Our Town: March 2021

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Our Town Volume 12 | Number 3 MARCH 2021 Published by the Community News, Our Town is a monthly news magazine covering the cities of Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, and Olivette.

Circulation is 7,000 monthly through over 105 monitored newsstands guaranteeing 100% pickup.

Additional issues are distributed online, and a free online subscription is available at www.mycnews. com

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Mathew DeKinder PUBLISHER EMERITUS/ GENERAL MANAGER Bob Huneke

N THIS SSUE

Around Town University of Missouri–St. Louis student nurses administer vaccines across greater St. Louis area and more.

Feature Doing the Old Courthouse justice The National Park Service will renovate the historic landmark later this year to enhance the visitor experience and preserve the building into the future.

By Charlotte Beard

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PRODUCTION Becky Brockmann Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Charlotte Beard

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Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore has reached the point of holding birthday parties for her cats while Avalanche recalls a trip to the Pacific Northwest.

Lifestyle The 2021 Mazda3 Turbo is safe, stylish and sophisticated in Automobile Alley. New Line Cinema announces reimagined ‘Wizard of Oz’ in Entertainment. Protect your health with a heart-smart eating plan in For the Love of Food.

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Copyright 2019 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

In Depth The nonprofit Eye Thrive provides free eye exams and glasses to children in need in the St. Louis region.

Events Calendar

Staff Writer – Charlotte Beard Cover Photo – Submitted

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AroundTown

Rethinking justice St. Louis County awarded additional $1.3 million to rethink local justice system St. Louis County is the recipient of a $1.3 million grant by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to continue building on efforts in collaboration with local leaders and the community to rethink the local criminal justice system, safely reduce St. Louis County’s jail population and eliminate racial inequities.

The grant brings the foundation’s total investment in St. Louis County to $5.8 million to date, and is part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, a $246 million national initiative to reduce over-incarceration and advance racial equity in local criminal justice systems by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.

The Safety and Justice Challenge is supporting local leaders, individuals directly and most impacted by the justice system, and the broader community in St. Louis County and across the country who are determined to address one of the greatest drivers of over-incarceration in America – the misuse and overuse of jails. St. Louis County, partnering with the University of Missouri–St. Louis Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, was first selected to join the Safety and Justice Challenge Network in 2016 and has since used the resources and funding to implement evidence-based solutions.

“Over the last five years, our partnership with the MacArthur Foundation has advanced our ability to safely reduce St. Louis County’s jail population,” St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said. “We look forward to building on the progress that has been made and seeking out additional ways to reform criminal justice in our community.”

These solutions include expediting case processing for individuals awaiting trial in jail for low-level felonies through a multiagency collaborative planning group, providing early defense representation to defendants at arraignment and bond review hearings, expediting probation violation processing, and expanding pretrial support services. As a result, the average daily population of the jail has decreased by more than 30 percent during the granting period, reductions that have largely been 4 | OUR TOWN | MARCH 2021

maintained despite the challenges associated with COVID-19.

Today, St. Louis County was one of 15 jurisdictions selected for additional funding based on the promise and progress of work to date. This new round of funding will provide St. Louis County, the University of Missouri–St. Louis and partners with continued support and expert technical assistance to strengthen and expand strategies that address the main drivers, and resulting racial inequities, of local jail incarceration.

Additionally, building on St. Louis County’s progress to date is especially critical as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustices against Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color reinforce the need to transform how the system operates. COVID-19 exacerbated the existing barriers to understanding and accessing the courts. One promising innovation seeking to increase citizen engagement in the justice system is the launch of the Tap In Center. Local justice-involved agencies working with the St. Louis County Safety + Justice Challenge team partnered with the St. Louis County Library and The Bail Project to offer a program providing a safe space for individuals to get legal assistance, including assistance in resolving warrants, and access local support services. The Tap In Center is open in the St. Louis County Florissant Valley branch lobby on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. Visitors can come in person to the branch, located at 195 New Florissant Rd., South in Florissant, Missouri, call 314-669-6185, or email TapInSTL@gmail.com for help.

“The collaboration between key justice system stakeholders fostered through the Safety and Justice Challenge has been critical to reducing St. Louis County’s jail population,” said Beth Huebner, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. “Community agencies, like the Bail Project and the St. Louis County Library, have also been key partners in this effort and have helped the group better understand and respond to the needs of the community, particularly during the time of COVID-19. Much work

continues to be needed to confront inequities in the system, and the team is poised to continue to continue to implement data and evidence-based policy.”

St. Louis County has developed a comprehensive plan for additional strategies and initiatives over the next two years to invest in a safer, more effective, and more equitable system. These include work with community service providers to expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, expand and warrant resolution efforts, and continue to build the technological infrastructure and data capacity needed to sustain this work. Notably, a public-facing jail population data dashboard is now available on the Department of Justice Services’ website.

More than five years after its public launch, the Safety and Justice Challenge has grown into a collaborative of 51 jurisdictions in 32 states modeling and inspiring reforms for more fair, just and equitable local justice systems across the country.

“Now more than ever, we must confront the devastating impacts of mass incarceration by a system that over-polices and overincarcerates Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other people of color,” said Laurie Garduque, MacArthur Foundation’s Director of Criminal Justice. “Over the past five years, the Safety and Justice Challenge has safely reduced the ineffective and harmful use of jails, while learning that jail population reduction alone does not undo the racial inequities perpetuated by an unjust system and our nation’s history of systemic racism.

We are committed to supporting cities and counties as they reimagine a definition of safety that is inclusive of all communities and makes meaningful progress towards our goal of ending racial and ethnic disparities in jails.”

“The Safety and Justice Challenge has been crucial to our efforts to reduce the jail population in St. Louis County, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Douglas Burris, the Director of the St. Louis County Justice Center.

More information about the work underway in St. Louis County can be found on www.SafetyandJusticeChallenge.org.

AroundTown

Recycling for food Operation Food Search revamps workplace recycling program Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently revitalized its 11-year-old office recycling program into “Repurpose for a Purpose”. The two-part initiative – divided into “Metal for Meals” and “Furniture for Food” – removes scrap metal and excess furniture from businesses that are remodeling, relocating and closing. A portion of the proceeds benefits Operation Food Search in its quest to heal the region’s hunger.

Repurpose for a Purpose offers businesses affordable recycling solutions in order to avoid storage fees, as well as provides options to keep metal and furniture out of landfills. OFS has partnered with Becker Iron & Metal and Warehouse of Fixtures since the program’s inception. Both partners utilize their industry knowledge and logistics capabilities to create customized service for businesses of every size.

The program began in 2009 when businessman and OFS volunteer Skip Spielberg connected with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLC’s facilities manager Bonnie Wedel who had used furniture from nine floors of office space after a major renovation.

“Instead of all of this furniture ending up in a landfill, the old metal file cabinets and anything else metal was melted down and the profits went to help feed those in need,” says Wedel. “This is one of the most incredible projects I have worked on in my career.”

OFS board member Skip Spielberg was named the project lead for the revived program. He has served as a volunteer at OFS for 20 years, first packing boxes of food and later joined the organization’s board of directors in 2007. Spielberg spent 50 years in the handbag industry and retired last year to focus on his charitable endeavors.

“Many businesses are either closing or downsizing their physical offices during the pandemic and shifting to a more virtual work environment, so there is a surplus of office furniture they need to get rid of and scrap metal that has to be removed,” said Operation Food Search Executive Director Kristen Wild. “We recreated Repurpose for a Purpose with the current climate in mind, particularly because this recycling program is the ultimate definition of sustainability and fully aligns with our mission to eliminate food insecurity.”

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MARCH 2021 | OUR TOWN | 5

AroundTown

Masked transit Missouri Public Transit Association is reminding the public that masks are required on all public transportation to help stop the spread of COVID-19 Since the onset of COVID-19, local governing bodies have announced their own executive orders for their regions. Most industries, such as public transportation, have established rules since last year for face coverings for giving and receiving service. However, President Joe Biden’s federal mandate (Executive Order 13998) ensures that transportation providers and passengers across Missouri will comply regardless of region. The Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA), advocates for the state’s public transportation, has taken it upon themselves to remind the public of the mandate.

“Transit owners/operators must require that individuals wear a mask while on buses, vans, trains and other spaces owned and operated by public transit providers, including transportation hubs and stations,” states Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of the MPTA. Cella shared that there are rare exceptions to wearing face coverings as outlined in the Transportation Security Administration’s Jan. 31 Security Directive 1582/84-21-01 (https://www.tsa.gov/ sd-and-ea). Those exceptions are noted below: 1. When necessary to temporarily remove the mask for identity verification purposes.

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PSUBMITTED PHOTO

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

2. While eating, drinking, or taking oral medications for brief periods. Prolonged periods of mask removal are not permitted for eating or drinking; the mask must be worn between bites and sips.

3. While communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

4. If unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

5. Persons in private conveyances operated solely for personal, non-commercial use.

6. A driver, when operating a commercial motor vehicle as this term is defined in 49 CPR 390.5, if the driver is the sole occupant of the vehicle.

7. Children under the age of two.

“Failure to comply could result in denial of boarding, disembarkment or removal from the transportation facility,” stated Cella.

Though some passengers are known to lower their masks when talking on a device during transit, Cella reminds individuals that masks must be properly worn during those communications.

According to Cella, MPTA’s statewide reminder of the federal mask mandate for public transit was important. While many transit agencies in the state, including Metro Transit, had already required masks for several months, many agencies had not yet made masks a requirement.

“The pandemic has further reinforced the essentialness of public transportation,” stated Cella. “Hundreds of thousands of area residents rely on transit services to get to work, school and medical appointments, as well as to gain access to groceries, prescriptions and other necessities. It is imperative that riders and operators do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 so the 34 Missouri transit providers can continue providing safe, affordable and convenient service throughout the state.”

For information about the Missouri Public Transit Association visit https://mopublictransit.org.

AroundTown

Getting vaccinated More and more greater St. Louis area residents have able to breathe a sigh of relief for the first time in nearly a year thanks to a jab in the arm administered by a doctor, nurse, fireman or first responder.

This week, those vaccine recipients began seeing a new variety of friendly face – nursing students from the College of Nursing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

On Feb. 1, UMSL BSN students began administering vaccines at sites across the greater St. Louis area as part of the fight against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The students are volunteering in groups of eight under the supervision of an UMSL nursing faculty member with BJC Health’s Christian Hospital Northeast, SSM Health DePaul Hospital and the St. Louis County Public Health Department.

Before volunteering, the students passed an educational module and quiz comprised of materials from the Centers for Disease Control and received a COVID-19 vaccine. In early January, UMSL nursing faculty members piloted the program with SSM Health as preparation.

“Our mission and our goal at the UMSL College of Nursing is to respond to the needs of the community and to promote health and prevent illness in our communities,” said Roxanne Vandermause, interim dean of the College of Nursing.

“That’s been the call of nursing for gen-

erations. Our students are experiencing an uncertain and novel type of pandemic, and they’re learning to understand and manage its effects.”

The College of Nursing had been in communication with several area partners prior to Christmas. Additionally, Associate Teaching Professor of Nursing Diane Saleska reached out to Alex Garza, the head of the St. Louis Pandemic Task Force, in December and asked him to consider using nursing students for the vaccine rollout. He connected Saleska with SSM Health.

Since then, Director of Clinical Operations Shawne Manies has been coordinating requests for student services at various locations around the region, working with faculty to adjust schedules and seeing that community partners’ needs are met. The College of Nursing anticipates expanding its contribution and assisting its clinical partners across the region as the vaccine supply increases.

“Nursing students are a really powerful force that needs to be tapped into,” Saleska said. “I want people to be aware of the incredible manpower resource that student nurses can be.”

Thanks to the CDC materials, the students are prepared to field questions about the vaccine, including the different manufacturers, the period of waiting between the two shots, the mRNA vaccine and the intramuscular technique.

Saleska notes that it’s not only the vac-

UMSL

University of Missouri–St. Louis student nurses administer vaccines across greater St. Louis area

On Feb. 1, UMSL BSN students began administering vaccines at sites across the greater St. Louis area as part of the fight against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

cine recipients that will benefit from the arrangement. There’s a lot for student nurses to learn about community needs, communicating with the public and managing a large-scale health crisis.

“There’s so much more to it than just giving an injection,” Saleska said. “This really helps to show our students how nurses step up to the plate when there’s a larger societal need. It’s not just about their individual place of employment. This is a national need right now, and this is what nurses do. You roll up your sleeves, and you go in there, and you do what needs to be done to keep people safe and to make people healthy. There’s so many lessons for our students to learn.”

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MARCH 2021 | OUR TOWN | 7

AroundTown

Cinematic gift Cinema St. Louis to receive $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts The National Endowment for the Arts has approved funding for 1,073 Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) totaling nearly $25 million. Included in this announcement is a grant of $20,000 to Cinema St. Louis (CSL) for the 30th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF).

The Grants for Arts Projects awards range from $10,000 to $100,000 and cover the following artistic disciplines: Artist Communities, Arts Education, Dance, Design, Folk & Traditional Arts, Literary Arts, Local Arts Agencies, Media Arts, Museums, Music, Musical Theater, Opera, Presenting and Multidisciplinary Works, Theater and Visual Arts.

“The creativity and resilience of artists and arts organizations across the country

have inspired Americans during this challenging year,” said Arts Endowment Acting Chairman Ann Eilers. “These projects represent the vitality and perseverance of arts organizations small and large to overcome significant challenges, transform to new ways of engagement, and forge new relationships that benefit the diverse populations in neighborhoods and cities throughout the United States.”

The 30th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival will be held Nov. 4-14. The fest will screen more than 300 animated, narrative, and documentary features and short films, and will host master classes, special events, and an ambitious Cinema for Students program. Panels and Q&As with filmmakers and documentary subjects

will accompany many of the screenings.

The nonprofit Cinema St. Louis (CSL) produces SLIFF, one of the largest and highest-profile international film festivals in the Midwest. The fest has been lauded in USA Today’s 10 Best list. CSL also annually produces the locally focused St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, the LGBTQ-centric QFest St. Louis, the Classic French Film Festival, and Golden Anniversaries (festival of films celebrating their 50th anniversary).

For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news. For info on SLIFF and other CSL programs, visit cinemastlouis.org or call 314-289-4150.

Building the joy of reading UMSL receives $5.1 million literacy grant that it will distribute to 40 area schools to improve reading and writing skills for children of all grade levels

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is one of 11 state education organizations to recently receive large grants from the United States Department of Education for its Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program. DESE will be responsible for distributing $18 million over five years to benefit the literacy skills for children through 12th grade. On Jan. 15, DESE announced the 40 schools that will benefit from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) $5.1 million literacy grant distribution.

In addition to some St. Louis Charter Schools, St. Louis Public Schools, Francis Howell Schools, Greenville R-2 Schools, Hancock Place Elementary, Potosi R-III Schools, and University City Schools, the Hazelwood, Jennings, and Normandy Schools Collaborative districts are among the 40 schools that will be involved in two projects that according to UMSL are designed to promote evidence-based literacy strategies and create digital literacy re8 | OUR TOWN | MARCH 2021

sources, with a particular focus on schools in Promise Zones.

With the funds that will be distributed

by DESE over five years, UMSL’s educators – Kerkhoff, O’Daniels, and Singer will implement two projects. UMSL states that its literacy experts will coach the schools’ educators on culturally relevant practices and practices associated with a concept called the science of reading. The practices include phonics instruction, reading practice with varied texts to develop fluency, and the development of vocabulary and content knowledge to improve reading comprehension.

For UMSL’s second project in its CLSD program, literacy instruction resources such as seminars and podcasts will be developed and turned into modules hosted on DESE’s website.

COVID-19 has been taken under consideration as plans develop.

“The first step is conducting a needs and assets review with each of the 40 schools in St. Louis,” stated Kerkhoff. “As we work collaboratively to determine each school’s

BIGSTOCK

strengths and hopes, we will work with school leadership teams to plan literacy professional learning opportunities for each school. During COVID, the needs and assets review will take place over Google Forms as a survey for teachers to share their needs and ideas, and we will use Zoom to have conversations to collaboratively plan the professional learning. In addition, part of the grant is to fund the creation of 6 modules focused on teaching reading. These modules will be available on demand for teachers to learn, review, or extend what they know about teaching children to read and comprehend what they read.”

AroundTown

Compassionate care After Brandi Robertson, RN, had a traumatizing experience with inadequate nursing care surrounding the birth of her first child, she had an “aha” moment that changed the course of her life.

“I didn’t want anyone else to ever have to go through that,” she says. “That’s why I decided to become a nurse.”

Her determination to make sure patients have the best experience possible and feel calm and comfortable resulted in Robertson receiving the prestigious DAISY Award. Nominated by her Ranken Jordan co-workers, she is hospital’s third DAISY Award winner.

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program honoring extraordinary nurses for their skills and compassion. Nurses are nominated by patients, family members, or team members.

‘It was a huge honor to receive this award,” Robertson says. “I remember hearing about the DAISY Award in nursing school. I know it’s given to outstanding nurses who give 110 percent and are always there for patients. To me, that’s a normal part of all I do – I don’t see it as going above and beyond.”

Answering the call Robertson’s first role in health care was as a medical assistant where she worked in pediatric primary care office settings.

At the same time, the busy young mother went back to school to become a registered nurse. She was drawn to working with children.

After she graduated, she was ready to apply her skills more broadly.

A close friend who worked at Ranken Jordan encouraged Robertson to apply there. “She repeatedly told me this is where I should be,” Robertson recalls.

Robertson listened. Once she walked in the Ranken Jordan doors for an in-person interview, she was sold.

“When I came to Ranken Jordan, it didn’t look or smell like a hospital and I saw that nurses weren’t sitting behind a desk,” she says. “The warm environment made me want to work there.”

Because she understood the special needs patients at Ranken Jordan had, she carefully considered the responsibilities that came with the position. Yet she was

determined to commit to the patients.

“When I saw the kids, I had to make sure I was ready to be there consistently for them because they need that stability,” she says. “I quickly knew I wanted to stay at Ranken Jordan and care for the kids to the best of my ability.”

Building trust, holding hands Her passion for the kids and families at Ranken Jordan has never wavered.

In November 2019, she started as a floor nurse at Ranken Jordan. By March 2020, she became a transport nurse. Her role as transport nurse includes making appointments for patients, coordinating the necessary paperwork for their visits, and keeping them safe during their transport to area hospitals for tests, procedures or doctor appointments.

“I’m an advocate for patients and families and serve as a ‘nurse on the go,’” Robertson explains. “The transport nurses have to be prepared for anything since they are away from Ranken Jordan with patients.”

During that time away – which can take up to five hours – she enjoys spending time with the children to listen, offer insight, answer questions, and keep them comfortable.

“I love being a transport nurse because I get to have longer one-on-one time with the kids and families and get to know them on a deeper level,” she says. “I try to help them feel better about their situation and show them what they still can do.”

Robertson says the most important lesson she has learned as a nurse is to listen.

“I want each patient to know they have someone who will listen to them. I strive to be someone patients and families can count on and who will hold their hand when they’re scared.”

Caring for co-workers Robertson’s hours are sometimes long but she rarely complains even when she works from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. If she is in between transports, she helps her Ranken Jordan co-workers on the floors to answer call lights, bring supplies or do whatever else they need. She feels as compelled to care for her co-workers as she does her patients.

“I try to be helpful to make their lives

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Celebrating a compassionate nurse on-the-go

Brandi Robertson, RN, received the prestigious DAISY Award. Nominated by her Ranken Jordan co-workers, she is hospital’s third DAISY Award winner.

and jobs easier,” Robertson says. “The transport team and my other co-workers at Ranken Jordan are amazing. Along with the kids, they make me want to come to work.”

Shining light on each day While some days are challenging, Robertson brings a positive attitude to work with her every day. “As a nurse, you can’t have a strict schedule – you learn to roll with each day and not let things bother you,” she says. “You can’t take things personally because this job isn’t about you, it’s about the kids. I have to come in for the kids so they can get better and go home.”

The DAISY Award winner walks the talk through her compassion and dedication to her patients. The children she cares for her inspire her and reaffirm her career choice.

“I love everything about being a nurse,” she says. “I love interacting with kids because they are stronger than any adult I have ever met. They go through so much and still wake up with a smile on their face.

That helps me put things in perspective. I enjoy coming to work every day and the kids are happy to see me. When does that ever happen in most jobs?”

MARCH 2021 | OUR TOWN | 9

Doing the Old Courthouse justice The National Park Service will renovate the historic landmark later this year to enhance the visitor experience and preserve the building into the future

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD The Old Courthouse in Downtown St. Louis has been closed due to COVID-19, but it will not sit idle long-term. The National Park Service announced last month the edifice built between 1839 and 1862 will undergo renovations the latter part of this year. Construction will last approximately two years. The renovations are part of the $380 million CityArchRiver project, which included upgrades for the Gateway Arch park grounds, Arch Visitor Center, Museum at the Gateway Arch, St. Louis Riverfront, Luther Ely Smith Square and Kiener Plaza.

“The Old Courthouse is an architectural masterpiece that is important to the history of both St. Louis and our country,” stated Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “These renovations will maintain the structure’s historical integrity, make necessary updates that will enhance the visitor experience, tell the stories of what happened in and around the building, and ensure the Old Courthouse remains a vital piece of Gateway Arch National Park for years to come.”

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Private funding through Gateway Arch Park Foundation for the CityArchRiver capital campaign’s five-site project concluded in 2015. The Old Courthouse is also jointly funded by the National Park Service.

This historic building which is listed in the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom, will have four exhibits designed by Haley Sharpe Design in conjunction with Gateway Arch National Park staff. The Dred and Harriet Scott exhibit in the northeast gallery will focus on their escape from slavery which began in the Old Courthouse. Although sources state the Old Courthouse was the site of more than 300 suits for freedom, the Dred Scott case is the one that gained notoriety. The exhibit will show how law and politics during the era impacted the Supreme Court’s decision and how the case still holds relevance today.

While the Pathways to Freedom exhibit in the northwest galley will focus on things not limited to the slavery of St. Louis African Americans, their legacy of seeking freedom, and post-Civil War civil rights, the southwest gallery will host the See You in Court exhibit. This gallery will focus on the importance of courts in society, the legal structure, and the daily activities in the courthouse from 1839 to 1930. Pre-renovation the National Park Service programming in the Old Courthouse included mock trials. The southwest gallery will allow visitors to experience an 1850s courtPHOTOS COURTESY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

room with re-enactment of mock trials.

The Designed for Justice exhibit in the southeast gallery will highlight the courthouse’s architectural features and the innovation of the architects, designers, builders, and craftsmen.

Other renovations to the Old Courthouse include the installation of an elevator; a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; renovated ceilings and flooring; a new fire suppression system; and general restoration and improvements.

“It is our responsibility to conserve and improve Gateway Arch National Park and share its significance with current and future generations,” stated Mike Ward, Superintendent, Gateway Arch National Park. “We are eager to embark on this project that will bring new ways for visitors to connect with the Old Courthouse and learn about the significant moments in American history and struggles for justice and freedom that occurred in this historic building.”

Besides the Old Courthouse serving as the origin of where Dred Scott and his wife Harriet filed suit for their freedom (igniting the Civil War) as well as hundreds of other slaves, the Old Courthouse steps were used to auction slaves in estate settlements. The Old Courthouse is also found at the center of civil rights history when Virginia Minor sued for her right to vote and the right of other women to vote in the 1870s. To learn more visit https://www.nps.gov/jeff/learn/index.htm.

MARCH 2021 | OUR TOWN | 11

OurThoughts MOORE ON LIFE

BY CINDY MOORE

Herding cats I just found out people actually throw their cats birthday parties. Silly me; I wonder why I haven’t thrown one before? I told my cats about the idea.

“How long has this been going on?” they hissed.

“I promise, I just found out,” I explained.

“It’s apparently really popular.”

“Oh, so you might as well say we’re not important enough to know the latest trends! Is that what you’re saying, Karen?”

“Umm, did you just call me Karen? You know that’s not my name. Besides, Karen is a bit of a slur nowadays. I’m sure you didn’t mean…”

They snickered and walked away with their tails twitching in the air.

“Well,” I thought, “how about a late birthday party to make up for my sins and oversight?”

I ordered salmon-flavored cookies from the local pet bakery. (Come on, doesn’t everyone have a local pet bakery?)

12 | OUR TOWN | MARCH 2021

I needed to fly in fresh flounder fillets from Florida. (Try saying that fast. After several attempts, I was finally connected to the ordering agent, but nearly passed out after repeating it so many times.)

The party would be a hit. I called a few neighbors and invited their fellow felines to feast and frolic at the festivity. (I actually did pass out after repeating that five times on the phone.)

The party goers soon arrived to a room filled with fishy-shaped balloons and tasty treats in each bowl. We would begin by playing pin the flea on the doggie as soon as all the neighborhood cats were seated.

The guests of honor were then ushered in.

But disaster, my fat cat spied Mr. McFuzzybutt, the scrawny tabby that lives next door and scratches him through the fence. He lunged for its throat. My skinny cat saw that as an invitation for a scuffle.

He unhinged his Freddy Krueger claws and zoomed across the table to assist

while popping balloons, scattering kibble and flinging goose giblet pate’ onto the visitor’s faces.

Soon the entire party had erupted into one spatting, hissing, clawing barroom brawl. The ferocious felines faced off then fought and fought. The festival was a fiasco and complete failure.

Why haven’t I thrown one of these before? I wonder no more.

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.

OurThoughts ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE

BY AVALANCHE “A lot of people come here in the summer, see how beautiful it is when the sun is shining, decide to move here, and then find out it’s different in the winter. Most of those people haven’t seen nine inches of rain in one day,” the mechanic at the gas station told me.

I was in the shop getting some spray lube for my motorcycle chain, as riding in the rain for several days had depleted my supply of the necessary lubricant. I was on a riding and camping trip on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, for a few weeks in the late spring and early summer.

The mechanic had a point.

Coming from the high central Rockies where, except during storms, the humidity is usually well under 50 percent, I was far out of my normal comfort zone. Traveling on two wheels, and sleeping in a floorless tipi made the “normal” daily rain, frequently measured in inches, seem a bit overwhelming at times. My riding gear was up to the task, as was my camping gear. It was the software (between the ears) that required some re-calibration. Zipping up the tipi and firing up the woodstove during a storm simply turned the interior into a sauna. Opening up the doors and staying clear of the drip zone was much more agreeable. Reducing speed on wet roads was imperative. Road signs in the area depicted a car swerving – it took me a while to figure out that that meant there was moss growing on the road surface, which made the pavement quite slick.

On the plus side, the “Hall of Moss” hiking trail in Olympic National Park is a surreal wonderland of green, hard to fathom without seeing it. Virtually every object in that area, be it bush, tree, rock or dirt, has a living green blanket growing on it. Tendrils of moss hang down from tree branches, with rain and fog the normal climate.

While much of the area has been logged, there are still areas of old-growth forest still standing, with tree diameters that boggle the mind. About 400 years ago, huge fires burned most of the forests on the Peninsula. Some of the trees were spared, and they constitute the stands of huge, stately evergreens, with ages measured in the centuries, with a few surpassing the 1,000 year mark.

One such tree is in the background of the attached photo; partially hidden by the smaller tree in the foreground, the mas-

sive trunk is about 10 feet in diameter. A nearby tree that had been cut down had a diameter of about 6 feet. I took some time and counted the rings on the stump, which numbered about 400, with each ring denoting one year’s growth. Notably, the rings got much closer together on the most recent outer 100, with the last 75 being having very little space between them, showing how much drier the environment has become, and how the trees’ growth has slowed.

The Pacific banana slug, a large, slimy mollusk is quite common in the area, and it was only a matter of time before one found its way into my floorless tipi one night and made a traverse across my hair while I slept. Fortunately, they’re not poisonous, and the slime trail they leave is at least somewhat water soluble; my hair cleaned up ok, but the somewhat repulsive memory seemed to adhere far longer.

I made my way around the perimeter of the Peninsula over the course of several days. The western and northern areas were remote and sparsely populated, with the eastern border a bit busier, being just across Puget Sound from Seattle.

I visited with friends just south of the peninsula intermittently during my journey, stopping in a few times for some good company, a fresh cooked meal and a dry bed, which helped me adjust to the chronic soggy conditions.

As the rainy spring gave way to summer, it was about time to return home. The weather dried out, and the sun illuminated the area and burned off the fog, providing the scenic siren song for unsuspecting visitors who think it’s the most beautiful place they’ve ever seen (and it really is spectacular.) Before you pick up and move, be sure to visit when 2 inches (or 9 inches) of rain falls for several days on end, and then make an informed decision. And try to avoid the banana slugs!

Rainforest

Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.

MARCH 2021

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OurLifestyle

W

ith some 550 dealers here in the United States, Mazda Motors is making available for the 2021 model year their Mazda3 models in both a five-door hatchback as well as in a four-door sedan. It begins with the entry level version referred to as their Standard model, as it’s equipped with a 2.0-liter engine. From there, the product mix features the S Sedan 2.5, then the Select, Preferred as well as their Premium variants. With this as a baseline, a performance 2.5-liter Turbo model is also offered. Pricing ranges from $20,500, up to the flagship Turbo, showing a price point of $32,450, excluding shipping charges.

I’m focused towards the Turbo Hatchback as this is what I recently drove. When you combine this engines remarkable and refined output rating of 250-horsepower (when tested with higher grade 93 Octane fuel) the well-appointed and stylish Mazda3 Turbo is engineered to offer up a sophisticated and impressive package that should appeal to a variety of driving enthusiasts.

To further help raise the bar, standard is their i-Activ, all-wheel-drive system. EPA numbers reflected around 23-mpg city/31mpg highway. Now in its fourth generation, the compact Mazda3 was recently celebrated as the World Car Design of the Year.

Fans have been captivated by its mature interpretation from across the globe. Also new for 2021 are the stylish 18-inch gloss black forged wheels. They’re now offered on all renditions. This is further complimented with a full list of accessories through their dealership network.

Standard on the Turbo is their G-Vectoring Stability Control plus a six-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is offered on select other models. Mazda’s adaptive front lighting system is designed to help the driver see around corners at night, as the LED headlights pivot in the direction of the turn to help improve visibility and spot potential hazards.

In 2020, Mazda earned the most IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK+” awards of any other automakers. For 2021, that same commitment to safety has resulted in the continual refinement and technologies that keeps the driver in control. The suspension was retuned with enhanced springs and damping to maintain comfort, confidence and with more direct steering response on all new Mazda3 models.

The Turbo’s interior is supported by an 8.8-inch large center display, integrated seamlessly into the dashboard design. Fea14 | OUR TOWN | MARCH 2021

2021 MAZDA3 TURBO is safe, stylish and sophisticated

tures of this screen are intuitively, accessible and controlled by the multi-function management knob located near the transmission shifter. The car’s digital gauge cluster assembly is supported by a reconfigurable display housing. It provides the driver with more useful details such as speed limits and diagnostic information. Front seating is quite comfortable, while rear seat leg room is a bit problematic for adults.

Taking inspiration from Japanese aesthetics, Mazda adopted a “less is more” approach when designing this car, focusing on what is essential to the car’s form. With craftsmanship in the forefront, Mazda3 goes beyond the vehicle’s pleasing silhouette with an appealing and flowing modern design. It certainly stands out among other models in this compact class such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, V W Jetta, Nissan Sentra and the Subaru

Impreza. The base bumper-to-bumper warranty and roadside assistance (24/7) is for three-years/36,000 miles and the powertrain component warranty is backed by the factory for 5-years/60,000 miles.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.

OurLifestyle

NEW LINE CINEMA ANNOUNCES REIMAGINED

‘WIZARD OF OZ’ More than 80 years after the original film debuted, New Line Cinema announced that Nicole Cassell from the “Watchmen” television series will direct a reimagined version of the “The Wizard of Oz.” Based on the young adult novels written by Lyman Frank Baum, the 1939 musical adaptation of Baum’s work has become a timeless classic. Mickey Carroll, a beloved actor and St. Louis entrepreneur, had been one of the last living actors who portrayed a Munchkin at the time of his death in 2009.

In addition to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Baum wrote multiple stories set in that magical land and some of them were eye-opening. Take, for instance, 1918’s “The Tin Woodman of Oz,” the book that revealed the Woodman’s real name: Nick Chopper. He had been flesh-and-blood until he ran afoul of the Wicked Witch of the East. In this adventure, Chopper encountered Captain Fyter, another man made out of tin. The two of them realized they have a special link in common with the same Munchkin girl.

New Line’s reimagined version is not the first time Hollywood has returned to Oz. 1981’s “Under the Rainbow” from director Steve Rash was based loosely on some real-life events. In 1938, performers came to Hollywood to become Munchkins in the live-action, musical version of “The Wizard of Oz.” Coming off her second turn as Princess Leia in “The Empire Strikes

Back,” Carrie Fisher played Annie Clark, the woman who had to oversee the would-be Munchkins. Chevy Chase was on hand as Bruce Thorpe, a Secret Service Agent who arrived at the same hotel where the “Oz” actors were staying.

2013’s “Oz the Great and Powerful” focused on the man who took on the mantle of Wizard of Oz. James Franco stars as Oscar Diggs, a member of a traveling circus as well as a con artist. He escaped from an angry husband in a hot air balloon and landed in Oz where he met Glinda (Michelle Williams), the daughter of the late king. Mila Kunis played Theodora, a good witch who falls for the handsome and smooth-talking Oscar Diggs.

Speaking of reimagining, Sydney Lumet directed 1978’s “The Wiz,” a contemporary take on Baum’s original 1900 novel. Diana Ross led a powerhouse cast as Dorothy Gale, an elementary schoolteacher who was magically transported to the Land of Oz. Michael Jackson was a standout as the Scarecrow who is made of garbage, not straw, while Nipsey Russell shined as the Tin Man. Ted Ross showed the many sides of the Cowardly Lion while Richard Pryor became the Wizard.

Nicole Cassell has done some intriguing work on “Watchman,” so it will be interesting to see where she takes us this time. No matter what, it’s a good time to revisit the Land of Oz once again.

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.

FEBRUARY MARCH 2021

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OurLifestyle

Protect your health

with a heart-smart eating plan

As people have spent more time at home, many have rediscovered the simple joy of home-cooking and stumbled upon a secret weapon for health at the same time. By making smart, intentional decisions from breakfast to dinner and every meal (and drink) in-between, they are supporting strong bodies.

Baked Parmesan Chicken Recipe courtesy of Know Diabetes by Heart Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 18 minutes Servings: 4 (3 ounces chicken per serving)

Ingredients: Cooking spray 1 large egg 1 tablespoon water 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/3 cup finely crushed, low-sodium, whole-grain crispbread 1/3 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 ounces each), all visible fat discarded, flattened to 1/4inch thickness Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly spray a 13-by9-by-2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

In a shallow dish, whisk the egg, water and oil. In a separate shallow dish or pie pan, stir together the crispbread, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano and pepper. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture then in crumb mixture, turning to coat at each step and gently shaking off any excess. Using fingertips, gently press the coating mixture so it adheres to the chicken. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the top coating is golden brown.

Nutritional information per serving: 280 calories; 80 calories from fat; 9 g total fat; 2.5 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 1 g polyunsaturated fat; 4 g monounsaturated fat; 125 mg cholesterol; 340 mg sodium; 530 mg potassium; 18 g total carbohydrate; 4 g dietary fiber; 0 g sugar; 0 g added sugar; 30 g protein; 370 mg phosphorus. Choices/Exchanges: 1 starch, 4 lean protein.

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OurLifestyle Ham and Broccoli Frittata

Recipe courtesy of Know Diabetes by Heart Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 (1/4 frittata per serving) Ingredients:

Cooking spray 2 cups frozen fat-free potatoes O’Brien, thawed 6 ounces small broccoli florets, rinsed in cold water, drained but not dried 8 large egg whites

1 4

large egg ounces lower-sodium, low-fat ham (uncured, nitrate/nitrite-free), cut into 1/4-inch cubes 1/4 cup fat-free milk 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 F.

Lightly spray a medium ovenproof skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Remove from the heat. Put the potatoes in the skillet. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown, stirring occasionally.

In a microwaveable bowl, microwave the broccoli, covered, on high for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain in a colander. Stir the broccoli into the potatoes.

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites and egg. Whisk in the ham, milk and pepper.

Pour the mixture over the potatoes and broccoli; stir well.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the eggs are set.

Nutritional information per serving: 180 calories; 30 calories from fat; 3 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 0.5 g polyunsaturated fat; 1.5 g monounsaturated fat; 60 mg cholesterol; 460 mg sodium; 570 mg potassium; 17 g total carbohydrate; 2 g dietary fiber; 4 g sugar; 1 g added sugar; 18 g protein; 210 mg phosphorus. Choices/Exchanges: 1 carbohydrate, 2 lean protein.

Green Beans with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe courtesy of Know Diabetes by Heart Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 (1/2 cup per serving)

Ingredients: Water 8 ounces green beans, trimmed 2 teaspoons olive oil 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, stems discarded 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion 1 medium garlic clove, minced 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 pinch pepper Directions: Fill a medium saucepan 3/4 full of water. Bring to a boil, covered, over high heat. Cook the green beans, uncovered, 5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

Drain well in a colander.

In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the mushrooms, onion, garlic and salt 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are soft and lightly browned, stirring frequently. Stir in the lemon juice, pepper and cooked green beans.

Nutritional information per serving: 60 calories; 25 calories from fat; 2.5 g total fat; 0.5 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 0.5 g polyunsaturated fat; 1.5 g monounsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 60 mg sodium; 300 mg potassium; 9 g total carbohydrate; 2 g dietary fiber; 4 g sugar; 0 g added sugar; 2 g protein; 70 mg phosphorus. Choices/Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.

MARCH 2021

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InDepth

Reframing the story

Saint Louis Story Stitchers is a youth-led artist collective that takes traumatic personal stories and retells them through art, writing and performance The Lewis Prize for Music, an initiative which aims to unite youth with opportunities for music programs has awarded $500,000 of its more than $2 million in funding to Saint Louis Story Stitchers, an artist collective. Organizations in Boston, Detroit, and Philadelphia were also among the recipients for this year’s Accelerator Award. The youth-led collective will use the funds to grow its administrative and fundraising capacity to help establish a youth music and technology center.

“Saint Louis Story Stitchers is giving young people the skills and opportunities to humanize the challenges of gun violence in their city,” states Daniel Lewis, Founder and Chairman of The Lewis Prize for Music. “They bring this work to neighborhoods that have experienced shootings and neighborhoods far from these incidents to build bridges and understanding.”

“The young people are living the gun violence,” stated Saint Louis Story

18 | OUR TOWN | MARCH 2021

InDepth Stitchers President and Executive Director, Susan Colangelo. “They are afraid to stand at the bus stop. Michael Brown was shot right after we (were) founded. This has not gone away. St. Louis is now worse. So, they are telling us, ‘This is our main goal – we want to solve this gun violence problem.’ We need to speak out about it.”

Saint Louis Story Stitchers was founded in August 2013 by Denise Ward Brown, Juan William Chavez, Susan Colangelo, Jamie KP Dennis, Marilee Keys, Kiersten Torrez, John A. Wright and Sylvia Wright.

“I served as founding coordinator of Saint Louis Story Stitchers, an artists’ collective based at Northside Workshop, Old North St. Louis,” states Colangelo, “dedicated to documenting Saint Louis, Missouri through art and word to promote understanding, civic pride, intergenerational relationships and literacy.”

The nonprofit consists of professional artists and minority youth ages 16-24 who are supported by scholars. Story Stitchers collects stories related to trauma such as gun violence, life transitions and mental health. The stories are reframed and retold through art, writing and performance. They utilize the arts of music, spoken word, photography, videography and dialogue.

Participants can define the topics for their work. In addition, the organization’s monthly StitchCast Studio podcast allow youth to listen and ask questions of other local youth. The podcast is also used to invite participants to discuss topics such as COVID-19, suicide, trauma, gun violence, homelessness, bullying, domestic violence, and poverty with local experts. Episodes can be found on storystitchers.org, Spotify and Apple Podcast. While Saint Louis Story Stitchers has three different studio offerings it has six programs that are utilized to engage youth. The podcast includes art interludes of participants’ original artwork and music from one of the programs, Pick the City Up. In three to five years Saint Louis Story Stitchers hopes its endeavors promote a better educated, more peaceful, and more caring region.

The organization engages youth in educational activities such as research, writing, collaborative learning with peers and adults, public speaking, presentation and discussion writing, recording and editing, and nonprofit-building business skills.

For more information about Saint Louis Story Stitchers visit https://storystitchers.org.

MARCH 2021

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March 1

First Day of Women’s History Month

2

Read Across America Day

5

Employee Appreciation Day

14

Daylight Saving Time Begins

17

St. Patrick’s Day

20

First Day of Spring

28

Passover

29

National Vietnam War Veterans Day