Our Town: May 2022 by Community News

LET YOUR BUSINESS MEET OUR READERS

READER SURVEY RESULTS

of our readers purchased from our advertisers in the past 90 days.

For advertising

636-379-1775

www.MYCNEWS.com www.mycnews.com

info@mycnews.com

www.treesbywoody.net

2 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2022

Our Town Volume 13 | Number 5 MAY 2022 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

N THIS SSUE

Around Town The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank helps provide resources to families so they can keep their babies clean, dry and healthy and more.

Feature St. Louis Community College turns 60 St. Louis Community College has been a staple of education and job readiness resources for six decades and looks forward to helping the St. Louis region thrive for many more By Wendy Todd

Our Thoughts CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Wendy Todd

For advertising information, please contact us at:

Moore on Life author Cindy Moore learns that old habits die hard while Avalanche sees changes in the seasons and in the neighborhood.

Lifestyle The 2022 Toyota Sienna makes minivans cool again in Automobile Alley. Tom Cruise’s Captain Peter Mitchell returns in ‘Maverick’ in Entertainment. Whip up a bountiful weekend brunch in For the Love of Food.

10 12 14

info@mycnews.com or

Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632 www.mycnews.com

In Depth Three Afghan women narrowly escape the Taliban to start a new life in St. Louis thanks to a local Good Samaritan.

Events Calendar

Staff Writer –Wendy Todd Cover Photo – Bigstock

18 20

AroundTown

Diaper dandies Heating & Air Conditioning

The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank helps provide resources to families so they can keep their babies clean, dry and healthy BY WENDY TODD

314-739-1600

2550 Harley Drive Maryland Heights, MO 63043

MAKE YOUR SUMMER COUNT AT STLCC! Our college oﬀers hundreds of courses that are guaranteed to transfer to any public university in Missouri. 



Three-week and 11-week classes begin May 17 6-week and 8-week classes begin June 6

Complete our free online application today! stlcc.edu/apply

4 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2022

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three families can’t afford diapers for one child, which averages about $80 per month. And there are no federal or state programs that help families purchase diapers. The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank aims to bridge what is referred to as the “diaper gap” to help families keep their babies clean, dry and healthy. Since 2014, the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank has distributed over eight million diapers and assisted Since 2014, the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank has distributed over eight million diapers over 200,000 residents. and assisted over 200,000 residents. Adequate diaper supply helps babies stay clean and avoid diaper related infection. It is re- tribute diapers.” Supply chain issues were also a hinported that between 7% and 25% of babies in the U.S. suffer from diaper irritation that drance to operations, as well as the inability can lead to infection and serious illness. But to have volunteers in the warehouse to help the importance of having adequate diapers with packaging the diapers. The small staff at St. Louis Area Diaper Bank had to pick goes well beyond basic hygiene. According to the St. Louis Area Diaper up the efforts. “We were able to shift to the drive-thru Bank, moms who don’t have enough diapers are three-times more likely than their model with the St. Louis County Library, peers to suffer from depression and anxi- Operation Food Search and the Urban ety. Increased parental stress can potentially League to ensure families received what lead to abuse. And a child who is fussy due they needed during that time,” Smith says. Since the height of the pandemic that to diaper irritation is at a heightened risk for hindered the ability to render services the abuse in a high stress home. As with most businesses, the pandemic organization made some effective changes. “We have secured multiple distributors impacted operations, but the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank has still found ways to support so that we don’t have issues with getting access to diapers and period supply prodthe public. “When the pandemic began in 2020, we ucts,” Smith says. “We purchased two wrapwere not able to distribute diapers because ping machines to make wrapping diapers of the shutdowns,” says Muriel Smith, Exec- quicker and more efficient in case we can’t utive Director. “None of our partner agen- have volunteers in the warehouse. We also cies were open and seeing clients, which ‘DIAPER’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 affected the Diaper Bank being able to dis-

AroundTown ‘DIAPER’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 created a community distribution partnership with St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Library so that families and individuals could readily have access to the items they need.” And with those innovations the nonprofit is working on initiatives to continue assisting the community with access to diapers and the part of their mission, menstrual supplies. “The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank is currently working on increasing access to period supplies in schools,” Smith says. “As well as, ensuring that diapers and period supplies are not taxed as luxury items, so that people can afford to purchase these items when they need to.” The price of diapers and menstrual supplies, necessities that are often overlooked when discussing poverty and access, can be an additional cost that puts families and those with periods in difficult financial positions. The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank recognizes this precarious situation and wants the public to understand the significance of its work. “St. Louis Area Diaper Bank strives to make a health, social and economic impact by not only providing diapers and period supplies but by connecting them to these resources and other resources through our partner agencies,” Smith says. “Providing families and individuals in need with free diapers and period supplies influences a range of positive outcomes, such as positive changes in parental mood (reducing the risk of childhood abuse), improved child health and happiness (nurturing their ability to learn), and increased opportunities for childcare, work stability and school attendance.”

Extended service Ladue Schools Board of Education incumbents to serve three more years During the April 5 election, Ladue School District residents voted to reelect incumbents Sheldon Johnson and Jeff Kopolow to serve for three more years on the Ladue Schools Board of Education. Johnson has served on the school board since April 2016 and has served in the role of treasurer. He will begin his third threeyear term. “I look forward to serving on the board of education to help keep Ladue as the best school district in St. Louis County and toptier district in Missouri,” said Johnson. Kopolow has served on the school board since April 2010 and has served in the roles of president, treasurer, and secretary. He will begin his fifth three-year term. “As a member of a very effective team, I am pleased to continue my service on the school board to move the district forward. We must build upon our successes, particularly as we must focus on providing a safe environment for our students and staff,” said Kopolow. Johnson and Kopolow were sworn in to serve a new term on April 11, during the board of education meeting held at Ladue Horton Watkins High School.

MAY 2022 | OUR TOWN | 5

AroundTown

Celebrating theater The Muny, Shakespeare Festival, Midnight Company are major winners of St. Louis Theater Circle Awards The Muny, the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival and The Midnight Company, with nine, eight and six awards, respectively, led the way at the 2022 St. Louis Theater Circle Awards, which were held in a virtual, streaming ceremony on HEC Media on March 28. The Muny’s 2021 production of “Chicago,” which returns to open its 2022 season, took top honors for an individual show with seven awards. Denis Jones, director and choreographer of “Chicago,” and Joe Hanrahan, artistic director of The Midnight Company, each was honored with two individual awards to lead all honorees. Nominees in more than 30 categories vied for honors covering comedies, dramas, musicals and operas produced by local professional theater and opera companies in the combined calendar years of 2020 and 2021. Because the coronavirus pandemic brought about the cancellation of so many

productions by nearly all local professional theater companies, approximately 75 productions were considered for nominations for the combined years of 2020 and 2021. This compares to roughly 120 to 130 productions normally considered in one year alone. The eighth annual award ceremony, which was to have been held “live” at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University, was canceled in February 2020 due to the escalating number of cases of COVID-19. Instead, that event was held virtually in a highly polished presentation produced by HEC Media and streamed on HEC’s YouTube channel, Facebook page and web site, as was this ninth annual event. There was no ceremony of any type by the Theater Circle in 2021. For the ninth annual ceremony, members of the St. Louis Theater Circle considered nominees from shows produced in the first three months of 2020 and the

last eight months of 2021 combined. In addition, a few shows produced between April 2020 and May 2021 were included. In addition, arts philanthropists Nancy and Ken Kranzberg were honored with a special award which was originally presented at the 2020 in-person ceremony. Michael Hamilton and Jack Lane, co-founders of Stages St. Louis and the troupe’s recently retired artistic director and executive producer, respectively, were honored as well for their body of work. The Kranzbergs and Lane each gave a recorded acceptance speech during the virtual ceremony. The mission of the St. Louis Theater Circle is simple: To honor outstanding achievement in St. Louis professional theater. Other cities around the country, such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., pay tribute to their own local theatrical productions with similar awards programs.

Garden tour Pond-O-Rama Tour returns in 2022 The St. Louis Water Garden Society (SLWGS) is celebrating 32 years as a society sharing information about fish, ponds, and gardens. This year, the Society’s 22nd annual water garden and pond tour, 2022 Pond-

6 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2022

O-Rama, takes place June 25 and June 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The 2022 tour will feature 30 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 group’s website. The gardens are located throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. This self-guided tour is arranged each day by geographic location. Even during the pandemic, members have been outside gardening and making their spaces quite spectacular. 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 something for everyone to enjoy safely outside and social distancing. 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 32 years work each Saturday at the ponds from May-October to keep the lily ponds looking beautiful. The tour ticket booklet provides location addresses, descriptions and driving directions. For more information on where to purchase tickets or by mail order from the society’s website in May, www.slwgs.org, and at many of our retailers and garden centers.

AroundTown

New administrators

Top scholars

Ladue Schools Board of Education Appoints new assistant superintendent and director

Ten Parkway students selected for Missouri Scholars Academy

The Ladue Schools Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Derrick Wallace as the Assistant Superintendent for Student and Community Services and the promotion of Dr. Tiffany Taylor-Johnson to assume the role of Director of Student Services. Wallace has served in the Ladue School District for the last 25 years in various positions with increased levels of responsibility. In his most recent role as Director of Student Services & Title IX Coordinator, Wallace has myriad responsibilities. In his new position, Wallace will lead the strategic planning efforts to improve Ladue Schools’ connection to community engagement through student and parent programs. His office will continue the district’s work in expanding summer school and enrichment opportunities. In this role, he will also spearhead parent education programs, community/educational programs, and sports and activities for children in our community. He will also serve as the district’s Title IX Coordinator and Office of Civil Rights Coordinator. Wallace has an impressive resume with Ladue Schools and has served in various district-level executive leadership positions during his tenure. He is a St. Louis native, having graduated from Jennings High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a master’s degree in education administration from Lindenwood University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Maryville University. He and his wife Karin have three wonderful daughters. He enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling, playing golf, and outdoors. Wallace is a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In her new role, Taylor-Johnson will be responsible for providing leadership for efficient student services and community education and outreach efforts. Taylor-Johnson has served in the Ladue School District for 22 years, all at Ladue Middle School. She has led the day-to-day operations as the building principal for the last five years. Before joining Ladue

(Left) The Ladue Schools Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Derrick Wallace as the Assistant Superintendent for Student and Community Services. (Right) The Ladue Schools Board of Education approved the promotion of Dr. Tiffany Taylor-Johnson to assume the role of Director of Student Services.

Schools, Dr. Taylor-Johnson served as a seventh- and eighth-grade communications arts teacher at Margaret Buerkle Middle School in the Mehlville School District for four years. Taylor-Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in language arts education from the University of Oklahoma. She also has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Maryville University. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Louis University. She and her husband Edward are the proud parents of a fifth-grader. Tiffany enjoys spending time with family and watching her son compete in sports in her spare time. She also enjoys supporting her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Wallace will continue to serve on the Leadership Cabinet, reporting to the superintendent. Taylor-Johnson will report to the assistant superintendent of student and community services. Wallace and Taylor-Johnson will officially begin in their new roles on July 1. “Dr. Wallace and Dr. Taylor-Johnson both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their new roles and are so deserving,” said Ladue Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke. “I am excited about the work ahead, as they will champion our students and parents and help bring community partners in alignment with our district’s Future-Ready Strategic Plan.”

Ten Parkway students have been selected to participate in the Missouri Scholars Academy this summer. The Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week academic program for 330 of Missouri’s gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year in high school. The academy is a residential program held on the campus of the University of Missouri. Students are selected by GPAs, standardized test scores, IQs, recommendations, and formal essays. Central High Rachel Li Matthew Wehling North High Charlotte Brod Phillip Pernik South High Katherine Fourtner Kassandra Martinez-Rivera Allen Zheng West High Yena Ahn Serena Liu Aristuto Paul

Get your event or good news published:

email your information to editor@mycnews.com.

MAY 2022 | OUR TOWN | 7

AroundTown

Making history On April 11, the Ladue Schools Board of Education voted Kisha Lee to serve as School Board President. Lee is the first African American to lead the Ladue Schools Board of Education. During the board’s annual reorganization meeting following the April 5 election, it was determined by unanimous vote that Lee would lead the 4,200 students and more than 575 faculty and staff of Ladue Schools. In her inaugural remarks, Lee shared the significance of her historic appointment with a room full of supporters including family, friends, church and sorority members, Ladue Schools staff, and residents. “Some may ask why this role is significant to me. It is because I sit here in the same community where my grandmother served as a domestic worker, and have just been installed as the president of the school board for the number one school district in Missouri. One generation gives to the next,” Lee said during her opening remarks. The district has achieved many accomplishments since Lee first joined the board in 2017. Voters passed Prop L, a historic $126 million bond referendum to renovate its middle and four elementary schools, last year; construction projects are currently underway. During her time on the board, Lee has been a champion of hiring a more diverse staff to be more reflective of the student demographics. “Kisha Lee is a true advocate for equity and opportunity in every child’s development,” said Ladue Schools Superintendent

Dr. Jim Wipke. “We are grateful to Ms. Lee for her service to Ladue Schools on our Board and various district committees. She focuses on all aspects of a student’s education and truly helps create real progress and forward thought for our community.” Lee holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, which includes an emphasis on non-profit management and leadership with extensive research in public education and social work. She also has obtained both Advanced and Master Board Member Certification from the Missouri School Boards’ Association. As a transformational leader with more than 20 years of professional experience dedicated to serving community needs, her passion focuses on the needs of children and families. “I am a lifelong advocate whose work ethic is founded on values that encompass social justice and equity and have been strengthened by my leadership roles and volunteer involvement. I am known for my tenacity and forward-thinking ability to strategically direct various initiatives, achieve positive outcomes, and be counted on to get things done,” Lee said. Her commitment extends beyond political service: Lee can also be found serving at the Shalom City of Peace Church, serving on the Parks and Recreation Board for the city of Olivette, and volunteering with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Lee has been a leading voice in helping

On April 11, the Ladue Schools Board of Education voted Kisha Lee to serve as School Board President.

PHOTO COURTESY LADUE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Ladue Schools Board of Education votes in first African-American president

the district remain accountable to its diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and weaving them into the fabric of Ladue Schools. “I have been able to successfully impact decisions to benefit all students, especially as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion. My influence has led to the increase in the diversity of staff and administrators, critical review of curriculum and instruction, and implementation of action items to address the opportunity gap that leaves many African-American students trailing behind their peers. “I take great pride in serving all students and families of the Ladue School District. I enjoy the work of generating positive outcomes for our community,” Lee said.

Football fun

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 4. 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 re8 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2022

ceive 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 (8-10 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, Mercy, Performance Chiropractic & Medicine, Homer Sedighi D.M.D, P.C., Lou Fusz Football, and

the Isaac Bruce Foundation. Between 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 launched the Isaac Bruce Foundation in 2006 which focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education. More than 8,000 kids have participated in the IBF’s free football clinics since 2007.

AroundTown

Up, up and away For young girls and women with dreams of navigating the great blue skies, the Ninety-Nines, a nonprofit organization that supports women pilots, can help them fly. The Ninety-Nines was formed in 1929 in Long Island, New York, in an effort to provide support for women aviators. The name reflects the 99 inaugural members. The first president of the organization was Amelia Earhart in 1931. And since then, the group has amassed thousands of members all over the country with chapters across the U.S. including St. Louis where one was established in 1941. From that time the Greater St. Louis Ninety-Nines began offering educational opportunities to the community, specifically youth. In 1947 the chapter began its educational offerings by creating a high school essay contest where the winner won 10 hours of aviation training. That was just the beginning of the many projects and events to support burgeoning pilots. Members of the Ninety-Nines provided presentations on women in aviation to local organizations and groups in an effort to raise awareness about the underrepresented impact women have had in the pilot profession. And today, the group’s engagement with the community continues. Scholarships are also awarded to women pursuing degrees in aviation and related fields. Recipients are awarded $1,000. The organization offers additional memorial scholarships and awards that assist licensed pilots with costs associated with continued professional development. One way the scholarships and awards are funded is by hosting events. On April 23, the Ninety-Nines will present a banquet event at the Holiday Inn Airport West featuring Caroline Jensen otherwise known as “Blaze”, the first reserve officer to fly for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. She will speak on her experience as a combat veteran. Jensen always knew she wanted to be a pilot.

PHOTO COURTESY LADUE SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Greater St. Louis Ninety-Nines celebrate and support the underrepresented impact of female aviators

Members of the Greater St. Louis Ninety-Nines participate in several community service projects, including painting a compass rose on the tarmac of the airport in Carbondale, Illinois.

“I saw a movie with a biplane flying around the clouds and was mesmerized instantly,” Jensen says. “Later on in life I saw an airshow with F-16s flying overhead with the Thunderbirds. I set my goals on becoming a fighter pilot before it was legally allowed for women to fly and combat aircraft. But I use the example of the World War II Women Airforce Service Pilots to motivate me to follow my dreams and the year before I entered the Air Force Academy the laws had changed.” Women pilots and their achievement are often underrepresented and overlooked. The Ninety-Nines hope its continued efforts inspire more females to consider joining the legion of women pilots.

A literary honor St. Louis County Library named finalist for National Medal for Museum and Library Service The St. Louis County Library (SLCL) has been named a finalist for the 2022 Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal for Museum and Library Service. St. Louis County is among 15 library finalists for the award and the only institution in Missouri to be selected. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that provide significant impact in their communities. “Libraries make our communities better places to live and work. They offer vital resources to help Missourians succeed,” said Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. “Our office is extremely proud of the posi-

tive impact the St. Louis County Library has throughout their area. Congratulations to Library Director Kristen Sorth and her staff.” “SLCL was innovative and responsive to the needs of their community before the pandemic and they proactively thought outside the box, which made the transition to serving their community during the pandemic seamless,” State Librarian Robin Westphal said. “They are a shining example for not only other Missouri libraries, but also those across the nation.” National Medal winners will be announced in early June and will be honored during a virtual ceremony this summer. MAY 2022 | OUR TOWN | 9

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TURNS BY WENDY TODD

St. Louis Community College has been a staple of education and job readiness resources for six decades and looks forward to helping the St. Louis region thrive for many more 10 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2022

PHOTOS COURTESY ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ast month, St. Louis Community College celebrated its high skill and in-demand careers. Additionally, at least one 60th anniversary. The college system, now with ten loca- person in over 50 percent of the households in the St. Louis tions, was established April 20, 1962 and celebrated with area has attended STLCC. events at each site and forums for students, faculty and staff STLCC has an annual economic impact on St. Louis of across campuses with Chancellor Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D. $2.5 billion. The college and its students support one out of Community college was initially created to help prepare every 34 jobs in the St. Louis area. teachers to educate and provide professional developAs STLCC looks ahead, the system is gearing up to offer ment. At first, many were focused on vocational training. improved learning spaces, experiences, new facilities and The growth of community cola higher ability to meet workleges was fueled by immigrants force needs. Funds gained from between 1900-1920s and then the passing of Proposition R in “Planning and discussions are again in the 1980s as the focal St. Louis last August, which total point remained on employment approximately $350 million, will happening now that will truly readiness. But the purpose of help the college make updates to guide and change STLCC, which campuses, facilities and technolcommunity colleges eventually expanded to provide general is what the community expects.” ogy. education as well as vocational The remaining funding, accordskills and included traditional ing to the college, will go toward ~Nez Zavalla, college age students along with updating job training and retrainCommunication Manager, STLCC adults interested in continuing ing programs to prepare students education. with skills needed in critical inNez Savala, communications dustries in our region, including manager at STLCC, said the college system has maintained healthcare, information technology, financial services, bioand remains committed to this tradition. technology and manufacturing. “The areas of impact for STLCC in the community is pro“Planning and discussions are happening now that will viding education, career training and job training that’s af- truly guide and change STLCC, which is what the commufordable, highly valued and accessible to people from all nity expects,” Savala said. parts of the region,” she said. St. Louis Community College has been a staple of educaSTLCC has served more than 1.3 million students and of- tion and job readiness resources for six decades and looks fers 80 career programs to prepare students for high wage, forward to helping the St. Louis region thrive for many more. MAY 2022 | OUR TOWN | 11

OurThoughts MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE

Old habits W

hy is it that when our adult children come to visit we remember all too well why we booted them out in the first place. Speaking of boot… On a recent extended visit they entered the house with the grandkids in tow. Immediately after the hugs and happy laughter were over, the juvenile habits settled back in quicker than I could say, “Who left the milk out?!” I knew their old ways had returned because I was immediately encircled by a shoe pile that reached up to my belly button. “Everyone…shoes!” I said. No answer. “Ahem, no shoes in the house. Rules haven’t changed. Leave them in the garage. Hello? Anyone?” I needed to pick my battles. It was too early to start a rampage, so I got a snow shovel and scooped up the nest of shoes and deposited them onto the garage floor. By then the throng had scampered off into the kitchen to ransack the pantry. They know I stock it up with all their favorite treats. They unloaded and left a trail of plates, glasses and utensils like Hansel and Gretel leaving crumbs to lead them back home. Later, the swarm followed their path and returned to raid the refrigerator like it was Sir Gorge-A-Lot’s all-you-can-eat-buffet. They believed it was their personal cafeteria opened all hours complete with a waitress on duty to clean up and magically restock the empty shelves just like when they were ten. Back then the laundry fairy mysteriously made their putrid undershorts wearable again and somehow restocked their sock drawer with fresh ones. They still have no idea how it happened. There were other telltale signs that the squatters had taken up residence. Someone forgot to close the toilet lid and the paper roll was empty. That left me wondering what kind of substitute wipes were used. I made a mental note to toss out the

12 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2022

hand towels. I wasn’t taking any chances with these barbarians. I wandered into the den a.k.a., the toy war room. I suggested, “How about we pick up the kids’ playthings sometime this week?” One daughter paused the TV and stopped dipping into her bowl of popcorn to say, “Why? They’re just going to get them out and make a mess again. Mom, haven’t you learned anything from raising kids?” The big ones have been evicted, but I kept the little ones behind. Somebody’s got to teach them how to properly install a roll of toilet paper.

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

Changing With most of the snow melted and green things climbing up and out of the muddy soil, (at least at our elevation,) the tools and toys of winter are put away and thoughts and actions turn to the spring and summer. Plows and skis are retired until the snow flies again, and garden shovels, bicycles and motorcycles get pulled out of storage. A number of the neighbors are eager to get out on the river in their rafts and kayaks, as it looks like a good runoff will be had during the warm months. The construction season, which never seemed to wind down in the main valley, is ramping up even more now that it’s warm outside. This brings its own challenges, such as finding workers to build the new projects, and those workers, in turn, must figure out just where the heck they’re going to live.

A recent news article stated that in the local fire district, there are currently over one million square feet of buildings under construction, quite a bit for a valley that is 20 miles long and just a couple miles wide. The fire chief is trying to figure out how to manage the increase in calls for service, already at record levels. Approvals have already been granted for another million square feet of development to begin construction by September of this year, which will double the frantic pace of building. While some of that construction is residential in nature, the prices will be commensurate with one of the most expensive places to live in not only the nation, but in the world. The new expensive homes, priced at seven-figures and up, will not likely house too many waiters, bartenders, teachers, mechanics, carpenters or nurses. Rather, most will be second, third, or even fifth homes for those who are fortunate enough to be in those rarified tax brackets. However, cracks are appearing in the foundation of this frenzy of development. As mentioned above, finding workers to do just about any kind of work is nearly impossible. A taxi ride from the airport just a couple short miles into the local resort town can take over 90 minutes because so few cabs are available. Some friends were at the airport and their flight and several others were cancelled due to weather, a common occurrence in the mountains. It will be six days before they can get seats on another flight to get out. There simply aren’t enough flights to accommodate the number of travelers, even in the off-season. Many people who do own second homes here have moved in on a permanent basis, refugees-turned-residents who relocated from the virus-plagued urban

areas. Therefore, many homes that were previously occupied for a few weeks per year are now always full. Those new fulltimers put extra demand on everything from water systems to highways, medical facilities, grocery stores, hair salons and pet groomers. The local infrastructure is getting taxed even without the throngs of vacationers who come to enjoy the winters and summers. Some, perhaps many, of these sudden full-timers have brought their expectations of city-levels of service here, and those expectations are frequently not met. Yes, your road will get plowed, in its order of priority from busiest roads to the least busy. Same with pothole repair and barking dog problems. Don’t take it personally; there just aren’t enough resources to go around. Given the ongoing trend of steep price increases, the whole business model of endless development just might come to a screeching halt. As more well-heeled travelers get stranded for a week due to an afternoon of bad weather, and fewer and fewer of the working class can call this place home, it is becoming less and less appealing to be here. Once gridlock in all systems becomes the norm, those second through fifth homes might go on the market at reduced rates, maybe allowing things to go back to some kind of equilibrium. Hey, we can always dream!

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 2022

| OUR TOWN | 13

OurLifestyle

THE 2022

TOYOTA SIENNA

makes minivans cool again While a number of other car companies have eliminated minivans in their product mix, Toyota Motors is raising the bar for the 2022 model year by offering yet another trim level to the Sienna line-up. Besides manufacturing this minivan in the LE entry edition, it’s also offered in a sporty XLE trim and the newest version is the Woodland model. From there, the product mix increases to the XSE, Limited and their top end Platinum editions for ‘22. Now in its fourth generation, Sienna is built here stateside as well as designed in conjunction with their facilities in Southern California as well as in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This new body design yields notable aerodynamic performance coupled with a contemporary footprint. The LE grade adds more amenities while the higher grades have additional new technologies. The XSE model heightens its sporty aspect with bolder looking front and rear bumpers and a sport tuned suspension that is quite unique. This van also offers many premium features across the model line, of course it depends on the trim level. For instance, hands free/foot operated sliding side doors and rear hatch are offered as well as four-zone climate control. Additionally, welcome amenities include heated second-row adjustable captain’s chairs, power tilt and telescoping steering column with heated steering wheel, 10-in. color head’s-up drivers display system and 12-speaker JBL Premium Audio is something to consider. The fully-loaded Limited and Platinum grades offer two factory options: digital 14 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2022

rearview mirror and an HD entertainment center screen with a 11.6-in. display. This also includes HDMI input, remote control and two wireless headphones. All 2022 Sienna models come standard with second-generation Toyota Safety Sense technology. It’s a comprehensive active safety system that includes: Pre-collision sensors with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with lane trace assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, cyclist detection system and road sign recognition plus 10-airbags. Exclusively, this Toyota offers seamless hybrid power and benefits from Toyota’s 20-plus years of global hybrid leadership. It delivers 245 total system horsepower and has an EPA-estimated 36 combined city/ highway MPG fuel economy with its frontwheel drive chassis. In conjunction with the factory’s gasoline engine and its 18-gallon fuel tank, this vehicle gets more than 600 miles of driving range. Overall, driving stability and comfort is certainly more evident than ever. The quiet cabin design was focused on reducing noises in the frequencies that would be most annoying. The high-strength platform resists noise intrusion and vibrations throughout the vehicle structure. The shifter and other vital controls are all within easy reach, along with cup holders, available wireless charger and ample storage for smaller items. Depending on the layout, it’s offered with either seven or eight seating positions. There is a list of connectivity and entertainment enhancements of-

ferings as well. The standard backup camera features a projected path, while higher grade models have a wide-angle monitor to show even more of what’s behind the vehicle. The available Bird’s Eye View Camera provides a live, 360-degree view to help the driver see potential obstacles. Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new vehicle warranty applies to all components, other than normal wear and maintenance items. Pricing starts out at $34,560 with FWD and the top end Platinum model with AWD has an MSRP of $50,760 excluding the shipping charges of $1,215.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skilled Automotive Service Technician and retired shop owner. He’s invented garage service tools for mechanics, served on both nation and local automotive trade industry boards, has done years of consulting with various auto manufactures plus test drives new vehicles weekly. David has pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 35 years ago, as his new show “Automotive Insight” can be heard on Saturdays, on the Real Talk Radio Network.

OurLifestyle

TOM CRUISE’S CAPTAIN PETER MITCHELL

RETURNS IN ‘MAVERICK’ D

uring the pandemic, the airline industry was amongst the hardest hit as people who would normally have traveled for fun opted to stay safe at home. In 1903, however, Orville and Wilbur Wright were the original pilots on the aircraft they created. Orville made the first trip on their invention, but other would-be aviators questioned the brothers’ status of making the first manned flight. Still, the duo opened the door for a new era in travel. The “Age of Aviation” brought with it engineers, pilots as well as films about their exploits. “Wings,” a 1927 film that won the first Academy Award for Best Picture, contained stateof-the-art special effects at that time. Actress Clara Bow, Charles Rogers and Richard Arlen led a cast that, according to Wikipedia, contained 300 pilots. Director William Wellman shot impressive aerial footage that still looks amazing in the 21st century. In the 1960’s, Rogers and Arlen even made a cameo appearance on “Petticoat Junction” playing themselves at the much-delayed Hooterville premiere of “Wings.” 1957’s “The Spirit of Saint Louis” examined the flying prowess of Charles Lindbergh. Jimmy Stewart played Lindbergh and showed his quest to win the $25,000 award offered by Raymond Orteig for the first successful nonstop transatlantic flight between New York City and Paris. Lindbergh’s plane, “The Spirit of St. Louis” was a single-engine, single-seat monoplane but, because of the large gas tank in front of the cockpit, Lindbergh had to look out his side windows for guidance. 2009’s “Up in the Air” followed a man whose job was firing people. George Clooney played Ryan Bingham, a smooth-talking, seasoned traveler hired to make reductions in a workforce tolerable. Bingham also loved air travel and his expressed goal was racking up 10 million frequent flyer

miles. During his trips, Ryan met Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), another seasoned traveler that seemed like the perfect woman for him. On Jan. 15, 2009, pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeff Skiles flew through a flock of Canadian geese that damaged both engines. The pilots kept their cool and Sullenberger relied on experience to ditch the plane in the Hudson River. Although there were some injuries and cases of hypothermia, all the passengers survived. Clint Eastwood’s 2016 film “Sully” told the story of the now-famous captain and what he endured after the flight. In 2022, Tom Cruise’s iconic Pete Mitchell character will return flying aircraft that the Wright brothers could only imagine. “Top Gun: Maverick” has been slated for a Memorial Day Weekend release and will contain more intriguing special effects. Thirty-five years after the first movie, Maverick has been called back to train select “Top Gun” graduates for a special assignment. One graduate is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s deceased best friend, Goose (played in the first film by Anthony Edwards).

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.

MAY 2022

| OUR TOWN | 15

OurLifestyle

resh air, warm sun and delicious foods make brunch a favorite weekend event. Set the stage (and the table) for an inviting experience with recipes that cover all the bases from snacks and desserts to a mouthwatering main course. Tide the appetite of your guests with Spiced Grass-Fed Lamb Over Hummus served with toasted flatbread or tortilla chips before dishing out Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole for a simple centerpiece. Just as those delectable dishes are vanishing, pull Brown Sugar Pound Cake out of the oven and pair with sweetened whipped cream and fresh fruit for a sweet finishing touch. Visit Culinary.net to find more ways to broaden your brunch menu.

Whip up a

BOUNTIFUL WEEKEND BRUNCH

Spiced Grass-Fed Lamb Over Hummus Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4-6 Ingredients:

Lamb: 4 1

lamb loin chops teaspoon cumin powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil

Hummus: 1

3 1/4 3 1/2 1/2 1/2 3

can (15 ounces) chickpeas cloves garlic, chopped cup tahini tablespoons fresh lemon juice teaspoon salt teaspoon cumin teaspoon paprika tablespoons olive oil

16 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2022

For serving: 1 1 2

Persian cucumber, small diced small tomato, diced tablespoons roasted pine nuts (or 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds) parsley, chopped lemon wedges toasted flatbread or tortilla chips

Directions: To make lamb: Remove lamb from bone, dice meat into small cubes and transfer to medium bowl.

more salt, lemon juice or olive oil, as desired. Transfer hummus to large platter and spread it out.

Add cumin powder and salt. Toss to coat. Marinate while preparing hummus.

In large skillet, heat extra-virgin olive oil over high heat until hot. Add lamb and cook 30 seconds without moving.

To make hummus: Drain chickpeas, reserving 1 tablespoon liquid. Rinse chickpeas under running water then drain. In bowl of food processor, pulse chickpeas, chickpea liquid and garlic until chickpeas and garlic are chopped. Add tahini, lemon juice, salt, cumin, paprika and olive oil. Mix until smooth paste forms. Taste and adjust by adding

Turn lamb over and cook 30-60 seconds, repeating until all sides are browned. Remove from pan and let rest 5 minutes. To serve, place cucumbers and tomatoes in well of hummus then top with lamb, pine nuts and parsley. Top with squeeze of lemon juice and serve with flatbread or tortilla chips.

OurLifestyle

Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Servings: 12

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 1 package (20 ounces) French bread, cubed, divided 1 can (20 ounces) apple pie filling 9 eggs 1 cup half-and-half 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 cup powdered sugar, plus additional (optional) 2 tablespoons milk, plus additional (optional) Directions: Spray 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In baking dish, add 10 ounces cubed French bread in bottom of dish. Pour apple filling over

bread. Top with remaining cubed French bread. Set aside.

Cover with aluminum foil and

Let cool 10-15 minutes.

chill overnight.

In medium bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread.

Heat oven to 325 F.

In small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk. Add additional, if needed, until pourable glaze is reached. Drizzle over casserole before serving.

Remove foil and bake 50-60 minutes.

Brown Sugar Pound Cake Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for coating pan, divided 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt sweetened whipped cream, for topping (optional) fresh fruit, such as strawberries and blueberries, for topping (optional)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F.

to sugar mixture. Pour batter into pan.

Grease and flour 9-by-5-by3-inch loaf pan. In large bowl, beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. In separate bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add

Bake 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan and turn out on rack to cool completely. Top with sweetened whipped cream and fresh fruit, if desired.

MAY 2022

| OUR TOWN | 17

InDepth

Andy Bass (right) stands with Zahra Nazari in a women’s market in Afghanistan.

A JOURNEY OF HOPE Three Afghan women narrowly escape the Taliban to start a new life in St. Louis thanks to a local Good Samaritan BY WENDY TODD

18 | OUR TOWN | MAY 2022

Millions of Americans have seen footage of Afghans attempting to escape their country after the removal of American troops in 2021. The harrowing scenes of crowds at airports and even people hanging off of planes as they take off were difficult to watch. Three Afghan women lived through that distressing experience and were able to make it all the way to St. Louis for a new life, thanks to St. Charles resident and local hero, Andy Bass.

InDepth When Bass finally united with Reza and her daughBass met Bilqis Reza and her daughters, Zahra Nazari and Fatima Nazari in a Bamyan women’s market. ters, emotions were high. He’d traveled to Afghanistan to participate in a maraIt was just joyous, a lot of tears,” Bass says. “They thon. He and a fellow runner went to Bayman to look were so happy. They started feeling safe because they around and discovered a women’s market, where he all just had three months to sit there and dwell on what met and befriended Reza and her daughters. had just happened to him.” “We went in there,” says Bass, “and were immediThe girls and their mom had experienced an immediately greeted by this delightful young girl named Zah- ate connection with Bass and even after their horrifying ra. She was 16 then. She spoke some English that she experience fleeing the Taliban, felt safe in his presence. learned off a dictionary on her phone.” Bass got them back to St. Louis safely and helped Bass and the ladies became fast friends and kept in them find housing and also jobs in a grocery store. As touch through Facebook messenger. he, his fiance, Chris, and the ladies got acquainted, When troops began evacuating Afghanistan and the Bass learned that Zahra had been identified as entreTaliban began terrorizing the community, Zahra sent preneur of the year in Afghanistan by the Startup Grind her mother and sister, Fatima to the mountains to hide conference that was sponsored by Google, and had in a cave. They were all on a “kill list”, meaning the been interviewed at the event. Taliban were hunting for them because they were feBass got in touch with the organizers of the confermale leaders. She stayed behind and tried to find a ence who had been trying to locate her. When they way out for her and her family. found out Zahra was in the states, they extended an allZahra held on to her faith expense paid invitation to and reached out to several the conference this month “It was something right out of an action contacts for help. She fiin San Francisco. Bass got movie. They were in that car and as they nally got a response from her a suit and accompaBass, who simply replied, “I nied her to the conference. were approaching the city of Kabul, the can help you.” Bass, able With this opportunity, Taliban were behind them shooting over to utilize his contacts and housing, jobs and the logistical skills, coordinated them at the army and the army was shooting generous support of Bass, to help them escape Afthese three survivors have over them back at the Taliban.” ghanistan. a chance at a happy and He got Reza and her stable life, the complete ~ Andy Bass daughters visas to use once opposite of their experithey got to Kabul. An Afence in Afghanistan after ghan soldier, who gave them use of a car and burqas the Taliban takeover. for disguises. Even with this aid in place getting to KaCurrently, the women are taking English classes at bul and past the Taliban was the ultimate challenge. St. Charles Community College. They’ve also recently “It was something right out of an action movie,” gotten their social security cards and Federal Worker Bass says. “They were in that car and as they were ap- Authorization. proaching the city of Kabul, the Taliban were behind Reza and her daughters lovingly refer to “Mr. Andy” them shooting over them at the army and the army was as a superhero and are grateful and hopeful for a fushooting over them back at the Taliban.” ture. When they reached the Kabul airport, it was complete “I want to live in the U.S. forever and be a U.S. citichaos. Thousands of Afghans were trying to board zen.” Zahra says. “I want to continue my education, planes and the Taliban was terrorizing them with flash- buy a house and achieve my dreams and goals in the bangs and tear gas. The ladies hid in a sewage ditch U.S. I want to start my own handicraft business in the for three days until a Marine helped them out. Bass, U.S. and advocate for Afghan women’s rights. I want through messaging, directed them to another gate at to fight for peace, so that no girl in the future is hit the airport where they could enter and get on a plane. like me, a blow that I feel has no cure. I want to fight After finally boarding a plane, the refugees landed for peace, the future and my desires and to show the in DC. Then they were flown to Indiana and placed at world that people like my friend Mr. Andy are saving Camp Atterbury where they stayed for three months the world.” before uniting with Bass. Bass set up a gofundme page so the ladies can con“We lived in a room with a lot of people and a lot of tinue to meet expenses like food, rent and utilities. noise,” Zahra says. “We had a shortage of food and The link to the page is https://www.gofundme.com/f/ clothes. We had a long process and a lot of stress. We please-help-3-real-life-wonder-women. did not know what our future was and what would happen.” MAY 2022

| OUR TOWN | 19

MAY 1

May Day

National Teacher Appreciation Day

Cinco de Mayo

Mother’s Day

Truman Day

Peace Officers Memorial Day

National Defense Transportation Day

Armed Forces Day

National Maritime Day

National Missing Children’s Day

Memorial Day