Our Town: July 2022

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Our Town Volume 13 | Number 7 JULY 2022 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.

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Mathew DeKinder PUBLISHER EMERITUS/ GENERAL MANAGER Bob Huneke PRODUCTION Becky Brockmann Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Wendy Todd

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N THIS SSUE

Around Town Ameren and Heat-Up St. Louis offer assistance to those who need resources for those who are in need of cooling services and more.

Feature Hail to the chief Olivette Police Department makes history with the first female chief of police in department history

By Wendy Todd

Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore says goodbye to her beloved kitty while Avalanche reflects on the motorcycles he’s owned.

Lifestyle 2The 2022 Hyundai Tucson has a distinct personality that stands out among SUVs in Automobile Alley. Amazon will reboot ‘League of Their Own’ in Entertainment. Family meals that make busy weeknights a breeze in For the Love of Food.

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In Depth Dream Builders 4 Equity is a nonprofit that employs marginalized young people ages 16-24 to rehab abandoned houses in St. Louis.

Events Calendar

Staff Writer –Wendy Todd Cover Photo – Bigstock

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AroundTown

The long run

Gracious gifts

Local police departments participate in 35th annual Missouri Law Enforcement Torch Run

Saint Louis Crisis Nursery awarded multiple grants

Pictured above are officers from the Florissant Police Department that participated and gave their support for the Missouri’s Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The Florissant Police Department was again a part of the Missouri Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), which celebrated its 35th anniversary, where Missouri Law Enforcement Officers participate and give their support to the Missouri Special Olympics. It’s more than a run; the mission of the torch run is a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.

The Missouri Police Chiefs Association is the founding law enforcement organization for Missouri’s Torch Run for Special Olympics. What began in 1986 as a 30-mile run is now an 11day relay covering more than 950 miles with more than 2,500 runners. It originates in more than 40 locations and culminates at the site of the State Summer Games.

The Florissant Police Department’s runners received the torch from the St. Louis County Police Department’s runners at the Cross Keys Schnucks. From Cross Keys Schnucks the Florissant Police runners headed towards N. Hwy 67 and went south on N. Hwy 67 to the Goodwill store located at 455 N. Hwy 67, where they gave the torch to Hazelwood Police Department’s runners.

In response to the record number of refugees and asylumseekers making their homes in the St. Louis area, philanthropic partners have come together to establish the St. Louis Welcome Fund. Fueled by the generosity of the St. Louis community and held at the St. Louis Community Foundation, the Welcome Fund is a strategic way to answer the call to support refugees and asylum seekers.

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery has been awarded $12,500 from the Welcome Fund for its Latinx Outreach Program (LOP). With this grant, 50 Latinx asylum seekers in their first year in the U.S. will receive LOP program services to meet their family’s immediate needs and promote long-term stability. Services are provided entirely in Spanish and are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the Latinx community.

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery has also been awarded $25,000 from the Episcopal Presbyterian Health Trust (EPHT) to support the Nursery’s “Keeping Kids Safe – Promoting Healthy Development” program.

The funds from this generous grant will be used to provide early identification of medical and developmental concerns, plus needed intervention services, for 700 children ages 0-12 years. The Crisis Nursery children receiving these critical services have little access to preventative care; often, the medical check-up they receive while staying at the Crisis Nursery is the only one they have had in over a year.

Crisis Nursery CEO DiAnne Mueller said, “We are so grateful to EPHT for funding our ‘Keeping Kids Safe – Promoting Healthy Development’ program. Early identification of medical and developmental problems is so important – 80% of Crisis Nursery children have not had annual routine medical care before admission, so these assessments are vital.”

The mission of EPHT is to support organizations that provide quality healthcare services to St. Louisans. EPHT seeks to create partnerships with effective, community-based organizations, like the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, that work to improve the lives of others through access to healthcare.

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2550 Harley Drive Maryland Heights, MO 63043 4 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2022

AroundTown

Great golf Winner of APGA Tour St. Louis – Ascension Classic to receive exemption into World Wide Technology Championship The APGA Tour St. Louis – Ascension Classic announced that the winner of its inaugural event, coming to North St. Louis County Sept. 8-9 at Glen Echo Country Club, will receive an exemption into the PGA Tour’s World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba this fall.

This coveted playing spot – the first of its kind – is a natural progression for the innovative World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba, which has a history and foundation built on making the game of golf more global and inclusive.

In addition to their title sponsorship at Mayakoba, St. Louisheadquartered World Wide Technology (WWT) is committed to bringing greater diversity to the sport of golf by serving as title sponsor of the APGA Tour’s Player Development Program and as a Community Partner of the new Ascension Classic.

WWT is also a founding partner of the Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson, an official PGA Tour Champions event that debuted with enormous success last fall, and will be played again the week of Sept. 5 at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis.

Matt Horner, World Wide Technology, Executive Vice President offered, “We are very excited about bringing together two of our lead golf sponsorships by connecting the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba through extending an exemption to the winner of the APGA Tour Ascension Classic.

The inaugural St. Louis APGA event is a great addition to the APGA Tour and the St. Louis sports landscape and we are proud to partner with Ascension and so many others. The APGA Tour has built on years of success in assisting with the development of many young individuals who seek to compete professionally while learning and growing. World Wide Technology aligns with the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to follow their passion, without barriers, and we recognize the APGA Tour in their efforts to lead within professional golf.

“World Wide Technology has been a leader in making golf more diverse and inclusive, and we’re thrilled that our APGA Ascension Classic champion will have the opportunity to compete in a premier event on the PGA Tour,’ said Nick Ragone, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Ascension.

“For the APGA Tour to become a truly developmental tour for the PGA Tour, it requires companies like World Wide Technology and other committed partners to provide access and opportunity, and we’re so appreciative that our winner will be able to tee it up alongside the best in the world.”

While the PGA Tour Champions stars are teeing it up at Norwood Hills, the potential stars of tomorrow on the APGA Tour will be showcased less than three miles away at historic Glen Echo, which was established in 1901.

The APGA Tour, established in 2010, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to prepare African-American and other underrepresented golfers to compete and win at the highest level of professional golf – both on tour and in the golf industry.

This is accomplished through professional tournaments, career development and mentoring. With one of the APGA’s missions being to ease the financial burden associated with golf, support from Ascension and World Wide Technology will help ensure that players have access to the tools and support they need to better focus on their career path and development in the game.

“We are thrilled that the winner of our new APGA Tour event in St. Louis will get an exemption into the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba,” said Ken Bentley APGA CEO. “It will add another level of excitement to what will be one of the top events of the year for our players.”

JULY 2022 | OUR TOWN | 5

AroundTown

Beating the heat Ameren and Heat-Up St. Louis offer assistance to those who are in need of cooling services

BY WENDY TODD With temperatures already hitting triple digits, the St. Louis area may be facing a scorching summer. And with high temps can come high energy bills. There are resources for those who are in need of cooling services. Ameren, the largest electricity provider in Missouri, and Heat-Up St. Louis, a nonprofit organization, offer assistance to those who need resources to beat the summer heat.

Ameren offers several energy assistance programs that can help consumers pay their bills. The Clean Slate program helps customers catch up on past due bills. LIHEAP provides assistance to those experiencing financial strain. Payment arrangements are also available to avoid losing service and there’s also a program, Dollar More, where donations helps consumers pay their bills.

Ameren, along with other donors, has partnered with Heat Up St. Louis under their Cooldownstlouis.org program to help them serve those in need of energy assistance. They recently donated 850 air conditioners to the nonprofit that provides this service for seniors and those who are physically disabled. Ameren also donated $200,00 in energy assistance funds.

Heat-Up St. Louis, was founded by Gentry Trotter in 2000 and has helped over one million Missouri and Illinois residents in 44 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis.

The nonprofit offers a variety of services including utility assistance to very low-to-moderate income heads of households.

They also provide other “human resource referrals to a consortium membership of about 33 partners.”

“People come to Cooldownstlouis.org because they are having difficulties paying their bills. They are trapped between the high costs at the pumps, rent, mortgage, a significant increase in food and medications,” Trotter said. “Many of our clients of late are making tough economic decisions. COVID has decimated their wallets and pocketbooks. People also can’t live on minimum wages. And COVID has separated double-income households. Today, oftentimes, either the wife or husband works - dual income continues to slip away.”

Heat Up St. Louis is able to assist many who aren’t able to afford their energy bills due to the community and beneficial partnerships throughout the area.

“Many now are working at home with low-to-moderate income,” Trotter said. “That means that their electric and natural gas usage is up. So, we have various funding pots throughout the metropolitan area. From public donations to government funds.”

For assistance from Ameren go to www.ameren.com/missouri/residential/energy-assistance. For assistance from HeatUp St. Louis go to www.cooldownstlouis.org

6 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2022

AroundTown

A helping hand Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District offers customer assistance programs to its customers Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) offers a customer assistance program (CAP) to qualified low-income, elderly and disabled customers. A customer’s total annual income for the previous year must be less than 200% of the most recent Health & Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines, based on the size of household.

If approved, MSD will reduce the customer’s wastewater bill by 50%. Applications can be found on MSD’s website at msdprojectcIear.org/CAP or customers can call the billing department at 1-866281-5737 to request that an application be mailed to them.

In addition to MSD’s customer assistance program, there are two federally-funded

programs for which customers may qualify. The Low-Income Housing Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides a onetime payment for water and/or wastewater bills up to the maximum benefit of $750 per federal fiscal year. LIHWAP is administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services. Customers can apply online and find more information at mydss.mo.gov/ utility-assistance or call 1-855-373-4636 to ask a team member to mail them an application. The criteria for eligibility for LIHWAP are tied to federal poverty levels and the size of the household. The program is scheduled to end in September 2023, although consideration is being given to making it a permanent program.

The second program, the Missouri State

Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) Program, is funded by federal stimulus funds and administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission. SAFHR provides rent and utility assistance for eligible Missouri residents who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program provides up to 12 months of utility assistance to eligible tenants. Individuals are likely eligible if they are a Missouri renter with income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Applications are open now and expected to remain open until at least September 2022.

The application and more information on this program can be found at mohousingresources.com/safhr.

Bus needs Parkway Schools facing critical shortage of bus drivers Parkway continues to face a critical shortage of bus drivers. Based on the number of students riding the bus this year, we are short 13 drivers – this is about 30 bus routes impacting roughly 1,000 students.

Recently, Parkway convened a Transportation Task Force made up of parents, staff and school leaders to problem-solve the existing bus driver shortage. A more severe shortage of drivers looms in the fall.

This is what was heard: • There was substantial support for increasing bus driver compensation.

• Overwhelmingly, parents and staff did not support adding bus tiers or changing start times.

• Parents support increasing the number of students to three to a seat.

• There is general support for expanding walk zones when it is safe and decreasing the number of bus stops.

•

• •

Expanding neighborhood walk zones from the current practice of .5 miles to a one-mile walk zone. Neighborhood walk zones are areas with sidewalks that do not require students to cross a major street. No bus service would be provided within neighborhood one-mile walk zones.

Decrease the number of bus stops which allows for more routes to be run by the same driver.

Continue aggressive summer recruitment communication plan.

•

Encourage parents to drive students if able and complete a survey stating intent to ride.

• Neighborhood walker family support groups.

• Outsource alternative transportation.

• Put additional students on a bus when feasible.

The board of education will review the task force recommendations at the June 15 meeting.

Based on feedback, the Transportation Task Force recommendations are: • Increase compensation and adjust salary scales for bus drivers (as a result, the board approved a pay increase for bus drivers in May).

JULY 2022 | OUR TOWN | 7

AroundTown

Supporting the arts Arts and Education Council’s PNC Program Grants to support local arts experiences 11 organizations have been awarded a total of $40,000 in PNC Program Grant funding to help strengthen the region’s arts community. PNC Program Grants – underwritten by the PNC Foundation – provide funding for arts and arts education programs that address community needs.

“The Arts and Education Council, in collaboration with PNC, is proud to support these incredible organizations from across our bi-state region that are creating meaningful multi-disciplined arts experiences,” said Jessireé Jenkins, Arts and Education Council manager of grants and programs. “This was the first year the Arts and Education Council’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Blueprint was used in the selection of grantees with the result being a wonderful group of organizations presenting diverse performances, workshops and educational programs will inspire, connect and enrich the lives of adults and children.”

Since 2012, the Arts and Education Council has awarded more than 200 PNC Program Grants totaling more than $420,000 for arts programs in the St. Louis bi-state region.

“I am very fortunate to belong to an organization that understands and appreciates the intrinsic value of the arts,” said Michael Scully, PNC regional president for St. Louis. “PNC has always believed that engagement in the arts builds stronger, more vibrant communities. That’s certain-

8 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2022

ly the case in St. Louis, where our support comes to life through grants, sponsorships and collaborations. Our approach is guided by the conviction that the arts should be accessible to all audiences – a belief that the Arts and Education Council shares.”

The organizations that have been awarded 2022-2023 PNC Program Grants are, in alphabetical order: • Action Art Collaborative will present their play “ACTION”, which is story of cross-cultural organizing, of working people fighting back against economic disparity, exclusion and segregation.

• African Heritage Association of St. Louis Inc. will present the 31st St. Louis African Festival this May in Forest Park bringing together a diverse audience of more than 10,000 visitors to enjoy rich contributions of Africa and the African Diaspora.

• Cabaret Project’s Sing Center Stage Workshop encourages young singers be themselves, choose their own material and collaborate directly with professionals in the creative process. The 5-day workshop culminates in a showcase celebration where singers get to perform at a professional venue.

• Call to Conscience Theater will tell the story of one of the most significant yet little-noted entertainment venues in St. Louis history in the play “Live at Club Riviera.” Club Riviera was an oasis for African-American entertainers to perform and practice their craft to an often-integrated audience and get paid well to do it.

• Community Performance Ensemble will host three Dance and Drumming Workshops in East St. Louis that are intended to get more young people interested in their own cultural traditions, and the performing arts, in general.

• House of Pais’ Children of Promise program is for youth with de-

velopmental disabilities to assist in emotional regulation, inclusion, identity of self and independent social functioning through creative, artistic measures.

• Inner Ear Youth Orchestra will host sessions of orchestra classes for elementary and middle school students in East St. Louis. New musicians will have the opportunity to become oriented with ensemble playing and to perform a final concert for the public.

• Jacoby Arts Center will provide an opportunity for the public to explore the arts through free open art lab hours. Their Art Labs are multi-disciplinary and explore a range of art mediums and expressions including visual, music and performing arts.

• Macoupin Arts Collective will expand their ArtReach program that provides free and low-cost art instruction to students, especially to those who don’t have access to art outside of their calendar school year.

• Pianos for People will expand the reach of their two piano schools in South St. Louis and Ferguson by offering free piano lessons in partnership with local agencies to reach a new audience of all ages.

• Prison Performing Arts’ Learning Through the Arts program offers year-round performing arts classes to youth and young adults who are currently in prison or detention facilities - with the goal of creating opportunities to reveal their talents, intelligence and humanity to themselves, their families and the wider community.

Applications were reviewed by a volunteer panel of the Arts and Education Council’s Grants and Programs Committee and representatives from the PNC Foundation.

For more information about the Arts and Education Council’s PNC Program Grants, visit KeepArtHappening.org.

AroundTown

Talking transit

Keeping cool

New initiatives furthering public transportation access highlighted during ‘Talking Transit’ event

Tips for energy savings during extreme heat and ways to stay safe by keeping your home cool

On June 9, the transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) hosted a “Talking Transit” event via Zoom informing over 100 members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others about new initiatives underway through Metro Transit to expand accessibility and further improve safety and security on the St. Louis region’s public system.

Those in attendance learned about the latest plans associated with the NorthsideSouthside MetroLink Study with St. Louis City and St. Louis County, Metro Transit’s new Secure Platform Plan and the service profile of the organization moving forward. The panel discussion featured Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development which operates Metro Transit for the region; Kevin Scott, General Manager Security at Bi-State Development and Project Leader for the Secure Platform Plan; and Charles Stewart, Executive Director of Metro Transit. It was moderated by Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit.

“Transportation is the fabric of the region and the fabric of the future of the greater St. Louis area,” said Roach. “We have an alignment of political interests to move transit forward. We’ve fused the teams of St. Louis City and St. Louis County to look at an expansion project that makes sense.

We have a great opportunity to move St. Louis forward.”

Scott concluded the event by stating, “We have the chance to completely reinvent the system. We have one shot at doing it. It has to be done right. It will profoundly change the light rail system for decades to come.”

CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

With temperatures already reaching triple digits, Ameren Missouri is encouraging customers to stay safe by utilizing their air conditioners.

“You can take simple steps, such as closing the blinds or turning on ceiling fans, to reduce the strain on your air conditioner,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri. “We want everyone to stay safe and cool this summer.”

Ameren Missouri is also preparing for the hot weather and ready to respond to customer needs.

“We understand how important energy is to our everyday lives, especially in times of extreme heat,” said Tim Lafser, vice president of power operations at Ameren Missouri. “As the summer heat settles in, we want customers to know Ameren Missouri has enough energy available to cover their needs. Should the situation change, we will be proactive and reach out to customers.”

Customers are urged to take advantage of available resources to safely navigate the summer heat and consider the following energy-saving tips to save on energy costs.

Ameren Missouri’s Cool-Down Tips: 1. Seek the shade. Keep curtains and drapes closed, especially during the afternoon, to reduce the heat indoors by 33%.

2. Feel the breeze. Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. Supplementing the air conditioner with a ceiling fan enables you to set the thermostat about four degrees higher without affecting your comfort.

3. Close off unused rooms. Close doors and air vents in rooms you aren’t using, so your air conditioner can focus on cooling the rest of the house.

4. Cook dinner outdoors. Grill dinner outside to reduce excess heat produced in the kitchen from large appliances.

5. Clean out air conditioner filters.

Clean out HVAC ducts and change the air filter so your air conditioner can run as efficiently as possible.

6. Reduce hot water use. Take shorter, cooler showers and use bathroom exhaust fans to remove heat and humidity.

7. Upgrade your thermostat. Install a smart thermostat that can be programmed to automatically run cooler when you are home and a bit warmer when you are out of the house.

Upgrading to a smart thermostat can help save up to $180 in energy costs each year. For a limited time, customers can purchase a Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat and Emporia Smart Plug for just $1 plus sales tax – a $138 value.

If you’re struggling to pay your utility bill, help is available. Reach out to Ameren Missouri or your local community action agency for assistance. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/ EnergyAssistance for details on the variety of programs available to help customers offset energy costs this summer.

Rebates and savings opportunities on energy-saving products are available for customers at AmerenMissouriSavings.com.

In addition to the $1 Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat and Emporia Smart Plug offer, customers also have the option to purchase the advanced Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat and Emporia Smart Plug bundle for just $55.99 plus tax – a $123 value.

Now is the time for customers to update their contact information at Ameren.com/ Alerts, so Ameren Missouri can communicate information and updates.

JULY 2022 | OUR TOWN | 9

HAIL TO THE CHIEF Olivette Police Department makes history with the first female chief of police in department history

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BY WENDY TODD Kansas City native Elizabeth Andreski has made local history by becoming the first female chief of the Olivette Police Department. The 17-year police veteran was officially appointed by the city and confirmed the mayor, Maxine Weil, last month.

Andreski had been taking on the duties in an interim period and made such an impact that she was officially offered the position.

Though Andreski had professional goals, becoming chief of police was not on her radar when she first joined the department.

“Seventeen years ago, when I started, I don’t know that I would have guessed I’d be the chief,” Andreski said. “But it just kind of happened. I always had an ambition to climb the ladder and move up. Through my career I was a patrol officer, a detective, a patrol sergeant and then deputy chief.

So, I’ve been in all the roles and I guess it was just a natural progression.”

Along with maintaining the standard of the department there are some areas of focus for the new chief. The pandemic left many industries understaffed so recruiting is a big one. The department is currently hiring officers to continue its service to the city and alleviate the long hours other officers are pulling to compensate so no community feels underserved.

“We’ve never dropped below minimum staffing, but we have required some movement of people,” chief Andreski

said. “We have a community engagement officer and a detective bureau, so those some of those people have had to be pulled out of those roles to cover patrol shifts.”

In addition to staffing, community engagement remains a priority for the Olivette police department. With the increased tensions between police and communities across the country, building and maintaining relationships with the public in Olivette is a priority.

“We do have great relationships overall with our community members,” Andreski said. “And obviously it’s been a rough time in law enforcement with some of the tragic events that have happened, and social media has been a struggle with law enforcement. So, we’re really in a phase of trying to build back some of those relationships with the community.”

Some of those efforts include officers introducing themselves to members of the public and also going to parks to engage.

Andreski feels the outreach has gone well.

“I think overall it’s been really positive,” Andreski said. “Our community loves talking to our officers, so I think it’s been it’s been a great start to get back out there again.”

“Our officers here, I think,

are great about dealing with people in crisis and finding them the resources they need and extremely professional with how they handle those challenges.”

~ Elizabeth Andreski

Another issue that’s sparked national conversation is the ability of the police to effectively address matters that involve mental health. Andreski is quite proud of her department’s strides in its ability to handle those incidents successfully and even proactively. Officers receive ongoing crisis intervention training and are encouraged to meet members of the community in distress with a measure of compassion.

“Our officers here, I think, are great about dealing with people in crisis and finding them the resources they need and extremely professional with how they handle those challenges,” Andreski stated.

“You know these people who are struggling in the community and you’re trying to them help ahead of time before we get called over for a huge crisis,” Andreski said. “I think a win for everybody. Fortunately, I think our officers have the time to really follow up with people.”

Elizabeth Andreski is the first female chief of the Olivette Police Department.

Along with officers learning how to handle challenging interpersonal scenarios, Andreski has also learned how to navigate other uncomfortable encounters when faced with occasional sexism as her field is a male-dominated profession. She has not let those moments derail her.

“You have to have skin,” she said. “It comes with the territory and like I said, just keep doing what you do and do a good job. It didn’t stop me so I guess I handled it well enough.”

JULY 2022 | OUR TOWN | 11

OurThoughts OurThoughts

ALL GOOD CATS GO TO HEAVEN Our sweet fatty cat went to that great litterbox in the sky. Although we are very sad, we’re also confident he went straight to cat heaven. He was such a good boy. It’s got to be a lovely place up there.

We’re sure the streams run gently and are filled to the banks with warm milk – and whole milk not that nasty 1% mixed with White-Out and water stuff either. The food bowls never run low and are full to the brim with kibble; the expensive kind too with creamy fishy-filled centers.

We know he’s doing fine. All good animals go to heaven, cats and dogs alike. And they’ll discover they really like each other too. They’ll be extremely happy because they still get housekeepers.

Yes, all the cats up there still have personal wait staff, that hasn’t changed from Earth life. The only difference – the bad people who have been sent down to the fiery pit must first serve part of their sentence as a servant to the heavenly cat residents.

That is punishment enough.

Cat: “Servant, bring me warm cream in a saucer!”

“Gag! Too warm! (Tosses it in the servant’s face). Bring me a grilled pork chop--medium rare, pronto!”

“Ugh! This is a grilled pork chop--medium rare. I wanted a salmon and butter patty--raw!”

Servant: “But you specifically said…”

“Egads man, this is heaven! We can read minds up here.

And my mind specifically said a salmon and butter patty! (Bites 12 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2022

servant on the back of the calf.)

“Servant, now rub my belly. Not two rubs, not three rubs only four rubs.”

Servant reads cat’s mind and rubs five times.

“Gadfry man! What’s with the extra rub?!”

“But your mind specifically said five.”

“That was five tuna treats. Read it right!” (Scratches servant’s retinas.)

Most of those people plead to be sent down to the underworld’s inferno before their term ends.

So, for now we have a hole in our hearts and our other cat is pretty lonely. Soon we’ll be in the market for another kitty.

Not a replacement, nothing can replace perfection, but two’s a good number for cats.

My mind says four. Good thing my husband can’t read minds down here.

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

Bikes I have known

PHOTO BY AVALANCHE It began in the winter of 1982, with a 1978 Suzuki PE 250, purchased for a couple hundred dollars, a big sum for me in those days, as it was equivalent to a month’s rent. The bike had lived a hard life, and came with a faded yellow gas tank, and a rear wheel with a broken hub, destroyed by the previous owner’s negligent overtightening of the drive chain. I saved a few more dollars, and was able to obtain a new rear wheel from a motorcycle junk yard. It arrived just in time for Christmas, and after installation of the new parts, I as able to fire it up and ride around the slippery gas station parking lot where I worked, my first few minutes on a motorcycle were ridden on ice. That humble beginning led to a lifelong affinity for two-wheeled travel.

I spent most of my free time riding that 250 around, mostly limited to Forest Service roads into the mountains, and un-patrolled ranch roads in the area. Neither the bike nor I had any kind of official road-worthy paperwork. Traffic was pretty much non-

existent in those days, and those miles on the mountain trails and rural back roads allowed me to make lot of new-guy mistakes, with a lot of scrapes and bruises, but no catastrophic collisions.

Staci moved in shortly thereafter, and acquired a PE 175, beginning a “His and Hers” collection that continues to this day.

After a couple more years we had Harleys; my first was an old 1971 XLCH Sportster, that I built up from a basket case. After I got tired of rebuilding and fixing the old beast, a brand new 1987 Harley FXSTC Softail Custom became my pride and joy. I did a number of 1,000-mile days on it, took it up and down 4WD roads, rode to Alaska, and put 90,000 miles on it. I then sold it for about $1,000 less than I had originally paid for it. It was undoubtedly the most reliable bike I ever owned.

Staci got a 1993 Harley 883 Sportster, and with just 1,100 miles of street riding experience, she rode with me to and from Alaska, a 12,000-mile journey over one summer. We parted company with it sometime in the middle 90s. We replaced it with a 1995 Buell Thunderbolt S2, a bike that still resides in the garage today. With Buell Motorcycles’ extinction being a casualty of corporate cost-cutting, the S2 doesn’t get ridden much these days, but it remains a great example of forward, out-of-the-box thinking and engineering.

I switched over to a 1996 BMW R1100GS, to match my new enthusiasm for big bike backroad riding, acquired on the Alaska trip. I had a love-hate relationship with that machine, as it could do amazing things no other bike available at the time could do. My longest day ever, 1,127 miles in 20 hours, a trip from the heat of the Ozarks to freezing temperatures over the Continental Divide, was done on that bike. Alas, it was plagued with mechanical failures, some-

thing I explained to the eventual buyer of the machine. He enthusiastically bought it fully informed of its history, and last I heard it never gave him any problems. Apparently, all the issues I had to fix, stayed fixed; good for him.

I now have a 2002 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom, with just shy of 80,000 miles as a primary road machine. It’s a mount that does everything well, but nothing great. I have flogged it like a rented mule, and it has endured a hard life, with no serious problems. The current used value is somewhere around what a new helmet and riding boots cost, but I haven’t found reason to replace it; the cost of a new bike has a lot to do with that. A 2009 BMW F800GS is my secondary bike, the one I use for shorter trips and rides on the smaller back roads in the mountains. Like with the V-Strom, I can’t find a valid reason to upgrade, and it still has a lot of miles left on it.

Staci’s Suzuki DRZ400SM rounds out the current fleet. It’s her commuter and shortride bike. It handles great, and gets ridiculously good gas mileage, no small matter these days.

Along the way there have been another half-dozen dirt bikes, enduros, and street bikes that weren’t significant enough to mention in this article. Regardless of which machines are favorites or not, since those first few moments sliding across the gas station parking lot 40 years ago, the times spent on them are what has been priceless.

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 2022

HYUNDAI TUCSON has a distinct personality that stands out among Hyundai Motors is including complimentary maintenance with the purchase of the new Tucson for 2022. This enhancement tends to create a better experience for shoppers and owners. Details of this campaign include oil changes and tire rotations for a period of three years/36,000 miles. This is also featured alongside their notable powertrain warranty of 10-year/100,000-mile limited coverage. In addition, the factory’s five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty basically covers most systems from end-to-end.

Hyundai’s exterior design team were tasked with the assignment to pursue innovative solutions within the new Tucson. In part, the end game was to be certain that it would appeal to consumers emotionally and the sporty design would attract buyers. Tucson’s distinct personality needed to “stand out” in the crowded SUV segment.

This enduring vehicle is expressive and takes on a modern and timeless silhouette.

Quite honestly, it’s a bit of a challenge to accurately describe the front daytime running lights. They are cleverly assimilated and seamlessly unified within the unparalleled front grille, and only visible when illuminated.

This SUV’s overall side profile tends to convey an impression of commanding forward motion. The long hood and exacting roofline, along with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, reflect a dynamic character. The design theme carries over to the rear. You’ll discover full-width bright tail lamps. Hyundai’s badge is integrated into the rear glass, and the rear wiper assembly is thoughtfully concealed beneath the rear spoiler.

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SUVs

U.S. based customers will only be offered Tucson on their stretched wheelbase global platform. Therefore, it’s longer, wider and taller than the previous generation. And for the tech savvy consumers that gravitate to a gadgetry lifestyle, integrated technologies are compatible with latest ingenious devices to enhance their lives.

The interior offers up multi-layered forms that provide a feeling of openness, safety and serenity. It’s at the intersection of space and technology with surface materials that hinge on being upscale. Welcomed ambient mood lighting is adjustable to 64 colors, in ten levels of brightness.

“Our new Tucson represents the future of Hyundai’s full-spectrum eco-powertrain approach, offering internal combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in a compact SUV. With all-wheel-drive capability now added to new hybrid SUV platforms, customers no longer need to choose between all-road, all-weather capability and outstanding efficiency,” said Thomas Schemera, executive vice president, head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group.

The ‘22 Tucson offers both a 2.5-liter, direct-injected and multi-port-injected gasoline engine as well as 1.6-liter, directinjected, turbocharged hybrid and plugin hybrid powertrain. The 2.5-liter engine boasts a generous 187 horsepower rating with a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg with front-wheel drive. This 2.5-liter engine is matched to an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, for excellent efficiency and acceleration. The factory’s all-wheeldrive system was developed as a multimode setup. The driver selectable options are: Normal, Sport and Smart modes of

which help provide confident control in all weather conditions. Tucson’s cutting-edge hybrid and plug-in hybrid models focus on fun to drive performance coupled with excellent economy. Retail pricing starts out at $25,800, before shipping and destination charges. Compact SUV buyers expect a lot from their vehicles, the 2022 Tucson meets these expectations.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skilled Automotive Service Technician and retired shop owner.

He’s invented garage service tools for mechanics, served on both nation and local automotive trade industry boards, has done years of consulting with various auto manufactures plus test drives new vehicles weekly.

David has pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 35 years ago, as his new show “Automotive Insight” can be heard on Saturdays, on the Real Talk Radio Network.

OurLifestyle

No crying in baseball?

Amazon will reboot ‘A League of Their Own’ Although it might be hard to imagine, in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s Geena Davis had more star power than Tom Hanks. The actress starred opposite Jeff Goldblum in the well-received 1986 remake of “The Fly” and followed that with “Beetlejuice, a funny 1988 film about the afterlife where Michael Keeton played the title character.

Davis made her mark in 1988’s “The Accidental Tourist,” a comedy-drama where she was the love interest of William Hurt. Davis’ portrayal of the eccentric Muriel Pritchett in that film earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Coming off 1991’s groundbreaking “Thelma & Louise,” Geena Davis starred in “A League of Their Own,” a Penny Marshall film. The plot honored the women of the All-American Girls Profession Baseball League (AAGPBL), a baseball league founded by gum magnate Philip K. Wrigley.

The league and the dedicated players kept baseball alive during wartime and continued to play until 1954. Thirty years later, Amazon revealed plans for an eight-episode series set in 1943. Although billed as a comedy, the TV series, like the original movie, won’t shy away from the deadly impact of World War II. When looking back at Marshall’s “A League of Their Own,” it indicated how Hanks and Davis headed in different directions after the film. Davis took roles in “Cutthroat Island” and “Stuart Little” while Hanks left comedies such as “Joe vs. the Volcano” to take a serious role in “Philadelphia.”

His interpretation of Forrest Gump, a character created by author Winston Groom, became so memorable that it spawned a chain of seafood restaurants. Hanks also won Oscars for his work in “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump.”

In 1992, though, Geena Davis had the star power and

talent to play Dottie Hinson, an exceptional baseball player for a local dairy. After a scout (the hilarious Jon Lovitz) arrived to look at the “farm girls,” Dottie and her little sister Kit (Lori Petty) traveled to baseball tryouts and became part of the Rockford Peaches. Dottie emerged as the brightest star in the league and received press coverage, which made sister Kit rather jealous.

Hanks’ portrayal of Jimmy Dugan, a former Cubs player who had a drinking problem, was intriguing. The friction between Dugan and Dottie was very evident at first because she thought he was washed up. Dottie finally shamed him into doing his job and they eventually became friends on the road. In later scenes, it seemed that something romantic between them while her husband Bob (Bill Pullman) was overseas. Years later, a visibly saddened Dottie came across Jimmy’s player photo, which showed the date of his death.

“A League of Their Own” had the perfect blend of characters, especially when it came to Dottie and Jimmy. Davis and Hanks inhabited those characters quite well and, whenever I thought of the film, their relationship always came to mind. Here’s hoping the Amazon series finds that same kind of chemistry.

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

Family meals

that make busy weeknights a breeze

A

fter a long day in the classroom or at the office, it’s tough to top bringing the family together with a home-cooked meal. When evenings are busy with homework and activities, however, there might be little time left for complicated dishes.

Take those schedules on with a menu of delicious recipes that require 30 minutes or less so you can focus on celebrating the day’s accomplishments with loved ones.

These simple yet flavorful ideas from Milk Means More call for limited instructions, less equipment and shorter ingredients lists fueled by dairy favorites that provide much-needed nutrients to recharge the entire family.

Turn your hectic weeknights into cause for celebration with more quick and easy recipe ideas at MilkMeansMore.org.

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Pork Chops in Creamy Mustard-Peppercorn Sauce Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More

Total time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: 3/4 cup evaporated 2% milk 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard or Dijon mustard 3/4 teaspoon coarsely cracked black peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour 4 boneless pork loin chops (1 1/4 pounds), cut 3/4-inch thick

1/4 1 1 1/4

teaspoon salt tablespoon vegetable oil teaspoon minced garlic cup reduced-sodium chicken broth cooked noodles or rice (optional) chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions: In bowl, whisk milk, mustard, peppercorns and flour. Set aside.

Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides of chops with salt.

In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops 3-4 minutes, or until browned. Turn and cook 3-4 minutes, or until thermometer inserted in thickest part of chops reads 145 F. Transfer chops to serving platter. Loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Add garlic to drippings in skillet. Cook 15 seconds. Stir in broth. Cook, stirring constantly, until most liquid evaporates. Stir in milk mixture and any accumulated juices from cooked pork. Cook and stir until just boiling. Immediately remove from heat and spoon sauce over chops.

Serve with noodles or rice, if desired. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

OurLifestyle Ingredients: 3/4 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets (about 3/4 inch thick) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar 1/2 cup oil-packed, slivered sun dried tomatoes, drained 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese Directions: In bowl, whisk half-and-half and flour. Set aside.

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

If necessary, cut into four serving-size pieces. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.

In large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat sun-dried tomato oil. Cook chicken pieces 3-4 minutes, or until browned.

Turn chicken. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until

Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More Total time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

thermometer inserted in thickest portion of chicken reads 165 F. Transfer to serving platter. Loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and onions to drippings in skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes, or until onion is tender. Stir in broth.

Cook, stirring constantly, until most liquid evaporates. Stir in cream mixture and any accumulated juices from cooked chicken.

Cook and stir until simmering and slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan-Reggiano cheese.

To serve, spoon sauce over chicken.

Roasted Chicken and Zucchini Tostadas Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: 12 street taco-size corn tortillas nonstick cooking spray 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5%) 3 teaspoons lime juice, divided 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 1/2 cups shredded or chopped rotisserie-roasted chicken breast 1/2 cup seeded and chopped tomato Directions: Heat oven to broil.

Line large baking sheet or 18-by-13by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Arrange tortillas in single layer on pan. Lightly spray tortillas with nonstick cooking spray. Broil about 5 inches from heat 4-6 minutes, or until beginning to brown on one side. Remove from broiler. Carefully turn tortillas over.

In medium bowl, stir yogurt, 1 teaspoon

1/2 2 1/2 1/8

1

cup chopped zucchini teaspoons olive oil teaspoon ground cumin teaspoon ground cayenne pepper cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

lime juice and garlic powder. Set aside.

In another bowl, toss chicken, tomato, zucchini, remaining lime juice, olive oil, cumin and cayenne pepper.

Spread yogurt mixture on unbrowned sides of tortillas. Top with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil about 5 inches from heat 2-3 minutes, or until hot and cheese melts. Serve immediately.

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InDepth

Dream Builders 4 Equity is a nonprofit that employs marginalized young people ages 16-24 in concert with minority contractors to renovate vacant or abandoned homes in St. Louis.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE Dream Builders 4 Equity is a nonprofit that employs marginalized young people ages 16-24 to rehab abandoned houses in St. Louis

BY WENDY TODD There are an estimated 25,000 vacant or abandoned homes in St. Louis. Dream Builders 4 Equity is a nonprofit that addresses the issue by employing marginalized young people ages 16-24 in concert with minority contractors to renovate houses.

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InDepth

underserved communities and The youth receive a percentage of the sales of homes provides renovations for senior they’ve helped rehab as funds residents.

“The for education, tools or a car.

Additionally, it offers aid for This model helps develop neincreases in property taxes that young people in disproportionately impact resiglected communities and helps our program build confidence dents of color. This assistance young people feel empowered, and pride while participating. Through this helps to prevent the displaceprovides a sense of ownership ment of senior residents. and develops pride, leadership new confidence they go on to become great The program is set up so that skills and scholarship. leaders and assets to the community.” young builders experience long Michael Woods, who coterm benefits that extend befounded the organization with - Michael Woods, co-founder yond the duration of the proNeal Richardson stated, “Our gram. goal is to tackle the vacant “Access to these assets of home epidemic plaguing the the program will provide these St. Louis region by doing largescale, community-led developments in neighborhoods that youth with the necessary skills to succeed academically and have been historically divested in, growing them into thriving professionally and thus attaining and maintaining ownership communities where residents have the opportunity to live out in the development of their communities,” Woods said.

Future goals for the organization include employing 250 their full potential.”

The experience participating youth gain can serve as a city youth, rehabbing 25 homes to be sold to first time homeprofessional and personal foundation moving forward in owners, providing 25 Hyde Park seniors with a free home and creating 250 living-wage jobs. their lives.

“The young people come into the program and day one “The young people in our program build confidence and pride while participating,” Michael Woods, co-founder of the they see the vacant properties with roof missing, paint peelnonprofit said. “Through this new confidence they go on to ing, etc.,” Woods said. “They find out on day one that they are also publishing a book. They’re usually in disbelief that become great leaders and assets to the community.”

The nonprofit which was founded in 2016 and has com- either is possible. When they accomplish both publishing a pleted 25 projects to date not only helps youth gain valu- book and rehabbing vacant homes it provides them the livable work experience in the apprenticeships but also assists ing proof that they can do all things.”

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July 4

Independence Day

14 Bastille Day 16

Rural Transit Day

24 Parent’s Day 27 National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day