April 15, 2020
Rising to the challenge
Around Town
Wentzville School District hosts STEAM Olympics. Pg. 3 St. Charles County All Together supports local restaurants and health care workers. Pg. 3 City of O’Fallon announces new procedures for the annual Senior Utility Tax Rebate. Pg. 4
Special Section Healthy Living Pg. 5 Summer Camp Guide Pg. 6
Features
Submitted photos Educators across St. Charles County have been forced to find new ways to instruct, inspire, and engage with local students since the arrival of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). What’s new is the new normal, for the time being, as a result of Governor Mike Parson’s directive, all Missouri school districts will be closed for the remainder of the school year.
With school districts closed for the rest of the school year due to COVID-19, educators innovate to keeps students engaged and connected By Brett Auten Suspicions turned to facts last week. As a result of Governor Mike Parson’s directive, all Missouri school districts will be closed for the remainder of the school year. The decision was deemed necessary to protect the well-being of students, staff, and community, and to minimize the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). These closures include all preschool and after-school care, as well as all athletic events and activities, are canceled for the remainder of the school year, and facilities, fields and playgrounds will not be available until further notice. Districts are not anticipating holding their traditional summer school and summer camps.
Already a few weeks in, learning via Alternative Methods of Instruction will continue during the extended closure. Area educators have become more adept with new programs and technologies. Apps that many had never heard of before, like Zoom, Flipgrid and Screencastify are becoming daily devices. While staples like YouTube and Seesaw are becoming more and more useful. Through this technology, students view lessons in real-time (or can watch later) as well as chat via video with their teacher to check-in for understanding or to just say hello. Apps like FlipGrid allow students to provide feedback on various topics by recording a quick video clip, adding a drawing, or even share their writing.
Jennifer Thies is a kindergarten teacher in the Wentzville School District, where she has worked for eight years. “I have loved using Zoom to hold virtual meetings with my class,” Thies said. “We’ve had a virtual art lesson, show and tell and even a scavenger hunt. There is so much technology available out there for teachers. I am probably most eager about learning new platforms to connect and engage in learning with my students. I am welcoming the challenge of bringing my excitement and passion for learning into the homes of my students” Beth Wehmeier, a third-grade teacher, at Coverdell Elementary school, has taught in See ‘CHALLENGE’ page 2
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‘CHALLENGE’ from cover this district for 18 years. “Many teachers are using Zoom to have virtual meetings with students and colleagues,” Wehmeier, a St. Charles County native, said. “We are using apps like ClassDojo, SeeSaw and Google Classroom to reach out to parents and kids. Many online programs are offering free use to schools right now. It’s wonderful.” Wehmeier praised the encouragement that district leaders have given during this time and added that past training has made the adjustment a little less rocky. “We have been given a lot of professional development resources to help us build our tech skills,” Wehmeier said. “I have loved learning tech tips from my colleagues in our district. Our district has one major goal and that’s we’re in this together and we’re trying our best in these uncertain times.” Melissa Andersen has been an elementary teacher in the St. Louis region for 16 years. Andersen currently teaches sixth grade English Language Arts at Francis Howell Middle School. She grew up in the St. Charles area and has all three of her children in FHSD schools. Andersen has been able to record her class read-aloud for the students to listen in and follow along just like they would in class, and they can add their responses to questioning via video recordings or text. Occasionally, a middle school class will join in as “Mystery Readers” to not only mix things up but with hopes of continuing to grow and foster relationships.
“My classes have also really enjoyed our informal virtual chats where we just get to discuss what our new normal looks like and how we are adjusting to this change,” Andersen said. “I am excited about trying out some new ‘virtual field trips’ as well as digging into some of the creative writing projects that speak to the experiences and emotions students are feeling during this time.” Andersen has drawn inspiration not only from her local compatriots but her national brethren as well. “I have seen so many inspirational moments on social media,” she said. “Teachers caravanning around their district to say hello from their cars to their students, as well as coordinating virtual dance parties or poetry slams, and staff members delivering meals to families during these uncertain times. It fills my heart with pure joy to see so many gather together to support kids and families. For many kids, school is their safe place and we don’t take that lightly. Teachers will find a way to be there, even if it looks a bit different than before. Educators are used to adjusting and working with what they have. This latest bump in the road, while undoubtedly significant, will not detour them. “Teachers are naturally problem-solvers and caretakers,” Theis said. “We will do whatever it takes to make sure our students and families feel loved and supported throughout this period of extended learning. Although this has been a stressful time for educators as we navigate these new waters, it has also been an uplifting time. I have seen countless teachers rally around one another and offer tips, support, and resources for free.”
St. Charles County Public Health, CenterPointe Hospital release latest information on COVID-19 The St. Charles County Department of Public Health and CenterPointe Hospital in St. Charles, have confirmed that, as of April 8, more than 20 staff and three patients at the facility have tested positive for COVID-19. CenterPointe has acquired its own diagnostic tests and to date, more than 60 staff from the facility have been tested, including those without symptoms who may have been exposed and who, under current state and federal guidelines, would not ordinarily meet the criteria for testing. The hospital has been working closely with the Department of Public Health to contain the virus since the first positive case was reported there on March 28. In partnership with the proper authorities, CenterPointe is actively working to open a dedicated unit to treat the acute mental health needs of area patients who have tested positive, with a separate area to treat those who are under investigation for having the virus. Employees who test positive are quarantined at home. “The health and safety of our patients and staff is a daily priority,” says Scott Williams, CEO at CenterPointe. “We continue to gather information to determine how best to proceed, and that is why we value our partnership with St. Charles County Public Health staff
in making these important decisions. We, like every other health care provider in Missouri and the entire country, have been scrambling and turning over every stone to find PPE for our staff. We were relieved to finally receive a shipment of N95 masks on March 24, which we began to distribute to our staff immediately.” “Under the guidance of the St. Charles County Public Health Department, we have quarantined affected units, and made an independent decision to temporarily halt admissions starting last Sunday, March 29,´ Medical Director Azfar Malik, M.D., says. “We have units which have been emptied, thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and, in combination with proper use of PPE by our staff, will be available to safely accept admissions imminently in order to serve the mental health needs of our community at this unprecedented time.” Malik is working directly with staff and patients to educate all stakeholders on proper procedures and practices to assist CenterPointe in creating and maintaining the safest environment possible. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms such as dry cough and fever, should isolate themselves from others and call a healthcare provider. People who visited the facility but do not have symptoms do not need to self-quarantine unless they notice COVID-19 symptoms. If you have questions, call the St. Charles County Public Health Information Hotline from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 636949-1899, or visit sccmo.org/COVID for more information.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 15, 2020
Wentzville School District hosts STEAM Olympics The Wentzville School District hosted more than 250 competitors at Liberty High School on March 3 and March 10 for its sixth annual District STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Olympics. This year, Art was added to the competition, making it the “STEAM” Olympics. What began as classroom STEAM challenges culminated in the finalists performing timed small group challenges that put their skills to the test. Teams from each grade level (grades K-8) competed against each other, having to solve a problem presented. The hallways were full of activities on both nights, as well. HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) students from all three district high schools (Holt, Liberty and Timberland) were on hand to perform various medical lab demonstrations. Members of a student club from Boone Trail Elementary, Break Into Business, had 10 tables where they sold products as part of a yearlong project, with their proceeds going to charity. Over 250 students participated during the two interactive nights of STEAM competitions and activities for all ages, and the spectators came out as well to watch the action.
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Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The Wentzville School District hosted more than 250 competitors at Liberty High School on March 3 and March 10 for its sixth annual District STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Olympics.
WSD Science Content Leader and STEAM Olympics organizer Dr. Derek Scott said, “This year’s District STEAM Olympics brought together students and their families, teachers, and people from throughout the Wentzville community.” Winners from each evening are invited to the countywide event later this spring (schedule is tentative due to current events). Scott said, “The students showcased their intellect, creativity, and teamwork during the competition and attendees of all ages were able to experience a variety of interactive STEAM activities. Thanks to all
of the wonderful teacher and student volunteers, I thought the District STEAM Olympics event was a huge success!”
St. Charles County All Together supports local restaurants and health care workers
STAT (St. Charles All Together) is a collaboration within St. Charles County that is working together to raise money in order to provide food for the St. Charles County health care community while supporting our local restaurants, and your help is needed. Join the Facebook Community at facebook.com/groups/StCharlesAllTogether to make a donation, and stay updated. This is a win-win-win! Doctors and nurses win when they can focus on their patients, local restaurants win with your support, and you win because you’ve helped keep our community strong and thriving. Your contribution creates a ripple that will be felt immediately within our community. #StCharlesCountySTRONG
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April 15, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
City of O’Fallon restaurants are reminded of their ability to sell sealed alcohol and drinks The city of O’Fallon reminds local restaurants that hold a liquor license, which includes a “by the drink” provision, that their license gives the restaurant the ability to sell packaged liquor and alcoholic drinks via carry-out, provided the alcohol remains in the manufacturer’s packaging and includes all manufacturer’s seals. Craft breweries also are allowed to sell their product in bottles. “We know this shift to carry-out only has been a significant challenge for all of our local restau-
rants, and one question we have heard a lot recently is can alcohol be served with carry out orders?” said Patrick McKeehan, Director of Economic Development. “After confirming with the state and county, we want to make sure our restaurants know that if their O’Fallon liquor license includes a ‘by the drink’ provision, it does give them the ability to sell packaged alcoholic beverages. Our hope is this will provide an additional revenue stream during this challenging time.”
City of O’Fallon announces new procedures for the annual Senior Utility Tax Rebate due to COVID-19 www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/StLouisCentral
With O’Fallon’s annual senior utility tax rebate scheduled to start on April 15, the city of O’Fallon announced new procedures that will be in place for the 2020 rebate period only. Any senior who received the rebate in 2019 will receive a letter from the city asking the individual to confirm that he/she still lives in the city of O’Fallon. Once the city receives the confirmation of residency, the individual will be mailed a rebate check equal to his/her 2019 senior utility tax rebate.
This year only, the city will not be accepting new applicants for 2020. Any new applicants who have either moved to O’Fallon during 2019 or aged into eligibility will be able to apply for a two-year rebate during 2021 provided they meet the eligibility requirements for both 2020 and 2021. When applying in 2021, new applicants will need to bring their tax returns and utility bills (gas, electric and telephone) for both 2019 and 2020.
St. Peters Golf Club Closed through April 19 St. Peters Golf Club operations will be closed through at least April 19 in order to promote social distancing to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The Golf Club originally closed operations on March 27. As previously announced, Water’s Edge Ban-
quet Center at St. Peters Golf Club is closed through at least May 10. Visit www.stpetersmo.net for the latest updates concerning City of St. Peters closures, cancellations and postponements due to COVID-19.
St. Charles Girl Scout goes for the gold Alayna Jenkins, a graduate of Orchard Farm High School, has recently earned the mark of the truly remarkable – the Girl Scout Gold Award. This young change-maker demonstrated extraordinary leadership through a measurable and sustainable community service project. The importance of early introduction of medicine-related subjects to students is crucial in developing career interests in healthcare, according to the International Journal of Medical Education. The introduction to medicine is even more vital as the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of approximately 122,000 physicians by 2032. After learning about this statistic, Jenkins decided she wanted to take action and create a positive learning environment for her community. So, to earn her Gold
Award, she created a STEM summer camp highlighting the science of medicine and the potential career paths. Jenkins organized a biomedical science summer camp, a week-long day camp for 30 students from Orchard Farm Elementary School and Discovery Elementary School. During the program, Jenkins and her team led the students through hands-on experiments such as conducting a urinalysis lab, building a brain out of clay and a dissection. Afterward, Jenkins provided her curriculum to the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter at Orchard Farm High School, who has committed to continuing her program. The Gold Award is earned by a high-school-aged Girl Scout who has dedicated on average more than 80 hours to address
Photo courtesy Girls Scouts of Eastern Missouri Alayna Jenkins, a graduate of Orchard Farm High School, has recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award.
an issue she’s passionate about in a way that produces meaningful and permanent change. Whether it’s on a local, national or global level, Gold Award Girl Scouts, like Jenkins, provide innovative solutions to pressing and relevant challenges.
Healthy Living
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 15, 2020
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www.BJCStCharlesCounty.org/Events
Life after a heart attack
Life after a heart attack doesn’t have to be scary — in fact, with a little care and diligence, it can be completely normal. Michael Missler, DO, a BJC Medical Group cardiologist, answers some of the most common questions patients have following a heart attack. What steps should I take to prevent more heart issues? The risk factors for future problems can be broken down into two categories: those we can modify and those we cannot modify. Some of the factors we can’t affect are age and family history. However, there are several other ways we can lower the risk for further heart issues. Diet — One of the key focuses after a heart attack is on diet. As we know, there are many diets out there, but not all have research to back them up. A proven heart healthy diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins. Keep saturated fats down to less than 10 percent of your daily calories and try to limit your sodium intake. The Mediterranean diet is very similar and a great option for some patients. Exercise — Physical activity keeps your heart strong. We recommend 30 to 60 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise most days of the week, if not every day. Moderate exercise can include walking or riding a stationary bike if you have one at home. When it comes to physical activity, don’t be afraid to get moving.
By Dr. Michael Missler
Weight management — Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight is also very important in lowering risk. Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand in helping you maintain an adequate weight. Smoking cessation — Smoking puts you at a higher risk for a heart attack. If you smoke, quit. How often will I need to see my cardiologist as opposed to my primary care doctor? There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but usually you will see your cardiologist every six to 12 months. Frequency of visits with your primary care physician depends on what they are treating you for, but it should be a minimum of once a year. It’s important to follow up with them to make sure you’re keeping up your preventive care, which can range from an influenza vaccine to a colonoscopy. If I have a heart attack, am I more likely to have another? The short answer is yes. But by working on your risk factors, it’s possible to decrease the likelihood of it happening again. Heart disease is not a death sentence. You can live a normal life; we just have to put in a little work to keep your heart healthy. Michael Missler, DO, is a BJC Medical Group cardiologist at Progress West Hospital. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Missler by calling 636928-WELL.
Hospital staff gift comfort to expectant grandparents
Submitted photo
On April 3, two staff members from Progress West (Kenny Engle with maintenance and Tammy Laughman in radiology) delivered a few of Progress West stadium chairs to grandparents awaiting on the arrival of their first grandchild in the parking lot. For the safety of mom and baby, all visitors are limited to one at this time across all hospitals in the region. Prior to Engle and Laughman’s act of kindness, the grandparents were sitting on the curb and on buckets. Grandma was so touched she started crying and was so grateful for the chairs.
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Summer Camp Guide
April 15, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
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Foristell Girl Scout works to save bats Kaitlin Fritsche, a graduate of Timberland High School, has recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. This young change-maker demonstrated extraordinary leadership through a measurable and sustainable community service project. With more than 1,390 species of bats in the world, these animals play a vital role in the health of natural ecosystems and human economies, according to Bat Conservation International. However, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature considers one-third of the bat population threatened. As a lifelong Girl Scout, Fritsche wanted to do her part to protect these endangered species, so, to earn her Gold Award, she created a bat habitat and educated her community on their importance. “Born into a family of avid outdoor-loving Missourians, I witnessed the plight of bats in a public cave in Northern Missouri from White-nose syndrome,” Fritsche said. “I thought if I could use the gold award as a platform to raise awareness of bat conservation, then it was my responsibility to do so.”
Fritsche built 25, multi-chamber bat houses using recycled wood collected from the Wentzville Millworks. She placed the houses in trees surrounding the outdoor classroom at Timberland High School, as well as other area schools, local parks and farms. Fritsche then created and provided learning materials for elementary and middle school students that were approved by school districts for use in science classes. Finally, Fritsche worked with the vocational tech department to create blueprints for the bat houses to be a part of the yearly curriculum for high school students. Fritsche is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, after which she plans to get her masters in conversation biology and eventually become a wildlife conversation biologist. The Gold Award is earned by a high-schoolaged Girl Scout who has dedicated on average more than 80 hours to address an issue she’s passionate about in a way that produces meaningful and permanent change.
St. Peters Girl Scout wins award for emergency preparedness
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Ashley Early, a graduate of Francis Howell Central High School, has recently earned tthe Girl Scout Gold Award. This young change-maker demonstrated extraordinary leadership through a measurable and sustainable community service project. Approximately 160 million people are affected by a natural
disaster every year, according to the World Health Organization. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a Federal Emergency Management Agency program that educates and certifies volunteers as a citizen responder in the event of a natural disaster. As a member of the CERT organization, Early recognized many individuals
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were challenged by the extensive, time-consuming training. Early knew that having a plan can reduce the anxiety and loss during a disaster, so she created a website outlining emergency procedures. To earn her Gold Award, Early researched and identified eight frequent natural disasters: tornados, earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, winter storms, thunderstorms and extreme heat. She then built her website, Prevent the Unthinkable, providing comprehensive information on each hazard, detailing how they occur as well as how to stay safe during the emergency. She also created a thorough list of necessary items to keep in a disaster kit and questions families should consider when making their plan. Early, along with her project advisor, will continue to maintain and update the website. The Gold Award is earned by a high-school-aged Girl Scout who has dedicated on average more than 80 hours to address an issue she’s passionate about in a way that produces meaningful and permanent change. Whether it’s on a local, national or global level, Gold Award Girl Scouts, like Early, provide innovative solutions to pressing and relevant challenges.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 15, 2020
Around Town
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Is Mail Safe to Touch? The St. Charles County Department of Public Health has received a number of questions at the about what residents and businesses should do with mail received from areas where COVID-19 has been reported. Your mail is safe to open and read. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Surgeon General all agree that COVID-19 is not spread through mailed packages. While there is still a lot to be learned about this disease, scientific studies of other coronaviruses and preliminary studies of the SARSCoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 show that the likelihood for mailed goods or packages to be contaminated is extremely low, and the risk for catching the virus from any package that has travelled and been exposed to many different conditions
COVID-19 Testing: What to Expect
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The media – locally and nationally – has covered news about COVID-19 tests and issues surrounding the availability of tests nearly every day since the pandemic began. The St. Charles County Department of Public Health has received many questions from residents about testing and staff understand all the information circulating can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know: If you have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a dry cough, and/or breathing difficulties, contact your medical provider or call the Public Health Information Hotline between 8 a.m. and 8 pm. at 636-949-1899. At this time, you cannot just go to any doctor’s office, urgent care, emergency room, or mobile testing site and request a COVID-19 test. You must call first to determine testing eligibility. You should not enter any public area if you’re symptomatic until you have talked to a medical provider. Those approved for a COVID-19 test are tested in one of several ways: For a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab test, a medical provider places a swab into the back of the nasal cavity or throat to gather cells from the area. The swab is then sent to a lab to determine if genetic material of the virus is present. A similar test can be conducted by obtaining a sample of phlegm from a patient. Another type of test is an antibody blood test. A medical provider draws a sample of blood to detect antibodies for COVID-19. From this test, the lab can determine if there was a recent infection or if the patient has been exposed to the illness in the past. All of these tests are most effective in identifying COVID-19 if you are symptomatic. Depending on the technology used by the lab, results can be obtained in 24 hours or may take up to 7 days. New types of tests and testing technology are in development and are beginning to be mass produced, so we can expect to see overall improvements in testing processes for this illness in the near future. If you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, stay home. Stay away from others in your home, if possible, and practice good hygiene and sanitizing habits. Stay in touch with your doctor. Call 911 immediately and tell the dispatcher that you are being tested for COVID-19 if you have emergency warning signs such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or lethargy, and/or bluish lips or face. For more information about COVID-19, visit sccmo.org/COVID or call the St. Charles County Public Health Information Hotline at 636-949-1899. Be aware of your symptoms, of those around you, and stay safe!
and temperatures is also low. While transmission through the mail is not likely, there is research that suggests that coronaviruses can live on different types of surfaces for a few hours to no longer than a few days, depending on environmental conditions. It is possible that a person could become infected by touching an object that contains the virus — like a doorknob, railing, keyboard, mouse, etc. The best thing you can do if you think a surface may be contaminated is to sanitize it with a common disinfectant product or bleach solution to kill the virus, and then wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. For answers to more Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19, please visit the Department of Public Health website at sccmo.org/ COVID.
Experts Say Wearing Masks in Public Slows COVID-19 Spread Information is changing rapidly when it comes to COVID-19. While experts previously said face masks would not help prevent the spread of the disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. The CDC advises that a simple cloth face covering will help slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have it avoid transmitting it to others. There is a link to instructions for how to make these simple cloth face coverings on the St. Charles County Government website at sccmo.org/COVIDResources. To provide good protection, it’s important to wear any mask or cloth face covering correctly. Make certain that the mask:
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Fits snugly, but comfortably against the side of the face • Is secured with ties, straps, or ear loops • Includes multiple layers of fabric • Allows for breathing without restriction • And you’ll want to make sure it can be washed and machine dried without damaging or changing its shape. Masks should be washed frequently, especially when they become dirty or soiled. When removing a mask or cloth face covering, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth and wash your hands immediately after removing. Please note: Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove it without assistance.
MYTH: You can gather with family and friends if everyone has self-quarantined the last two weeks.
REALITY: Any time you gather with others there is a chance you could be exposed to Covid-19.
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What’s Happening
April 15, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! May 19: History program
Take Notice . . . The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info. EVENTS April 20-22: Used book sale
The St. Charles Community College library will host the 27th Annual SCC Library Book Sale from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. April 20-22. The sale will be held in the Paul and Helen Schnare Library, located in the Learning Resource Center on the SCC campus, at 4601 Mid Rivers
Mall Drive in Cottleville. Both fiction and non-fiction materials will be available for purchase. Books will be sold for $1 for paperbacks and $2 for hardbacks. The library is still accepting donations of used books. Proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase new materials for the SCC library. For more information, contact Theresa Flett at 636-9228620 or tflett@stchas.edu.
The St. Charles county Historical Society if offering a free program titled “Preserving Properties in a Historic District” from 7 - 8:30 p.m. This program will include what rules and regulations go along with doing exterior work to your property and what the process is to get that work approved through the Landmarks Board. This free program will be at the Kathryn Linnemann Library at Elm and Duchesne in St. Charles. Reservations are necessary. Phone the library at 636-7230232 or visit www.mylibrary.org.
role District 17, Missouri Department of Correction will hold their Seventh Annual Christmas in September Craft Fair at Calvary Church at 3998 Mid
Rivers Mall Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters are needed. Please contact Esther Angelos at marlofan@charter.net or 636-441-0329 or 314-477-5096.
SUDOKU answers from page F-1
CROSSWORD answers from page F-4
Sept. 12: Craft fair
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Sports
April 15, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Sports you see with Gary B...
St. Louis loses another football team The XFL (Xtreme Football League) has suspended operations this past week and laid off nearly all of its staff, multiple sources told ESPN. While a handful of executives remain employed, the league currently has no plans to return in 2021. The very popular St. Louis team the BattleHawks have ceased operation. The league canceled its season last month after five games as part of a nationwide shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, pledging to return next year. According to a prominent former XFL staffer commented he heard information saying the league was going out of business and a strong implication was clear, “It’s done, it’s not coming back.” The XFL is owned by WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, who was making his second foray into professional football. His rowdy 2001 version of the XFL also folded after one year. McMahon pivoted 180 degrees for XFL 2.0, trying to create a serious football league that would market a new version of the game while avoiding direct competition with the NFL. The group of staffers through two years of product development, establishing a series of innovations – from its new kickoff alignment to its three-tiered extra point structure – that caught the eye of multiple members of the NFL competition committee. The XFL is the second spring football league in as many years to suspend operations before completing its final season, albeit for much different reasons. The Alliance of American Football (AAF) ran out of money in 2019 and closed after eight weeks of play. The XFL might be the first pro sports league to fall victim to the economic crisis caused by the global pandemic. On a positive note, as I mentioned in my article last week, two of the St. Louis BattleHawks team were signed to National Football League (NFL) contracts. *Guess we can’t catch a break on getting a football team
Ambush soccer team has a player picking up some hardware The St. Louis Ambush play in the South Central division of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with home games at the Family Arena. The Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) recently released the schedule of announcements for the 2019-2020 post-season awards beginning with All-MASL Honorable Mention. Each active MASL player, head coach, and one member of each team front office were invited to submit one ballot. Voting was based on the regular season performance. Congratulations go out to the Ambush goalkeeper Paulo Nascimento who was voted to the All-MASL Honorable Mention team. He is a native of Natal, a city in the state of Rio Grande do Norte in northeastern Brazil and has played professional futsal for over ten years. The Major Arena Soccer League represents the highest level of professional arena soccer in the world. It features teams across North America, with teams playing coast-to-coast in the United States and Mexico. *Congrats with more awards to come
Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, and is currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.
www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 15, 2020
Recipe:
Give a treat with a kid-friendly sweet
L
etting kids get hands-on in the kitchen is an easy way to keep them busy while teaching important life skills. Planning for delicious snacks children can make all on their own (or with minimal assistance) makes for a winning solution, and these Crazy Candy Ice Cream Sandwiches are a prime example. Ingredients: 1 cup vanilla ice cream 1/4 cup chopped candy bar 6 graham cracker sheets, broken into 12 squares 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels 1 1/2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or vegetable oil multi-colored sprinkles (optional) Directions: In medium bowl, stir ice cream until just softened. Stir in chopped candy. Working quickly, scoop ice cream mixture onto six graham cracker squares. Top with remaining graham cracker squares,
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– SUDOKU –
Crazy Candy Ice Cream Sandwiches
Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6
gently pressing down until ice cream reaches edges of crackers. Place in shallow, wax paper-lined pan. Freeze 1 hour. In small, microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate morsels and coconut oil. Microwave on high 40-60 seconds, or until melted, stirring vigorously every 20 seconds. Let stand at room temperature
10 minutes. Remove sandwiches from freezer. Dip half of each sandwich into chocolate mixture. Immediately scatter sprinkles over chocolate, if desired. Return to wax paper-lined pan. Freeze about 5 minutes, or until chocolate sets. Serve immediately or individually wrap in plastic wrap and store in freezer.
Find more kid-friendly snack ideas at milkmeansmore.org
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 8
What to watch: airplane movies
W
Movie: By Steve Bryan
Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.
hile sheltering at home, watching TV has been a challenge thanks to the commercial breaks. A quick commercial spot for Extra Refreshers Gum features a young man and his older, wiser chess opponent. The teenager has his eye on some girls sitting near them and, with a strategic nod, his friend encourages him to walk over with some gum to say hello. Made before the pandemic, this commercial contains no social distancing whatsoever and it reminds me of what I cannot do right now. Movies have always been my escape, but they also remind of the things that I cannot or will not do right now, such as riding in airplanes. To counterbalance that, I started thinking of great films about flying. “Airplane!,” the 1980 comedy where the jokes come in rapid-fire succession, looks at the funny side of air travel. Robert Hayes starred as Ted Stryker, a former combat pilot with a fear of flying. When his flight attendant girlfriend Elaine (Julie Hagerty) breaks up with him before reporting for work, Ted buys a ticket on the same flight to
Photo courtesy Warner Bros.
win her back. He is soon called upon to use his flying skills in a crisis. In some ways, Charles Lindbergh, a U.S. Air Mail pilot, was the prototype for social distancing. In 1927, Lindbergh flew a non-stop, solo flight from New York to Paris and won the Orteig Prize for his efforts. Thirty years later, Jimmy Stewart played the heroic pilot in “The Spirit of St. Louis,” a Lindbergh biopic that contained fascinating details about the actual flight. Like “Apollo 13,” it is one of those movies where you feel compelled to watch until the end to make sure that Lindbergh arrives safely in Paris. Pilots of all skill levels are a big part of “Inde-
pendence Day,” the 1996 science fiction thriller. Aliens arrive in large spaceships and use our own communication satellites against us. Will Smith plays Captain Steven Hiller, a jet pilot who desperately wants to join NASA, but his application is rejected. After the first destructive alien attack, Hiller gets a chance to fly an alien spacecraft on a mission to sabotage the
invaders. Randy Quaid also gets some great moments in “Independence Day” as Russell Casse, a combat pilot who claimed he was abducted by aliens years earlier. Casse shows his stuff in a showdown with the invaders. Bill Pullman’s President Thomas J. Whitmore also heads into the wild blue yonder against the expressed wishes of his friends and advisors. Sheltering in place, while necessary, can get a little tedious. These films and other movies about aviation are one way to lift our spirits during the ongoing crisis. Stay safe and healthy and I hope I get to join you at the movies sometime soon.
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COLLECTIBLES
April 15, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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April 15, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
CROSSWORD: Coffee & Tea
‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.
By Cindy Moore
Moore On Life
G
et used to it folks. We’re in house indefinitely. And you know what that means? “We’re all gonna die?” No, it means you’re going to have to learn to like those people you married and the ones you gave birth to. “We’re all gonna die!” I see your point. Times are rough. For instance, today I looked in the mirror and realized I am quite different looking after weeks of total isolation. I have worn the same sweats for many days now. Seriously, who’s to impress? I have been without make-up and access to a decent hair cut for weeks. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I’m totally hideous, but if I were on the table at the morgue still breathing, the mortician would definitely pull the sheet over me. I’d also venture to say that if I put a cardboard cutout of me on the front lawn, we would have absolutely no problem with salesmen, Girl Scouts peddling cookies, stray dogs or porch pirates. Hmm. Note to self: when pandemic’s over order life-sized cardboard cutout, stat! It’s obvious. I need a beautician desperately, my bangs are down around my ears; I have grown a mullet only in reverse. What’s worse, my gray roots are four inches deep. A reverse graying mullet?! Sweet mother, it truly is the zombie apocalypse, and I look like the commander-in-chief. Ahh, but there’s always good news/bad news in every calamity. For instance, gas is cheaper than it’s been in forever. Sure we can’t go anywhere, but after three weeks, my gas gauge just barely registered below full. I think it’s gone down a gallon due to evaporation. The bad news is things are in short supply. The TP is gone, good thing we saved a couple bags of
Containment derangement
fall leaves—scratchy, but efficient. Now they’re telling us to wear face masks. Good luck trying to find one. Desperate times; I’ll have to wrap one of my cats around my face. But, more good news! The burglars are out of business. Ha, take that robbers! We’re all home now. Whatcha gonna do bad boys?! I’m not afraid. If one did enter my house all I would have to do is jump out in front of him in my mangy sweats then stare and at him maniacally through my gray mullet with a cat wrapped around my neck and cough three times. He’d be out in a flash. Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.
ACROSS 1. Bookie’s number 5. Parents org. 8. Slang for microwave 11. Time distortion 12. One with biggest share? 13. Like a case of appendicitis, possibly 15. Decanter 16. Knowing about 17. Mister in Madrid 18. *Usually served on ice, 2 words 20. Barber’s sound 21. Accepted truth 22. Took a load off 23. Artist’s office 26. Excites passions, 2 words 30. Comic book cry of horror 31. Rude or sarcastic 34. Chips, perhaps 35. Roleplay 37. Chinese “way” 38. Ice floaters 39. 100 centavos 40. Merry 42. Table scrap 43. Breastbone 45. *Double shot of espresso 47. Feather’s partner 48. Not here
50. Nickname for Putin? 52. *Revolutionary event 55. *”Tea is the only simple pleasure left to us,” he wrote 56. Research facil. 57. Typically used in the fairway 59. Goodbye to amiga 60. Plenty 61. Why not 62. *Black tea, in China 63. Bard’s “before” 64. Pay close attention DOWN 1. Be in the red 2. Crows’ cousins 3. Actress Barrymore 4. More like rumors 5. ‘70s Ford model 6. Native American emblem 7. Dwarf buffalo 8. Pueblo tribesman 9. On top 10. For each 12. Cosmetic cabinet staple 13. Allegro ____ in music, Italian 14. *____ Perk from “Friends” 19. Exit plus s 22. Eye infection
23. Oozes 24. Article of faith 25. Romanov’s edict 26. *A ____ of tea, in U.K. 27. Prowl around 28. Embryo cradles 29. Green pasta sauce 32. One on the list 33. Faux one 36. *Equal parts espresso and warm milk 38. Fauna’s partner 40. Hudson’s Bay Company original ware 41. Experts 44. Nose channels 46. Kick the bucket 48. Between countertenor and baritone 49. Make this, not waste 50. Affected by the moon 51. Went down a slippery slope 52. Kitchen flooring choice 53. Tried follower 54. Bygone era 55. *The Revolutionary one followed #52 Across 58. The Simpsons’s neighbor
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 8