CN: May 17, 2023

By Wendy Todd

The annual cost to diaper a child is about $1,000 and period supplies cost nearly $500 each year. There are currently no public benefit programs to cover these costs for those who cannot afford the expenses. That’s where the St. Louis Diaper Bank steps in, supplying mothers and caregivers diapers and period supplies for those in need.

The high cost of diapers and period supplies is a challenge for low-income populations and those in poverty, yet the items remain as essential needs in terms of health

and personal dignity. For families that cannot regularly afford diapers, the alternatives pose hygiene and health risks.

“One in three families are routinely unable to afford diapers, leaving them with little option but to reuse diapers by lining them with newspapers, scraping them “clean” or repairing them with duct tape,” said St. Louis Area Diaper Bank executive director, Muriel Smith. “Infants require up to 12 diapers a day and toddlers need about eight. Disposable diapers cost between $70 to $80 per month for each child. Many low-income families frequently choose between buying

diapers, putting food on the table, paying the rent or keeping utilities on.

“Many of these families also lack the transportation to go to big box stores and buy in bulk and must instead rely on more expensive small, local convenience stores. As a result, many low-income families spend a larger percentage of their income on diapers than wealthier families.”

According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, in 2015, almost half of U.S. families with one or more babies of

The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank works to distribute diapers and period supplies to low-income populations across the region

diapering age were living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Children of color are the largest group among families living in poverty. Among children under 18 living at or below 100% the federal poverty level, this includes 31% of Black children and 23% of Hispanic children, as compared to 10% of white children in the United States.

Adding to the cost of diapers is the additional 4.225% tax on top of the regular sales tax as diapers are considered a luxury item in Missouri. By eliminating sales tax, families would be able to save $100 or more annually when they have to purchase these items. Diaper banks in Missouri are working to exempt diapers from sales tax.

While the St. Louis area Diaper Bank was established in 2014 to help those who need diapers, the period supply

program began in 2019 to help address the ongoing need associated with poverty and the ability to afford adequate supplies.

According to National Organization for Women, as of January 2021, the average cost of menstrual products was $20 per cycle, before inflation hit decade-highs. The total cost added up to an estimated $200 to $300 per year and thousands of dollars over the course of a lifetime.

St. Louis Diaper Bank distributes period kits through schools and partner organizations including six St. Louis County Library branches (Florissant Valley, Grand Glaize, Indian Trails, Lewis and Clark, Natural Bridge and Weber Road) and two St. Louis Public Library branches (Central Library and Julia Davis).

The St. Louis Diaper Bank is the only organization attacking diaper need and period poverty on a large scale in the St. Louis region.

The organization is hosting its second annual benefit concert Sept. 21, and hopes to raise $32,500 for

COMMUNITY VOICES:

Our region’s well-publicized challenges can be overshadowing at times. Since 2017, firearm-related injuries have been the most common cause of death from injury among youth in America. Sadly, St. Louis still leads the nation for firearm injuries of children.

Mental illness is on the rise, and suicide has been the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 34, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Numerous St. Louis student incidents and suicides have broken our hearts and fractured our faith in some social systems. On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic and with our first mass school shooting in St. Louis this 2022-23 school year, we understand the intersectionality of these epidemics and our wellbeing.

Health equity and mental health are at the heart of issues of ill-being. After years of impactful work with experts Pediatricians Jason Newland, M.D., and Sarah Garwood, M.D., Psychiatrist Joan Luby, M.D., and Economist Carol Graham, Ph.D., among others, there are bold actions that can help individuals through any challenge and help our region flourish and thrive even more. Partnering with Washington University and Dr. Luby, we took new actions, proving that rapid, impactful improvement in emotion development, wellbeing, parenting, and human flourishing is possible, and presented scholarly work on “Early Emotion Development Intervention Improves Mental Health Outcomes in Low-income High-Risk Community Children.”

We can reduce ill-being and bolster greater wellbeing. Vital takeaways from my sessions with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Johns Hopkins University ALACRITY, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services summarize substantive insights and actions we must

its programs. The concert will feature JAM: Jackson & MARS, a high-energy live band and production that showcases music by Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars. The band includes a Michael Jackson impersonator plus Bruno Mars’ look-alike who will perform 40 songs spanning 40 years. The evening includes drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and raffle.

General admission tickets are $65 per person, and the VIP experience, which begins at 6 p.m. and includes a pre-show open bar and hors d’oeuvres, is $115 per person.

This year the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, through a network of 70 community organizations, educational and health partners serving low-income families will distribute 4.1 million diapers to more than 70,000 families in the St. Louis region.

For more information about the fundraiser and sponsorship opportunities, call 314-624-0888 or visit https://stldiaperbank.org/.

By Art McCoy

expand in the St. Louis region and beyond. Five bold actions can help us grow beyond the way things are into a future where wellbeing is commonplace.

Belonging reduces isolation and callousness. F.I.T. or fundamental insights into teams and tensions matter. Every family, home, office, class, or group has a culture, roles, and hidden rules of teaming or teamwork for harmony, happiness, and success or the lack thereof. Make the rules clearly known and inclusively owned. Allow each person a place in the space.

Boundaries reduce carelessness and harmfulness. Adults and children need boundaries. Generally, individuals, especially children, seek to understand and be understood. When you know your boundaries and roles, you become empowered by your power, purpose, and limits.

Set social, physical, and emotional boundaries early and refine them often. The lack of limits, boundaries, oversight, and supervision allows some of the most harmful thoughts, actions, habits, vices, and tragedies to take root and occur. List your harmful habits and start eliminating them through boundaries.

Balance! We need good books and relationships for our brain and mind; rest and exercise for our body; meaningful songs, gratitude, praises, prayer, and meditation for our spirit; and purposeful work, which is more than just another job, to increase our healthy habits.

Establish a life mission statement that encapsulates your core purpose and value for your time. Review your mission and purpose. Revise regularly in scope and scale. Remember, to everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose.

Behavior modification: Boldly aim to be-

have better than before! Especially during unhealthy times, we must start something supportive of others and ourselves. Strive to stop something cruel, invalidating and sorrowful to others and ourselves. It is essential to develop the stomach to unearth our most personal profound truths (especially within despair), the skillsets to know better and do better with support, and the strength to sustain the right actions for continuous improvement.

Healthy Touch: Touch is a love language for some and a source of trauma (i.e., A.C.E.) for others. Know if it is a massage, hug, highfive, gardening, washing dishes for the sake of touching water and soap and a thoughtless activity, or the absence of touch. Clearly set boundaries with others to experience what is healthiest for you.

Finally, your belief system matters! Never underestimate the power of hope. Choose a belief system that cancels hopelessness and anchors you in something significantly bigger than yourself. Hope is an action as much as a thing. If hope fails, find the spiritual strength to hold on, believing brighter days are ahead.

Consistent, expansive application of these bold actions will bring better wellbeing, bolstering you and those around you to flourish.

Art McCoy, Ph.D., is a Saint Louis University Distinguished Fellow and Superintendent-in-Residence, Mental Health America Board Director, and Saint Louis Children’s Hospital Chair of the Community Benefit and Health Improvement Committee.

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.

Bold actions to bolster better wellbeing

‘CLEAN’ from cover

An education landmark

By Wendy Todd

African Schoolhouse No. 4, the oldest one-room schoolhouse for African Americans in Missouri, has been restored and furnished and moved to Faust Park’s Historic Village

After the Civil War, Missouri’s Constitution established free education for all between the ages of five-and-21. But for African Americans, that opportunity was much different.

There was an attendance rule for African American schools that required a minimum of 20 students. Black residents of Chesterfield had enough students for a school but the school district refused to build one. So the residents took the case to court in 1893 and won. The following year, a school was built for $600 and remained open into the 1950s. Now, African Schoolhouse No. 4, the oldest one-room schoolhouse for African Americans in Missouri, has been restored and furnished and moved to Faust Park’s Historic Village.

Doris Frazier, now 94, who was a substitute teacher at the school, described her experience.

“I remember walking up these little steps and through the front door, and a little desk up front, you know, waiting for the kids to come,” she said. You had to be everybody. You had to be the gym teacher, the arithmetic teacher, the reading teacher. So you had to be kind of experienced in all of those classes to keep the kids interested. It’s a long day — long day. I think it'll be a great thing for people to just look back and say from whence we come. We no longer have to go to a one-room school."

The St. Louis County Parks Foundation held a grand opening ceremony on March, 24 to commemorate the unveiling of the school in its new location. Anne Redford, public information manager at St. Louis County Parks, detailed the process of acquiring the historic schoolhouse.

“The Faust Park staff worked tirelessly for many years to acquire African Schoolhouse No. 4, checking in with dismissive landowners and negotiating refusals and rejections for over 30 years,” she said “Finally, an opportunity was created when the property was sold to the current resident who generously offered to donate the schoolhouse to the county. At that point, the dedicated team went to work, disassembling and tagging each log and board in preparation for the 3.8 mile journey to Faust Park.”

It was important for the St. Louis County Parks department to restore the school in order to preserve significant history.

“At the parks department, we believe firmly that our quality of life is enriched

not only through parks, trails and open spaces, but by the presence of historic buildings,” Radford said. “Buildings such as African Schoolhouse No. 4 remind us of who we are and where we came from.”

The African Schoolhouse No. 4 represents a collective triumph. Black residents recognized that their children deserved an education even if political authorities disagreed. The restoration of the schoolhouse serves as a reminder of racial injustices as well as the power of the people to rail against them.

“It was an act of defiance and bravery,” Radford said, “and an extraordinary achievement that we honor and recognize today.”

Around Town

Creve Coeur finance director receives excellence in government award

Creve Coeur Director of Finance Lori Obermoeller was recently recognized as the recipient of the Missouri Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) 2023 Excellence in Government Award. The award was presented to Obermoeller at the GFOA annual conference on April 13. This award is presented to a government finance professional who displays the high standard of leadership, professionalism, ethics and integrity promoted by the Missouri GFOA. Since she began working in Creve Coeur in 2017, Obermoeller has implemented several improvements to services within the finance department. Some of her contributions include: leading the implementation of a new enterprise software, which automated processes that were previously done manually; providing analysis of the city’s retirement plans, resulting in the move from a defined contribution plan to LA-

Still In This Together:

GERS; moving business license renewals from paper to online applications; and improving the city budget and Popular Annual Financial Report for better presentation and transparency.

“Lori is an asset to the city,” said Mayor Robert Hoffman. “She continuously works to improve city services and communicates financial issues in a clear and professional manner to ensure our city stays financially strong.”

Obermoeller has also assisted other departments during software upgrades, including working with the Recreation Department during the implementation of the new recreation software, as well as assisting the Building Division in evaluating the new permitting software.

Additionally, Obermoeller has earned the Certified Public Finance Officer designation and is exten-

My apologies to the grownups

If I heard it once, I heard it a thousand times, “Just scrape off the ketchup and mustard,” or “You can’t even

taste the mayonnaise,” or “What do you mean, you don’t like onion? Everybody likes onion.”

This last was often followed by my father taking a big bite out of a raw onion just to prove his point.

Yep, I was one of those kids.

And as I stood at the counter last night ogling all the options for Robert, the very patient guy behind the counter, to add or splash onto the first breakfast wrap I’d had in what seems like forever, I silently sent a little apology to my parents as I always do, because I know it wasn’t easy for them. And here I was, happily adding extra onion, black olives, spinach leaves and jalapeno peppers to the basic egg, bacon and cheese wrap. At 10 p.m., because this restaurant just happened to serve breakfast wraps all day and night long.

Of course, my childhood was before the days of ‘Have it your way” and customizing anything at a fast- food restaurant. There were barely any fast-food restaurants in existence then, and we “were darned lucky to be able to have food like that” on the nights my mom worked late and Dad would stop by McDonalds on the way home. The hamburgers all came the same way, and that was that. Scraping off any offending condiments was always the suggestion, but the hamburgers still tasted horrible to me.

They say that taste buds mature as you get older, or maybe they just become less discriminating, but, for whatever reason, I’m very fond of many things that I have to apologize for not having eaten before. I don’t know when it changed; I suppose it was subtle, or maybe it had to do with becoming a mom myself and not having time to make my sandwiches with margarine instead of mayonnaise the way my grandmother always did when we were at her house, or time to dip the runny yolk of my fried egg just so with the piece of toast and then throw the rest of the egg center away. My future father-in-law couldn’t understand why I ate eggs that way and how I could waste half of a “perfectly good egg.” I just learned to eat scrambled eggs whenever I was with Frank for breakfast. It was easier that way.

I do remember how very fortunate it was that my younger sister preferred the yolks of eggs and I always liked the whites. We shared hard-boiled eggs very easily and no one had to be any the wiser about how it worked. It was an unspoken benefit to having Gail around at Easter or any barbecue that involved deviled eggs. Not so any longer. And I have to apologize for that,

sively involved in the GFOA and the Missouri Municipal League, demonstrating a commitment to her profession.

By Vicki Bahr

too. I’m older and wiser and my palate has become much less discriminating. Long gone are the days when I separated every item on my plate and turned down anything containing onion (no, picking out the onion didn’t ever work; I always missed a piece somewhere and disgustingly bit into it when I was least expecting to).

Now that I think of it, I don’t ever remember either of my younger sisters being particular about their food, either, except for the brief period that five-year-old Gail decided she was “never going to eat meat again” because she found out where hamburgers and bacon originated. As I recall, that testament lasted a very short time. She was too fond of many foods that just happened to originate in Old McDonald’s farmyard.

And my youngest sister, Donna, was introduced to very weak coffee by our babysitter, Judy, when she was just a toddler. After that, there was nothing holding her back in the culinary world of possibilities.

And so, I send apologies heavenward each time I prepare what John refers to as one of my “concoctions,” strange combinations of foods that seem absolutely delicious to me, but he refuses to even consider. I’m so sorry I made life tougher when Dad was willing to pay perfectly good money for fast food I turned my nose up at, or Mom patiently kept my tuna noodle casserole ingredients separated and without mushroom soup added to them.

It probably made me more understanding of our own kids’ culinary preferences, at least most of the time, although I still don’t quite understand why son Adam would pretty much eat anything that traveled through a take-out window but turned up his nose at the same food prepared at home.

I remember my mother just smiled whenever I posed that question. Now I know why.

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.

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

Photo courtesy city of Creve Coeur

Around Town

Plaque dedication for late civil rights leader is set for May 24

The city of Florissant along with Old Town Partners will host a plaque dedication to unveil a plaque in honor of the late Dr. Rance Thomas. This will be the 57th Walk through History plaque in honor of someone who has made a valuable contribution to the city of Florissant.

The ceremony will take place on May 24 at 5:30 p.m. in front of 410 rue St. Francois. The plaque dedication will take place before the start of the first Wednesday Night Out festivities “Proud To Be An American” which is being hosted by the VFW Post 4105.

Thomas was a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam conflict. He was also a columnist, professor, author, visionary and community leader for social justice.

Thomas is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Southern Illinois University and Saint Louis University, where he received his Ph.D.

Following his military service, Thomas became a faculty member at Lewis & Clark Community College, where he retired in 2002 as the first Professor Emeritus in the college’s history. He also served as adjunct facul-

ty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. During his time as a college professor, Thomas became a regular columnist for numerous publications that included; St. Louis Post-Dispatch, North St. Louis County Suburban Journal, The Alton Telegraph and the Community News. Shortly before his death, he published his book, “My Journey, A Testimony of Faith, Hope and Success.”

Thomas’ vision and selfless devotion to his community led him to cofound North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice in 1998 which consists of 20-plus churches of various denominations in North St. Louis County. He served as its president since its inception. He was president of the Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial, president of the Florissant Rotary Club and president of the Lewis and Clark Community College’s Annuitant Association.

He also served as Vice President of North County Incorporated and was chair of its Task Force on Health Care for four years. He served as Vice President of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Alton, Vice President of All God’s People of Metropolitan St. Louis for

three years, and served as a board member of the Applied Scholastic International. He also organized the North St. Louis County Youth Task Force and served honorably as its chairman.

Thomas also received numerous awards in his lifetime which include being inducted into the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Hall of Fame, the Who’s Who in the Midwest, the Illinois Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights Award, Citizen of the Year Award for Contributions in improving the quality of life in North County, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hazelwood School District, was inducted into the International Educator’s Hall of Fame and was awarded the Dr. Rance Thomas Community Partnership Award, created in his honor, by St. Louis Community College, Florissant Valley.

However, his greatest award and achievement, that he would have told anyone that asked, was simply being a good neighbor and friend to the many great people that live, work and protect the North St. Louis County community.

Affordable spring-cleaning projects to save money and energy

With Earth Day just recently past, Ameren is sharing some easy ways for its customers to have a positive impact on the environment while reducing monthly energy bills.

To help customers achieve maximum energy cost savings, Ameren suggests tackling these high priority “spring cleaning” projects:

1. Replace your air filters. The best way to improve the performance of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged or dirty filters obstruct airflow, which can impair the evaporator coil’s heat-absorbing capacity and make the system work harder and run longer. In fact, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

2. Give your refrigerator a deep clean. Refrigerators run constantly and use up to 14% of a home’s electricity. Keep your refrigerator two-thirds full for improved circulation. Next time you clean out the fridge, wipe down the seals around the door to keep them spotless, which will prevent cold air from escaping, and carefully clean the condenser coils. Dirty coils cause a refrigerator to work harder to keep food cool.

3. Check your lighting fixtures. As you clean your lamps, sconces and overhead lights, check for old lightbulbs and replace them with LED ones. They use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs also emit minimal heat, so they can help keep your home cooler.

4. Clean the sliding door track. If your home has an exterior sliding glass door, clean out the track. Dirt and grime can ruin the door’s seal and allow cool air to escape.

5. Put ceiling fans in reverse. As you are dusting off those fan blades, flip the switch on your ceiling fan to rotate them counterclockwise. It will push the cool air down so your air conditioning system does not have to work as hard.

6. Let the cool air in. Take advantage of those cool spring nights by opening the windows to let the cool air in. Don’t forget to close them during the day to keep the warm air out.

7. Plant trees for shade. Planting deciduous trees on the south-facing side of your home can provide shade in the spring and summer. When the trees eventually lose their leaves, the sun will shine

through and warm your home in the fall and winter.

“Spring is a great time to give the often-neglected areas of our homes, like cooling systems and sections heavily impacting air flow, some attention to keep them running efficiently,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri. “Dust and grime can easily build up and cause your home to work harder, which you ultimately see on your energy bill.”

Providing customers with energy savings tips is part of Ameren’s ongoing commitment to help them minimize their energy expenses without sacrificing comfort. Ameren believes that the first step to take toward energy savings starts with a home energy assessment. You can learn where your home uses energy and discover ways to save on your monthly energy statement. You may even qualify for a free, no-obligation assessment in Missouri or Illinois with installation of products like LED lightbulbs, smart thermostats and advanced power strips.

Big savings with smart thermostats

Warmer weather is around the corner, and Ameren is offering a special promotion on smart thermostats in each state. For a limited time, customers in Missouri and Illinois can purchase a Google Nest or Sensi Smart Thermostat for $0 (plus shipping and sales tax).

“Smart thermostats can help customers save between 10% to 20% on their heating and cooling costs,” said Kristol Simms, vice president of clean energy transition, economic, community and business development at Ameren Illinois. “With the increase in energy supply costs, this is a gift every Ameren Illinois customer can benefit from for years to come.”

The thermostats featured in the spring promotion make a home eligible for Ameren Missouri’s Peak Time Savings program. On the occasional peak hot days that create a heavier demand for energy, the program precools your home, which helps you stay comfortable during Peak Time Savings events. Those who enroll in the program earn a $50 sign-up bonus and will receive a yearly $25 credit on their energy statements.

To find even more ways to save, visit AmerenMissouriSavings.com or AmerenIllinoisSavings.com.

Summer Program Guide

Riverview Gardens High School assistant principal named SASSP Assistant Principal of the Year

Monica Perry, Ed.D., assistant principal at Riverview Gardens High School, was named the Assistant Principal of the Year by the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals (SASSP).

Perry was presented the award by SASSP President Gary Jansen, Ed.D. at a special reception on April 6 in the RGHS library.

Perry was nominated for the award by her friend, fellow educator Natasha Payne. Payne was present at the award announcement along with Perry’s parents, colleagues and select RGHS scholars.

“Congratulations to Dr. Perry for her outstanding achievement,” stated Superintendent Dr. Joylynn

Pruitt-Adams. “We are extremely proud of her exemplary work that led to this recognition.”

“I believe a true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others,” Perry stated. “I do not set out to be a leader, nor do I feel the need to say I am the leader in an attempt to exert power or position. I am one by the equality of my actions and the integrity of my talent and character to what is just for all.”

Photo courtesy Riverview Gardens School District

Monica Perry (left) was presented the Assistant Principal of the Year by the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals President Gary Jansen, Ed.D. at a special reception on April 6 in the RGHS library.

What’s Happening

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-tofour 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 314513-1674 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 636579-9227, 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 fourpart 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 available. 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 314-4281168 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 636-634-6582 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.

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.

Sports you see with Gary B...

UMSL golf team perform well in the NCAA tourney and move up in ranking

The University of Missouri-St. Louis was the 21st ranked men’s golf team closing the season with a 17th place finish at the NCAA Midwest/Central Regional on Saturday.

The Tritons dropped four spots in the final standings on the final day of the three-day.

Grand Valley State on the regional title with a fiveover 857, finishing 18 strokes ahead of runner-up Missouri S&T. Both of those teams along with Maryville, Washburn, Henderson State and Southern Arkansas advance to the NCAA Championships May 22-26.

Senior Juan Antonio Padilla tied for 15th to pace UMSL, turning in a 218 (69-76-73).

* More to come in a week

Hoots sign two more top-notched players

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

The Hoots announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Ryan Karl for the 2023 summer season. Karl comes to O’Fallon as a redshirt freshman from Parkland Community College (PCC).

The 6-foot-0, right-hander attended Eureka High School in Eureka, Missouri where he was a two-time First Team All-Conference and All-District award winner for the Wildcats.

Karl came out of high school ranked number 24th overall in the state of Missouri and number eight

among right-handed pitchers for the class of 2021 by Prep Baseball Report (PBR).

The Eureka-native played for the travel team, the Ohio Warhawks. Following his high school career, the right-hander committed to play for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Parkland Community College Cobras. He enters his second season with the team and has yet to make an appearance on the mound this 2023 season.

Another major signing is right-handed pitcher Pierce Hatrmann for the 2023 summer season. Hartmann comes to O’Fallon as a junior from Columbia College (CC).

The 6-foot-4, right-hander attended Windsor High School in Imperial, Missouri where he put up 31 strikeouts across 25 innings pitched his junior season, finishing with a 3-0 record. Hartmann also batted .343 and drove in 13 runs for the Owls that year. The Imperial, Missouri-native went on to play two seasons with the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Mineral Area College Cardinals, where he totaled 56 strikeouts in 49 ⅓ innings pitched across 15 appearances on the mound.

The right-hander pitched for the CarShield Collegiate League Champions, the Shredded Cheese, during their 2022 summer campaign, finishing with a 5-1 record, 64 strikeouts, and a 1.37 ERA. The junior has found success in his first season with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Columbia College Cougars, notching 25 strikeouts across 33 ⅓ innings pitched, including three in his last 3 ⅓ innings pitched in the team’s semi-final win against Missouri Baptist University during the 2023 American Midwest Collegiate Conference Tournament on May 4, 2023.

Season starts at CarShield Field in O’Fallon on May 31 at 6:35 against Cape Girardeau.

* Several years until the Bigs for these guys

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 season, among many other activities. I am currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com. It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month! Research shows that dairy foods are integral for building and maintaining a lifetime of healthy bones because they contain nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. “Getting these key nutrients in with three servings of dairy a day is important at every stage of life,” said Jessica Kassel, registered dietitian with St. Louis District Dairy Council.

For tips on dairy and bone health, go to www.stldairycouncil.org and download “Bone Health, As Easy as 1-23.”

Start your day the bone-healthy way with this simple and easy overnight oat recipe. Preparing the recipe ahead of time will ensure a quick dose of dairy during busy mornings.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt

1/4 cup 1% milk, or fat-free milk

1/2 up frozen unsweetened berries

1/3 cup cooking oats, dry

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients in a cup or jar. Stir to mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Top with vanilla yogurt and your favorite fresh berries.

Berry overnight oats

Recipe courtesy STL Dairy Council

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.

Formoredairyrecipes,visitstldairycouncil.org

TheDC Extended Universe (DCEU) featured such iconic characters as Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Shazam! Those characters were great but there’s something truly special about the Flash. College student Jason Peter Garrick made his debut in “Flash Comics #1” and became the “Fastest Man Alive” after a laboratory accident granted him superspeed and fast reflexes. Garrick joined the Justice Society of America (JSA), a group of superheroes that were later investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee. His costume consisted of a red shirt and metal helmet reminiscent of Mercury, the Messenger of the Gods. Garrick’s adventures continued in different comic book titles until they were ultimately cancelled.

In the 1950’s, however, a new Flash appeared in the pages of DC’s “Showcase #4.” Bartholomew Henry “Barry” Allen was a dedicated forensic chemist who was always late. While working in his lab, a lightning bolt struck unknown chemicals that splashed all over Allen. He quickly discovered that he could run at incredible speeds and wore a specially treated red jumpsuit while fighting

crime. Being the scientist that he was, Barry created a “Cosmic Treadmill” that allowed him to travel in time. Allen became friends with Hal Jordan, a test pilot who also was the Green Lantern. In “The Flash #123: Flash of Two Worlds,” Barry landed in a parallel universe where a retired Jay Garrick wanted to return to crime fighting.

In 1990, actor John Wesley Shipp played the title role in CBS’s “The Flash.” Shipp was Barry Allen, a forensic scientist assigned to the Central City Police Department. Amanda Pays played Tina McGee, a scientist from “S.T.A.R. Labs” who helped him adjust to his new abilities. In one episode, Mark Hamill played James Montgomery Jesse, a murderer with multiple personalities who clashed with

the Flash. CBS’s version of “The Flash” had a promising start, but it only lasted for a single season. Years later, Shipp portrayed Henry Allen, father of Barry Allen, on the CW series “The Flash.” Shipp even did double duty for the CW as Jay Garrick, the original Flash.

On June 16, 2023, Ezra Miller will reprise the dual roles of Barry Allen and the Flash in an upcoming summertime release. To prevent his mother’s murder, Barry travelled back in time to save her life, but his actions had serious repercussions. The impressive cast included Sasha Calle as Kara Zor-El, a Kryptonian with powers like Superman. Michael Shannon also will return as General Zod from 2013’s “Man of Steel.” Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck will appear as two different versions of Batman and Gal Gadot, star of “Wonder Woman,” will be part of the cast. The Flash has been an intriguing character for decades. With a solid cast behind him, Ezra Miller’s first solo film as “The Fastest Man Alive” should have a great run.

“The Flash,” rated PG-13, opens in theaters on June 16.

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.

ANSWERS ON CN PG. 8 & STC PG. 9

‘The Flash’ will be running to theaters in June

Recipe: Bone health is as easy as 1-2-3

‘The Flash’ photo courtesy DC Comics.

Moore on Life: Up-to-date

Ladies, are you looking for a date? Studies show online dating is at an all-time high as a means to find a mate. But that method might have already become outdated. Move over relic because the latest dating craze is here!

What is it? Single women are heading to the big box lumber stores for more than just building material. They’re now shopping for husband material as well. Of course, what better place to find a mate than a place where mates hang out?

Yes, instead of approaching the salesperson with an embarrassingly awkward question such as, “Could you tell me which aisle the toilet tank floaty ball thingies are on?” which produces nothing but a glaze-eyed look. Now you ladies can show confidence by properly asking direct, knowledgeable questions: “Excuse me, but which aisle are the handsome, preferably rich, eligible bachelors on?”

Times have certainly changed. Back in my day, we ladies had to wait around for a boy to get up the nerve and make the first move to ask one of us girls on a date. We’d be hovering around the rotary phone on a Friday night just hoping it would ring. It never crossed our minds that we could actually do the asking ourselves.

Now women are more assertive and taking measures…tape measures, to be exact, into their own hands.

So, all you single gals out there waiting for the phone to ring, here’s some advice: If a man is going to actually call you on the phone, he’s probably in his

LIFESTYLE: Shoe Storage Solutions

Under the couch, near the entry of almost every door and randomly scattered throughout your home, shoes can be one of the most difficult wardrobe staples to keep organized.

After assessing your space and the number of shoes you own, consider these storage tips to make containing your favorite footwear a breeze.

Chic shelving

An old bookshelf is a perfect shoe organizer for those who have homes with walk-in closets or enjoy displaying their favorite pairs out in the open. Bookshelves with varying depths make it easy to group by height of shoe type – tall boots on one level, short flats and low-top sneakers on the next and so on.

Baby shoe solutions

A visit to your local hobby store can solve your baby and toddler shoe storage woes. The pegs on a simple, wooden thread rack make for easy, space-saving places to hang adorable little shoes. These wall-mounted racks are also easy to paint to match any toddler room’s decor.

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD: AT THE AIRPORT

90’s. Seriously, they’re the only type that still knows how to operate a landline. Give it up.

Instead, head on over to the lumberyard to scout out a good deal on a hardware honey. Make sure you get a decent one too and not one of those discontinued models or anything from the clearance rack.

And who knows, you just may strike a love connection.

Her: “Hi, what brings you here?”

Him: “Well, my toilet is broken and I was looking for one of those whatchamacallits…oh, what’s the word…?”

Her: “Toilet tank floaty ball thingies?!”

Him: “Yes! That’s it exactly! Say, are you busy tonight?”

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.

Rustic and repurposed

For those with an admiration for a rustic look, find a warehouse pallet. The large wooden frames have slots spaced for various types of footwear. Rest it against the wall for a simple worn-in organizer.

Climbing shoes

A brightly painted ladder resting on the wall is a unique way to show off some of your prettiest pumps and peep-toes. Simply let the heels dangle off each rung of the ladder for a storage solution that doubles as artwork.

Basic storage makeover

If you have a basic, two-tiered shoe rack, step out of the norm and turn that white or wooden rack into a colorful display that complements your decor. With just a brush and a can of your favorite paint hue, simple racks can be transformed into vibrant pieces of furniture.

For more organization tips to help avoid a heaping pile of sneakers at the bottom of the closet or a mismatched mess of shoes under the bed, visit eLivingtoday.com.

ACROSS

1. Foundation

6. Dashboard acronym

9. Bonny one

13. Pleasant smell

14. Metal-bearing mineral

15. Salk's nemesis

16. Kidney-related

17. Christopher Lloyd's ____ Brown

18. Investigative report

19. *Something to claim

21. *Declaration station

23. Argonaut's propeller

24. C in TLC

25. Scot's woolen cap

28. Sushi restaurant soup

30. *Exclusive accommodation

35. Was in the hole

37. Highest volcano in Europe

39. Angry growl

40. Dry riverbed

41. "____ go!"

43. Adored one

44. *Jong of "Fear of Flying" fame

46. Lowly laborer

47. Cone-shaped quarters

48. Time between classes 50. Dirty air 52. Hi-____

53. Skiers' ride

55. Scheduled to arrive 57. *"____ for takeoff"

61. *Frost removal 65. Luxurious sheet fabric 66. It would 68. Synagogue scroll 69. Barely sufficient 70. General Services Administration 71. Movie "Home ____" 72. Reason to cram 73. Negative vote 74. Washer setting

DOWN

1. Prickle on a fence

2. Equal to pi times r squared

3. Cheap form of payment?

4. Insect in adult stage

5. Dar es ____, Tanzania

6. Traveled on a horse

7. Not amateur

8. Hajj destination

9. Like kittens' mittens

10. "The Sun ____ Rises" by Hemingway

11. Thailand, once

12. Tofu bean, pl. 15. Walkways

20. "Peer Gynt" composer Edvard ____ 22. Dot-com address

Wrestling match, e.g. 25. *Air traffic control feature

Fully informed

Army doctor

Traffic sign

____ of measurement 32. Rock bottom

Search blindly

Island off Manhattan

Vegas cube 38. H or O in H2O, e.g. 42. Opposite of cathode 45. Obliquely 49. Knightly title 51. Slash's instrument 54. Make believe 56. Cause for food recall 57. Attention-getting sound 58. Gym class test?

59. *Captain's announcement, plural acronym

60. Porter order

61. June 6, 1944

62. Type of #14 Across

63. Grannies, in UK

64. Clarified butter

67. *PreCheck org.

Photo courtesy Bigstock