Our Town: April 2021 by Community News

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Our Town Volume 12 | Number4 APRIL 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 PRODUCTION Becky Brockmann Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Charlotte Beard

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Around Town

Cinema St. Louis announces seventh Cinema at Citygarden juried competition and more.

Feature The new center of Olivette The city of Olivette’s $10.6 million new Community Center is slated to open in December 2022. By Charlotte Beard

Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore wages war against her body while Avalanche enjoys night in the wilderness.

Lifestyle The 2021 Genesis G80 makes its mark in the executive luxury sedan market in Automobile Alley. Looking back at late night TV wars in Entertainment. Hearty, wholesome dishes to support immune systems in For the Love of Food..

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In Depth UMSL’s Community Psychological Service provides psychosocial rehabilitation services to patients suffering long-term effects of COVID-19.

Events Calendar

Staff Writer – Charlotte Beard Cover Photo – Submitted

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AroundTown

For the love of film

Operation Food Search awarded more than $1.4 million

Cinema St. Louis announces seventh Cinema at Citygarden juried competition

SUBMITTTED PHOTO

Caring for others

Operation Food Search recently received $1,435,000 from the St. Louis County Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act fund.

Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently received $1,435,000 from the St. Louis County Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act fund. This is the third round of CARES Act funding the nonprofit has secured since June of 2020, bringing the grand total to $4,722,406. The first two grants totaled $3,287,406 and provided more than 1.2 million meals and 300,000 pounds of produce from June through the end of 2020. This third grant will provide over 600,000 meals and 280,000 pounds of fresh produce from now through June of 2021. The funds will be used to distribute food to children and families who are experiencing food insecurity during this current climate. OFS will also utilize the money to hire five temporary staff who will help fulfill the logistics side of the additional food allocation. The CARES Act funding will allow the continuation of the hunger relief agency’s work during a time of heightened demand in high needs communities. Shelf-stable family food and produce boxes will be provided at drive-through distributions held at St. Louis County partner sites including public schools, libraries, community centers and faith-based organizations. OFS typically distributes food to 200,000 people per month in the bi-state region. The nonprofit’s free meal distribution program serves the region’s children, families, and seniors who need food assistance. For details about where families can receive food, visit OFS’s website. “This third round of funding allows us to continue serving St. Louis County families as they endure the prolonged economic effects of COVID-19,” said OFS Executive Director Kristen Wild. “We are extremely grateful for these multiple grants that enable our agency to provide food access through our partner distribution sites.” 4 | OUR TOWN | APRIL 2021

The seventh edition of Cinema at Citygarden – a biennial copresentation of Cinema St. Louis (CSL) and the Gateway Foundation – invites St. Louis-area filmmakers to let their imaginations blossom by creating short works that incorporate nature as a key element. This juried competition will award cash prizes – $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place – to the top three entries. The winning shorts will then be featured as part of a program that will screen on Citygarden’s video wall starting May 28. In addition to the three cash-prize winners, other submitted works will be chosen to be part of the videowall program, which will play on a loop from 5-10 p.m. daily and continue at Citygarden through June 27. Deadline for entry is April 5. A three-person jury will select the three cash-prize winners; jury members will be announced on CSL’s website. The cash-prize winners and the selected additional works will be announced on May 28. Cinema St. Louis will also screen the three winning films – as well as additional Cinema at Citygarden competition entries chosen by CSL – as part of the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, held in July. Those films will then be eligible for consideration by the St. Louis International Film Festival, held Nov. 4-14. Competition rules and a link to the FilmFreeway online submission platform are found on the CSL website: cinemastlouis. org/cinema-at-city-garden. Among the most beloved public spaces in St. Louis, Citygarden is a two-block oasis of plants and trees, water and internationally renowned sculpture in the heart of downtown’s Gateway Mall. Opened in 2009, the garden is free and open to the public 365 days a year. It’s been a hit since the day it opened, and the garden continues to attract visitors from all over the St. Louis area, the nation, and the world with its blend of beauty and serenity and fun. In 2011, it received one of the nation’s most prestigious honors in urban planning, the Urban Land Institute’s Amanda Burden Urban Open Space Award. The garden represents a partnership between the city of St. Louis, which owns the land, and the Gateway Foundation, which spearheaded and paid for the attraction’s development – an estimated $25 million. Each of the 25 sculptures, which are owned by the Gateway Foundation, were selected and purchased separately. The design is by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects of Charlottesville, Va. The video wall, on which the competition works will play, is set within a limestone wall that arcs across two blocks. For more information about Citygarden, visit citygardenstl. org. For more information about Cinema St. Louis, visit cinemastlouis.org. For additional information about Cinema at Citygarden, contact CSL executive director Cliff Froehlich at 314-289-4151 or cliff@cinemastlouis.org.

AroundTown

Reviving infrastructure Missouri American Water invests $2.2 million to replace aging pipes in Creve Coeur Missouri American Water is upgrading approximately 3,700 feet of aging water main in Creve Coeur through fall of 2021. The company will replace the water lines, originally installed in the 1920s, with a larger 24-inch ductile iron main along Guelbreth Lane between Old Olive Street Road and Scheutz Road to replace the old 20-inch main along Lindbergh Boulevard. The $2.2 million investment will continue to advance water service reliability and increase water flows for customers and fire protection. This improvement is a part of Missouri American Water’s initiative to accelerate the replacement of water pipes that have reached the end of their useful life in St. Louis County. Last year the company invested more than $100 million to replace nearly 90 miles of aging water pipe in the region. “Our customers depend on us to deliver safe, clean, and reliable drinking water, which is why these ongoing investments in our system are so critical,” said Debbie Dewey, president of Missouri American Water. “Planned pipe replacement allows us to improve area service and reliability so we can continue to meet the needs of our customers, both today and for generations to come.” This week crews are beginning to replace pipe in the Millstone Subdivision and across Lindbergh Blvd. Work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work outside of these hours is not expected unless required to maintain the project schedule. Final street restorations will be completed in the fall of 2021. For the public’s and workers’ safety, traffic restrictions and/ or alternating traffic patterns are likely to occur during work hours. All emergency vehicles and local traffic will be allowed access during construction. Missouri American Water values the safety of its workers and advises drivers and pedestrians to take caution in the vicinity of work sites and to maintain social distancing from crews.

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APRIL 2021 | OUR TOWN | 5

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Backyard beauty 2021 Pond-O-Rama tour gives a glimpse into some of St. Louis’ most beautiful backyards The St. Louis Water Garden Society (SLWGS) is celebrating 31 years as a society sharing information about fish, ponds and gardens. This year is the society’s 21st annual water garden and pond tour, 2021 Pond-O-Rama, will take place June 26 and June 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The 2021 tour will feature private gardens owned and maintained by society members. Tickets covering both days of the tour are $15 each (18 and older) and will be available at local retail shops and garden centers throughout the metropolitan area or on the society’s website. Groups of 10 or more are only $10 each. The gardens are located throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, including in Illinois. This self-guided tour is arranged each day by geographic location. Even during this pandemic, members have been outside gardening and making their spaces quite spectacular. Last year, the water features were “over the top” and many of our members were new on Pond-O-Rama and excited to share their new ponds and waterfalls. Because so many people in 2020 were at home, creative contractors were working more than ever en-

hancing the spaces of so many new clients. This year those beautiful ponds and streams will be on tour. There are always so many varieties of water gardens, bubbling rocks, small ponds to massive ones. Regardless of size, all members love to share their ideas and projects with the visitors who come to their gardens each year. There is so much to learn from each of the hosts about their gardens, water plants, koi fish, goldfish, design, water features and landscaping. There is something for everyone to enjoy safely outside and social distancing. Many members are master gardeners, and many water gardens have been featured in St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles Magazine and local newspapers and magazines. This event, each year, is the only time many of the over 200 St. Louis Water Garden Society members—as a group—open their gardens to the public. Last year all visitors complied wearing masks and social distancing, and there were record breaking numbers. This event provides funds for the St. Louis Water Garden Society to continue their civic project to plant and maintain the reflecting pools at the Jewel Box in Forest Park. Society members for over 30 years work each Saturday at the ponds from MayOctober to keep lily ponds looking beautiful. The tour ticket booklet provides location addresses, descriptions and driving directions. For more information on where to purchase tickets, call (800) 945-7217. Tickets are available by mail order from the society’s website in May, www.slwgs.org, and at many retailers and garden centers.

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AroundTown

The write stuff A third grader at Lee Hamilton Elementary School in Ferguson publishes her first book to inspire readers of all ages While some third graders were entertaining fantasies of being a princess, a knight, or superhero, a third grader at Lee Hamilton Elementary School in Ferguson was working on her first book and thinking of ways to help people in the community. Haleigh Andrea Ingram, a student at Lee Hamilton Elementary School has authored her first book – “I Am: Everything They Said I Couldn’t Be.” Her book signing and meet and greet was announced for March 27 at Ferguson’s HollyLou Entertainment. “We have the power to be who we aspire to be,” states Ingram. “So many women and men have paved the way, making sacrifices for young people like you and me.” Ingram shared that what inspired her to write the book was the story of Harriet Tubman which gives an account of the former slave’s escape and her return to help many slaves reach freedom via the Underground Railroad. “I love black history,” she stated. “I want all of the children my age to love it as much as I do.” Ingram states that her book, which she wrote in four to six months, appeals to anyone of any age group. When asked if she already has a second book in mind she would like to write, Ingram said that she wants to create a coloring book to accompany “I Am…” Book writing appears to be a family affair. Ingram’s mother, Tamika Johnson, wrote and published her own book a month earlier than her daughter’s book last year. Ingram was inspired by her mother who also helped her with the writing of her book. “My mom is my greatest inspiration because when I saw her writing her book it made me want to write my own book about history,” said Ingram of her mom’s book “Find & Keep Your Happy.” Ingram was also encouraged by her mother to serve in her community with the creation of Haleigh Kouture Kids Community Action (HKCA). “For the past five years we’ve partnered with elementary schools in the Walnut Park area as well as Cardinal Glennon hospital to provide clothing, food and resources for children and their families,” stated Johnson. “We adopt families and schools throughout the year to make sure needs are met for everyone we touch. This year we are setting the bar higher to do more now that we have our 501c3. When Haleigh was five years old, she asked if we could do more in the community, and more for the children in the hospital and their families. This is when HKCA was born.” Johnson states that more information about the nonprofit can be found on Ingram’s website as updates become available: https://iamhaleighandrea.com. For more information about “I Am: Everything They Said I Couldn’t Be” visit the website or Amazon.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

Haleigh Andrea Ingram, a student at Lee Hamilton Elementary School has authored her first book – “I Am: Everything They Said I Couldn’t Be.”

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APRIL 2021 | OUR TOWN | 7

AroundTown

The Arch on a plate Custom Gateway Arch license plate design now available for Missouri drivers Is the Gateway Arch your favorite monument? Want to show off your St. Louis pride in a fun way? Proudly display your love for STL and the Arch with the newly redesigned specialty Arch license plate, which supports programs at Gateway Arch National Park. By ordering a license plate from the nonprofit Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA), your tax-deductible contribution will support enriching educational programs for all ages at Gateway Arch National Park. JNPA also creates additional support by operating The Arch Store, located in the visitor center beneath the Gateway Arch. “We are excited to unveil the new design for the specialty Arch license plate,” said David Grove, president and CEO of JNPA. “It not only features our iconic monument, but its graceful lines are a nod to the Arch’s new circular west entrance. Plus, the license plate bears the new park name, Gateway Arch National Park. As the state of Missouri continues transitioning to its bicentennial license plate, we thought this was the perfect time to refresh our specialty license plate to a more modern design.” The new license plate was designed by

Proudly display your love for STL and the Arch with the newly redesigned specialty Arch license plate, which supports programs at Gateway Arch National Park.

St. Louis graphic designer Carlos Zamora. To order your Arch license plate, follow the step-by-step instructions at archplates. jnpa.com, which include submitting your tax-deductible donation to JNPA as well as completing the state’s application for personalized plates. You can customize

your own plate message, so use your creativity! (Do you “LUVSTL” or want to have “LOUFUN”?) You may order Gateway Arch license plates at any time, regardless of your current license plate expiration date.

Food For Vets The Kaufman Fund is helping local veterans with food insecurity with Food For Vets program The Kaufman Fund has created a new program to help “at risk” veterans in our community with food insecurity they are experiencing for themselves and their families. Food insecurity is a significant and growing problem in America. Nearly 11% of U.S. households experience food insecurity at some point each year. For younger veterans and their families, 27% report this problem of struggling to provide food for their families. Unfortunately, the pandemic has only exacerbated this problem. Because of this extraordinary need, The Kaufman Fund has created a new program to address this issue called “Food For Vets” which will better support those veterans who are challenged to provide food on the table for themselves and those they love. It is expected that The Kaufman Fund will be able to host four-to8 | OUR TOWN | APRIL 2021

six events in 2021 and hopefully every year grow the program. “We feel we will be able to reach at least 400 deserving veteran families this year” said Ken Weintraub chair of the program and Harvey Bloth, co-chair of Food For vets. The first event of 2021 will be held on March 20 at the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry which is one of the largest pantries in the area and a partner for this kick-off event. The Wallis Companies, who are the 2020 Corporate Sponsor of The Kaufman Fund, is also involved in supporting the event. The Kaufman Fund will be reaching out to the community for contributions and sponsorships to help in this important new program. Please go to The Kaufman Fund website at: www.thekaufmanfund.org for more information or you may contact ken@ thekaufmanfund.org.

AroundTown

A caring journey In 1999, a young man walked into the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery to volunteer. As a second-year medical student, Duane Moore had been looking for a way to give back to his community and had heard good things about the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery. He knew of their mission to prevent child abuse and neglect by offering emergency care for children when a family faces a crisis like homelessness, domestic violence, or illness. Moore was born and raised in St. Louis, graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School in 1994, then attended Xavier University of Louisiana. After graduation, he returned to St. Louis to attend St. Louis University Medical School (Xavier University of Louisiana is first among the nation’s colleges and universities in the number of African American graduates who go on to complete medical school). As Moore walked into the Crisis Nursery’s Deaconess Hospital location that day, he could not have known he was starting a 20-plus year partnership that would include his facilitation of a $25,000 gift from Christian Hospital to the Crisis Nursery in 2020. For three years after that first day, Moore came to the Crisis Nursery every Saturday morning to help the staff fix and serve breakfast, play with the kids, and help take the children on field trips to Turtle Park and the zoo. “I loved playing with the kids and helping the Crisis Nursery staff. After a tough week of medical school classes, there was nothing better than walking into the Nursery and having two or three kids run up for a hug. I felt like I was making a difference,” he said DiAnne Mueller, CEO of the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, remembers Moore stopping by every week. “We could always count on him! And the kids, especially the little boys, loved having him there so much. Sometimes he would also volunteer on Friday evenings to help with dinner and to put the kids to bed. He always had a smile on his face and was ready to help.” Moore graduated from SLU medical school and, in 2002, began his ER residency in Emergency Medicine in Washington DC at Howard University. In 2005, Dr. Duane Moore returned to St. Louis and began working at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. “I never forgot my experience with the Crisis Nursery or the excellent work they do. They are an incredible resource for children and families that need support. Over the next few years, I couldn’t help in a hands-on way, but as soon as I was able, I got involved with them again.” After joining the Emergency Room departments at several local hospitals, marrying Katrina, and having their first child in 2017, Moore joined the Crisis Nursery’s Young Professionals Board (YPB). The YPB supports the Crisis Nursery through raising awareness, fundraising and volunteer opportunities. At the November 2020 YPB meeting, it was mentioned that some companies were donating the funds from their pandemic-canceled Holiday Parties to local nonprofits. Now, as the Chief of Emergency Medicine at Christian Hospital/Northwest HealthCare, Moore reached out to Dr. Jacques Van Ryn, Christian Hospital Board of Directors, and Rick Stevens, President, Christian Hospital/North-

SUBMITTED PHOTO

A young man’s journey from volunteer to benefactor at the Crisis Nursery

Dr. Duane Moore shows an appreciation gift he received for his work with the Crisis Nursery.

west HealthCare. Both knew of the partnership between the Crisis Nursery and Christian Hospital. It began in 1994 when the hospital started hosting the Crisis Nursery–North location on the hospital property, providing supportive maintenance services, security, and nutritious meals for the children in Crisis Nursery care. The Crisis Nursery/Christian Hospital partnership has ensured that North St. Louis County families in crisis have immediate access to crisis intervention, parenting support, and therapeutic respite care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since 1994, the North County Crisis Nursery has provided more than 1.1 million hours of nurturing care for 28,702 children facing a family crisis. In addition to all the other ways Christian Hospital supports the Crisis Nursery, the hospital administration recently arranged for the staff at the Crisis Nursery-North to receive vaccines for the coronavirus. On the recommendation of Moore, former Crisis Nursery volunteer, current Crisis Nursery Young Professionals Board member, and long-time Crisis Nursery supporter, the Christian Hospital Medical Staff donated $25,000 to the Crisis Nursery. “The generosity of the Christian Hospital continues with this fantastic donation from the Christian Hospital Medical Staff,” said Denise Wiehardt, Program Coordinator for the Crisis Nursery–North. “With this help, we will provide nurturing emergency care and crisis intervention for 75 children experiencing immediate risk factors for abuse or neglect with nowhere else to turn.”

APRIL 2021 | OUR TOWN | 9

THE NEW CENTER

ofOLIVE LIVETTE TTE

The city of Olivette’s $10.6 million new Community Center is slated to open in December 2022 BY CHARLOTTE BEARD The city of Olivette’s $10.6 million new Community Center, on the former grounds of Saints Roller Rink at 1200 N. Warson Rd., is making its way to reality for Olivette residents. The center and new home for Olivette’s Parks & Recreation Department will include a fitness center, dance/yoga studio, indoor playground, gymnasium, teaching kitchen and multi-purpose rooms. Architects for the new site are KAI Enterprises and DTLS Landscape Studio. Navigate Building Solutions is the project manager. “The reason that we are able to do all of this right now,” states Parks & Recreation Director Beverly Tucker Knight, “is that the residents passed Prop C. That was a wonderful funding opportunity for us to speed up the 10-year plan. It is still a 10-year plan – there are still several things in the parks that will be vision items that are not funded through (Prop C). It is still wonderful to have that funding because it enables us to get so many projects done (in the beginning), and it reiterates that residents feel strongly about the parks. We are happy to approve the increase in the property tax to pay for it because it had an overwhelming passage of over 79% amid the pandemic. Originally (Prop C) was on the April (2020) ballot and was pushed to June (due to) the pandemic changing the election date.” Olivette completed its design phase last year for the center and is now in the process of updating PARC and city council on the construction documents. According to Knight, the Jan. 27 Zoom Public Meeting was an extension of the in-person public meetings that were held throughout the comprehensive Parks Master Plan and Community Center planning processes. The meeting was an opportunity for residents to see the Park Concept Plan, and the schematic design and exterior renderings. Knight states “the meetings were very well attended on par with the previous in person meetings” with 65 attendees. “Having meetings for the public are so important so that they can see the progress and watch everything come to life. We will be doing a lot of regular updates on the webpages. When construction starts, we will have progress updates in all the parks (displayed on the) message boards with glass enclosures.” Knight also shared that the updates would include photos. With Olivette’s new community center being constructed in the 10 | OUR TOWN | APRIL 2021

north section of Warson Park, Knight shared that the location has several benefits: 1) the location has level ground with an existing parking lot and utility connections, all of which reduce the overall project cost, 2) the location provides a Warson Rd entrance which increases visibility and accessibility, 3) the location minimizes the impact of increased usage and traffic on the homes that are very close to the current community center, 4) the new extension of the Great Rivers Greenway ‘Centennial Greenway’ will pass directly behind the new center and provide another access point for walkers and bicyclists. “The park land around the new center has many mature trees and greenspace that will provide lovely views from inside the center,” added Knight. “The center design celebrates this beautiful setting with a theme of bringing the outside in. The fitness, dance/ yoga, indoor playground, and multipurpose rooms all have large windows to capture the views of the park.” Knight also shared that the rooms in the community center will provide recreational and life-long learning program spaces and rental spaces. Even the gymnasium will serve multiple purposes. “The indoor playground will have drop-in hours for non-directed play, as well as programmed activities such as story time,” states Knight. “We also anticipate it will be available for birthday party rentals. The multi-purpose rooms will truly be multi-use. They will serve as classrooms for adult and youth classes, camps, and programs; spaces for city-sponsored events; meeting rooms; conference rooms; and be available for rental for private events and family celebrations. The teaching kitchen is also multi-use. It will have youth and adult classes and events, serve as a catering kitchen for events in the multi-purpose rooms, and serve as a break room for the parks and recreation staff.” Knight further explained that there is a vision for hands-on cooking for participants ranging from young children to professionals in classes involving various topics not limited to nutrition. “With all of our classes we build programs based on the interests of participants,” stated Knight. “We search for contract instructors and then we offer a variety of things; we keep asking participants what they like and what they don’t like. The program will grow over time.” Knight also shared that there have been discussions of possible wine and cheese tastings in the new kitchen, cooking clubs, and specialty cooking classes for young adults in preparation for going away to college. “(The kitchen) came out of our public process – it was suggested by people in the community. So, we thought ‘why not – this sounds great.’ We are excited about it; it is a wonderful opportunity. We modeled it a little bit around the kitchen at COCA in U-City. It won’t be the same but it has a similar layout with movable tables for teaching so we can regroup them in different ways,” she said. According to Knight, the former community center will be removed following completion of the new community center. The former site will be repurposed with park amenities including a splash pad and expanded playground. The new community center is slated to open December 2022. Currently there are no special plans to announce the September ground-breaking. However, Knight stated that Olivette is hopeful about hosting a public event in compliance with St Louis County Public Health guidelines. “We are very excited about the park renovations and new community center,” stated Knight. “The park renovations and the new community center were shaped by Olivette residents through their participation in the Park Master Plan process and Community PHOTOS COURTESY SUBMITTED PHOTOS NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Center feasibility study. The new Community Center will provide expanded programs for all ages and includes spaces to gather informally for coffee or to read the newspaper, all in keeping with the Parks & Recreation Department’s mission to create community through people, parks, and programs. The new park renovations are bringing the Park Master/Vision Plan core directives of Connectivity | Innovation | Partnership | Sustainability | Financial Responsibility to life. I encourage people to follow the park projects progress at: OlivetteMo.com/ParksProjects. APRIL 2021 | OUR TOWN | 11

OurThoughts OurThoughts

MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE

Body of

y body is turning on me: strange aches, phantom pains, wiry hairs growing out of weird places. Why is this happening? I’ll do something as simple as open the front door too fast and it results in feeling like I’ve wrenched my shoulder muscle. Or I’ll walk out to get the mail and regret it afterwards. “Did I develop and actual ankle sprain from just stepping down from the curb?” I’ll even wake up on some days only to find that my neck feels like it’s been severed from my head. “What is that beastly pain?” I asked my husband as I rub my aching spine. “Oh ya, that happens. You probably slept wrong.” “Define ‘slept wrong,’ as in I slept upside down from the ceiling like a giant fruit bat with an anvil tied to my head?” Here’s how I slept: I got into bed and laid down on my pillow. I woke up the next morning feeling like my neck has been twisted sideways and pinned all night in between the massive thighs of a professional wrestler. “It’s just your body. It turns on you at our age?” “Well I’ve got something to say about that! ‘Hey body, what did I ever do to you?! Haven’t I clothed and fed and given you everything you’ve ever wanted? Remember that time when you had a mad craving for chocolate at 1 a.m.? And not the cheap stuff made from brown Crayon wax and vegetable oil either. No! I got you the good kind; the rich 70% cacao imported straight outta Belgium. AND paid big bucks for it too!

12 | OUR TOWN | APRIL 2021

LIES Remember how yummy those chocolates were? Remember how we hid the box in the dishwasher because we didn’t want that husband of ours to find them? That wasn’t such a good place after all. The one time he opens the dishwasher to clean his hubcaps and he finds them hidden there and eats half the box! Anyway, I thought we were in this together. Now this is the thanks I get?” “Hey, what other surprises am I in store for?” I ask my husband. He eyes my body up and down and says, “Unusual weight gain.” “Never mind,” I say snarkily, “I just figured out the reason behind the pain in my neck!”

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

THE NIGHTTIME is the right time There’s a certain type of magic during the overnight hours, especially the very late night and into the wee hours of the early morning. Having worked for decades at odd hours, I’ve found there’s a sense of quiet after the nine-to-five crowd goes home – at least until bar closing time. Rush hour traffic has faded and won’t return until the following dawn. Many office buildings go dark, while restaurants and bars ramp up the lights and music to get ready for their busy time. In the emergency services, cops, firefighters and medical personnel get to do their work with fewer administrative hurdles, i.e. the phone rings less, there are fewer supervisors micromanaging the line staff, and one can get work done in an efficient manner. Utility workers also enjoy the same benefits, at the cost of an altered sleep cycle. Of course, once the night comes alive, the type of work tends to be a bit more “colorful” than the typical dayshift. Humans are generally day creatures, with electricity and all that it brings being a relatively recent addition to our existence. Just a bit over a century ago, when the day was done, campfires, candle light and oil lamps were the only way to navigate the darkness; prolonged journeys and activities were limited to daytime hours. Today’s nighttime activity is powered by artificial means, including electricity, central heat, vehicles, internet and television. Alcohol, among other chemical concoctions, is generally consumed at a more rapid rate than during the day, leading to some unfortunate but predictable consequences requiring the services of cops, firefighters and medical personnel. Once the night prowlers are sufficiently fortified, calls for service begin to increase in frequency and strangeness. The animal world is no different. Most animals bed down once the sun sets and limit nocturnal activity except around the time of the full moon. While most animals sleep, a number of species become most active after dark. Rodents burrow and scurry about, free from worries about raptors aloft seeking food during the day. But cats, both domestic and wild, are well equipped with superb night vision, and take over from the birds when it comes to stalking everything from mice to elk. Canines also hunt at night, as anyone who has a dog can attest. When Fido starts barking at zero-dark-thirty, he knows something is out there, even if his annoyed owner (and neighbors) see nothing. I once had a job working security at a large estate, and got

to spend much time viewing the surroundings via night vision devices and cameras. Most of our “false” intrusion alarms around the perimeter were from wildlife crossing various detection zones. The modern (for the 90’s) tech devices provided a glimpse into world previously hidden from view. Deer, elk, coyotes, foxes and assorted neighborhood roaming pets frequently starred as grainy images on the security control room video monitors. One memorable scene involved a fox running across the front lawn with a grouse in its mouth, off to its lair to have a nocturnal dinner. Like the in the human world, the predators are most active – and successful - in the wee hours. These days, thermal imaging is the preferred cutting-edge detection method, which provides amazing detail on warm-blooded critters prowling about in the cool dark. I once had an opportunity to look through such and imager while my dogs were barking like crazy at apparently nothing on a dark night. “Nothing” was actually a small assortment of ground squirrels and mice running around near the garage, all on display as glowing images on a high-tech device. How the mutts – who were inside the house – knew that tiny creatures were present and active outside remains a mystery. It seems that technology is barely catching up with the ancient behaviors and senses of our furry friends. The image above was captured by an automatic game-camera, catching a cougar near her freshly killed and concealed prey, an elk buried under a layer of grass (the pile behind her.) The camera is cutting-edge tech; the primitive cougar and her ancestors have been doing this since time began. These days I no longer have to stay up pulling graveyard shifts, but instead I get up very early, which allows me to experience the quiet hours before dawn, when the invisible world is active, and the magic goes on unnoticed by many.

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.

APRIL 2021

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OurLifestyle

The all-new contemporary 2021 Genesis G80 mid-size executive luxury sedan clearly sets a unique high water mark in its segment. It represents the unwavering core value of this amazing brand, which is piloted by Hyundai Motors America. Manufactured and imported from South Korea, G80 was developed on their newest, third-generation advanced rear-wheeldrive platform. Without question, this model is on par and aligned with the likes of BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, Lexus GS Sedans, Volvo S90 and Audi A6 vehicles. Loaded with almost countless factory creature comforts as standard, it has a price point starting at $47,700 for the base 2.5T variant. Included is their 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine which produces 300-horsepower. It’s also available with their 3.5-liter twin turbo engine that generates 375-horsepower. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Allwheel-drive is also offered. EPA numbers indicate 23-mpg city/32 highway with the four cylinder. The twin turbo V6 shows 19 city/27-mpg highway. With AWD, the numbers tailor off a bit. Included is a driver selectable controller. One can switch drive modes from Normal or Sport, in order to help provide confident manipulation under most weather conditions. G80 delivers extraordinary and unparalleled conveniences, unprecedented levels of safety as well as an easy to use 14.5-inch infotainment touch screen. It’s all coupled with an opulent interior and a sizable trunk that can accommodate over 13-cubic feet of cargo. If you’re focused at the top-rated, extravagant 3.5T Prestige trim level, the pricing elevates to $65,100. Engineers had the aptitude to maximize 14 | OUR TOWN | APRIL 2021

2021 GENESIS G80

makes its mark in the executive luxury sedan market passenger comfort and design flexibility while balancing notable performance and safety capabilities. The unibody structure has 6% greater tensile strength than that of the previous G80. This is in part due to the increased use of high strength steel. Their action resulted in a more stable handling vehicle, a quieter interior and elevated the car’s safety objectives. Additional, advanced safety technologies include a suite of active safety enhancements for superior passenger and vehicle protection. Also included is the seamless Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection system. This technology is designed to help avoid a potential collision or reduce impact under certain circumstances. With this supplemental applied science, G80 will employ automatic braking when it detects another vehicle at an unsafe closing rate of speed. G80’s exterior design language speaks for itself! It starts with its grandiose large front promenade grille assembly, jazzy and sleek side profile and an ostentatious as well as a unique trendy rear layout that includes jeweled and full LED wraparound taillights. G80 tends to have a coupe like appearance and seats five. The Genesis design team focused on an interior blueprint and principles for optimal ergonomics. The cabin layout was designed to benefit all occupants with a spacious, user centric comfortable ambiance. The sophisticated instrument panel ensures an intuitive layout and open feel. An available upgraded Head-Up Display projects a virtual image onto the windshield, enabling the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road using a sys-

tem of mirrors. Front seats are nicely cushioned and offer up ideal support. Generous amounts of head and legroom is quite gratifying, thus allowing adults wiggle room to spare. Synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard. Genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are available. Interior surfaces are available with high grade materials such as genuine aluminum and matte finish wood, in order to ensure a luxurious feel. The end result of this all new refined model will prove to be a substantial addition to the Genesis product mix for 2021. All Genesis vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by an industry leading warranty that includes 10year/100,000 mile powertrain protection. This also includes enhanced roadside assistance as well as concierge services. Genesis Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California and are augmented by their 350 U.S. dealership network.

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

Bitter battles for control of

‘The Late Shift’

When Jimmy Fallon took over the reigns of “The Tonight Show” in 2014, he became the latest in a lineage that started with comedian Steve Allen way back in 1954. That late-night talk fest has seen its share of hosts including Jack Paar and the offbeat Ernie Kovacs but, arguably, the king of “The Tonight Show” has been Johnny Carson. He had been working on an ABC quiz show called “Who Do You Trust?” before setting up shop at NBC for 30 years. In addition to being a latenight staple, “The Tonight Show” turned into a battleground in the years after Carson retired. Directed by Betty Thomas (“The Brady Bunch Movie”), “The Late Shift,” a 1996 made-for-TV movie based on the book by New York Times media reporter Bill Carter, showed the behindthe-scenes machinations to name either David Letterman “The Late Shift”photo courtesy HBO or Jay Leno the heir apparent to the late-night throne. John Michael Higgins (“America Says”) does a nice job portraying David Letterman, who had hosted his own low-rated morning talk show in 1980 before “Late Night with David Letterman” took the timeslot right after Carson two years later. Letterman had built an audience over the years and definitely wanted to take over “The Tonight Show” in 1992 when Carson retired, but there were forces working against him. Daniel Roebuck (“The Man in the High Castle”) played Jay Leno, the comedian who had been a frequent guest host of “The Tonight Show” for years. Roebuck did a credible job as Leno, but Kathy Bates overshadowed him as Helen Kushnick, Leno’s agent who tore through NBC like a bull in a china shop and became a producer on the show. According to “The Late Shift,” NBC dismissed Kushnick for her outrageous behavior. Bates was nominated for an Emmy for her performance as the beleaguered agent. After the dust settled in real life, Letterman moved on and his ratings at CBS were better than those of Leno’s at “The Tonight

Show,” but help for Leno came from an unexpected source. Hugh Grant, who had been caught performing a “lewd act” with prostitute Divine Brown, was a guest on Leno’s show where he gave a public apology. That appearance turned the tide for Leno, who dominated the late-night talk arena for years before “retiring” in 2009. In truth, he got his own prime time show. The battle for talk show supremacy was not quite over, though. Conan O’Brien had built up an audience during his tenure on NBC’s “Late Night” and took over hosting duties on “The Tonight Show” after Leno moved on. After a period of months, however, NBC wanted Leno to host a 30-minute show before “The Tonight Show” started at 12:05 a.m. Conan refused to cooperate with this plan, but he later landed at TBS with his own self-titled show. As the old saying goes, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, especially when it comes to that coveted “late shift” known as “The Tonight Show.” The talk show battles backstage are at times more interesting than what occurs in front of the camera. “The Late Shift” is available to stream on Amazon Prime and YouTube

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.

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OurLifestyle If feeding your family wholesome meals is a daily goal, keep in mind you can serve up tasty foods that also feed your immune system by including ingredients like mushrooms. With their earthy flavor, mushrooms – like many other fruits and vegetables – can also play a positive role in supporting a healthy immune system. Studies at Oregon State University concluded there are a variety of micronutrients important for supporting a healthy immune system. Consider that three of these nutrients (vitamin D, selenium and B vitamins) can be found in mushrooms, meaning these familyfriendly recipes can help you add all-important nutrients to your family’s menu. Find more ways to add mushrooms to family meals at mushroomcouncil.com.

Hearty, wholesome dishes to support immune systems

Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon with Noodles and Veggies Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional) 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 F. 1 1/2 pounds salmon (4 filets) 12 ounces stir-fry (pad thai) rice noodles 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 pound white mushrooms, sliced 1 cup sugar snap peas 1 large broccoli head, cut into bite-size florets 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish sesame seeds, for garnish

16 | OUR TOWN | APRIL 2021

In small saucepan, whisk soy sauce; brown sugar; rice vinegar; garlic; ginger; chili garlic sauce, if desired; sesame oil; and barbecue sauce. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to simmer. In small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch. Pour into pan and cook on low, whisking often, until sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Pour 3 tablespoons sauce into small bowl. Brush salmon filets with reserved sauce and place on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, or until salmon is flaky. Discard small bowl sauce if any remains. Cook stir-fry noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside. Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add sesame oil. Add mushrooms, snap peas and broccoli. Cook, stirring often, until veggies are tender-crisp, 7-8 minutes. Add noodles and remaining sauce from pan; toss to combine. To serve, divide noodles, veggies and salmon between plates. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

OurLifestyle Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium onion, small diced 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 bay leaf 3 cups vegetable broth 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces 1/2 cup heavy cream 5 ounces fresh baby spinach 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping

Directions: Heat large pot over medium heat.

Add lasagna noodles and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and remove bay leaf.

Add olive oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and mushrooms soften, 4-5 minutes. Add marinara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, basil, salt, oregano, pepper, bay leaf and broth. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to low and simmer.

Stir in heavy cream and spinach until wilted, 2-3 minutes. Divide between bowls and top with dollop of ricotta and sprinkle of mozzarella.

Grilled Portobello Gyros with Yogurt Dill Sauce Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: 4 portobello mushrooms 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced

Yogurt Dill Sauce:

1 English cucumber, grated 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 small lemon, juice only 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill 4 pita breads or naan 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 head green lettuce crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Directions: Remove stems from mushrooms and brush caps with wet towel. Using spoon, carefully scrape out gills. Slice mushrooms into 1/4-inch pieces and place in medium bowl with olive oil, oregano and smoked paprika.

Preheat indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and peppers; grill, tossing occasionally, until tender, 5-7 minutes. To make yogurt dill sauce: Squeeze grated cucumber in clean towel to remove excess liquid. Add to large bowl with yogurt, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and dill. Stir to combine. To serve, place mushrooms and peppers in middle of pita bread. Top with tomatoes, onion, lettuce, feta, if desired, and big dollop of yogurt dill sauce.

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InDepth

In it for the

‘long haul’ UMSL’s Community Psychological Service provides psychosocial rehabilitation services to patients suffering long-term effects of COVID-19 COVID-19 BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

Since the beginning of the year, a lot of discussions have surrounded the public having access to vaccinations for COVID-19 and which members of the community are a priority for receiving it. However, the Community Psychological Service at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is continuing to focus on its provision of treatment to adults recovering from COVID-19, particularly individuals called ‘long-haulers.’ The Community Psychological Service provides psychosocial rehabilitation services to assist patients dealing with mental and brain health symptoms. UMSL describes ‘long-haulers’ (or Post COVID Syndrome) as individuals who have been coping with the effects of COVID-19 for months after they have been infected, and who often require mental as well as physical rehabilitation. “In July or August, when we were first organizing services, the focus was on these severe cases,” stated Ann Steffen, Professor of Psychological Sciences at UMSL and Faculty Clinician for Community Psychological Service. “We required three days of hospitalization. We were thinking that we were mostly looking at ICU patients and folks who were working to get off ventilators, and because of the demographics at the time, we assumed that (most) of the people in need of long-haul rehab services would be middleaged and older-aged.” Steffen further stated that nationwide some of the chronic symptoms have been experienced by individuals in their 20s, 30s and 40s who had mild cases of COVID and were never hospitalized. 18 | OUR TOWN | APRIL 2021

InDepth “We had a hint of it in the summer, but we know now that the COVID virus is a multisystem virus, so it hits multiple organs,” Steffen stated. “The virus can pass the blood brain barrier, entering the cerebral spinal fluid in the brain. There can be cognitive symptoms – brain fog, concentration, and memory difficulties – that are really a response to a viral infection that has impacted the brain. As folks are recovering, there is this double, triple, quadruple-whammy where they’re having to manage not only shortness of breath but chronic fatigue, along with cognitive difficulties in focus, concentration and problem solving.” According to Steffen, many patients also display symptoms of traumatic stress, such as nightmares, anxiety, or depression as they recover from COVID. If a patient is six months post-trauma they may be diagnosed with PTSD. When asked what makes these experiences attributed to PTSD, Steffen stated, “Our approach at UMSL’s Community Psychological Service is to work with COVID survivors who experience a range of difficulties, including chronic fatigue, brain fog, sleep difficulties, depressed or anxious mood, etc. So, symptoms of traumatic stress are included in the possible concerns (with which) we help folks but are not our sole focus.” Steffen provided the PTSD fact sheet published by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies as a point of reference for describing “the basics of what makes a reaction of a specific experience fit under the PTSD diagnosis and treatment approaches” (visit https://www.abct. org/Information search on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at the bottom of the page). According to UMSL’s Center for Trauma Recovery, which is affiliated with Steffen’s department, recent studies suggest 20-30 percent of individuals who recovered from COVID-19 developed significant symptoms of PTSD. “The most current information that we have about symptoms of traumatic stress in COVID-19 ‘long haulers’ comes from an international research study that came out in late December of 2020. It focused on the experiences of individuals who had the onset of COVID-19 at least seven months before completing the survey and covered a very

comprehensive list of symptoms and problems.” “The scientific community is looking at what we know from previous similar illnesses, such as SARS,” added Steffen. In August 2020, Community Psychological Service launched weekly “Recovering from COVID-19,” a psychosocial rehabilitation group designed for adults, ages 50 and older, who are recuperating after extended hospitalizations of three or more nights. “We know what a really long and arduous process the recovery is,” stated John Nanney, Director of the Community Psychological Service and a clinical assistant professor in Psychological Sciences with Steffen who supervises the group. “There are many symptoms that linger for months after people have cleared the infection, and the hospitalization and medical interventions themselves can be traumatic. Folks – particularly older adults – really need some ongoing support to manage the recovery and address both the physical and psychological toll of the illness.” The Zoom group sessions focus on helping patients and their families stay connected and motivated to do their rehab exercises, as well as aid with improving sleep, managing pain, and dealing with the cognitive symptoms that have been associated with COVID-19. Steffen and her colleagues have found that some patients prefer one-on-one with a behavioral rehab clinician. The Community Psychological Service offers both individual services and support group meetings. “Even those receiving individual services still want to get together with other survivors and share stories,” stated Steffen. “They may not know anybody else who is going through this, so it feels really good to be able to compare their story to other people’s stories and learn how other people are dealing with this. They feel not so alone because they see other people are struggling with it. They also learn coping strategies from each other and feel good about supporting others.” For more information about the services of Community Psychological Service, email umslcps@msx.umsl.edu or call 314-516-5771.

APRIL 2021

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April 1

April Fools’ Day

Easter Sunday

National Library Workers’ Day

13 Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday 21 Administrative Professionals Day 22 Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day 30 Arbor Day