Our Town: May 2021 by Community News

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Our Town Volume 12 | Number 5 MAY 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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N THIS SSUE

Around Town Hall of fame wide receiver Isaac Bruce hosts free football clinic for kids and more.

Feature Market posts big return The Creve Coeur Farmers Market summer season begins May 1 and looks to put 2020 in the rearview mirror. By Charlotte Beard

Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore gets creative with masking while Avalanche gets back in running shape.

Lifestyle The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a modern upgrade for a classic SUV in Automobile Alley. Remembering ‘Ramona the Pest’ author Beverly Cleary in Entertainment. A brunch spread fit for spring in For the Love of Food.

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In Depth St. Vincent Home for Children has received a grant to fund its Street Outreach Program which provides personal care bags to at-risk youth in the St. Louis region

Events Calendar

Staff Writer – Charlotte Beard Cover Photo – Submitted

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AroundTown

You’re our type! All blood types needed BY JASON KEMPEN Every blood type is needed to help patients who count on lifesaving transfusions. Do you know someone with cancer? Someone who is pregnant? Someone with sickle cell disease? Then you know someone who may need blood. But what you may not know is that each blood type can help in different ways. There are the eight different blood types: O Positive, O Negative, A Positive, A Negative, B Positive, B Negative, AB Positive, and AB Negative.

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O Positive Thirty-nine percent of the United States population has O+ blood. • O+ is the most common blood type in this country. • Hospitals transfuse it more often than other blood types. O Negative Only 9% of the population has O- blood, yet it is the blood type in the highest demand. • O- is the universal blood type, meaning anyone can receive O- red blood cells. However, O- plasma can only be transfused to another type O. • Type O- red cells can be used for any patient but are especially needed for emergencies, for babies, and for those with weakened immune systems. • Doctors depend on type O blood for trauma patients and accident victims. AB Negative Type AB- is the rarest of all the blood types, with just 1% of the population having it. • Only patients with AB+ or AB_ can receive AB- red cells. • AB plasma can be used for any patient but is especially needed for emergencies, for babies, and for those with weakened immune systems. Quick facts about other blood types: • Type A+ is in high demand to treat cancer patients and premature babies. • 2% of the United States population is B-. • Donated blood is often transfused just three days after your donation. • Only patients with AB+ can receive AB+. Many variables can impact our blood inventories such as weather, holidays, or tragic events. Every day, patients who need blood are in crisis and you can help by volunteering to donate. Less than 10% of the population gives blood, so donors that give on a regular basis are important to meet these needs. Giving blood takes about an hour but the difference it makes can last a lifetime! 4 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2021

AroundTown

Answering the call Volunteers with the Oasis Institute make calls to help St. Louis County residents without access to technology register for the COVID-19 vaccine BY CHARLOTTE BEARD Since 1982, the Oasis Institute has been promoting healthy aging for adults 50 and older through learning, active lifestyles and volunteer engagement. In January, Oasis continued to build on its mission by collaborating with volunteers in the community to make calls to residents who do not have access to register for the COVID-19 vaccine. Oasis staff coupled with more than 30 volunteers have made over 1,500 telephone calls. According to Oasis, the ongoing endeavor to help older adults complete vaccination registrations began when Oasis Institute President Paul Weiss approached Community Outreach Manager Sharon Hales to coordinate the project to call individuals in the St. Louis region who did not have access to the internet, technology equipment or computer skills to register for the COVID vaccine online. In addition to Hales being part of the project, she recruited more than 30 volunteers. Oasis volunteers also began recruiting their family and friends to conduct calls to help with registrations. “There is a poster that hangs in my office. It reads, ‘Within the heart of a community, everyone belongs,’” states Hales. “Oasis volunteers made it possible for over one thousand people to belong in this process and to know the community cares.” Tina Duckett, Marketing Specialist for St. Louis Oasis states the project will last for the duration that the St. Louis County Health Department is receiving calls. The department provides the list of residents that volunteers are contacting. Oasis shares some of the feedback it has received from some of its volunteers for the project. Karla Toal, an active member of Oasis and a lead volunteer joined the team of volunteers and recruited her husband, Jim, to help. Together they made a total of 150 telephone calls. “My husband and I were fortunate to get our vaccines in early February after doing a lot of research and registering at

BIGSTOCK Oasis staff coupled with more than 30 volunteers have made over 1,500 telephone calls to assist residents who do not have access to register for the COVID-19 vaccine..

every possible provider,” stated Toal. “I realized that not everyone had the ability to do that and felt that some of the more at-risk people were left behind. Volunteering to register people was a way to give back and to hopefully get some of the older, more vulnerable and most deserving people a place in line.” Toal recalled the overwhelming gratitude people expressed – sharing how much she had made their day by calling to assist registration. Another volunteer for the project, Steve Glickman was recruited by Jim and Karla Toal (his friends) to participate in the project. Glickman, having been an Oasis participant for over 10 years, joined the effort and completed 50 calls. Glickman stated, “Many times, the people who I helped to register were so grateful this service was being provided, because they had no other means to sign up for the vaccine. They were frustrated

by the inability to reach the right source to get on a list, too.” When asked about confidentiality concerns due to the volunteers completing the registrations on behalf of residents with sensitive information, Duckett stated, “There is a protocol sheet that all volunteers follow, and all call sheets are returned to (corporate) when completed.” Duckett also stated that volunteers give residents Oasis’ corporate phone number for unanswered questions and/or concerns. In addition, call sheets are returned to Oasis and its corporate office. “Calls (are) made from home with a finite time to return in order to process more calls, and so that more individuals (can) be helped,” stated Duckett. For information on how to sign-up to help with the effort to register residents for the COVID vaccine contact Oasis at 314-862-4859, Ext. 24.

MAY 2021 | OUR TOWN | 5

AroundTown

Courageous women The World Affairs Council of St. Louis (World Affairs STL) – a nonprofit organization that assists the community in understanding global culture, policy, and business – recently hosted the virtual International Leadership Visitors Program (IVLP) to honor 2021 International Women of Courage award winner Mayerlis Angarita of Colombia. World Affairs STL was selected as one of only 12 councils in the U.S. to participate in this IVLP opportunity, which connects the awardees with American counterparts to share strategies and ideas to empower women around the globe. World Affairs STL hosted Angarita, who has courageously advanced peace and human rights in Colombia. She founded Narrate to Live, a civil society organization which now serves more than 800 women victims of conflict. After the most recent attempt on her life, Angarita engaged the highest levels of the Colombia government to advance a comprehensive action plan to prevent violence against women leaders in the community. Her constructive engagement across 27 government entities, civil society, and the international community has been key to the plan’s success and propelled it to be-

come a model for human rights defender protection throughout Columbia. Angarita was specifically interested in discussing the dismantling of machismo behavior and protecting women against sexual violence, abuse and murder. She and her interpreters virtually met with St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, as well as Safe Connections, one of the area’s oldest and largest organizations working to prevent and end domestic and sexual violence while helping survivors thrive, and Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, a recognized leader in the prevention of child abuse and neglect in the region. Now in its 15th year, the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award (IWOC) recognizes women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk and sacrifice. This year’s event was virtually hosted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded in 1948, World Affairs STL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization. The council connects St. Louis to the world by promoting global

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St. Louis nonprofit participates in International Women of Courage awards

The World Affairs Council of St. Louis (World Affairs STL) recently hosted the virtual International Leadership Visitors Program to honor 2021 International Women of Courage award winner Mayerlis Angarita of Colombia.

networks, embracing cultural differences, creating welcoming policies, and fostering global business in the region. World Affairs STL, which is one of 90 chapters of the World Affairs Councils of America, is located at 812 Olive St. in downtown St. Louis. For more information about World Affairs STL, call 314-727-9988.

Football for all

Hall of fame wide receiver Isaac Bruce hosts free football clinic for kids More than 500 youth from the St. Louis area will have the opportunity to join former St. Louis Rams wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce for a free football clinic at the former Rams Park on June 5. This free, non-contact clinic provides youth the opportunity to work on their football skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork skills, while building self-esteem both on and off the field. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and refreshments as well as have the opportunity to meet Bruce. Registration is open to the public. Space is limited to the first 250 youth in each of the two sessions (eight-to-10 years from 9-11 a.m. and 11-13 years from 12-2 p.m.). To register, visit www. IsaacBruce.org. The Isaac Bruce Foundation Football Clinics are sponsored by Ameren, Edward Jones, Mercy, Performance Chiropractic & Medicine, Homer Sedighi D.M.D, P.C., Lou Fusz Football, and the Isaac Bruce Foundation. Isaac epitomizes greatness both on and off the field. Between 6 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2021

the lines, the Hall of Fame wide receiver gained more than 15,000 receiving yards, more than 1,000 receptions, and scored 91 touchdowns during his 14 seasons with the Rams and two seasons with the 49ers. He retired as No. 2 all-time on the NFL Receiving Yards list and No. 5 on the NFL Receptions list. His number 80 was retired by the Rams in 2010 and he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. He launched the Isaac Bruce Foundation in 2006 which focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education. Through the Foundation, Isaac reaches out to youth and teaches them at an early age the importance of a healthy lifestyle with a focus on education. More than 7,500 kids have participated in the IBF’s free football clinics since 2007. Isaac is committed to continuing to make an impact in St. Louis through the Foundation and is excited to partner with Lou Fusz Athletics to continue offering the free clinic. For more information on the Isaac Bruce Foundation please visit www.IsaacBruce.org.

AroundTown

Laurie’s Shoes celebrates 70th anniversary

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Laurie’s Shoes, a fourth-generation family owned and operated footwear store, recently marked its 70th anniversary

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Laurie’s Shoes was founded in 1951 by Wally and Joan Waldman along with Joan’s father Morris Goldman. Wally passed away in 1984, and Joan remained heavily involved in the business. She introduced the company’s “Balloons for the Kids and Dad’s Cookies for All” policy plus worked as a courier to transfer shoes among store locations and customer’s homes. Joan continued as the business matriarch until passing in 2011. Wally and Joan’s children Mark, Patty and Scott joined the family business in 1976. Mark serves as president of the companies, and Patty and Scott are both vice presidents. Great grandson Jacob Waldman joined the company in 2016 as assistant web manager, and great grandson Sam Baker became involved in the business in 2019 as sales and associate manager. The Laurie’s model has remained the same for the past 70 years. Its skilled sales team, including certified Pedorthists, measure each customer’s feet to determine the best shoe based upon various factors including walking tendencies, arch attributes, and foot length. The staff are knowledgeable in terms of the latest footwear technology, fashion trends, and Pedorthic insight. At one time Laurie’s Shoes had a total of six stores, four of which were located in Missouri and Illinois shopping malls. Today the business has two storefronts – the original Manchester location and its Birkenstock & More in Creve Coeur that opened in 2006 – in addition to a sweeping online presence that serves customers located throughout the U.S. with free delivery. The stores carry a total of more than 60,000 pairs of children and adult brands, as well as a variety of accessories. Shoe Roads Productions, a division of Laurie’s Shoes, was founded in 2002. The company brings a large selection of footwear directly to medical profession-

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Laurie’s Shoes president Mark Waldman.

als at hospitals, providing time-saving on-site shoe shopping at 145 Midwestern hospitals. A portion of all in person and virtual shoe sales by medical employees and their families serve as a year-round fundraiser to subsidize the hospital’s chosen philanthropies. “For the past 70 years, our steadfast commitment has remained the same in terms of providing excellent customer service and offering the best product lines available in the marketplace,” said Laurie’s Shoes president Mark Waldman. “This is a remarkable milestone our multigenerational family has achieved, and we look forward to serving the St. Louis community and our online customers for many years to come.” Laurie’s Shoes is headquartered at 9916 Manchester Rd., and Birkenstock & More is located at 12350 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur. For more information, call 314-961-1642.

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www.DeSmetRetirement.org

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email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

MAY 2021 | OUR TOWN | 7

AroundTown

Vaccines for veterans St. Louis VA expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to all veterans, caregivers and spouses VA St. Louis Health Care System announced it is providing COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone who served in the military, and their caregivers and spouses, and some other beneficiaries under the authority granted by the SAVE LIVES Act, signed by President Joe Biden on March 24. The expanded authority depends on readily available COVID-19 vaccine supply and requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue to prioritize veterans enrolled in VA care. “Over 40,500 veterans and staff have rolled up their sleeves so far to receive the COVID-19 vaccine with us,” said Keith Repko, Medical Center Director. “Thanks to the SAVE LIVES Act, we’re proud to now offer the vaccine to caregivers and spouses of veterans.” The vaccine is free of charge and all categories may make an appointment the following ways: 1. Call 314-289-7039 and a scheduler will make their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Call center hours are:

• Mon, Wed, and Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Tues and Thurs: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. • Sat and Sun: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 2. Go to www.va.gov/covid-19-vaccine to register and stay informed on VA’s vaccine rollout process. VA St. Louis Health Care System will contact veterans and all eligible to schedule vaccine appointments. Veterans, including those with honorable discharge, and general discharge are eligible to receive the vaccine through the VA. Vaccines are administered at VA Outpatient Clinics in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, St. Clair County (IL) and the Grand Hall on Chouteau (St. Louis City). Vaccine offered will depend on availability. To maintain continued health and safety during the pandemic, please do not visit a VA facility for a COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment.

Gone to the dogs St. Louis resident William Potter is among the judges at the 145th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Presented by Purina Pro Plan in Tarrytown, New York on June 13. Due to the pandemic the dog show was moved from its traditional winter date in New York City to an outdoor venue this spring at the Lyndhurst Estate, a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He will judge the Terrier Group during his fourth judging assignment at Westminster. Potter began in the sport of purebred dogs more than 50 years ago after receiving his first Irish Wolfhound in 1968 as a college graduation gift from his wife. In 1976, he acquired his first Smooth Fox Terrier and enjoyed breeding and showing success. Potter serves as secretary and show chairman for the Mississippi Valley Kennel Club and served as governor, secretary and president of the American Fox Terrier Club. Potter became an AKC licensed judge in 1990. He is approved to judge the Hound and Terrier groups, and Best in Show. He has judged all-breed, group, and specialty shows throughout the United States, as well as in Spain, Slovakia, China, and Australia. Potter judged the Westminster Terrier Group in 2012. All daytime preliminary breed and junior showmanship judging as well as evening group competitions will be held on June 12 and June 13. The Best in Show and Junior Showmanship Finals judging will be held on Sunday evening. The dog show is preceded on June 11 by the Eighth Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Presented by Purina Pro Plan and the Sixth Annual Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster Presented by Purina Pro Plan will be held on June 13.

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St. Louis resident to judge at 145th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in June

St. Louis resident William Potter is among the judges at the 145th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Presented by Purina Pro Plan in Tarrytown, New York on June 13.

AroundTown

Finding farm food Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently announced a new gleaning partnership with Eckert’s Belleville Farm located at 951 S. Green Mount Rd. in Belleville, Illinois. The family farm will donate peaches and apples from gleaning events to assist OFS’s Greater St. Louis Area Gleaning Program, which is in conjunction with the Missouri Coalition for the Environment (MCE). The gleaning – which involves harvesting or picking up already harvested food that would otherwise be unused – will be conducted by volunteers from US Foods, a restaurant supplier for St. Louis and more than 300,000 operations across the country. The donated gleaned food is then quickly distributed to OFS’s network of more than 200 food pantries, shelters and food sites located throughout the bi-state region. Eckert’s Country Store & Farms is the largest family-owned and operated pick-your-own orchard in the U.S. Eckert’s Belleville Farm is open year-round and offers seasonal pick-your-own fruit and vegetables. The sixth and seventh generations of the Eckert family operate retail, entertainment, and farming entities

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Operation Food Search creates gleaning partnership with Eckert’s

Operation Food Search recently announced a new gleaning partnership with Eckert’s Belleville Farm.

in southwestern Illinois. “Eckert’s partnership with Operation Food Search represents a longstanding

commitment to help nourish the bodies of those in need, and it’s one that we have taken to heart for over 25 years. Previously our Eckert’s team members harvested the fruit and worked with Operation Food Search to receive and distribute the donations. We’re excited to welcome US Foods team out to Eckert’s for the gleaning initiative and are thrilled to continue to provide our homegrown peaches and apples to feed so many in our region,” said Eckert’s Marketing Director Amanda Morgan. “US Food is proud to partner with Operation Food Search and Eckert’s in their efforts to address food insecurity across St. Louis,” said Andy Stein, Area President for US Foods. Eckert’s has been a valued partner of US Foods for more than 20 years, and it’s an honor to provide them additional support wherever it’s needed. US Foods has a longstanding commitment to supporting hungerrelief efforts across the country, and it’s a pleasure to be involved in such a wonderful event.” To learn more about how farms and volunteers can participate in gleaning efforts, call 314-726-5355.

Justice challenge 21-day racial equity and social justice challenge to run through May 20 YWCA Metro St. Louis, YWCA Alton and the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis are sponsoring The Challenge, which encourages better understanding of the issues surrounding race, power, privilege and leadership, and to do so in a way that builds a habit of learning by stretching the experience over 21 days. The free, virtual event kicked off with a Stand Against Racism town hall meeting on Zoom on April 22. Dr. Karla Scott, St. Louis University professor and author of “The Language of Strong Black Womanhood: Myths, Models and Messages and a New Mandate for Self Care,” was the keynote speaker. Registration for the kick off and The Challenge can be found at ywcastl.org. “Science tells us that it takes 21 days of doing something consistently to form a habit. The 21- Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge asks participants to make daily time and

space to build more effective social justice habits,” said Adrian Bracy, CEO of YWCA St. Louis. “They will receive a task every day, like watch this podcast or read this article. Then a facilitated group discussion will take place every Friday to review the week’s materials.” Every week will focus on a different topic: Week 1: The Value Gap Week 2: Systemic Racism & Voting Laws Week 3: The Racial Wealth Gap Week 4: Disparities in HealthCare and Mental Wellness The challenge wraps on Day 21 with a Disparities in Education Call to Action forum. This event is sponsored by BJC HealthCare and Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery. For more information, please visit ywcastl. org.

MAY 2021 | OUR TOWN | 9

MARKET POSTS

BIG RETURN The Creve Coeur Farmers Market summer season begins May 1 and looks to put 2020 in the rearview mirror

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

he Creve Coeur Farmers Market summer season begins May 1 and will run through October 2 on Saturdays on the parking lot of the American Legion Post 397 located at 934 E. Rue De La Banque. The market will operate from 9 a.m. to noon. This year the market’s summer season will have a better start than it did last year when the market was only allowed essential farmers and food items for the first three weeks it was in operation. “We are trying to build up from 2020,” stated Sarah Smith, Market Manager. “We still have all of our precautions in place per St. Louis County guidelines. We are still trying to grow our vendors with local produce, meats, eggs, and local honey. We have spice vendors and baked goods—including low and gluten-free. All our artists and craft vendors can come back this year as well. We will have live music weekly beginning at 10 a.m. until

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noon. This season the American Legion will be doing their barbeque at the same time – a lot of people look forward to that.”

Smith states Creve Coeur is hoping for 15 vendors each week. Odehler Farms, their main produce vendor, will be part of Creve Coeur Farmers Market for the summer as well as Sugar Creek Piedmontese and Pohl Farms – their meat vendors. Smith also noted their spice vendor will provide hot foods this year, such as hand-pies and breakfast items. “Reconstruction Coffee Roasters will have free coffee and coffee to purchase,” Smith added. “(The market) will be more interactive this year—getting back to a little bit (normality) where we’ll have some food options, coffee, and (such).” Last year the market had to create more space to allow for social distancing and spacing for lines to accommodate standing six-feet apart. The market also implemented one-way foot traffic. “Depending on how many vendors we get we will use most of the parameter so that we can keep that one-way,” stated Smith, “but it will be a wide enough aisle so that we can have people coming up and down. But there will be 20 feet between those aisles. We will have plenty of social-distancing in place.” According to Smith, Creve Coeur Farmers Market welcomes additional vendors for its summer season. “Our attendees are the people who are really looking for fresh produce, the meats and (those) types of things,” stated Smith. “So, we are always looking for more fruit and vegetable vendors. We would love to get dairy vendors back – we have had cheese and dairy in the past. Also, plants and flowers – those seem to be good things that we currently need.” To participate as a vendor or for more information about Creve Coeur Farmers Market email marketmanager@crevecoeurmo.gov or visit facebook.com\crevecoeurmarket. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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APRIL 2021 | OUR TOWN | 11

OurThoughts MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE

Mother of invention Going into a bank nowadays is like playing opposite day. It’s all in reverse. Now you can enter concealed under a hat, sunglasses and complete face covering without any questions. I suppose you could even get away with wearing a Halloween mask as long as security thought it was for COVID protection. But forget the latest rules and beware because it’s opposite day. I entered without my face covered. A security guard blocked my way. “Ma’am, where’s your mask?” “Oh cripes,” I thought as I checked my pockets and rummaged inside my purse. Nothing. Then I checked my ear, sometimes I’ll leave it dangling there by the elastic; other times it’s right there securely strapped underneath my chin like a little face hammock. Darn, neither of those places. “I’m sure it’s here somewhere,” I said trying to stall. As a last ditch effort I looked around on the floor. Stray masks are lost all over the place these days, except when you need one. They’re in the parking lots or in the grocery store aisles. I still wonder how they’ve managed to fall off from someone’s face without them knowing. Don’t they ever question why suddenly they’re able to breathe again? The burly enforcer was eyeing me suspiciously. I suddenly remembered that it was hanging on the rearview mirror of my car, which is where everyone hangs them nowadays. Trouble was, my car was in the next parking lot and I didn’t want to walk all the way back. Exercise is for those easily shamed. I’m confident with my bulk. The guard came closer and closer while pointing to a poster. It reminded everyone to wear a mask or they, along with their savings account, would be forcibly removed. “I won’t breath, I promise. I just need change for a twenty. I’ll be quick,” I begged. “Sorry, rules are rules,” he growled. Just then a suspicious man wearing a creepy rubber clown mask entered. “Come right in Mr. Jenkins. That’s an inventive COVID mask you’re wearing,” he chuckled. Oh yea, I’d show him inventive. I reached into my shirt and pulled up one of the cups from my bra and strapped it over my nose and mouth. He pointed me to the next available teller. 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.

12 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2021

OurThoughts ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE

Running again “Any interest in running on the track? I’ve reached critical fatness,” my friend Dale texted me. Hmmmmm…well, yes, I’d like to do a little running a couple days per week, I replied. Creaky joints had curtailed my running years ago, with a few miles here and there gradually subsiding into no miles at all. The knees felt better, but I was getting quite sluggish and easily winded. Monday found us plodding along on the local high school track at 5:30 a.m., with a waning full moon providing enough light so that it didn’t seem like the middle of the night. As for myself, I am one who doesn’t put on much weight, no matter how hard I work out, or how lazy I become, keeping all my fat safely encapsulated in my arteries, at least according to my latest blood lab results. The lipid numbers were similar to the number of cubic inches in a small-block V8, which is fine for the 50-plus-yearold Mustang, but not the nearly-60-year-old blood vessels. Jogging along at what for us used to be an appallingly slow pace, we talked about the motivation to start this habit again. We ran marathons together for a few years, which didn’t seem like that long ago, until some accurate accounting pointed out the awkward truth that it had been over a decade since we had last been in that kind of condition. Personal bests or working on a faster time went out the window years ago. Somehow both of us had acquired blood pressures that were trending upward, waistlines that were expanding and an embarrassing lack of wind while walking up a grade. It’s become fashionable in certain fitness circles to bash the long, slow runs, with some justification. Yes, it beats up your joints, can cause a loss of muscle mass and resulting loss of strength – if you do nothing but run. But there’s nothing as simple and effective for getting the heart rate up than putting one foot in front of the other at a rapid pace for a few miles. A few miles a couple days per week seem reasonable. Barbell training and body weight calisthenics can minimize the downsides. These days, I suffer from no delusions of running marathons again. A few miles around the track is a worthwhile endeavor to keep up a modicum of fitness, if for no other reason than to keep my doctor’s heart rate down when he sees my lab results. One of our local physicians is a big proponent of the vegan lifestyle. He’s a good guy, and has helped many local folks lose lots of weight and become healthier. He can still run pretty well, especially well for a guy over 70, and I’m sure his lab results are stellar; but he struggles to pick up a 50lb. box of books. Bean sprouts and beets might be good for the ol’ ticker, but they don’t do much for building or maintaining muscle mass. Barbells and red meat have value. Once when I flew into Boston late at night and took the subway

to get from the airport to my hotel room, I realized that given the drunk and surly crowd in the subway car, while I really wanted to run the famed marathon, and had trained extensively to do so, I might have needed to fight my way out of there. While nothing escalated that night to the point of fisticuffs, it was a potent reminder that strength is always a good thing to have in abundance. Dale just might make it to another 26.2 mile affair; his knees are better than mine, and he’s motivated as a single dad to be healthy enough to see his young son well into adulthood. Instead of battling creaky joints, he battles the heavy demands of managing a large estate, a time-consuming career complete with a long commute, making a steady fitness regimen tough to follow. So, 5:30 a.m. it is. On Mondays and Wednesdays you’ll find us slogging our way around the local track, no longer striving for athletic glory, just working hard to stave off the inevitable approach of geezerdom.

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.

MAY 2021

| OUR TOWN | 13

OurLifestyle Alluring and modern styling comes to mind the very moment you see the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Sport Utility Vehicle. Its sculpted design and bold exterior proportions give it a welcomed and fresh curb appeal, as it’s engineered to attract a wide array of SUV buyers. The standard two-tone roof color palette on the ACTIV and RS trim versions makes Trailblazer unique among other similar vehicles on the road. This subcompact people mover is positioned between the smaller, entry-level Chevy Trax and the larger Chevrolet Equinox for the ‘21 model year.

2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER

The name Trailblazer has been associated with Chevrolet for many years. However, it’s been absent from their product mix since 2009. And for clarification, they also offer a larger Blazer SUV within their offerings as well. The all new Trailblazer is a smaller product when compared to its predecessor as it now has a car-based underside architecture platform. This results in a more tame and predictable drive with better and quieter ride characteristics and handling while on paved roads. Additionally, if you choose the ACTIV trim package, the factory also includes enhanced extras in order to make it more off-road capable. This in part includes: unique off road tires, upgraded shock absorbers and a slightly more underside ground clearance. This new product has edgy styling that also tends to have other Chevy DNA signatures. More precisely, the exterior design as well as some additional suggestive interior character trademarks within the Chevrolet product mix are embodied within. The five-passenger interior is engineered to allow for gratifying room for adults as well as personal items in the form of welcomed cargo carrying capabilities. 14 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2021

is a modern upgrade for a classic SUV

Available in five trim levels: L, LS, LT, ACTIV and RS, the standard 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2 liter three-cylinder engine delivers acceptable get-up-and-go acceleration. The factory also includes their standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a front wheel drive chassis. All-wheel-drive is on the option list. It also comes with a more robust 155hp turbocharged, 1.3-liter three cylinder engine linked with a nine speed automatic transmission. Also included with AWD is a driver selectable mode controller that features “normal, sport and snow” settings. EPA fuel mileage figures show 28-mpg city/31 highway with the standard engine. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine with AWD shows 26-mpg city/30-highway. This base L trim includes 16-inch steel wheels, built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, four speaker audio system and their Safety Assist Suite of advanced safeguard features. In part, this includes forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and seamlessly applies the brakes) and their Lane keeping Assist (steers the vehicle back into

its lane if it begins to drift over the painted lane marker) and Automatic High Beams. The ACTIV trim level includes the more robust 1.3 liter engine, enhanced body visuals, improved tires, upgrades with the exterior, two-tone paint, simulated leather upholstery with leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The RS Model also adds attractive 18 inch alloy wheels and red interior accents, blacked out exterior

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

Remembering ‘Ramona the Pest’ author Beverly Cleary Ray Bradbury is credited with the statement “Libraries raised me,” a sentiment that every bookworm out there can agree with. For me, the library was more of a means to an end because it put me in contact with fantastic authors like Beverly Cleary, a Newberry Medal-winner for children’s literature. Cleary passed away on March 25 at the age of 104 leaving behind a legacy of engaging novels for children of all ages. Cleary created a number of memorable characters, but the unflappable Ramona Geraldine Quimby is the breakout star of the author’s body of work. The 2010 family comedy “Ramona and Beezus” is based primarily on the novels featuring Ramona. This character is the epitome of “girl power” with her vivid imagination and boundless energy. In Cleary’s “Ramona the Pest,” she goes too far, though, and ends up temporarily suspended from kindergarten. Though it was released over a decade ago, the themes in the “Ramona and Beezus” movie are very relevant in 2021. Ramona’s dad (John Corbett) is separated from his job and tries to find a new, more creative position, but that troubles his young daughter. After Ramona (Joey King) talks to a classmate in a similar situation, she’s afraid that her parents might even get divorced. Despite her misadventures, Ramona’s Aunt Bea (Ginnifer Goodwin) thinks her niece is extraordinary. In earlier novels, however; Ramona serves as an annoying background character who, because she couldn’t pronounce the name “Beatrice,” called her big sister “Beezus” and the nickname stuck. In “Henry and the Paper Route,” Henry, a friend of Beezus, desperately wants to get a paper route but after he gets one, Ramona makes his life miserable. In a pre-social media world, Henry resorts to pen, paper and the power of television to get that pint-sized terror off his back. If any Beverly Cleary character can match Ramona’s passion

it would be Ralph S. Mouse, the hero of Cleary’s “The Mouse and the Motorcycle.” Ralph, who can speak with children, lives in a run-down hotel and becomes friends with Keith Gridley, a boy who has a toy motorcycle. Keith teaches Ralph how to make the motorcycle move simply by making engine-like noises. Like Ramona, Ralph made it to film in a 1986 adaptation of Cleary’s novel. The author also wrote two more novels about the mouse with a need for speed. In her lifetime, Cleary created characters that appealed to all generations. Ramona’s outlook and fiery spirit makes her the standout, but the determination of Henry Huggins is something to be admired. When he finds a lost dog, Henry does everything he can to bring him home on the bus. At the grand opening of a new supermarket, Henry even volunteers to try some new dog food to get his friends to forget an embarrassing situation. Thank you, Beverly Cleary, for the characters and inspiration you have left behind. You will be missed. “Ramona and Beezus” is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.

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 MAY 2021

| OUR TOWN | 15

OurLifestyle From tasty small bites to a filling feast and even dessert for breakfast, brunch options are nearly endless. Take your spring brunch to the next level with recipes that appease appetites of all kinds. First, start with portioned pastry cups perfect for appetizers. Bring out the protein-packed breakfast burritos for the main course then, for a final touch of sweet deliciousness, offer up lemony doughnuts to cap off the feast. Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net.

A brunch spread Breakfast Burrito

fit for spring

Ingredients: 1 New York Strip Steak (10 ounces) oil salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1/2 onion, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, sliced lengthwise 4 large mushrooms, sliced 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2-1 teaspoon chili powder 1 tomato, finely chopped 8 eggs 1/2 cup milk 4 large tortillas 1 cup spinach 1 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup cilantro 1 avocado lime wedges (optional) hot sauce (optional) 16 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2021

Directions: Remove steak from packaging and set aside 10 minutes. Once steak reaches room temperature, heat pan over medium-high heat.

Rub steak with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook until medium-rare, approximately 3-4 minutes each side. Remove from pan and cover loosely with tinfoil to rest 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add splash of oil. Add onion; cook 1 minute. Add red bell pepper and mushrooms; cook 1 minute. Add cumin, paprika and chili powder; stir through. When veggies are tender (about 2 minutes), add tomato and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt and pepper, to taste. Heat pan to medium heat and add splash of oil. Pour egg mixture into pan and cook, lifting and folding eggs until thickened and no visible liquid egg remains. Do not stir constantly. Lay tortillas on flat surface or plate. In center of tortilla, add cooked veggies and top with thinly sliced beef. Add handful of spinach, scrambled eggs, crumbled feta, cilantro and avocado. Fold bottom of tortilla and roll. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce, if desired.

OurLifestyle Pastry Brunch Cups Servings: 18

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

2 sheets puff pastry 18 eggs 2 cups diced ham chopped fresh green onions

Directions: Heat oven 375 F.

In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter. Gradually pour in milk, whisking each time. Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat; stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside. Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastries. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup and sprinkle each with diced ham.

Bake 10-15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 7 minutes

Ingredients:

Doughnuts:

Vegetable oil, for frying 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 3/4 cups golden sugar, divided 2 tablespoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons lemon zest 5 large eggs 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Lemon Curd (optional):

1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups golden sugar 2 large eggs 2 egg yolks 4 lemons, zest and juice only 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions: To make doughnuts: In large saucepan, preheat oil to 350 F. Prepare cookie sheet with paper towel to drain doughnuts once out of hot oil.

In bowl, mix flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Add lemon zest, eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. Use ice cream scoop to scoop small amounts dough into oil, 4-5 pieces at a time. Fry each batch until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Keep oil at or near 350 F; if oil is too hot, doughnuts will turn golden brown but centers may still be raw. Remove from oil and drain in paper towel. Repeat with remaining dough.

While still hot, toss doughnuts with remaining sugar. To make lemon curd, if desired: In large bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and egg yolks, one at a time. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and salt. Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook at low-medium heat until thick and creamy, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool before serving with doughnuts.

MAY 2021

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SUBMITTED PHOTOS

InDepth

The St. Vincent Home for Children the outreach van travels daily to provide personal care bags filled with essentials, PPE, information about St. Vincent’s services, and snacks to at-risk youth ages 10-19 in the St. Louis region.

Reaching out to homeless youth BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

18 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2021

St. Vincent Home for Children has received a grant to fund its Street Outreach Program which provides personal care bags to at-risk youth in the St. Louis region

InDepth The Federal Department of Health and Human Service’s issue that trickles down to children from their parents. Family and Youth Services Bureau’s (FYSB) Runaway and “Parents are struggling with maintaining and finding safe, Homeless Youth (RHY) Program has awarded a $600,000 affordable housing. One of the good things about our proBasic Center Program grant to St. Vincent Home for Chil- gram is that we are used as somewhat of a ‘crisis care.’ Ofdren. St. Vincent will use the grant over the course of three ten we have parents who bring their youth (to us) so that they years for its Street Outreach Program which provides per- don’t have to experience homelessness with them.” sonal care bags filled with essentials, PPE, information about She further stated that sometimes utilities are turned off in St. Vincent’s services, and snacks to at-risk youth ages 10-19 the home and may be lacking basic needs such as food and in the St. Louis region. water. Parents often depend on St. Vincent’s temporary care “This program is really important,” states Latosha Fowl- of their children until the parent gains stability. Fowlkes also kes, Executive Director for the home. “Historically, over the attributed some reasons for homelessness among youth to years in the St. Louis region the Street Outreach Program trauma, violence, safety, substance abuse, the COVID crisis, has struggled with maintaining funding. When we experi- and attempts by youth to find their own path in life. ence budget cuts the Street Outreach Program is often one of Functioning now for only a month to-date, the Street Outthose programs that is cut back. So, reach Program has assisted 36 youth we are excited that there is some and Fowlkes states the program funding opportunity right now to serves an average of 500 youth get out and expand that reach in per year. Parents are struggling with maintaining the community. With us getting past When asked how the program’s this pandemic, with kids not access- and finding safe, affordable housing. One of approach may differ for younger ing school in the way they had – it is the good things about our program is that youth as opposed to the older youth really important that we as providthe program assists, Fowlkes stated, we are used as somewhat of a ‘crisis care.’ ers are coming outside the facility “We take a trauma-informed apand getting into the community and Often we have parents who bring their youth proach to the care of all of our youth meeting our youth where they are. no matter the age.” (to us) so that they don’t have to experience These types of programs are critiFowlkes also stated that all profescal to be able to meet the mental homelessness with them sional staff are trained on traumahealth and housing needs of our care. ~ Latasha Fowlkes, Executive Director informed youth in our community.” “Our number one goal,” she According to Fowlkes, the outshared, “and part of our mission is reach van travels daily with a minithat we want to improve the lives of mum of the facility’s outreach coordinator and a case man- our youth, their families, and ultimately our community. With ager when there are not four people from the leadership that being said, for the younger kids our goal has always team. In addition to the items the van distributes to homeless been reunification. We can provide some crisis care – some and runaway youth, St. Vincent states youth are encouraged temporary assistance – to our youth. (If we) get them back to enroll in the 21-day shelter support program where they into a home and go in and provide home community-based will stay at St. Vincent’s facility and receive critical mental services – then that is our number one goal. For older kids and behavioral health counseling, case management and – they may not be in a place where returning to a home crisis intervention as well as meals, hygiene items, and cloth- environment is their next step. In those instances, we have ing. After completing the residential program, St. Vincent another program called Transitional Living that allows them states youth are evaluated to determine if they could benefit to stay with us for a longer period and work on building life from one of St. Vincent’s additional programs including Sup- skills and job skills that will allow them to be successful as portive Housing, Transitional Living, Outpatient Support or if they transition into independent.” a referral to a partner agency is necessary. Fowlkes also shared that the facility’s drop-in center is the “Youth that come into our care often are some of the most next phase for their outreach with youth. It will be staffed with resilient kids (with which) you will cross paths and they are case managers and mental health providers. She expressed often overlooked and underestimated,” shared Fowlkes. “I that there is a two-to-four hour gap in-between children getthink some of the kids that come into our care are homeless ting out of school and parents getting off work. St. Vincent because we are experiencing a housing crisis at this time. hopes to fill that gap for children with arts and crafts, ceSafe, affordable housing in good neighborhoods and good ramic-making, the ability to use the laundry facility or music school districts are a challenge for many of our youth to ac- studio, etc. cess.” For more information visit https:///www.saintvincenthome. Fowlkes went on to explain the housing crisis as part of an org/street-outreach or call 314-261-6011.

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MAY 2021

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MAY 1

May Day

Cinco de Mayo

National Nurses Day

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Truman Day

Mother ’s Day

15 Armed Forces Day 17 Tax Day 25 National Missing Children’s Day

31 Memorial Day