CN: August 16, 2023

Circus sisters

Circus Harmony from St. Louis and Circus Circuli from Stuttgart, Germany perform together both here and abroad

By Olivia Holler

On July 12, a nine-person troupe of flying children from Circus Harmony presented their Celebratory Sister City Circus Send-Off show in the circus ring on the third floor of City Museum.

This is the group that first connected Circus Harmony in St. Louis with Circus Circuli in Stuttgart to create a video in celebration of the 60th anniversary of St. Louis and Stuttgart being sister cities in 2020.

On July 26, this intrepid group left to continue their Peace Through Pyramids partnership with Circus Circuli in Stuttgart, Germany, July 26 to Aug. 8.

Circus Harmony director, Jessica Hentoff, explained, “Peace Through Pyramids is the program Circus Harmony started to

designate partnerships between different groups using circus as the bridge to connect the two. Since 2007, Circus Harmony has partnered with the Jewish/Arab Galilee Circus in Israel for 11 years, the National Circus School in Puerto Rico for two years, and arranged several local St. Louis partnerships between children in different neighborhoods of St. Louis. This will be our first time taking children to Germany! They range in age from 10-19 years old. For some, this will be their first time traveling to Europe and their first time traveling without their families. But the circus, itself, is a family and we are excited to meet and work with the Stuttgart branch of our circus family!”

a nine-person troupe of flying children from Circus Harmony presented their Celebratory Sister City Circus Send-Off show in the circus ring on the third floor of City Museum.

July 26, this intrepid group left to continue their Peace Through Pyramids partnership with Circus Circuli in Stuttgart, Germany, July 26 to Aug. 8.

‘CIRCUS’ from cover

The performers are very excited to be traveling and performing together in Germany. The members of Circus Harmony will stay at Circus Circuli tent and create a show with the Circuli students.

“It’s my first time out of the country, so I’m very excited,” exclaimed Eleanor Corrigan.

“I’m interested in learning what a circus is like in Germany,” added Lyla lawless.

“I’m looking forward to eating the sweet pretzels there,” opined West Welson.

Circus Harmony is a nonprofit social circus school that teaches the art of life through circus education. They are based at City Museum and offer numerous outreach classes throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. For more information about the partnership or to donate please visit www. CircusHarmony.org.

COMMUNITY VOICES:

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that can be looked at as a positive outcome of murder. Often, people can think that they might rid themselves of a problem that involves them and another individual or even a group of people.

A close examination of this type of thinking reveals that it is arrived at, when the perpetrator or the one that is contemplating such an action, is at a very, very low point of reasoning or is quite exasperated with a certain situation. The individual is only thinking in the moment and not in the longer term.

What if the situation turns around, the opposition changes its position, something happens to the opposing party or parties or if something very positive occurs? What if the proposed perpetrator’s situation changes? What if someone else is planning and executes the same strategy as is contemplated? What if conditions change the entire scenario?

Life has so many unexpected twists and turns that it is a real and most unfortunate shame when people allow present undesirable or unacceptable situations to cause them to take this course of action to alleviate an undesirable person, persons, or situation. It is said that “This too, shall pass.”

By Dr. Larry A. Brown

Why murder is a no-no

Of course, a primary reason for not committing murder is that it is against the law and the likelihood of getting caught is very high. Even if one is never apprehended, the guilt associated with this action follows them for life. They have this hanging over their head forever, and a day

It affects what they do, where they go, who they associate with, their sleep or lack thereof and in short, their whole life.

It is also an admission of failure that plagues one forever. Often, a person regrets having taken such an action, but it is much too late. Often, one discovers that they got the wrong person. It is furthermore the case that sometimes it doesn’t solve the problem. Sometimes, additional murders must be committed to cover up the original crime.

Isn’t this a horrible way to spend the time we have on earth? Wouldn’t you say that it would be better to live a life that gave you the freedom of movement and ability to help others achieve something meaningful? Wouldn’t it be better to be able to solve problems without committing a serious crime?

There are a few people whose chemistry will allow them to murder without it having any effect on them, but for most humans, it is impossible to avoid the recurring thoughts or

the penalties that this society imposes.

Therefore, we must teach our young people how to solve problems amiably and live the best life that they can. The space, resources, and opportunities are here for the taking. It is not too late for any of us to benefit from positive solutions other than this ultimate and devastating one.

We are constantly working to make this a better place for everyone. If you wish to help others or get involved yourself, contact us at www.gracechapelministries.org or email us at gracechapeldevelopment@gmail.com.

Dr. Larry A. Brown is a retired Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Worknet, Inc., which has a national ten-year contract with the Social Security Administration to find jobs for people with disabilities who are interested and qualified to enter the traditional workforce. He is also co-founder and president of Grace Chapel Ministries, former president of National Cable Training Centers, and president of Woodstock Industrial Products Group.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

Submitted photos

Florissant to request release of Community Development Block Grant funds

The city of Florissant will request the release of 2023 CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Aug. 25, following a 15-day period in which the public will have the opportunity to comment on the slated use of the funds.

The Florissant 2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan identifies community needs and has been proposed for the following projects:

• Home Improvement Program (estimate $93,300): to provide up to a $7,000 forgivable loan to approximately 13 low/moderate income households throughout Florissant to address code violations, home repairs and health and safety issues. This activity is categorically excluded under H.U.D. regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, subject to 24 CFR 58.5. After specific projects have been identified, project-specific Environmental Review Records (ERRs) that document the environmental determination for this activity will be on file at the Government Building. If compliance actions are required, appropriate

notices will be disseminated or published

• Home Improvement Program - Mechanical (estimate $90,000): to provide up to a $5,000 grant to approximately 18 low/moderate income households throughout Florissant for the replacement of HVAC and/or Water Heaters. This activity is categorically excluded under H.U.D. regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, subject to 24 CFR 58.5. After specific projects have been identified, project-specific Environmental Review Records (ERRs) that document the environmental determination for this activity will be on file at the Government Building. If compliance actions are required, appropriate notices will be disseminated or published.

Written comments on these determinations may be directed to the Community Development Office at the Florissant Government Building, 1055 rue St. Francois, MO 63031, or to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, Community Planning and Development Division CPDRROFSTL@hud.gov.

A plaque dedication for late Florissant businessman is set for Aug. 23

The city of Florissant and Florissant Old Town Partners are pleased to announce a plaque dedication has been set for Aug. 23. This will be the 59th Walk Through History plaque in honor of someone that have made valuable contributions to the city of Florissant or someone with Florissant roots that has impacted our community.

The ceremony will be held on Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in front of 250 rue St. Francois. The plaque dedication will take place before the start of the fourth Wednesday Night Out festivities which is hosted by the city of Florissant and Florissant Old Town Partners located on the grounds of city hall. The movie “The Mario Brothers” will be shown starting around 7:30 p.m. John “Jack” Behlmann was one of twelve siblings raised on a farm in Florissant. In 1948 Jack and John “Tucker” Kohnen established Kay Bee Electric with offices in Florissant. Jack and Anita Meyer were married in 1949 and raised six children. Jack was an active member of Sacred Heart Church, Florissant Optimist and a founding member of Crest Bowl. His cup was always half full. He loved spending time with family, friends and boating on the Mississippi River.

MDC undertakes new vision for Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is implementing a new vision for Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake. Going forward, MDC’s strategy will focus on managing the area to work with the natural flooding cycles of the river and cultivate the habitat benefits of a healthy floodplain. This will provide important wetland habitat for wildlife, flood relief for neighboring areas, and unique recreational opportunities for area users.

MDC purchased the 4,318-acre tract in 1997 to create an urban conservation area. Columbia Bottom is at the Confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, North America’s largest rivers. Located in the natural floodplain of these two rivers, the area has always been prone to flooding.

The frequency of major flood events has increased over the last decade with high water events occurring in 2008, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Each of those times, Columbia Bottom has been inundated with water to the extent that MDC has been required to close the area until waters have receded. Water covered the area for almost six months during the 2019 event. This has created expensive damage and resulted in a repetitive and unsustainable repair cycle. Significant debris and sediment have been deposited on the area, existing wetland pools, and at the confluence, where sediment is two-to-four feet deep.

Efforts to hold back the rivers with levees, repair damage, and manage the area for waterfowl hunting are incurring costs to Missouri taxpayers through expenses, MDC staff time, and resources that are no longer practical.

MDC has identified the need to re-think the management goals of Columbia Bottom in order to create a sustainable balance between natural resources, human recreation, and responsible financial investment in one of St. Louis County’s most important natural assets.

As part of a new management strategy, MDC will remove portions of the existing levees, which have been compromised by previous flood events, and allow the area to flood naturally during high flow events. This will enable Columbia Bottom to assume its natural ecosystem function of a wetland, to slow, hold, absorb, and dissipate water during food events.

MDC will construct a setback levee on the south side of the area to help protect downstream neighbors. This will restore floodplain connectivity to an additional 3,500 acres on the conservation area and will reduce flood impacts downstream. MDC is budgeting $12 million to supplement $15 million in funds distributed from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to pay for the new setback levee.

A benefit to this strategy is connecting the river and wetland habitat during natural flood cycles, which has largely been disconnected across these major river floodplains. During floods this will benefit many riverine fish. As the waters recede, other wetland dependent species, including migratory birds, reptiles, and amphibians will take advantage of flooded and drying pools.

The costs to repair and maintain Columbia Bottom’s aging river pump station make it impractical to continue the area’s intensively managed waterfowl hunting program. Therefore, MDC will discontinue strategies that depend on artificially manipulating area water levels. Future waterfowl management at Columbia Bottom will focus on creating dry field hunting opportunities by planting winter wheat. This will produce opportunistic waterfowl hunting during wet conditions.

MDC will continue to provide dove hunting opportunities by planting and manipulating sunflower and small grain crops. The new management strategy should also increase the diversity of birds and wildlife drawn to the area, which will benefit birders, photographers, and wildlife watchers.

Under this new vision, Columbia Bottom will function with the river to resume its important ecosystem role as a floodplain and wetland, which will better mitigate the effects of future flood activity. It will create important habitat for native plants and wildlife. And it will continue to offer unique outdoor recreational opportunities just 20 minutes from the urban St. Louis core. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is located off Riverview Drive, approximately three miles north of I-270.

I have some work to do Still In This Together:

Wehad a crowd at our house: son Chris and his wife Maureen and their two kids were in from North Carolina for a wedding, and we had invited our in-town kids and their families over. It was wonderful to have everyone spread out but still together in the same large great room gathering place, a bunch playing a dice and card game at the big kitchen table, wives talking companionably on the couch, and the littlest guys playing with the play kitchen that’s been in our family for 40 years.

Brady, one of the almost four-year-old twins, had packed us a pretend picnic lunch and walked into our bedroom in front of me, stopping short as I turned on the light and he was staring at the picture on the wall just above my nightstand.

“What is that picture?” he asked. “Why is that picture there? I don’t like it, Grandma.”

It’s actually a large, framed, very realistic picture of a Kansas thunderstorm that I had fallen in love with when I saw it at a visitors’ center when I was traveling with John years ago on a business trip to Topeka. John remembered, called the tourist center, and had a copy sent to his office, then arranged to have the girls go

with him to have it framed, for one of the most brilliant Christmas gifts I have ever received from him.

It hung across the room from our bed in the other house, and I thought above the bed would be perfect because of the layout of our new bedroom, but son-inlaw Andy, the architect, very rationally pointed out to me that it was a terrible idea because of the weight of the picture frame and the fact that the print is covered with glass, and we live not only in a storm sensitive area, but an earthquake-prone one as well, and it could fall on our heads. And so the picture hangs above the nightstand, where it’s the first thing I see when I walk into the room.

But Brady didn’t like it.

I have to admit, the picture immediately draws your attention to a very menacing dark sky building above the brilliant gold cornfields at the front of the scene. It is extremely realistic, and John swears he once saw a sky that pitch black as he was driving to call on a customer in Kansas.

And I, being a thunderstorm lover from long ago, have asked him repeatedly to tell me the story of how he drove into a lightning-filled, pitch-black-sky-covered countryside and couldn’t believe it was real.

But Brady thought the picture looked real, too, minus the excitement I feel about it. I brought his twin brother, Ellis, into the room and asked him if he liked the picture. He just looked at me as if I had grown an extra ear that would require another earring for him to inspect the next time we were together, and shook his head woefully.

And both of them, as identical twins are supposedly prone to do, shouted out-loud at exactly the same

By Vicki Bahr

moment, exactly the same words, “Crackle, Crackle, Boom!” and ran out of the room.

I have some work to do.

It will be my duty, as well as my pleasure, to read them books, and tell them stories, and watch out the window, and call them on the phone, and help them discover, as I have the other seven of our grandkids and the four of their parents who were my own children, the excitement and wonder and majesty of building thunderheads and anvil clouds, thunderstorm predictions, and afternoons sitting on the front porch waiting for the first clap of thunder. Of course, I want to show them the proper respect for severe thunderstorm warnings, but also the excitement it instills in me that there are still some things we can’t control, some wonders that we humans can appreciate and be in awe of, and that “Crackle, Crackle, Boom” can be three of the most wonderful words in the human language.

I enlisted their mom, our youngest child, Becca, to help me on the mission, and I was so excited when my phone dinged during the last thunderstorm and there was a video of Brady pulling the shade in their dining room open to check out the dark sky.

He was smiling, and declared in his biggest voice, “Crackle, Crackle, Boom, Grandma! I almost like it!”

We’re on our way!

Vicki Bahr is an inveterate word lover and story sharer, a published author in magazine, newspaper and blog forms. As a mom of four, grandma of nine, and wife of one for 50 years, she finds that inspiration and wonder are everywhere.

Registration underway for Citizens for Modern Transit’s Ten Toe Express walking program

Despite rising temperatures, fall is fast-approaching, and Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – in partnership with AARP in St. Louis – is inviting older residents who want to get out and explore St. Louis to register for the fall 2023 session of the award-winning CMT Ten Toe Express program.

Featuring weekly guided tours across each 12-week session that mix walking and transit use, the program allows participants to explore multiple cultural destinations across the region in a group setting. Registration for the fall session – which runs through Sept. 30 – is now underway and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org or in-person at one of the four remaining registration events taking place in Shrewsbury and Belleville throughout August. There is a registration fee of $15 that is required to cover a portion of the program costs.

Over the years, the Ten Toe Express program has helped thousands of older adults and other individuals lead healthier lives by linking activity, sociability and exercise with the use of MetroLink and MetroBus.

Each weekly Ten Toe Express walking tour is led by a trained, volunteer walk leader and ranges in length from 0.3 to five miles, depending on the group and destination.

Each tour starts from an area transit center: Brentwood I-64, Forest Park-DeBaliviere, Belleville, or Shrewsbury-Lansdowne 44. Participants then take the

MetroLink or MetroBus to Forest Park, downtown St. Louis, the Delmar Loop, downtown Belleville or other areas (depending on the week), where they explore local attractions and stop for lunch or a snack before heading back.

Special walks are scheduled periodically throughout the season. Walking maps with instructions on how to utilize transit to get to many of the region’s cultural and entertainment hot spots are available online to assist those who want to explore areas independently.

All registrants receive a walking kit, which includes a lime green belt bag, pedometer, maps, transit tickets and a safety tips flyer. Any individual who opts into receiving information on AARP also receives a special gift, while supplies last. Registration can be completed at www.cmt-stl.org or at the following registration events being held from 10 a.m. to noon:

• Wednesday, Aug. 16 – Shrewsbury Center, 5200 Shrewsbury Ave Saint Louis,

• Tuesday, Aug. 22 – Belleville Transit Center, 718 Scheel St. Belleville, Illinois

• Friday, Aug. 25 – St. Clair County Office on Aging, 201 N Church St, Belleville, Illinois

To learn more about the Ten Toe Express program, visit www.cmt-stl.org or call 314-231-7272.

RECURRING EVENTS

Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Mondays: City council meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular city council meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: Choral Arts Group meetings

Choral Arts Group practices every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Connection Christian Church at 1332 Feise Rd. in O’Fallon. Auditions not required. Ages high school and older are invited to join. There will be spring and fall public concerts. For more information call Marty at 636-5799227, or email concertartsa@ gmail.com.

Mondays: Workshop meetings

City of Pine Lawn holds regular workshop meetings at city hall at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. in Pine Lawn on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

Mondays: A cappella singers

All men who like to sing are invited to come sing with us, The Men of Harmony. We practice every Monday night at 7 p.m. at 5500 Parker Raoad which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.

Mondays-Thursdays: Volunteers needed

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, sort food shipments and pack bags for Food Pantry Clients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two to four hour shifts are avail-

able. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Piece at 314-446-4440 or cpiece@ caastlc.org for additional information.

Tuesdays: Bingo

Florissant Elks Bingo takes place at 16400 New Halls Ferry every Tuesday. Doors open at 4 p.m., bingo starts at 6 p.m. No outside food or drinks allowed per St. Louis County. Food and drinks available for purchase. Maximum 150 players. Must wear mask to enter. Social distancing followed.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 10 – 11 a.m. at Expansion Church at 11150 Old Saint Charles Rd. in St. Ann. For more info, contact Pat Pinson 314-428-1168 or 314-435-5898.

Tuesdays: A cappella singers

The Gentlemen of Sound are looking for men who like to sing or want to learn. They practice Tuesdays at Lady of the Pillar school at 401 S. Lindbergh from 7 – 9 p.m. They try to do public events monthly. Always looking for new members. Come by or call Kirk at 314-954-7920 .

Tuesdays: Chair Zumba

Chair Zumba every Tuesday from 2:15 – 3 p.m. at The Bridge At Florissant at 1101 Garden Plaza Dr. (Parker @ Arlington). For more information call 314-831-0988.

Tuesdays: Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery Tuesday meetings take place at 6 p.m. with a Saturday Bible Study at 9 a.m. at LifePoint Church at 424 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information visit www.lifepointministries. church/celebrate-recovery

or call (men) Steve D. at 636634-6582 or (women) Denise W. at 530-417-6151.

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly)

From 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. located at John F. Kennedy Center/ Henry Koch Ctr., Howdershell Rd. at Charbonier Rd., Florissant. For more info contact Paul McConnell, 314831-5476.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers: Show-me Stitchers is the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. We meet on the second Tuesday, Sept.June at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO. Learn needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, and more.

Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting 6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Bingo takes place every Wednesday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.

Wednesdays: Bingo

Life Care Center of Bridgeton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, welcome all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. Please RVSP at 314-298-7444 with the month you will attend and number of people attending.

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant. For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316

Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 8:00 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314-994-3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.

Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314-839-7604.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314-653-5331.

Thursdays: Bingo

Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on the third Thursday of each month starts at 2 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more information call 314-831-0988.

Thursdays: Quilting guild

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m.

in the old school at the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, 1 Rue St. Francois, Florissant.

Thursdays: Blood pressure checks

Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.

Thursdays: Women’s chorus meeting

Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www. cityvoiceschorus.org.

Fridays: Fish fry

St. Ferdinand Fish Fry at 1765 Charbonier Rd. in Florissant, has resumed every Friday from 3 - 7 p.m.

Fridays: Fish fry

A fish fry takes place every Friday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314660-1813.

Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo

6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.

Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo

2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314-8313752.

Saturdays: Yoga

Yoga returns to Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30. Masks and social distancing are required in the building and participants should bring hand sanitizer with them. For further information call Angela at 314801-8594.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B...

Player on Hoots gets accolade in last week of season

The O’Fallon Hoots play their home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon and play in the Prospect League.

Although the O’Fallon team did not make the playoffs in 2023, they did have some standout players that made a name for them.

The Prospect League is proud to announce the Player of the Week for week 10 of the 2023 season from Aug. 2 to Aug. 5.

The Week 10 Baseball Notes Bulletproof Hitter of the Week is Chase Beattie from the O’Fallon Hoots and a freshman at Saint Louis University.

No. 23 Beattie played in four games and had 18 atbats this past week hitting .611 with 11 hits, five runs scored, one double, two doubles, four home runs, and 14 runs batted in.

He also grabbed 26 total bases and put up a 2.111 on-base-plus slugging percentage.

This is in comparison to hitting .125 in 10 games this spring for Saint Louis with one hit, three runs, and three walks.

* What a turnaround

Lindenwood picks up honors for great grades in football

Lindenwood University recently announced they were one of the winners of the 2022-23 Ohio Valley Conference Institutional and Team Academic Achievement Awards.

The overall Institutional Achievement award, presented annually to the member institution with the greatest percentage of its eligible student-athletes that earn a 3.25 grade point average or higher for that academic year, was won by Southern Indiana, who completed its first year in the OVC in 2022-23.

The OVC Team Academic Achievement Awards, which are presented annually in each conference-sponsored sport to the member institution’s team with the greatest percentage of its eligible student-athletes who achieved a 3.25 grade point average or higher, were awarded in 17 sports.

In total, nine different member institutions garnered at least one team award with Eastern Illinois and Morehead State leading the way with four apiece.

The Lindenwood Lions football squad received the institution honorees award.

The awards cap the announcements regarding 2022-23 academic year awards. It was previously announced that 1,396 OVC student-athletes were named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll (for having a 3.25 GPA or better) while 292 student-athletes

achieved perfect 4.0 GPA’s to earn the OVC Academic Medal of Honor.

* Very exciting and well-deserved accomplishment

Additional students receive awards at Lindenwood

On Monday, it was also announced that 1,396 student-athletes have been named to the Ohio Valley Conference’s Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the 2022-23 academic year.

To be listed, recipients must have achieved at least a 3.25 grade point average, have been eligible and on the team throughout the competitive season in their chosen NCAA-sponsored sport(s) and used a season of competition.

Those numbers included 88 student-athletes who compete in non-OVC championship sports that do not compete in another conference (i.e. Southeast Missouri gymnastics, UT Martin equestrian) and 188 student-athletes who were recipients in multiple sports (and counted just once in the final total).

Lindenwood had the most selections to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll (223).

* Impressive numbers

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural sea son, among many other activities. I am currently host ing a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com.

It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

RECIPE : Take salads al fresco for a sweet summer meal

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:

6 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 1/2 tablespoons honey

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

3 medium sweetpotatoes, peeled and sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

4 cups spring salad mix

1 cup fresh blueberries

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

GRILLED SWEETPOTATO AND BLUEBERRY SALAD

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and Andrea Mathis (beautifuleatsandthings.com)

DIRECTIONS:

To make lemon honey vinaigrette: In bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and honey. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Preheat grill to medium heat. Drizzle sweetpotatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill sliced sweetpotatoes on each side about

5 minutes, or until sweetpotatoes are tender and slightly charred. Remove from grill and let cool. To arrange salad, spread spring salad mix onto large platter and top with grilled sweetpotatoes, blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese crumbles. Top with lemon honey vinaigrette and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Find nutritional information, fun facts and summer recipe ideas at

NCSweetpotatoes.com.

Classic toys: Barbie, Atari 2600, Cabbage Patch Kids and more

Movie:

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.

n March 9, 1959, Ruth Handler, along with her husband, Elliot, created the popular 11-inch Barbie doll at Mattel, the company they both founded. Thanks to a popular television advertising campaign, the Handler’s sold an estimated 300,000 dolls in that very first year. Not content to stay at home in her “Dream House,” Barbie later became a professional tennis player and during the Gemini Program, the famous doll made it into space. According to “Teen Vogue,” Mattel also released a Black Barbie astronaut to make the line more inclusive.

Directed by Great Gerwig, the 2023 live-action comedy “Barbie” featured Margot Robbie as the famous doll with multiple occupations and Ryan Gosling as Ken, her longtime friend and companion. With an estimated global box office take of over $1 billion, the film proved the popularity of Barbie, Ken and other toys. Look, for example, at G.I. Joe, a toy line that initially sold very well in the 1960’s but lost fans due to the ongoing Vietnam War. According to “Nostalgia Central,” the soldier later became an adventurer and used accessories like a “Kung-fu Grip.” Thanks to a Marvel Comics adaptation, G.I. Joe became a popular toy once again and inspired a live-action film series.

Speaking of comic books, “Action Comics #1” featured the first adventure of Superman. According to “Good Housekeeping,” less than 50 copies remain in existence, but the story behind the character’s creation was rather intriguing. Jerome “Jerry” Sigel and his friend, Joe Shuster, co-created Superman but they later signed a contract

that forfeited their copyright to a character that redefined how a superhero should behave. In later years, the family of Superman comics became more focused and introduced characters such as Supergirl and the Kryptonian criminals who were trapped inside the Phantom Zone.

In 1975, Atari released “Home Pong” and later, in 1977, the company introduced a home video game console known as the “Atari 2600.” The popular arcade hit “Space Invaders” also was adapted for the home market. In 1982, at the height of gaming popularity, Atari’s management licensed other games such as “Pac-Man” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” for their console, but the quality of those games left something to be desired. “E.T,” for instance, was considered a rush job and highly criticized by consumers and left the door open for Activision, Mattel and Coleco to create their own software.

One of the hottest toy trends of 80’s was the Cabbage Patch Kid, but holding onto one of those dolls was a challenge. In 1983, my older brother and his friend secured a Cabage Patch Kid, but they had to sprint quickly across a parking lot to avoid a toy crazy mob. Teddy Ruxpin, a bear that could talk and tell stories thanks to a cassette tape player in his belly, also was a popular gift in the later part of the 1980’s. “Speak and Spell,” another 1980’s success, helped children have fun while learning the alphabet.

Those of us who grew up in the 1970’s and 80’s can appreciate the classic games and toys of our youth. Do you have a favorite game, toy or game console from childhood? Let us know.

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

Moore on Life: Cattiness

Well, well, well if it wasn’t International Cat Day last week. I’ll admit I for one did not forget my finicky felines. Last year I missed it by a day and paid dearly for it. I’ll never get that smell out of my purse.

This year I made sure not to miss it. I set the alarm on my phone a week ahead of time and made all the special preparations before the big day.

I surprised the furballs-of-theliving-dead with a tray of their favorite treats: sardines on crack ers, tuna kabobs, toasted salmon patties and lumps of butter in the shapes of mice.

“Get up, get up my lazy loafing lumps of lard!” I hollered, wak ing them from their dozy slum bers.

“Huh?” said the Fat One. “This better be good. I was just dreaming about chasing Sir Sniffalot, the annoying neighbor’s dog. I had him cornered and was about to lay some kung fu claw artwork all over his face.”

“Oh, it’s a good reason alright. It’s International Cat Day.”

“Pshaw,” said the Fatty. “Wake me up when the universe decides it’s Cat Day…as it should be. When will you bipeds realize our authority? We are all-knowing and all-powerful. Who else can fall comatose at a moment’s notice, yet become fully awake at the sound of the ring pull on a can of Fancy Whiskers grilled meats?”

The skinny one chimed in, “Hey, keep it down. I’m getting my 1,000 winks in and am only on wink number 127. Besides, I haven’t fully forgiven you for your

By Cindy Moore

thoughtless actions of last year. I hiss every time I think of your forgetfulness.”

“Chip chop my fuzzy wuzzy babied beasties. I’ve got a tray of your favorites to make amends for my inexcusable abuse and negligence,” I said as I edged the tray towards them.

The Fat One licked a mouseshaped butter pat, then wretched and pushed it away. “Hmph, I was expecting the butter to be in the shape of Sniffalot, that way I could lick his face off. Can’t you read my mind?

Oh, sweet misery, good servants are so-o hard to find nowadays.”

The skinny one was unresponsive and had fallen back into oblivion.

Well, I tried and failed – again. That means only one thing; I’ll be sleeping with one eye opened until next year.

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.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

LIFESTYLE: Use your mudroom for less household mess

Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes. These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.

Luxurious mudrooms in high-end homes can sometimes boast custom cabinetry, full bathrooms, laundry facilities, showers for pets and direct pantry access.

Regardless of whether your mudroom is an actual room or just a small space near the front door to hang bags and jackets, the organizational basics are the same:

CORRAL CLUTTER: One of the most important items in any mudroom is storage for shoes, pet supplies, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items. If built-in storage isn’t in your budget, put up a sturdy shelving unit with a bin or basket for each family member.

GET HOOKED: Securely anchor a row of strong hooks along the wall for coats, hats, scarves or other seasonal accessories that may otherwise find themselves dropped on the floor upon arriving home.

MUD HAPPENS: Mudrooms are meant to handle dirt so nix the carpet and lay down tile or hardwood flooring. Pick a stylish rug to catch dirt in its tracks while also adding a design element to the space.

SHOE SPACE: Place a wooden bench or sturdy coffee table near the door so everyone has a place to sit while removing shoes. Slide a few baskets or bins underneath as an alternate location for storing backpacks and other gear when not in use.

TAKE COMMAND: Create a family command center by adding a small cabinet or desk with a corkboard above. It makes for a perfect spot to stash keys, charge cell phones, open mail, sort school papers and post the family calendar.

Find more organization tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.

CROSSWORD: INTERNATIONAL GREETINGS

ACROSS

1. Russian czar's edict or proclamation

6. Common stomach disorder, acr.

9. Thai currency

13. Femme fatale

14. Cow greeting?

15. High-quality black tea

16. Heretofore (2 words)

17. Used for making holes

18. Old and feeble

19. *Precedes or follows alaikumin a greeting

21. *Robin Williams' "Good Morning, ____"

23. Family memb.

24. Blood fluids

25. R&R spot

28. Standout

30. All together (2 words)

35. Crafts' companion

37. Hyperbolic tangent

39. River in Paris

40. Traditions typically passed on by word of mouth

41. Home of Darfur

43. Opposite of base

44. Carthage's ancient neighbor

46. Have supper

47. Condoleezza of politics

48. Pleasantly warm

50. Type of mine passage

52. JFK's brother

53. Famous Allen Ginsberg poem

55. Band booking

57. *Hello in Normandy region

61. *Hello in Haifa

64. Letter-shaped girder

65. Female reproductive cells

67. Did like a lunatic

69. L in AWOL

70. Nada

71. Greet the day

72. "Musical" constellation

73. Precedes whiz

74. It typically has 4 doors

DOWN

1. Stars and Stripes country

2. *Unspoken greeting in France

3. Ned Stark's youngest daughter

4. Prevents one from seeing

5. Have as logical consequence

6. Mosque prayer leader

7. *Japanese greeting move

8. To crack, as in case

9. Out of shape

10. Kindred

11. *Hello in Spain or in Mexico

12. Overwhelm like bees

15. Hymns of praise

20. Borders on 22. Choler

24. Shadow-utilizing timepiece 25. *Hi, in France

26. Prefix with type

27. Places in the heart

29. Praise

31. Kind of hug

32. In accordance with law

33. In the cooler

34. Like surrendered land 36. 1/60th of min, pl.

38. *Shakeable appendage 42. Horse greeting?

45. Don't try this here? (2 words)

49. *Greetings to ____

51. "Toddlers & ____," reality TV 54. Amiss 56. Sunlight's interference 57. Hillary's hubby 58. Do as directed 59. Getting warm 60. Cup of joe

61. White ____ in retail 62. "Metamorphoses" poet

____ Verde National Park

Photo courtesy of Unsplash