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June 30, 2021

Sisters in arms

Around Town

The foundation Sisters Helping Each other Reach A Higher Height operates a transitional home for women of color and helps them get back on their feet

COMMUNITY VOICES By Valeda Keys Pg. 2 Ameren Missouri donates 800 air conditioners and energy assistance funds. Pg.4

Business Christian Hospital among top hospitals for treatment of heart attack patients . Pg. 6

By Charlotte Beard Little may be known of the Joan B. Quinn Safe House, which opened in 2018, but it is operated by the foundation Sisters Helping Each other Reach A Higher Height (S.H.E.R.A.H.), which has been functioning since 2004. The undisclosed location for the transitional home for women of color in St. Louis hopes to educate the community of the purpose it serves and the support it needs to remain a safe place. Shante Duncan, founder of S.H.E.R.A.H., used her family’s personal savings to purchase the property in 2018 due to her desire to create a safe space for women. The Joan B. Quinn Safe House is named for her great grandmother. “We didn’t want the pressure of owing a bank,” stated Duncan. “We knew if anything were to happen the house would always be there because we don’t owe anyone for the house. But we definitely can use the support in helping to staff the (home).” The safe house is operated by Duncan and a case manager/house manager, whom Duncan states has a master’s degree in social work. Duncan has a BA in communications. Though the residents S.H.E.R.A.H. assists live independently at the safe house, Duncan states staff are there during normal business hours. The house is locked down after certain hours and the property is equipped with cameras to ensure the residents are keeping to their curfew.

Special Section 4th of July. Pg. 7

Features (FLIP)

Submitted photo The residents of the Joan B. Quinn Safe House engaged in a life skills class presented by volunteers.

“Right now, we do not have enough funding to (acquire) the staff we need,” stated Duncan. “We’re making it work with the staff we have.” According to Duncan, since Joan B. Quinn Safe House has been in existence it has been a haven for approximately 45 women. S.H.E.R.A.H. has assisted over 200 women by phone in locating appropriate housing outside of its safe house. Before opening the safe house, S.H.E.R.A.H. hosted “sister circles,” which allowed women to meet and share their stories. “(Due to) working with women (over) the years, I understood the need for more transitional housing in St. Louis City,” stated Duncan. “For years I had been telling women who needed a place to stay that I could not help. I always provided them with refer-

rals to places. It saddened me that I could not help them. The safe house is my opportunity to help them.” The house does not provide shelter for children due to the type of trauma women have endured that come to Joan B. Quinn Safe House. The house can serve eight women at one time; currently four women are housed there. Duncan states that S.H.E.R.A.H. receives referrals from hospitals, Start Here directory (https://www.startherestl.org/), Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation (https:// www.2def.org/), law enforcement and wordof-mouth. Although the safe house has only been in existence three years, Duncan has over 15 years nonprofit experience working for See ‘SISTERS’ page 2

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June 30, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

‘SISTERS’ from cover agencies such as St. Louis Area Foodbank, Provident Counseling, Almost Home, Magdalene St. Louis, and Center for Women in Transition. When asked how the operating expenses are being covered for the house, Duncan stated, “Recently we received a letter saying that we received a grant. Most of the time we are funded through individual donors; when that slows down, we just cover the cost ourselves.” The grant Duncan speaks of is The Black Communities Investment Initiative. The initiative is seed funded by Facebook and was established at the St. Louis Community Foundation to provide operating support and/or capacity building opportunities to black-led nonprofits directly serving black communities in the St. Louis Metro Area. The safe house has not only gotten the attention of the St. Louis Community Foundation but recently received the attention of a “good Samaritan” when one of the house’s air conditioning units was not operating. “He changed out our filters and he said (the unit) was completely out of freon. He (replaced) the freon and committed to coming back twice a year to service the AC units for us.” Duncan went on to explain that the gentleman who came to the safe house’s aid had gotten the news of their need for help due to the calls and news blasts the nonprofit had generated. “It was blistering hot on that second floor; the only thing that gave us peace about the situation was that we knew (the residents) could come downstairs to the

Submitted photos (Left) The women of the Joan B. Quinn Safe House and volunteers posing after the Moonlight Tea Party. (Right)The living room of the Joan B. Quinn Safe House.

first floor to get some relief from the heat,” stated Duncan. Duncan further stated that she speculated they would have been out of close to $700 to get both units serviced judging from the “in-kind” service she received in 2018 when she purchased the property. It is a cost that she states they could not afford. S.H.E.R.A.H. is also making an impact on young girls of color with its L.O.V.E. (learning oneself very extensively) Project which provides girls of color a safe space to explore their experiences and goals. “The L.O.V.E. Project is a school program,” stated Duncan. “We are contracted by (various) school districts and it is operated during the school year. We go into (the school) on the same day every week but the hour (the program is conducted) will rotate so that the girls don’t miss the same class every week.” The “character education” class is created for girls, nine-to-17 years old, to explore the values around self-love, sisterhood and building community through entrepreneurship. The sessions include meditation, yoga, journaling, various personal development activities and affirmations.

COMMUNITY VOICES

The project has assisted more than 600 girls of color in six different school districts, not limited to the Jennings School District. Duncan shared that currently the project is being utilized at St. Louis Catholic Academy, Lafayette High School, Marquette High School, Rockwood Summit High School and Francis Howell North High School. She shared that due to last year’s pandemic, some of the schools that hosted the program have not resumed its programming. Duncan is requesting the community’s support of Joan B. Quinn Safe House for donation of toiletries, towels and wash cloths, laundry and dish washing detergents, and bedding and linen items. In addition, due to the waitlists for agencies that provide free counseling, S.H.E.R.A.H. utilizes Trinity Wellness Center for the residents’ counseling, which is at a cost to the nonprofit. To donate funds, visit https:// www.sherahmovement.com/get-involved. For those who wish to donate any of the needed items, a representative from S.H.E.R.A.H. will arrange pickup – call 314-467-0765.

By Valeda Keys

Birthdays are blessings The month of June is my birthday month. It is the month where summer starts. We are halfway through the year. Goals are being met. It is Gemini season if you believe in horoscopes. I am an identical twin, zodiac symbol for twins. As a breast cancer survivor twice before the age 40, I look at life totally different. I am so grateful to be a survivor and a thriver. Birthdays are blessings. I am so glad to be alive. One thing I know for sure when it is your time to leave this earth it is your time. While we are here on earth there is that dash (-). The day you were born and the day you die. You have a purpose.

Sometimes in life you know your purpose as a child, as a teenager or even as an adult. Do you know your purpose? Are you still trying to find your purpose? What are you passionate about? What problem can you help solve? My purpose is to help women win after receiving the diagnosis of breast cancer. We should not fight this fight alone. Our organization, Valeda’s Hope www. valedashope.org give brand new recliners to women that undergo a double mastectomy due the diagnosis of breast cancer. I solved a problem! When I came home from having surgery from breast cancer

I could not sleep in my bed or the couch, but the recliner won. Our goal while here on earth is to solve problems. If you live to see your birthday and you are healthy, you are wealthy. We all have witnessed many deaths in the past year due to COVID-19. It is heartbreaking!! I will continue to believe God’s word, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8. Again, birthdays are blessings. Happy birthday to me!! What are you doing between those birthdays? Give to your favorite charity, Valeda’s Hope, pay it forward and volunteer your time.

Valeda Keys is a wife, mother of two sons, grandm o t h e r, sister, friend, identical twin, lifelong learner, keynote speaker and a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 15 years. Before the age of 40, she became a two-time breast cancer survivor. In 2011, Valeda founded Valeda’s Hope: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization delivering free recliners to women that will experience a double mastectomy due to the diagnosis of breast cancer.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 30, 2021

Around Town

Purina and Gateway Arch Park foundation announce partnership to grow dog-friendly programs Gateway Arch National Park is going to the dogs. The Downtown St. Louis 91-acre urban national park has always been dog-friendly, and Gateway Arch Park Foundation and Purina have announced a new partnership to bring fun opportunities and programs to the Arch grounds to help our canine companions feel welcome. “For the past year we’ve watched St. Louisans find respite from the pandemic by visiting Gateway Arch National Park, many of them with their pets,” said Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “Residents of downtown St. Louis already know this is a great park to spend time with your dog, and we hope through this partnership with Purina we can encourage St. Louis’s dog-loving community to experience the Arch in a brand-new way.” “At Purina, we know experiences are better when people and pets enjoy them together,” said Kim Beardslee, with Purina Community Affairs. “Our hometown of St.

Louis is filled with wonderful pet-friendly parks – none more iconic than the Gateway Arch National Park. We hope this partnership encourages visitors to enjoy some time with their dogs in the shadow of the incredible landmark and the beautiful surrounding grounds.” The partnership kicked off on May 26, launching the search for Gateway Arch National Park’s Official B.A.R.K. Ranger. Gateway Arch Park Foundation is hosting a dog photo contest at www.archpark.org/bark. Owners are invited to submit their favorite photo of their pup at Gateway Arch National Park along with a brief description of what makes their dog iconic. Five furry finalists will be chosen, and the public will vote to choose the Gateway Arch National Park Official B.A.R.K. Ranger. The lucky dog will hold their title for one year and receive a prize pack filled with Arch and Purina-themed goodies. The 2021 Official B.A.R.K. Ranger will be invited to preside

at B.A.R.K. Ranger events throughout the year at Gateway Arch National Park. The winner will be chosen by public vote and announced June 25. What is a B.A.R.K. Ranger? The National Park Service’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program invites family pets to serve as ambassadors for responsible and safe pet handling at Gateway Arch National Park and other national parks across the country. B.A.R.K. stands for: Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, Know where you can go. Owners can sign their pets up to be B.A.R.K. Rangers throughout the year at Gateway Arch National Park. Gateway Arch Park Foundation and Purina plan to announce future events and programs to support B.A.R.K. Ranger activities throughout the rest of 2021. To learn more, visit www.archpark.org/bark.

Outdoor Foundation announces St. Louis as new Thrive Outside community Outdoor Foundation, the organization dedicated to reversing the trend of decreased outdoor participation, on May 27 announced its second cohort of Thrive Outside communities. St. Louis was one of four communities named along with the Twin Cities region, Minnesota; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the state of Maine. The Thrive Outside St. Louis Community will be led by River City Outdoors, a local nonprofit working to build a vibrant outdoor culture and brand in the Greater St. Louis region by connecting the community to its outdoor assets. River City Outdoors will work directly with the Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Initiative, which awards multi-year, capacity-building grants to diverse communities to build and strengthen networks that provide children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors. This community-led initiative is built with trusted local and national partners and is supported by three years of funding. “We’ve been working for the past seven years to accelerate the outdoor recreation culture in the St. Louis region through Terrain Magazine, and now with River City Outdoors, we’re excited to gather that momentum and truly transform St. Louis into a vibrant, inclusive, outdoor community,” said Brad Kovach, editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine and River City Outdoors steering committee member. River City Outdoors is activating an extensive network of community stakeholders dedicated to making outdoor recreational opportunities more accessible and equitable for their region. Their work is focused on five key initiatives: • Rivertime: Engaging and encouraging St. Louisans to explore our river assets, partnering with St. Louis Public Schools to provide all sixth and seventh graders with the opportunity to paddle one of the big rivers (Missouri or Mississippi), engaging youth in educational watershed programming and collaborating with river groups to make the Missouri River more accessible and ultimately nationally recognized as a water trail. • Pedal Programs: Partnering with the Missouri Interscholastic Cycling League to develop youth mountain biking teams in north St. Louis County

and south St. Louis City. benefits of connecting with nature on a regular basis, • Outdoor Recreation Adventure Clubs and Youth particularly among youth in diverse communities.” Leadership Program: Partnering with Boys & Girls The Thrive Outside Communities were chosen by the Clubs and other youth-focused organizations to de- Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors, based on writvelop long-term outdoor recreation programming ten applications, virtual site visits, in-person interviews that includes rock climbing, paddling, camping, and third-party consultant research. Each Thrive Outfishing, biking, and more. side Community grant requires the recipient communi• Community Organization Accelerator: Helping di- ty to provide a 1-to-1 funding match in order to ensure verse, grassroots, outdoor community groups and the long-term sustainability of the network. One backevents gain traction and increase capacity through bone organization in each community will manage the mentoring opportunities, education, marketing grant and facilitate the work of the network partners. and fundraising support. • City Parks and Neighborhoods: WorkCity of Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri ing with the city of St. Louis and com9641 Bellefontaine Road munity partners to invest in North City St. Louis, MO 63137 parks and open spaces, increase the PUBLICATION OF DECLARATION AND NOTICE OF quantity and frequency of neighborhood PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDER TO ABATE clean-up and beautification events, and advocate for more outdoor recreationNOTICE PUBLICATION DATE: al opportunities within neighborhoods Notice of Public Nuisance and Order to Abate to Owner(s) of Record, Heirs, in order to create healthy and inviting Unknown Heirs and Parties of Interest: Orvelle A. Fox, deceased, 10205 McCartney outdoor environments for city residents Lane, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO 63137, his heirs, unknown heirs and parties of interest. and visitors. “The St. Louis region offers some of the PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: The single story, residential structure, known and most unique natural spaces and inspiring numbered as 10205 McCartney Lane, Lot 3 recorded in plat book 18023 Page 747 of the St. Louis County, Missouri Records exhibits the presence of trailer with trash, recreational opportunities anywhere. So, trash in bags near curb, and excessive vegetation, which creates a public nuisance in why hasn’t every kid in our community kayaccordance with Sections 13-36, 13-37, 13-38, and 13-39 of the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri Municipal Code of Ordinances. aked past the Gateway Arch on the Mississippi River or pedaled a bike along the Katy Corrective Action: (1) Remove derelict trailer with trash from the property; (2) Trail? Through River City Outdoors, we are Remove trash located about the property: and (3) Reduce the growth of vegetation in excess of 8 inches in height. The complete inspection report with specific violations activating an inclusive network of commulisted has been filed with the Bellefontaine Neighbors’ City Clerk and is available nity partners that shatters barriers to access upon request. Corrective action shall commence immediately 10 days after the date of and empowers all St. Louisans to experience publication of this notice. the transformative power of nature in our Right to Hearing own backyard,” said Rachel Bartels, River You may file a written request for a hearing by contacting the City Clerk at City Hall, located at 9641 Bellefontaine Road, St. Louis, MO 63137; (314) 867-0080. City Outdoors director. “The Thrive Outside Initiative is workPenalty for Noncompliance: ing to create a more inclusive and accessible If you fail to abate the violations as ordered, in accordance with Sections 13-40 and 13-46 of the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri Municipal Code of Ordinances, outdoor experience for all,” said Stephanie the City will immediately cut and/or remove, or cause to be cut and/or removed, the Maez, Outdoor Foundation executive direcsaid debris, weeds, high grass or brush which is causing the nuisance. Section 1-13 of tor. “We are thrilled to expand our grants and the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri Municipal Code of Ordinances provides authority to have the nuisance abated and charge all cost to the real estate as a tax lien. programming into four additional communities this year and inspire kids and families Colonel Jeremy Ihler, Chief of Police, Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department. June 30, 2021. to experience the powerful transformative

Aound Town

June 30, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Ameren Missouri donates 800 air conditioners and energy assistance funds to Cooldownstlouis.org On June 16, Ameren Missouri donated $165,000 to Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org to support the most vulnerable customers in St. Louis and eastern Missouri. The company also donated 800 Energy Star rated window air conditioners and 800 four-packs of LED lightbulbs for distribution throughout Missouri. On average, the energy-efficient air conditioners cost less than a dollar a day to operate. “We want to ensure that our customers stay safe and healthy as temperatures start to rise with the summer heat,” said Marty Lyons, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. “Our partnership with Cooldownstlouis. org and Cooldownmissouri.org

is a key part of that effort, particularly for seniors and those with medical conditions.” This year’s air conditioner donation marks the 21st anniversary of Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org’s “Save our Seniors” (S.O.S) Cooling Summer Project. It is the 16th year of participation by Ameren Missouri, resulting in more than 9,000 window air conditioning units delivered to qualified seniors and people with disabilities across the region. “Some seniors and neighbors with disabilities are still sheltered in their homes due to COVID-19, and it’s important that they stay cool. Many will do so because of the generosity of Ameren Missouri and the hard

work of Cooldownstlouis.org, Cooldownmissouri.org and its partnering agencies,” said Missouri State Senator Karla May, a new Cooldownmissouri.org board member also representing the state of Missouri. “St. Louis summers have been known to be extremely hot, humid and often deadly,” said Tishaura Jones, the first African-American mayor of St. Louis and honorary chair of Cooldownstlouis.org. “Today, Ameren Missouri, a good corporate citizen, is donating 800 brand new energy efficient air conditioners to Cool Down St. Louis. We encourage our most vulnerable to turn on the air and stay safe this summer. Many volunteers prepared do-

nated units for statewide distribution to an already large waiting list of qualified seniors and clients with disabilities. Joining Lyons were Ameren Missouri volunteers, Cool Down board members Missouri State Senator Karla May; St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones; Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson, Greater St. Louis Area Fire Chiefs Association; Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Inc.; Corporate Treasurer Reverend Earl E. Nance Jr.; Linda Fritz, NECAC program director; and Cora Faith Walker, St. Louis County Chief Policy Officer and popular St. Louis television meteorologists. “When Ameren and Cool

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Down St. Louis team up, the community significantly benefits. That’s because Ameren takes a leadership role in charitable partnerships. They bring the financial resources, and Cool Down St. Louis has the drive; and passion to help keep our elderly neighbors safe each summer. The Urban League has been affiliated with Cool Down for 21 years, and they are good neighbors,” said Michael P. McMillan, president/CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. and a Cool Down executive board member. Ameren Missouri resources are available for seniors and those with medical concerns. Customers and their families are encouraged to visit AmerenMissouri.com/HealthAndSafety for information on Medical Equipment Registry (MER), the Caring Contact Program and energy assistance options including the Keeping Cool Program and low-income weatherization assistance. Older adults and people with disabilities, as well as low- to moderate-income families, are encouraged to apply for the energy assistance funds by visiting Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org or by calling 314.241.0001 or 314.657.1599, which are their hotlines for seniors and people with disabilities only. The Cooldownstlouis.org S.O.S. Summer Project encourages area residents to check on their elderly neighbors to make sure their air conditioners are on and working. Cooldownstlouis. org and Cooldownmissouri.org will also be distributing 150,000 cooling cards with helpful summer tips, along with Ameren Missouri’s contact information, to connect customers with available resources. Energy assistance is available to Ameren Missouri customers who need help paying their bills. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance to learn about various support options, including federally funded COVID-19 relief programs. Select programs are offering increased income eligibility, allowing more Missourians to receive help even if they didn’t qualify previously.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 30, 2021

Senior Living

JFS St. Louis receives $25,000 grant for senior services Jewish Family Services (JFS), which provides mental health and social services for all St. Louisans, recently received a $25,000 grant from the JCA Charitable Foundation. Proceeds from the grant will support educational programming and health care services that directly benefit the area’s Jewish elderly population. JFS assists the Jewish senior community, which includes Holocaust survivors. Part of the JCA Chari-

table Foundation grant will fund a portion of a new JFS case manager’s time devoted to helping Holocaust survivors navigate specific application processes and client assessments needed to stay healthy and safely age in place. The JFS Senior Services team currently assists nearly 150 Holocaust survivors in applying for benefits from the Claims Conference, which designates funds for in-home support services and The Blue

Still In This Together:

Card program, which contributes funds for minor medical services. JFS’ Senior Services supports nearly 2,000 older adults annually in the St. Louis City and County with care management and in-home services. The program includes resource and program referrals, subsidized homemaker services, falls and hospital readmission prevention services, and emotional and spiritual support through friendly visits and counseling. By Vicki Bahr

The future lies in the imagination I can’t for the life of me figure out when my grandmother found time to read, with all the never-ending cooking and cleaning and caretaking she did, but she was a reader. Her younger daughter, my Aunt Betty, used to quiz me on dictionary words as we sat on the front porch of their brick home on Geraldine Avenue. Only when I reached the magic number of correct spellings for the day would we play catch or hopscotch on the front sidewalk until dinner. From my earliest memories, there were books, and stories, and adventures just waiting to be shared at every birthday and Christmas, without fail. The inscriptions were beautifully written in cursive letters with fountain pens, ‘To Vicki on her eighth birthday from Grandma and Grandpa’, and I treasured each hardbound classic, even though I had to grow into quite a few of them. Of course, my grandmother was also the one who told me to always read the last page of the book first, to see if I was going to like the ending before I decided to read it, a bad habit I admit to harboring to this day. Maye her time was at such a premium that reading the last page first helped her to choose what would be most worthy of her attention. I smile even now just thinking about her dubious advice. My Mom was also a reader, and her father, my maternal grandfather, hand-made her a long, beautiful bookcase at some point, staining it a deep, dark mahogany and curving the edges of the shelves just so, to give it a feminine look. Fridays were the day she dusted the books and rubbed the wood of her bookshelves with lemon Pledge, and I remember finding her many Friday afternoons when I got home from school, sitting on the bedroom floor with an open book in her hand, having lost all sense of time. What a wonderfully luxurious history to be born into, when books were cherished and stories were encouraged. The first time I was introduced to John’s parents, his Dad had a large print Louis L’amour volume in his lap, and his eyes were still far away in the old west when he looked up and smiled at me. We were kindred spirits from that moment forward. I was an English major in college, and often felt that I was cheating because I enjoyed the work so much. My advisor and favorite professor just smiled and nodded when I shared my confession with him. “Exactly as it should be,” he said.

Our children were read to and surrounded by storybooks from before they were born. I remember on rainy afternoons laying all the Little Golden Books end to end and using them as stepping stones to travel from room to room through the house. Symbolic, looking back on it: stepping stones to so very much… Grandparents supplied books with favorite subjects for them, from Christopher’s hot air balloons to Adam’s motorcycles, Katie’s weather phenomenon to Becca’s Babysitter Club Little Sisters. This was all in pre-computer and pre-Amazon days, when bookstores needed to be searched and phone calls made to find just the perfect gifts. And I’m proud to say the tradition continues. From the time our grandchildren were tiny, familiar voices were reading to them, videos were being sent by cell phone of their favorite bedtime stories as pages were turned and pictures were giggled over. Even when COVID kept us physically apart, there were Zoom calls, and the same Frog and Toad stories that were read to their Mom were shared with the youngest of our grandkids. Each of the grandkids loved the Richard Scarry story “Watch Your Step Mr. Rabbit,” and the older ones read it to the eighteen-month-old twins now. Last week, their five-year-old big brother called me to share the exciting news that the libraries would be opening again very soon. He was so happy that “his babies” would be able to go to story time like he did when he was little. “And Grandma,” he whispered. “We’ll be able to smell all the books again.” Bravo, Adler! Just promise me you won’t read the last page first.

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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 nearly 49 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.

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Business

June 30, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Golfers hit the greens for the 2021 Greater North County Chamber Golf Tournament Golfers enjoyed a beautiful warm day at the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Golf Tournament on June 4 at the Florissant Golf Club. In a sold-out event, First place “A” Flight winner was Team Edward Jones – Joe Meyer; second place “A” Flight was Team Rev. Cedric Portis; first place “B” Flight was Team Dorsey; second place “B” Flight was Team State Farm – Brennen Sowa. VIP Business sponsors were ServPro of Overland/Cool Valley; Ultimate Team Sponsors were Catering To You Banquet Center, City of Hazelwood, Delmar Mortgage, Goldkamp Heating & Cooling, Hutchens Mortuary & Cremation Center, Morrison Travel & Cruise, and Pirrone’s Pizzeria. Trophy sponsor was Dana McKitrick, PC Attorneys at Law; Longest Drive sponsor was Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties; Valet Car Sponsor was Angels at Work/The Taste in Ferguson; Golf Ball Sponsor was Gary’s Auto Service; Cigar Sponsor was Edward Jones-Joseph Meyer; Beer was donated by Grey Eagle; and water

Northwest Views: It didn’t matter where your degree came from, or the number of years of experience you had, or how many challenges you had navigated previously in your career; no educator was fully prepared for what the past 12-plus months demanded of them. Since March 2020, there have been countless struggles, long nights, difficult conversations, and most importantly, students needing more support and care than ever before. Yet, here we are. Another year of school in the books and we continue to move forward. How did we get here? For me, it comes down to embracing all of the things we’ve learned. Among the first things we learned in education during the pandemic was how committed our teachers and staff were to adapting. No matter how many times the news turned for the worse, educators continued thinking about the next day, the next adjustment they needed to make and the next opportunity to reach out to their students to let them know, everything will be okay. This resolve helped chart our path over the last 12

Submitted photo First place “A” Flight winner was Team Edward Jones at the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Golf Tournament on June 4 at the Florissant Golf Club.

was donated by Dr. Pepper. There were many other sponsors including “Fore My Business” Hole sponsors and Par “Hole” Sponsors. Derick Wellmann with Amore Pizza chaired the 2021 Golf Committee, with committee members Bret Berigan, Christian Hospital; Paul Manganelli, American Family Insurance; Joe Meyer, Edward Jones; Mike Moehlenkamp, Gary’s Auto; Scott Palermo, A Skeets Production; Teri Reiter, Freedom Title; and Jon Vogt, Catering To You Banquet Center.

Christian Hospital among nation’s top hospitals for treatment of heart attack Christian Hospital has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2021. Christian Hospital is one of only 212 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The award recognizes Christian Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Christian Hospital has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations. To receive the Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Christian Hospital has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain - MI Registry for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart

attack patients. “As a Platinum Performance Award recipient, Christian Hospital has established itself as a leader in setting the national standard for improving quality of care in patients with acute myocardial infarction,” said Michael C. Kontos, MD, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee, and cardiologist at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that almost 700,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others. Chest Pain - MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

What we’ve learned

months, and we are a better district and community for it. We learned about community, and how much stronger we become when we have parents, families, businesses and local leaders working together for our kids. That’s not to say there weren’t disagreements over the decisions we made, or the timeline we developed for attempting a return to normalcy, but it was clear from the beginning that it takes everyone respecting differences of opinions and truly listening to each other to help guide us along this journey. Of course, no decision will ever garner unanimous support, but we knew at the heart of it, our community understood that we all shared the same goal, to create healthy and safe learning environments for students. A perfect example of this was creating our Medical Task Force, a team of doctors who volunteered their time throughout the school year to review our practices and provide guidance on how to safely move forward. To have our families and neighbors sharing in the discussion of how to best achieve our goals

was an incredible asset to our district. We now have a better understanding of how to collaborate with and incorporate our various stakeholders, a process that can only make us stronger. It became obvious that we must continue to shape how we incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools and community. As we committed all of our focus to fighting the pandemic, the issue of racial injustice and equity for African-Americans and other persons of color, almost half of our Ladue Schools student population, demanded our attention at the same time. As a result, we worked to amplify student voices and learn more about how our schools could do better from their perspective. We continued to engage with our community, giving parents and families a chance to share concerns and indicate how we could better reach all students and teach them the stories and viewpoints that had previously been underrepresented. These efforts will continue into the next school year and beyond,

By Dr. Jim Wipke but I feel confident that we are in a better position to serve our diverse student-groups than we were before. Finally, and most importantly, this past year has taught us that our students are resilient. They are brave, they are creative, they are determined, and they are what made the biggest difference for us in the last year. They kept their heads up, embraced everything that was new, and made this one of our most memorable years for all the right reasons. We are so fortunate as educators to be able to lead our students each day, and this past year served as a reminder that they deserve everything we can give them. I believe we were able to meet that expectation for them and look forward to making our next year even better. When the pandemic began, it was clear that we as a school district were about to change. However, it was up to all of us to determine what kind of a change that would be. I am exceedingly proud to know that we as a community never lost sight of what was best for our

students and made a change for the better. What have we learned? We’ve learned in education that even if the days ahead are uncertain, and even if they might not turn out perfect, that all will be okay when you have a committed staff, the support of a wonderful community, and the resolve of children to see it through! Dr. Jim W i p k e joined the L a d u e School District as Superintendent on July 1, 2019. He received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Harris-Stowe State University in 1993, a master’s degree in administration and education from Southwest Baptist University in 2000, and a doctorate degree in education from Maryville University of St. Louis in 2008. 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 30, 2020

Riverboats at the Gateway Arch to hold Red, White & Brews: A Fourth of July River Bash The party’s on for the Fourth of July. Enjoy live music, a New-Orleans-style crawfish boil, drink specials and riverboat cruises, and watch fireworks sparkle over the Mississippi River at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch’s Red, White & Brews: A Fourth of July River Bash on Sunday, July 4. This free celebration will take place on the riverboat dock from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. ”This year’s Fourth of July fireworks over the Mississippi River will be one of the largest downtown displays ever, and the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch provide the best front-row seats to the show,” said Robert Hopkins, director of operations, Riverboats

at the Gateway Arch. “Celebrate Independence Day here at the riverboats and join us for a rocking summer soiree with a delicious crawfish boil, live performances from local bands, relaxing river cruises, and of course an exclusive view of the fireworks dazzling over the Mighty Mississippi!” In addition to indulging in the crawfish boil, guests can order from the Paddlewheel Café, which will feature a limited menu including fresh catfish nuggets, shrimp po’boys and grilled steak salad. Drink specials will be offered throughout the day at the dockside bar. While the Fireworks Cruise is sold out, tickets are available for the St. Louis Riverfront Cruise, which

departs at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Happy 4th of July!

A reminder that fireworks are prohibited by law in Florissant On average over 180 people go to the emergency room on or near 4th of July each year. People die from different fireworks-related accidents. Small children and family pets can be terrorized by fireworks. According to the Florissant Police Department, the city of Florissant and the nation has experienced a noticeable increase in the amount and size of the pyrotechnics that individuals are using on 4th of July and New Year’s Eve which has resulted in complaints of peace disturbance. A more disturbing trend is the national increase in the discharge of firearms on the 4th of July holiday and New Year’s Day. What goes up must come down and spent bullets can kill or maim a child, adult or pet and cause expensive property damage. Dis-

charging firearms is always illegal and violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The sale, possession and use of fireworks are prohibited by law in section 215.020 of the city code which was enacted by the city council several decades ago. This administration has placed a renewed priority on enforcement of this ordinance in an effort to prevent death, injury, fires and disturbance of the peace. Violators will be subject to a fine of up to $1,000. The city of Florissant provides a safe, professional fireworks display each Independence Day. This year’s event includes a performance by the Midnight Piano Band at the James J. Eagan Center grounds and we invite our citizens and guests to enjoy Independence Day

fireworks safely this year at the Eagan Center. The public is encouraged to notify the Police Department at 314-8317000 of any illegal fireworks or firearms activity.

890 North LaFayette Florissant, MO 63031

314-839-3332

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Happy 4th of July

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Happy Independence Day!

Dellwood

Randy Curless - Owner

10100 W. Florissant Rd. Dellwood, MO 63136

St. Peters 4490 N. Service Road. St. Peters, MO 63376

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SINCE 1948

314-868-2000

636-614-4194

What’s Happening

June 30, 2021 • 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

plete list of all accepted items.

June 26: Recycling event

July 21: Public speaker

Spectrum Ecycle Solutions will be accepting all electronic and technology devices for secure and eco-responsible recycling from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 6100 Natural Bridge Rd. east of Jennings Station Rd. Items accepted include all office and home technology-related devices and electronics such as computer monitors, keyboards and hard drives. Additional items include any size flat screen TV/monitor, any size tube or console TV and big screen TV’s. Visit the Spectrum Ecycle web site for a complete list of all accepted items.

July 17: Recycling event

In 1984, Darryl Burton was wrongly convicted of a murder in St. Louis. He was proven innocent and exonerated after serving over 24 years in prison. Darryl travels the globe to share his story and powerful message of hope and forgiveness and will be speaking at SunRise Church (7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd. in O’Fallon) at 7 p.m. This is a free event but RSVP’s are required at sunrisefamily.org/life.

July 31: Outdoor concert and food truck festival

The Hulapoppers Outdoor Concert and Food Truck Festival takes place from 5 – 8 p.m. at SunRise Church at 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd in O’Fallon. Free admission, food trucks cost extra.

August 14: Breakfast event

The Red Hat Society’s Eastern Missouri Queen’s Council will host a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” event. There will be a formal coronation for all new RHS Standing Proud Queens and will be held at Marriott St Louis Airport at 10700 Pear Tree Lane between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more

FERGUSON RECREATION CENTER

1050 Smith Road, Ferguson, MO 63135

ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC COMPLEX SAUL BRUTE PRESENTS

THE AAC BRUTE

FIRST ANNUAL BOXING SHOW JULY 10, 2021 @ 6 P.M. FIGHTS BEGIN AT 7 P.M. Reservations available for purchase in advance. Food will be available for purchase.

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR CONTACT US AT 3149422950 TICKETS: $15 RINGSIDE TABLE: $150 “Let’s come out Ferguson and enjoy an evening on the ropes.” ~Coach Saul

information please contact Council Queen 314-496-6625 or email ladiesinred6309532gmail.com.

Sept. 11: Fundraiser

Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, will host Feast for Change at 5:30 p.m. The fundraiser, which commemorates OFS’s 40th anniversary, will be held at Kuhs Estate & Farm located at 13080 Spanish Pond Rd. in Spanish Lake. The farm-to-fork experience includes fresh, locally sourced food, fine wine, and a live auction. Proceeds from the evening benefit OFS’s services that focus on finding solutions in response to the region’s food systems challenges. Tickets are $150 per person and $1,500 for a table of 10. For ticket details or to become a sponsor, call 314726-5355.

RECURRING EVENTS Weekdays: Food pantry volunteers needed

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is in need of ongoing adult volunteers to sort food, stock shelves and shop with clients. Two-to-four hour shifts are available, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. To learn more or to join this fun group, contact Chelsey Banaskavich at 314-513-1674 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

Mondays: 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 314-540-5223.

Mondays: practice

Choral Arts Singers

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.

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. For a limited period the Chapter will pay for one (1) year membership for new members.

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: 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

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.

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.

Mondays: A cappella singers

Tuesdays: Choir rehearsals

Mondays: Workshop meetings

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

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: 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, 314-831-5476.

2nd Tuesday Sept.-June: Show-me Stitchers:

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

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

Wednesdays: Bingo

Bingo takes place every Wednesday at American Legion Post 338 at 9655 Midland Blvd. in Overland. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information contact Chairman Ed Hilleman at 314660-1813.

Wednesdays: Bingo

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

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Morning at Florissant Elks Lodge #2316 Florissant Elks Lodge #2316, 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. Doors at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 314921-2316.

Bridgeton Trails Library Branch Programs:

3455 McKelvey Rd., St. Louis, 314-9943300. 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News – St. Louis County • June 30, 2021 Every 1st Wednesday of the Month: Stroke Support Group

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

Thursdays: Bingo

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

Thursdays: Quilting guild

Every third Thursday of the month the Flower Valley Quilting Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 123 Carson Road in Ferguson.

Thursdays: checks

Blood

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.

Thursdays: meeting

Women’s

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Sundays: AMVETS meat shoot

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

Yoga returns to Calvary UCC at 2501 Hartland Avenue, on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30. Masks and social distancing are required in the building and participants should bring hand sanitizer with them. For further information call Angela at 314-801-8594.

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 314-402-7025.

Saturdays: Free walk-in clinic

Salam Clinic at St. Peter’s United

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.

CHURCH Tuesdays & Thursdays: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church Grief-

Share Support Group

Tuesdays from 2 - 4pm and Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30pm, 11645 Benham Rd., 314-741-3737

What’s Happening

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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.

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 11:30am-1pm, Maryland Hgts. Comm. Ctr., 2300 McKelvey Rd. For more information, call 314-344-6873.

Wednesdays: ACES Schizophrenia Support Group 6:30 - 7:30pm, 314-839-3171.

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 Center:

Hospital

Recovery

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment for adults, 314-9538100.

www.stlcc.edu/apply

Sports

June 30, 2021 • Community News – St. Louis County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B... UMSL students excel in the classroom and in their sport The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) has identified 14 University of Missouri-St. Louis student-athletes who have earned the GLVC Council of Presidents’ Academic Excellence Award. The recipients of this award exemplify the outstanding student-athletes in the GLVC. Each honoree has exhausted his or her eligibility in the intercollegiate sport in which they participated and maintained at least a 3.5

www.treesbywoodys.net

grade point average throughout their academic career. In addition, to be eligible for the award, the student-athlete must have competed in the GLVC for a minimum of two years and completed 96 credit hours. A student-athlete can only earn the distinguished honor one time in his or her career. *Need more stories like this LU graduate pitching for Pittsburgh Pirates Former Lindendwood University baseball player pitched against the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend. As a relief pitcher, Jeff Hartlieb found himself on the mound at Busch Stadium and set the Cards down 1-2-3. He got two batters out with fly balls and an infield ground out. *Welcome back to the Lou

Ambush holding soccer tryouts The St. Louis Ambush is a professional soccer team that plays in the MASL east division with home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles starting in the fall. Here is an opportunity to be part of an exciting sport and play in one of the nicest arenas in the area in front of all your family and friends. The Ambush will hold open tryouts for the upcoming MASL soccer season. The dates will be Aug. 7 and Aug. 8. The location will be the Vetta St Charles facility at 1425 St. Peters Cottleville Rd. in Cottleville. Ambush owners, coaches, and staff will be present for the tryouts both days. For more information go to www. STLAmbush.com *Show your talent

Baseball Hoots holding on to first place The O’Fallon Hoots are members of the Prospect Baseball League, playing in the West-Prairie Land division and began play in O’Fallon at their home field CarShield in May 2020 after relocating from Hannibal, Missouri following the 2019 season. The Hoots have a slim one-half game lead over the Cape Cat Fish just about half way through the season. Several players are consistently playing great baseball to lead the team: Infielder Nick Hofmann has played 20 of 26 games leading the team in hitting at .352 average ranking 18th in the league. Outfielder Brett Johnson follows with an average of .327 after playing 17 games. Right-handed Masen Palmie has displayed impressive pitching performances as he has won four out of five starts with a 2.03 earned run average that ranks him fourth in the league. Right-hander Anthony Klein has pitched 18 innings and has won four games with no losses and has not allowed a run yet this season. Go to www.OfallonHoots.com for more information. *Leaders of the pack

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 30, 2021

Recipe:

Servings: 6-8

F-1

– SUDOKU –

The Perfect Summertime Pie

Coconut Key Lime Cream Pie

Feature

Ingredients: 1 package (11 ounces) vanilla wafers 1/3 cup butter, melted 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup Key lime juice, divided 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon coconut extract 1 cup shredded coconut 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut lime zest maraschino cherries

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.

Directions: • In blender, pulse vanilla wafers into crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse until combined. Press crumbs into bottom and up sides of greased 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie plate. Refrigerate 30 minutes. • In large bowl, beat whipping cream until it thickens. Add confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon lime juice; beat until stiff peaks form. Remove 1 cup; set aside. • In separate large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and coconut extract; beat until blended. Add remaining lime juice and shredded coconut; stir until combined. Add reserved whipped cream. Stir until combined. Pour into crust. • Refrigerate 4 hours. • Before serving, garnish with toasted coconut, lime zest and maraschino cherries.

Find more summer recipes at Culinary.net

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Heartwarming ‘12 Mighty Orphans’ tells a real-life story

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.

From “Rudy” to “Remember the Titans” and “The Replacements,” football movies are almost a dime-a-dozen. There is, however, something inherently likeable about “12 Mighty Orphans,” a new sports drama with engaging characters and performances. Based on the book of the same name by author Jim Dent, the story contains many real-life football players and coaches, but some pertinent details are altered to fit the framework of the movie. Luke Wilson (“Legally Blonde”, “Stargirl”) plays Harvey Nual “Rusty” Russell, a successful football coach who takes a position at the Fort Worth Masonic Home for orphans in Texas. Russell uses football as a way to teach the young men in his care about life and their own self-worth. Christened the Mighty Mites, the team gains confidence as they shock the competition with their growing skill and determination. Not everyone who works at the Masonic home wants the boys to succeed on the field, however. Though the plot was reworked somewhat for the big screen, “12 Mighty Orphans” is sincere in the story it tells. Director Ty Roberts works hard to make sure this real-life tale doesn’t get completely lost in a Hollywood fantasy. Some children at the Masonic Home had been abandoned by one or both of their parents for one reason or another. When Coach Russell gets

them on the field for the first time, they have no actual football equipment and only one actual football. Luke Wilson is impressive as Harvey Russell, a man who helps build the team’s abilities and confidence. Russell had served as medic in World War I but was blinded by mustard gas that also affected his lungs. The future coach was hospitalized for six months and later defied the odds to become an outstanding college football player. He gave up a position at one school and spent 16 years at the Masonic Home, helping the Mighty Mites reach the State playoffs multiple times. Like his real-life counterpart, it’s impossible to ignore Jake Austin Walker, who portrays real-life football player Hardy Brown. In the film, Brown had witnessed the brutal death of his father after which his mother abandons him. Brown channeled his anger and frustrations into football and was known for knocking out opponents on the field. One anecdote said that the Rams offered a $500 reward to any player who could knock Hardy out. Director Roberts doesn’t quite know what to do with some characters. Wayne Knight of “Seinfeld” and “3rd Rock from the Sun” fame turns in a cartoonish performance as Frank Wynn, the dean of the orphanage’s school. Knight turns Wynn into a stereotypical bad guy who makes the orphans do unpaid labor

“12 Mighty Orphans” photo courtesy Santa Rita Film Co.

and beats them for minor infractions. Martin Sheen plays Doc Hall, the school physician and defensive coach, but the story focuses more on his alcoholism than his accomplishments. For the most part, “12 Mighty Orphans” is a great sports story with engaging characters. Although the football scenes are necessarily rough and violent, there’s a lot to like about this film and the messages it contains. “12 Mighty Orphans,” rated PG-13, currently is playing in theaters.

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Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD

‘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

NUTTY PUTTERS Summer is the best time to get outside and do some hardcore puttering. Putterers everywhere look forward to the chance to get those things done that can be put off indefinitely, but occasionally get done unexpectedly. Puttering can be defined as having no real job in mind but bobbing from one unimportant task to the next without any time constraints and without really accomplishing much of anything. I opted to putter in the yard while my husband puttered in the garage. On this particular day I decided to drag the hose around and water some lifeless spots. I just needed to find the sprinkler. As I made my way to the garage I glanced at my favorite rose bush. What the cootie?! The tips were teeming with vermin – green devil aphids! The watering would have to wait, this was crisis numero uno. Off to the shed I traipsed for bug spray. It was there that I almost plunged into a doodie pile of astonishing proportions! I recognized this icky scat at once—masked devil raccoon! Back to the garage I rushed to inform the putterer-in-chief of my discovery. “Hey! It’s back!” I yelled. “What, your kidney stone?!” “No, dingle-berry, the raccoon! He’s left his nasty calling card by the shed again.” My husband immediately dropped mid-puttering to find the raccoon trap. “Where’d I leave that thing? Have you moved stuff around in here?” “No I haven’t. If I started rummaging around in your junk I’d need Search and Rescue to get me back out.” Then I noticed my good garden scissors on his workbench. “Hey! Just what the holy heck do you

think you’re doing with those?” “I was just about to cut some sandpaper for a project.” “Oh no you’re not! I’ve been looking for those everywhere.” “What’s the big deal? They’re just scissors.” I snatched them up before he destroyed the blade and said, “Just remember that when I use your favorite screwdriver to dig weeds out of the garden.” I headed back to start cutting off dead marigold heads when I got a text from my annoying Aunt Fiona wanting to do lunch. Think of an excuse fast: “Can’t today. There’s been a death.” “Who died?” She demanded. I texted: “Mr. Lawn. Dead and dry as a bone and already in the ground.” She was horrified. I doubt she’ll be bothering me anytime soon, which leaves plenty of time for puttering.

Hello. I’m back.

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. *____ Code, or selfcensorship guidelines for movies 5. Ship pronoun 8. ____ vera plant 12. Tiny piece of anything 13. Dateless one 14. Twist and distort 15. “Animal House” party garb 16. Cantatrice’s offering 17. Frost-covered 18. *Mary ____, star of 52 films and recipient of 1976 Academy Honorary Award 20. Rounded protuberance 21. Breaks off 22. Crime scene acronym 23. One who insists on implementing #1 Across 26. Anxiety, pl. 30. U.N. working-conditions agency 31. A-one 34. Do like exhaust pipe 35. Students’ dwellings 37. Between sol and ti 38. Parkinson’s disease drug 39. Larger-than-life 40. For the most part 42. ____ Aviv 43. Allow to rejoin 45. Between Paleocene and Oligocene 47. FEMA provisions, e.g. 48. *Instrument central

to 1945’s “A Song to Remember” 50. Manage without help 52. *Marx Brothers’ 1933 classic 55. Florentine iris 56. Fourth largest Great Lake 57. *Hitchcock’s “The Man Who ____ Too Much” 59. Make children, biblical 60. Malicious look 61. Highest volcano in Europe 62. Object of worship 63. Always, in verse 64. Like happy people’s glasses DOWN 1. *Humphrey Bogart’s Fedora, e.g. 2. At the summit 3. Hanna-Barbera anthropomorphic bear 4. Kellogg’s Sugar ____ 5. Leather razor sharpener 6. Often used to pull #22 Across 7. Archaic expression of surprise 8. *Like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” 9. Mary’s pet 10. Nabisco sandwich 11. Former times 13. *”The Snows of Kilimanjaro” type of

adventure 14. Straining sound 19. Nautical measures 22. Party bowlful 23. Pressed beverage 24. Skip the big wedding 25. Waterwheel 26. *Drew Barrymore’s grandfather 27. What actors do 28. Mature, as in fruit 29. Like an expired cracker 32. Surveyor’s map 33. “Mai” follower 36. *Hattie ____, first African-American to win an Oscar 38. City in France 40. Prefix for central 41. Deep throat, e.g. 44. Middle 46. Slow ____ or pressure ____ 48. Baby food, e.g. 49. More unfriendly 50. *Ginger’s dance and movie partner 51. Therefore or consequently 52. Mark for omission 53. Archaic “to” 54. Back-to-school purchase, pl. 55. ____-Wan Kenobi 58. *Bing Crosby’s 1944 movie “Going My ____” SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9