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Around Town
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Assessing risk
CV-19 Checkup is an online tool created in partnership between St. Louis Oasis St. Louis County and BellAge that allows users to assess risk for contracting COVID-19
BY CHARLOTTE BEARD
St. Louis’ Oasis, an advocate for older adults, is continuing its mission to promote healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles, and volunteer engagement by taking an active role during COVID-19. Keeping with its educational approach, Oasis has developed a free online tool, CV-19 CheckUp, in partnership with St. Louis County and BellAge.
CV-19 CheckUp, found at http://www.oasisnet.org/covid helps people understand personal risks of getting and spreading COVID-19 to others based on their behavior. The 10-minute questionnaire requires no personal information, phone number or email address. Results are generated immediately in an online report unique to the person completing the questionnaire.
According to Juliet Simone, National Health and Program Director for Oasis, some questions help determine how severe an individual’s COVID probability might be. The tool assesses an individual’s living situation – single dwelling (i.e., house, or mobile home) or multiple unit dwelling such as an apartment.
“Those things are variables that can make a difference (in) your risk (for) COVID,” stated Simone. “(The tool) also checks some of your daily or weekly habits as it relates to what kinds of places you are visiting on a weekly or monthly basis. (It) gives you some options like grocery stores, outdoor exercise, doctors’ offices and restaurants.”
The tool was developed with older adults as the target audience but Simone states that it also benefits those with autoimmune diseases and other chronic health conditions (lung diseases, upper respiratory issues, those undergoing chemo treatment, pregnant women, and other immunocompromised individuals).
Simone shared that one of the assessment results at the end of the questionnaire provides an individual’s percentage risk for the likelihood of testing positive for the virus based on current health and habits as well as the risk for spreading the virus unknowingly. In addition, the tool provides tips for reducing an individual’s risks if they score in a high-risk category.
“One additional component that’s really important,” stated Simone, “is that (the tool) also asks about your feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression. Loneliness and isolation are topics that have always been important to those of us working with older adults, but I think most Americans have had some taste of what it’s like to be isolated and lonely over these last five or six months.”
Though the tool is used to help individuals determine their risks for the virus, Oasis’ aim is to continue helping older adults live enriching lives through its various programs. In making the CV-19 CheckUp tool available online for selfassessment, particularly for older adults, Oasis hopes to help high risk individuals make informed decisions without losing sight of the social aspect of themselves.
“This is one of those things that has been changing [for as] recommendations as the pandemic has gone on and on and on,” stated Simone. “I think we all in the early days expected it to be maybe two or three months of shut-in and then we would be back to normal. ‘Everyone hunker down, and we can get through this together if everyone just stays home.’ Well now as time has gone, it is obvious that we are going to be in this for a lot longer. Right now, we (must) find a healthy and safe balance of living our lives while also doing COVID safely. So, what I would recommend folks to do is to stay as engaged (as they can) with people they love – family, friends – whether it is church members (or) neighbors, in a safe way. If you are a member of a mega church and there are over 500 people, that’s probably not the best thing to do but if there (are) breakout sessions, participate in that. There is a chart of risks in activities at the end of the (CV-19 CheckUp). Going for walks outdoors is one of the safer things that we can do (in addition to) sitting with friends at a six-foot distance outside wearing masks. The benefit of being social in this particular case would probably outweigh the risk of being isolated.”
Making voting safer
St. Louis’ Anheuser-Busch donating hand sanitizer for November elections across the United States
According to a release from the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), St. Louis-based brewer Anheuser-Busch is producing and donating more than eight million ounces of hand sanitizer to polling locations across the United States for this November’s General Election.
“Missouri’s local election authorities have benefited from partnerships with a wide variety of companies and organizations, and this type of support from one of America’s most long-standing companies is another example of the cooperation and generosity that makes America truly unique,” said Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. “I am proud that one of the economic anchors of St. Louis is showing the U.S. what it means to do business in the ‘Show-Me State’.”
After consultation with Missouri’s local election officials, Ashcroft requested 1,050 gallons and 5,600 (8-oz.) bottles of hand sanitizer for use in polling places across the state in November. Prior to the June election, which was postponed from April 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McCormick Distilling Company in Weston, Missouri donated 1,000 bottles of hand sanitizer that was later personally delivered to local election authorities by Ashcroft in May.
Ashcroft drove more than 5,000 miles and visited all 116 election jurisdictions. He delivered 17,000 face masks, 17,000 face shields, more than 500 gallons of sanitizer, 40,000 floor strips for physical distancing and 16,000 posters that encouraged six feet of distance between voters. At the same time, his office began distributing $4.5 million to local election authorities allowing funding for them to meet their jurisdiction’s individual needs. More recently, the office shipped 4,900 more face masks at the request of some election officials.
In coordination with NASS, the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Anheuser-Busch will distribute the hand sanitizer to state election offices that have requested it to help ensure the safety of voters and poll workers throughout the election process. Ashcroft recently served on the Executive Committee of NASS and his co-directors of elections are members of NASED.
Voting information can be found online at www.GoVoteMissouri. com.
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Fighting hunger Operation Food Search collects 53,000 pounds of food
Operation Food Search recently hosted its 10th annual Shop Out Hunger Day and collected more than 53,000 pounds of food. The event also collected nearly $14,500 in monetary donations, which includes a $5,000 donation from Schnucks.
Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently hosted its 10th annual Shop Out Hunger Day and collected more than 53,000 pounds of food. The event also collected nearly $14,500 in monetary donations, which includes a $5,000 donation from Schnucks. The total donation, which is valued at $103,963, will provide 145,492 meals to the community. That means 42,200 individuals will be fed for one entire day.
Shop Out Hunger Day is a summertime event designed to alleviate the area’s food insecurity. The region-wide food drive helps restock the shelves of both OFS’s distribution center and its 220 community food partner agencies. This year OFS partnered with more than 100 locally owned grocery stores, including Schnucks and Straub’s, to collect nonperishable food items and donations that will stay in each store’s community.
OFS also teamed up with numerous community partners for the annual event including the Community Council of St. Charles, Jefferson County Hunger Task Force, and Franklin County Hunger Task Force.
“At Schnucks, we are committed to leveraging our business expertise to help communities and organizations, like Operation Food Search, fight food insecurity and hunger,” said Schnucks Director of Corporate External Relations Schron Jackson. “As they always have during our 20-year Shop Out Hunger partnership with OFS, Schnucks customers responded generously once again this year when asked to help those in their communities in need.”
“Straub’s was proud to partner again with Operation Food Search for its Shop Out Hunger Day, which was even more relevant this year based upon the heightened food insecurity due to the ongoing pandemic,” said Bill Hussey, Straub’s Forsyth Store Manager. “As a company that has served the region for nearly 120 years, we are extremely appreciative of our customer’s support for those who need food assistance.”
A place to learn HealthWorks! launching free Fall Learning Support Camp to serve some of the city’s most at-risk kids
With many school districts around the region opting to start the school year in a virtual capacity, some of the most underserved families – who often face food insecurities and lack reliable internet and the ability to provide learning support for their children – are left feeling helpless.
To help provide a safe, learning environment for some of the most at-risk families in St. Louis, HealthWorks! Kids Museum St. Louis has announced it is launching a Fall Learning Support Camp. The program begins Aug. 31 and will serve 40 low-income students in grades K-4 who have been identified as at-risk. The Fall Learning Support Camp is free to participants, but HealthWorks! is asking for community support to help keep the program running as long as needed and ensure these children stay on track with their education.
Beginning Aug. 31, 40 low-income students will call HealthWorks! their classroom. The students are being identified for the program by the Little Bit Foundation, which is committed to breaking down barriers to learning for students living in poverty through partnerships and programs that serve the needs of the whole child.
The museum will offer socially-distanced, safe learning and healthy activities for nine full weeks during the first quarter of remote learning, all supervised and guided by Healthworks! professional staff. The camp will run from Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. so parents can continue to meet their work obligations.
Each child will bring their school-issued devices each day, and they will receive a nutritious lunch, program supplies, as well as secure internet access that will allow them to complete their classwork. All Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines will be closely followed, including a daily health screening upon arrival for staff and students, mask requirements and increased sanitation throughout the day.
The cost to the nonprofit museum for the Fall Learning Support Camp is $2,500 per child, which translates to $100,000 for 40 children for the full nine weeks. While HealthWorks! has applied for grant funding to offset the costs of making this program free for underserved families, support from the community will be essential to bridge any funding gaps and help ensure each child has the opportunity to be a successful participant in the program. By sponsoring the program, businesses and individuals in the community can help the participating students stay safe, healthy and on track with their online classes. The levels of sponsorship are as follows: • Program Title Sponsor $100,000 • 40 children for one full week $10,000 • One child for the entire first quarter of the school year $2,500 • One child for one week $275 • One child for one day $55
Donations can be made by credit card by visiting hwstl.org/healthworks-falllearning-support-camp/ and clicking on the “Become a Sponsor” button or by calling 314.241.7391. Those wishing to send a donation by check can mail to HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis, 1100 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110.
“Our top priority is to give children in the St. Louis community - regardless of income level or where they live - a safe space to learn and grow during this time of uncertainty,” said Shannon Laine, president and CEO of HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis. “With the generous donations and support from the community, we will be able to provide crucial resources for some of the most at-risk children in our community, keeping them safe and making sure they stay on track with their education while physically going to school is not an option.”
HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis is located at 1100 Macklind Ave. in St. Louis and will remain open to the general public on Saturdays and Sundays while the Fall Learning Support Camp is in session. For additional information about Healthworks! or the Fall Learning Support Camp, visit www.hwstl.org, like the museum on Facebook or follow them on Instagram @ healthworkskidsstl.
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Be counted
The 2020 U.S. Census ends Sept. 30
You may have heard the 2020 U.S. Census deadline was extended to Sept. 30. When you take 10 minutes to complete the census, you’re helping local municipalities achieve an accurate count that enables the city to access federal resources and receive funding for public projects. Accurate information not only helps local businesses stay open but also promotes economic development, new business attraction and job creation.
The 2020 U.S. Census is also important to local municipalities for a variety of other reasons. The census totals determine funding amounts that state and local governments receive from the federal level for the next decade. Accurate census counts ensure that funding is equitably distributed for numerous programs such as Medicaid, highway planning and construction, special education grants, Community Block Development grants, the
Northwest Views . . . schoolyear begins
Parkway, like every other school district in the region and in the nation, has intensely engaged in planning for the 2020- 21 school year. It is being called “reentry” back into school in the era of COVID-19. Our students have been away from our classrooms for over five months, and they need to get back in school. Due to the current spread of the virus and the related health and safety needs of students and staff, Parkway has decided that our first quarter (through Oct. 23) will have instruction delivered virtually in all grades. This will also provide much needed certainty and consistency for families as they plan to support their children at home.
Over the summer, we have worked hard to make this fall’s experience much better for students and families than it was last spring when we were operating in an emergency mode. Teachers have spent the past few months preparing for the potential of a virtual format. They will be ready to deliver a high quality learning experience for our students. I want to suggest three new behaviors, virtues and human characteristics we all need to possess and share in the months ahead. The first is “patience.” We are used to definite answers and a clear roadmap provided by leaders. We all need to be patient with one another, and accept responses such as “I’m not sure,”
“We will do our best,” and “Give us time.” The second virtue is “flexibility.” School district approaches National School Lunch Program, Head Start and more.
Ultimately, the census is about dollars and democracy. Many programs critical to our community are funded through federal dollars. Allocations that support these programs are determined by the data collected during the census. Participating and reporting every single person staying at your address, adults and children, helps your city. Your information is protected by law and will only be used for the purposes outlined by the Census Bureau; there is no reason not to participate.
The census is a questionnaire that consists of nine questions. You will be able to respond on-line, by mail or over the phone. All information you submit is private and will not be accessed by any local, state or federal agency. It is very important that you
BY DR. KEITH A. MARTY, ED.D.
Parkway School Districts meets challenges head on as
are counted. Visit the website at www.2020census.gov. in the region will likely be multifaceted. There will be choices to be made by parents, and as the year progresses, schools may need to change schedules. Finally, we all need to be “nimble.” Nimbleness is the ability to change direction, change schedules and daily routines quickly, but effectively. Military personnel practice nimbleness – a quick change of plans, accompanied by the ability to adjust as if we knew the predicted plans would change. I have no doubt we can have a productive and successful year of learning and teaching, knowing it may not be “normal” as we have planned and predicted in the past. In March, our spring break was extended and eventually, the face-to-face instruction canceled. Educators, students and parents all stepped up. Were the results perfect – no; were there problems – yes; but did everyone try and were there sincere efforts and sincere care for children – yes.
Let’s all work together as we did in the past months. And I ask you all to be patient, flexible and nimble in the days ahead.
Dr. Keith A. Marty, Ed.D. is Superintendent of Parkway School District.
AroundTown
Ready to build St. Louis Regional Freightway strengthens commitment to providing business leaders information on development ready sites
On Aug. 7, The St. Louis Regional Freightway launched the expanded Featured Real Estate Sites Map section of its website, which features a wealth of information about the bi-state St. Louis region’s growing real estate market with its abundance of warehouse/ distribution buildings and land sites ready for all types of industrial and corporate users. The new tool is another offering from St. Louis Regional Freightway, which is committed to being the source of up-to-date information for the entire industrial market as it works to provide both marketing for active sites and accurate listings for interested parties. The Featured Real Estate Sites Map section at www.thefreightway.com/ real-estate/ provides a unique look at the region and pulls data from both the Illinois and Missouri sides of SUBMITTED PHOTO the Mississippi River. Sites span from the city of St. Louis and multiple surrounding counties in the bi-state area and include opportunities at two airports. “The goal is to collaborate between municipalities, counties, and cities in the St. Louis region and market This aerial view of Earth City shows plots of land that are available for development. the entire St. Louis MSA as an active, business-focused, growth-ready region primed for further industrial deaccurate real estate sites information. You can easily find availvelopment,” said Mary Lamie, head of the St. Louis Regional able sites and see who you should contact for more information. Freightway and Executive Vice President of Multi Modal EnterprisIt makes gathering market data easy, and it’s great to know that es at Bi-State Development. people can reach out to the St. Louis Regional Freightway for ad
The availability of large, pad-ready, industrial development sites ditional information whenever needed.” is important for developers and users that have immediate needs The sites are all located in the bi-state St. Louis region, which is and expansion requirements. The St. Louis Regional Freightway becoming increasingly recognized as business focused and persite is tracking 37 sites with more than 8,000-plus acres availfectly situated to help companies both large and small, seeking able for development. These sites are actively updated with site a single location with global access. The region is suited for opinformation, pricing changes, and accurate contact information erations ranging from a global headquarters to manufacturing to make it easy for anyone searching for potential operation locaoperations to distribution hubs to call centers or service centers at tions. Data is compiled through communication with brokers and a cost-effective level. It allows companies to find the right spots developers around the region and also from third party property for every branch of their company in a single region while havdatabases. It is provided without cost to property owners, brokers, ing a global reach. The abundance of developable land makes and developers because the St. Louis Regional Freightway knows it easy to get a site selected, construction started, and operations the data is valuable and having it easily accessible to national site commenced. selectors and business leaders results in positive growth for the “St. Louis not only has the places and the people that comSt. Louis region. The website is regularly updated with new sites panies need to grow but also all has the logistical advantages added, when needed. of being in the middle of it all, which allows easy access to their
Sites included on the website must all meet the following critesupply chain,” said Gray. “The Real Estate section of the St. Louis ria: the developable land is 20 acres or larger; the site is being Regional Freightway website is the best spot to find all of the upactively marketed; existing structures are modern bulk buildings to-date information for industrial sites across the entire region.” (minimum 24’ clear height); the location has access to a major Tom Roderick, President of R&S Machining, Inc., agrees that the transportation highway, rail spur (or rail potential), seaport acnew online resource is a tremendous asset for those seeking a cess, or runway access; and, lastly, that entitlements and utilities location to site or expand and business. are in place. “Site selection is based on market knowledge and the best de
“People want to be able to go to one website and gather inforcisions are made when you have access to accurate data,” said mation about a market,” said Allison Gray, Vice President, SteadRoderick. “Knowing that there is a site dedicated to the St. Louis fast City Economic & Community Partners. “The St. Louis Regional freight and distribution market that will have the latest real estate Freightway not only provides comprehensive information about sites information is incredibly helpful. Accurate contact informathe St. Louis industrial market, but it also is dedicated to providing tion makes the process of finding the right spot much easier.”
