Our Town: October 2021 by Community News

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Our Town Volume 12 | Number 10 OCTOBER 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

N THIS SSUE

Around Town Gateway Arch Park Foundation and acclaimed chef join together for benefit dinner and more.

Feature 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 Wendy Todd

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In loving memory Maryland Heights honors a beloved city employee who was tragically killed with a memorial in Vago Park By Wendy Todd

Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore does her best to keep up with a toddler while Avalanche proceeds with caution along treacherous roads.

Lifestyle The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe gets a complete facelift in Automobile Alley. ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ heading to theaters in November (hopefully) in Entertainment. Celebrate family and food in For the Love of Food.

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

In Depth M St. Louis Story Stitchers, a nonprofit focusing on the art of storytelling, offers a wide variety of programming and activities for youth throughout the St. Louis area ages 16-24.

Events Calendar

Staff Writer –Wendy Todd Cover Photo – Submitted

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AroundTown

Dining at the Arch Gateway Arch Park Foundation and acclaimed chef join together for benefit dinner Gateway Arch Park Foundation invites the public to enjoy the masterful flavors of James Beard Award-winning chef Gerard Craft at the second annual An Iconic Evening on Oct. 28. The monumental culinary experience will be held inside the Visitor Center at the Gateway Arch. Craft is a pioneer for the Midwest dining scene and the mastermind behind Taste by Niche, Brasserie by Niche, Pastaria, brassWELL, Pastaria Deli & Wine, and Cinder House at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, whose flavors will be featured during An Iconic Evening. Proceeds from this ticketed event support Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s mission to preserve the iconic Gateway Arch National Park for today, for tomorrow, for good. An Iconic Evening begins with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres on the Visitor Center’s mezzanine, which features an expansive terrazzo floor map of North America’s great rivers and historic westward trails. Before dinner, guests can take the Tram Ride to the Top of the Arch and experience unparalleled illuminated views of downtown St. Louis at night. Dinner will be served in the Tram Lobby, which features a mid-century modern design and unique overhead lighting as well as the keystone exhibit—a replica of the final section placed in the Gateway Arch

that provides an accessible view from the top experience for all. “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Craft back to the Gateway Arch for An Iconic Evening celebrating one of America’s most treasured national parks,” said Ryan McClure, executive director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “Attendees will be treated to a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience in a one-of-a-kind venue with one of St. Louis’ most admired culinary innovators— all while supporting our mission to ensure the Arch is vital and welcoming for future generations.” Gateway Arch Park Foundation continues to monitor and follow federal and City of Saint Louis guidelines regarding COVID protocols. Event logistics could further be impacted by the course of the pandemic. COVID vaccine or proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event is required. Masks are required in all National Park Service buildings regardless of vaccination status or community transmission levels. Accordingly, all guests will be required to wear a mask unless they are eating or drinking. Updates will be shared on the event website. Tickets are $250 ($150 tax-deductible), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ArchPark.org/IconicEvening or by calling 314-881-3536.

Celebrating the law The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis celebrates delayed Law Day, Awards Ceremony The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) celebrated the 2020-21 and 2021-22 bar years with a delayed annual Law Day celebration on Sept. 9 at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown St. Louis. BAMSL’s 2021 Law Day and Annual Meeting was rescheduled from its original date of April 30, due to COVID. A small hybrid swearing-in of officers was held on April 30 to start the bar year, which officially began on May 1 and runs through April 30, 2022. On Sept. 9, BAMSL hosted an awards ceremony, luncheon and a celebratory swearing-in of BAMSL’s 2021-22 Officers and Board of Governors, as well as the traditional passing of the gavel from past presidents to 2021-22 President Bob Tomaso. This year’s featured speaker was Journalist George F. Will, who graciously rescheduled several times during 2020 and 2021 to be able to join BAMSL’s celebration. Tomaso and the 2021-22 Board of Governors were sworn in by Hon. E. Richard Webber, senior judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Several past presidents of BAMSL lined up to pass the gavel. 4 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2021

AroundTown

Smart energy

Local school districts are taking advantage of Ameren Missouri’s BizSavers program This year, several schools are starting off better and brighter thanks to Missouri’s BizSavers program, an initiative by energy provider Ameren Missouri that offers financial incentives for energy efficient upgrades. It is one of the 26 offerings by Ameren Missouri which help both residential and commercial consumers reduce energy expenses. Hazelwood and Parkway school districts have benefited from this program. The Hazelwood School District, the second-largest district in St. Louis, received $840,000 in cash incentives from the program. The funds allowed the district to convert to more energy efficient lighting in 33 buildings. It is reported that this switch will save the district $685,000 annually in energy costs by reducing usage by 8.5 million kilowatt-hours (k/wh). The amount of energy that will be reduced for the district is about the same amount that’s typically used by over 700 homes a year. The district earned the title of Ameren Missouri’s BizSavers Program 2020 Energy Efficiency Champion, as they achieved the most energy savings of any other Ameren Missouri consumer last year. Hazelwood wasn’t the only district to achieve significant savings through the Ameren program. The Parkway School District also benefited hugely from installing energy upgrades throughout its schools, receiving over $1.6 million in Ameren Missouri incentives. The district has completed 218 projects since 2008, including upgrading light fixtures to LEDs and replacing HVAC systems.

“There have been several HVAC projects we’ve conducted which yield not only greater energy savings, but also greater control of our HVAC systems. This helps to ensure we are supplying appropriate ventilation across the district,” states Erik Lueders, Sustainability and Purchasing Director of the Parkways School District. “The incentive program was a win-win because it helped fund upgrades that will reduce our costs each year, which then enables us to reinvest the money we’re saving into other programs that benefit our students.” The district will save around $1.2 million in electricity costs and over 13.5 million kWh per year. That amount of electricity can power over 1,100 homes annually. “Through energy efficiency work, we have yielded considerable energy reductions which deliver savings to our community,” states Rich Wright, Ameren Missouri’s manager of energy efficiency. “This allows funds to be better allocated for educating our students, while reducing associated emissions to our environment. Ameren Missouri has been happy to help schools improve their energy usage and save money.” Ameren is also able to help schools identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved. “(By) working with schools of all sizes that are taking advantage of Ameren Missouri’s cash incentives and the annual energy cost savings, we’re able to identify numerous projects that pay for themselves quickly and provide ongoing savings for years to come,” Wright said.

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OCTOBER 2021 | OUR TOWN | 5

AroundTown

Bridge to the future The $222 million project to replace the Merchants Bridge that links Missouri and Illinois at Downtown St. Louis reached a major milestone Sept. 17, with the first one of three new trusses being installed. Dating back to 1890, the Merchants Bridge serves six Class I railroads and Amtrak to cross the Mississippi River at St. Louis and is one of the nation’s primary east-west rail corridors serving the nation’s second largest rail hub by car interchange volume and third largest by gross tonnage. The replacement of this vital rail artery is the bi-state St. Louis region’s top freight infrastructure priority. Owned by Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA), the Merchants Bridge required reconstruction due to the speed, clearance and load restrictions. The project includes the removal and replacement of the three river-span trusses, seismically retrofitting the existing river piers, and improving the east approach. Work began in 2018 and, when completed in early 2023, the new double-track bridge will provide reliable, resilient and expanded freight and passenger rail capacity, helping move freight faster, cost-effectively and more reliably, providing an alternative to more congested rail regions like Chicago. With a doubling of the capacity of the bridge, the project will allow for an expanded service to assist in meeting projected future freight and passenger rail demand, reduce grade delays for motorists and emergency vehicles and ensure reliable rail connections across the Mississippi River into the next century. “The Class I railroads relying on the Merchants Bridge serve the St. Louis region’s manufacturing and logistics companies that are part of an interdependent supply chain requiring access to markets on both sides of the Mississippi River, across the United States, and internationally,” said Ron Tindall, president of TRRA. “Implementation of this project will allow those companies – and others moving freight from coast to coast through our region - to move that freight faster, more cost-effectively and more reliably. Just as important, TRRA estimates our impact in the region will almost double, as we generate more than $456 million in local economic activity over a 20year period.” A design-bid-build project, reconstruc6 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2021

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Merchants Bridge reconstruction project reaches major milestone

The $222 million project to replace the Merchants Bridge that links Missouri and Illinois at Downtown St. Louis reached a major milestone Sept. 17, with the first one of three new trusses being installed.

tion of the bridge uses innovative project delivery methods that will improve safety and speed completion while limiting bridge and river traffic outages. New spans are being constructed in Wisconsin and shipped to St. Louis for final assembly on the Missouri bank of the Mississippi River and each will be floated into place immediately after the old spans are floated out. Removal and installation of the three new trusses will require three separate 10-day rail outages, and three separate river channel outages. The first of these outages began on Sept. 13 in preparation for the first truss to be moved into position and floated into place on Sept. 17, a milestone that was witnessed by approximately 200 invited guests and members of the media aboard a Riverboat Cruise hosted by the St. Louis Regional Freightway. The other two trusses will be installed in the winter and summer of 2022. The replacement of this vital rail artery has been identified each year since 2016 as the region’s top freight infrastructure priority by the St. Louis Regional Freightway, which is nationally recognized for its innovative and collaborative approach to creating a Priority Projects List that identifies key infrastructure projects and advocates for funding for them. In Winter 2020, the Federal Railroad Ad-

ministration (FRA) awarded TRRA a $22.45 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant toward replacement of the Merchants Bridge. TRRA is providing 90% of the construction costs, making this project a model for public-private partnerships. “Our Freight Development Committee continues to work with our many public and private partners to understand the needs of our manufacturing and logistics industries so we can speak with one voice to ensure all necessary parties are familiar with the region’s infrastructure priorities, understand why they are priorities and can advocate for funding for them,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President – Multi Modal Enterprises, Bi-State Development. “It is extremely rewarding to see the progress on the region’s top priority project and several of the others on our list. It affirms that we are on the right path with our approach and that our region’s freight network will be stronger as a result.” Walsh Construction is the general contractor for the nationally significant Merchants Bridge project, with TranSystems and Burns & McDonnell serving as the project engineers. The steel fabrication is being done by Veritas Steel in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

AroundTown

Talking books 43rd Annual St. Louis Jewish Book Festival announces keynote speakers Human rights activist Natan Sharansky and presidential historian Gil Troy will be the Keynote Speakers for the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. The co-authors will speak about Sharansky’s memoir, “Never Alone: Prison, Politics, and My People,” in which the former Chair of the Jewish Agency reflects on how his long and brutal imprisonment in Soviet Russia from 19771986 prepared him for his life in politics. Written with frankness, affection, and humor, the book offers us profound insights from a man who embraced the essential human struggle: to find his own voice, his own faith, and the people to whom he could belong. Following Q&A, books will be for sale for Sharansky and Troy to autograph. Open to book-lovers of any faith, this year the festival features five New York Times Best-Selling Authors: Patrick Radden Keefe with his groundbreaking investigative narrative of the Sackler family, “Empire of Pain”; novelist Pam Jenoff with her new bestseller “The Woman with the Blue Star”; sportswriter Rich Cohen and his personal look into the world of competitive youth hockey, “Peewees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent;” Jean Hanff Korelitz with her dark and suspenseful Indie Next List pick “The Plot”; and the renowned Lisa Scottoline, who will be appearing virtually to discuss her novel about World War II-era Rome under Mussolini, “Eternal.” Local author and professor Henry Schvey will present “Blue Song: St. Louis in the Life and Work of Tennessee Williams¸” alongside performances from Williams’ plays on the evening of Nov. 14.

Award-winning playwright and TV writer Jen Silverman will be speaking about her first novel, “We Play Ourselves,” with actor Nick Westrate during a lunchtime virtual session on Nov. 12, and on Nov. 18 Annabelle Gurwitch will serve up her trademark humor to discuss her latest collection of essays, “You’re Leaving When? Adventures in Downward Mobility¬,” one chapter of which is currently being adapted to an HBO series. Festival-goers can take advantage of the Premier Pass, which allows entry to all Jewish Book Festival Events (through June 2022) for $110 plus processing fees. Passes will be on sale by Sept. 30 and can be ordered by calling 314-442-3299 or visiting stljewishbookfestival.org. Tickets to Opening Night with Natan Sharanksy and Gil Troy are available now for $45; virtual-only programs are $10 each. Student tickets are free for any author event with a valid student ID at the door. The core festival, which runs Nov. 7-18, is a program of the Jewish Community Center, and takes place at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex at 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For updates and more information, please visit stljewishbookfestival.org To protect the community entry to the Used Book Sale will require proof of vaccination (both doses of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) or a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of event. Vaccination card or photo accepted, plus photo ID. Masks must be worn by everyone at all times while attending the festival.

Movie magic Cinema St. Louis Returns to the Tivoli Theatre for the 30th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival Cinema St. Louis (CSL) is pleased to announce that the Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) will return to the Tivoli Theatre for its 30th edition. CSL reached an agreement with the Tivoli’s new owner, One Family Church, to hold in-person screenings at all three of the theater’s auditoriums during SLIFF. Looking forward, CSL is in active talks with the church to hold several events at the Tivoli in 2022, including the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and SLIFF. CSL is also discussing with the church the possibility of taking over year-round programming at the theater beginning in 2023. Cinema St. Louis executive director Cliff Froehlich stated: “I’m thrilled that we will be back in person in 2021 with an incredible lineup of compelling films. And I’m especially pleased that SLIFF is able to return to the Tivoli Theatre, which has served as fest central for more than two decades.” SLIFF will be held from Nov. 4-21. Because the effects of the pandemic continue, the festival will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual screenings. In-person screenings will be held on all three screens of the Tivoli Theatre from Nov. 4-14 and the weekend of Nov. 19-21. Other inperson screenings will take place at Washington University’s Brown

Hall Auditorium (on the weekends of Nov. 5-6, 12-14, and 19-21) and Webster University’s Winifred Moore Auditorium (on the evenings of Nov. 5-14). The St. Louis Public Library’s Central Library Auditorium also will serve as the in-person venue for six Golden Anniversaries screenings of films from 1971; those screenings will be held on the afternoons of Nov. 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21. Finally, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis will partner with SLIFF on two in-person screenings on the evenings of Nov. 4 and 11. In addition to the in-person screenings, SLIFF will feature a substantial number of films and shorts programs that will only be available virtually through our partner Eventive from Nov. 4-21. Many (but not all) of the films that receive in-person screenings will also be available virtually. To ensure the safety and health of patrons, SLIFF will require masks and proof of vaccination at in-person screenings. No concessions will be available at any of the venues, including the Tivoli, to ensure audience members remain masked throughout films. Full details on Covid-19 safety measures will be announced when the fest schedule is posted on the website the week of Oct. 11. For more information, visit cinemastlouis.org.

OCTOBER 2021 | OUR TOWN | 7

AroundTown

Fighting the flu SSM Health offers free, drive-thru flu vaccinations for the community SSM Health is offering free, drive-thru flu vaccination clinics across the St. Louis region on Oct. 9. The free clinics are taking place at the following hospital campus locations: • SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton • SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis • SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles • SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital All clinics will be held from 8 a.m. – noon except for St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles which takes place from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Anyone above nine years of age is eligible to receive a vaccine; the Cardinal Glennon clinic will vaccinate ages six months and above. Vaccinations are available by injection only. All vaccinations will be preservative-free. No high-dose vaccines will be available. No appointments are necessary. Participants should wear loose-fit clothing. Flu shots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis and are available while supplies last.

For those unable to get vaccinated at one of the free clinics, SSM Health Medical Group is holding separate drive-thru flu clinics every Saturday through Nov. 6 at five St. Louis-area locations. To schedule an appointment, go online to the SSM Health MyChart platform or call us at 314-955-9600. You may also visit us online at http://www.ssmhealth.com/access/now/ to schedule a visit with a physician’s office or SSM Health Urgent Care. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an annual seasonal flu vaccination is the best way to reduce chances of being diagnosed with influenza or spreading it to others. It’s even more important this year with the COVID-19 virus’ continued spread in the community. While the flu vaccine does not protect you from COVID-19, both viruses affect the respiratory system and can be deadly. Anyone over the age of two must wear a mask to receive the flu vaccine. Those receiving the flu vaccine must NOT be COVID positive, under Investigation for COVID, currently in quarantine for COVID exposure or have any symptoms of COVID.

Strong support St. Louis County Police Department honored by Department of Defense for extraordinary support Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, awarded three officers of the St. Louis County Police Department the ESGR Patriot Award, in recognition of their extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The awarded recipients during the Aug. 20 ceremony, held at the West County Precinct were Police Lt. Michael Refschneider, Sgt. Matthew Hauck, (Supervisor) and Sgt. David Porter (Supervisor). All three officers were nominated by Police Officer Joe Strehl (also a member of the Army Reserve at Ft. Carson, Co). Lt. Col. Ken Gregory (acting Police Chief) presided over the ceremony, assisted by Missouri ESGR Area 1 Chair, Dave Woolley. “The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Woolley. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.” Strehl’s nomination expressed his appreciation of the support he feels from his supervisors, “They are extremely supportive of my military obligation, and view my service as an asset to the department. They have been helpful to me in scheduling my annual military leave and any other unexpected training missions that come up. I can’t thank them enough.” ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the 8 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2021

National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. For more information about the Freedom Award, visit www. FreedomAward.mil.

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Honoring a hero Richard Crespi, a World War II veteran and resident at Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, was recently honored in Washington, D.C. as part of the nonprofit Honor Flight Network. The mission of the Honor Flight is to transport America’s veterans to America’s capitol to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country. The all-expenses paid trip to the memorials in Washington, D.C. gives veterans the chance to share their momentous journey with other veterans, to remember friends and comrades lost, and share their stories and experiences with each other. Crespi lives at Cardinal Ritter Senior Services. He was accompanied by his daughter Jane Crespi on the Honor Flight, as well as a cousin and aunt who live in the D.C. area. The Honor Flight Network honors veterans who served from World War II to the Korean War and through to Vietnam. The network also serves catastrophically ill and injured veterans from all service eras. “Richard is a remarkable person who proudly served his country more than seven decades ago,” said Cardinal Ritter Senior Services’ CEO Chris Baechle. “The Honor Flight Network is an amazing organization that recognizes his momentous contribution while paying tribute to Richard’s service and his sacrifices.”

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Cardinal Ritter Senior Services resident participates in Honor Flight

Richard Crespi, a World War II veteran and resident at Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, was recently honored in Washington, D.C. as part of the nonprofit Honor Flight Network.

Baechle added that his “staff and our entire community greatly appreciate Richard and his role in the war.”

Eastern Missouri Girl Scout honored with national scholarship from GSUSA to providing comfort to local Alzheimer’s patients, Gold Award Girl Scouts address the root cause of a problem, plan and implement innovative solutions to drive change. As they take action to transform their world, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills like project and time management, resourcefulness, and public speaking as proof they are the leaders our community and world need. “Completing my Girl Scout Gold Award has opened up so many opportunities by teaching me that I’m capable of taking action and making a difference,” Siddique said. “I’ve learned how to reach out to others, lead a team, and create a plan to achieve my goals, which will help me as I take on new projects in the future.” “A Gold Award Girl Scout, no matter her background or ability, learns to tap into the world-changing power within herself,” Bonnie Barczykowski, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO, said. “She takes the lead in designing and enacting a plan for change and makes a positive impact in her community and beyond. She’s shown the world, and herself, that if she can dream it, she can do it—and the future is hers.”

To learn more about Girl Scout Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Highest Awards, visit girlscoutsem.org/highestawards.

OCTOBER 2021 | OUR TOWN | 9

PHOTO COURTESY GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI

Gold Award Girl Scout Fareeha Siddique, a senior at Parkway Central High School, was recently awarded a national scholarship from Girl Scouts of the USA thanks to sponsorship from Arconic Foundation and Kappa Delta Foundation, for her community outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address the increased need for mask access, Siddique assembled a team to hold a fabric donation drive, where she was able to make and donate more than 800 masks to local food banks and schools in the St. Louis metro area. To help educate the mask recipients, Siddique created informational cards showing the proper way to wear a mask and reminders to practice social distancing and handwashing. She also hosted educational workshops for local elementary school students and created a COVID-19 safety awareness video that was utilized throughout her school district. The Gold Award is the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn, available to girls in high school who create sustainable change on a community or world issue. From combating the environmental crisis

Maryland Heights honors a beloved city employee who was tragically killed with a memorial in Vago Park BY WENDY TODD

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PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF MARYLAND HEIGHTS

In February of 2020, the city of Maryland Heights experienced a tragedy when Maria Lucas was shot by a coworker at the Maryland Heights Community Center where she was a manager. The shooter was upset that she disciplined him and sent him home for inappropriate behavior. The city of Maryland Heights created a memorial to honor Lucas and her contribution to the center and the community. It was unveiled this past July in Vago Park, a place Lucas was familiar with having worked there as a summer camp counselor. At the memorial unveiling family and coworkers spoke on what a “delight” Lucas was. She kept her spirits up and that of others even at the time when both her parents were battling and subsequently passed away from serious illness. Others described her as always having a smile and being willing to help those in need. She also enjoyed working with and serving children. Lucas volunteered with children throughout her life and started her career in the Ritenour School District in special education. Later she joined the Maryland Heights Community Center, first starting as a camp counselor, then moving on to become a customer relations specialist, and eventually an acting building manager. She was loved by her family, coworkers and children she worked with. In keeping with the theme of Lucas’ dedication to children and her charitable nature, over the summer the city of Maryland Heights arranged an annual school supply drive in her name that will begin every year on Lucas’ birthday, July 3. Supplies have been distributed to families in the Maryland Heights school district. The city has also organized an additional event to commemorate Lucas’ life. On Oct 16, the city will hold an event where members of the public will be provided with supplies to create footstones to decorate the memorial. Lucas’ work with children and dedication to them is reflected in the striking memorial statue that features two children sitting on a globe reading. The memory of Lucas has been lovingly preserved by the community she served. For information about the Oct. 16 event, go to www. marylandheights.com/maria.

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OurThoughts OurLifestyle MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE

Happy W

hen spending time with a 15-month old grandbaby you can learn a lot of things …a lot of very ba-ad things. I spent time with my little chunker and came back wondering how babies even survive. For starters, babies prefer the dangerous and forbidden to the Good Housekeeping-approved and FDA regulated kind of bunkum. They want jabby, pokey, chokey things that can put eyes out and lodge in small throats. Babies love deathtraps: crawling on table tops, straddling wobbly chairs and scuttling up steep staircases. They love to dabble in danger. Oh those tempting electrical outlets of mystery! Always beckoning to thrust a bit of Lego into one. Of course they want new tastes, but what is it about the toxins under the kitchen cabinet that hold such allure? That blue window spray and furniture polish smoothie certainly can’t compare to a day of gumming strained peas and creamed unsalted cabbage. Hmm? On second thought, I totally get their need for change. Mine found this with water at bath time. It proved to be a delicious, exotic beverage for her, although she preferred it with added flavor enhancers. Only after her pungent, sticky body parts had been slathered with soap and rinsed and when the water had turned a cloudy shade of grey did it ensure optimal taste. She dipped her head into the filmy pool and swallowed a 12 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2021

accident

big gulp. I pulled her back only to have her scoop up the dripping washcloth and shove it in her mouth and suck the salty, gooey juices right out of it. Beats window cleaner I guess. I dried and dressed her and plopped her on the floor. But be warned, while crawling around everything is fair game as a treat for babies – preferably the tiny, windpipe-sized ones. Soon she was rummaging around like a fat, fleshy Roomba vacuum. She quickly found a dirty sock under the couch and promptly gave it a pre-wash in her mouth. She then scavenged every corner and went on a taste- testing adventure by chomping on stray kibble and old bug bodies. After I swooped the interior of her mouth with my finger I noticed that she had become covered in cat fur. The baby was finally put to bed partially clean and had tried some new flavors, but the floor was spotless so win-win for both of us.

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

Use extreme caution “MOTORCYCLES – USE EXTREME CAUTION – MUD ON ROAD” So stated the flashing Department of Transportation road signs at either end of the state highway running through our valley. They weren’t kidding; the previous month’s mudslides had been cleared – mostly – from the road surface, but much of the debris remained right on the road shoulders. Most of the wide spots and pullouts still contained large piles of mud, rocks and other debris that came down during the late summer’s torrential downpours. When it rains, a significant amount of sludge makes its way from the piles on the road shoulders onto the traffic lanes. Much of that detritus will take months – if not years – to clean up. The local highway department district personnel are still trying to catch up on sleep from the recent record rains and resulting flash floods. (The photo above shows a sample of some of the chunkier debris left behind. Note size of rock behind the bike. Gravity and water combined do some amazing high velocity earthmoving.) For some reason, the bright flashing signs advising two-wheeled travelers to be cautious – sincerely appreciated by most of us cyclists – seemed to have emboldened some of the less cautious types. Driving my pickup on the highway bordered by the miles-worth of sludge on the shoulders, three motorcycles suddenly appeared in my rear-view mirror, closing fast. It was in the winding portion of the canyon, with doubleyellow lines all the way through. The first

bike leaned out into the oncoming lane, and returned quickly to his lane, seemingly surprised by oncoming vehicles. After the vehicles passed, the bike again went out and zipped right by me, with no moving obstacles in the other lane. The next bike in line followed the first, right around a blind corner, dropping back into his lane with no ill effects. The third, not wanting to be left behind, blasted past me along a very short section between corners, returning to his lane a small fraction of a second before an oncoming car came around the corner. The bikes all bore the license plate of everyone’s least-favorite left coast state. (These days, the most dreaded phrase in the Rockies is “Hi, we just moved here from California!” Though to be fair, some of our favorite neighbors have arrived from there; we don’t begrudge the good ones for getting out.) During my next journey on the highway, I was behind three adventure-touring type bikes, whose riders seemed to be in a big hurry to get somewhere other than here. They were crowded a mere couple bike lengths behind the vehicle in front of them, but either through good sense or lack of blind courage, chose not to pass. We all had to stop at one of the several road construction zones where the beleaguered highway workers were laboring to clean up the aforementioned mess. There was a traffic control barricade with flag and a light stopping traffic. Once the flagged barricade lifted, it took an additional five seconds for the light to turn from red to yel-

low. As the barricade rose, it took perhaps .5 seconds for the first cyclist to honk his horn at the driver waiting for the light to confirm what the barricade allowed. The other cyclists quickly joined in, creating a discordant symphony of honking in the morning air. This group had license plates from the upper Midwest, proving that jerks come here from all over. Perhaps the ugly riding behavior stems from the fact that these groups had the anonymity that comes from being from a long distance away. Or more likely, the “group ride” dynamic played a part, in that if one group member does something “special,” the rest follow along, as herd mentality is not limited to cattle. Maybe it was simply a reflection of the general sense of irritation and rudeness that we see even at the grocery store these days. In any case, now that the trees are turning, school is in session and the mornings are quite cool, there is much less traffic on the road than just a couple weeks ago. Most of the jerks went home to be rude on their home turf. And if you came here to visit and were polite, thanks, we hope you enjoyed your stay!

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.

OCTOBER 2021

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OurLifestyle

The 2021

Chevrolet Tahoe gets a complete facelift

Featured with class-leading cargo space, a standard V-8 engine and GM’s 10.2-inch easy to navigate center dash info touch screen, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe was completely redone. It’s now the fifth generation of this full-size SUV. This newest version is instantly recognizable and bolder in appearance. It’s larger and has a number of improvements with the interior, safety enhancements and welcomed on-board technologies, when compared against the outgoing Tahoe. Worth bringing to the forefront is the vehicle’s remarkable “luxury-car-like comfortable ride” as this in part was achieved by their advanced magnetic ride control and air suspension system that tends to tame its rugged body-on-frame, truck-like chassis. Along with its amazing road dynamics and handling characteristics is Tahoe’s whisper-quiet driving experience. Unwanted outside noises are put to rest, helping to raise the bar and positioning this SUV in the near-luxury category along with the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and the Nissan Armada. This model is offered in six trim levels for the ‘21 model year as the base version starts out slightly under $50,000. The trim levels are listed as: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country. The standard engine on the Tahoe is a 5.3-liter V8 as it’s rated at 355 horsepower. It’s then matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. EPA city/ highway fuel economy with RWD is 16/20 mpg. Four-wheel drive is available on all trim levels and is standard on the Z71 configuration. The LS is featured with LED headlights, 18-inch tire and wheels, eight-passenger seating - two in front, three in the middle and three in the third row. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included as is the factories infotainment touchscreen and their forward collision mitigation system. The LT adds to the LS with; hands-free 14 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2021

liftgate, wireless charging pad, leather upholstery, nine-speaker Bose audio system, driver-seat memory settings and heated front seats and auto-dimming rearview mirror. On the RST, you’ll find 22-inch wheels, unique front fascia and black exterior trim and special RST seats with contrasting stitching. As we look at the Z71, it includes offroad capabilities of which include; a special front fascia to improve the Tahoe’s approach angle, two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing, hill descent control, allterrain tires plus underside front skid plate and towing hooks. If we switch up to the Premier model, it has improvements with the ride and handling capabilities, eight-inch digital instrument panel, 10-speaker Bose audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, secondrow bucket seats; however, that reduces the seating capacity to seven, lane keeping assist that’s engineered to help steer the vehicle back into its drive lane seamlessly and their enhanced blind-spot automatic lane change monitor system. This leads us to their High Country edition for ‘21. Powering it is a 420-horsepower,

6.2-liter V8 performance engine rated at EPA city/highway fuel economy of 15/20 mpg with RWD. The top end High Country model can easily price out in the $70,000 range. At road-test, the Premier version I drove had an MSRP of $75,165. That included the shipping charges of $1,295. The base warranty is for three-years/36,000 miles and the powertrain coverage is for fiveyears/100,000 miles.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

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

OurLifestyle

heading to theaters in November (hopefully) In the fall of 1983, teaser trailers for “Ghostbusters” were playing in theaters. The footage showed Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis wearing jumpsuits while chasing supernatural creatures for profit. Aykroyd and Ramis also wrote the screenplay while Murray agreed to do the film only if Columbia Pictures agreed to back a remake of “The Razor’s Edge” with Murray as the lead. With a budget of $25-$30 million, “Ghostbusters” became a massive box office hit and Ray Parker, Jr. earned an Oscar nod for the enduring title song. In 2019, teaser trailers for Jason Reitman’s “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” arrived in theaters. The footage shows a family relocating to a run-down farmhouse left to them by their grandfather, Dr. Egon Spengler (Ramis). The property is not the usual farm as Phoebe (McKenna Grace), daughter of Callie (Carrie Coon), soon discovers. She uncovers Ghostbuster’s equipment, including a ghost trap and jumpsuits that belonged to Egon. There was more to Grandpa than she knew. “Afterlife” comes after director Paul Feig’s 2016 “Ghostbusters” reboot staring four very talented women: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. Unfortunately, the core cast does not become a cohesive whole in this version. The four leads do their own thing with little teamwork or bonding. “Thor” star Chris Hemsworth also is totally wasted as the handsome but dense secretary Kevin Beckman. It is a noble effort, but the heart and soul of the franchise are missing here. Will “Afterlife” finally make it to the big screen? The outlook is more positive for the scheduled Nov. 19 release date. Ironically, Columbia Pictures should be grateful to Marvel Studios because the positive box office returns of “Shang Chi” show that movie fans are making their way back to theaters. Paramount’s “Top Gun: Maverick” has been grounded until May 2022, but ECTO 1 has a full tank of gas and is ready to roll. So what can we expect from this film? McKenna Grace’s Phoebe has some nice moments in the trailer that reveal her grandfather’s enduring legacy. Phoebe is smart, adventurous and discovers that the Ghostbusters vehicle has a gunner seat that’s perfect for chasing pesky ghosts. Paul Rudd (“Ant Man”) plays Mr. Grooberson, a teacher at Phoebe’s school who is a big

fan of the Ghostbusters and can identify a ghost trap at one glance. “Afterlife” also has callbacks to the original film as well, including references to Ivo Shandor, the architect for the building at 55 Central Park West that is now known as “Spook Central.” Shandor worships the Sumerian deity Gozer and he set up a mining company in the same town as Phoebe and her family. It’s likely that Egon Spengler had relocated to keep tabs on Shandor and his Gozer activities. Even with ever-changing release dates, there’s more than a ghost of a chance that “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” will make it to theaters in time for Thanksgiving. It would add some real spirit to the holidays. 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.

OCTOBER 2021

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OurLifestyle

Celebrate family & food F

amily traditions and inperson connections are important parts of gatherings of loved ones, and many of those get-togethers are centered on food. The entire family coming together around a table covered with warm, delicious food to share stories and create new memories is what makes mealtime special. Forty chefs from around the nation came together to create “Come to the Table,” which offers a delicious mix of cuisines from a variety of cultures, including this sampling of classic family favorites, sweet indulgences and family-style creations all inspired by what family means to each chef. Visit rmhdallas.org for more information and to order the cookbook.

Daddy’s Birthday Flan Recipe courtesy of chef Ninamarie Bojekian Mendoza Servings: 10-12

Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup buttermilk 3 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles (optional)

16 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2021

Flan:

Directions: In saucepan, heat granulated sugar and water over mediumlow heat until melted.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 9-inch Bundt pan. Set aside. When sugar liquifies and turns golden brown, remove from heat and use silicone spatula or whisk to stir. While stirring, quickly pour into prepared Bundt pan. To make cake: In large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, use hand mixer on medium speed to beat butter and sugar, about 3 minutes, until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. On low speed, gradually beat in flour mixture and buttermilk until combined. Fold in rainbow sprinkles, if desired. Pour batter into pans over caramel sauce. To make flan: In blender on high speed, blend eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla until well combined. Gently pour through strainer and onto prepared cake batter. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.

4 large eggs 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ground cinnamon, to taste

Place pan in water bath by putting it in larger baking dish, roasting pan, hotel pan or similar. Pour hot water halfway up sides to create water bath.

Caramel Sauce:

Run knife or spatula carefully around edges to separate. Place plate on top of cake and, while holding it, flip over carefully and quickly.

1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup water

Bake approximately 1 hour. Cake should be golden brown and jiggle when shaken when done. Remove cake from water bath and cool on rack 10 minutes.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight before serving.

OurLifestyle Directions: Preheat oven to 420 F.

Bring pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain then set aside. Heat pot or cast-iron casserole dish over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Add pinch of sea salt and pepper as it cooks. Cook until onions turn brown and mushrooms shrink in size, about 3-5 minutes. Empty contents and set aside.

Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe courtesy of chef Kevin Curry Servings: 6-8

Ingredients: 6 ounces jumbo pasta shells 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh garlic 1 medium onion, diced 5 portobello mushroom caps, gills removed then diced 1 pinch sea salt, plus additional, to taste 1 pinch pepper, plus additional, to taste

2 cups shredded kale 3 tablespoons water 15 ounces skim milk ricotta cheese 4 tablespoons pesto 1 tablespoon The Fit Cook Land spice blend 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat marinara, divided 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat mozzarella fresh herbs, for garnish

Green Curry Recipe courtesy of chef Nikky Phinyawatana Servings: 2

Place pot back over heat. Add shredded kale and water to create steam. Toss kale in pot until it turns vibrant green; set aside to cool. In large bowl, mix ricotta cheese with mushroom mixture, kale, pesto and spice blend. In casserole dish, spread about 1/2 cup marinara on bottom. Then one-by-one, stuff each pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons ricotta mixture and add to casserole dish. Repeat with remaining shells. Cover shells with remaining marinara and mozzarella cheese. Cover casserole dish with foil and bake 20 minutes. During final 5 minutes, remove foil so mozzarella can brown. Garnish with fresh herbs and salt and pepper, to taste.

Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach 1 cup water 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons green curry paste 8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken, beef or pork, sliced thin 1 small Japanese purple eggplant Directions: In blender, blend spinach and water until mixture turns green and no leaves are visible.

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add green curry paste and stir to release fragrance, about 10 seconds. Add protein and cook 3-5 minutes. Add blended spinach water, pur-

2 cups coconut milk 4 teaspoons granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced 1/4 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin 8-10 Thai basil leaves, plus additional, for garnish, divided 2 cups cooked jasmine rice

ple eggplant, coconut milk, sugar and salt. Bring to boil. Add bamboo shoots and red bell pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in basil leaves and turn off heat. Serve with jasmine rice and garnish with additional basil leaves.

OCTOBER 2021

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InDepth

Telling the story

St. Louis Story Stitchers, a nonprofit focusing on the art of storytelling, offers a wide variety of programming and activities for youth throughout the St. Louis area ages BY WENDY TODD St. Louis Story Stitchers, a nonprofit focusing on the art of storytelling for young people of color, is inviting participants for enrollment. The organization offers a wide variety of programming and activities for youth throughout the St. Louis area ages 16-24, with an emphasis on public health and combating gun violence. The organization in Old North St. Louis was founded by Susan Colangelo and seven other artists. Documenting St. Louis through artistry and words “to promote understanding, civic pride, intergenerational relationships and literacy,” is the organizational purpose. Storytelling that creates community engagement is also integral to the mission of the local artist hub. 18 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2021

InDepth Story Stitchers began in 2013 when Colangelo, an embroidery artist who made quilts featuring different news stories in the St. Louis area, realized the power of telling stories this way. She’d recounted the practice of making Underground Railroad quilts that displayed codes to assist enslaved people seeking freedom. The artist wanted to create meaningful change in the community with her artistry and decided to join seven other artists and form a collective with that same intention. That group transformed into Story Stitchers. “Story Stitchers’ programs are driven by the interests and concerns of black youth who are living in underinvested neighborhoods and focus on public health and safety concerns,” says Colangelo, who is also the president and executive director of Story Stitchers. A youth council was developed in 2014, which participates in the strategic direction of the nonprofit. The council created the Stitchers Storefront Studio, located in the Loop District that has equipment for recording, editing and publishing. Programming combines artistry with activism as demonstrated by its efforts to implement “a sustainable framework for youth violence prevention.”

Activities focus on the arts, leadership, community service and outreach. The hope is that participants learn and adapt abilities and traits including being able to trust, having personal ownership of the program and their work, feeling a sense of extended family, learning how to partner with others and gaining leadership skills. “Leadership is a vital component for sustainable outcomes and real impact. Story Stitchers is working to build a coalition of youth leaders and give them platforms such as StitchCast Studio podcasts, from which they can be heard by peers and leaders,” says Colangelo. These have been lofty hopes to keep afloat during the pandemic, and like many other organizations, they’ve had to adjust protocols. “This summer was a challenging period as the Delta variant of COVID-19 swept into the region in July. One staff member was infected and three youth (participants) were exposed from being in an indoor studio workshop. No one was infected from the exposure. (Subsequently) studios were closed, workshops moved to Zoom and podcasts and events moved to outdoor venues only,” says Colangelo. But through it all Story Stitchers

managed to continue with programming and increase enrollment from 2020 with 37 programs for 63 youth participants offered over the summer. COVID protocols will continue into fall the offerings. In a strong effort to keep the Story Stitchers community safe, the nonprofit has created a safety pledge for all staff and members including face coverings, social distancing, health checks, contact tracing and COVID-19 training. Staff and enrolled members will also be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Story Stitchers is ready to continue its mission of developing and utilizing the talent of youth to build a healthy, peaceful and collaborative community. “Story Stitchers is having an impact on neighborhoods in St. Louis,” Colangelo states. “Our projects create a platform for community engagement through an artistic lens. And with it the Saint Louis Story Stitchers work to shift perceptions and realities and bring hope to the St. Louis community.” To find out more about Story Stitchers go to https://storystitchers.org. And to enroll go to https://storystitchers.org/portfolio/saturdays-at-thekranzberg-arts-center/.

OCTOBER 2021

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October 4 Child Health Day

9 Leif Erikson Day 11 Columbus Day 13 Navy Birthday 15 Boss’s Day 16 Sweetest Day 31 Halloween