Our Town: July 2020

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Our Town Volume 11 | Number 7 July 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 Gateway Arch National Park begins phased reopening 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

For advertising information, please contact us at:

Meeting safely at the market Creve Coeur Farmers Market continues to provide a space for vendors to bring their wares to customers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

By Charlotte Beard

Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore begins the process of rejoining society while Avalanche takes some time to catch his breath.

Lifestyle 2020 Volkswagen Jetta gives a fresh look to a popular sedan in Automobile Alley. Theaters begin the process of reopening in Entertainment. Comfort food consumption is on the rise in For the Love of Food.

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In Depth Local colleges and universities hard-hit as state of Missouri cuts funding to higher education amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Events Calendar

Staff Writer – Charlotte Beard Cover Photo – Bigstock

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AroundTown

Riding for a cure Pedal the Cause announces major event changes, remains inspired to create a world without cancer

www.treesbywoody.net

4 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2020

Pedal the Cause, the region’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event, is adapting its 2020 bike ride in order to maintain its commitment to fund vital cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital while prioritizing the safety of its riders, volunteers and supporters.

In 2019, Pedal the Cause celebrated its tenth year with 3,725 riders and spinners, 522 kids, and over 1,100 volunteers working in tandem to raise $4.74 million. This year Pedal the Cause Inspired will take place on Sept. 26 and 27 and offer participants the opportunity to choose their own physical challenge: biking, spinning, running, walking or another activity. Participants will complete these challenges on their own, in small groups, or together with their families throughout the weekend all connected through a livestream Inspirational Program and various interactive opportunities. Pedal the Cause will also offer opportunities to train, fundraise and engage with the community in the weeks and months leading up to the event.

“With 10 years of momentum at our backs, the Pedal family has shown we are unstoppable. This year, we prove it,” said Pedal the Cause Executive Director David Drier. “Pedal the Cause Inspired provides the opportunity for us to continue our tradition of riding to fund cancer research at the end of September. Pedal the Cause may look different this year because of our inability to safely gather but will offer new opportunities for participation from those that don’t ride a bike and those who are outside the St. Louis area.

This year, we challenge everyone to be ‘Inspired’ to create a world without cancer.”

“We have all been through a lot of emotional stress these past few months,” said Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center Director Timothy Eberlein, MD. “Participating in Pedal the Cause is a great way to improve emotional wellbeing while supporting a great cause.

The Pedal family has been phenomenally successful at funding new cancer research and therapies, and I believe Pedal the Cause Inspired will be another great success for cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.”

Pedal the Cause Inspired will build on the organization’s tenyear history of riding and raising funds to support innovative ideas in cancer research that are not currently eligible for federal funds.

Last year’s record-breaking donation of $4.74 million brings the total funds donated by Pedal the Cause over the last ten years to $29,077,611. This money has funded 140 cancer research projects at their beneficiaries, including 108 adult and 32 pediatric projects.

“The need to fund cancer research has not gone away amidst the pandemic,” said BJC President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Liekweg. “We are thrilled that Pedal the Cause has reimagined this year’s event and will once again be engaging our community to take action.”

To register for Pedal the Cause Inspired or to learn more about Pedal the Cause and its work to achieve a world without cancer, please visit www.pedalthecause.org.

AroundTown

Opening the Arch Gateway Arch National Park begins phased reopening Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Gateway Arch National Park is using a phased reopening approach to increase visitor access to the park experience while continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The health and safety of our visitors and our employees is our highest priority,” said Pam Sanfilippo, Chief, Museum Services and Interpretation, Gateway Arch National Park. “This phased approach will allow us to refine the visitor experience as necessary, assess visitation levels and adjust capacity, and monitor changing conditions in the city of St. Louis and surrounding counties and revise operations if needed. We are so excited to tell the stories of St. Louis and westward expansion onsite while continuing our virtual programming.”

On June 17, Gateway Arch National Park began Phase I access to: Gateway Arch Visitor Center, Museum at the Gateway Arch, The Arch Store and Arch Café.

Outdoor spaces at Gateway Arch National Park remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state and local health guidance. Other park experiences, including the Tram Ride to the Top, are part of later reopening phases and remain unavailable at this time.

The Gateway Arch hours of operations are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

It is Gateway Arch National Park’s goal to protect visitors and employees from transmission risks while continuing to remain a trusted, globally recognized destination. The National Park Service (NPS) has modified various elements of the park experience: • Mandatory, free timed ticket reservations to enter the Arch facility.

• Reservations should be made at gatewayarch.com or by calling 877-982-1410.

• For individuals needing assistance with making reser- vations, contact the call center at 877-982-1410, or staff members will be able to assist in the west en- trance plaza in front of the Arch Visitor Center during facility hours of operation.

• Please note: tickets are subject to availability, based on reduced facility capacity. It is strongly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance online or by phone to secure entry to the Arch.

• Significantly reduced visitor capacity inside the Arch facility.

• Social distancing floor markers throughout the Arch facility.

• Plexiglas barriers at ticket/order counters and the security checkpoint.

• Rigorous and frequent disinfecting and sanitizing of public spaces and surfaces.

• Hand sanitizing stations located throughout the Arch facility.

• Established queuing lines for the Arch Visitor Center ticket counter, security checkpoint, The Arch Store and Arch Café.

• Visitor experience staff members wearing face coverings and gloves where appropriate.

• •Employee safety and disinfecting training.

NPS encourages visitors to follow CDC guidance to reduce the

spread of COVID-19, and take their own necessary precautions to protect themselves and the people around them: • Practice social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between you and others.

• Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

• Stay at home and contact your doctor if you feel sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Visitors to the Arch must enter the monument at the new glass west entrance, which faces the Old Courthouse. The Arch legs are exits only, providing great opportunities for photo ops with the Arch structure and direct access to the park grounds.

Gateway Arch National Park does not have designated on-site visitor parking. A list of parking locations near the park can be found at getaroundstl.com. Metered street parking is also available around the park.

For more information about the park’s phased approach, visit nps.gov/jeff or gatewayarch.com, call 877-982-1410, or check the park’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages @GatewayArchNPS. Updates about NPS operations will be shared at nps.gov/ coronavirus.

JULY 2020 | OUR TOWN | 5

AroundTown

Trying transit Citizens for Modern Transit teams up with Mission: St. Louis to increase access to jobs To positively impact and strengthen St. Louis’ workforce, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) has announced a new collaboration with Mission: St. Louis that will offer participants a chance to try transit for free. The opportunity is made possible through CMT’s Try & Ride program, which provides riders who are new to MetroBus or MetroLink with customized route information, helpful tips and free fare for the first two months.

Mission: St. Louis works to empower people to transform their lives, families and neighborhoods. Its EACH1 community health and workforce development program helps people access the resources they need to achieve sustainable employment, live healthy lifestyles and create real change in their lives. Through this collaboration with Citizens for Modern Transit, Mission: St. Louis will include the Try & Ride Program, which provides complimentary passes and assistance navigating the transit system, as part of its EACH1 program offerings beginning June 1.

“Our hope is to continue to create a sustainable workforce within

the St. Louis community, and by connecting people with the resources they need to utilize our public transit system, we can hopefully expand upon our program and reach more individuals,” said Amy Bollinger, Director of Workforce Operations for Mission: St. Louis.

The Try & Ride initiative with Citizens for Modern Transit and Mission: St. Louis is open to any Missouri or Illinois residents participating in Mission: St. Louis’ EACH1 program who do not already utilize the region’s public transportation system. Upon registering, each program participant receives a personalized transit route, complimentary tickets for two months, a journal to capture stories and write down reminders, and a list of tips for using transit. Registration also enrolls them in the Guaranteed Ride Home program, which provides the user with subsidized access to ride-hailing services like Lyft, a cab ride or rental car in the case of an emergency or unexpected schedule change at work.

For more information about Citizens for Modern Transit and how those not affiliated with Mission: St. Louis can also take advantage of the Try & Ride program, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

Play with a champ Hall of Fame wide receiver Isaac Bruce hosts free football clinic for kids More than 500 youth from the St. Louis area will have the opportunity to join former St. Louis Rams wide receiver and newly elected Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce for a free football clinic at the former Rams Park on July 25.

This free, non-contact clinic provides youth the opportunity to work on their football skills, sportsmanship and teamwork skills, while building self-esteem both on and off the field. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and refreshments as well as have the opportunity to meet Bruce. Registration is open to the public. Space is limited to the first 250 youth in each of the two sessions (8-10 years from 9-11 a.m. and 11-13 years from 12-2 p.m.). To register, visit www.IsaacBruce.org.

The Isaac Bruce Foundation Football Clinics are sponsored by Ameren, Edward Jones, Mercy, Performance Chiropractic & Medicine, Homer Sedighi D.M.D, P.C., Lou Fusz Football, and the Isaac Bruce Foundation.

Between the lines, the Hall of Fame wide receiver gained more than 15,000 receiving yards, more than 1,000 receptions, and scored 91 touchdowns during his 14 seasons with the Rams and two seasons with the 49ers. He launched the Isaac Bruce Foundation in 2006 which focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education.

Bruce is committed to continuing to make an impact in St. Louis through the foundation and is excited to partner with Lou Fusz Athletics to continue offering the free clinic.

6 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2020

AroundTown

Learning online Healthworks! Kids’ Museum launches new virtual classroom for educators, children and families HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis debuted its new Virtual Classroom, a tremendous resource for educators and families interested in helping area children learn more about the many things they can do to protect and improve their health from the safety of their homes.

The project is supported by a $200,000 grant that HealthWorks received from Delta Dental of Missouri earlier this year to help continue to fund the facility’s unique programming aimed at educating and inspiring children and families to make positive oral and overall health choices. Delta Dental of Missouri, the state’s leading dental benefits company, is deeply committed to advancing oral health and overall health for individuals, children and families in the communities it serves and has been a longtime supporter of Healthworks and its mission.

HealthWorks recently had to temporarily close its physical location due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but recognizing the important role the museum plays as a partner for area educators and parents, leadership decided to accelerate the planned Virtual Classroom project so it could continue to have a positive impact. With a portion of the funding from Delta Dental, and additional support from the Jefferson Foundation and Dana Brown Charitable Trust, HealthWorks launched the new virtual classroom as a way to continue to educate children and their caregivers while adhering to current social distancing requirements. With a few short clicks, children and family members can easily access videos, activities, games and even books on a variety of health-related subjects, including anatomy, hygiene, nutrition, physical activity, oral health, sleep, mental and emotional health and health careers. The engaging resources can be accessed at hwstl.org/health-resources/ virtual-classroom/.

“We can’t think of a better time to launch our Interactive Classroom than right now given that we can’t welcome visitors to the museum itself and so many children are at home looking for activities to engage them,” said Shannon Laine, president and CEO of HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis. “Our

primary focus is on helping to reduce kid’s health risks by making health education fun, so we’re confident that those utilizing the Virtual Classroom will find countless ways to benefit from the great tools we’ve assembled while staying ‘edutained.’”

HealthWorks also plans to use additional funding from the Delta Dental grant to build and maintain interactive exhibits at the museum, which is eager to reopen when deemed safe to do so. Benefiting exhibits include the Giant Teeth, Dental Office, Mouth Theatre, Oral Health Learning Theatre, Grossology Sniff Sniff, Farmer’s Market, Interactive Dude’s Face and Tobacco exhibits. These exhibits reinforce oral health habits and teach necessary skills for proper oral health, providing kids with the tools to demonstrate proper brushing technique, identify the cause of bad breath, see the effects of tobacco use and more.

The museum will also leverage the donation to invest in oral health tools for 6,000 visiting children to take care of their smiles at home and provide access to valuable oral health information. Furthermore, 8,000 children and caregivers will now be able to participate in oral health-specific learning theatre programs during their visit once the museum is back open. The grant funding also provided for dental screenings, oral health goodie bags and dental resources to more than 350 children and caregivers that participated in the Magical Smiles Oral Health Event that was held on Feb. 8.

“Oral health education is necessary to a child’s development, and we are proud to be able to supply children with important health lessons they can apply to their daily lives,” said Laine. “We are grateful for the generous support from Delta Dental of Missouri and our other wonderful supporters, and we look forward to continuing to educate children and caregivers about their health in fun, interactive ways and provide them with resources they otherwise may not have had access to.”

Inspired by 38 years of successfully educating children and families on the importance of oral health, Delta Dental Health Theatre expanded and transitioned into HealthWorks in 2016. Since then, the or-

ganization has continued to support the museum in its efforts toward improving the lives and health of children and caregivers throughout the St. Louis region.

HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis is located at 1100 Macklind Ave. in St. Louis.

To learn more, call 314-241-7391 or visit www.hwstl.org.

JULY 2020 | OUR TOWN | 7

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AroundTown

Vital corridor New report reveals 94 percent of all bulk industrial construction in the St. Louis Region has been focused along the I-70 corridor

Key takeaways from the report include: • Bulk distribution buildings (over 250,000 square feet) is the highest growing sector in the St. Louis inventory.

• Bulk distribution added more inventory in the five-year period between 2015 and 2019 than at any other time in St. Louis history, totaling more than 18 million square feet of top-of-the-line modern bulk space.

• 94 percent of all bulk construction since 2016 has been focused along the vital I-70 corridor hotspot that links Illinois and Missouri.

• Construction for large distribution buildings since 2016 has been split evenly between speculative developments and build-to-suit projects for occupiers.

• The overall vacancy rate for the entire St. Louis industrial market dropped below six percent for the first time in over 15 years.

• Current triple net lease (NNN) asking rents for the St. Louis bulk distribution market is $3.71 per square feet (PSF), which is lower than the average rate in the peer cities of Kansas City, Louisville and Nashville.

“The epicenter of this construction boom is along the I-70 bi-state corridor, 8 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2020

SUBMITTED IMAGE

Daily life is changing due to COVID-19, but demand for distribution space keeps growing, and a new report released by the St. Louis Regional Freightway reveals the southwestern Illinois and eastern Missouri region is ready to help distributors and developers meet that demand. The St. Louis Regional Real Estate Market Indicators & Workforce Statistics report focuses solely on bulk industrial buildings that are important to the freight and logistics supply chain. Market fundamentals in the St. Louis metro region remain strong with recent record setting construction adding to the thriving modern bulk inventory.

including I-70 and portions of I-170, I-270, and I-370 running from Missouri to Illinois,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi-Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, which operates the St. Louis Regional Freightway. “This is a major logistics corridor supported with more than $600 million of roadway infrastructure investment, which will help to foster continued growth among the national manufacturers, suppliers and distributors choosing to locate in the corridor.”

The state of labor in the bi-state region is also analyzed in the report, with a focus on transportation and production occupations. The report highlights how St. Louis has more workers in Production Occupations and Transportation/Material Moving Occupations than Louisville, Kansas City, Memphis or Nashville.

In addition, the report highlights the many national developers and institu-

tional grade investors active in the market, where they benefit from the region’s competitive advantages in freight and distribution. These include logistical advantages such as being home to America’s second largest inland port based on tonnage, four interstates with national access, five airports with capacity and six Class I railroads. Ample utility capacity is also available.

“Private industry representatives with first-hand knowledge of the bi-state St. Louis area consistently reinforce that availability of space and speed of delivery; an available, job-ready workforce, and exceptional freight assets are continuing to drive the growth we’ve been seeing in our region,” Lamie said. “As a result of that growth, as supply chains continue to shift in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. Louis region has all the ingredients ‘CORRIDOR’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

AroundTown ‘CORRIDOR’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 in place to accommodate those shifts.”

Among those ingredients are the many real estate sites featured in the interactive report, which showcases just how rich the St. Louis region is with industrial parks and development-ready land for all types of industrial or corporate use. These sites can be accessed directly through the report or at https://www.thefreightway.com/real-estate/ “Prior to the COVID19 shutdown, industrial activity in the St. Louis market was so strong that, although transaction time has

lengthened, market activity remained very good. Amazon recently signed leases for another 1.1 million square feet in St. Louis and there are a number of active users in the market for 200,000 SF or more – especially in the I-70 / I-270 corridor. We expect industrial absorption this year to be on par with average absorption since coming out of the downturn,” said Geoff Orf, Senior Vice President – Industrial, Colliers International.

The report was released during the third annual FreightWeekSTL, which took place May 18 – 22 as a fully online experience due to current social distancing requirements.

Fighting summer hunger June 8 officially began Operation Food Search’s ninth Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which is funded by the USDA and ensures children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. But this year the program is much different…just like everything else in today’s climate.

Operation Food Search (OFS) began its summer program earlier this year on March 27 based upon children no longer attending school due to COVID-19. This program will end Aug. 21.

Since its inception in 2012, OFS and community partners have provided a total of nearly 450,000 meals to children 18 years of age and younger. The nonprofit plans to serve over 300,000 meals during this year’s March through Aug. time period, which is more than three times what was served last summer.

Prior to COVID-19, OFS could only serve meals where children congregated, including summer camps, parks and recreation facilities, and summer enrichment programs. Children received breakfast and lunch during certain hours, and each meal had to be eaten onsite during the 10-week program. The congregate meal requirement made it difficult for children, particularly in rural areas, to access free meals. In the past, most school districts did not offer meals to children after summer school concluded, leaving thousands of children at risk for hunger during the six-week period until school resumed in August.

This summer everything has changed. Now OFS will implement four distribution methods – rural partnerships, grab ‘n go meal sites, drive-through meal pickup and mobile meal routes – to best accommodate COVID-19 guidelines. Other big changes: OFS currently can serve multiple meals to children at designated meal locations, and these meals can be eaten at home instead of on the premises. This summer’s flexible meal waivers create an opportunity to serve more children during this difficult time.

The summer’s meals program includes the following: • OFS continues to work with two St. Charles City-County Library branches and 10 St. Louis County Library branches. OFS has offered the stationary meal service option at several St. Louis County Libraries (SLCL) since 2014, but this year it has evolved into a drive-through meal pickup.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Operation Food Search launches summer meals kickoff

June 8 officially began Operation Food Search’s ninth Summer Food Service Program, which is funded by the USDA and ensures children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

For more information, visit https://www.operationfoodsearch. org/summer-meals-locations/. For information on how to find the nearest summer meal location, text ‘Food’ 877-877 or ‘Comida’ 877-877.

JULY 2020 | OUR TOWN | 9

MEETINGatSAFELY the market

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Creve Coeur Farmers Market continues to provide a space for vendors to bring their wares to customers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

10 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2020

Creve Coeur Farmers Market has begun its third month of service for the season as a pop-up market on the parking lot of the American Legion Post 397. For the seventh summer, every Saturday visitors flock to 934 E. Rue De La Banque from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to see what great finds they can carry away.

With exception to Independence Day, the market is scheduled to be open until Oct. 3.

Visitors to the market can hear live music as they browse and shop the market and leave with an optional purchase of barbeque on available weekends from the American Legion. Despite the outdoor market experience, like every other business, the market has adjusted to accommodating needs due to the coronavirus concerns. According to Katie Dixon, manager for the market, Creve Coeur started the season with five vendors before growing to 12 vendors. The market had to create more space to allow for social distancing and spacing for lines to accommodate standing six-feet apart. All vendors wear masks and gloves.

“The first three weeks we were only allowed to have the essential farmers and food items like jam, some bread, honey, etc.,” stated Dixon. “We didn’t

have some of our craft items; some people who didn’t have food (to sell) weren’t ready to come back, yet. So, we started small. I was working with the St. Louis County Health Department on their guidelines (via) calls. We wanted to make sure everything was safe, and we could figure out how to operate in a safe way; that was our priority. I also did a lot of research with the Columbia, Missouri Farmers Market that had been running all of April. I took notes from their manager on how to do things (during) that time.”

Among the vendors are farmers who provide eggs, locally grown produce, vendors of home baked goods, jams, spices, plants and flowers. Dixon also shared that there are vendors who sell hand-created face masks at the market along with other craft items. In addition, visitors to the market can find hand-sculpted items, like wooden salt and pepper shakers, step stools, cutting boards, or hand-crafted jewelry.

“Everyone makes or grows their own (items),” stated Dixon. “It’s important for us to support these local farmers and local artisans that are in or outside our community.”

Below are some safety guidelines from Creve Coeur Farmers Market of which to be aware when visiting: • Only one-way foot traffic will be allowed.

Please park in the First Bank parking lot next to the farmers market and walk to the designated market entrance.

• City staff will be monitoring crowds at the market entrance to reduce overcrowding.

Please be patient if asked to wait at the entrance.

• Farmers markets are about interacting and visiting with your community; however, you are asked to please keep your visit as short as possible to allow for more customers to come into the market.

• Limit the number of customers at a booth to one at a time. When waiting in line, please keep at least six feet away from the customer in front of you.

• Shop with your eyes, not your hands. Vendors will pick up and bag items for you.

• As recommended by the CDC, customers are encouraged to wear face masks while shopping at the farmers market.

“We have a core group of vendors that are always there,” stated Dixon. “And each week there might be just a little something different or extra that people will find. We have a great group of solid customers that keep coming back week to week and they love it. We also see new faces. So, we thank the surrounding area for their support.”

For questions or more information about Creve Coeur Farmers Market visit http://www. creve-coeur.org/750/Farmers-Market or call 314-629-2765.

Creve Coeur Farmers Market has begun its third month of service for the season as a pop-up market on the parking lot of the American Legion Post 397.

JULY 2020 | OUR TOWN | 11

OurThoughts MOORE ON LIFE

BY CINDY MOORE Finally, businesses have started to open up again. It’s like we’ve been in a deep hibernation for months now. Even so, things are definitely going to be a lot different.

My hair needs coloring; three inches of gray roots are showing. I call for an appointment.

“Hello, can I schedule a dye and cut stat?!”

“The soonest we can get you in is the end of June.”

“Huh? I think you meant July.”

“Oh honey no, I meant 2021.”

The same with dentists. My teeth are fuzzy and feel like I’m growing fur on them. They need a good cleaning or a shave.

I ring the office to see when I can get in.

“Uh, you’re a tad late,” says the receptionist.

“We just filled our schedule for the year.”

“But I’m desperate. My teeth feel like I’ve eaten a stuffed animal. Okay, pencil me in for the first of next year.”

“Sorry, he’ll be retired by then.”

Fine! I head to the grocery store to find some deep-cleaning toothpaste or sandpaper, whichever works best. But I’m not used to walking around crowds of people and feel a little uneasy.

These bacteria-infested humans are the things we’ve been told to avoid for months. Everyone is eyeing one another suspiciously like one of us is a jack-in-the-box ready to spring or worse…

SNEEZE! Ah-CHOO! Someone let loose a big juicy one. Sweet mother! We all duck for cover under the avocado display! A man next to me grabs one from the top and appears to pull a pin from it then lobs it towards the offending sneezer.

I comment, “You do know that’s an avocado and not a grenade, right?”

He looks at me sheepishly, “Sorry. Reflex leftover from ‘Nam.” I guess we’re all a little on edge. Suddenly, nature calls right there in the produce aisle. I panic. I’ve been programmed not to touch anything. I use fist bumps to greet friends; my elbows to open doors; knuckles to punch buttons on touchscreens and I’ll give the elevator buttons a quick ninja kick with the toe of my shoe.

So there is no way I’m going to the bathroom in a public place.

I have a feeling adult diaper sales are going to go way up. I’m going to stock up.

12 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2020

The Awakening

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

Just breathe

Coming home from a doctor’s appointment, rolling down the highway, I realized my riding technique was poor. A lack of focus ahead, jerky turns and drifting within the lane put my lack of mindfulness on display. A few deep breaths and a focused gaze forward helped put me back in the moment. Planted on the saddle, I became conscious of the wind, engine sound and vibration, speed and road surface. The motorcycle sent lots of instant feedback about my place and trajectory in the world, all I had to do was pay attention. The flat ranch country just outside town gave way to a narrow canyon, where the sight lines were much shorter and a natural funnel for one’s attention. Little traffic was moving, though more than one approaching vehicle wandered into my lane, indicating that a lack of attentiveness was a common affliction today.

Paying attention yielded dividends, as the weight of much mental clutter fell away over the next few miles. I continued past the road to my neighborhood, pushing work obligations and chores off until later. Rolling on the throttle at the entry to the curves, and backing off on the straights kept my speed constant; brisk but not crazy; moving meditation at highway speeds. There were no more jerky corners or drifting within the lane, just smooth riding.

A few more miles and a thousand feet higher in elevation, pockets of fresh snow were still lingering in the shaded areas, unusual for a couple weeks before the summer solstice, especially since it had been 93 degrees three days prior.

A sweeping hairpin turn marked the beginning of the mountain pass, which provided expansive views of the valley I had just travelled. Once at the top, a half-foot of new snow

blanketed the surrounding terrain, with a number of broken branches and bent trees straining under the unseasonable weight of the wet, heavy slush.

A U-turn at the top and a leisurely ride back down the valley brought me back home, an hour later than expected. Two big dogs ran out to greet me, demanding that I give them the attention they think they deserve - which is quite a bit. I gladly showered them with affection (and some food), then took them in the truck partway back from where I had just ridden. Work and chores would still be waiting at home when I returned; and while they too, would demand my attention, unlike with the dogs, I didn’t feel the least bit bad about ignoring them for another hour or two.

The mutts enjoyed the unseasonable snow, and got quite wet and muddy, which added to the chores of cleaning up the house when we returned. While we were out, the dogs didn’t have a hard time focusing on fun and play. They’re blissfully unaware of events outside their place in the world, and they’re quite happy with simply having enough food, someone to pet them and a place to sleep. There’s a lesson there for us, if we can slow down, breath, and pay attention.

As the Four Horsemen seem to be getting saddled-up for an Apocalyptic Rodeo, it’s important to take a few breaths and pay attention, even if it’s just during a ride home from the doctor and taking the dogs for a walk. Work and chores…and perhaps the Apocalypse…will still be waiting for us, but in the meantime, paying attention to the fun and beauty right in front of us is more important than ever.

JULY 2020

| OUR TOWN | 13

OurLifestyle

2020 Volkswagen Jetta With a base starting price of $18,895, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is likely one of the world’s most successful sedans. More than 17.5 million models have been sold worldwide since first introduced in 1979. And of those appropriated, more than 3.2 million have found a home here in the United States.

The ‘20 Jetta offers a fresh, yet bold, layout, enhanced interior space and a number of new technologies. This compact sedan is offered in five trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. Based on VW’s award winning Modular Transverse Matrix underside foundation, it thus allows their designers more flexibility to reshape the body, creating a longer wheelbase, wider track, and a shorter front overhang.

The fast-sloping rear roofline translates into a coupe-like profile. Dynamic body lines combine with its overall silhouette gives Jetta a look that hinges on being elegant and athletic. The enhanced presence of a large front grille translates to a bold character while the addition of increased chrome and LED lighting lend a premium look of which certainly identifies with Volkswagen’s brand DNA. The car’s profile is marked by its taut surfaces and muscular wheel arches, giving off a strong stance.

The rear aerodynamic spoiler helps emphasizes the sedan’s impressive footprint.

Jetta’s width is also highlighted by sharp lines in the LED taillight clusters. Their acclaimed R-Line takes the dramatic styling a step further with a more aggressive rear 14 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2020

bumper with stylized dual exhaust outlets, a gloss-black grille, black side mirror caps and R-Line badging.

The Parking Information feature can assist drivers by locating off-street parking information. Vehicle Health Reports can provide owners easy access to diagnostic information. Jetta SEL and SEL Premium models also offer standard wireless smart phone charging. SE and R-Line models now offer their Cold Weather Package. This includes a suite of premium content including a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated wiper’s (while in the lowered position), heated washer nozzles, and remote start.

The interior cabin is engineered for increased comfort while supporting a sophisticated, upscale design. You’ll welcome the 14 cubic feet of trunk space and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The cockpit is a driver-focused environment with numerous “soft touch “ materials and an easy to navigate instrument gauge cluster. The front seats feature ergonomically-optimized seating for maximum comfort.

The 2020 Jetta is powered by their responsive 1.4-liter turbocharged/direct-injection engine generating 147 horsepower.

Estimated fuel economy shows 30/40 mpg (city/highway), regardless of the transmission choice. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with an eight-speed automatic also available. Their fuel-saving Stop/Start system is standard on automatic-transmission models. This technology stops the en-

gives a fresh look to a popular sedan

gine during idle when the brake pedal is pressed. The chassis is well engineered for a smooth ride and notable handling. Breaking personality is more than adequate. The Jetta S and SE comes standard with 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels while the SEL and SEL Premium models have 17-inch wheels, as does the R-Line model. Along with a number of electronic safety systems, Jetta provides a combination of both passive and active safety with its six airbags as standard.

This includes front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions. Every 2020 Jetta comes with a Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty and their Carefree Maintenance backing. The warranty provides coverage for four years or 50,000-miles (whichever occurs first), and can be transferred to subsequent owners. Destination chargers for all Jetta models is an additional $920.

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

THEATERS REOPENING: cleaning protocols and social distancing On March 8, I went to a Sunday evening showing of “Onward,” a fun, family-friendly adventure about two brothers who use magic to spend one more day with their deceased wizard father. At that time, theaters had not shut down and social distancing had just arrived. I was able to buy a ticket and purchase concessions as I normally would, but I noticed the crowd was significantly lighter than usual, especially for a Pixar movie.

A few days later, movie theaters across the country closed their doors, including the Regal Cinema location that I had visited. It made sense because auditoriums have never been places where moviegoers can socially distance. That is especially true if you are sitting in an aisle seat and people must squeeze by you to get to the lobby. Ticket lines for hot releases were never a place to stand six feet apart either.

As a fan who loves movie theaters, the shutdown has been difficult. I watch a lot of movies at home, but nothing compares to viewing them in theaters. That is why I was happy to see that chains such as Regal and AMC Theaters will begin reopening locations in July. Despite my enthusiasm, I still have some concerns about the safeguards and procedures that will be put into place. Will these be enough to keep everyone safe?

Planning to reopen their theaters by July 10, Regal Cinemas outlined their new safety procedures on their website. Contactless payments have become more common, and the theater chain has made it possible to purchase both tickets and concessions through their mobile app. Within the auditoriums, they plan to use ULV (Ultra Low Volume) foggers to sanitize all the seats. The process is non-toxic and reported to be fast drying.

As CNN Business reported, AMC Theaters, another notable

chain, also is planning a mid-July reopening of their locations.

Their focus is keeping their customers and staff safe by following local, national and international guidelines (AMC is owned by the Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group.) The CNN piece also mentioned that AMC is working with Clorox on their inhouse cleaning protocols.

The timing here is tied to what is left of the summer movie season. Under normal circumstances, potential blockbusters films would have arrived followed by a new batch for the July 4 weekend. Since theaters were closed over Memorial Day weekend, it is important that the chains take advantage of the July releases of Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” and Disney’s live action adaptation of “Mulan.”

With theater capacity potentially cut in half, some of the chains may show the new releases in as many as four auditoriums at a time. That means those who want to come back to see the new films should have a chance to do so. If the cleaning protocols are as advertised, the theater experience should be relatively safe as well.

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.

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JULY 2020

| OUR TOWN | 15

OurLifestyle

Breaking Bread

Comfort food consumption is on the rise

As families spend more time at home, Americans are finding comfort in a surprising source: bread. In fact, a 20-year trend of declining grain food consumption has been reversed.

A national study by the Grain Food Foundation suggests that the turnaround is more than a one-time sales blip due to pantry loading.

In reality, consumers count bread among their top comfort foods. The study revealed onethird of Americans named pasta and bread as foods that are comforting during a stressful time.

In addition to the comforting flavor, this trend provides valuable nutritional benefits.

As a part of many healthy eating plans, bread and pasta are nutritionist approved and provide nutrients needed for healthy aging such as B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, iron, folate and fiber.

“For years, we’ve been telling consumers that grain foods are the foods we love that love us back,” said Christine Cochran, executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation.

“The stress has given us permission to enjoy bread and pasta again, but unlike most comfort foods, consumers recognize that grains have nutritional value.”

The highest-ranking comfort foods were ice cream; baked goods like cakes, cookies and pastries; salty snacks; candy; and fast food.

However, when asked to identify comfort foods with nutritional advantages, consumers identified bread and pasta as the top two.

Beyond identifying comfort foods and their nutritional value, consumers also expressed worry that bread is in short supply right now.

“We can all rest assured that there is enough supply of grain food products in this country,” Cochran said. “Shoppers may be experiencing some sporadic unavailability of certain highdemand items. However, manufacturers are working closely with retailers to make sure that out-of-stocks are short lived. Consumers will be able to buy their favorite grain-food products and eat them, too.”

16 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2020

Cheesy Black Bean Toast with Pico de Gallo Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation Prep time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients: 6 Roma tomatoes, diced 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely minced 2 serrano or jalapeno peppers, finely chopped 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 1 lime, juice only 1/8 teaspoon oregano, finely crushed

1/8 teaspoon salt (optional) 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1/2 Hass avocado, diced 4 bolillos (6 inches) or large Kaiser rolls, sliced in half lengthwise 1 can (16 ounces) seasoned low-fat refried black beans 2 cups shredded Chihuahua or mozzarella cheese

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F.

In medium mixing bowl, combine tomatoes; onion; garlic; peppers; cilantro; lime juice; oregano; salt, if desired; pepper; and avocado; set aside.

On medium platter, split rolls. With medium spatula, spread refried beans onto each bread half; sprinkle cheese among bread.

Bake 5-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and hot.

OurLifestyle Panzanella Bagel Salad

Rotini with Sausage & Mushrooms

Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation

Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation

Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 6

Prep time: 18 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients: 2 medium Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced 1 1/4 cups canned diced tomatoes, undrained 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced 2 tablespoons red onion, diced

2

tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated, plus additional (optional) 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped 2 bagels (4 ounces each) cut into 2-inch pieces, toasted assorted greens (optional)

Directions: In medium bowl, mix tomatoes, canned tomatoes with juice, green pepper, cucumber, onion, cheese, vinegar and basil.

Add toasted bagel pieces; toss gently. Marinate, covered, in refrigerator 1 hour. Serve within 1 hour after marinating. Sprinkle with additional cheese and serve on bed of assorted greens, if desired.

Ingredients: 1 box (13 1/4 ounces) whole-grain rotini 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced 1 cup leeks, thinly sliced 1 cup green onions, thinly sliced

2 1 1/4 6

cups mushrooms, sliced cup chicken stock cup parsley chopped leaves from tarragon sprigs, chopped 1 cup Romano cheese grated Parmesan-Romano cheese (optional)

Directions: Prepare rotini according to package directions. Drain and transfer to large bowl.

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook sausage 2-3 minutes, or until well browned. Add leeks, onions and mushrooms; cook until tender. Add chicken stock and simmer 3-5 minutes, or until hot. Fold sausage mixture into warm pasta.

Add parsley, tarragon and Romano cheese; toss again. Top with Parmesan-Romano cheese, if desired.

Avocado Veggie Sandwich Recipe courtesy of the Grain Foods Foundation | Prep time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2 Ingredients: 1/2 ripe avocado, peeled 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon salt 4 slices bread

4 8 12 2 2

slices tomato slices cucumber slices sweet bell pepper tablespoons red wine vinegar lettuce leaves

Directions: In small bowl, combine avocado, lemon juice and salt. Spread mixture evenly over two bread slices.

Place tomatoes, cucumber and peppers on covered surface. Drizzle with vinegar.

Layer lettuce, tomato, cucumbers and peppers evenly between slices of bread, creating two sandwiches.

JULY 2020

| OUR TOWN | 17

InDepth

BUDGET CRUNCH

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

PHOTOS COURTESY ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

Local colleges and universities hard-hit as state of Missouri cuts funding to higher education amid COVID-19 pandemic

STLCC-Florissant Valley is just one of many local campuses facing budget shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

18 | OUR TOWN | JULY 2020

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) is accepting referrWorking communities and businesses are not alone in suffering the negative impacts COVID-19 has on finances. Colleges and universities have been hard-hit by the withholding of some state funding which has been one of the results of the 2020 pandemic. However, some institutions, such as St. Louis Community College (STLCC) and University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) are already implementing ways to combat the shortfalls.

Dr. Jeff L. Pittman, STLCC Chancellor stated that in April a portion of the institution’s state funding had been withheld. That was followed by another withholding which also affected other colleges and universities. The funds were for the current 2020 fiscal year which ends in June.

“They’ve withheld 16 percent of our budget, that’s approximately $7 million. Our assumption is that we may very well see another withhold next year, which could easily be another 16 percent. The state is in a difficult situation and we all understand. Because of the pandemic, many businesses have virtually shut down; they are just not paying the tax rate going to the state. (In addition), the state has delayed income tax returns, so they aren’t getting near the level of tax revenue (previously received).”

One of the major steps STLCC has decided to take to address the pending cuts is a pay furlough for its senior leadership.

Pittman stated, “We agreed to six days, but we very well may go through another six days to take us through the entire fiscal year. On an annualized basis, taking one day a month that comes to a five percent reduction of our salaries.”

The administration is looking to complete the initial six days of furloughs spread

InDepth out over the course of July through December for the 15 senior leaders.

“We thought it was important that the senior leadership do something initially,” stated Pittman. “Because this may set an example as we begin to work with other groups of employees and our bargaining units. We are trying to help with the budget reductions that we are receiving. So, even though the number is small, as leaders I thought it was important that we set an example early on with what we are trying to do to help with this situation.”

Among the other strategies STLCC will implement is a freeze on its high number of vacant positions which it held due to its competitive labor market. Labor markets have changed with the current changes in the economy.

In addition to freezing hires, STLCC leadership has reduced travel to assist with its financial concerns. According to Pittman, outside of any pending national or state meetings, meetings have primarily been moved to online.

Pittman shared that the institution’s COVID-19 Budget Response team is providing recommendations to leadership for reducing operational costs. He anticipates that one of those recommendations will be to reduce spending for professional development. According to Pittman, the institution has spent “quite a bit” on professional development and they have already begun to preemptively take steps to reduce that area.

In addition, this summer the institution is offering 17 percent fewer course sections – primarily general education. However, summer enrollment has increased from past years. An upside to all available summer classes being online is that STLCC will automatically save on utility costs.

“We will have staff coming in and out,” stated Pittman. “But I would imagine for the majority of the summer we will be working remotely as we wait to see what the state, city and county guidelines are for allowing people to go back to work.”

Pittman stated that though he anticipates most of the fall classes will be online, STLCC is working on plans for its onground classes. He shared that the college has several plans already in place that would allow faculty to re-engage with students in a safe manner.

“I would anticipate that we will have some on-ground classes,” he stated. “We will have to be compliant with CDC, city and county guidelines. For example, if we offer a class, we cannot have more than 10 people in a room; the room (must) be big enough to space everyone out by six feet. These will probably be mainly career programs (i.e., IT, culinary arts, etc.) that you can’t do in an online format.”

STLCC has offered a free course to students this summer who are either going to be enrolled or trying a college class for the first time. According to Pittman, STLCC had 1,700 students take advantage of the offer.

“We are doing everything we can to work with our student population to make it easy to enroll,” stated Pittman. “I believe that we have put a lot of things in place that has made us a better and stronger institution. We are coming up with some creative IT solutions for students to be able to enroll easily. We

changed our admissions process to help make that a little better.”

Pittman stated the institution has also implemented technology enhancements to impact student life by connecting students to things such as student clubs and organizations. In addition, the course management system blackboard is being used to host video conferencing for students to participate in open mic nights, trivia nights and virtual Zumba fitness classes.

“Staff are really getting creative to try to engage our students and make them feel like they’re part of the college,” stated Pittman.

According to Public Relations/Content Manager for UMSL, Steve Walentik, UMSL has been absorbing a $4.7 million budget reduction in state funding over the past three months and recently learned that they will incur an additional $3.2 million in withholding in state funds for the month of June. Walentik also shared that some of UMSL’s shortfall is due to the refunds to students who moved from the campus-owned housing midway through the spring semester.

Slightly different from one of STLCC’s strategies involving some initial temporary salary reductions, UMSL is implementing a tiered salary reduction.

“There’s a sliding scale on how much salaries are being reduced,” states Walentik. “The university tried to spread more of the financial burden on the reductions on higher earners, so that those making under $50,000 a year are not having their salaries reduced, while those making $125,000 are facing a 10 percent salary reduction. There are tiers in between where the cuts are 2.5 percent, five percent and 7.5 percent.”

The reductions will affect approximately 52 percent of all faculty and staff. In addition to these reductions, UMSL has restricted hiring and spending, and it will utilize its reserve funds to cover the latest state withholding of funds.

Walentik shared that the university has seen a four percent increase in year-over-year summer enrollment. Though all offered summer classes will be online, its course fees have been waived. To help ease financial pressure for students, online course fees for the fall will be waived as well.

“The university is preparing to welcome students back to campus for the fall semester,” stated Walentik, “but with blended classes that could be more easily shifted online if the region sees another spike in cases of the coronavirus.”

Walentik explained that those blended classes consist of onground and online classes.

“When the decision was made to move classes online in March as the pandemic was starting to impact the St. Louis region, there were some faculty members who had never really taught online or used online components in their classes,” he stated. “Their courses had to be adapted in a matter of days.

Obviously, that was difficult, though everyone did the best they could and was successful. With more time to prepare, the university is taking steps to ensure faculty members already have online elements built into their courses, though the university intends to be holding classes on campus when the fall semester begins.”

JULY 2020

| OUR TOWN | 19

3 Independence Day Observed

y l Ju

4 Independence Day 14 Bastille Day 15 Tax Day 26 Parents’ Day 27 National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

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