Staff & Reader Submitted

Life Puzzle Pieces

Eckankar Missouri — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:00:00 Z

Lifes Puzzle Pieces by Janet S

Life is like a box of chocolates.: That famous line from the movie, Forrest Gump resonates with many. What if you could adopt your own special way through life with a new uplifting perception. Recently I inherited many puzzles. Life can be like a box of puzzle pieces. They come in many images, shapes, colors, and sizes. Some of the puzzles are very challenging.. Life seems to mimic the whole process. Once you find the steps that work for you, the puzzle pieces can be seen quicker. The image comes into view..

Everyone approaches life differently. There were moments when I looked everywhere for that missing piece and realized it was there all the time. Why couldn't I see it sooner?

In the teachings of Eckankar the answers come through the waking dream. Are you looking for answers? Something that will help you according to your situation. A simple piece that helps bring it all together and gives us answers and understanding to a fear or situation.

The waking dream is a daily occurrence. Messages and signs from the divine give guidance to our deepest concerns. Usually they appear after wondering or praying about a need we have. Many times the answer given by the divine can be missed because they dont fit our expectations of what we think it should be. Yet, that piece, that answer is always there.

A way that helps me to become more aware of those answers/pieces is to sing the sacred and ancient name of God-HU. It helps me connect so the pieces of my life are more visible and easier to find amongst the sometimes chaos or pains of living.

Recently, I was asked to accept a counter cash offer on a house. It seemed like the process was going so fast. After singing HU, I asked the divine inwardly if accepting the low offer was a good choice. Later that day, while walking across a parking lot to an office, a car suddenly raced in front of me. We both stopped at the same time. The driver put up both palms outwardly as if to say stop and sorry. I knew immediately- the answer was clear. I passed on the house offer and slowed down. A better offer came shortly after.

Past Lives, Dreams, and Soul Travel are helpful spiritual tools.

Listen to the song of HU at: hearhu.org

Information on Eckankar The Path of Spiritual Freedom: eckankar.org

State and Local information: eckankar-missouri.org

The Saint Louis Eckankar Center is located at 9958 Lin Ferry Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63123

Seeking Community Support to Secure Future of Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League Bethalto, IL

Editor EmailWire — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:19:39 Z

BETHALTO, ILLINOIS (EMAILWIRE.COM) -- The Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League, a not-for-profit youth sports organization founded in March 2024, is calling on community leaders, philanthropists, and investors to help secure the future of youth sports in Bethalto. Over the past six months, the league has brought together more than 1,200 local youth and adults to participate in soccer, baseball, softball, T-ball, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball. However, without additional support, the future of this valuable community program is in jeopardy.

The league currently operates out of a sports field in Bethalto, IL, which is owned by the Village of Bethalto. These fields, however, are up for sale at a price of $2 million. With limited resources, Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League does not have the financial ability to purchase the property. This has raised serious concerns, as the loss of this facility could leave the community without a dedicated space for its youth and adult leagues.

"Growing up in Bethalto, I remember when there were plenty of places for kids to play," said Adam, founder of Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League. "Over the years, these spaces have dwindled, leaving our kids with fewer opportunities to play sports locally. Many families are forced to travel to other towns and pay higher fees to participate in their leagues. Thats why my wife and I started this leagueso every child, no matter their background, could have access to low-cost sports and a chance to play in their own community."

The success of Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions. With rapid growth and an increasing number of registrations, the league has already outgrown its current facilities. If a new owner were to purchase the fields for development or another purpose, the league would have nowhere to go, potentially leaving hundreds of children without access to affordable sports programs.

To ensure the future of youth sports in Bethalto, the Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League is actively seeking potential donors, investors, or community-minded individuals who are interested in helping secure or build a new sports complex. The potential new facility would not only provide a permanent home for the league but could also include a gym for indoor sports during the winter, expanding the opportunities for year-round engagement.

"We are reaching out to anyone who might have the ability to help," said Adam. "This could be an incredible opportunity for someone to invest in the future of our children. Whether its through a donation, an investment, or naming rights for the new complex, we are open to any form of support that would help keep this league alive and thriving for generations to come."

The Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League has become an integral part of the community, providing children with not only the opportunity to play but also to learn teamwork, build friendships, and develop important life skills. This effort is about more than just sportsits about keeping the spirit of community alive.
"Weve created something special here, and we want to continue to give our children a safe, fun, and affordable place to play," said Adam. "But we cant do it alone. We need the communitys help to make sure these kids have the opportunities that they deserve."

For more information on how to support the Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League or to discuss potential partnership opportunities, please contact Adam Jones or visit https://www.cloud-9bethaltosportsleague.com. Donations, sponsorships, or investment inquiries are welcome, and contributions are tax-deductible.

About Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League

Founded in 2024, Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League is a not-for-profit organization providing affordable sports programs to youth in prekindergarten through 8th grade, as well as adult leagues. The league offers a variety of sports, including soccer, baseball, softball, T-ball, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball. Based in Bethalto, IL, Cloud-9 is committed to fostering a love of sports and creating positive community experiences for all participants.

Contact Information:
Cloud-9 Bethalto Sports League
Adam Jones
Tel: 618-567-7184

This press release was issued through EmailWire.com (http://www.emailwire.com) a global newswire with effective press release distribution in local, state, national and international regions.

UniverSoul Circus returns to St. Louis for 30th-annual "Cousins Around the World" tour

Taylor Mayad — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 08:28:59 Z

Flying acrobats, gravity-defying stunts, fire breathers, stilt dancers and the ultimate pageantry! Celebrating 30 years as one of Americas top live events, UniverSoul Circus returns to St. Louis with its Cousins Around the World tour now through Sept. 2 under the big top next to The Dome at Americas Center (1111 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63101).

The interactive show will bring together big names from five continents all backed by the infectious beat of world music including sounds and dance styles spanning the African diaspora. Fridays opening night performance will include a pre-show performance by a local marching band, under the direction of Greg Tillis.

Reimagined with over a dozen culturally diverse performances under a sparkling new big top, UniverSoul features never-before-seen acts from Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic and Mongolia plus a 15-person flying trapeze act from China.

Our special presentation of 'Cousins Around the World' celebrates a global community that strives to connect our hearts in a more inclusive society," said UniverSoul founder and CEO Cedric Walker. "United in the spirit of family, we strongly believe that soul is not a color; it's an experience.

Enjoyed by more than 25 million people from around the world, UniverSoul Circus highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater and music spans genres including pop, classic R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz and gospel. Rated as one of the top live family acts in America along with Cirque du Soleil, UniverSouls fresh approach to family-friendly live entertainment has garnered it a coveted spot as one of Ticketmasters top 10 most requested family events.

At UniverSoul Circus, the audience is part of the show, and everyone gets to participate. Whether playing Simon Says, showing off their Swag Surf dance moves or singing in the Soul Karaoke spotlight, the patrons take the spotlight. Fresh the Clowns choose kids from the seats for the Big Top Kids Dance contest, and the entire tent gets to play as the beach balls bounce overhead.

UniverSoul Circus is presented in a brand-new custom big top imported from Italy, enhanced with advanced state-of-the-art lighting, and a sound system that moves and grooves as if it were the show itself, Walker added.

New world-class artists this year include the soul-stirring African Dream hoop divers from Addis Abba Ethiopia; a one-of-a-kind flying Chinese trapeze act with 15 people soaring in air between three positions on multiple cues; an exciting, styled teeterboard act from Ethiopia; a tantalizing strong-man hand-balance duo called Double Vision from the Dominican Republic; and a dynamic twirling Cuban-Caribbean dance party and roller skating-themed spectacular.

The Caribbean Street Carnival will bring its fan-favorite flair with 20-foot dancing puppets, fire-blowing stilt dancers, authentic folklore characters and dancers from almost every Caribbean Island. The kid-friendly, hip-hop dancing Fresh the Clowns will turn up the crowd with the hottest dance moves, while the extremely dangerous Wheel of Death stunt masters will have crowds on the edge of their seats as they flip, dive and jump on a fast-moving pendulum 60 feet in the air.

Other popular moments will come from the ringmaster troupe which includes Sifiso Kamela, aka Whistle Man, from South Africa who will engage the audience with his hilarious boxing clown skit, the ringmaster/comedian Donald N.O. Long from New Orleans, plus UniverSouls original Zander Zeke Charles from Atlanta, and its newest foxy ringmaster/dancer, Bella, from Trinidad.

Other popular moments will include Sifiso Kamela, aka Whistle Man, from South Africa who will engage the audience with his hilarious boxing clown skit, the ringmaster/comedian Donald N.O. Long from New Orleans, plus UniverSouls original Zander Zeke Charles from Atlanta and its newest foxy dancer, Bella, from Trinidad.

UniverSoul has always engaged heavily in the community. As part of its Community Welcome program, UniverSoul has worked closely with Mr. Gary, the King of Hospitality, to connect with several organizations. They include Jack and Jill St. Louis, The Divine Nine, St. Louis Legacy Coalition, Southside Senior & Wellness Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, East St. Louis School District, Lincoln University of Missouri, Prince Hall Masons, Eastern Stars, St. Louis Board of Alderman and elected officials, St. Louis Police Department, Annie Malone Foundation, Urban League of Greater Metropolitan St. Louis, Harris-Stowe State University, Metro East 618 Leadership, University City School District, Jennings School District, Hazelwood School District, NAACP St. Louis/St. Louis County Chapters, Pastors United and La Noche de la Cultura.

Also, First Responders and Healthcare Day was supported by St. Louis Police Chief Robert J. Tracy, St. Louis Fire Department Chief Dennis Jenkerson and Affinia Healthcare.

Tickets are $25 and up at ticketmaster.com. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; noon, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays; plus, two culminating shows on Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day) at noon and 4 p.m. Parking is $15 per vehicle and $50 per bus.

SPECIAL OFFER: While supplies last, GovX members including current and former U.S. military, military families, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, government employees and teachers receive 25% off tickets to select shows. Details can be found at universoulcircus.com/stlouis.

Go to universoulcircus.com for more info, ticket prices, show times and schedules. Follow UniverSoul on Facebook @UniverSoulcircus, Twitter @UniverSoulCirc and Instagram @UniverSoulCircus.

About UniverSoul
UniverSoul is a highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater and music that spans genres including World Music, Hip Hop, Classic R&B, Latin, Jazz, Gospel and Pop. It embraces and celebrates the unique and familiar aspects of global urban culture by bringing them center stage with a cast of international performers. UniverSoul is rated as one of the top live family acts in America along with Cirque du Soleil. UniverSouls fresh approach to family friendly live entertainment has garnered it a coveted spot as one of Ticketmasters top ten most requested family events. UniverSoul was created 30 years ago as the brainchild of Atlanta concert and theater producer Cedric Walker. The UniverSoul Circus is a product of the storied legacy of Atlanta, Georgia, a multicultural entertainment hub for world renowned artists, stage, film, music producers and events.

Essential Tips for Selecting a Landscaping Company

John Hanneken — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 22:50:12 Z

So, you finally decided it's time to spruce up your outdoor space whether it's for a new home or an overhaul of your existing landscape. Ever thought about how to find the right landscaping company for the job? Sure, you might be tempted to think it's an easy DIY project, but trust me, a quality landscape job that stands the test of time involves more than just dropping a few plants in the ground.

First off, many landscaping companies offer more than just planting services they come equipped with landscape designers to help you craft a custom plan for your yard. These designers don't just pick pretty flowers; they consider your regions climate, local vegetation, and shade levels to ensure your plants thrive and your landscape design matures gracefully without overcrowding.

If you want to add hardscape elements like pavers, a patio, or a retaining wall, a good company will handle excavation and dirt removal or relocation, ensuring proper water flow in your yard and preventing drainage issues.

How to Choose the Right Landscaping Company

Have a Plan: Before you dive in, think about what you want. Are you into low-maintenance landscaping or do you prefer something more hands-on? Think about how you want to use your outdoor space is it a relaxing garden or a play area for the kids?

Gather Recommendations: Seek recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors to get a firsthand account of working with a company. If you like a neighbor's yard, ask them which company they used.

Qualifications Matter: Check the company's credentials education, experience, certifications, licensing, and insurance coverage. It's essential for protecting your home and your investment.

Get Pricing Bids: Compare estimates from multiple companies, ensuring they cover the same scope of work. Ask for project timelines to make sure they match your expectations.

Give Yourself Time: Start your search early for ample time to research and make an informed decision. Fall is an excellent time to lay the groundwork for a spring project.

Trust Your Gut: Consider intangible factors like communication, responsiveness, and your overall impression of the company. Go with your gut when making the final choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GreenScapeSTL Landscaping and Outdoor Living, a landscaping design company, is your go-to partner for all your outdoor landscaping needs. With tailored plans and a commitment to excellence, they can transform your outdoor space into an oasis or an entertainment haven and can help you develop new outdoor landscaping ideas tailored to your needs.

If you need landscaping St Louis and are looking for a trustworthy landscaping partner, GreenScapeSTL Landscaping and Outdoor Living is your solution. GreenScapeSTL is ready to work with you on improving your outdoor space. See our location today!

Potbelly Gifts Fans Free Sandwich and Soft-Baked Sweet Surprises for 47th Birthday

Donna Kang — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:15:00 Z

Neighborhood Sandwich Shop Celebrates with a Weekend of BOGO Sandwiches and Complimentary Cookies

CHICAGO Potbelly is turning 47, and it's giving fans a weekend full of gifts to celebrate the occasion together. The beloved brand is thanking fans for nearly five decades of frequent shop visits, giving their fans a free sandwich* on Friday, January 12th, and a free cookie** on Saturday and Sunday, January 13th and 14th.

Potbelly kicks off the birthday celebration offering fans nationwide an exciting sandwich deal. For one day only, fans can purchase any Original-sized or BIG sandwich and get a second original size sandwich free. This exclusive promotion is available for everyone, but only with orders placed through the Potbelly app and online at Potbelly.com with promo code BOGO.

The celebration continues over the weekend with an exclusive offer for Potbelly Perks Members. On January 13-14, Perks Members can enjoy any baked fresh daily cookie complimentary with the purchase of an entrée. That includes the all-new Birthday Cake Cookie which is only available for a limited time. This soft-baked cookie with rich birthday cake flavor is loaded with colorful sprinkles and is sure to add a festive flavor to the celebration. When ordering on Potbelly.com, the Potbelly app, or in-shop scan, its a golden-baked opportunity for fans to savor a delightful cookie alongside their favorite entrée.

Potbelly is turning a page on another year we celebrate 47 years of satisfying cravings for our hot, oven-toasted sandwiches. To thank our legions of fans, we thought it was only fitting to give them more of what they love, whether a sweet treat or their fan-favorite sandwich, said David Daniels, Chief Marketing Officer at Potbelly. Were approaching nearly a half-century of building meaningful relationships in the neighborhoods we serve and wanted to ensure we celebrate those connections as we turn another year older.

For exclusive offers and rewards, Potbelly encourages fans to join the Potbelly Perks program, where they can unlock free sandwiches, cookies and special offers throughout the year. To sign up for the Potbelly Perks reward program, visit www.potbelly.com/perks, and, for more information on Potbelly, visit www.potbelly.com.

About Potbelly

Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been feeding customers smiles for more than 40 years with warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-scooped ice cream in creamy shakes, customized just the way customers want them. Potbelly promises Fresh, Fast & Friendly service in an environment that reflects the local neighborhood. Since opening its first shop in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has expanded to neighborhoods across the country, with more than 400 company-owned shops in the United States. Additionally, Potbelly franchisees operate over 40 shops in the United States. For more information, please visit our website at www.potbelly.com.

*With the purchase of an Original-sized or BIG sandwich

**For Potbelly Perks members with the purchase of any entrée