Our Town: January 2021

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Our Town Volume 12 | Number 1 JANUARY 2021 Published by the Community News, Our Town is a monthly news magazine covering the cities of Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, and Olivette.

Circulation is 7,000 monthly through over 105 monitored newsstands guaranteeing 100% pickup.

Additional issues are distributed online, and a free online subscription is available at www.mycnews. com

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Mathew DeKinder PUBLISHER EMERITUS/ GENERAL MANAGER Bob Huneke

N THIS SSUE

Around Town

Boys & Girls Clubs Of Greater St. Louis And Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club unite to serve more youth and more.

Feature Turning the page The long-awaited rededication of the Dr. H. Phillip Venable Memorial Park in Creve Coeur is scheduled for June 18 and 19.

By Charlotte Beard

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PRODUCTION Becky Brockmann Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Charlotte Beard

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Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore points out it’s not nice to mess with Mother Nature while Avalanche watches the water.

Lifestyle The 2021 Jeep Gladiator takes off-roading to a whole new level in Automobile Alley. A movie lover’s resolution for 2021 in Entertainment. Comforting dairy dishes that deliver taste and nutrition in For the Love of Food.

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or

Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632 www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2019 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

In Depth The nonprofit Eye Thrive provides free eye exams and glasses to children in need in the St. Louis region.

Events Calendar

Staff Writer – Charlotte Beard Cover Photo – Submitted

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AroundTown

Loving gifts Miracle holiday donations allow Crisis Nursery to help families with $260,000 in aid

www.treesbywoody.net

4 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2021

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery will distribute over $260,000 to Crisis Nursery families this holiday season in the form of rent payments, utility payments, food and necessities. So far, over 900 families and nearly 2,500 children have been helped. The distribution began in mid-December and ran through Dec. 25.

“Thanks to incredibly generous people in the St. Louis area, people who believe in what the Crisis Nursery has been doing, and is able to do, we have been blessed with the chance to assist more Crisis Nursery families than ever in a time of increasing need,” said DiAnne Mueller, CEO of the Crisis Nursery. “So many families have been thrown into such desperate situations this year that requests for help far exceeded any previous year. We are very, very grateful for the help from our donor community that has allowed us to support kids and families in this way.”

The over $260,000 is being given to families currently involved with the Crisis Nursery in the form of payments to landlords and mortgage holders to help with past-due balances, ensuring families can remain in their homes. Payments have also been made to utility companies to prevent services from being discontinued, which would endanger the children in the home. In addition, the Crisis Nursery provided credit to stores that have a presence in the neighborhoods of the people served by the Nursery, including Aldi, Target and many others.

According to Mueller, “For almost 35 years, the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery has been intimately connected with the families we serve.

This year, we heard families say that what was needed most this holiday season was the gift of a warm and stable home. And we know that Crisis Nursery families have been disproportionately affected by the impact of COVID-19. The resulting economic hardships are truly difficult to overstate.”

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, which celebrates its 35th birthday in 2021, knows that when stress in a household is reduced, child abuse can be prevented.

“We have been doing this a very long time,” said Molly Brown, Crisis Nursery Sr. Clinical Director, “and we know that 99 percent of the children whose families are involved with the Crisis Nursery are not abused or neglected because we focus on supporting families and reducing overwhelming stress.”

The unprecedented scope of the St. Louis Crisis Nursery’s assistance to families means that over a quarter of one million dollars is supporting thousands of St. Louis residents when they need it the most.

AroundTown

Joining together Boys & Girls Clubs Of Greater St. Louis And Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club unite to serve more youth Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club will soon be joining the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) family of clubs.

The Boards of Directors and staffs of both Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis care deeply about the future of the children in this community and have been exploring ways to collaborate to serve more youth for years. Collectively, both clubs have served millions of children in the region for more than 113 years. The effective date for the combination agreement is Jan. 1, 2021.

Over the past few years, Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club board and staff have taken steps to build upon the foundation established by Martin Luther Mathews and Hubert “Dickey” Ballentine. These steps have included exploring partnerships with other nonprofit organizations. All parties agreed that a partnership would strengthen the organizations, influence the lives of more children and families, and provide more youth access to low-cost, life changing programs and services.

Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club Founder & President Emeritus, Martin Mathews said of the partnership, “Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club has been an important part of the St. Louis community for 60 years, and our biggest contribution to this community are the children we have served. They are our biggest asset and I know that Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis shares our commitment to children and their development. Both Clubs are committed to a future that focuses on our children that I strongly support.”

“There is a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr that seems especially fitting as we embark on this new journey together: ‘We are not makers of history. We are made by history.’ What will ultimately make us successful is the great history that is the foundation of our organizations and that combined will make us a force for change and good,” added Dr. Flint Fowler, President of BGCSTL. The agreement preserves the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club name, location and nationally recognized youth sports programs. Joining forces and using the strengths of both MathewsDickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club and BGCSTL honors and affirms their legacies.

An integration committee will continue to work to finalize all aspects of the new enterprise. In the short term, club operations will continue as they always have. In the long term, key programs and activities will be enhanced, new programs will be explored, and new data measurement practices will be deployed to ensure positive outcomes in priority areas that include Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, Sports & Athletics and Healthy Lifestyles.

In late October, BGCSTL announced it had merged with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bethalto, which has two locations in Illinois.

The combined organization will now be one of the region’s largest youth development agencies serving more than 10,800 kids and teens annually. In addition, the expanded organization

Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club will soon be joining the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) family of clubs.

will produce better outcomes for all members, extend opportunities for staff professional growth and development and boost fundraising.

JANUARY 2021 | OUR TOWN | 5

AroundTown

Battling addiction Missouri Institute of Mental Health’s addiction science team receives new funding aimed at combatting overdose crisis The addiction crisis continues to rage throughout the United States, including in Missouri, frustrating community healthcare workers and researchers trying to gain control of the problem.

University of Missouri–St. Louis Associate Research Professor Rachel Winograd knows that frustration too well as the director of the Missouri Opioid State Targeted Response and State Opioid Response grants. Since 2017, she’s co-led efforts by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and its partners to implement an evidence-based approach to deal with the crisis. It relies on the use of medications such as buprenorphine and methadone to help people overcome addiction and naloxone to reduce the instances of overdose.

“You do see that the tide has turned in a lot of key stakeholder groups when it comes to attitudes toward medication and harm reduction,” said Winograd, who leads the addiction science team at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health.

“That needs to continue and that needs to expand, and it’s going to take a long time. But attitudes are just one piece of the puzzle.”

More challenges remain, but a new round of funding is helping Winograd and her colleagues broaden the scope of their efforts and engage new partners in the fight.

Missouri is receiving $25 million in funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in

“I chose St. Catherine because everyone is so nice and it feels like home.”

- Carla F.

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each of the next two years with $2.95 million annually earmarked to go to the University of Missouri System.

That includes $2,755,589 to UMSL, much of it to be used to obtain doses of naloxone and hire the people required to deliver it to the communities where it’s most needed.

If that represents a continuation of ongoing efforts that started in 2017, the new funding is also allowing for an added focus addressing stimulant use, most notably methamphetamine and cocaine.

“These are not strictly opioid grants anymore, which is good because most people who use opioids don’t only use opioids,” Winograd said. “This is a poly drug overdose crisis, not just an opioid overdose crisis.

“Whether it’s funding for actual treatment of stimulant use disorder through the state or prevention and awareness initiatives, more harm reduction strategies in education, we’re encompassing stimulant use disorder into our training and service efforts intentionally.”

In hopes of improving prevention, they’re partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters for the first time, both in the St. Louis metro area and in the Cape Girardeau area, to focus on youth development and mentorship with a particular focus on African American youth.

They’ve also added a partnership with local nonprofit The T, a health education and resource center located on Delmar Boulevard and focused on violence prevention, homeless outreach and COVID response. The organization is adding resources for substance use and addiction to its holistic suite of services.

Some funding will also support expansion of the Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis’ EPICC project – Engaging Patients in Care Coordination – that connects people who have recently survived an overdose to treatment and recovery resources. The project connects them to peer specialists who provide support as they begin their journey.

The project is increasing its outreach in north St. Louis and working with churches

in high-need zip codes to become hubs for resources and access to care. The hope is eventually they will host support groups there and provide access to telemedicine, so people don’t need to travel to a treatment center or have their own technology devices to get the support they need.

“I think every time we’ve worked with the Department of Mental Health to add something, it’s been to bring on a new partner closer to the ground than we are,” Winograd said.

She and her team are working with the EPICC project to launch a pilot to study the effectiveness of telemedicine inductions on buprenorphine, which takes advantage of an ease in federal regulations in response to COVID. Previously, patients would need to make an in-person visit to receive a prescription for medication to treat substance use disorder, and that has been a barrier to beginning treatment.

Winograd knows more is needed because so much about addiction is tied to the broader societal issues.

“I still believe in the evidence-based solutions that we’ve been proposing from the get-go,” Winograd said. “But we need those things and we need housing, we need transportation, we need food, we need health care, we need childcare.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the challenge for those trying to end the drug crisis.

It has also disrupted the drug supply and made it more volatile and unpredictable. When people can’t be sure what they’re buying and using, it can lead to greater chaos and more death.

The pandemic also has increased the stress and feelings of anxiety that can lead people to begin using drugs, and it has created barriers for people seeking treatment, perhaps because of budgetary cuts and reduced hours at facilities where people might seek help.

“People are getting left behind, and it’s not any specific entity’s fault,” Winograd said. “It’s just the reality of how our society is structured and our society’s response to this pandemic.”

AroundTown

A healthy start Operation Food Search launches Missouri School Breakfast website Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, recently launched its Missouri School Breakfast website that provides extensive resources and detailed reports regarding breakfast participation trends and how they affect students statewide.

The new website moschoolbreakfast. org, which was created to raise awareness regarding the importance of breakfast, provides a variety of tools for school district administration and staff. The goal is to implement successful breakfast programs at every Missouri school that offers free and reduced-price meals. An interactive map includes statistics for 575 school districts composed of 2,198 schools.

OFS developed the site with support from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC).

The Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis handled the multiyear research process that generated relevant breakfast data based upon information provided by the Missouri Department

of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Findings are from 2017 through 2019, and analysis for the 2019-2020 school year will begin in August of 2021.

According to the current data, School Breakfast Program participation increased by 1.1 percent in the 2018-2019 school year compared to the previous year. Despite the increased participation, only half of all possible free or reduced-price breakfasts were served. Research shows the schools that implemented strategies such as Breakfast After the Bell were 1.9 times more likely to have high breakfast participation.

School breakfasts continue to lag in comparison to lunches served. On average, 61.7 free and reduced-price breakfasts were served for every 100 free and reduced-price lunches. Only 32.1 percent of Missouri schools are reaching the national benchmark of serving 70 free and reduced-price breakfasts for every 100 free and reduced-price lunches.

“When children have the opportunity to

Pictured is Kansas City Representative Richard Brown at James Elementary last year before the pandemic.

eat breakfast at school each morning, they experience improved concentration, higher test scores, and fewer trips to the school nurse,” said OFS Director of Policy and Innovation Trina Ragain. “We’re working to grow the School Breakfast Program in Missouri by showcasing best practices from local schools and highlighting the latest research and trends.”

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Dine local Creve Coeur announces local restaurant recognition program

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The city of Creve Coeur is announcing a new program to promote its local restaurants that have been operating within the COVID-19 environment over the last year.

“We recognize that our local restaurateurs have had to invent and then reinvent themselves to keep their doors open,” says Mark Manlin, Chair of the Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee. “We love our local restaurants and want to give them one more push as we turn the corner into the new year.”

To help restaurants promote their menus, hours and any other specials, the Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee is partnering with the Creve Coeur-Olivette Chamber of Commerce to offer Creve Coeur restaurants a forum to submit 20-second videos to be posted on the city’s social media and website.

The program, called “Local Love,” gives restaurant operators an opportunity to promote their business through video, sharing details about their hours of operation, options for curbside pickup or patio dining, menus, safety protocols, promotions and other details.

The videos will be posted on the city’s social media and website at www.crevecoeurmo. gov/locallove. The city’s website also lists over 60 restaurants located in Creve Coeur that are offering takeout, delivery or curbside pickup.

Creve Coeur restaurant owners who wish to participate may send their videos to Melissa Orscheln, Public Information Officer and Management Analyst, at pio@crevecoeurmo. gov. Submission guidelines are available on the city’s website at www.crevecoeurmo.gov/ locallove.

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JANUARY 2021 | OUR TOWN | 7

AroundTown

The press behind the paper A look behind the scenes at Breese Printing & Publishing, the printing company that makes this, and every edition of the Community News possible

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

What does one of the largest publishers in the Midwest – Breese Printing & Publishing – have in common with Community News? Both were founded in 1921. However, in 2005 Breese Printing & Publishing (BP&P), located in Breese, Illinois began a partnership with Community News to become the printer for the newspaper’s weekly publication – the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. (Left) Erwin J. Mahlandt (left) purchased Breese Printing & Publishing on May 6, 1925. (Right) One of the presses at Breese Printing & Louis metropolitan area.

Publishing at work producing a print publication.

BP&P began as Breese Journal, printing its own publica“I think publishers are finding out that tion though the business was also involved printed on the opposite side. The papers online publications are not the hype that in commercial printing for other enti- were then hand-folded.

Mahlandt states that the commercial was originally forecast,” stated Mahlandt. ties during that time, according to Steve Mahlandt, President of BP&P. Mahlandt’s printer has always used offset press equip- “We are gaining much business from grandfather, Erwin J. Mahlandt was an ment but continues to upgrade its equip- these publishers that are finding out they apprentice to Guy C. Stearns for the ment over time. One big change was the need a print version also to sustain their Breese Journal prior to his grandfather’s switch from film to direct-to-plate equip- business. We are growing our print busiment. ness everyday with new customers which purchase of the business May 6, 1925. “(It) takes the digital files and lasers the is evident in us adding two new presses “(We) always did commercial printing, but (it) was not the focus of business,” image directly to the plate – eliminating in the last year, one high end commercial heat set web and another 40” sheet-fed stated Steve. “I changed that in 1978 as I film,” stated Mahlandt.

Though it may seem like magic how the press.” aggressively went after this work.”

BP&P’s presses allow them to print cataWhen BP&P began printing papers in Community News publications show up 1921 a two-page Huber press was used on grocery store racks at Dierbergs Mar- logs, magazines, and newspapers around that could handle approximately 500 cop- kets and Schnucks every Wednesday, there the United States, as well as brochures and smaller items. ies an hour. After one side was completed, is a process.

“We receive digital files on Monday af“We print many weekly, bi-weekly, the newspapers were turned over and ternoon,” stated Mahlandt. “The files are monthly, quarterly and annual type publithen run through our prepress systems cations that total in the hundreds!” stated that paginate pages, check for errors and Mahlandt. then is sent back to (Community News) for BP&P is fourth-generation family-owned F H approval. Once we get approval, the files since 1925, including Erwin J. Mahlandt’s are sent to the computer-to-plate system son Jerry, followed by inclusion of Jerry’s A full service funeral home offering: to have plates made, then on to the print- sons – Dave and Steve (along with his son • Traditional & Nontraditional Services ing department to run the papers. (After) Josh). The printing and publishing com• Cremation Services • Memorial Services the job is finished (the papers are) ready pany has gone from six full time and sev• Anatomical Donations for pick-up Tuesday morning.” eral part time employees in the 1980s to  G • Prearranged Funeral Plans

Unlike Community News, there over 175 employees today. According to has been a growth of publications opting- Mahlandt, approximately 75 percent – 80  N L B in to online-only periodicals; however, percent are employed as a direct result of S. A, M  Mahlandt speaks to what has sustained commercial printing, as Breese Journal is colliers@colliersfuneralhome.com BP&P. www.colliersfuneralhome.com still in operation.

COLLIER’S

8 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2021

AroundTown

Supporting smiles To help meet dental health needs of children and adults, Delta Dental of Missouri – the state’s leading dental benefits provider – has announced it recently awarded more than $428,000 to support oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes in Missouri and in South Carolina, where it also does business. The oral health grant funding is part of the non-profit company’s annual Mission Giving Program, which has contributed more than $2.6 million in support of community outreach initiatives in 2020.

“During this especially challenging year, so many of our neighbors are facing tremendous hardships,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “Helping them access vital dental care is even more critical. Supporting organizations that align with our mission to improve oral health is one of the many ways we can help meet the needs of those in the communities we serve.”

Delta Dental of Missouri awarded $217,358 in oral health grant funding to the following Missouri organizations: • Heartland Outreach Providers (Blue Springs) – received $75,000 to provide oral healthcare to children, adults and seniors in Jackson County who are uninsured or are on Medicaid.

• Spectrum Health Care (Columbia) – received $50,000 to provide restorative dental care for individuals with low incomes or without dental insurance.

• SWOPE Health Services (Kansas City) – received $34,483 to provide free dental screenings, education, fluoride varnish and preventive services in the Pediatric and Behavioral Health Services clinic areas of its Health Center.

• St. Louis County Library Foundation (St. Louis) – received $25,500 ($10,000 plus $15,500 for in-kind support) to further its Born to Read Program, which distributes materials with oral health information to parents during a child’s first year at eight St. Louis County hospitals.

• Hope House (Lee’s Summit) – received $17,410 to provide free dental care services to domestic violence survivors.

• SoutheastHEALTH Foundation (Cape Girardeau) – received $14,965 to provide free oral health care for underserved ventilated and non-ambulatory hospital patients, helping to reduce the number of hospital-acquired pneumonias in the healthcare system.

Delta Dental of Missouri also awarded $210,700 in grants to organizations in South Carolina.

In 2020, Delta Dental of Missouri’s total charitable contributions also included: • $662,000 in funding as part of its first oral health grant cycle of the year.

• $500,000 to 11 non-profit organizations providing COVID-19 relief efforts in Missouri and South Carolina.

• $30,000 for the Dental Lifeline Network’s (DLN) Lifeline

SUBMITTED PHOTO

St. Louis County Library Foundation receives $25,500 in funding from Delta Dental of Missouri

The St. Louis County Library Foundation recently received a $25,500 oral health grant from Delta Dental of Missouri to further its Born to Read program. Program staff are pictured stuffing the Born to Read bags distributed to new parents through a partnership with seven St. Louis County hospitals. The bag includes baby’s first library card as well as a book, an infant toothbrush, infant development information as well as other items.

Heroes Challenge for Veterans campaign in Missouri and South Carolina.

• Funding for the launch of Delta Dental of Missouri’s new virtual Land of Smiles® educational experience in response to the continuing impact of COVID-19, which reached 74,924 children in 330 Missouri and South Carolina schools since October.

• Donations and free dental care supplies given to charitable and community organizations in Missouri and South Carolina, to help improve the oral health and overall health of residents.

Delta Dental of Missouri is currently accepting applications for the first grant cycle of its 2021 Oral Health Grant Program. To be eligible for an oral health grant from Delta Dental of Missouri, applicants in Missouri must first complete a letter of inquiry through the online application system at https://www.deltadentalmo.com/ AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program, which includes program guidelines and application instructions. Online letters of inquiry are due on March 12, 2021, and online applications are due on March 24, 2021.

Applicants must be considered tax-exempt under 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public or governmental entity, such as a public school or health department, and serve the people of Missouri.

JANUARY 2021 | OUR TOWN | 9

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

TURNING the page

The long-awaited rededication of the Dr. H. Phillip Venable Memorial Park in Creve Coeur is scheduled for June 18 and 19 The long-awaited rededication of the Dr. H. Phillip Venable Memorial Park in Creve Coeur is scheduled for June 18 and 19 and will include an official ceremony, educational opportunity, and a family reception. The Venable family and friends, city of Creve Coeur, and the event sponsors are invited to the event.

Mark C. Perkins, Creve Coeur’s City Administrator, states that both the Venable Park Task Force (VPTF) and members of the Venable family are planning the rededication. The VPTF is chaired by Council President Heather Silverman and staffed by Jason Valvero, Director of Recreation.

The city of Creve Coeur passed a resolution on Dec. 9, 2019 to change the name of the city’s first park and Jan. 27, 2020 the city council adopted a resolution to amend the park’s name to include ‘Dr.’ making the park Dr. H. Phillip Venable Memorial Park. The land on which the park sits was owned by Dr. Howard Philip Venable and his wife Katie W. Venable before they were forced to give up their property to Creve Coeur in the late 1950s by the power of eminent

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domain. Revisit Our Town’s full coverage of the story published in its February 2020 issue (https://issuu.com/mycnews/docs/ot_february_20).

The rededication, originally open to the public, was tentatively scheduled for May 17, 2020. However, due to COVID-19 the event was rescheduled. A variety of sponsorship opportunities have been made available to assist the city in hosting the event.

“The city is planning to provide some funding but in order to honor Dr. Venable with the kind of memorial and program which the Venable Park Task Force is envisioning,” stated Perkins, “we are asking the community to become involved. The Task Force has received a favorable early response.”

Creve Coeur has budgeted categories for the weekend event totaling $22,100. The sponsorships will support the Venable Family’s travel and reception, educational opportunity, and the park dedication ceremony. According to Perkins, the Venable Family will have 14 members traveling from the state of Washington, Michigan, and South Carolina. Creve Coeur desires to cover their airline tickets, hotel stay, and rental cars. The city expects 75 people in attendance for the family reception which will require a large tent, chairs, food and drink, background music and general supplies. Respectively, the travel is budgeted at $10,400 and the reception at $3,400.

“The city is planning to provide some funding but in order to honor Dr. Venable with the kind of memorial and program which the Venable Park Task Force is envisioning, we are asking the community to become involved. The Task Force has received a favorable early response.” ~Mark Perkins, City Administrator The educational opportunity at the event is projected to have 200 attendees to include a storyteller, an art project, and general supplies. The budget for this category is set at $2,900 while the ceremony is budgeted at $5,400. Creve Coeur projects 200 people in attendance for the ceremony and states that funds are required for the same needs as the family reception in addition to a PA system.

Sponsorship levels have been created to include the involvement of residents, nonprofits, religious institutions, schools, and businesses of any size. Direct sponsorship of the memorial will include all aspects involved with the commission and installation of the memorial honoring Dr. Venable in the park. For information about sponsorship levels visit https://www.creve-coeur.org and look for Venable Park Sponsorship Program posted November 24, 2020 under City Announcements at the bottom of the website’s home page.

Creve Coeur’s hope this year is that the rededication takes place to honor Dr. Venable’s memory in the park.

“At this point we do not have alternative plans,” states Perkins, “but as we have learned throughout the pandemic, all plans are tentative, and we will continue to monitor conditions as we move closer to the dedication.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The long-awaited rededication of the Dr. H. Phillip Venable Memorial Park in Creve Coeur is scheduled for June 18 and 19 and will include an official ceremony, educational opportunity, and a family reception. The Venable family and friends, city of Creve Coeur, and the event sponsors are invited to the event.

JANUARY 2021 | OUR TOWN | 11

OurThoughts

MOORE ON LIFE

BY CINDY MOORE

Get

cracking

Here’s to a new year. From volcanoes to viruses, let’s hope it’s an improved one.

Looking forward, here’s a little wish list that should make it much better: How about no more fires, earthquakes or floods to begin with?

In 2020 Mother Nature sure had a nasty bug up her volcanic tube (most likely one of those a murder hornets). She threw a major tizzy fit all year long.

I put the full blame on litter bugs! Especially those people who tie up their doggy doodies in little plastic bags only to plunk them down afterwards. Yeah, that’s helpful. I guess they think a neatly bagged doodie tossed to the ground is better than no bag at all.

I’m sure Mrs. Nature got tired of everyone trashing the place. Oh sure she’d rain as often as possible and then stir up a nice wind to cleanse the area, only to have it a total mess five minutes later. After decades of this, she’s permitted to blow her stack.

“You humans are why I can never have nice things!” she’d grumble then yell, “You guys clean up this place!”

We didn’t listen. We were too busy playing the latest version of Xbox.

“I mean it. I’m not your personal maid! If I have to tell you one more time I will unleash the Kraken!”

We yawned as we were texting on our phones.

“What’s a Kraken?” we asked, “Can we order it on Amazon?”

We still didn’t listen, but the Amazon site crashed.

12 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2021

Maybe we’ll learn this year.

Until then, Mother Nature, could you at least keep the weird insects in check? How about singing ladybugs or maybe an invasion of glittering unicorns? I think we’re due.

And while we’re on the subject, 2021 how about no more toilet paper famines? Come on, it creates extreme heart palpitations.

Sometimes I’ll find myself in a lonely department store stall only to realize, after it’s too late, that there’s only an empty cardboard tube with a few lingering shreds of what used to be. That’s sheer panic.

I have a feeling it’s only going to get worse. The entire country might have to go back to using the Sears catalog as in days of yore.

“Psst. There’s no longer a Sears catalog.”

The Kraken has been unleashed.

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.

OurThoughts ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE

BY AVALANCHE

River gage

There’s a water flow gage that measures the volume of flow of the river about a mile from my house. Installed and maintained by a branch of the federal government, it provides realtime measurement of how much water is coming down the river – which right now isn’t much, as compared to historical standards. The measurements are available online, and the recent remarkably low numbers – record lows most days - have caused me a certain amount of unease.

As I oversee the water systems here in the neighborhood, I have more than a passing interest in the body of water that keeps us hydrated. We have both a domestic system supplied by a well, and an irrigation system which captures surface water from a small tributary to the river. The well is supplied by river water seeping down into the earth; the irrigation supply is from a spring which originates higher up the mountain behind our homes.

Driving by the gage the other day, I saw a US government truck at the site and decided to talk with the technician working on the gage. After introducing myself, Trina, the field technician, gave me a brief tutorial on how the system works. The area is precisely surveyed, and adjustments are regularly made as the streambed changes due to runoff, such as scouring or sediment deposition. A rigid metal arm is positioned over the water, and a radar unit points down at the water surface. The radar measures the level of the water surface, and calculations are automatically made determining how much water is flowing. The data is transmitted via satellite, analyzed by personnel and posted online. A weight attached to a string is also on the arm over the water, and is used to manually verify the radar measurements. A field technician comes out at regular intervals to inspect and verify that everything is working properly.

This particular site is one of the most important in the area, due to its proximity just downstream of a natural hot spring that empties into the river. The hot spring keeps the river water thawed during winter, enabling accurate measurements of how much water is flowing. Other sites in the region have ice forming in the streams, which causes the measurements to be inaccurate. Ice dams can cause the water to rise significantly, causing a false high reading. Ice can also divert the stream

away from the gage, causing a false low reading.

For this particular site, the average winter stream flow is between 50 and 60 cubic feet per second (cfs). Recently, the numbers have frequently been in the low 20’s, thus my concern as to our water supply. We know that as long as there’s water in the river, we’ll have water in our well, though perhaps less than normal. Looking at the river today, it more resembles a creek than river; a very snowy winter is hoped for by all who live here, not to mention those who depend on the nearby ski areas for a living.

Trina mentioned that the site had been offline for a few weeks, something I had noticed. She said it was due to “human waste” causing a hazard getting to and from the site. It seems that the recent surge in use of the adjacent hot springs had led many people to do their business right next to the gage site. Calls from the US government to the county, which owns the springs, were passed on to the state highway department. The highway department put the blame back on the county. Someone up the food chain of bureaucracy finally convinced the local entities to do something about it. A porta-potty was installed on site, and the sewage problem was cleaned up and resolved. Fortunately, regular testing showed no bacterial contamination of our water, no thanks to the inconsiderate users of the hot springs. Sometimes, our out-of-town visitors can’t understand why the locals are less-than friendly…

This year’s thin early snow pack is still keeping water in the river. We’re hoping for a lot more of the white stuff to keep us from the fate of the early Native tribes in the desert southwest, who had a thriving society for centuries before drought scattered those residents to the four winds. There’s snow in the forecast for this weekend; we’re looking forward to it!

Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.

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OurLifestyle

THE 2021

JEEP GLADIATOR TAKES OFF-ROADING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL For the 2021 model year, the capable Jeep Gladiator is available in five different and unique variances. The model lineup includes: Sport, Sport S, Overland, Mojave and their Rubicon Model. No question, Gladiator was developed and engineered from the ground up to be the most off-road accomplished Jeep-style truck ever offered.

It’s positioned in the midsize truck category.

This distinctive model is manufactured and backed by a well-recognized heritage of being tough, dependable and unmatched. It’s combined with the ruggedness utility that Jeep enthusiasts around the globe expect from this authentic trademark brand. Gladiator further builds in welcomed exclusive and clever functionality and uncommon versatility, yet with a well-balanced drive demeanor and a comfortable interior.

The vehicle’s singular body design includes iconic round headlamps plus a seven-slot keystone grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors with exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield plus an innovative removable top. All models come with lightweight, high-strength aluminum doors, hood, fenders, windshield frame and tailgate to help reduce body weight and increase fuel economy.

Powertrains include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, it was developed to safely operate Gladiator up to 1,700 pounds of working payload and 7,650 pounds of towing capacity, with the optional Max Towing Package. They also offer this Jeep with their remarkable 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine. The Diesel is rated at 260 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. Both 14 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2021

powerplants also include their seamless/ automatic “stop-start” fuel savings feature.

This Diesel is so advanced, quiet and refined, that it’s hard to accept the fact that it’s not a conventional gasoline powerplant.

Gladiator is one of the few trucks within its classification to be offered with a sixspeed manual transmission. That’s in addition to its available computer controlled eight-speed automatic. Additionally, fulltime four-wheel drive is now available on all Gladiator models as well as a two-speed transfer case for added off-roading capabilities. This driveline was developed to constantly send engine power to the front and rear wheels.

This Jeep derivative is equipped with a versatile and sturdy cargo box, a bodyon-frame underpinning, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles and electronic wheel/traction lockers. The factory has also constructed it to navigate the demands of enthusiasts and admirers that tend to have an active and adventurous lifestyle, while delivering an open-air driving experience. To further help attract enterprising sight-seekers, a multitude of technology features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus cutting edge safety enhancements are either offered or included.

Gladiator joins the Jeep brand with their 80th Anniversary Edition along with the Willys models in the 2021 product mix. The 80th Anniversary Edition features 18-inch wheels with granite crystal finish, neutral grey metallic exterior accents, 8.4-inch dash mounted info touchscreen, special floor mats and commemorative exterior badging. A Willys version features a

limited-slip rear differential, rock rails and aggressive 32-inch Mud-Terrain tires while their Overland models now offer a TrailCam forward-facing off-road camera. The Sport addition offers up LED headlamps and fog lamps. Their Mojave models represent the ultimate in high-speed off-road capability and performance with lofty suspension components plus a rear locking differential and 33-inch tires. The Gladiator Rubicon model features their two-speed transfer case, electric front and rear locking differentials, detachable suspension sway bar and off-road winch-capable bumpers.

At road-test, the Toledo, Ohio assembled Mojave version I drove (with the gasoline engine) had a sticker price after options and shipping of $62,410. EPA numbers were 17-mpg city/22-highway, with a powertrain warranty of five-years/60,000 miles.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.

OurLifestyle

A MOVIE LOVER’S A movie lover’s

RESOLUTION for 2021 I

n March of this year, I bought a ticket for “Onward,” a solid Pixar comedy about two brothers trying to reconnect with their deceased father. Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) lives in a magical realm where technology has replaced spells and charms. On Ian’s 16th birthday, however, he and his older brother Barley (Chris Pratt) receive a “visitation spell” that could bring their dad back for one day. Things don’t go as planned, however, and only the bottom half of their father returns from beyond.

“Onward” was the last movie I attended before the lockdowns happened in cities across the country. I passed up an opportunity to see another film thinking that theaters wouldn’t shut down, but my assessment of the situation was decidedly wrong. After many chains went dark, some highly anticipated films became available on streaming services.

Some theaters reopened, closed and then reopened again in an effort to stay in business.

As the multiplexes shut their doors, I felt like I lost a lifelong friend, one that had been with me ever since I was a child. My parents took me to see great Disney movies and the whole family went to see “Patton” with George C. Scott.

When I was old enough to head to the Avalon or the Granada, my choices were as diverse as “Grey Lady Down” with Charlton Heston and Kurt Russell starring in “The Strongest Man in the World.”

Like Ian and Barley from “Onward,” I have been trying to recapture something I lost in 2020. Movies have always been my escape from the pressures of school and work. For the price of a ticket, I could take time away from the rest of

the world and lose myself in the latest offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or watch Tom Hanks channel Fred Rogers in the heart-tugging “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

Although I understand the desire and necessity of some movies debuting on streaming services, for me there has never been anything like sitting in an auditorium with hundreds of strangers enjoying the same film. I also would gladly stand in line at the box office for tickets and wait patiently to buy popcorn and soda just to do that again. I’d even smile as people pushed by me on their way to the bathroom.

2020 has been a game-changer in many ways and I’ve learned the hard lesson of never taking anyone or anything for granted. In the past, there were times I thought I was too busy to head to the movies, but I won’t make that mistake again. We should spend time with the people we love and do the things that bring us joy and never take anything for granted. That’s my resolution for 2021.

Have a Happy New Year!

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.

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OurLifestyle

COMFORTING DAIRY DISHES

that deliver TASTE & NUTRITION Broccoli Cheddar Skillet Strata

Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger on behalf of Milk Means More Servings: 4

Cooler weather calls for comfort foods, and it’s hard to top soups, risottos and strata for heartwarming dishes to share on chilly days.

To achieve delicious taste without ditching your healthy eating plan, consider nutritionally balanced one-pot recipes like those from “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger, several of which call for dairy to help fuel your loved ones’ meals. Milk is commonly viewed as a versatile staple to have on-hand for cooking and a nutritious beverage for families with essential nutrients such as calcium that promote bone health in children and teens.

Turn to dairy-fueled comfort foods with recipes from Krieger like vegetarian-friendly Broccoli Cheddar Skillet Strata, nutrient-dense Cauliflower Risotto with Shrimp and Peas or easy-to-make Mushroom Stroganoff Soup.

These dishes offer balanced, health-conscious ways to enjoy flavorful meals while delivering essential nutrients found in dairy.

Find more family meal solutions at milkmeansmore. org.

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Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3 cups whole-wheat baguette or other crusty bread, cut into1/2-inch cubes 1 small onion, diced 3 cups chopped broccoli (about 1/2 head), chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

6 large eggs 3/4 cup low-fat or whole milk 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup packed, shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Directions: Preheat oven to 450 F. In 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add bread to skillet and cook, tossing frequently, until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Transfer bread to plate and carefully wipe crumbs out of pan.

Add remaining oil to skillet then add onion and cook until softened slightly, 2 minutes. Add broccoli and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften, 3 minutes.

In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Add cheese and bread; toss to combine then pour bread mixture over vegetables in skillet.

Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes then uncover and continue baking until strata is set in center, 5-8 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes.

To serve, scoop out portions with large spoon or cut into wedges.

OurLifestyle Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup chopped shallot 3 cups cauliflower rice 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon, allpurpose flour 1 3/4 cups 1% low-fat milk 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 pound medium shrimp (26-30 count per pound), cleaned and tails removed 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons

Cauliflower “Risotto” with Shrimp and Peas Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger on behalf of Milk Means More | Servings: 4

Directions: In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add shallot and cook until softened, 2 minutes. Stir in cauliflower rice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes.

Sprinkle flour over cauliflower and stir to incorporate then add milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until it comes to gentle boil. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until incor

porated then add shrimp and peas.

Return to simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and no longer translucent and sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with additional salt, to taste, then garnish with basil and remaining Parmesan cheese.

Mushroom Stroganoff Soup Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger on behalf of Milk Means More | Servings: 4 Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium shallots (about 2/3 cup), chopped 1 package (10 ounces) white button mushrooms, trimmed and sliced 1 package (10 ounces) cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup whole-wheat egg noodles 1 cup 1% low-fat milk 2/3 cup sour cream, divided 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions: In soup pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 minutes. Add button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms, increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release liquid and begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, 3/4 teaspoon salt and pepper; bring to boil. Add egg noodles and boil gently, uncovered, until noodles are nearly tender, 5 minutes.

In pitcher or medium bowl, whisk milk, 1/3 cup sour cream and flour until flour dissolves.

Ladle 1/2 cup broth from pot into milk mixture and whisk well then pour milk mixture into pot. While stirring, bring to gentle boil then lower heat and simmer until thickened, 2 minutes. Season with additional salt, to taste.

Serve garnished with dollop of remaining sour cream and parsley.

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InDepth

Seeking a new vision The nonprofit Eye Thrive provides free eye exams and glasses to children in need in the St. Louis region BY CHARLOTTE BEARD Eye Thrive has held a mission to improve the futures of pre-K through 12th grade children through eyesight since its founding in 2004 as Eye Care Charity of Mid-America (ECCOMA). The nonprofit was founded by its board president, William “Bill” Jehling who was the president of one of the largest St. Louis eye care practices, according to Kate McKearn, Executive Director of Eye Thrive.

“He definitely knew the signs of vision trouble,” stated McKearn. “When he met a boy, who said he had never had his eyes examined, Bill took him to a clinic and paid for an exam. He ended up buying the kid two pairs of glasses. The boy had never seen before…the first time he put the pair of glasses on. It was magical – the difference a pair of glasses made. So, inspired by that (experience) he created Eye Care Charity of Mid-America.”

In June 2019 ECCOMA officially became Eye Thrive. Since 2004, Eye Thrive has provided over 20,000 pairs of free eyeglasses and is operated by one full-time and one parttime optometrist, six other full-time employees and three additional part-time employees.

“We’re able to make a really big impact within the commu18 | OUR TOWN | JANUARY 2021

nity with the help of many volunteers who help us throughout the course of the year (with things such as) receiving donated inventory, or helping us prepare for our big fundraisers,” stated McKearn.

The funding for the free pre-K through 12th grade free programs is made possible by individual donations as well as charitable foundations and corporate sponsorships. McKearn explained the programs as they were provided preCOVID-19.

“We have three different programs,” stated McKearn. “The first is our screening program. The first step is to go into the schools – that identifies who needs a full comprehensive exam (which) leads into our second program – our Mobile Vision Clinic program. This (program) brings our Mobile Vision Clinic directly to schools or community centers. On board that 38-foot vehicle we have a pre-testing area, two full exam wings, and a dispensary for kids to pick their frame.

(Additionally, we have) a finishing lab – where we make those glasses right there on the spot. The children come on board, they receive a full comprehensive eye exam, they get to pick out their very own brand new designer frames, and

then we’re able to make those glasses with that prescription lens right there on the spot – that is all in about 30 minutes at absolutely no cost to them. We see a lot of kids come on board that have never had a pair of glasses before, never had a prescription or maybe they had never gone to see an optometrist. When they see clearly for the first time through the phoropter during the exam, it is really a wonderful moment. So, we want to make sure that child (can) leave with the glasses that day; we do not want them to have to wait weeks or a month for the glasses. We want to be able to immediately provide them with that tool to walk right back into the classroom (to) learn, read, and see friends and teachers in a whole new way.”

McKearn also shared that Eye Thrive provides an additional pair of glasses for children who have an extremely high prescription or has special needs. She states that they feel very strongly about these children having an additional pair on hand (perhaps one pair they wear while the other remains at home) in case of an accident.

Eye Thrive’s third program for students – replacement prescription glasses – includes shipment of glasses directly to a child’s home with no questions asked.

Criteria includes lost or broken glasses and a current valid prescription. Requests are made via Eye Thrive’s website, mail request, email, phone, or text (find details at https://eyethrive.org/glasses).

Prior to COVID-19 glasses were shipped directly to the child’s school.

“We quickly realized that COVID was not only having a huge impact on our low income families in our community but also for many new families that may be facing adversity for the first time,” stated McKearn. “We very quickly pivoted, and we remained open. We were one of the very first regional nonprofits to remain open and quickly adapt those service models to ensure that our kids are still taken care of. So, within weeks we modified an expanded our replacement program. Prior to March 2020 we were only providing replacements to children that we had seen on board our vehicle.

In March we expanded our replacement

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

InDepth

Since 2004, Eye Thrive has provided over 20,000 pairs of free eyeglasses and is operated by one full-time and one part-time optometrist, six other full-time employees and three additional part-time employees.

program to include glasses for any child with a prescription – if a child had gone to another provider, as long as they had a valid prescription we honored that and we made those replacement glasses.”

In addition to McKearn sharing changes the nonprofit has made to accommodate students who may have left glasses in a school prior to closings in March or other reasons, she also shared that they made necessary changes to accommodate safety while providing necessary one-on-one service via the Mobile Vision Clinic in lieu of the services that would normally take place in the schools or community centers.

“We got back out on the road at Saint Louis County Libraries during the summer providing on-site vision screenings, eye exams and glasses,” stated McKearn.

Eye Thrive requires everyone over the age of two to wear a mask during the Mobile Vision Clinic visits; masks are provided for children. Staff also conduct COVID-19 screenings prior to eye exams (which children must pass). Social distancing is always required, and the clinic’s capacity prohibits family members being on board the clinic.

Recently, Eye Thrive scheduled visits in the Hazelwood School District. In January, Eye Thrive plans to be on the road serving students in Cahokia, Illinois before moving on to East Saint Louis. The clinic is in the process of planning its

summer 2021. According to McKearn, each year they examine their existing 35plus district and community center partnerships and any new partnerships to prioritize their schedules based on need/ poverty level. The wait-list for Eye Thrive’s services is “pretty long.”

McKearn stated, “COVID has definitely not slowed us down; it’s made us realize why our mission is so important and why we are here doing this important work.

We know there is a bigger need than ever before, and we are just doing whatever we can to continue to provide those services while prioritizing the safety of our stops and the families that we see.”

Eye Thrive welcomes donations to assist them with their efforts of providing exams and glasses to students. Any donations up to $50,000 received towards their Dec. 8 Eye Need You campaign via https://charidy.com/eyethrive, will be matched dollar for dollar. The campaign was launched to help off-set the increase in costs to Eye Thrive due to accommodating services amid COVID-19. The following donors have agreed to help the nonprofit raise $100,000: Gerald and Judith Jehling, Midland Optical, William and Karen Jehling, Eureka Lions Club, Clarkson Eyecare, David and Emily Fingerhut of Financial Legacy, and Kyle and Kelly Wiethuchter. For more information about Eye Thrive visit https://eyethrive. org.

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