, locally sourced food, fine wine, and a live auction. Proceeds from the evening benefit OFS’s services that focus on finding solutions in response to the region’s food systems challenges. Tickets are $150 per person and $1,500 for a table of 10. For ticket details or to become a sponsor, call 314726-5355.

RECURRING EVENTS

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

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

Mondays: TOPS meeting

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

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org. Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting

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

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

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

Tuesdays: Bingo

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

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

The Gentlemen of Sound are looking for men who like to sing or want to learn. They practice Tuesdays at Lady of the Pillar school at 401 S. Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m. They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for

new members. Come by or call Charlie at 314-954-1121.

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

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

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery Tuesday meetings take place at 6 p.m. with a Saturday Bible Study at 9 a.m. at LifePoint Church at 424 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information visit www.lifepointministries.church/celebrate-recovery or call (men) Steve D. at 636-634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul McConnell, 314-831-5476.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers:

Show-me Stitchers is the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. We meet on the second Tuesday, Sept.-June at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO. Learn needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, and more.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting

6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Bingo takes place every Wednesday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314660-1813.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Life Care Center of Bridgeton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, welcome all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. Please RVSP at 314-298-7444 with the month you will attend and number of people attending. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant. For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

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

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314-9943300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo

Clubs: 314-839-7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314-653-5331.

Thursdays: Bingo

Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on the third Thursday of each month starts at 2 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more information call 314-831-0988.

Thursdays: Quilting guild

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

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

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

Thursdays: Women’s chorus meeting

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

Fridays: Fish fry

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

Bingo

6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

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

Saturdays: Yoga

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

Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting

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

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org

Saturdays: Clothing sale

On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.

Saturdays: Grief support

On the fourth Saturday of each month, grief support meeting “A Way With Words Ministry” meets at 12:30 p.m. at Community Christ Fellowship, rear, at 121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood, 1/4 mile south of Hwy 270 off Florissant Rd. There are a variety of topics monthly. You are not alone. Come help your heart heal with others. For more information call 314-605-3949.

Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.

Sundays: Meat shoot

Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 4445 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Rd. between Sinks Rd. and Lindbergh starting noon Sept. 15 thru Nov. 17; and in the spring, Feb. 2 thru March 8 rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.

Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot

Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314-6302671 or 314-330-7269.

Sundays: Jennings Do-Dads meeting

The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www.jenningsdodads.org.

CHURCH

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group

Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314-741-3737

HEALTH

Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation

Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon–1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1-877-477-6954.

1st Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@sbcglobal.net.

Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group

sponsored by DePaul Hospital

11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.

Wednesdays: ACES Schizophrenia Support Group

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

Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 Diabetes Basics:

314-344-7024 for info or 314-344-7220 to enroll.

Crisis Nursery:

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314-768-3201. Or 636-947-0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org

Center for Senior Renewal:

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

Nutrition Education:

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

Christian Hospital Recovery Center:

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

Volunteers Needed at Christian

Hospital: Call 314-653-5032

Nicotine Anonymous

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

Look Good…Feel Better

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

SilverSneakers Senior Wellness Program at the Maryland Heights Centre

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

Smoking Cessation Classes:

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

SSM DePaul Wellness Center: Free Mammogram Screenings:

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

Speaker’s Bureau:

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

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS

Sundays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

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

First and Third Tuesdays: Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

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

Third Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

At Delmar Gardens North, 4401 Parker Rd., Florissant, 9 a.m., 314.355.1516, Helpline 800-272-3900

Last Saturdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group:

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

Last Tuesdays: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

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

Wednesdays: Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Support Group

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

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

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

Wednesdays: New Choices NarAnon Family Group at Zion Lutheran Church

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

Thursdays: Grief Share Support Group

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

Mondays & Thursdays: Breathe/ for people with pulmonary disease Wednesdays: STEPS Schizo-phrenia Support Group

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

Calcium Scoring Heart Scan Program

SSM DePaul Health Center. This program uses advanced (CT) imaging to scan the arteries around the heart and measure or score the amount of calcium present in the plaque deposits. This screening, in combination with other heart disease risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, etc.) can help determine an overall picture of your current heart health and your risk for developing heart disease. Call 314-344-6030 to learn more about the heart scan program or to schedule an appointment.

SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West Auxiliary

Non profit organization assisting the hosp. by holding fund raisering activities, being of service to patients, families, employees & physicians and acting as good will ambassadors to community. We welcome new member. Call Barb Hutchinson 636-947-5466.

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

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

Gateway to Hope Program

The Gateway to Hope Program arranges care for individuals diagnosed w/breast cancer who are either uninsured or underinsured and reside in MO. Gateway to Hope serves as a breast cancer lifeline for those who do not qualify for government sponsored programs & are unable to afford treatment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed w/breast cancer & cannot access treatment call Gateway to Hope at 314-5691113 or www.gthstl.org.

Every Wednesday Take Off Pounds Sensibly Group

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

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

Christian Hospital. 314-839-3171.

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

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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

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

Bring own mat. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636-921-9920.

4th Tuesday of each month: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Diabetes Support Group

Hear from experts on how to better manage diabetes & enjoy a healthier life. Located at the H.W. Koenig Medical Bldg., St. Joseph Hospital West. Call 636-625-5447 for more info.

First Thurs. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Caregiver Class from BJC Home Care Services

Free to public, Topics: care, stress relief, legal issues, Siteman Cancer Cntr., Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital conference rm. Info. 314-575-3983.

Every Sun.: 6:30 p.m. Every Mon.: 9:30 a.m. Survivors of Incest Anonymous Meetings

Women only. Sundays at Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 7601 Delmar, U. City. 314-993-5421 or 636561-1407. Mondays in Wentzville, call 636-561-1407.

1st Thur.: 6:30–7:30 p.m. Conquer: A Support Group for Adults with Cancer

Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp, 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636-916-9920.

1st Thur.: 7 p.m. Parents W/O Partners, North County Chapter

General Mtg, 2435 Creve Coeur Mill Rd. 314-739-0880.

2nd Wed. 6–7:30 p.m. Talking Man to Man about Prostate Cancer

Support group for men diagnosed w/ prostate cancer at any stage. Barnes St. Peters. 636-916-9947.

3rd Tues.: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Grief & Loss Support Group— DePaul Hospital

Share experiences of grief & loss w/ those who share similar feelings. Led by trained coordinators & Pastor David Boyle. Bridgeton Trails Library, Rm 2. 314-344-7356. Nurses & company. Flu shots avail. for small cost. 115 Piper Hill Dr., St. Peters.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports you see with Gary B...

Hoots leaders in this early season

The O’Fallon Hoots are members of the Prospect Baseball League, playing in the West-Prairie Land division and began play in O’Fallon at their home field CarShield in May 2020 after relocating from Hannibal, Missouri following the 2019 season.

The Hoots have been playing an impressive piece of ball as they have accomplished nine wins out of their 14 games this season. That record is good enough to place themselves in second place just one-half game behind the first place Springfield Sliders at this writing.

Leading the team in the offensive category is outfielder Brett Johnson who is batting an impressive .379 playing nine games for the club. With 29 times at bat, the left-handed batter has had 11 hits, with most of them up-the-middle, that include three doubles and runs batted in. He has also walked 12 times so being on base so much, his teammates has crossed the plate nine times. Johnson is a sophomore from SIU Edwardsville stating 6’ and 180 pounds. Infielder Nick Hofmann and catcher Elias Stevens both have had 41 plate appearances with 13 hits at this writing. Hofmann is a freshman at Maryville University and has nine runs-batted-in ? (RBI) and has crossed the plate eight time. Stevens is also a Maryville freshmen and has 15 RBI’s as well as scored 15 times. Pitching finds the right-handed Masen Palmier with a perfect 3-0 record in his three games started on the mound. He has tossed 16-innings with 12 strikeouts. His team has scored 25 runs for him in his appearances. Palmier is a senior at Missouri Baptist University. For more details visit www.OfallonHoots.com and upcoming home games. The Hoots and CarShield Field are committed to providing a safe and responsible environment for friends and families to enjoy entertainment this summer. We will continue to comply with federal, state and local government health mandates and recommendations. ~~~Great baseball locally

Lindenwood’s baseball team advances in regional

The Lindenwood University’s baseball team with a 34-8 record picked up one win on Friday to continue in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional at Lou Brock Sports Complex in St. Charles. The Lions earned a 6-2 win over Davenport who had a record of 30-15 in the first game.

The game saw the Lions jumped on the board in the top of the second after Jayce Maag drove in Alex Canty. Lindenwood surrendered a two-run homer in the bottom of the second to fall behind 2-1, but that was the last time the Panthers crossed the plate. Austin Schmitt belted a two-run home run to put Lindenwood in front 3-2 in the fifth inning. Kolby Schulte extended the lead in the top of the sixth with a solo shot to left field.

Canty hammered the ball off the centerfield wall to leg out a triple, as he drove in Bryce Beckmann in the process. Canty was active at third base to force a balk call on the Davenport pitcher, increasing the lead to 6-2.

Blake Beckmann surrendered just one earned run in his 6.0 innings of work, as he compiled five strikeouts. Justin Taylor shut down Davenport for the final three innings, as he tallied three strikeouts and allowed just a pair of hits. ~~~Keep the wins coming

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Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, among many other activities. I am currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www. PrimeTimeSTL.com. It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

Recipe: Dare to compare this June Dairy Month

Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Naan

Cook Time: 40 min | Total Time: 5 hours | Yield: 4 servings

Adapted from Wisconsincheese.com

Ingredients:

1.5 cups plain yogurt ¼ c up lime juice 2 Tbs smoked paprika 1.5 tsp chili powder 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds) Salt and pepper to taste 4 naan breads or tortillas (about 5 to 6 inches), warmed 1 cup Feta cheese crumbles 1 avocado cubed Fresh chopped cilantro, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion to taste

Directions:

Combine yogurt, lime juice, paprika, and chili powder in a large bowl. Mix well. Remove ½ cup of the yogurt mixture for topping. . Add chicken to remaining yogurt marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.. Heat grill to medium. Remove chicken from marinade and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until chicken reaches 165*. Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes before thinly slicing chicken. Top naan or tortilla with chicken, feta, avocado, cilantro, tomatoes, and red onion. Serve with the ½ cup reserved yogurt mixture.

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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.

The ‘Purge’ franchise offers social commentary, violence

In 2013, James DeMonaco wrote and directed

“The Purge,” an intelligent horror film about an annual event in which all crimes are legal. A group called “The New Founding Fathers of America” (NFFA) now controls of the government and, on March 21 each year, “Purge Night” takes place. Citizens who wish to “purge” themselves of bad thoughts and impulses indulge in murder, theft and other crimes until the police and other emergency services return to the streets.

In 2021, DeMonaco takes the role of co-producer of “The Forever Purge,” the latest film in the franchise. After the events in 2016’s “The Purge: Election Year,” the event was outlawed, but some people didn’t get that memo. A group of killer cowboys decides to keep the murderous tradition going year-round and don’t care who gets killed. Adela (Ana de la Reguera) and her husband Juan (Tenoch Huerta) are working on a Texas ranch when they run afoul of this murderous group.

In his films, DeMonaco creates an alternate version of the United States that runs afoul of the wishes of the original Founding Fathers. In the original “Purge” movie, James Sandin (Ethan Hawke), the owner of a security system company, comes home to hunker down in his gated community with his family. His company has made him wealthy, which allows him to outfit the family home with strong security measures, but some people are not as well-protected.

Wealth and power are at the heart of “The Purge: Anarchy,” the next film in the series. Waitress Eva Sanchez (Carmen Ejogo) and her daughter Cali (Zoe Soul) plan to spend the hours before dawn staying at home. Unbeknownst to them, Eva’s father Rico has sold himself to wealthy people for $100,000. That money will go to his family after he is auctioned off and hunted down like an animal for their amusement. In a different subplot, off-duty Police Sergeant Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) plans to kill the drunk driver who killed his son. There are some residents in the “Purge” universe with enough influence to make positive changes. 2016’s “The Purge: Election Year” focuses on Senator Charlene “Charlie” Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), a U.S. senator now running for president. The aforementioned Leo Barnes left the police force to become Senator Roan’s Security Chief, but his job becomes more difficult when the NFFA revokes “Purge Immunity” for government officials. “Election Year” also shows how doctors and ambulance drivers opposed to the “Purge” secretly help people who have no place to go.

This entire “Purge” franchise is both bloody and thought-provoking. The original film showed one man calmly sharpening his knives in his backyard hours before the event is supposed to begin. Based on the trailer for “The Forever Purge,” some people in DeMonaco’s universe want to make every day a killing spree. It’s a film that appeals to horror fans but will also give viewers something to think about when they leave the theater.

“The Forever Purge” photo courtesy Universal Pictures.

“The Forever Purge” is scheduled to open in theaters on Friday, July 2, 2021.

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Yeggs

John Hanna

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

Father’s Day is approaching and that means dads everywhere get a day to do what they want most and not be judged.

Here are a few top priorities on my husband’s list:

No mingling.

To be precise, no mingling with any of my family. And just because I have a few “eccentric” relatives. So maybe Aunt Fiona isn’t all there and maybe she has been known to apply her rollon deodorant to her armpits after her blouse is already on…okay. I see his point. No mingling.

Don’t answer the doorbell.

He hates answering the door because too often it’s a salesperson that he can’t say no to and who wangles him into buying something unnecessary.

Wangler: “Hi Sir, I’m the All-Yard service. We do anything yard related and I noticed you have some unsightly tree stumps in the front. I can grind those out for you and re-landscape your property all for the minimal price equal to that of the GDP of a small European country.”

As my husband reached for his wallet, I intervened and saved us from financial ruin.

Me (unwangling): “Those unsightly stumps with a few tablecloths added are actually adorable picnic tables for the grandkids.”

I directed him over to our annoying neighbors the Pilkinsons and told him they had limitless funds along with a severe tick problem.

Among my husband’s other requests were to watch as much TV as he wanted; not go out shopping; order take-out and finally…declare it casual Friday all week. And by casual he means pant-less; wearing those old undershorts with the Star Wars Jedi on them every day.

Then it suddenly dawned on me how each and every one of his requests sounded familiar. Hey! That’s how he’s been living this past year with COVID. That means he’s enjoyed Father’s Day for the last 365 plus days!

“Okay Buddy, you’ve more than had your celebration. Now get up and mow the lawn, wash the car, take out the garbage, clean the cat box and when you’re done you can man the grill – I’d like a ribeye, medium rare. And put some pants on. Father’s Year has officially ended!”

Stay-at-home dad

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.

Crossword: SUPERHEROES

ACROSS

1. Golf club handle 5. Aviation safety agency 8. Although, for short 11. “Give me your tired, your ____....” 12. Homecoming guest 13. PhD in Great Britain 15. Legendary NFL quarterback Graham 16. Like Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard 17. Propelled like Argo 18. *Batman’s romantic interest 20. Wildebeests 21. Use the other end of a pencil 22. Cherry middle 23. *Thor’s weapon 26. Brays like a donkey 30. Another word for Tokyo 31. Makes a sum (2 words) 34. *Like The Joker 35. Without self-control 37. Black gold 38. Buddy 39. Site of Leaning Tower 40. Canvas ceiling fan 42. *____man, one of original X-Men 43. Comes to the fore 45. *____ Woman, first female in the Justice Society of America 47. “Rub A Dub Dub” vessel 48. Paralysis-causing disease, for short 50. Smoothie berry 52. *a.k.a. the Caped Crusader 55. “Encore!” 56. Pupil’s place 57. Like Arizona in summer 59. *Ben Grimm of “It’s clobberin’ time!” fame, with The 60. Eyeglasses glass 61. Buggy terrain 62. Gingerbread creation 63. *Superhero creator, Stan ____ 64. Eurasian duck

DOWN

1. Government Printing Office 2. Campus military acronym 3. Letter before kappa 4. For the time being, Latin (2 words) 5. Basic drumming pattern, pl. 6. Saints’ crowns 7. End of grace 8. Through, for short 9. Hie, third person singular 10. Not new or borrowed or blue 12. “All ____!” 13. Motherless calf 14. *Wakanda’s Black

____ 19. Make havoc 22. Coach’s locker room speech 23. Oodles 24. ____ one, on a pass 25. *Mighty ____ 26. *Known to say: “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry” 27. Steer clear 28. Grimace in pain 29. More cunning 32. Make pretty, two words 33. Break a commandment 36. *America’s title 38. Vienna Boys’ group 40. Public house, for short 41. Devoid of reverence 44. Seeking damages 46. Wondering ones 48. Put through a blender 49. Offer two cents 50. Turkish honorific 51. Jealous biblical brother 52. Perfect houseplant spot 53. Bob ____, famous boxing promoter 54. Cat o’how many tails? 55. Cash dispenser 58. Morning condensation