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Our Town Volume 11 | Number 6 June 2020 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
N THIS SSUE Around Town Blood donors needed to keep supply strong amid COVID-19 outbreak and more.
Feature 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 Charlotte Beard
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Fighting hunger in a pandemic The St. Louis Area Foodbank is forced to adapt to the changes and challenges presented by COVID-19. By Charlotte Beard
Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore struggles with hair maitnenance while Avalanche considers local trials and tribulations during the pandemic.
Lifestyle 2020 Hyundai Sonata is ‘eye candy’ at a reasonable price in Automobile Alley. Drive-in movies make a comeback in Entertainment. Family-friendly ways to rethink favorite recipes in For the Love of Food.
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In Depth Recovered COVID-19 patients donate their plasma to help others sick with the disease by passing on virusfighting antibodies.
Events Calendar
Staff Writer – Charlotte Beard Cover Photo – Submitted
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AroundTown
New leadership
New chancellor named at University of Missouri-St. Louis On April 9, University of Missouri System President Mun Choi announced the appointment of Kristin Sobolik as the next chancellor of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Sobolik has been serving as interim chancellor while also maintaining her position as executive
vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost. The appointment is effective immediately. “Following a national search, Kristin Sobolik clearly rose to the top, and we are excited that she will continue to lead UMSL,” Choi said. “Dr. Sobolik has a track record of supporting student success, growing research, and building connections with St. Louis leaders and alumni. I am confident that she is the right leader for UMSL during this critical time.” The UM Board of Curators approved Sobolik’s appointment on April 9 with a unanimous vote. “Dr. Sobolik is clearly the right leader for UMSL,” UM Board of Curators Chair Julia Brncic said. “She has proven her ability to lead by achieving results, being proactive, and developing strong relationships with students, faculty, staff and friends of UMSL. Kristin will ensure UMSL’s continued commitment to serving the needs of the St. Louis region and the state. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity for her to serve in this role.” As interim chancellor, provost and professor of anthropology, Sobolik has collaborated with her leadership team, faculty and staff to advance students’ aspirations and prepare them to meet 21st century challenges. She has been responsible for the academic mission of the university, working with the colleges, deans and faculty on curricular development, innovation and student success. She also oversees research and graduate studies. Notably, research expenditures have increased 55 percent since her appointment as provost. “Dr. Sobolik is an accomplished educator, scholar and administrator who brings a renewed focus on teaching, research and creative works to the university,” said Beth Huebner, co-chair of the search committee and professor of criminology and criminal justice. “She understands UMSL’s responsibility as the only public research university in eastern Missouri to initiate and support innovative research and scholarship.” During her tenure at UMSL, Sobolik has led the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan 2018-2023 with specific goals and actions focused on student success, research growth, community and economic development, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable administrative functions. She also led a successful reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission resulting in reaffirmation of UMSL’s accreditation for 10 years. “My driving passion to serve our students started three years ago when I fell in love with UMSL on my very first visit,” Sobolik said. “With each passing day, my commitment has grown to help these students succeed to graduation and design a better life for themselves and their families. I am so honored to lead this wonderful, dynamic institution that plays a crucial role in the St. Louis region.” Sobolik has introduced new academic programs in areas of growth, strength and excellence such as computing technology, cybersecurity, international relations, actuarial science degree and entrepreneurship. Further, she implemented an ongoing curricular process to align course offerings to student learning outcomes to increase student success, decrease time to degree and student debt, provide clear assessment guidelines, and align with the 5-year fi‘LEADERSHIP’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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AroundTown ‘LEADERSHIP’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
PHOTO COURTESY UMSL
nancial plan. Additional highlights of Sobolik’s tenure include establishing the Community Innovation and Action Center, engaging UMSL’s executive leadership team in the USC Equity Institute, and launching the Student Academic Support Services unit to support student learning, which includes the new University Tutoring Center, Multicultural Student Services, Pre-collegiate Programs, and Student Enrichment and Achievement. On April 9, Kristin Sobolik was appointed as the next “Over the past three chancellor of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. years, Dr. Sobolik has worked intentionally and with care to expand the university’s engagement, not just in the St. Louis region, but also with alumni and supporters across the nation,” said Kirk Richter, co-chair of the search committee and member of both the Chancellor’s Council and Alumni Board. “I am confident that she will continue to expand UMSL’s reach and build partnerships to ensure the university’s growth.” At UMSL and previous institutions, Sobolik has achieved results as a fundraiser with donors, alumni and legislators. A notable donor relationship she cultivated was with actor Tom Hanks, a friend of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she served as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Sobolik oversaw the $30 million modernization and expansion of the Creative Arts Center, which included the dedication of the new Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures, new art galleries and studios for theater and dance, as well as the School of Music. As dean, Sobolik was a key leader in the university’s comprehensive campaign and oversaw more than $20 million in donor gifts to the college for scholarships, capital improvements and programs. “Kristin is strategic, poised and capable of leading UMSL as it strengthens its ties with businesses and civic organizations in the St. Louis area,” Choi said. “Something that I particularly admire about her is that she has a student-centric approach and mindset. She is approachable and accessible to students as well as faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders.” As an interdisciplinary scholar, Sobolik is a leader and helped develop the fields of archaeobiology and paleonutrition with over 100 publications, books and presentations. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Iowa and a master’s and doctorate in anthropology from Texas A&M University. Prior to her service at UMSL and Wright State, Sobolik was professor of anthropology and climate change at the University of Maine. She served as associate dean for research and external affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as chair of the Department of Anthropology and associate director of the university’s world-renowned Climate Change Institute.
JUNE 2020 | OUR TOWN | 5
AroundTown
‘Will run for food!’ BY CHARLOTTE BEARD “Will run 100 miles for food!” That is the name of a GoFundMe page created by 51-year-old Tim Burke, principal at Edward Jones, to raise $30,000. The idea is to raise $300 for every mile. On May 16, Burke began the process of repeatedly running the two-mile loop in Forest Park for 100 miles and completed the challenge the following day. The fundraiser supports Operation Food Search (OFS) which, in addition to the people they Get your event or good news published in
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were already helping every month, their giving has increased due to COVID-19. Burke himself started off the fundraiser by donating $10,000 towards his goal. Though at the time of this story Burke has exceeded his goal, donors may still contribute by visiting the GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/trfzp-willrun-for-food. Burke began long-distance racing in 2010 and completed his first 200-mile run in 2018 which he completed in 77 hours. In 2012, he raised approximately $50,000 to benefit Southside Early Childhood Center, where he served on its board for nine years with the last three years as president. Burke’s desire to support city-related causes where he lives is what drives him to raise funds for organizations that provide community support. “One thing that strikes me about the city is that there is so much need here; there are so many opportunities to help. One of the things that we really try to do is (figure out) where we can really help make a difference and then see what we can do.” Burke’s recent cause for OFS stemmed from his wife Sandra’s volunteerism with the organization. According to Burke, she took part in an OFS volunteer opportunity by way of Edward Jones for the nonprofit’s Operation Backpack program. Her experience with OFS began three years ago and she has been involved with the nonprofit since that time. “It really resonated with her,” Burke stated. “We live in the city and it touched her how many kids were going home over the weekend without nutritious food. Their most nutritious meals are when they’re at school.” OFS has been a major food and nutrition partner for St. Louis County’s school districts, not limited to their aid in creating Normandy School Collaborative’s Viking Grill last fall school year. “One thing that I’ve realized over the course of my life is that any step that you take to help is a step in the right direction. You don’t have to take 200,000 steps like I’m taking this weekend,” he said of this past weekend. “(Whatever way) people
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St. Louis resident runs 100 miles in Forest Park and raises over $30,000 to help those struggling with food insecurity
On May 16, Tim Burke began the process of repeatedly running the two-mile loop in Forest Park for 100 miles and completed the challenge the following day to raise $30,000 to support Operation Food Search.
feel compelled or inspired to help is (going to) be a bonus.” The GoFundMe administrators will directly send all funds raised via Burke’s page to OFS. “In addition to helping others I hope to just inspire people to get out and exercise and be healthy,” stated Burke. “I’m going to be running in a PPE mask the whole time for two reasons: to show support for all the great people that have to wear those masks all day every day and (as a reminder that) May 18 doesn’t mean mask off, it means put your mask on even more than you may have be wearing in the past because everybody’s going to be closer together.”
AroundTown
A helping hand Operation Food Search Receives $1.3 million grant from St. Louis County St. Louis County Executive Sam Page announced today that Operation Food Search (OFS), a nonprofit hunger relief organization, will receive a $1.3 million grant to assist with its summer meals program. The grant is made possible by the St. Louis County’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. Beginning June 1 through the end of Aug., OFS will offer free meals at St. Louis County partner distribution sites that include 10 public library branches and 10 public school districts. Library branches include Bridgeton Trails, Florissant Valley, Indian Trails, Jamestown Bluffs, Lewis & Clark, Natural Bridge, Prairie Commons, Rock Road and Weber Road. At a news conference, Page said the grants will help those in need have more access to food because “no child should have to go hungry.”
According to OFS’s Executive Director Kristen Wild, who spoke at the news conference, the “rate of food insecurity in the state of Missouri was 14 percent before the pandemic. It currently sits at 41 percent.” Wild added that OFS is “thrilled to receive this funding from the county through the CARES Act and excited to supplement our current child meal program by providing meals to adults and full families” at various distribution sites. This year marks OFS’s ninth year as a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which is funded by the USDA and ensures that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. OFS will expand this meal service capacity based upon the current climate and the CARES Act funding. Partnerships with the rural community, libraries and schools will utilize a drive-through model with shelf-stable food. OFS also will offer mobile meal vans for food distribution.
A gift of life Blood donors needed to keep supply strong amid COVID-19 outbreak In times of need, people come together to support one another. The American Red Cross is asking for healthy individuals to step up to help patients experiencing health crises by donating blood or platelets. As COVID-19 continues to affect everyday life, people may not be thinking about blood donation. But blood and platelets are needed daily to help patients battling disease and facing the unexpected. Donating blood is an easy way to care for each other and ensure hospitals have the blood products patients rely on. As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, all who come to give blood or platelets May 15-31 will receive a special Red Cross “We’re all in this together” T-shirt, by mail, while supplies last. Donors must have a valid email address on file to claim their T-shirt.
How to help Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate this May by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to safeguard donors, volunteers and employees. The Red Cross is also looking for blood drive hosts to help ensure a stable blood supply. Learn more and sign up to sponsor a drive by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
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JUNE 2020 | OUR TOWN | 7
AroundTown
Keeping the region moving As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the movement of goods into, out of and throughout the United States, the consistent response across the freight network in the bi-state St. Louis region is helping to ensure it continues to deliver in these unprecedented times. America’s Central Port and Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) were swift to implement measures such as social distancing, transitioning most office staff to work from home, having field supervisors alternate work days, increasing sanitation efforts for equipment, workspaces, and jobsites, and introducing new procedures, such as having employees report directly to job sites for safety briefings instead of congregating indoors. The port implemented two-person teams in the maintenance department to significantly reduce any potential exposure to the virus, while operators are taking temperature readings of employees entering or leaving their towboats at the beginning and end of their shifts. They also interview each employee about their wellbeing to quickly identify any symptoms. Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Executive Director of America’s Central Port (ACP), says that even with all these changes, the operators at the port continue to handle a tremendous volume of corn and soybeans, and the by-products, destined to ultimately feed the U.S. and the world. “It has been business as usual with a tremendous amount of freight still moving to and through the St. Louis area. Everyone has heightened awareness of the need to reduce potential exposure to the virus and are limiting any close contact with other workers, but the food stock and freight continue to move,” said Wilmsmeyer. “The operators here are just as essential to keeping the supply of food on the shelves as the truck driver who makes those daily deliveries.” Brad Reinhardt, president of Rockfarm St. Louis Supply Chain Solutions, which provides St. Louis local and national overthe-road services, says that one of the biggest things his company did at the very beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak was 8 | OUR TOWN | JUNE 2020
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St. Louis region’s freight network delivers essential shipments during COVID-19 pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the movement of goods into, out of and throughout the United States, the consistent response across the freight network in the bi-state St. Louis region is helping to ensure it continues to deliver in these unprecedented times.
contact its contracted carriers to discuss truck driver safety and capacity through this. The focus has been on making sure all were following the recommended CDC guidelines. “They are the lifeblood of the system,” said Reinhardt. “They are first responders without being in the medical field.” Reinhardt says his customers are currently being impacted in different ways, with one-third of his customers temporarily closed and one-third on a vastly reduced shipping schedule. “Thankfully the other third handles beer, dog food and ammunition, and it’s still moving,” said Reinhardt. “Locally, we have customers who are having some of their best months because they are moving those goods. That’s helping to offset the temporarily lost business and keeping our operations at a comfortable level.” Reinhardt adds they are not seeing capacity issues yet due to the flexibility and adaptability of the industry. When the auto plants started shutting down, it freed up a lot of trucks that were able to move to more essentials such as groceries and medical items. As a result, all the trucking
companies are staying busy. He notes that truckers, concerned for their own safety, prefer to come to areas like St. Louis over densely populated areas like New York or Chicago. “We can’t be naïve enough to think this is the last time something like this could happen. Going forward, I think companies will look increasingly to the Midwest, including the St. Louis region, for their distribution facilities, because they’ll see that we’re less impacted than cities on the coasts,” said Reinhardt. “We’re more spread apart and not living in close proximity, which makes it easier to deal with a disaster like this. Our supply chain is still running fairly smoothly.” On the rail side, as the COVID-19 pandemic has spread, TRRA has seen a particularly noticeable drop in intermodal traffic, presumptively due to falling imports from China, while also seeing a drop in traffic volumes from auto plant closings. But it’s not all bad news. “Medical supplies, food, chemicals, cleaning products and anything else be‘MOVING’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
AroundTown ‘MOVING’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 ing used to battle the pandemic continues to be moved through the St. Louis Gateway headed to all parts of the United States via the region’s rail network,” said Asim Raza, Chief Legal Officer, Director of Corporate Affairs for TRRA. “As the situation continues to evolve, TRRA understands that the freight rail network is a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure. With its ability to connect the six Class I railroads in the heart of the country, TRRA is committed to maintaining its switching operations to ensure that food, medical equipment and other vital products continue to move through the St. Louis region. In doing so, TRRA will maintain the safety of its valued personnel as a top priority.” Ken Eriksen, Senior Vice President with IHS Markit, a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide, isn’t surprised by the performance of the St. Louis region’s freight network during this unprecedented time. “When we do a postmortem on this, the St. Louis region will likely have come through fairly unscathed and stands better to be even more of a distribution hub as we think about heading into the Chicago market or Kansas City or even up over toward Ohio for that matter, just because you have the connectivity and can extend your reach,” said Eriksen. “The world still has to eat; the world still has to consume certain things, and that’s good for St. Louis and for U.S. farmers. In the midst of the pandemic, work is continuing on some of the significant infrastructure projects underway to further enhance the region’s freight network. Among those is the $222 million project to replace the Merchant’s Rail Bridge, a vital ar-
tery across the Mississippi River and one of the nation’s primary east-west rail corridors serving the nation’s third largest rail hub. The project is being largely being funded by TRRA, which owns the bridge, with $21.5 million of the cost supported by a federal grant. High river levels have delayed the main spans of the project, but Raza says work on the Missouri and Illinois approaches to the bridge has been unaffected by COVID-19 to date and is progressing, with no apparent disruptions in labor or material supply at this time. That is positive news for Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi-Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, which oversees the St. Louis Regional Freightway as one of its enterprises. “The new double track bridge will help move freight faster, cost-effectively and more reliably, providing an alternative to more congested rail regions like Chicago,” Lamie said. “To see this and other projects at the ports and on our interstates continuing to move forward during these this challenging time is an encouraging sign.” Wilmsmeyer shares her optimism for the future. “We will get through this,” he said. “We have the greatest and most resilient supply chain in the world, as has been demonstrated by our country’s response to this crisis. In one month, factories have been transformed, goods and supplies have been rerouted and, what could have been a crushing blow to grocery stores, has been a blip compared to what it could have been. I encourage people to have faith in this country, faith in the resiliency of the St. Louis region’s freight system, and faith in the efficient movement of goods across the entire network. The St. Louis region’s freight component is second to none.” To learn more, visit thefreightway.com.
Helping local businesses Creve Coeur City Council passes resolution urging Missouri Legislation to pass e-commerce use tax The Creve Coeur City Council has adopted a resolution encouraging the Missouri General Assembly to pass the Wayfair internet sales tax legislation. Passed during the city council meeting on April 27, Resolution No. 1484 encourages the Missouri House and Senate to immediately pass the Wayfair Tax Legislation without counterproductive revenue neutral provisions. The proposed legislation, including SB529 and SB648, would update the existing use tax laws in Missouri to ensure that all retailers with an economic nexus in the state will be required to remit use tax, placing these retailers on equal footing with retailers with physical stores in the state. “Our brick and mortar retailers continue to be at an enormous competitive disadvantage compared to online retailers who are not required to pay sales or use tax,” said Mayor Barry Glantz. In addition, local governments in Missouri are estimated to be losing tens of millions of dollars in online sales tax revenue by not having adopted an e-commerce use tax. “In order to begin to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide the high quality
of service expected from our residents, we are urging the Missouri House and Senate to immediately pass the Wayfair Tax Legislation,” continued Glantz. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Creve Coeur and other Missouri cities were already seeing a decline in revenues due to consumers’ shift away from local retail and instead toward online purchases without sales tax collection. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenge of lost local sales tax revenue collections as consumers are purchasing more online, further shifting buying habits. The 2018 ruling in the U.S. Supreme Court case South Dakota vs. Wayfair has led to 43 of 45 states with statewide sales tax to adopt legislation to begin collecting sales tax revenue for online vendors that do not have a physical presence in their state. Missouri is one of two remaining states that have not passed an e-commerce use tax. If legislation is adopted by the General Assembly, cities seeking to implement a local use tax would require majority approval by voters in a future election.
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FIGHTING HUNGER in a pandemic BY CHARLOTTE BEARD
The St. Louis Area Foodbank is forced to adapt to the changes and challenges presented by COVID-19. Since its establishment in 1975, the St. Louis Area Foodbank is stated to have grown to be the region’s largest charity distributor of food to those in need. However, that growth has not made it immune to the challenges that were presented by COVID-19. “Prior to the pandemic, we would source food locally, regionally and nationally to distribute to our partner agencies (food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, etc.) in the area,” stated Meredith Knopp, President and CEO of the St. Louis Area Foodbank. “These partners would traditionally distribute food directly to individuals in need in their community from their locations. Many of our partners are food pantries, set up like grocery stores, where people could “shop” for items they needed. Additionally, some partners participate in our Mobile Market program – which is a drive-through food distribution model that we have used for more than 10 years. Once coronavirus arrived, and a strong emphasis was placed on social distancing and limiting group meetings, we went from organizing a few of those mobile markets each month to using these as our primary method of distribution in the communities we serve.” The foodbank hopes to distribute 10 million meals to children, families, seniors, and other impacted individuals in the bi-state region by the end of June. Knopp shared that from March 16 through the end of May the Foodbank hosted more than 330 mobile food markets throughout the 26 counties it serves in Missouri and Illinois. More mobile food markets have already been scheduled throughout the month of June and can be found on the foodbank’s website at https://stlfoodbank.org/events. The mobile markets, which are available to anyone in need, do not require an ID and people who arrive for a donation are asked to remain in their vehicle/cab with the trunk open to receive food. Those who do not have a vehicle are advised to contact the organization of the mobile location to see if there is a walk-up option. The locations chosen for the food markets were based on factors used to determine needs, according to Knopp. “When determining locations for mobile food markets, it is important to have continual conversations with community leaders, existing partners and other organizations focused on feeding people. As an organization that has served the bi-state region for 45 years, we take pride in the fact that we have good relationships in each of the 26 counties in our service territory. Our partner agencies and program partners are the ‘boots on the ground.’ We rely on them for feedback on the specific needs of their community. Before bringing on a new partner or distribution site, we look at the need in that area, how many existing sites we already have in that community, and how often those partners are distributing food and supplies. We also have conversations and require a written explanation of safety measures they have in place to ensure that those measures are consistent with our standards. The safety of
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those we serve, our team, and our partners, along with maintaining food safety standards are our top priorities. That has not changed despite the increased need (due to) COVID-19.” Like other groups in the public sector, the foodbank had to make changes to protect its volunteers and workers. According to Knopp, the drive-through distributions allow its volunteers to maintain safe distances from each other. Additionally, measures have been taken to ensure safety inside the foodbank’s building. “In an effort to reduce the number of people in the foodbank at one time, staff that could work from home were allowed to do so beginning in mid-March,” stated Knopp. “Volunteers are a vital part of our operation, but we also drastically reduced the number of volunteers per shift at the foodbank. Typically, we would have two three-hour volunteer shifts daily, Tuesday through Friday, with up to 50 volunteers and one three-hour shift on Saturday with up to 75 volunteers per shift at our warehouse in Bridgeton. In the interest of safety, we now have four two-hour volunteer shifts Monday through Friday and two two-hour shifts on Saturday. Our volunteer center is large enough that we can have two groups of up to 10 people working on sorting and boxing food simultaneously while maintaining a six-foot distance between volunteers. All guests and volunteers are put through a screening process before entering our building. We provide masks and gloves for all volunteers, and everyone (including employees) is required to wear a mask inside our building at all times.” Knopp states that the foodbank has seen a food and supplies distribution increase of approximately 30 percent by its community program partners and agencies since COVID-19 hit the region. “According to Feeding America, the nationwide network of food banks, there were more than 400,000 food insecure people living within the foodbank’s 26-county service territory in Missouri and Illinois prior to the pandemic,” stated Knopp. “That number has continued to rise (because of) mounting job losses, furloughs and kids being out of school for an extended period. For many people in the bi-state region, the foodbank is a reliable source of nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and fresh proteins, in addition to shelf-stable foods. Our robust network of more than 500 food pantries and other feeding programs that was thriving before coronavirus, has continued to expand. We have brought on 58 new distribution partners to increase food access across the region and added more food distributions on Saturday to better serve the needs of our partners.” For further assistance with food or other questions, call St. Louis Area Foodbank at 314-292-6266 or go online to stlfoodbank.org.
The St. Louis Area Foodbank hopes to distribute 10 million meals to children, families, seniors, and other impacted individuals in the bistate region by the end of June. JUNE 2020 | OUR TOWN | 11
OurThoughts MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE
Hairy situation If nothing else has resulted from this crazy pandemic, having to learn new skills might be one positive outcome. We’ve had to become quite self-sufficient during lockdown. For example, hair maintenance. It’s become quite apparent just how important those hair salon people are. It’s a talent we took for granted. I need their talent desperately. My hair is past my shoulders and I have a mass of gray inching down from my scalp. Desperation calls, but the salons are closed. I will have to color it myself. The internet told me that beets contain a natural dye. It can be extracted by boiling them. Good to know. Until I get to that point, I will first use a Sharpie and ink over that annoying gray. My husband is fairing just fine. He has what’s known as the maintenance-free cut. He rubs a towel over his head a few times and boom! Done. He and his bald head are ready to go out on the town. That is…if we were ALLOWED to go out on the town. But since we’re not, he made reservations for 6 p.m. on the couch with a tuna sandwich and an evening of binge-watching Netflix. Wow! That sounds like an original date. It’s his turn to pick a series. He chooses “Tiger King” because he thinks it will be a sweet family flick much like “The Lion King.” I’ve already seen it. He will be choking on his tuna sandwich three minutes into the first episode. No worries. I’m well acquainted with the Heimlich maneuver. I get ready for our big date night. I trim up my dangly hairs then apply my homemade dye to those nasty roots and join my hus12 | OUR TOWN | JUNE 2020
band on the couch. His jaw drops open with some partially eaten sandwich hanging out. “What?” I ask. “Your head.” “Like it? That’s my new hair color. I used beet juice. It’s supposed to look reddish.” “Sweet mother, I thought your head was bleeding all over.” He eyes me strangely again. “Now what?!” “Your hair is shorter.” “Cute. Isn’t it?” “It’s a little…uneven. Did you use my nose clippers?” Rude! I think I’ve completely forgotten how to administer the Heimlich. So I guess my ingenuity did not work out well. When the world opens up again I’ll have what stylists everywhere will refer to as the “Corona Cut”. 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
Strange times
Taking stock of the last several weeks makes me think we’re living in a bad country song - Staci hit a deer on the way home from work and the car’s in the shop (Staci and the deer are OK); two beloved local dogs have died; some good friends had to close the doors to their general store for lack of business during the current medical mayhem; two other local businesses are struggling to keep the bankers and tax men at bay; one neighbor’s septic failed, and another had a water line break. A nearby couple is on the verge of hiring divorce attorneys. By far, the worst of all is that a young man whom I’ve known since he was a toddler was murdered while performing his duty as a state trooper, setting up a spike strip to stop a fleeing robber. Rest in peace, Justin Schaffer #646. The world keeps turning during a pandemic. But it does seem that a lot of things that happen on rare occasions are happening all at once right now. Those day-to-day challenges are harder to deal with since everyone and everything is shut down. Everyone around the world has their own tales of trial and tribulation. The big picture of how all this will work out remains to be seen. Struggle and despair are in abundance at the moment. Happiness and optimism are in short supply. In spite of it all, the sun still comes up in the east and sets in the west. The sky is blue and the birds are singing – quite a bit right now, since it’s spring. Our garden is planted (on time, for once) and we have been spared much of the misery befalling our friends and neighbors. Maybe we’re simply more aware of what’s going on since we’re actually talking more frequently with our friends and neighbors. Around here, “if you need something, say something” is the prevailing ethic. Someone will help out. Lots more sharing and helping is occurring than has been the norm in the past. Our grocery stores are still stocked enough so that no one who enters will come out hungry. Favorite brands and quantities might not be there, but you won’t miss a meal. A few travelers have arrived, but they’re greeted
with gated-off forest roads, and closed campgrounds and motels. A quick, clandestine trip into the neighboring county – forbidden territory for nonresidents – yielded a glimpse of life from a few decades ago. Traffic was almost non-existent; parking lots were completely empty, even a popular fishing lake was deserted. For those residents of the area, it’s a mostly-welcome respite from the sometimes overwhelming crowds of the last few years. The crowds and the traffic will return soon enough. With luck, they’ll bring money to spend. Yards and garages have been cleaned out. (Unfortunately, the local counties didn’t keep the landfills open. Some of the detritus from private property has found its way onto the sides of the highway.) Landscapes look better than they have in years. Those neighbors whose plumbing systems failed quickly found contractors eager to complete the repairs, they’re happy to have the work. Calls for service to the local police and fire departments have dropped precipitously. While the numbers are down, the severity of the calls to 911 seems to have increased. Those previously on the margins of society are falling off the edge. This situation gives all of us some time to ponder just what is “essential” to us, not necessarily synonymous with government edicts. More time and less money tends to focus one’s attention on the immediate hierarchy of needs. Our species has weathered far more calamitous situations in the past; we’ll get through this situation as well, maybe with a bit more understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
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.
JUNE 2020
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OurLifestyle
2020 HYUNDAI SONATA is ‘eye candy’ at a reasonable price Sophisticated execution, striking design (both inside and out) and a class far above the competition. This helps to describe the redone “third generation” 2020 Hyundai Sonata. With a base starting price at $23,400 (before the $950 destination charges and options), this rolling form of head-turning “eye candy” quite honestly proves to also be a good value. To expand a bit further, it’s only increases $750 more than the previous outgoing 2019 version however, the ‘20 model has additional standard content. The vehicle’s coupe-like outside lines make it one of the most stylish four-door models on the road today. This is all coupled with class-leading front head and leg room. Exterior body panels show perfectlyaligned gaps and seams as the fit and finish, including the paint, is on par with luxury makes and models in the high end luxury category. The vehicle’s modern outside timeless body design element is nothing short of compelling. A chrome line flows from the top of the front fenders and returns to the headlamp area by running down the length of the hood. This chrome strip features graduated daytime running lights embedded with hidden state-of-theart lighting technology thus, forming Sonata’s light architecture. The hidden LED’s appear to be chrome when switched off and become dramatically lit when turned 14 | OUR TOWN | JUNE 2020
on. This meaningful layout will likely be the benchmark for other car companies to use as a base line for future car designs. Sonata is offered in four trim levels; SE, SEL, SEL Plus and Limited. A hybrid version is also featured. The interior is relaxing and inviting, back seat leg room is more than adequate. The dash assembly is uncluttered. It’s easy to navigate without having to spend hours being focused on the owner’s manual. Available is their unique/reconfigurable dash cluster. With the panoramic sun roof, the vehicle’s large green house gives the welcomed impression of openness. Trunk space is exceptional with this mid-size automobile. If you’re enticed to electronic gadgetry, look no further! Sonata’s digital key allows the vehicle to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key, all via a smartphone. Additionally, Sonata offers a high-speed wireless smartphone charging pad with cooling fan. Two engines available - standard is their 2.5-liter four cylinder and depending on the trim level, they offer a 1.6-liter turbo that operates on regular grade fuel. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. EPA numbers show 28-MPG city/38-highway for the 2.5-liter, 27-MPG city/36-highway for the turbo. Their innovative vehicle platform delivers increased strength, reduced weight, driving performance and improvements in
safety. And speaking of safety, this sedan has cutting edge breakthroughs that place it among one of the best in its category. This is further supported with its confident crash test findings. Steering and breaking is impressive, helping to give the driver an elevated level of fortitude. At road-test, the 2020 Sonata Limited I drove had an MSRP of $34,365. The base warranty is for 5-years/60,000 miles, powertrain warranty is for 10-years/100,000 miles. In the U.S., Hyundai Motors is supported with their 830 U.S. dealership network.
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
THE RESURGENCE of drive-in theaters
I
n the early 2000’s, I was privileged to meet Joe Williams, a writer who was then the film critic for the St. Louis PostDispatch. A kind and well-spoken man, he loved movies and especially enjoyed watching them at drive-in theaters. In some of his pieces, Williams would talk about Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr., the man credited with the concept of mixing cars with big outdoor screens. It was never a surprise to see Mr. Williams’ byline on a piece referencing “Ozoners,” the affectionate nickname for drive-ins. Growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s, my parents would frequently take my brothers and sisters and I to see movies at a local drive-in. We would load up the station wagon with soft drinks and snacks and settle in for several hours of cinematic enjoyment. In those pre-social distancing days, the only time we’d really interact with other people was during a trip to the snack bar. For our family, this was an economical way to see several movies over the summer months. When my friends and I were old enough to drive, we’d inevitably head to a drive-in on the weekend. Over time, though, once-popular drive-in theaters in the Bi-State region closed for various reasons. Located at 9348 Watson Road, the “66 Park In Theater” was a Crestwood landmark until It was torn down to make way for a shopping center. During the summer of 1982, families in their cars waited in long lines on Lemay Ferry to see “E.T.” at the South Twin Drive-In. A year later, however, this venerable establishment gave way to yet another shopping plaza. In the current climate, though, drive-ins have seen a resurgence in popularity. Broadcasting the sound in FM stereo, the Skyview Drive-In in Belleville, Illinois, for instance, opens at 6:30 p.m. every night. As their website points out,
those iconic window speakers are long gone but patrons can use their car radio or bring a battery-operated portable one. I’m not sure if Richard Hollingshead had social distancing in mind when he opened his first drive-in, but the concept works well here. Modern technology also made “Pop-Up” drive-in theaters a reality. Ben Hooper at UPI recently reported that the Kathedral Event Center in Hammonton, New Jersey started showing movies on their parking lot. For their “Karpool Cinema”, cars are spaced approximately 10 feet apart to be in line with social distancing. ABC affiliate WPIV in Philadelphia even posted on-camera interviews with patrons who were happy to get out of the house for some familyfriendly entertainment. I’ve written more than once about how much I miss sitting in a theater with my snacks with other movie lovers close-by to share the experience. On Twitter, however, Regal Cinemas recently posted their intention to stay closed until they can show movies in a safe environment. Until it’s safe to go back to the cinema, drive-in’s and innovative pop-up theaters provide a very welcome way to get out of the house and enjoy the movies.
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 wideeyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters. BIGSTOCK
JUNE 2020
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OurLifestyle
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WAYS to rethin k fa vo rit e re ci pe s Freshen up family dinners by adding new ingredients like pecans, with natural richness and subtle sweetness coupled with irresistible crunch. Kitchen staples are being used to add twists to traditional dishes, so finding an item you can use to mix up classic family recipes is key. Pecans pack flavor, texture and nutrition all in one bite, and they have a long shelf life. Shelled pecans can be kept in airtight containers in the refrigerator for about nine months and for up to two years in sealed plastic bags in the freezer. While pecans are beloved in classic desserts, like pecan pie, they also offer a variety of nutrition benefits that can be added to nearly any meal. They are among the highest in “good� monounsaturated fats, contain 3 grams of plant protein per serving and are a source of fiber, flavonoids and minerals like manganese, which is essential for metabolism and bone health. Nearly two decades of research document the
heart-health benefits of pecans. In fact, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1 1/2 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving of pecans (28 grams) has 18 grams of unsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat. Add crunch to this Chinese Chicken Salad with Pecans by swapping out croutons, use chopped pecans as a flavorful and nutrient-dense coating for Pecan Chicken Meatballs and bake this Pecan Banana Bread as a nutritious and kid-friendly breakfast or snack to fill your home with a delicious scent. Discover more nutritious recipes at AmericanPecan.com.
Pecan Chicken Meatballs Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Yield: 9 meatballs
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken 1/4 cup spinach, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 egg 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1 cup finely chopped fresh pecan pieces, divided
Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, mix ground chicken, spinach, lemon juice, egg, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne (if desired) and 1/2 cup pecans until well combined.
Roll chicken mixture into 1 tablespoon- sized meatballs. Place reserved pecans in bowl. Roll meatballs in pecans to coat then place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 20-30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through. Serve warm with sauces for dipping or over pasta.
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OurLifestyle Chinese Chicken Salad with Pecans Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Salad:
4 ounces dried thin rice noodles cold water 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce 4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce 1/4 cup toasted and chopped pecans 2 scallions, finely chopped 1 cup bean sprouts 1/2 cup crispy wontons 1 cup mandarin oranges 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 2 cups rotisserie chicken breast, chopped
Dressing:
1/4 cup pecan butter 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons warm water, plus additional as needed (optional)
Directions: To make salad: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer to bowl with cold water to keep from sticking.
In large bowl, toss romaine and iceberg lettuces, pecans, scallions, bean sprouts, crispy wontons, mandarin oranges and sesame seeds. Divide salad among four plates; top each with 1/2 cup chicken and serve with dressing. To make dressing: In medium bowl, whisk pecan butter, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil and soy sauce until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons warm water and whisk until incorporated. Add additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if desired, until dressing reaches pourable consistency.
Pecan Banana Bread Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 60 minutes | Servings: 8 Ingredients: 10 ounces gluten-free baking flour mix 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 2 flax eggs 1 cup organic brown or coconut sugar Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare 9-by-5-inch banana bread pan.
In medium bowl, sift flour mix, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt; whisk to combine. In mixer bowl, mix eggs, sugar and coconut oil 2 minutes on medium-low speed. Scrape vanilla bean and add to mixture. Add vegan yogurt and mashed bananas; mix 2 minutes on medium-low speed. Remove bowl from mixer and fold 1 cup raw pecan pieces into batter until evenly distributed.
1/2 1/2 1/2 3/4 1
cup coconut oil vanilla bean cup vegan yogurt cup mashed bananas, ripe cup raw pecan pieces, chopped, plus additional for topping
Add batter to banana bread pan and use spatula to smooth down top. Sprinkle additional pecan pieces on top. Bake banana bread on top rack 60 minutes until toothpick comes out with few crumbs but not completely clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes in pan. Hold sides of pan and flip onto wire rack. Allow bread to cool completely. Slice as desired.
JUNE 2020
| OUR TOWN | 17
InDepth BY CHARLOTTE BEARD
FIGHTING BACK Recovered COVID-19 patients donate their plasma to help others sick with the disease by passing on virus-fighting antibodies Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) is accepting referrals for plasma donations from recovered COVID-19 patients. It is stated that one plasma donation can help four people undergo COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP) therapy. Not to be confused with traditional blood donations, Kirby Winn, Public Relations Manager for MVRBC explains what recovered COVID-19 patients are donating in terms of plasma. “During the time that (a recovered person was) sick their body produced antibodies to that virus. Antibodies are carried around in our blood but specifically within the plasma component of blood and it is possible to donate only the plasma. Now we have specialized equipment at our collection centers that allow us to separate the plasma from the rest of the blood components and then put that into a collection bag. We return those other components, which are the red cells and the platelets in the white cell, back to the donor’s body through that same tube and needle.” Dr. Martin Schmidt of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital recovered from the coronavirus and is one of the CCP therapy’s plasma donors. “As soon as I was diagnosed, I knew that I eventually wanted to donate my plasma,” stated Schmidt. MVRBC provides the donations for therapy to 115 hospitals. Some of the St. Louis hospitals included in those donations are Mercy Hospital South, Mercy Hospital St. Louis, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, SSM Health DePaul Hospital, SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, and St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital. Winn shared that the actual donations that area hospitals use may come from a different city just as the donations made in St. Louis might serve a different city, yet everyone is benefiting from donors. “People who are sick with this infection – seriously ill in the hospital – they can receive the plasma as a transfusion,” stated Winn, “and then they’re going to have antibodies that were made by the donor when that person was sick. (Initially), their body is trying to produce antibodies to the virus (but) they just might not be making enough. So, this helps support their body’s own ability to fight back against the virus and helps them get ahead in terms of developing their own antibiotics to it. We are hearing that hospitals are using it, but it is not a magic cure. This is one of the tools that doctors have now.” Recovered COVID-19 patients donate at the Admin, Lab and Distribution site located at 3420 Rider Trail S in Earth City. To deter impromptu visits to the site, MVRBC is requesting that referrals or possible donors
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SUBMITTED PHOTO
InDepth
Dr. Martin Schmidt of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital recovered from the coronavirus and is one of the CCP therapy’s plasma donors.
first complete the Self-Referral and Care Provider Form for Recovered COVID-19 Patients on their website at https:// www.bloodcenter.org. For those without internet access, inquiries may be made by calling 1-833-610-1025. There is a process for determining that donors have met the requirement for having gone 28 days since their virus symptoms were discovered before they would be scheduled to donate. “We have a team of staff who are working on (these referrals),” stated Winn. “They (determine whether) the person had a positive test for COVID-19, and they need to be able to verify when their symptoms ended. (Also), there are all the other things that we ask (regarding) the eligibility to give blood. There (are) restrictions on places you have traveled, health conditions, and drugs and medications you might be (taking). So, (staff) go through all of that (information) ahead of time. When people come (to the donor site) we do a predonation screening. We want to know their blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. It’s all physical (requirements) that you could not do over the phone.” A plasma donation visit takes a slightly different amount of time than one might spend traditionally donating blood. According to Winn, for approximately the first 15 minutes of the visit is the check-in and previously mentioned pre-donation screening, along with the completion of a questionnaire. The
next 45 minutes is spent in the donation chair where a donor provides plasma. Winn stated, “Plasma donation takes more time because the machine next to the donor is operating and separating the blood components as it goes; it’s just more time consuming.” “The process is very easy,” Schmidt shared. “I had no problem with it, and you can help a lot of other people. I feel very fortunate that I had a mild case of COVID-19, but there is a lot of people out there suffering with much more severe cases. If I can help some of them, I’m more than happy to do that.” According to Winn, every hospital in the United States is submitting information to the Mayo Clinic that is coordinating a national research project to determine the effectiveness of CCP therapy. “We appreciate people who are stepping forward for a plasma donation,” stated Winn, “because we know that those people have been through a lot; they got sick and then had to get better. Now they are looking for ways that they can help other people. We’re going to really rely on blood donors who give the traditional donations also to make sure that we have enough available this summer.”
JUNE 2020
| OUR TOWN | 19
June 6
D-Day
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Flag Day
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Juneteenth
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First Day of Summer Father’s Day
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