May 13, 2020
Virtual worship
Around Town
Churches around St. Louis County have moved worship services online while continuing to serve the wider community
COMMUNITY VOICES By Angela Clabon. Pg. 2 Information on COVID-19. Pg.3-6
By Charlotte Beard While some local church congregations have not been able to remain connected to one another due to the social distancing measures of the COVID-19 crisis, other churches have found a way to leverage technology to maintain some measure of unity. In addition, these churches have aimed to maintain their relevance and mission in serving the community within and outside of its brick and mortar buildings. Pastor Monica Jefferson of Saint Andrew United Methodist Church in Florissant shared that the church increased its technical needs to accommodate the self-distancing measures. Saint Andrew’s Stephen Ministers have been vital in connecting other church members that may have difficulty in accessing technology for viewing services. The Stephen Minister assists those members in getting connected to listen to pre-recorded services by phone. “My major surprise in this (pandemic) is the willingness of people to do things remotely or virtually,” stated Jefferson. “It has really increased people’s interest in studying and learning in Bible study.” Jefferson shared that the pre-existing eight study groups have remained active and transitioned to live online, which includes a pre-existing group for grief support. “Our format is Go To Meeting,” she stated. “We had that already in place and have been using that now for about two years for meetings with the leadership, etc. We just added licenses to be able to continue that with myself and my associate pastor. We have been able to continue that connection, which is especially important during this time beyond worship.” The church has two Sunday morning services; the 8 a.m. one is streamed via Facebook Live. As has been customary pre-pandemic, the 10:45 a.m. service is a pre-recording
School New chancellor named at University of Missouri-St. Louis. Pg. 7
Special Section Support Local Restaurants. Pg. 8-10
Features
Submitted photo Pastor Cedric Portis (right) of Third Presbyterian Church in Moline Acres delivers surgical masks donated by his congregation to Crystal Creek Rehabilitation Center Manager Tasanya Johnson.
of the first service and is made available to visitors of their website: http://www.saintandrewumc.net. In addition, an audio version of the pre-recorded sermon is available via SoundCloud on the website. Jefferson expressed that though the transition required the church address some technical needs, the need for adjustments to using technology overall within the congregation was not as great as it might have been in some other churches. “It’s a 55-year-old congregation,” she stated, “so they tend to be a little bit more into the technology than maybe a church that’s been around a lot longer. We have reached new people who may have (never) found us or if we did not make ourselves available to witness to them. We are in phase one of our reopening plan.” The pastor stated that in June the church will reopen with the 8 a.m. worship service
only; other online provisions will remain in place for the duration. The church is also determining a plan for resuming its various services to the community, including previous distribution of food and in-person care ministry that involved Saint Andrew’s Stephen Ministers. When asked about the financial impact of the pandemic on members of her congregation, Jefferson stated, “We’re working people. We are not wealthy people (but) thank God for the generosity of my congregation; we have been able to help a few. I have a wonderful ministry called Pastor’s Contingency. Folks have been giving to that (for) years. We have had to supplement a few things for some folks – income, food, gas, etc. Nothing major – but we would figure it out if somebody needed a mortgage payment or a rent See ‘WORSHIP’ page 2
Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 99 No. 20 | 636-379-1775
Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4
Weather FRIDAY Thunderstorms 76/66 SATURDAY Thunderstorms 78/65 SUNDAY Scattered Thunderstorms 76/59
2
Around Town
May 13, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
‘WORSHIP’ from cover payment. That is something we’ve done in the past as a congregation through the Pastor’s Contingency ministry.” Jefferson also shared that Saint Andrew sometimes utilizes their gift card program when appropriate. “I have found that works a lot better sometimes than giving people cash. Giving a gas card or giving a food card to go shop gives people dignity. I think (it) does something to a person’s self-esteem when they can walk in and buy what they need based upon what they like. Poverty doesn’t change that you have dislikes or likes, it just changes ability.” Pastor Cedric Portis of Third Presbyterian Church in Moline Acres explained that his congregation’s mission and vision is to be a resource provider for the community. “People are still giving because our mission is to serve our community,” stated Portis. “We have donated thousands of surgical masks to Christian Hospital, a couple of nursing homes and funeral homes as well. We’ve given out well over 3,000 or 4,000 surgical masks, especially in the hotspot area (zip code) 63136.” According to the pastor, he works with a Bespoke Apparel tailor located at 8500 Maryland Ave #306 in Clayton
that created the masks the church donates. Portis also stressed his conviction that churches should continue to serve the community despite the closure of church buildings. “We’re not relegated to just online service,” he stated. “Our mission does not change just because of a pandemic.” Prior to the pandemic, Third Presbyterian was conducting two Sunday School classes and one mass Bible study on Tuesday nights and now continues to do so online. Since the implementation of social distancing measures, the church has utilized Zoom to continue its classes remotely with an addition of a Thursday class. Portis stated that the Sunday services are being pre-recorded on Saturday evening for simultaneous viewing on Facebook and YouTube. Visitors to the website can connect to the livestream via https://thirdchurchstl.com. “I can interact with the people online while the service is going,” stated Portis. “Since it’s already pre-recorded it gives me the opportunity to answer any questions as the sermon is happening.” One of the greatest challenges for the church, according to Portis, is how to accommodate the congregation’s funeral needs that arise during this time. “The ability to grieve and/or celebrate the life (is) very much challenged. We have been doing visitations only, at the funeral home or a graveside service with social distancing and limiting the number of people with mass (groups). That is really all we can do. Some people have chosen a cremation and we will do a memorial service celebrating that life in a few months or whenever we get back together. I have been suggesting (the postponement). When you talk about celebrating the life of a
COMMUNITY VOICES
loved one you want that to be done in community. So, if you can postpone that celebration – let’s do that.” Like Portis, Bishop Larry Jones of Greater Grace Church in Ferguson has found that he too must deal with the challenge of any funeral needs that may arise. Social distancing is a major challenge for mass assemblies. “We’re advocating strongly for people to call one another; keep each other encouraged,” he stated. “(In addition), we mail and send things out. We’re all having to reach out to one another to (remain) emotionally connected. At the end of the day, the church is going to be about people, not the building. If the people are connected, then the church is connected.” Jones shared that members of his congregation are among those that have been financially impacted by the pandemic. “We have a few members (that are) out on furlough or that were actually let go (from a job) because their department was eliminated from that company’s budget,” he stated. “So, we’re working on some things to help them. (Also), we had a couple of people that were infected with COVID-19 but thank God they’re doing well.” Jones shared that he and a few operational people conduct its one-hour Sunday 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services via Facebook Live. Visitors to https://ggcstl.org can also find later uploads of those recordings. The church added a Monday night 7 p.m. prayer service and changed their midweek Wednesday service to a talk show. “(We) have different guests (online) and stay social-distanced,” he stated. “Monday night’s (prayer service is) a conference line. (We) have a prayer line of people dialing in from their homes and we pray together.” By Angela Clabon
Does anybody care? The African-American population lags behind the white population on many health indicators. Indicators like socio-economic factors, behavioral risk factors, and emergency room visits are just a few of the glaring disparities. Socio-economic factors like expected pay source for emergency room visits, median household income, the population and families with children below poverty level, and high levels unemployment are all relevant factors. Additionally, there are behavioral risk factors and chronic conditions like the lack of cancer screenings, chronic disease risk factors like diabetes and asthma are at the top of the list. Finally, emergency room visits for things like congestive heart failure, hypertension, epilepsy, osteoarthritis, dental, mental health, and alcohol/drug use are common occurrences. Today, COVID-19 has arrived in St. Louis and attacked the African-American community with a vengeance. As the CEO of CareSTL Health (formerly Myrtle Hilliard Davis), a Federal Qualified Health Center, we are doing all we can to get people tested and to prevent the spread. We are working under calamitous conditions, transforming our facilities for urgent operations, coping with shortages of protec-
tive equipment (PPE), limited testing kits, and staff putting themselves at risk for exposure. We have to stay on the front lines, because if we don’t, our community will go unchecked and untested. For months, health centers like CareSTL Health have been operating under a temporary mandatory funding measure. This has made it challenging to hire providers, plan services or expand capacity. This need is especially serious because COVID-19 has made matters worse. Without resources, it is estimated that within three months over a quarter of health centers will have exhausted funds to pay operating expenses, and another 25 percent will have less than one month’s worth of cash on hand. Many health centers are already initiating staff layoffs and consolidating operations as cost-cutting measures and have shut down their dental operations. In some communities, health centers are employing telehealth to safely screen patients. The situation is dire. According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, health centers like CareSTL Health, are experiencing severe declines in primary and preventative care visits due to a host of factors that include personal protective equipment short-
ages, government “stay-at-home” orders, and expectations that “non-essential” services be delayed. Estimates show that over the next six months, health centers will have 34 million fewer visits, leading to $7.6 billion in lost revenue, and ultimately costing 100,500 jobs. This is the case here in St. Louis as well. In recognition of the critical role Community Health Centers, like CareSTL Health and others are playing serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the drastic revenue losses we are experiencing as a result, we need immediate funding from both public and private sector entities. If we do not test, contain, and mitigate this virus now, it will continue to spread throughout the St. Louis region. Angela Clabon is the Chief Executive Officer of CareSTL Health. A native of St. Louis, Clabon obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri, and later obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University. She has dedicated over 33 years to the health care movement in the city of St. Louis. 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.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • May 13, 2020
Around Town
3
Valley of Flowers Festival selects candidates for the Queen and Court Spring usually would have marked the arrival of the 58th celebration of the Valley of Flowers Festival; however, together we continue to face a truly unprecedented situation. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our families, our jobs, our communities and our way of life. The most visible impact is the cancellation or postponement of many of the festival activities. The festival has eight young women who have applied to be candidates for the Queen and Court for the festival. The Queen and her Court will represent the city of Florissant in community and area-wide activities over the coming year. The candidates were interviewed (by a Zoom tele-conference to comply with “stay-at-home” orders from the State of Missouri) on April 19. Five impartial, independent judges (who are not on the Festival Committee) interviewed the ladies and made their selections. The results will be announced at the crowning event as the Queen and her Court are installed for the 2020-2021 year. When is the crowning event? The festival committee will arrange a venue and a date as soon as Missouri and Saint Louis County give the “all clear” to move forward with non-essential gatherings of large groups. The committee is in the process of determining what the festival may look like. At a minimum the Grand Parade will be scheduled. Currently a target timeframe is the end of summer. The parade theme is the “Saint Louis Zoo” so decorations on floats and units reflect this theme. The Saint Louis Zoo will be highlighted in the parade and perhaps with some other activities. There will be a band competition during the Grand Parade. The three winning bands will each receive a cash prize through the courtesy of Florissant Valley Fire Protection District Community Outreach and Music & Arts (on St. Charles Rock Rd.). Participating in the parade are many city officials, local municipal emergency responder vehicles, the Valley of Flowers reigning Queen and
Court and this year’s candidates, car clubs, walking units, horse groups, dog clubs, dance schools (only on floats), and scout groups. Groups that make up the fabric of our community participate and create a colorful and fun parade! Please look forward to one of the largest and most colorful spring parades in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Dr. Jeffrey Bonner, Ph.D., is the Dana Brown President and CEO. In April 2002, Bonner was appointed President and CEO of the Saint Louis Zoo. In 2009, his position was endowed by the Dana Brown Charitable Trust. Candidates for the Queen and Court for the 58th Valley of Flowers Festival. Submitted photo He has chaired the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Amphibian Ark, in New York. He is a Burgess Fellow, Traveling Fellow, the International Species Information System, and the Fulbright Scholar, President’s Fellow and a recipient of Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group. He has served on the National Research Service Award. Bonner is the authe board of the World Association of Zoos and Aquar- thor of numerous articles and books, including “Sailing iums (WAZA) and currently serves on several boards, with Noah, Stories from the World of Zoos.” The festival including the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, is proud to have Bonner as the Parade Marshall for the BioSTL, Higher Education Channel TV, Forest Park 2020 Grand Parade. Forever and St. Louis Regional Chamber of Growth The Valley of Flowers Festival is sponsored by area Association (RCGA). He is a member of The Explorers businesses and organizations. The festival would not be Club, the Academy of Science and the AZA. Dr. Bon- able to provide as much no cost entertainment to the ner received his doctorate from Columbia University community without them.
LET YOUR BUSINESS MEET OUR READERS
www.stlukes-stl.com
READER SURVEY RESULTS
of our readers purchased from our advertisers in the past 90 days.
For advertising
636-379-1775 info@mycnews.com
4
Aound Town
May 13, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Bangert Pool and the Summer Day Camp program has been cancelled for this summer Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery has decided after meeting with Cheryl Thompson-Stimage, the Director of Parks and Recreation, that it is in the best interest of the city to not open Bangert Pool and to cancel the 2020 Summer Day Camp program. Due to the current economic challenges the city will face due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of the coming months, the decision was made not to open Bangert Pool and to cancel the Summer Day Camp program
for the summer. As the current pandemic situation continues, the health and safety of the residents and employees is paramount. As social distancing will be encouraged even as the situation improves, the pool and playground settings would make it difficult to keep everyone safe. The city hopes everyone continues to follow the social distancing guidelines as you visit the parks and to make sure you are properly disposing your gloves and mask when leaving.
Local theater companies join forces to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic presents a multitude of obstacles to overcome for organizations of all types, and theater groups are no exception. Sharon Hunter, Artistic Director-Producer of Moonstone Theatre Company, aims to help address some of the virus-related challenges that the St. Louis theatre community faces by forming the St. Louis Theatre Community Task Force. “As I was thinking about how to proceed with my own company in the wake of the pandemic, I started thinking it would be helpful to get a lot of the theaters to sit down via Zoom and discuss concerns, ideas and solutions for moving forward as we navigate the future of theatre in St. Louis,” Hunter explains. The task force will address concerns including conducting safe auditions, rehearsals and performances, finding new ways to seat audiences, maintaining the visibility of the St. Louis theatre community, new ways to offer theatre experiences and recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment. Hunter said the task force, which is the first of its kind in the St. Louis area, welcomes local theatre groups of all sizes. In addition to these
organizations, representatives from the St. Louis County Department of Health and the Center For Disease Control have also been invited to the first online meeting to address questions and concerns. Theatre companies invited to participate include R-S Theatrics, The Q Collective, The Midnight Company, Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, Upstream Theater, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, COCA, Shakespeare Festival STL, Black Rep, Stray Dog Theatre, Stages St. Louis, St. Louis Actors’ Studio, The Muny, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, New Jewish Theatre, Cherokee Street Theatre, The Cabaret Project of St. Louis, Max & Louie Productions, Black Mirror Theatre, Young Liars, West End Theatre Guild, Tennessee Williams Festival, New Line Theatre, ERA Theatre Company, STL Fringe Festival, Shakespeare Festival STL, Metro Theatre Company and the Tesseract Theatre Company. Theatre groups interested in interested in participating should contact Hunter at moonstonetheatrestl@gmail.com. For more info, check their Facebook page for updates: https:// www.facebook.com/STLTheatre/.
www.langinsurance.com
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • May 13, 2020
Around Town
5
STLCC student weathers storm of COVID-19; embarks on nursing career As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives for the foreseeable future, Richelle Herron has a renewed sense of purpose. Herron, 38, will graduate with an associate degree in nursing from St. Louis Community College in May. Her life was turned upside down in mid-March when COVID-19 attacked her family. The virus claimed the life of her beloved grandmother, Josie Lee Everett. Herron and her husband, Carl, as well as Herron’s mother, Carolyn Wallace, all were infected and required hospital- Richelle Herron. ization. They all have been discharged and continue to recover. The death of her grandmother, herself a nurse for 50 years, has been particularly painful. “I deal with grief on a daily basis because my grandmother and I were closer than close,” Herron said. “She was my grandmother, sister, best friend, mentor, everything. She raised me when I was a newborn while my mother was in the military. We have a bond that death cannot break, but it is indescribably difficult to be outside of her presence right now, especially with my completion of school. I wanted her to be the one to pin me at our pinning ceremony. Not only is that impossible now, but there will not be a pinning due to the social distancing issues.” Herron credits her faith, resolve to excel in whatever she commits herself to do, and a strong sense of purpose in leadership as elements that push her through this emotional and physical storm. “Nursing is in my DNA,” said Herron, whose mother also has been a nurse for more than 25 years. “I am a caring, nurturing and intuitive person. I have a background in customer service, but I’ve always been interested in helping and understanding others, medicine and how to best make an impact on the world that will last when I leave.” With graduation on the horizon, Herron is well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. “Having been a COVID-19 patient, experiencing the fear of the unknown, the psychological toll of isolation and the pain of familial loss from this pandemic, I know
that the healthcare professionals – but mainly the nurses who took care of me and my family – made and continue to make the difference,” Herron said. “Personally, nurses were my point of contact. They had the most personal contact with me, gave me medicine, brought me my food, and helped me move around my room when I was too weak to do those things on my own.” Joining the Fight Karen Mayes, professor Submitted photo in nursing who also serves as STLCC’s director of nursing education, said she knew Herron had a heart for making a difference from the first time the two met. “She genuinely wants to help others, whether it be through her service as the Florissant Valley Student Nurse Association president, her many communications of support to the students, and through heartto-heart thoughtful conversations with faculty and administrators on how to improve the educational process,” Mayes said. “Her intellect, wisdom, smile and enthusiasm provide motivation to those around her. Now, as someone who has survived being a COVID-19 patient, she will have a new outlook and be better able to provide empathetic care to her patients as she soon enters the nursing profession.” Herron will join the staff of Mercy Hospital St. Louis. The Spanish Lake resident, who will celebrate her 11th wedding anniversary on July 4, is ready to embark on a mission to defeat not only this pandemic, but also whatever challenges are thrown at her profession in the future. “I hear a lot of people say that nursing is a job that they admire, but they just don’t have the stomach or the nerves for,” Herron said. “They ask why anyone would willingly
jump into such a dangerous and sometimes ‘thankless’ profession. I am eagerly anticipating the completion of our degree so that we can all get out there and join this fight. It is truly one that we have been trained for and one that we can win.”
6
Around Town
May 13, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
St. Louis region’s freight network delivers essential shipments during COVID-19 pandemic As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the movement of goods into, out of and throughout the United States, the consistent response across the freight network in the bi-state St. Louis region is helping to ensure it continues to deliver in these unprecedented times. America’s Central Port and Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) were swift to implement measures such as social distancing, transitioning most office staff to work from home, having field supervisors alternate work days, increasing sanitation efforts for equipment, workspaces, and jobsites, and introducing new procedures, such as having employees report directly to job sites for safety briefings instead of congregating indoors. The port implemented two-person teams in the maintenance department to significantly reduce any potential exposure to the virus, while operators are taking temperature readings of employees entering or leaving their towboats at the beginning and end of their shifts. They also interview each employee about their wellbeing to quickly identify any symptoms. Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Executive Director of America’s Central Port (ACP), says that even with all these changes, the operators at the port continue to handle a tremendous volume of corn and soybeans, and the by-products, destined to ultimately feed the U.S. and the world. “It has been business as usual with a tremendous amount of freight still moving to and through the St. Louis area. Everyone has heightened awareness of the need to reduce potential exposure to the virus and are limiting any close contact with other workers, but the food stock and freight continue to move,” said Wilmsmeyer. “The operators here are just as essential to keeping the supply of food on the shelves as the truck driver who makes those daily deliveries.” Brad Reinhardt, president of Rockfarm St. Louis Supply Chain Solutions, which provides St. Louis local
and national over-the-road services, says that one of the biggest things his company did at the very beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak was contact its contracted carriers to discuss truck driver safety and capacity through this. The focus has been on making sure all were following the recommended CDC guidelines. “They are the lifeblood of the system,” said Reinhardt. “They are first responders without being in the medical field.” Reinhardt says his customers are currently being impacted in different ways, with one-third of his customers temporarily closed and one-third on a vastly reduced shipping schedule. “Thankfully the other third handles beer, dog food and ammunition, and it’s still moving,” said Reinhardt. “Locally, we have customers who are having some of their best months because they are moving those goods. That’s helping to offset the temporarily lost business and keeping our operations at a comfortable level.” Reinhardt adds they are not seeing capacity issues yet due to the flexibility and adaptability of the industry. When the auto plants started shutting down, it freed up a lot of trucks that were able to move to more essentials such as groceries and medical items. As a result, all the trucking companies are staying busy. He notes that truckers, concerned for their own safety, prefer to come to areas like St. Louis over densely populated areas like New York or Chicago. “We can’t be naïve enough to think this is the last time something like this could happen. Going forward, I think companies will look increasingly to the Midwest, including the St. Louis region, for their distribution facilities, because they’ll see that we’re less impacted than cities on the coasts,” said Reinhardt. “We’re more spread apart and not living in close proximity, which makes it easier to deal with a disaster like this. Our supply chain is still running fairly smoothly.” On the rail side, as the COVID-19 pandemic has spread, TRRA has seen a particularly noticeable drop in intermodal traffic, presumptively due to falling imports from China, while also seeing a drop in traffic volumes from auto plant closings. But it’s not all bad news. “Medical supplies, food, chemicals, cleaning products and anything else being used to battle the pandemic continues to be moved through the St. Louis Gateway headed to all parts of the United States via the region’s rail network,” said Asim Raza, Chief Legal Officer, Director of Corporate Affairs for TRRA. “As the situation continues to evolve, TRRA understands that the freight rail network is a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure. With its ability to connect the six Class I railroads in the heart of the country, TRRA is committed to maintaining its switching operations to ensure that food, medical equipment and other vital products continue to move through the St. Louis region. In doing so, TRRA will maintain the safety of its valued
WWW.STLCORONA.COM
Submitted photo
personnel as a top priority.” Ken Eriksen, Senior Vice President with IHS Markit, a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide, isn’t surprised by the performance of the St. Louis region’s freight network during this unprecedented time. “When we do a postmortem on this, the St. Louis region will likely have come through fairly unscathed and stands better to be even more of a distribution hub as we think about heading into the Chicago market or Kansas City or even up over toward Ohio for that matter, just because you have the connectivity and can extend your reach,” said Eriksen. “The world still has to eat; the world still has to consume certain things, and that’s good for St. Louis and for U.S. farmers. In the midst of the pandemic, work is continuing on some of the significant infrastructure projects underway to further enhance the region’s freight network. Among those is the $222 million project to replace the Merchant’s Rail Bridge, a vital artery across the Mississippi River and one of the nation’s primary east-west rail corridors serving the nation’s third largest rail hub. The project is being largely being funded by TRRA, which owns the bridge, with $21.5 million of the cost supported by a federal grant. High river levels have delayed the main spans of the project, but Raza says work on the Missouri and Illinois approaches to the bridge has been unaffected by COVID-19 to date and is progressing, with no apparent disruptions in labor or material supply at this time. That is positive news for Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi-Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, which oversees the St. Louis Regional Freightway as one of its enterprises. “The new double track bridge will help move freight faster, cost-effectively and more reliably, providing an alternative to more congested rail regions like Chicago,” Lamie said. “To see this and other projects at the ports and on our interstates continuing to move forward during these this challenging time is an encouraging sign.” Wilmsmeyer shares her optimism for the future. “We will get through this,” he said. “We have the greatest and most resilient supply chain in the world, as has been demonstrated by our country’s response to this crisis. In one month, factories have been transformed, goods and supplies have been rerouted and, what could have been a crushing blow to grocery stores, has been a blip compared to what it could have been. I encourage people to have faith in this country, faith in the resiliency of the St. Louis region’s freight system, and faith in the efficient movement of goods across the entire network. The St. Louis region’s freight component is second to none.” To learn more, visit thefreightway.com.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • May 13, 2020
School
7
New chancellor named at University of Missouri-St. Louis On April 9, University of Missouri System President Mun Choi announced the appointment of Kristin Sobolik as the next chancellor of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Sobolik has been serving as interim chancellor while also maintaining her position as executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost. The appointment is effective immediately. “Following a national search, Kristin Sobolik clearly rose to the top, and we are excited that she will continue to lead UMSL,” Choi said. “Dr. Sobolik has a track record of supporting student success, growing research, and building connections with St. Louis leaders and alumni. I am confident that she is the right leader for UMSL during this critical time.” The UM Board of Curators approved Sobolik’s appointment on April 9 with a unanimous vote. “Dr. Sobolik is clearly the right leader for UMSL,” UM Board of Curators Chair Julia Brncic said. “She has proven her ability to lead by achieving results, being proactive, and developing strong relationships with students, faculty, staff and friends of UMSL. Kristin will ensure UMSL’s continued commitment to serving the needs of the St. Louis region and the state. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity for her to serve in this role.” As interim chancellor, provost and professor of anthropology, Sobolik has collaborated with her leadership team, faculty and staff to advance students’ aspirations and prepare them to meet 21st century challenges. She has been responsible for the academic mission of the university, working with the colleges, deans and faculty on curricular development, innovation and student success. She also oversees research and graduate studies. Notably, research expenditures have increased 55 percent since her appointment as provost. “Dr. Sobolik is an accomplished educator, scholar and administrator who brings a renewed focus on teaching,
research and creative works to the university,” said Beth Huebner, co-chair of the search committee and professor of criminology and criminal justice. “She understands UMSL’s responsibility as the only public research university in eastern Missouri to initiate and support innovative research and scholarship.” During her tenure at UMSL, Sobolik has led the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan 2018-2023 with specific goals and actions focused on student success, research growth, community and economic development, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable administrative functions. She also led a successful reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission resulting in reaffirmation of UMSL’s accreditation for 10 years. “My driving passion to serve our students started three years ago when I fell in love with UMSL on my very first visit,” Sobolik said. “With each passing day, my commitment has grown to help these students succeed to graduation and design a better life for themselves and their families. I am so honored to lead this wonderful, dynamic institution that plays a crucial role in the St. Louis region.” Sobolik has introduced new academic programs in areas of growth, strength and excellence such as computing technology, cybersecurity, international relations, actuarial science degree and entrepreneurship. Further, she implemented an ongoing curricular process to align course offerings to student learning outcomes to increase student success, decrease time to degree and student debt, provide clear assessment guidelines, and align with the 5-year financial plan. Additional highlights of Sobolik’s tenure include establishing the Community Innovation and Action Center, engaging UMSL’s executive leadership team in the USC Equity Institute, and launching the Student Academic Support Services unit to support student learning, which includes the new University Tutoring
Center, Multicultural Student Services, Pre-collegiate Programs, and Student Enrichment and Achievement. “Over the past three years, Dr. Sobolik has worked intentionally and with care to expand the university’s engagement, not just in the St. Louis region, but also with alumni and supporters across the nation,” said Kirk Richter, cochair of the search committee and member of both the Chancellor’s Council and Alumni Board. “I am confident that she will continue to expand UMSL’s reach and build partnerships to ensure the university’s growth.” At UMSL and previous institutions, Sobolik has achieved results as a fundraiser with donors, alumni and legislators. A notable donor relationship she cultivated was with actor Tom Hanks, a friend of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she served as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Sobolik oversaw the $30 million modernization and expansion of the Creative Arts Center, which included the dedication of the new Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures, new art galleries and studios for theater and dance, as well as the School of Music. As dean, Sobolik was a key leader in the university’s comprehensive campaign and oversaw more than $20 million in donor gifts to the college for scholarships, capital improvements and programs. “Kristin is strategic, poised and capable of leading UMSL as it strengthens its ties with businesses and civic organizations in the St. Louis area,” Choi said. “Something that I particularly admire about her is that she has a student-centric approach and mindset. She is approachable and accessible to students as well as faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders.” As an interdisciplinary scholar, Sobolik is a leader and helped develop the fields of archaeobiology and paleonutrition with over 100 publications, books and presentations. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Iowa and a master’s and
doctorate in anthropology from Texas A&M University. Prior to her service at UMSL and Wright State, Sobolik was professor of anthropology and climate change at the University of Maine. She served as associate dean for research and external affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as chair of the Department of Anthropology and associate director of the university’s world-renowned Climate Change Institute.
Photo courtesy UMSL On April 9, Kristin Sobolik was appointed as the next chancellor of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
www.piersonjr.com
www.treesbywoody.net
8
Support Local
May 13, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
www.oldtowndonuts.com
www.thecaramelhouse.com
639 Westport Plaza Drive Maryland Heights, MO 63146 3142753800
CURB SIDE
www.dinecuginos.com
www.olhenryrestaurant.com
www.pieology.com
ONLINE ORDERING
DELIVERY*
*POSTMATES DOORDASH UBEREATS GRUBHUB
www.hendelsrestaurant.com
www.drakesplacestl.com
www.mattinglysportsbar.com
www.jackinthebox.com
www.cannolisflorissant.com
www.amorepizzastl.com
www.fergusonbrewing.com
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • May 13, 2020
www.facebook.com/myhawaiiangrill
Support Local
www.bandanasbbq.com
9
www.DDMAUSTL.com
www.ljsilvers.com www.pastahouse.com
www.cobaltsmokesea.com
www.chevys.com
www.zmenu.com/florissant-city-diner-florissant-online-menu
www.raisingcanes.com
www.longhornsteakhouse.com
www.StLouisRotisserie.com
www.brennansbarandgrill.com
www.helferspastries.com
www.restaurant.com/neighbors-good-eats-saint-louis-pid=375481
www.firehousesubs.com www.bristolseafoodgrill.com
www.crazybowlsandwraps.com
10
Support Local
May 13, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
www.maxsmeats.com www.GCFB.com
www.hooters.com/florissant
www.dennys.com
www.irmajeans.com
www.culvers.com
www.doordash.com www.grubhub.com
www.m.facebook.com/MiamiGrillFlorissant
www.pueblonuevomexicanrestaurant.com
www.mannmeats.com
www.applebees.com
www.facebook.com/rookiesnorth
www.jgilberts.com
www.ckbbqstl.com www.thericehouse.com
www.mycnews.com • Community News • May 13, 2020
Recipe:
Deliver maple flavor in the morning
Feature
F-1
– SUDOKU –
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.
I
t’s hard to beat a fresh, oven-baked breakfast to start the day, especially one loaded with sausage and eggs complemented by the sweetness of diced apples and maple syrup. This Maple Breakfast Braid delivers a tempting flavor combination perfect for a weekend morning with loved ones.
Maple Breakfast Braid Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) breakfast sausage 1/4 cup maple syrup
Directions:
2 eggs, beaten
Heat oven to 400 F.
1/2 cup green onions, sliced 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced 1 1/2 cups dry herb stuffing mix 1 package (17 1/4 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon water
In large bowl, combine sausage, syrup, beaten eggs, green onions, diced apples and stuffing mix. Dust surface with flour; roll out pastry sheet to 12-by-18-inch rectangle. Transfer pastry to large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon half of sausage mixture down center of pastry.
Make 3-inch cuts down sides of pastry. Fold one strip at a time, alternating sides. Fold both ends to seal in filling. In bowl, beat egg whites and water; brush over pastry. Repeat steps for second pastry sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until brown, rotating pans after baking 15 minutes.
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 10
Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net
What to expect when movie theaters reopen
R
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.
ecently, prolific author Stephen King expressed his desire on Twitter to go to a movie theater, buy some popcorn, Junior Mints and a soda before watching “some action flick or goofball comedy.” King’s wish is one shared by countless others who are sheltering at home, including myself. Movie theaters have always been my haven when I wanted to relax, but that option has not been available for almost two months. Traditionally, going to a movie has been a consistent experience. Patrons bought tickets, headed to the concession stand for snacks before settling into their seats. Auditoriums were quickly cleaned between showings and trash removed, but that doesn’t mean a moviegoer wouldn’t step in someone’s leftover popcorn or spilled soda. The biggest issues were people that talked during the movie and bad sound quality. As of this writing, some states are restarting their economies and allowing businesses to reopen on a limited basis. In some regions, that includes movie theaters, which has already caused some controversy. Social distancing is the new goal, but most cinemas
be more thorough as well. Over the last few months, restaurants and fast food places switched to a drive-thru/takeout model with a focus on “contactless service.” Theaters need to switch to this model, which means the use of gloves and sanitizing the counter between customers. This will inevitably make the lines longer for those wanting snacks for the movies. Last year, “Avengers: Endgame” was well on its way to grossing $2 billion in ticket sales. I wonder what would have happened if that film was scheduled for release this year in the current climate. Would the draw of an epic conclusion to a storyline that took more than 10 years to tell still fill theater seats? I’m not sure the box offices results this year would have been as impressive. Like Mr. King, I miss the movie-going experience, though I know it will return in some form over the summer. It won’t be the same and I, like most people, will be more cautious about going to the theater. I would like the opportunity, though, to treat Mr. King to a night at the movies when theaters are open once again.
Photo courtesy Bigstock
doesn’t allow for that. Some people have concerns that close quarters could lead to unintentional exposure to the virus and cause more infections. In April, the Los Angeles Times talked about the possibility of blocking out seats and creating more distance between patrons. That would eliminate the fights over the armrests but also put a dent in the cinema’s bottom line. Temperature checks, which have become common at offices, could also be conducted before a moviegoer is allowed inside. The theater cleaning between showings would need to
F-2
Feature
COLLECTIBLES
May 13, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
HELP WANTED
NOVENA
SINGERS WANTED
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.
FOR RENT
Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.
SERVICES
www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB
PET CEMETERY
over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info
HELP WANTED
Let help advertise YOUR sale! Call Brooke at 636.697.2414
STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIED $ SPECIAL! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items. CALL
636-697-2414
Check it Out!!!
45
for the first week (1.5” x 1” ad) $15 each additional week after that. $30 for a 1.5” x 2”
www.MYCNEWS.com
www.mycnews.com • Community News • May 13, 2020
Feature
F-3
CLASSIFIEDS
www.semopest.com
www.treesbywoody.net
Dannegger Brothers Contracting, Inc www.SelzleAndAssociates.com
• Foundation & Basement Repairs • Waterproofing • Piering • Mudjacking • Stress Bracing • Concrete Flatwork
Published Every Week Since 1921 Family-Owned & Operated
314-993-1833
www.DanneggerBrothers.com www.danneggerbrothers.com Insured | Experienced | Local | Quality
www.cozyhomecleaners.org
AREAS OF CIRCULATION Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.
www.scrubbydutch.com
F-4
Feature
May 13, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
CROSSWORD: Actors & Actresses
‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.
Moore On Life
By Cindy Moore
P
eople are getting testy with this virus thing. It may be that we’ve been locked up too long with our family and pets or it may be that we’re taking this thing far too seriously. I haven’t dared get out much, but I’ve got a clogged sink and need some emergency drain cleaner. I’ve got to gear up and make my escape. It’s odd that I’ve got to dress up like I’m ready to burglarized a home, but I’m actually sneaking out of my own house. I take my husband along. We prepare to venture out into the cruel, plague-ridden world. We don protective rubber gloves and surgical facemasks in the event we might need to assist in an autopsy or in case we touch a contaminated door knob, whichever comes first. I pack sanitizing wipes because I fear we will be forced to touch a shopping cart handle which harbors the deadliest forms of microorganisms known to man. They have been over-sanitized after each new customer so many times the logo has rubbed off, while the rubber pen attached to the credit card screen is teaming with corona. Everyone now is urged to wear masks. We comply. We don’t want the rona-vitus feeding on our lungs. But I have to admit, it feels like my face is swathed in a sleeping bag. I can’t breathe and feel claustrophobic. I’m inhaling my own recirculated air. Too much carbon dioxide intake makes me feel lightheaded. I see stars and think I’m going to black out. While in the store, I duck into an empty aisle and lower my mask to catch a quick breath of fresh air and make the spots disappear. Too late; my deed has caught the eye of the hygiene police.
SHAME ON ME A lady comes up to me the prescribed six feet away and barks, “Hey! Are you trying to kill old people and orphans? Put your mask back on you selfish, bacteria-infested poopdoodle!” Mask shaming is a thing now. I don’t need that kind of attitude. I yanked my husband’s arm and made a dash for the exit. We pulled into our driveway and he lowered his mask to reveal he was not my husband. Oopsie. Wrong one. But I found out he could fix a plugged sink. I’ll return him to customer service later today. 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.
ACROSS 1. “Flowers in the ____” 6. Emergency responders 9. Peacock’s pride 13. Life force in Sanskrit 14. Doctor Dolittle, e.g. 15. The Beast’s problem 16. Happen again 17. Freudian topic 18. In a fitting way 19. *Hopkins’ Lecter to ____’s Starling 21. *McGillis’ Charlie to ____’s Maverick 23. Unagi 24. Undesirable row 25. Stuff in a tray? 28. The Tramp’s love interest 30. Hairy vertebrate 35. “Best ____ schemes o’ mice an’ men” 37. Be inclined 39. City in Belgium 40. Debussy’s “Clair de ____” 41. D’Artagnan’s weapon, pl. 43. Speed on water 44. “This ____ ____,” on a box 46. The Chapin School, e.g. 47. € 48. Post-roller coaster ride state 50. The Coen brothers’“True ____” 52. ____ Diego 53. Deuce topper
55. Lamb’s mother 57. *Clark’s Rhett to ____’s Scarlett 60. *John’s Danny to ____’s Sandy 63. Continually annoy 64. Matterhorn, e.g. 66. Cooler clime conifer 68. Do like phoenix 69. Tiger’s peg 70. “My Own Private _____” 71. Thou ____, or you have 72. Bajillion years 73. Article of faith DOWN 1. 2020 Easter mo. 2. Not kosher 3. Meal in a shell 4. Occupied, two words 5. El Chapo’s organization 6. “What ____ Happened to Baby Jane?” 7. *Billy’s Harry to ____’s Sally 8. Investor’s asset 9. ____-Guarani languages 10. Liberal pursuits 11. Archipelago unit 12. Bovine hangout 15. Posterior, anatomically speaking 20. Fill with optimism 22. Basketball target 24. Two heads are better
than one, e.g. 25. *Keaton’s Annie to ____’s Alvy 26. Sweating room 27. Hinduism follower 29. *Knightley’s Swann to ____’s Sparrow 31. *Cameron’s Fiona to ____’s Shrek 32. List of options, pl. 33. Ancient Greeks’ assembly area 34. Pretend, two words 36. ____ ex machina 38. Doe, e.g. 42. Sales pitch 45. Smallest at the clothing store 49. Second person of be 51. Lighted by twilight 54. Related on mother’s side 56. Avoid, as in taxes 57. Designer Bradley 58. Osiris’ wife 59. One third of a threepiece suit 60. Welcoming sign 61. A Flock of Seagulls’ hit, 2 words 62. Soreness 63. “____, humbug!” 65. *Kate’s Rose to ____’s Jack 67. “Some Like It ____”
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 10