June 3, 2020
Graduates honored in a pandemic
Around Town
COMMUNITY VOICES By Theodore F. Valley II DC. Successful Mayors For Meals Food Collection event held in Florissant. Pg.3
Feature Section Senior Living. Pg.6
School Hazelwood School District to hold virtual graduation events. Pg. 7
Features (FLIP) Photo courtesy Normady Schools Collaborative Normandy High School Senior Miyaa Hill is one of several local members of the Class of 2020 featured on area DDI Media billboards. DDI donated the billboard space to help recognize local graduating seniors in nine school districts.
One of the many creative ways school districts are recognized graduates of the Class of 2020 includes displaying their names and pictures on billboards By Charlotte Beard Childhood for 2020 high school graduates began with societal changes in norms due to the events of 9/11 and their recent commencement has undergone changes due to COVID-19. It is only normal for these graduates to experience unusual accolades for their educational accomplishment. Beginning May 18, high school graduates from nine districts were honored with their images in cap and gown on digital billboards courtesy of DDI Media throughout St. Louis County. Those displays will continue through June 8. DDI Media states that under normal circumstances the cost for digital displays range approximately $800 to $1,200 per week depending on the location of the ad-
vertisement. According to LaTricia Clark, a Normandy Schools Collaborative (NSC) Instructional Coach, an estimated 5,000 students or more are displayed on the billboards. The students represent the following school districts: Normandy, Ritenour, Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Hazelwood, Jennings, University City, Ferguson-Florissant, Riverview Gardens and St. Louis Public Schools. The idea to have the students displayed on billboards in lieu of not being able to walk across the stage to receive a diploma originated with Clark’s endeavor to honor the graduating seniors at Normandy High School. Clark states that she decided to use her connection with DDI Media’s Media Sales Manager to see what she could ac-
complish. “I reached out to Matt Gamache to see if they would be willing to donate billboard space to a school or two in the region,” Clark explained. “We scaled the project; we didn’t intend for it to be as large as it is, but I’m glad we were able to serve these districts and collaborate. It was a great labor of love.” When Gamache was asked what motivated him and DDI Media to get involved in the collaboration, he stated, “It is unfortunate what all these seniors, across the country, are missing out on and it’s a shame. So, when LaTricia reached out, I thought it would be a great way for DDI Media to help See ‘GRADUATES’ page 2
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Around Town
June 3, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Missouri American Water to construct new service center in North St. Louis County to better serve customers Missouri American Water is beginning construction of a new 10,000 square foot service center in North St. Louis County to better serve customers in the area.
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The new service center, located at 9040 Frost Street in Berkeley, will increase efficiency by bringing approximately 50 employees within a 15-minute drive of most customers in North County. This will allow for faster responses to emergency main breaks and reduce travel time to customer service appointments. “This investment will enhance our ability to provide outstanding service and reliability to our customers, who are at the center of everything we do,” said Debbie Dewey, president of Missouri American Water. “We carefully chose this location to allow our employees to respond more quickly to water main breaks and other critical customer service needs in North St. Louis County.” To be completed by year end, the new service center is part of an effort to more strategically locate field operation centers throughout St. Louis County to
improve work processes and increase productivity. “We are glad to see Missouri American Water investing in our community and making this effort to better serve their customers,” said St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Heard Days, who represents the new service center location. “Customers in North County will benefit from faster response times to their water-related issues when this service center is complete.” Missouri American Water continues to conduct its work in coordination and compliance with all federal, state and local agencies and directives. As construction begins, Missouri American Water asks customers to continue following social distancing recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by keeping at least six feet (two meters) between their employees and customers.
COMMUNITY VOICES
‘GRADUATES’ from cover make their day a little better. Not everyone gets to say they were on a billboard. We also know that a number of the schools aren’t funded particularly well for some of the extras, so we thought we would help.” Clark collaborated with the school districts to collect graduate names and photos and Teri Green, NSC Director of IT, to program the information needed by DDI Media to utilize for their system. The digital billboards can be found at I-70 near the Airport Exit (eastbound), I-170 and St. Charles Rock Road (southbound), I-44 and Big Bend (westbound), I-270 and McDonnell Blvd (facing west), and I-270 and McDonnell Blvd (facing east). Though the displays can be found in these five locations, not all locations display each districts’ graduates. “The locations are specific to the high school,” stated Clark. “We wanted the billboards to be in their community – as close as we could get them to their high school so that the parents, the children, and staff of those respective school districts (would) be able to see and enjoy their student.” Clark shared that on social media students have been seen sharing the images among themselves and with others. “It’s something (to see) them happy and excited about (in the midst) of all the changes that the schools are having to go through, especially with the graduations at this time,” stated Clark. Marcus C. Robinson, Normandy Superintendent of Schools states, “This is a great example of how the business community can come alongside our schools to support students. As we look to move our district to the next level, we look forward to collaborating with our neighboring districts and business partners to support student success.” Clark shared, “Anything that we can do collectively as a community to keep the celebration going or the accolades that the seniors have accomplished, I think is wonderful.”
By Theodore F. Valley II DC
Can you ‘boost your immune system?’ This is a loaded question in the medical community since in most medical programs they learn anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathology; really all biological and health sciences through a mechanistic lens. Mechanistic means in essence that the “whole is equal to the sum of its parts” and we know when it comes to life this is simply not the case. Though the body is an organic machine it is not a mechanical device that can ever be the same once it is taken apart and reassembled. What that means is that even though medical professionals are intelligent and perform miracles they don’t always acknowledge the integrated nature of physiological processes and the innate power of the body when given the proper tools to do its work. One does not need to be able to rattle off every biomarker, metabolite or recite the Kreb’s Cycle from start to finish. What is needed is a big picture understanding of how the body responds to nutrients, stressors and deficiencies or imbalances in physiological systems. There are literally thousands of articles on PubMed that show a relationship
between micronutrients and what is called “immune modulation;” the body responding to a stimulus favorably as it relates to immune system function. Vitamin C, D, A, E along with zinc, magnesium, iodine and selenium are all proven to be micronutrients the body needs for many processes one of which is proper immune response! Further, there are hundreds of botanicals and elements that have been studied for their favorable effect on health, function and immunity. Many studies have also shown that stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest part) also helps to modulate immune function. The next obvious question is what does that: 1. Chiropractic adjustments 2. Acupuncture 3. Massage therapy 4. Meditation (more effective with binaural beats) 5. Sleep (adequate rest) 6. Appropriate hugging and physical touch The phrase boosting really means giving the body what it needs to do its work
more efficiently and thereby improving outcomes! Another question I want you to ask yourself; does the environment you live in, the food you consume and the things you expose your mind to affect your health? Let me put it to you this way. If you have a fish living in a dirty fish bowl what makes more sense; giving the fish medication for the problems it develops as a result of living in a dirty fish bowl or would it make more sense to clean the fish bowl eliminating the problems associated with contaminated water? Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions of your health care providers and it is time that you take back responsibility for your health! Theodore Valley II DC is a Doctor of Chiropractic and currently practices at Barron Chiropractic. 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 • June 3, 2020
Catholic Charities of St. Louis and Operation Food Search hold food distribution event
Around Town
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Successful Mayors For Meals Food Collection event held in Florissant
Photo courtesy city of Florissant
Submitted photo Pictured (from left) are Catholic Charities of St. Louis board member Kathy Surratt-States and supporter Gerard Hempstead placing food and supplies into the trunk of a drive-through distribution participant’s car.
Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, partnered with Catholic Charities of St. Louis along with Sysco St. Louis to host their first free drive-through emergency meal and supply distribution partnership on May 16. The joint effort took place at Catholic Charities headquarters located at 4445 Lindell Blvd. The event served more than 450 local families. Catholic Charities provided gift cards, personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies, as well as hand sanitizers and face masks. Sysco St. Louis contributed a variety of food items including fresh produce, dairy, cheese and juice. Operation Food Search provided meat, cheese, sandwiches and cleaning supplies. The National Guard was on hand to assist volunteers from both Catholic Charities and OFS who placed food into the participant’s cars. St. Louis Police Department helped with traffic control. “We are pleased to be able to combine our resources and experience with Operation Food Search and Sysco to connect people with a variety of basic necessities,” said Theresa Ruzicka, President, Catholic Charities of St. Louis. “It’s core to our overall mission of serving people in need and just one part of our coordinated COVID-19 relief efforts.” “We are grateful to both Catholic Charities and Sysco for joining forces with us in providing hunger relief to the region,” said Kristen Wild, Executive Director at OFS. “We are currently serving families who have never experienced food insecurity, so distribution partnerships like this have made great strides in alleviating the overwhelming stress that is associated with the ongoing pandemic.” Wild added that the “rate of food insecurity in the state of Missouri was 14 percent before the pandemic and now sits at 41 percent.”
The county-wide Mayors For Meals food collection event that was held on May 9 at Bangert Park was a huge success for a great cause. Over 20 barrels of food and other items were collected that will help alleviate food insecurity by providing local pantries which includes TEAM that is based in our community with a variety of food to meet their community’s needs. The volunteers that came out to help make the event a success included members of the Florissant City Council, St. Louis County Councilwoman from District 4 Rochelle Walton-Gray, Chief Tim Fagan, Judge Mary E. Dorsey, President of the Valley of Flowers organization Laurie Lowery, members of the Florissant CERT team
and some of residents. Also, a special thank you to Bob Mannecke owner of Mann Meats, Inc. for donating hamburgers and corn and Derick Wellman owner of Amore Pizza for donating sandwiches for all of the volunteers. The St. Louis Area Foodbank is the region’s largest nonprofit food distributor. They partner with more than 500 organizations and pantries to feed almost 400,000 people in their 26-county service territory, including St. Louis County. With recent strains from COVID-19, the Foodbank has seen an increase in need by up to 30 percent. For more information visit their website at www.stlfoodbank.org.
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Aound Town
June 3, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Clean Air Partnership announces return of air quality forecasting for the 2020 season
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Air quality forecasting resumed May 1 in the St. Louis metropolitan area, and the region’s ozone season is kicking off with one advantage that should help to keep emissions at bay in the coming weeks. While the region continues to respond to the ongoing pandemic, fewer automobiles are taking to the roads as many workers continue to telecommute to minimize the spread of COVID-19. However, once the state and region gradually open back up for business, it is expected that traffic will ramp back up and so will the potential for increased emissions that contribute to ozone formation. The importance of keeping the region’s air clean is at an all-time high as millions of Americans – including St. Louis residents – are living in communities impacted by unhealthy levels of pollution in the form of high ozone days, more particle pollution days and higher annual particle levels than ever before. According to the American Lung Association’s 2020 State of the Air report, 2.5 million children and 10.6 million adults with asthma live in counties that received an “F” grade for at least one pollutant. Likewise, more than 316,000 children and 1.4 million adults with asthma live in counties failing all three tests, meaning there is still much work to be done to protect local communities from the growing risks to public health. “The air quality is usually in pretty healthy ranges at the start of forecasting and that’s compounded this year due to the COVID-19 related reduction in auto emissions, but it’s clear we are far from a clean bill of health for lung health in our region,” said Susannah Fuchs, Director of Clean Air for the American Lung Association in Missouri. “With stay-at-home orders being lifted in many counties in our region and more likely to follow in the comings weeks, we anticipate people will be back at work and back on the roads when we’re settling into the summer months when we’re at greater risk for higher levels of ozone pollution.” With that in mind, the Clean Air Partnership urges area residents to continue their efforts to take voluntary steps to reduce emissions in the coming months. Those actions play a critical role in improving air quality conditions and helping people across the region breathe easier, which is especially important for children, older adults and those who suffer from lung diseases. Given that some of those vulnerable populations are the same ones most at risk from the coronavirus, these voluntary measures take on additional significance in the current environment. That call for voluntary action has been the
Submitted photo
constant drum beat for the Clean Air Partnership for 25 years as it has been a champion for cleaner air in the St. Louis region. And in this milestone year, the Clean Air Partnership is holding steadfast to its mission of educating the bi-state area about the health risks associated with poor air quality and the impact of everyday actions on the environment. Signing up to receive the partnership’s daily air quality color-coded forecast via email at www.cleanair-stlouis.com helps to ensure St. Louisans know what the next day’s air quality will be and if they should alter their outdoor activities to minimize exposure to polluted air. Should the forecast call for poor air quality in the form of an Orange or Red Air Quality Day, the hope is that people will also take specific steps to further reduce emissions. While weather conditions do play a significant role in our region’s daily air quality, transportation-related emissions have always been one of the biggest contributors to air pollution, and the choices people make on how to get around affects air quality and the health of the region. “While we typically promote carpooling and transit use as great alternatives to driving solo, this isn’t the time to load up in a vanpool or flock to public transit given that it’s currently recommended that the public take trips on transit only for essential purposes,” said Fuchs. “At some point in the future those steps will once again be important, but in the meantime, there are various others people can take to help clear the air.” Fuchs notes that actions like walking and biking instead of using a vehicle for short trips, combining errands into a single trip, not topping off your gas tank, avoiding vehicle idling or even opting for electric vehicles can all greatly impact the amount of ozone-forming emissions generated on any given day. Additionally, there are many other eco-friendly lifestyle changes unrelated to commuting that individuals and businesses can consider to positively impact air quality and improve lung health. These changes include efforts to conserve energy, recycle, reduce waste and reuse items. The Clean Air Partnership’s website at www. cleanair-stlouis.com offers many other tips to help clear the air along with a wealth of information on the health effects of poor air quality.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 3, 2020
Senior Living
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The view from the top of the iconic Gateway Arch now visible from anywhere in the world The view from the top of the Gateway Arch spans more than 30 miles in either direction, looking over the Mississippi River and Illinois to the east and across St. Louis City and County to the west. A trip to the top of the 630-foot-tall stainless-steel marvel is the highlight of any visit to Gateway Arch National Park. Because of precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19, the tram ride to the top of the Arch is closed for the short term. The Gateway Arch Park Foundation and partners the National Park Service and Bi-State Development have collaborated to launch a live-stream of the view from the top of the Arch for everyone to enjoy. To experience the view from the top of the Gateway Arch, visit www.archpark.org/visit/archathome. In 2018 the Gateway Arch Visitor Center and Museum re-opened to the public following a transformative renovation project that added a new entrance, 46,000-square feet of additional visitor space, and a reimagined museum. The renovation was based on universal design, which means the experience is accessible to people of all abilities. “This new way to experience the view from the top of the Gateway Arch is a natural extension of the universal design components of the new renovations,” said Ryan McClure, executive director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “As the official fundraising partner of Gate-
More than fifty years after its completion, the Arch way Arch National Park, we are always looking for ways to connect the Arch with our community in St. Louis stands as one of the most visited attractions in the and beyond. Especially now, we were eager to bring the world and continues to be a bucket-list destination for tourists around the globe who wish to experience the Arch experience to people wherever they are.” “Taking the view from the top of the Gateway Arch brilliance of its design and engineering. Designed by online is one of the ways Gateway Arch National Park is famed modernist architect Eero Saarinen, the Arch trying to engage with the public during a time we would astonishes viewers with its boldness and beauty. The normally see visitation to the park increase,” said Mi- 90-acre grounds immediately surrounding it were dechael Ward, superintendent of Gateway Arch National signed by Dan Kiley and are regarded as a masterpiece Park. “Gateway Arch National Park Rangers have found of modern landscaping. creative ways to educate from participating in distance learning classrooms to filming videos showcasing the museum and grounds surrounding the Arch.” Truly a modern marvel, Gateway Arch, is one of the world’s greatest architectural icons. It captures our regional and national aspirations for dreams and discovery. As a national monument, the Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the ninewww.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral teenth century, Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, the pioneers who helped shape its history, and Dred Scott, the slave who sued for his freedom in St. Louis’s Old Courthouse.
Northwest Views: ‘Adaptive’ bowling saved my life By Jim Donahoe Steve Miller, an Army veteran, owned a successful lawn care and landscaping business in central Kentucky. While removing a large tree branch for a neighbor, he fell 20 feet – and landed on his back. That fall severed his spine. And, the prognosis was…he would be a paraplegic for life. As you can imagine, Steve was devastated. He instantaneously went from an active, vibrant lifestyle, to one where he was forever confined to a wheelchair. He thought his life and lifestyle were gone forever. For rehabilitation, the VA transferred Steve to the St. Louis VA Medical Center’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit. When the VA’s Recreation Therapists told Steve they were going to teach him to bowl, he thought they were crazy. Matt Luitjohn and Charlie Wright are recreation therapists in the VA Spinal Cord Unit at the Jefferson Barracks VA hospital in south St. Louis. Their goal is to restore patients with spinal cord injuries, or massive strokes, or mass amputations to near-normal lifestyles. And, this process begins with “adaptive” bowling. Steve credits this program with giving him a reason to live and enjoy life. On the VA campus, construction of a new Veterans Rehabilitation Building (VRB) is nearing completion. Inside, it has space for a new, modern four-lane bowling alley. This will replace an aged bowling alley on the campus that has been in continuous use since 1953, serving both in-patients and out-patients. The new facility will also use “adaptive” equipment such as ramps and “steerable” bowling balls. With this equipment, paraplegics and quadriple-
gics can learn to bowl from their wheelchairs. Once they learn to bowl and enjoy the sport, then the rec therapists will introduce them to a host of additional “adaptive” sports: wheelchair basketball, hand cycling, kayaking, SCUBA diving, track and field events, etc. but, it all begins with bowling. When designing this new Veterans Rehabilitation Building (VRB), there wasn’t enough money in the budget to build and equip the new bowling alley. An all-volunteer, Bowling for Veterans Health (BVH) Committee was then formed to raise money and make the new bowling alley a reality. At this time, the BVH Committee is only about $10,000 short of their goal to equip the new bowling alley. The BVH Committee has partnered with Heroes Care, a wonderful military charity, to complete this project. If you would like to help purchase equipment for this building. Please make out a check to: “Heroes Care (VA Bowling),” and mail it to: Heroes Care, 330 Sun Valley Circle Dr., Fenton, MO 63026. Donations are tax deductible. If you or your group would like more information, please contact Jim Donahoe, at 314-973-0012 or donahoejb@hotmail.com. When complete, this new bowling alley will serve tens of thousands of veteran in-patients and out-patients over the next 50 years. Few other donations will do so much for so many veterans. Jim Donahoe is member of the Bowling for Veterans Health 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.
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Business
June 3, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Local Author Spotlight: Jim Merkel For nearly 30 years, local journalist Jim Merkel has covered St. Louis City Hall, the Great Flood of 1993 and school boards and city councils in every part of the area. For the last 10 years, he’s called on his love and knowledge of St. Louis to write books on such local topics as South St. Louis, the city’s German community, the Gateway Arch and its colorful characters. In his latest book, he turns his eyes on the kids of the region, and how they’ve changed since 1900. “Growing Up St. Louis: Looking Back through the Decades” contains the first-person memories of more than 100 people about growing up in St. Louis from 1900 to the present. Except for seven who were born before about 1910, Merkel interviewed all of them. Interview subjects were white, black, rich, poor, with happy memories and sad ones. The happiest memories include the stories of Baby Boom-
ers who wandered far from their parents’ home on Saturdays. Their only instructions were to be home when the street lights came on. People relate how they attended Cardinals games, saw Phil the Gorilla at the Zoo and experienced other aspects of St. Louis while they were children. The book contains stories of kids hearing about the Pearl Harbor attack, the Kennedy assassination and 9/11. People tell about surviving the Depression and contracting polio. And a St. Louis police officer tells of watching a man shot in the face when he was in fifth grade. Several African-Americans tell of their encounters with racism as kids. Essays for each of the 10 time periods covered provide context for the times when the St. Louis children in the book lived. According to Merkel, “Growing Up St. Louis” relates how kids came of age since the turn of the last century, stripped of all nostalgia. If there is a theme, Merkel said, it is that what happens to us as adults is largely the result of our experiences as kids. The book is available online and on the internet.
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Those who want to purchase a copy personally inscribed by the author may do so through jimmerkelthewriter.com. Leaders of groups who want to have him speak at their meetings may contact him at 314-799-5117.
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery receives $50,000 grant from Bayer Fund
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The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery received a grant for $50,000 from Bayer Fund, which will be used for the Crisis Nursery’s Food and Nutrition Program. In past years Bayer Fund has granted the Crisis Nursery with $40,000, but in light of the current coronavirus pandemic, Bayer Fund has generously increased the grant by $10,000. “In addition to providing food for the children who stay at our nurseries, this grant will allow our Family Empowerment Program staff to continue making porch drop-offs of food bags to families in our program,” explained DiAnne Mueller, CEO of the Crisis Nursery “With the help of this generous Bayer Fund grant, we will be able to assist many families and children who are experiencing food insecurity now, more than ever,” “Throughout the years, the grants given through Bayer Fund have helped strengthen our communities across the United States,” said Al Mitchell, President of Bayer Fund. “We’re proud to be able to provide support to develop programs that help combat challenges such as food insecurity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and support services to patients and families managing an illness or disease.” In 2019, Bayer Fund awarded more than $14 million to over 3,200 charitable and nonprofit organizations to help address essential needs in food and nutrition, STEM education, and community development. Over the last five years, nonprofit organizations across the U.S. have received more than $79 million.
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 3, 2020
School
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Mathematics professor is the recipient of the 45th David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley has named the recipient of the 45th David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award as Sharon North, professor of mathematics. The late David L. Underwood was known for his love of education. He was deeply concerned with the welfare of students and staff alike. His dedication went beyond office hours – and he tirelessly gave of his time and talents to further the educational mission at Florissant Valley. Recipients of the Underwood Memorial Lecture Award demonstrate that same dedication and commitment. Chosen by a committee of peers, the recipient exhibits excellence in instruction and a genuine, humanistic concern for students, faculty, staff and all of education. Under normal circumstances, a host of employees and retirees would gather to attend the announcement ceremony on campus. The crowd would gather across from a picture of Underwood – and plaques that bear the names of winners of the award that honors the beloved educator. Instead, because of shelter-in-place restrictions, Car-
ol Hake, associate professor of English and the 43rd recipient of the David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award, creatively shared clues about the next deserving colleague in the lead article displayed in the April 27 edition of the Florissant Valley Weekly, a digital newsletter for employees. “Our 45th Underwood built a personal science lab in the garage and conducted many experiments with a SkilCraft ChemLab 3 Chemistry set inherited from older siblings while simultaneously thinking that a dream job would be president of the United States,” wrote Hake in a clue. North was later revealed in the Faculty/Staff Announcement section of the newsletter. North teaches mostly gateway mathematics courses including pre-calculus, quantitative reasoning, introductory statistics, college algebra and Calculus and Analytic Geometry I. She has also worked to develop and implement corequisite offerings to transfer-level courses. She began her career at STLCC in 1998. North is in her 33rd year of teaching mathematics at community college and university levels. She has taught nearly 10,000 students college mathematics. She has de-
Hazelwood School District to hold virtual graduation events The Hazelwood School District has partnered with Vego Pictures to provide a virtual graduation event for each of its three high schools. The Los Angeles-based company specializes in livestreams and digital productions and has worked with major broadcasts and brands including American Idol, Mountain Dew, and Old Spice. The events are tentatively scheduled for June 13, and will consist of a custom website built for each school where students and parents can log in on the day of the event. Virtual graduation will include livestreamed speeches from students, individual recognition of each graduate, and a chat feature allowing participants to cheer and talk to one another. “I’m so proud of our senior class and the perse-
verance they’ve shown over the last several weeks,” said HSD Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart. “By partnering with Vego, we’re able to provide a memorable experience that will honor their achievements and celebrate graduation despite unusual circumstances. We look forward to the community joining us in celebrating our seniors.” All attendees can be sent a digital recording of the event as well. Hazelwood high school administrators and staff are working with Vego Pictures on producing the graduation events, and the district is excited to honor the Class of 2020 with a unique and customized event for each high school.
Two Hazelwood schools named schools of character Brown Elementary School and Cold Water Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District have both been named National Schools of Character by Character.org. The schools are among only 84 in the nation to receive the distinction. “The students and staff at Brown and Cold Water continue to make our district proud by ensuring students develop strong character values as part of their time in the classroom,” HSD Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart. “This recognition is a testament to the wonderful learning environments both schools have created. I am thrilled for everyone who played a part in earning this honor.” Schools become a ‘School of Character’ by implementing comprehensive strategies that help students understand and consistently practice core character values such as respect, responsibility, and integrity.
signed math curricula and written application-based content for students, and served in leadership roles as a department chair, assistant chair and a districtwide developmental educaPhoto courtesy St. Louis Community College tion coordinator. “It’s an incredible honor to receive this award,” North said. “It’s exciting thinking about the individuals who received this award in the past, their incredible presentations and so many ideas are floating around in my mind. I am sort of disappointed that I could not share this moment physically with everyone, and I’m just thinking about my Florissant Valley family. As soon as it’s safe to do so, I’m really looking forward to meeting with past recipients to celebrate with them.” North is scheduled to present a lecture during fall 2020.
Hazelwood Science Curriculum Coordinator named 2020 Educator of the Year Dr. Christina Hughes has been named the 2020 Educator of the Year by the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals. Dr. Hughes currently is the Science Curriculum Coordinator for the Hazelwood School District. Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District
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What’s Happening
June 3, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it!
Take notice . . .
The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.
EVENTS June 14: Rummage sale
Calvary United Church of Christ at 2501 Hartland Avenue is planning on having its Spring Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Questions? Call 314-429-7464 and leave a message. Dependent upon the guidelines and restrictions at this time.
July 18: Golf tournament
The Jennings Do-Dads will hold their 27th annual Juvenile Justice Scholarship Golf Tournament with an 8 a.m. shotgun start at Florissant Golf Club at 50 Country Club Lane in Florissant. The tournament format will feature a four-player team, 18-hole scramble, with prizes being awarded to the top finishers in each of four flights. Team entry cost (four players) is $360 and includes greens fees, cart, limited beverages at course, attendance prizes and the post-tournament BBQ luncheon and refreshments. Entry forms and fees are preferred by June 30, although you may register and pay up to the day of the tournament. You may also pay online with a credit/debit card via PayPal at www. jenningsdodads.org.
RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed
The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.
Weekdays: Tax filing program volunteers
Seeking greeters, appointment schedulers, and tax preparers to assist older adults in the St. Louis County Tax Filing Program. Training and mileage reimbursement is provided. For more information and to start the volunteer application process, contact the County Older Resident Programs and ask for Mike Nickel at 314-615-4021.
Weekdays: Volunteer drivers
The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs need volunteer drivers who live in St. Louis County to give a few hours during the day to provide transportation to and from doctor’s appointments for our senior residents of St. Louis County that lives near you! No weekends and mileage reimbursement is available. Call today at 314-615-4516.
Mondays: TOPS meeting
Come, join and take off those extra pounds. T.O.P.S.=Take Off Pounds Sensibly has meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. (weigh in begins at 6:35 p.m.) 9135 Shelley Avenue, Overland, MO 63114. (Entrance is in the back on East Milton). TOPS is a very inexpensive way to lose weight. You may visit a meeting for free. Any questions please call Dan Agee at 314540-5223.
Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice
Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.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: 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 Road which is the first house on Uthe Lane. We sing four-part harmony a capella (without accompaniment). We sing some traditional songs, as well as show tunes and more contemporary music. We do perform for the public at various functions. Persons interested can come right on in or for more information call Al at 314-993-6134.
Mondays: Korean War Veterans Association meeting
If you had military service in Korea between Sept. 3, 1945 and the present you are cordially invited to a meeting of Chapter 4, North County Korean War Veterans Association. Meetings take place at the VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant on the second Monday of the month, starting at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.
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: 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 Charlie at 314-954-1121.
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: Choir rehearsals
The St. Louis Chordinals, a women’s a cappella chorus, rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 12397 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bridgeton (next to the Bridgeton Government Center). For more information call Linda at 314-839-3495 or visit stlouischordinals.org.
Tuesdays: Vietnam Veterans Association meeting
Chapter 794 Vietnam Veterans Association meets on the third Tuesday of each month at VFW Post 4105 at 410 St. Francois in Florissant. Meetings start at 7 p.m. For more information contact Walter Kaiser at 314-921-2132.
Tuesdays: TOPS pounds sensibly)
(Take
off
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, 314-831-5476.
2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Showme Stitchers:
Show-me Stitchers is the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. We meet on the second Tuesday, Sept.-June at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO. Learn needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, and more.
Every 4th Tuesday of the month: Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335 meeting
6:30pm, Fort Bellefontaine Memorial American Legion Post 335, at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center at 9669 Bellefontaine Rd. Those interested in membership are invited to attend.
Every Tuesday: Bingo Evening at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316
mation call 314-831-0988.
Doors at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6pm, Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. For more information, call 314921-2316.
Thursdays: Quilting guild
Wednesdays: Bingo
Thursdays: checks
Blood
Thursdays: meeting
Women’s
Bingo takes place every Wednesday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.
Wednesdays: Bingo
Life Care Center of Bridgeton, at 12145 Bridgeton Square in Bridgeton, welcome all to Community Bingo every last Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. Please RVSP at 314-298-7444 with the month you will attend and number of people attending.
Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church at 3975 N. Hwy 67 in Florissant. For more information contact Norma at 314-306-4731.
Wednesdays: Are you interested in losing weight?
Check out TOPS #361 Florissant group of supportive ladies. Meetings are on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:15 a.m. at Florissant Church of Christ, 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. If interested, please contact Shirley at 314-895-3528 for more information.
Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316
Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314-921-2316.
Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:
3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314994-3300. Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. 9 months to 2 yrs. Room 1 (Lap Time); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 2; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–5. Room 1.
Florissant Senior Citizens’ Bingo Clubs: 314-839-7604. Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group 3-4 p.m., Center for Senior Renewal, Detrick Building 1st floor, 11133 Dunn Rd. For more information, contact Jamie Stevens at 314-653-5331.
Thursdays: Bingo
Community Bingo at the Bridge At Florissant, at 1101 Garden Plaza Drive (intersection of Parker and Arlington) takes place on the third Thursday of each month starts at 2 p.m. There will be snacks and prizes. For more infor-
Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.
pressure
Free blood pressure checks monthly at Life Care Center of Florissant at 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. (off Parker Rd.) in Florissant every third Thursday of the month. Call 831-3752 for more information.
chorus
Every Thursday City Voices Chorus, a women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony, meets at Church of the Good Shepherd at 1166 S. Mason Rd. in St. Louis. Members come from the entire bi-state region. Call Marcia at 636-274-0723 for more information or visit www.cityvoiceschorus.org.
Fridays: Fish fry
A fish fry takes place every Friday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314-660-1813.
Every Friday: Our Lady of Fatima #4429 Knights of Columbus Bingo
6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 Teson Rd. in Hazelwood. For more information call 314-731-9330.
Every 3rd Friday of the month: Bingo 2 p.m., Life Care Center of Florissant, 1201 Garden Plaza Dr. For more information, call 314-831-3752.
Saturdays: Yoga
Come check out the benefits of yoga at Calvary UCC, at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Call Angela at 314801-8594 for more information.
Saturdays: Toastmasters meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend Toastmasters Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Normandy United Methodist Church at 8001 Natural Bridge Road (across from UMSL). For more info call 314402-7025.
Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic
Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1425 Stein Road at West Florissant in Ferguson is a free walk-in clinic open Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The clinic is jointly sponsored by the Muslim Community of St. Louis (MCSL) and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to provide basic adult medical screening, treatment and referrals free of charge for the uninsured. For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering, please call 314-521-5694 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday or visit www.stpeterschurch.org
www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 3, 2020 Saturdays: Clothing sale
On the second Saturday of each month Bethany-Peace UCC at 11952 Bellefontaine Rd. in St. Louis County hosts a clothing sale from 9 - 11 a.m. For sale are used clothing and shoes, some household items, books and toys. Fill your bag for $1.
Saturdays: Grief support
On the fourth Saturday of each month, grief support meeting “A Way With Words Ministry” meets at 12:30 p.m. at Community Christ Fellowship, rear, at 121 Williams Blvd. in Hazelwood, 1/4 mile south of Hwy 270 off Florissant Rd. There are a variety of topics monthly. You are not alone. Come help your heart heal with others. For more information call 314-605-3949.
Every Fourth Saturday’s Writer’s Workshop 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Baden Library, at 8448 Church Rd. For more information call 314-388-2400.
Sundays: Meat shoot
Come and enjoy the meat shoots at American Legion Post 4445 located on 17090 Old Jamestown Rd. between Sinks Rd. and Lindbergh starting noon Sept. 15 thru Nov. 17; and in the spring, Feb. 2 thru March 8 rain or shine. Great meat prizes awarded.
Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot
Sundays in September through April, AMVETS Post 55, located on 8842 Natural Bridge Rd. in Bel-Ridge will be hosting meat shoots with practice beginning at 11 a.m. and rounds starting at noon. Shooters must be 18 or older and will shoot #9’s with no bull barrels or scopes and 675 minimum chokes. The shooting area is indoors and food and drink are available in the club room. For more information, contact 314-630-2671 or 314-330-7269.
Sundays: meeting
Jennings
Do-Dads
The Jennings Do-Dads hold meetings every third Sunday of the month (except June which is the second Sunday
and no meeting in December) at 1 p.m. at Classics Bar & Grill at 11601 West Florissant Avenue. Those interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information visit www.jenningsdodads.org.
11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.
What’s Happening
SUDOKU answers from page F-1
CROSSWORD answers from page F-4
Wednesdays: ACES Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.
CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church GriefShare Support Group
Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314-741-3737
HEALTH Every Mon. & Tues.: Healthy Meal Replacement (HMR) Program Orientation Mondays: 6–7pm Tuesdays: Noon– 1pm SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1-877-477-6954.
Every Monday-Friday: Evening Front Desk Volunteers Needed
4-7pm, Christian Hospital, 1225 Graham Rd. in Florissant. For more information, please contact Lee Shields at 314-653-5032.
1st Tuesday of Every Month: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meeting
Meeting to be held at Sarah Care of Bridgeton Adult Day Center 11977 St. Charles Rock Road, Suite 121-124, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Join our Support Group for Mutual, Emotional Support and Education. You are not alone. For information, contact Deborah Mabrie at 314-291-5210 or Ferd Fetsch at 314-291-3021 Email: dbland@sarahcare.com ferdfetsch@ sbcglobal.net.
Every third Tuesday of every month: Grief Support Group sponsored by DePaul Hospital
Sundays: Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 10am, 11133 Dunn Road.
Diabetes Basics:
314-344-7024 for info or 314-344-7220 to enroll.
Crisis Nursery:
Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. Care is available year-round and serves families throughout the greater St. Charles region. 24-hour helpline: 314-768-3201. Or 636-947-0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org
Center for Senior Renewal:
Day treatment programs for older adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and early signs of dementia, 314-653-5123.
Nutrition Education:
SSM DePaul registered dieticians can help you make sure your diet is right for you, 314-344-6157.
Christian Hospital Recovery Center: Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-9538100.
Volunteers Needed at Christian Hospital: Call 314-653-5032 Nicotine Anonymous
Nicotine Anonymous is a 12 Step Program, free and available to all seeking recovery from nicotine addiction based on principals of AA. Only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. Voluntary contributions are accepted. For further info call 314-822-2066 or visit www.Nicotine-Anonymous.org.
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Sports
June 3, 2020 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com
Sports you see with Gary B... Bringing baseball back to O’Fallon The O’Fallon Hoots play in the Prospect Wood Bat League with home games at the CarShield Field in O’Fallon. A recent announcement is that the Prospect League has canceled their 2020 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting government regulations across the five-state league and that the team
will still play in 2020. The first game is currently scheduled for July 2. “While we are certainly disappointed that the Prospect League has canceled for this summer, we are excited to have baseball at the ballpark in 2020,” Hoots General Manager David Schmoll said. “We have players in the area who have lost their college seasons and want to play as well as fans who want to see baseball. We are committed to providing that for both groups in a safe and responsible manner.” The Hoots will host 30 games in O’Fallon in a season from July 2 through August 14. Tickets will go on sale at a later date. To sign up for the priority wait list, visit www. ofallonhoots.com/single-game-tickets. Due to capacity limits, only a limited number of tickets will be available to each night. A revised game and promotional schedule will be available soon. If you have already purchased tickets to a Hoots game this summer, a representative will be in contact with you once our new schedule has been released to choose your new dates. For up-to-the-minute information about the Hoots, visit www. ofallonhoots.com or follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The O’Fallon Hoots begin play in O’Fallon in 2020 after relocating from Hannibal, Missouri following the 2019 season. * Take me out to the ballgame Hoots need some players The team is in the process of expanding their roster. If you have what it takes to play in the wood-bat games, the Hoot
want to talk to you For players wishing to play, visit www.ofallonhoots. com/beahoot * Strut your stuff Student at Lindenwood excels in education and athletics Carly Fedorowski of women’s lacrosse has been named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team, the organization announced. Fedorowski, a therapeutic recreation major, owned a 3.97 GPA on the way to her first CoSIDA Academic All-District Team award. Fedorowski was a force during the 2020 season, as she was named a Maverik Division II Media All-American for her excellent play in the shortened season. Prior to the canceling of the season, she had scored 24 goals to go along with 21 assists, giving her 45 points through ten games. She had also scooped up 15 ground balls to go along with 15 caused turnovers. Due to the shortened 2020 season, this year’s All-District Team was decided considering the nominees full collegiate careers. Over her career, Fedorowski has collected numerous accolades. In 2019, she was a Third-team IWLCA All-American, she earned a spot on the IWLCA firstteam all-region, and was first-team All-RMAC. In 2018, she earned a second-team All-RMAC selection. She owns the No. 1 spot in program history with 121 caused turnovers. * Great in both categories
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.
www.mycnews.com • Community News • June 3, 2020
Recipe:
Stack a savory snack
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.
H
aving fun in the kitchen can be an easy way to get kids involved for a family-friendly activity. These Fiesta Snacks call for flavors many kids love stacked up in a way that allows them to aid in the process.
Fiesta Snacks Ingredients: 1 pound chicken, chopped 1/2 cup salsa, divided 1/4 cup sour cream 8 tortillas (8 inches) 1/3 cup refried beans 1/2 cup guacamole 6 ounces shredded cheese In small bowl, mix refried beans and remaining salsa until blended.
Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. In skillet, cook chopped chicken until done. In medium bowl, mix cooked chicken, 1/4 cup salsa and sour cream until blended.
Lay two tortillas on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread chicken mixture over both tortillas. Place second set of tortillas over
chicken mixture. Spread guacamole over top tortillas. Place third set of tortillas on top and spread refried bean mixture over tortillas. Place fourth set of tortillas on top and sprinkle shredded cheese over tortillas. Bake 10 minutes until cheese is melted. SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 10
Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net
The resurgence of drive-in theaters
I
Movie: By Steve Bryan
Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.
n the early 2000’s, I was privileged to meet Joe Williams, a writer who was then the film critic for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. A kind and well-spoken man, he loved movies and especially enjoyed watching them at drive-in theaters. In some of his pieces, Williams would talk about Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr., the man credited with the concept of mixing cars with big outdoor screens. It was never a surprise to see Mr. Williams’ byline on a piece referencing “Ozoners,” the affectionate nickname for drive-ins. Growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s, my parents would frequently take my brothers and sisters and I to see movies at a local drive-in. We would load up the station wagon with soft drinks and snacks and settle in for several hours of cinematic enjoyment. In those pre-social distancing days, the only time we’d really interact with other people was during a trip to the snack bar. For our family, this was an economical way to see several movies over the summer months. When my friends and I were old enough to drive, we’d inevitably head to a drive-in on the weekend.
radio or bring a battery-operated portable one. I’m not sure if Richard Hollingshead had social distancing in mind when he opened his first drive-in, but the concept works well here. Modern technology also made “Pop-Up” drivein theaters a reality. Ben Hooper at UPI recently reported that the Kathedral Event Center in Hammonton, New Jersey started showing movies on their parking lot. For their “Karpool Cinema”, cars are spaced approximately 10 feet apart to be in line with social distancing. ABC affiliate WPIV in Philadelphia even posted on-camera interviews with patrons who were happy to get out of the house for some family-friendly entertainment. I’ve written more than once about how much I miss sitting in a theater with my snacks with other movie lovers close-by to share the experience. On Twitter, however, Regal Cinemas recently posted their intention to stay closed until they can show movies in a safe environment. Until it’s safe to go back to the cinema, drive-in’s and innovative pop-up theaters provide a very welcome way to get out of the house and enjoy the movies.
Photo courtesy Bigstock
Over time, though, once-popular drive-in theaters in the Bi-State region closed for various reasons. Located at 9348 Watson Road, the “66 Park In Theater” was a Crestwood landmark until It was torn down to make way for a shopping center. During the summer of 1982, families in their cars waited in long lines on Lemay Ferry to see “E.T.” at the South Twin Drive-In. A year later, however, this venerable establishment gave way to yet another shopping plaza. In the current climate, though, drive-ins have seen a resurgence in popularity. Broadcasting the sound in FM stereo, the Skyview Drive-In in Belleville, Illinois, for instance, opens at 6:30 p.m. every night. As their website points out, those iconic window speakers are long gone but patrons can use their car
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June 3, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info
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Let help advertise your sale! Call Brooke at 636.697.2414
www.mycnews.com • Community News • June 3, 2020
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June 3, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
CROSSWORD: Tony Winners
‘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.
By Cindy Moore
Moore On Life
T
QUARANTINE FATIGUE
here’s plenty of negative to be found with this quarantine thing, but we should look for the positive as well. As the old adage goes: Every cloud has a silver lining. Maybe, but in these times it’s more like: Every woman has a silver lining and is in desperate need of a hairstylist! That aside, let’s try and focus on the positive. One good thing is that we don’t have to bother about wardrobe selection. We’re trapped inside with nowhere to go and no one to impress. My clothing selection of choice is a graying set of sweats. They’re comfy, convenient and if I want to add a little flare, I toss my old tattered blankie around the shoulders to set off the ensemble. My husband’s outfits have dwindled to near zero. There’s no one to entertain and everyone else is hunkered down inside their houses so he wanders around in his skivvies and enjoys pantless Thursdays. He takes full advantage of it since nobody keeps track of the days anymore. Me: “How come you’re not wearing pants today?” Him: “It’s pantless Thursday.” “Wrong. It’s Wednesday.” “Oh, well. I’m getting a jump on it. I’ve always been an over-achiever.” Wearing a mask is a positive. Oh sure, old oxygen tends to recirculate inside it until you pass out in the produce aisle from too much carbon dioxide. But on the bright side; we ladies no longer have to wear make-up and can stick our tongue out at people as they pass by and they’ll never know. Social distancing has its benefits. We don’t have to make up an excuse to keep our distance from annoying relatives. Before, we’d have to invent a communicable disease to stay home from family
gatherings. Aunt Fiona: “Hi guys. Come on over and listen to little Amelia’s first accordion lesson.” Me: “How about another time? We’ve got… yardwork…yes…lots of yardwork to do.” “Yardwork can wait. Besides, I’ve made my famous jalapeno raisin tarts.” Me: “But we’ve also come down with the Ebola and developed giant leaking sores all over. Next time for sure!” Silence. So now we’ve got a real excuse and don’t have to rely on that old adage: If at first you don’t succeed lie, lie, lie. 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. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” beginning 5. Clock std. 8. U-____ 12. *Webber’s “Evita” collaborator 13. Away from wind 14. Boy Scout rank 15. Picnic invaders 16. Digestive aid 17. Change, as in the Constitution 18. *Like Tony Awards 2020 20. Entry document 21. Fill with spirits 22. 10 decibels 23. *”Kiss Me, Kate” composer/lyricist 26. Sound of leaves in wind 29. Before, archaic 30. Admirer 33. “My bad” 35. Garments 37. Barbie’s beau 38. Annoy a bedfellow 39. Result of too many drinks 40. Type of tunic 42. F in FWIW 43. Brown’s beagle 45. *M in “M. Butterfly” 47. Bar association 48. “Mack the ____”
50. *Tony winner David ____ Pierce 52. *Musical with the most wins, with The 56. *Jellicles’ cries 57. Vietnam’s neighbor 58. Flu symptom 59. Pond buildup 60. Sunrise point 61. “Just ____ ____” 62. *4-time winner Tom Stoppard’s output 63. Tap choice 64. Tallest volcano in Europe DOWN 1. Catch-22, e.g. 2. Brown bagger 3. *Before and after intermission 4. Final six lines of a sonnet 5. Sparkle 6. More than a scuffle 7. Like a ball ready for a drive 8. *Musical with most nominations 9. *Tony nominee, “Rock of ____” 10. Longer forearm bone 11. Bulb type 13. “All ____!” 14. Roof overhang 19. Humble requests
22. Pesky, clingy plant 23. Cribbage pieces 24. Un-written exams 25. Old episode 26. *”La Bohème,” reimagined 27. Shower accessory 28. Erasable programmable read only memory 31. Thumbs-up 32. Gridiron official, for short 34. Blood fluids 36. *Coveted destination 38. Mix-up 40. Typically has April 15th as deadline 41. In the thick of 44. Falstaffian in body 46. Base of the decimal system 48. Cattle enclosure in African village 49. Pirate’s “necklace” 50. *Setting of Tony winner ‘Hadestown’ 51. Vinyasa workout 52. #19 Down, sing. 53. *The Grand Slam of showbusiness, acr. 54. The Colosseum, today 55. Pura ____, or pure silk 56. Atlas page SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9