diff --git a/doc/src/helper_functions.rst b/doc/src/helper_functions.rst
index 2b85eeb13..6723fd7b0 100644
--- a/doc/src/helper_functions.rst
+++ b/doc/src/helper_functions.rst
@@ -17,17 +17,6 @@ are documented in `the admm wrapper documentation <admmWrapper.rst#sectiondatafo
         dict (str): the dictionary of key word arguments that is used in ``scenario_creator``
 
 
-.. py:function:: scenario_names_creator(num_scens, start=0)
-
-    Creates the name of the ``num_scens`` scenarios starting from ``start``
-
-    Args:
-        num_scens (int): number of scenarios
-        start (int): starting index for the names
-
-    Returns:
-        list (str): the list of names
-
 .. py:function:: inparser_adder(cfg)
     
     Adds arguments to the config object which are specific to the problem
diff --git a/examples/acopf3/ccopf2wood.py b/examples/acopf3/ccopf2wood.py
index 3aaf1f52a..f7f02a39b 100644
--- a/examples/acopf3/ccopf2wood.py
+++ b/examples/acopf3/ccopf2wood.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 from mpisppy.cylinders.hub import PHHub
 # Make it all go
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval import Xhat_Eval
 
 # the problem
@@ -112,9 +113,10 @@ def main():
                                     lines)
     scenario_creator_kwargs["acstream"] = acstream
 
-    all_scenario_names=["Scenario_"+str(i)\
-                        for i in range(1,len(scenario_creator_kwargs["etree"].\
-                                             rootnode.ScenarioList)+1)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(
+        len(scenario_creator_kwargs["etree"].rootnode.ScenarioList), prefix="Scenario_", start=1,
+    )
+
     all_nodenames = scenario_creator_kwargs["etree"].All_Nodenames()
 
     options = dict()
diff --git a/examples/acopf3/ccopf_multistage.py b/examples/acopf3/ccopf_multistage.py
index 9d0989c8d..7db8b6854 100644
--- a/examples/acopf3/ccopf_multistage.py
+++ b/examples/acopf3/ccopf_multistage.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 import egret.models.ac_relaxations as eac_relax
 from egret.parsers.matpower_parser import create_ModelData
 import mpisppy.scenario_tree as scenario_tree
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import sputils, scenario_names_creator
 
 import ACtree as ET
 
@@ -369,10 +369,10 @@ def scenario_denouement(rank, scenario_name, scenario):
                                  repair_fct,
                                  lines)
     scenario_creator_kwargs["acstream"] = acstream
-    scenario_names=["Scenario_"+str(i)\
-                    for i in range(1,len(scenario_creator_kwargs["etree"].rootnode.ScenarioList)+1)]
+    scenario_names=scenario_names_creator(
+        len(scenario_creator_kwargs["etree"].rootnode.ScenarioList), prefix="Scenario_", start=1,
+    )
 
-    
     # end options
     ef = sputils.create_EF(scenario_names,
                              pysp2_callback,
diff --git a/examples/acopf3/fourstage.py b/examples/acopf3/fourstage.py
index 86cab0600..ddb3e7278 100644
--- a/examples/acopf3/fourstage.py
+++ b/examples/acopf3/fourstage.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 from mpisppy.cylinders.hub import PHHub
 # Make it all go
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval import Xhat_Eval
 
 # the problem
@@ -120,9 +121,9 @@ def main():
                                     lines)
     scenario_creator_kwargs["acstream"] = acstream
 
-    all_scenario_names=["Scenario_"+str(i)\
-                        for i in range(1,len(scenario_creator_kwargs["etree"].\
-                                             rootnode.ScenarioList)+1)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(
+        len(scenario_creator_kwargs["etree"].rootnode.ScenarioList), prefix="Scenario_", start=1,
+    )
     all_nodenames = scenario_creator_kwargs["etree"].All_Nodenames()
 
     options = dict()
diff --git a/examples/aircond/aircond_ama.py b/examples/aircond/aircond_ama.py
index 44e5e8dc0..6fe11bce8 100644
--- a/examples/aircond/aircond_ama.py
+++ b/examples/aircond/aircond_ama.py
@@ -16,8 +16,7 @@
 """
 import numpy as np
 import pyomo.common.config as pyofig
-import mpisppy.utils.amalgamator as amalgamator
-import mpisppy.utils.config as config
+from  mpisppy.utils import amalgamator, config, scenario_names_creator
 import mpisppy.tests.examples.aircond as aircond
 
 def main():
@@ -37,11 +36,11 @@ def main():
         raise RuntimeError("Do not use num_scens here, we want to solve the problem for the whole sample scenario tree")
     
     num_scens = np.prod(cfg['branching_factors'])
-    scenario_names = aircond.scenario_names_creator(num_scens, 0)
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scens, prefix="scen")
     
-    ama =amalgamator.Amalgamator(cfg, 
-                                 scenario_names, 
-                                 aircond.scenario_creator, 
+    ama = amalgamator.Amalgamator(cfg,
+                                 scenario_names,
+                                 aircond.scenario_creator,
                                  aircond.kw_creator)
     ama.run()
     if ama.on_hub:
diff --git a/examples/aircond/aircond_cylinders.py b/examples/aircond/aircond_cylinders.py
index 569bcef1b..cbbf3a355 100644
--- a/examples/aircond/aircond_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/aircond/aircond_cylinders.py
@@ -8,19 +8,18 @@
 ###############################################################################
 # NOTE: as of March 2022, consider aircondB.py as an alternative to aircond.py
 # Use bundle_pickler.py to create bundle pickles
-# NOTE: As of 3 March 2022, you can't compare pickle bundle problems with non-pickled. See _demands_creator in aircondB.py for more discusion.
+# NOTE: As of 3 March 2022, you can't compare pickle bundle problems with non-pickled. See _demands_creator in aircondB.py for more discussion.
 
 import numpy as np
 import itertools
 from mpisppy import global_toc
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
+from mpisppy.utils import amalgamator, cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, pickle_bundle, scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.utils.sputils import first_stage_nonant_npy_serializer, option_string_to_dict
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+
 import mpisppy.tests.examples.aircond as aircond
 import mpisppy.tests.examples.aircondB as aircondB  # pickle bundle version
-from mpisppy.utils import pickle_bundle
-from mpisppy.utils import amalgamator
+
 
 # construct a node-scenario dictionary a priori for xhatspecific_spoke,
 # according to naming convention for this problem
@@ -38,7 +37,7 @@ def make_node_scenario_dict_balanced(BFs,leaf_nodes=True,start=1):
     """
     nodenames = make_nodenames_balanced(BFs, leaf_nodes)
     num_scens = np.prod(BFs)
-    scenario_names = aircond.scenario_names_creator(num_scens, start)
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scens, prefix="scen", start=start)
     
     num_stages = len(BFs)+1
     node_scenario_dict ={"ROOT": scenario_names[0]}
@@ -209,10 +208,9 @@ def main():
         refmodule = aircondB
         primal_rho_setter = None
         global_toc("WARNING: not using rho setters with proper bundles")
-        
     else:
         ScenCount = np.prod(BFs)
-        all_scenario_names = [f"scen{i}" for i in range(ScenCount)] #Scens are 0-based
+        all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(ScenCount, prefix="scen") #Scens are 0-based
         refmodule = aircond
         primal_rho_setter = refmodule.primal_rho_setter
 
diff --git a/examples/aircond/aircond_seqsampling.py b/examples/aircond/aircond_seqsampling.py
index d134e3070..a8ba36a77 100644
--- a/examples/aircond/aircond_seqsampling.py
+++ b/examples/aircond/aircond_seqsampling.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 import mpisppy.tests.examples.aircond as aircond
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.multi_seqsampling as multi_seqsampling
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.confidence_config as conf_config
-from mpisppy.utils import config
+from mpisppy.utils import config, scenario_names_creator
 
 
 def main(cfg):
@@ -27,9 +27,7 @@ def main(cfg):
     BFs = cfg.branching_factors
     num_scens = np.prod(BFs)
 
-    scenario_names = ['Scenario' + str(i) for i in range(num_scens)]
-    
-    xhat_gen_kwargs = {"scenario_names": scenario_names,
+    xhat_gen_kwargs = {"scenario_names": scenario_names_creator(num_scens, prefix="Scenario"),
                         "solver_name": cfg.solver_name,
                         "solver_options": None,
                         "branching_factors" : BFs,
diff --git a/examples/distr/distr.py b/examples/distr/distr.py
index 0a30ce086..b842acccb 100644
--- a/examples/distr/distr.py
+++ b/examples/distr/distr.py
@@ -210,18 +210,6 @@ def consensus_vars_creator(num_scens, inter_region_dict, all_scenario_names):
     return consensus_vars
 
 
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens):
-    """Creates the name of every scenario.
-
-    Args:
-        num_scens (int): number of scenarios
-
-    Returns:
-        list (str): the list of names
-    """
-    return [f"Region{i+1}" for i in range(num_scens)]
-
-
 def kw_creator(all_nodes_dict, cfg, inter_region_dict, data_params):
     """
     Args:
@@ -256,4 +244,4 @@ def inparser_adder(cfg):
     cfg.add_to_config("ensure_xhat_feas",
                       description="adds slacks with high costs to ensure the feasibility of xhat yet maintaining the optimal",
                       domain=bool,
-                      default=False)
\ No newline at end of file
+                      default=False)
diff --git a/examples/distr/distr_admm_cylinders.py b/examples/distr/distr_admm_cylinders.py
index c5bb16080..934ae35c2 100644
--- a/examples/distr/distr_admm_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/distr/distr_admm_cylinders.py
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
 import distr
 
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 from mpisppy import MPI
 import time
 
@@ -83,7 +81,7 @@ def main():
     ph_converger = None
 
     options = {}
-    all_scenario_names = distr.scenario_names_creator(num_scens=cfg.num_scens)
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens, prefix="Region", start=1)
     scenario_creator = distr.scenario_creator
     scenario_creator_kwargs = distr.kw_creator(all_nodes_dict, cfg, inter_region_dict, data_params)  
     consensus_vars = distr.consensus_vars_creator(cfg.num_scens, inter_region_dict, all_scenario_names)
diff --git a/examples/distr/distr_ef.py b/examples/distr/distr_ef.py
index 935e4e687..d902ba496 100644
--- a/examples/distr/distr_ef.py
+++ b/examples/distr/distr_ef.py
@@ -15,8 +15,7 @@
 import distr_data
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-from mpisppy.utils import config
+from mpisppy.utils import config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 from mpisppy import MPI
 global_rank = MPI.COMM_WORLD.Get_rank()
 
@@ -72,7 +71,7 @@ def main():
         data_params = {"max revenue": 1200}
 
     options = {}
-    all_scenario_names = distr.scenario_names_creator(num_scens=cfg.num_scens)
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens, prefix="Region", start=1)
     scenario_creator = distr.scenario_creator
     scenario_creator_kwargs = distr.kw_creator(all_nodes_dict, cfg, inter_region_dict, data_params)  
     consensus_vars = distr.consensus_vars_creator(cfg.num_scens, inter_region_dict, all_scenario_names)
diff --git a/examples/farmer/CI/farmer.py b/examples/farmer/CI/farmer.py
index 6fe141a55..5ed056f2f 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/CI/farmer.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/CI/farmer.py
@@ -212,15 +212,6 @@ def total_cost_rule(model):
 
 
 # begin helper functions
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to farmer
diff --git a/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_ef.py b/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_ef.py
index 9ba6974df..be541742c 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_ef.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_ef.py
@@ -13,9 +13,7 @@
 
 import sys
 import farmer
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-import mpisppy.utils.solver_spec as solver_spec
-from mpisppy.utils import config
+from mpisppy.utils import config, scenario_names_creator, sputils, solver_spec
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 
 
@@ -32,13 +30,13 @@ def main_no_cfg():
     scen_count = int(sys.argv[2])
     use_integer = int(sys.argv[3])
     solver_name = sys.argv[4]
-    
+
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         "use_integer": use_integer,
         "crops_multiplier": crops_multiplier,
     }
 
-    scenario_names = ['Scenario' + str(i) for i in range(scen_count)]
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(scen_count, prefix='Scenario')
 
     ef = sputils.create_EF(
         scenario_names,
@@ -66,7 +64,7 @@ def main_with_cfg():
     cfg.parse_command_line("farmer_ef")
 
     ef = sputils.create_EF(
-        farmer.scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens),
+        scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens, prefix="scen"),
         farmer.scenario_creator,
         scenario_creator_kwargs=farmer.kw_creator(cfg),
     )
diff --git a/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_rho_demo.py b/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_rho_demo.py
index 2e4bc265c..ba024c7d1 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_rho_demo.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_rho_demo.py
@@ -19,8 +19,7 @@
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
 import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
 
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 
 from mpisppy.extensions.extension import MultiExtension
 
@@ -84,7 +83,7 @@ def main():
         if not cfg.use_norm_rho_updater:
             raise RuntimeError("--use-norm-rho-converger requires --use-norm-rho-updater")
         elif cfg.grad_rho:
-            raise RuntimeError("You cannot have--use-norm-rho-converger and --grad-rho-setter")            
+            raise RuntimeError("You cannot have--use-norm-rho-converger and --grad-rho-setter")
         else:
             ph_converger = NormRhoConverger
     else:
@@ -92,7 +91,7 @@ def main():
     
     scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = farmer.scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens)
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens, prefix='scen')
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         'use_integer': False,
         "crops_multiplier": crops_multiplier,
diff --git a/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_seqsampling.py b/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_seqsampling.py
index 2a4eacd25..5c548511e 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_seqsampling.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/CI/farmer_seqsampling.py
@@ -16,9 +16,7 @@
 
 import numpy as np
 import farmer
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-import mpisppy.utils.amalgamator as amalgamator
+from mpisppy.utils import amalgamator, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.seqsampling as seqsampling
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.confidence_config as confidence_config
 
@@ -94,7 +92,7 @@ def main(cfg):
     solver_name = cfg.EF_solver_name
     crops_multiplier = cfg.crops_multiplier
     
-    scenario_names = ['Scenario' + str(i) for i in range(scen_count)]
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(scen_count, prefix='Scenario')
     
     xhat_gen_kwargs = {"scenario_names": scenario_names,
                        "solver_name": solver_name,
diff --git a/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_ampl_cylinders.py b/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_ampl_cylinders.py
index 573d86b4e..7344a5896 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_ampl_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_ampl_cylinders.py
@@ -9,11 +9,10 @@
 # Started by dlw Aug 2023
 
 import farmer_ampl_agnostic
+from mpisppy.agnostic import agnostic
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
-import mpisppy.utils.config as config
-import mpisppy.agnostic.agnostic as agnostic
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+
 
 def _farmer_parse_args():
     # create a config object and parse JUST FOR TESTING
@@ -23,8 +22,8 @@ def _farmer_parse_args():
 
     cfg.popular_args()
     cfg.two_sided_args()
-    cfg.ph_args()    
-    cfg.aph_args()    
+    cfg.ph_args()
+    cfg.aph_args()
     cfg.xhatlooper_args()
     cfg.fwph_args()
     cfg.lagrangian_args()
@@ -43,7 +42,7 @@ def _farmer_parse_args():
 
     scenario_creator = Ag.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer_ampl_agnostic.scenario_denouement   # should we go though Ag?
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen{}'.format(sn) for sn in range(cfg.num_scens)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens, prefix="scen")
 
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders
     beans = (cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
diff --git a/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_gurobipy_cylinders.py b/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_gurobipy_cylinders.py
index fb4cb74fa..795c94e7b 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_gurobipy_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_gurobipy_cylinders.py
@@ -10,10 +10,8 @@
 
 import farmer_gurobipy_agnostic
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
-import mpisppy.utils.config as config
-import mpisppy.agnostic.agnostic as agnostic
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.agnostic import agnostic
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 
 def _farmer_parse_args():
     # create a config object and parse JUST FOR TESTING
@@ -43,7 +41,7 @@ def _farmer_parse_args():
 
     scenario_creator = Ag.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer_gurobipy_agnostic.scenario_denouement   # should we go though Ag?
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen{}'.format(sn) for sn in range(cfg.num_scens)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens, prefix="scen")
 
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders
     beans = (cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
diff --git a/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_pyomo_cylinders.py b/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_pyomo_cylinders.py
index a3614a049..e3ca1f7db 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_pyomo_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_pyomo_cylinders.py
@@ -11,10 +11,9 @@
 
 import farmer_pyomo_agnostic
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
-import mpisppy.utils.config as config
-import mpisppy.agnostic.agnostic as agnostic
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.agnostic import agnostic
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, sputils, scenario_names_creator, config
+
 
 def _farmer_parse_args():
     # create a config object and parse JUST FOR TESTING
@@ -24,8 +23,8 @@ def _farmer_parse_args():
 
     cfg.popular_args()
     cfg.two_sided_args()
-    cfg.ph_args()    
-    cfg.aph_args()    
+    cfg.ph_args()
+    cfg.aph_args()
     cfg.xhatlooper_args()
     cfg.fwph_args()
     cfg.lagrangian_args()
@@ -44,7 +43,7 @@ def _farmer_parse_args():
 
     scenario_creator = Ag.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer_pyomo_agnostic.scenario_denouement   # should we go though Ag?
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen{}'.format(sn) for sn in range(cfg.num_scens)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens, prefix="scen")
 
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders
     beans = (cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
diff --git a/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_pyomo_ph.py b/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_pyomo_ph.py
index 34cc1ba85..e30483cc9 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_pyomo_ph.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/agnostic/agnostic_pyomo_ph.py
@@ -10,9 +10,8 @@
 # Started by dlw Aug 2023
 
 import farmer_pyomo_agnostic
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
-import mpisppy.utils.config as config
-import mpisppy.agnostic.agnostic as agnostic
+from mpisppy.agnostic import agnostic
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 
 def _farmer_parse_args():
     # create a config object and parse JUST FOR TESTING
@@ -22,8 +21,8 @@ def _farmer_parse_args():
 
     cfg.popular_args()
     cfg.two_sided_args()
-    cfg.ph_args()    
-    cfg.aph_args()    
+    cfg.ph_args()
+    cfg.aph_args()
     cfg.xhatlooper_args()
     cfg.fwph_args()
     cfg.lagrangian_args()
@@ -42,7 +41,7 @@ def _farmer_parse_args():
 
     scenario_creator = Ag.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer_pyomo_agnostic.scenario_denouement   # should we go though Ag?
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen{}'.format(sn) for sn in range(cfg.num_scens)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens, prefix="scen")
 
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders
     beans = (cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
diff --git a/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer.py b/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer.py
index 8f40726d8..045b260c9 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer.py
@@ -233,16 +233,6 @@ def total_cost_rule(model):
 
 # begin functions not needed by farmer_cylinders
 # (but needed by special codes such as confidence intervals)
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
-
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to farmer
diff --git a/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_ampl_agnostic.py b/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_ampl_agnostic.py
index af93ae105..53c1026b8 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_ampl_agnostic.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_ampl_agnostic.py
@@ -83,12 +83,6 @@ def scenario_creator(
     }
 
     return gd
-    
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
 
 
 #=========
diff --git a/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_gurobipy_agnostic.py b/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_gurobipy_agnostic.py
index f95c13e6a..109e60940 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_gurobipy_agnostic.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_gurobipy_agnostic.py
@@ -123,12 +123,6 @@ def get_scaled_data(indict):
 
     return gd
 
-#==========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    if (start is None):
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-
 #==========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to farmer
diff --git a/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_pyomo_agnostic.py b/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_pyomo_agnostic.py
index f34289af1..605d4ee03 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_pyomo_agnostic.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/agnostic/farmer_pyomo_agnostic.py
@@ -61,10 +61,6 @@ def scenario_creator(
         "BFs": None
         }
     return gd
-    
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    return farmer.scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start)
 
 
 #=========
diff --git a/examples/farmer/archive/cs_farmer.py b/examples/farmer/archive/cs_farmer.py
index b7f006660..3b8838cbe 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/archive/cs_farmer.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/archive/cs_farmer.py
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
 from mpisppy.cylinders.cross_scen_spoke import CrossScenarioCutSpoke
 from mpisppy.opt.lshaped import LShapedMethod
 
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval import Xhat_Eval
 
 
@@ -68,7 +69,7 @@ def _usage():
     scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
 
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen{}'.format(sn) for sn in range(scen_count)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(scen_count, prefix='scen')
     rho_setter = farmer._rho_setter if hasattr(farmer, '_rho_setter') else None
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         'use_integer': True,
diff --git a/examples/farmer/archive/farmer.py b/examples/farmer/archive/farmer.py
index 8f40726d8..045b260c9 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/archive/farmer.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/archive/farmer.py
@@ -233,16 +233,6 @@ def total_cost_rule(model):
 
 # begin functions not needed by farmer_cylinders
 # (but needed by special codes such as confidence intervals)
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
-
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to farmer
diff --git a/examples/farmer/archive/farmer_cylinders.py b/examples/farmer/archive/farmer_cylinders.py
index 371b5514c..6bb933746 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/archive/farmer_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/archive/farmer_cylinders.py
@@ -16,15 +16,12 @@
 
 # Make it all go
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
 
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 
 from mpisppy.extensions.norm_rho_updater import NormRhoUpdater
 from mpisppy.convergers.norm_rho_converger import NormRhoConverger
 from mpisppy.convergers.primal_dual_converger import PrimalDualConverger
-from mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla import extension_adder
 
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 
@@ -91,7 +88,7 @@ def main():
 
     scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen{}'.format(sn) for sn in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix='scen')
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         'use_integer': False,
         "crops_multiplier": crops_multiplier,
@@ -126,7 +123,7 @@ def main():
 
     ## hack in adaptive rho
     if cfg.use_norm_rho_updater:
-        extension_adder(hub_dict, NormRhoUpdater)
+        vanilla.extension_adder(hub_dict, NormRhoUpdater)
         hub_dict['opt_kwargs']['options']['norm_rho_options'] = {'verbose': True}
 
 
diff --git a/examples/farmer/archive/farmer_ph.py b/examples/farmer/archive/farmer_ph.py
index f6e06fb16..2c892269a 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/archive/farmer_ph.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/archive/farmer_ph.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 
 from mpisppy.opt.ph import PH
 from mpisppy.convergers.primal_dual_converger import PrimalDualConverger
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 import farmer
 from mpisppy.extensions.xhatclosest import XhatClosest
 import sys
@@ -59,7 +60,7 @@ def main():
     }
     scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen{}'.format(sn) for sn in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix='scen')
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         'use_integer': use_int,
         "crops_multiplier": crops_multiplier,
diff --git a/examples/farmer/farmer.py b/examples/farmer/farmer.py
index 6fe141a55..5ed056f2f 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/farmer.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/farmer.py
@@ -212,15 +212,6 @@ def total_cost_rule(model):
 
 
 # begin helper functions
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to farmer
diff --git a/examples/farmer/farmer_lshapedhub.py b/examples/farmer/farmer_lshapedhub.py
index f16c88b09..4858878af 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/farmer_lshapedhub.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/farmer_lshapedhub.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 
 # Make it all go
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-from mpisppy.utils import config
+from mpisppy.utils import config, scenario_names_creator
 import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
 from mpisppy.cylinders.hub import LShapedHub
 from mpisppy.opt.lshaped import LShapedMethod
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ def main():
 
     scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = [f"scen{sn}" for sn in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="scen")
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         "use_integer": False,
         "crops_multiplier": crops_mult,
diff --git a/examples/farmer/schur/schur_complement.py b/examples/farmer/schur/schur_complement.py
index 1fa923552..0b6e39aab 100644
--- a/examples/farmer/schur/schur_complement.py
+++ b/examples/farmer/schur/schur_complement.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 from mpisppy.opt import ef, sc
 import logging
 from mpisppy import MPI
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 import sys
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 
@@ -26,7 +27,7 @@
 
 
 def solve_with_extensive_form(scen_count):
-    scenario_names = ['Scenario' + str(i) for i in range(scen_count)]
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(scen_count, prefix="Scenario")
     options = dict()
     options['solver'] = 'cplex_direct'
     scenario_kwargs = dict()
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ def solve_with_extensive_form(scen_count):
 
 
 def solve_with_sc(scen_count, linear_solver=None):
-    scenario_names = ['Scenario' + str(i) for i in range(scen_count)]
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(scen_count, prefix="Scenario")
     options = dict()
     if linear_solver is not None:
         options['linalg'] = dict()
diff --git a/examples/hydro/hydro.py b/examples/hydro/hydro.py
index 625eeedab..c837834f1 100644
--- a/examples/hydro/hydro.py
+++ b/examples/hydro/hydro.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 import mpisppy.scenario_tree as scenario_tree
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 from mpisppy.extensions.xhatspecific import XhatSpecific
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator, sputils
 
 ##
 ## Setting up a Model
@@ -260,13 +260,6 @@ def inparser_adder(cfg):
                       default=None)
 
 
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=0):
-    # return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # (We hope this doesn't get used much for a multistage problem)
-    return [f"Scen{i+1}" for i in range(start, start+num_scens)]
-
-
 #=========
 def kw_creator(cfg):
     # (for Amalgamator): linked to the scenario_creator and inparser_adder
@@ -303,9 +296,7 @@ def sample_tree_scen_creator(sname, stage, sample_branching_factors, seed,
     # branching factor (3 stages is hard-wired)
     BFs = options["branching_factors"]
     ScenCount = BFs[0] * BFs[1]
-    all_scenario_names = list()
-    for sn in range(ScenCount):
-        all_scenario_names.append("Scen"+str(sn+1))
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(ScenCount, prefix="Scen", start=1)
     # end hardwire
 
     # This is multi-stage, so we need to supply node names
diff --git a/examples/hydro/hydro_cylinders.py b/examples/hydro/hydro_cylinders.py
index 3e43a80c2..98562559c 100644
--- a/examples/hydro/hydro_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/hydro/hydro_cylinders.py
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 
 import hydro
 
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 
 
 write_solution = True
@@ -57,7 +54,7 @@ def main():
 
     ScenCount = BFs[0] * BFs[1]
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {"branching_factors": BFs}
-    all_scenario_names = [f"Scen{i+1}" for i in range(ScenCount)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(ScenCount, prefix="scen", start=1)
     scenario_creator = hydro.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = hydro.scenario_denouement
     rho_setter = None
diff --git a/examples/hydro/hydro_ef.py b/examples/hydro/hydro_ef.py
index 7af467ed6..9ded571a8 100644
--- a/examples/hydro/hydro_ef.py
+++ b/examples/hydro/hydro_ef.py
@@ -10,12 +10,11 @@
 import hydro
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 from mpisppy.opt.ef import ExtensiveForm
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator, sputils
 
 options = {"solver": sys.argv[1]}
 num_scenarios = 9
 BFs = [3, 3]
-all_scenario_names = [f"Scen{i+1}" for i in range(num_scenarios)]
 
 # This is multi-stage, so we need to supply node names
 all_nodenames = sputils.create_nodenames_from_branching_factors(BFs)
@@ -23,7 +22,7 @@
 options["branching_factors"] = BFs
 ef = ExtensiveForm(
     options,
-    all_scenario_names,
+    scenario_names_creator(num_scenarios, prefix="scen", start=1),
     hydro.scenario_creator,
     scenario_creator_kwargs={"branching_factors": BFs},
     all_nodenames=all_nodenames
diff --git a/examples/netdes/drivertest.py b/examples/netdes/drivertest.py
index 4fe39d2bd..3b64c5166 100644
--- a/examples/netdes/drivertest.py
+++ b/examples/netdes/drivertest.py
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
 from mpisppy.cylinders.hub import PHHub
 # Make it all go
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval import Xhat_Eval
 
 
@@ -33,7 +34,7 @@
     # Use netdes as an example
     inst = "network-10-20-L-01"
     num_scen = int(inst.split("-")[-3])
-    scenario_names = [f"Scen{i}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scen")
     path = f"{netdes.__file__[:-10]}/data/{inst}.dat"
     scenario_creator = netdes.scenario_creator
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {"path": path}
diff --git a/examples/netdes/netdes.py b/examples/netdes/netdes.py
index 3a2308a9a..daa9682ec 100644
--- a/examples/netdes/netdes.py
+++ b/examples/netdes/netdes.py
@@ -94,15 +94,6 @@ def _get_scenario_ix(sname):
     return int(sname[i:])
 
 ########## helper functions ########
-
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"Scenario{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to sizes
@@ -111,11 +102,11 @@ def inparser_adder(cfg):
     cfg.add_to_config("instance_name",
                         description="netdes instance name (e.g., network-10-20-L-01)",
                         domain=str,
-                        default=None)                
+                        default=None)
     cfg.add_to_config("netdes_data_path",
                         description="path to detdes data (e.g., ./data)",
                         domain=str,
-                        default=None)                
+                        default=None)
 
 
 #=========
diff --git a/examples/netdes/netdes_cylinders.py b/examples/netdes/netdes_cylinders.py
index 1b733c530..268b72271 100644
--- a/examples/netdes/netdes_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/netdes/netdes_cylinders.py
@@ -9,8 +9,7 @@
 import netdes
 
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.extensions.cross_scen_extension import CrossScenarioExtension
 
 write_solution = True
@@ -34,7 +33,7 @@ def _parse_args():
     cfg.add_to_config("instance_name",
                         description="netdes instance name (e.g., network-10-20-L-01)",
                         domain=str,
-                        default=None)                
+                        default=None)
     cfg.parse_command_line("netdes_cylinders")
     return cfg
     
@@ -61,8 +60,8 @@ def main():
 
     path = f"{netdes.__file__[:-10]}/data/{inst}.dat"
     scenario_creator = netdes.scenario_creator
-    scenario_denouement = netdes.scenario_denouement    
-    all_scenario_names = [f"Scen{i}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    scenario_denouement = netdes.scenario_denouement
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scen")
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {"path": path}
 
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders
diff --git a/examples/netdes/netdes_ef.py b/examples/netdes/netdes_ef.py
index d0748bfcc..7306893f9 100644
--- a/examples/netdes/netdes_ef.py
+++ b/examples/netdes/netdes_ef.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 ''' Solve the EF of the network problems
 '''
 from mpisppy.opt.ef import ExtensiveForm
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 from netdes import scenario_creator
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 import sys
@@ -23,7 +24,7 @@ def main():
         print("Invalid input.")
         quit()
     num_scen = int(inst.split("-")[-3])
-    scenario_names = [f"Scen{i}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scen")
     path = f"./data/{inst}.dat"
     options = {"solver": "gurobi"}
     ef = ExtensiveForm(
diff --git a/examples/netdes/netdes_ph.py b/examples/netdes/netdes_ph.py
index 4a4d5162d..55d454559 100644
--- a/examples/netdes/netdes_ph.py
+++ b/examples/netdes/netdes_ph.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@
 from mpisppy.opt.ph import PH
 from mpisppy.convergers.primal_dual_converger import PrimalDualConverger
 from mpisppy.extensions.xhatclosest import XhatClosest
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 import os
 import sys
 
@@ -28,7 +29,7 @@ def main():
     # solver_name = 'gurobi'
     fname = "data" + os.sep + sys.argv[1] + ".dat"
     num_scen = int(fname.split('-')[2])
-    scenario_names = ['Scen' + str(i) for i in range(num_scen)]
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scen")
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {"path": fname}
 
     ''' Now solve with PH to see what happens (very little, I imagine) '''
diff --git a/examples/netdes/netdes_with_class.py b/examples/netdes/netdes_with_class.py
index 18c3b8fcc..ef1075b79 100644
--- a/examples/netdes/netdes_with_class.py
+++ b/examples/netdes/netdes_with_class.py
@@ -28,11 +28,11 @@ def inparser_adder(cfg):
     cfg.add_to_config("instance_name",
                         description="netdes instance name (e.g., network-10-20-L-01)",
                         domain=str,
-                        default=None)                
+                        default=None)
     cfg.add_to_config("netdes_data_path",
                         description="path to detdes data (e.g., ./data)",
                         domain=str,
-                        default=None)                
+                        default=None)
 
 
 def get_mpisppy_helper_object(cfg):
@@ -126,15 +126,6 @@ def first_stage_solution_writer(self, file_name, scenario, bundling):
 
 
     ########## helper functions ########
-
-    #=========
-    def scenario_names_creator(self, num_scens,start=None):
-        # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-        if (start is None) :
-            start=0
-        return [f"Scenario{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-
-
     #=========
     def kw_creator(self, cfg):
         # linked to the scenario_creator and inparser_adder
diff --git a/examples/sizes/sizes.py b/examples/sizes/sizes.py
index d7347c3eb..e8c22a2cc 100644
--- a/examples/sizes/sizes.py
+++ b/examples/sizes/sizes.py
@@ -36,16 +36,6 @@ def scenario_denouement(rank, scenario_name, scenario):
     pass
 
 ########## helper functions ########
-
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    # note that the scenarios for the sizes problem are one-based
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=1
-    return [f"Scenario{i}" for i in range(start, start+num_scens)]
-
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to sizes
diff --git a/examples/sizes/sizes_cylinders.py b/examples/sizes/sizes_cylinders.py
index 293480c96..631b758a2 100644
--- a/examples/sizes/sizes_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/sizes/sizes_cylinders.py
@@ -8,10 +8,10 @@
 ###############################################################################
 import sizes
 
-from mpisppy.utils import config
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
 from mpisppy.extensions.fixer import Fixer
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+
 
 def _parse_args():
     cfg = config.Config()
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ def main():
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {"scenario_count": num_scen}
     scenario_creator = sizes.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = sizes.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = [f"Scenario{i+1}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
     rho_setter = sizes._rho_setter
     
     if fixer:
diff --git a/examples/sizes/sizes_expression.py b/examples/sizes/sizes_expression.py
index 516475a43..24609106b 100644
--- a/examples/sizes/sizes_expression.py
+++ b/examples/sizes/sizes_expression.py
@@ -36,16 +36,6 @@ def scenario_denouement(rank, scenario_name, scenario):
     pass
 
 ########## helper functions ########
-
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    # note that the scenarios for the sizes problem are one-based
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=1
-    return [f"Scenario{i}" for i in range(start, start+num_scens)]
-
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to sizes
diff --git a/examples/sizes/special_cylinders.py b/examples/sizes/special_cylinders.py
index 6efc51e5b..5c0383bbc 100644
--- a/examples/sizes/special_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/sizes/special_cylinders.py
@@ -11,8 +11,7 @@
 
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
 from mpisppy.extensions.fixer import Fixer
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 
 def _parse_args():
     cfg = config.Config()
@@ -51,7 +50,7 @@ def main():
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {"scenario_count": num_scen}
     scenario_creator = sizes.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = sizes.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = [f"Scenario{i+1}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
     rho_setter = sizes._rho_setter
     variable_probability = sizes._variable_probability
 
diff --git a/examples/sslp/sslp.py b/examples/sslp/sslp.py
index 33e3c1a81..21100179b 100644
--- a/examples/sslp/sslp.py
+++ b/examples/sslp/sslp.py
@@ -61,16 +61,6 @@ def scenario_denouement(rank, scenario_name, scenario):
 
 
 ########## helper functions ########
-
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # one-based scenarios
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=1
-    return [f"Scenario{i}" for i in range(start, start+num_scens)]
-
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to sizes
diff --git a/examples/sslp/sslp_cylinders.py b/examples/sslp/sslp_cylinders.py
index a16171e1d..bf690f8c3 100644
--- a/examples/sslp/sslp_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/sslp/sslp_cylinders.py
@@ -11,8 +11,7 @@
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
 from mpisppy.extensions.fixer import Fixer
 from mpisppy.extensions.primal_dual_rho import PrimalDualRho
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 
 def _parse_args():
     cfg = config.Config()
@@ -70,7 +69,7 @@ def main():
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {"data_dir": f"{sslp.__file__[:-8]}/data/{inst}/scenariodata", "surrogate":cfg.surrogate_nonant}
     scenario_creator = sslp.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = sslp.scenario_denouement    
-    all_scenario_names = [f"Scenario{i+1}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
 
     if fixer:
         ph_ext = Fixer
diff --git a/examples/uc/cs_uc.py b/examples/uc/cs_uc.py
index c2734375d..30716b6b5 100644
--- a/examples/uc/cs_uc.py
+++ b/examples/uc/cs_uc.py
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@
 
 # Hub and spoke SPBase classes
 from mpisppy.opt.ph import PH
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval import Xhat_Eval
 
 # Hub and spoke SPCommunicator classes
@@ -78,7 +79,7 @@ def _usage():
         _usage()
 
     assert (ScenCount in [3, 5, 10, 25, 50])
-    all_scenario_names = ['Scenario{}'.format(sn + 1) for sn in range(ScenCount)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(ScenCount, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
     # sent to the scenario creator
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         "scenario_count": ScenCount,
diff --git a/examples/uc/gradient_uc_cylinders.py b/examples/uc/gradient_uc_cylinders.py
index 0e0fe8a1f..579b406aa 100644
--- a/examples/uc/gradient_uc_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/uc/gradient_uc_cylinders.py
@@ -23,8 +23,7 @@
 from mpisppy.extensions.mipgapper import Gapper
 from mpisppy.extensions.xhatclosest import XhatClosest
 from mpisppy.extensions.grad_rho import GradRho
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.extensions.cross_scen_extension import CrossScenarioExtension
 
 def _parse_args():
@@ -94,7 +93,7 @@ def main():
     }
     scenario_creator = uc.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = uc.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = [f"Scenario{i+1}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
     if cfg.use_cost_based_rho:
         rho_setter = uc._rho_setter
     else:
diff --git a/examples/uc/uc3wood.py b/examples/uc/uc3wood.py
index c603e00ad..c8c594a77 100644
--- a/examples/uc/uc3wood.py
+++ b/examples/uc/uc3wood.py
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
 from mpisppy.extensions.mipgapper import Gapper
 # Make it all go
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval import Xhat_Eval
 from mpisppy.log import setup_logger
 
@@ -73,7 +74,7 @@ def _usage():
         _usage()
         
     assert(ScenCount in [3,5,10,25,50])
-    all_scenario_names = ['Scenario{}'.format(sn+1) for sn in range(ScenCount)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(ScenCount, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
     # sent to the scenario creator
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         "scenario_count": ScenCount,
diff --git a/examples/uc/uc4wood.py b/examples/uc/uc4wood.py
index 61401a3a0..2a715fefa 100644
--- a/examples/uc/uc4wood.py
+++ b/examples/uc/uc4wood.py
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
 from mpisppy.extensions.fixer import Fixer
 from mpisppy.extensions.mipgapper import Gapper
 # Make it all go
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
 from mpisppy.log import setup_logger
 
@@ -76,7 +77,7 @@ def _usage():
         _usage()
         
     assert(ScenCount in [3,5,10,25,50])
-    all_scenario_names = ['Scenario{}'.format(sn+1) for sn in range(ScenCount)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(ScenCount, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         "scenario_count": ScenCount,
         "path": str(ScenCount) + "scenarios_r1",
diff --git a/examples/uc/uc_cylinders.py b/examples/uc/uc_cylinders.py
index 1cfa33d04..f8f454fd4 100644
--- a/examples/uc/uc_cylinders.py
+++ b/examples/uc/uc_cylinders.py
@@ -22,8 +22,7 @@
 from mpisppy.extensions.fixer import Fixer
 from mpisppy.extensions.mipgapper import Gapper
 from mpisppy.extensions.xhatclosest import XhatClosest
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.extensions.cross_scen_extension import CrossScenarioExtension
 
 def _parse_args():
@@ -90,7 +89,7 @@ def main():
     }
     scenario_creator = uc.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = uc.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = [f"Scenario{i+1}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
     rho_setter = uc._rho_setter
 
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders
diff --git a/examples/uc/uc_funcs.py b/examples/uc/uc_funcs.py
index 1a36af031..d37c9233e 100644
--- a/examples/uc/uc_funcs.py
+++ b/examples/uc/uc_funcs.py
@@ -266,11 +266,6 @@ def scenario_tree_solution_writer( solution_dir, sname, scenario, bundling ):
     mds = uc._save_uc_results(scenario, relaxed=False)
     mds.write(file_name)
 
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(scnt,start=0):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of names
-    return [F"Scenario{i+1}" for i in range(start,scnt+start)]
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # (only for Amalgamator): add command options unique to uc
diff --git a/examples/uc/uc_lshaped.py b/examples/uc/uc_lshaped.py
index af24dc7c2..e88758565 100644
--- a/examples/uc/uc_lshaped.py
+++ b/examples/uc/uc_lshaped.py
@@ -12,8 +12,7 @@
 
 # Make it all go
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.cylinders.hub import LShapedHub
 from mpisppy.opt.lshaped import LShapedMethod
 
@@ -48,7 +47,7 @@ def main():
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         "path": f"./{num_scen}scenarios_r1/"
     }
-    all_scenario_names = [f"Scenario{i+1}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
 
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders
     beans = (cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/agnostic_cylinders.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/agnostic_cylinders.py
index f6a5fe836..77d807aaa 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/agnostic_cylinders.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/agnostic_cylinders.py
@@ -15,10 +15,10 @@
 """
 import sys
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
-import mpisppy.utils.config as config
-import mpisppy.agnostic.agnostic as agnostic
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.agnostic import agnostic
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
+
+
 
 def _setup_args(m):
     # m is the model file module
@@ -47,19 +47,19 @@ def _setup_args(m):
                       default=None,
                       argparse=True)
     cfg.add_to_config(name="solution_base_name",
-                      description="The string used fo a directory of ouput along with a csv and an npv file (default None, which means no soltion output)",
+                      description="The string used for a directory of output along with a csv and an npv file (default None, which means no solution output)",
                       domain=str,
                       default=None)
     cfg.popular_args()
     cfg.two_sided_args()
-    cfg.ph_args()    
-    cfg.aph_args()    
+    cfg.ph_args()
+    cfg.aph_args()
     cfg.xhatlooper_args()
     cfg.fwph_args()
     cfg.lagrangian_args()
     cfg.lagranger_args()
     cfg.xhatshuffle_args()
-    return cfg    
+    return cfg
 
 def _parse_args(m):
     # m is the model file module
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ def main(model_fname, module, cfg):
     assert hasattr(module, "scenario_denouement"), "The model file must have a scenario_denouement function"
     scenario_denouement = module.scenario_denouement   # should we go though Ag?
     # note that if you are bundling, cfg.num_scens will be a fib (numbuns)
-    all_scenario_names = module.scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens)
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens)
 
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders
     beans = (cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/ampl_guest.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/ampl_guest.py
index 25a2aab1e..c066406a7 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/ampl_guest.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/ampl_guest.py
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 
 from mpisppy import MPI  # for debuggig
-from mpisppy.utils import nice_join
+from mpisppy.utils import nice_join, scenario_names_creator
 fullcomm = MPI.COMM_WORLD
 global_rank = fullcomm.Get_rank()
 
@@ -105,8 +105,8 @@ def _vname(v):
 
 
     #=========
-    def scenario_names_creator(self, num_scens,start=None):
-        return self.model_module.scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start)
+    def scenario_names_creator(self, num_scens, start=None):
+        return scenario_names_creator(num_scens, start=start)
 
 
     #=========
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer.py
index 97b0664d3..e5c3c3d21 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer.py
@@ -233,16 +233,6 @@ def total_cost_rule(model):
 
 # begin functions not needed by farmer_cylinders
 # (but needed by special codes such as confidence intervals)
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
-
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to farmer
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_ampl_model.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_ampl_model.py
index 5e6644ffd..934d4b98d 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_ampl_model.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_ampl_model.py
@@ -81,17 +81,13 @@ def scenario_creator(scenario_name, ampl_file_name,
         print("big troubles!!; we can't find the objective function")
         raise
     return ampl, "uniform", areaVarDatas, obj_fct
-    
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    return farmer.scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start)
 
 
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     farmer.inparser_adder(cfg)
 
-    
+
 #=========
 def kw_creator(cfg):
     # creates keywords for scenario creator
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_gams_model.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_gams_model.py
index e70bac14c..f4b0f0f5d 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_gams_model.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_gams_model.py
@@ -69,17 +69,12 @@ def scenario_creator(scenario_name, mi, job, cfg=None):
 
     return mi
 
-        
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    return farmer.scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start)
-
 
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     farmer.inparser_adder(cfg)
 
-    
+
 #=========
 def kw_creator(cfg):
     # creates keywords for scenario creator
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_gurobipy_model.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_gurobipy_model.py
index 2582d9810..0b29ffee4 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_gurobipy_model.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/farmer_gurobipy_model.py
@@ -47,10 +47,6 @@ def scenario_creator(scenario_name, use_integer=False, sense=GRB.MINIMIZE, crops
 
     return gd
 
-#==========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    return farmer.scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start)
-
 #==========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     return farmer.inparser_adder(cfg)
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/steel_ampl_model.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/steel_ampl_model.py
index 7ec40df2f..7801a098b 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/steel_ampl_model.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/steel_ampl_model.py
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ def scenario_creator(scenario_name, ampl_file_name, cfg=None):
     ampl = AMPL()
     ampl.read(ampl_file_name)
     ampl.read_data(cfg.ampl_data_file)
-    scennum = sputils.extract_num(scenario_name)     
+    scennum = sputils.extract_num(scenario_name)
     seedoffset = cfg.seed
     #steelstream.seed(scennum+seedoffset)
     np.random.seed(scennum + seedoffset)
@@ -93,12 +93,6 @@ def kw_creator(cfg):
 def sample_tree_scen_creator(sname, stage, sample_branching_factors, seed,
                              given_scenario=None, **scenario_creator_kwargs):
     raise RuntimeError("sample_tree_scen_creator not implemented for the steel example")
-    
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
+
 def scenario_denouement(rank, scenario_name, scenario):
     pass
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/transport_gams_model.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/transport_gams_model.py
index e362a738c..64ac28292 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/transport_gams_model.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/examples/transport_gams_model.py
@@ -62,13 +62,6 @@ def scenario_creator(scenario_name, mi, job, cfg=None):
     return mi
 
 
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to transport
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/gams_guest.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/gams_guest.py
index d57b49554..d0baf1723 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/gams_guest.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/gams_guest.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 import re
 
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator, sputils
 
 from mpisppy import MPI  # for debugging
 fullcomm = MPI.COMM_WORLD
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ def scenario_creator(self, scenario_name, **kwargs):
 
     #=========
     def scenario_names_creator(self, num_scens,start=None):
-        return self.model_module.scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start)
+        return scenario_names_creator(num_scens, start=start)
 
 
     #=========
diff --git a/mpisppy/agnostic/pyomo_guest.py b/mpisppy/agnostic/pyomo_guest.py
index 15824af08..89d161e0b 100644
--- a/mpisppy/agnostic/pyomo_guest.py
+++ b/mpisppy/agnostic/pyomo_guest.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
   be handy for testing. All that needs to be done, is to attach
   the nonant varlist as _nonant_vars to the scenario when it is created.
 """
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator, sputils
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 from pyomo.opt import SolutionStatus, TerminationCondition
 
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ def scenario_creator(self, scenario_name, **kwargs):
 
     #=========
     def scenario_names_creator(self, num_scens,start=None):
-        return self.model_module.scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start)
+        return scenario_names_creator(num_scens, start=start)
 
 
     #=========
diff --git a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/ciutils.py b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/ciutils.py
index 286d4313c..de886fe5d 100644
--- a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/ciutils.py
+++ b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/ciutils.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 import mpisppy.MPI as mpi
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator, sputils
 from mpisppy import global_toc
 import mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval as xhat_eval
 import mpisppy.utils.amalgamator as ama
@@ -176,8 +176,7 @@ def _fct_check(module, fct):
 def pyomo_opt_sense(module_name, cfg):
     """ update cfg to have the optimization sense"""
     module = importlib.import_module(module_name)
-    _fct_check(module, "scenario_names_creator")
-    sn = module.scenario_names_creator(1)  # an arbitrary scenario name
+    sn = scenario_names_creator(1)  # an arbitrary scenario name
     _fct_check(module, "kw_creator")
     kw = module.kw_creator(cfg)
     m = module.scenario_creator(sn[0], **kw)
diff --git a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/mmw_ci.py b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/mmw_ci.py
index e44c20869..d30343174 100644
--- a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/mmw_ci.py
+++ b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/mmw_ci.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 import importlib
 from mpisppy import global_toc
     
-import mpisppy.utils.amalgamator as ama
+from mpisppy.utils import amalgamator as ama, scenario_names_creator
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.ciutils as ciutils
 
 fullcomm = mpi.COMM_WORLD
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ def __init__(self,
                 "cfg should have an attribute 'EF-2stage' or 'EF-mstage' set to True")
         
         #Check if refmodel and args have all needed attributes
-        everything = ["scenario_names_creator", "scenario_creator", "kw_creator"]
+        everything = ["scenario_creator", "kw_creator"]
         if self.multistage:
             everything[0] = "sample_tree_scen_creator"
     
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ def run(self, confidence_level=0.95):
         for i in range(num_batches) :
             scenstart = None if self.multistage else start
             gap_options = {'seed':start,'branching_factors':sampling_branching_factors} if self.multistage else None
-            scenario_names = self.refmodel.scenario_names_creator(batch_size,start=scenstart)
+            scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(batch_size, start=scenstart)
             estim = ciutils.gap_estimators(self.xhat_one, self.refmodelname,
                                            solving_type=self.type,
                                            scenario_names=scenario_names,
diff --git a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/multi_seqsampling.py b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/multi_seqsampling.py
index c2da535d2..72f14d098 100644
--- a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/multi_seqsampling.py
+++ b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/multi_seqsampling.py
@@ -6,20 +6,17 @@
 # All rights reserved. Please see the files COPYRIGHT.md and LICENSE.md for
 # full copyright and license information.
 ###############################################################################
-# Code that is producing an xhat and a confidence interval using sequantial sampling 
+# Code that is producing an xhat and a confidence interval using sequential sampling 
 # This extension of SeqSampling works for multistage, using independent 
 # scenarios instead of a single scenario tree.
 
 import pyomo.common.config as pyofig
 import mpisppy.MPI as mpi
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import amalgamator, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils, xhat_eval
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.confidence_config as confidence_config
-from mpisppy.utils import config
 import numpy as np
 from mpisppy import global_toc
-    
-import mpisppy.utils.amalgamator as amalgamator
-import mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval as xhat_eval
+
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.ciutils as ciutils
 from mpisppy.confidence_intervals.seqsampling import SeqSampling
 from mpisppy.tests.examples.aircond import xhat_generator_aircond
@@ -78,7 +75,7 @@ def run(self, maxit=200):
         xhat_branching_factors = ciutils.scalable_branching_factors(mult*lower_bound_k, self.cfg['branching_factors'])
         mk = np.prod(xhat_branching_factors)
         self.xhat_gen_kwargs['start_seed'] = self.SeedCount #TODO: Maybe find a better way to manage seed
-        xhat_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(mk)
+        xhat_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(mk)
 
         xgo = self.xhat_gen_kwargs.copy()
         xgo["solver_name"] = self.solver_name
@@ -94,7 +91,7 @@ def run(self, maxit=200):
         #Computing n_1 and associated scenario names
         
         nk = np.prod(ciutils.scalable_branching_factors(lower_bound_k, self.cfg['branching_factors'])) #To ensure the same growth that in the one-tree seqsampling
-        estimator_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(nk)
+        estimator_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(nk)
         
         #Computing G_nk and s_k associated with xhat_1
         
@@ -107,7 +104,7 @@ def run(self, maxit=200):
         #----------------------------Step 2 -------------------------------------#
 
         while( self.stop_criterion(Gk,sk,nk) and k<maxit):
-        #----------------------------Step 3 -------------------------------------#       
+        #----------------------------Step 3 -------------------------------------#
             k+=1
             nk_m1 = nk #n_{k-1}
             lower_bound_k = self.sample_size(k, Gk, sk, nk_m1)
@@ -116,7 +113,7 @@ def run(self, maxit=200):
             xhat_branching_factors = ciutils.scalable_branching_factors(mult*lower_bound_k, self.cfg['branching_factors'])
             mk = np.prod(xhat_branching_factors)
             self.xhat_gen_kwargs['start_seed'] = self.SeedCount #TODO: Maybe find a better way to manage seed
-            xhat_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(mk)
+            xhat_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(mk)
             
             #Computing xhat_k
            
@@ -132,7 +129,7 @@ def run(self, maxit=200):
             
             nk = np.prod(ciutils.scalable_branching_factors(lower_bound_k, self.cfg['branching_factors'])) #To ensure the same growth that in the one-tree seqsampling
             nk += self.batch_size - nk%self.batch_size
-            estimator_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(nk)
+            estimator_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(nk)
             
             
             Gk, sk = self._gap_estimators_with_independent_scenarios(xhat_k,nk,estimator_scenario_names,scenario_denouement)
@@ -276,10 +273,9 @@ def _gap_estimators_with_independent_scenarios(self, xhat_k, nk,
     # For use by confidence interval develepors who need a quick test.
     solver_name = "cplex"
     #An example of sequential sampling for the aircond model
-    import mpisppy.tests.examples.aircond
     bfs = [3,3,2]
     num_scens = np.prod(bfs)
-    scenario_names = mpisppy.tests.examples.aircond.scenario_names_creator(num_scens)
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scens)
     xhat_gen_kwargs = {"scenario_names": scenario_names,
                         "solver_name": solver_name,
                         "solver_options": None,
diff --git a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/sample_tree.py b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/sample_tree.py
index d378701d1..3313619eb 100644
--- a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/sample_tree.py
+++ b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/sample_tree.py
@@ -12,8 +12,7 @@
 import mpisppy.MPI as mpi
 import importlib
 
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-import mpisppy.utils.amalgamator as amalgamator
+from mpisppy.utils import amalgamator, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.ciutils as ciutils
 
 fullcomm = mpi.COMM_WORLD
@@ -62,7 +61,7 @@ def __init__(self, mname, xhats, root_scen, starting_stage, branching_factors,
 
         self.refmodel = importlib.import_module(mname)
         #Checking that refmodel has all the needed attributes
-        attrs = ["sample_tree_scen_creator","kw_creator","scenario_names_creator"]
+        attrs = ["sample_tree_scen_creator","kw_creator"]
         for attr in attrs:
             if not hasattr(self.refmodel, attr):
                 raise RuntimeError(f"The construction of a sample subtree failed because the reference model has no {attr} function.")
@@ -146,8 +145,7 @@ def _create_amalgamator(self):
             if "kwargs" in ama_options:
                 ama_options["branching_factors"] = ama_options["kwargs"]["branching_factors"]
             """
-        scen_names = self.refmodel.scenario_names_creator(self.numscens,
-                                                          start=self.seed)
+        scen_names = scenario_names_creator(self.numscens, start=self.seed)
         denouement = self.refmodel.scenario_denouement if hasattr(self.refmodel, 'scenario_denouement') else None
         
         self.ama = amalgamator.Amalgamator(cfg, scen_names,
diff --git a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/seqsampling.py b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/seqsampling.py
index 43c5178eb..2d81dc328 100644
--- a/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/seqsampling.py
+++ b/mpisppy/confidence_intervals/seqsampling.py
@@ -19,10 +19,8 @@
 import scipy.stats
 import importlib
 from mpisppy import global_toc
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.solver_spec as solver_spec
+from mpisppy.utils import amalgamator, config, scenario_names_creator, solver_spec
 
-import mpisppy.utils.amalgamator as amalgamator
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.ciutils as ciutils
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.confidence_config as confidence_config
 
@@ -174,9 +172,7 @@ def __init__(self,
         self.xhat_gen_kwargs = cfg.get("xhat_gen_kwargs", {})
         
         #Check if refmodel has all needed attributes
-        everything = ["scenario_names_creator",
-                 "scenario_creator",
-                 "kw_creator"]  # denouement can be missing.
+        everything = ["scenario_creator", "kw_creator"]  # denouement can be missing.
         you_can_have_it_all = True
         for ething in everything:
             if not hasattr(self.refmodel, ething):
@@ -376,11 +372,11 @@ def run(self,maxit=200):
             xhat_branching_factors = ciutils.scalable_branching_factors(mult*lower_bound_k, self.cfg['branching_factors'])
             mk = np.prod(xhat_branching_factors)
             self.xhat_gen_kwargs['start_seed'] = self.SeedCount #TODO: Maybe find a better way to manage seed
-            xhat_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(mk)
+            xhat_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(mk)
             
         else:
             mk = int(np.floor(mult*lower_bound_k))
-            xhat_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(mk, start=self.ScenCount)
+            xhat_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(mk, start=self.ScenCount)
             self.ScenCount+=mk
 
         xgo = self.xhat_gen_kwargs.copy()
@@ -401,11 +397,11 @@ def run(self,maxit=200):
             
             gap_branching_factors = ciutils.scalable_branching_factors(lower_bound_k, self.cfg['branching_factors'])
             nk = np.prod(gap_branching_factors)
-            estimator_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(nk)
+            estimator_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(nk)
             sample_options = {'branching_factors':gap_branching_factors, 'seed':self.SeedCount}
         else:
             nk = self.ArRP *int(np.ceil(lower_bound_k/self.ArRP))
-            estimator_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(nk,
+            estimator_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(nk,
                                                                        start=self.ScenCount)
             sample_options = None
             self.ScenCount+= nk
@@ -442,19 +438,19 @@ def run(self,maxit=200):
                 xhat_branching_factors = ciutils.scalable_branching_factors(mult*lower_bound_k, lcfg['branching_factors'])
                 mk = np.prod(xhat_branching_factors)
                 self.xhat_gen_kwargs['start_seed'] = self.SeedCount #TODO: Maybe find a better way to manage seed
-                xhat_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(mk)
+                xhat_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(mk)
             
             else:
                 mk = int(np.floor(mult*lower_bound_k))
                 assert mk>= mk_m1, "Our sample size should be increasing"
                 if (k%self.kf_xhat==0):
                     #We use only new scenarios to compute xhat
-                    xhat_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(int(mult*nk),
+                    xhat_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(int(mult*nk),
                                                                           start=self.ScenCount)
                     self.ScenCount+= mk
                 else:
                     #We reuse the previous scenarios
-                    xhat_scenario_names+= refmodel.scenario_names_creator(mult*(nk-nk_m1),
+                    xhat_scenario_names+= scenario_names_creator(mult*(nk-nk_m1),
                                                                           start=self.ScenCount)
                     self.ScenCount+= mk-mk_m1
             
@@ -474,20 +470,18 @@ def run(self,maxit=200):
                 
                 gap_branching_factors = ciutils.scalable_branching_factors(lower_bound_k, lcfg['branching_factors'])
                 nk = np.prod(gap_branching_factors)
-                estimator_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(nk)
+                estimator_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(nk)
                 sample_options = {'branching_factors':gap_branching_factors, 'seed':self.SeedCount}
             else:
                 nk = self.ArRP *int(np.ceil(lower_bound_k/self.ArRP))
                 assert nk>= nk_m1, "Our sample size should be increasing"
                 if (k%self.kf_GS==0):
                     #We use only new scenarios to compute gap estimators
-                    estimator_scenario_names = refmodel.scenario_names_creator(nk,
-                                                                               start=self.ScenCount)
+                    estimator_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(nk, start=self.ScenCount)
                     self.ScenCount+=nk
                 else:
                     #We reuse the previous scenarios
-                    estimator_scenario_names+= refmodel.scenario_names_creator((nk-nk_m1),
-                                                                               start=self.ScenCount)
+                    estimator_scenario_names+= scenario_names_creator((nk-nk_m1), start=self.ScenCount)
                     self.ScenCount+= (nk-nk_m1)
                 sample_options = None
             
diff --git a/mpisppy/generic_cylinders.py b/mpisppy/generic_cylinders.py
index 83e276a26..4a2bf5969 100644
--- a/mpisppy/generic_cylinders.py
+++ b/mpisppy/generic_cylinders.py
@@ -11,20 +11,17 @@
 import sys
 import os
 import copy
+import glob
 import numpy as np
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 import pyomo.common.config as pyofig
 
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
 
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
-import mpisppy.utils.config as config
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from  mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, solver_spec, sputils
 
 from mpisppy.extensions.extension import MultiExtension, Extension
 
-import mpisppy.utils.solver_spec as solver_spec
-
 from mpisppy import global_toc
 from mpisppy import MPI
 
@@ -102,7 +99,7 @@ def _parse_args(m):
     cfg.checker()  # looks for inconsistencies 
     return cfg
 
-def _name_lists(module, cfg, bundle_wrapper=None):
+def _name_lists(cfg, bundle_wrapper=None):
 
     # Note: high level code like this assumes there are branching factors for
     # multi-stage problems. For other trees, you will need lower-level code
@@ -114,7 +111,10 @@ def _name_lists(module, cfg, bundle_wrapper=None):
             "For now, stage2EFsolvern is required for multistage xhat"
     else:
         all_nodenames = None
-        num_scens = cfg.get("num_scens")  # maybe None is OK
+        num_scens = cfg.get("num_scens")
+        if num_scens is None:
+            mps_files = glob.glob(os.path.join(cfg.get("mps_files_directory"), "*.mps"))
+            num_scens = len(mps_files)
 
     # proper bundles should be almost magic
     if cfg.unpickle_bundles_dir or cfg.scenarios_per_bundle is not None:
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ def _name_lists(module, cfg, bundle_wrapper=None):
         all_scenario_names = bundle_wrapper.bundle_names_creator(num_buns, cfg=cfg)
         all_nodenames = None  # This is seldom used; also, proper bundles result in two stages
     else:
-        all_scenario_names = module.scenario_names_creator(num_scens)
+        all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scens, prefix='scen')
 
     return all_scenario_names, all_nodenames
 
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ def do_decomp(module, cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_creator_kwargs, scenario_d
     else:
         ph_converger = None
 
-    all_scenario_names, all_nodenames = _name_lists(module, cfg, bundle_wrapper=bundle_wrapper)    
+    all_scenario_names, all_nodenames = _name_lists(cfg, bundle_wrapper=bundle_wrapper)
 
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders
     beans = (cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
@@ -482,10 +482,8 @@ def _write_scenarios(module,
 
     local_slice = slices[my_rank]
     my_start = local_slice[0]   # zero based
-    inum = sputils.extract_num(module.scenario_names_creator(1)[0])
-    
-    local_scenario_names = module.scenario_names_creator(len(local_slice),
-                                                         start=inum + my_start)
+    inum = sputils.extract_num(scenario_names_creator(1)[0])
+    local_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(len(local_slice), start=inum + my_start)
     if my_rank == 0:
         if os.path.exists(cfg.pickle_scenarios_dir):
             shutil.rmtree(cfg.pickle_scenarios_dir)
@@ -533,7 +531,7 @@ def _write_bundles(module,
 
     local_slice = slices[my_rank]
     # We need to know if scenarios (not bundles) are one-based.
-    inum = sputils.extract_num(module.scenario_names_creator(1)[0])
+    inum = sputils.extract_num(scenario_names_creator(1)[0])
     
     local_bundle_names = [f"Bundle_{bn*bsize+inum}_{(bn+1)*bsize-1+inum}" for bn in local_slice]
     
@@ -547,14 +545,14 @@ def _write_bundles(module,
         fname = os.path.join(cfg.pickle_bundles_dir, bname+".pkl")
         pickle_bundle.dill_pickle(bundle, fname)
     global_toc(f"Bundles written to {cfg.pickle_bundles_dir}")
-        
+
 #==========
 def _do_EF(module, cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_creator_kwargs, scenario_denouement, bundle_wrapper=None):
 
-    all_scenario_names, _ = _name_lists(module, cfg, bundle_wrapper=bundle_wrapper)
+    all_scenario_names, _ = _name_lists(cfg, bundle_wrapper=bundle_wrapper)
     ef = sputils.create_EF(
         all_scenario_names,
-        module.scenario_creator,
+        scenario_creator,
         scenario_creator_kwargs=module.kw_creator(cfg),
     )
     
@@ -649,7 +647,7 @@ def _write_scenario_lp_mps_files_only(module,
     from mpisppy.spbase import SPBase
     from mpisppy.extensions.scenario_lp_mps_files import Scenario_lp_mps_files
 
-    all_scenario_names, all_nodenames = _name_lists(module, cfg, bundle_wrapper=bundle_wrapper)
+    all_scenario_names, all_nodenames = _name_lists(cfg, bundle_wrapper=bundle_wrapper)
 
     # SPBase builds the scenarios and scenario-tree bookkeeping; no solves happen here.
     sp_options = {
diff --git a/mpisppy/opt/ph.py b/mpisppy/opt/ph.py
index 982387fc3..983985fe0 100644
--- a/mpisppy/opt/ph.py
+++ b/mpisppy/opt/ph.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 import mpisppy.phbase
 import shutil
 import mpisppy.MPI as mpi
+from  mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 
 # decorator snarfed from stack overflow - allows per-rank profile output file generation.
 def profile(filename=None, comm=mpi.COMM_WORLD):
@@ -101,7 +102,7 @@ def ph_main(self, finalize=True, attach_prox=True):
     PHopt["iterk_solver_options"] = {"mipgap": 0.001}
 
     ScenCount = 50
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen' + str(i) for i in range(ScenCount)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(ScenCount, prefix="scen")
     # end hardwire
 
     scenario_creator = refmodel.scenario_creator
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/examples/aircond.py b/mpisppy/tests/examples/aircond.py
index 3ca2474a1..ae9720060 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/examples/aircond.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/examples/aircond.py
@@ -367,16 +367,7 @@ def sample_tree_scen_creator(sname, stage, sample_branching_factors, seed,
                                                 starting_stage=stage)
     
     return model
-                
 
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
 
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/examples/aircondB.py b/mpisppy/tests/examples/aircondB.py
index d48480008..33e6d6bc9 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/examples/aircondB.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/examples/aircondB.py
@@ -183,15 +183,6 @@ def sample_tree_scen_creator(sname, stage, sample_branching_factors, seed,
                              given_scenario=given_scenario, **scenario_creator_kwargs)
                 
 
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     base_aircond.inparser_adder(cfg)
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/examples/apl1p.py b/mpisppy/tests/examples/apl1p.py
index f853870ef..5b78fc22f 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/examples/apl1p.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/examples/apl1p.py
@@ -179,15 +179,6 @@ def scenario_creator(sname, num_scens=None):
     return(model)
 
 
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(inparser):
     # (only for Amalgamator): add command options unique to apl1p
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/examples/distr/distr.py b/mpisppy/tests/examples/distr/distr.py
index c6f81a7fd..4a211d7ae 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/examples/distr/distr.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/examples/distr/distr.py
@@ -378,19 +378,6 @@ def consensus_vars_creator(num_scens):
         consensus_vars[region_target].append(vstr)
     return consensus_vars
 
-
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens):
-    """Creates the name of every scenario.
-
-    Args:
-        num_scens (int): number of scenarios
-
-    Returns:
-        list (str): the list of names
-    """
-    return [f"Region{i+1}" for i in range(num_scens)]
-
-
 def kw_creator(cfg):
     """
     Args:
@@ -399,8 +386,7 @@ def kw_creator(cfg):
     Returns:
         dict (str): the kwargs that are used in distr.scenario_creator, here {"num_scens": num_scens}
     """
-    kwargs = {"num_scens" : cfg.get('num_scens', None),
-              }
+    kwargs = {"num_scens" : cfg.get('num_scens', None)}
     if kwargs["num_scens"] not in [2, 3, 4]:
         RuntimeError (f"unexpected number of regions {cfg.num_scens}, whould be in  [2, 3, 4]")
     return kwargs
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/examples/farmer.py b/mpisppy/tests/examples/farmer.py
index 48a5938d4..f63efed44 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/examples/farmer.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/examples/farmer.py
@@ -240,16 +240,6 @@ def total_cost_rule(model):
 
 # begin functions not needed by farmer_cylinders
 # (but needed by special codes such as confidence intervals)
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
-
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # add options unique to farmer
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/examples/gbd/gbd.py b/mpisppy/tests/examples/gbd/gbd.py
index 9502ae5e8..1caab20db 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/examples/gbd/gbd.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/examples/gbd/gbd.py
@@ -10,12 +10,11 @@
 #From original Ferguson and Dantzig 1956
 #Extended scenarios as done in Seq Sampling by B&M
 
+import json
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 import numpy as np
 import mpisppy.scenario_tree as scenario_tree
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-import mpisppy.utils.amalgamator as amalgamator
-import json
+from mpisppy.utils import amalgamator, sputils, scenario_names_creator
 
 # Use this random stream:
 gbdstream= np.random.RandomState()  # pylint: disable=no-member
@@ -199,15 +198,6 @@ def scenario_creator(sname, num_scens=None):
     return(model)
 
 
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=None):
-    # (only for Amalgamator): return the full list of num_scens scenario names
-    # if start!=None, the list starts with the 'start' labeled scenario
-    if (start is None) :
-        start=0
-    return [f"scen{i}" for i in range(start,start+num_scens)]
-        
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(inparser):
     # (only for Amalgamator): add command options unique to gbd
@@ -274,7 +264,7 @@ def xhat_generator_gbd(scenario_names, solver_name="gurobi", solver_options=None
     solver_name = 'gurobi_direct'
     solver_options=None
     
-    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scens,start=6000)
+    scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scens, prefix="scen", start=6000)
 
     ama_options = { "EF-2stage": True,
                     "EF_solver_name": solver_name,
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/examples/w_test_data/farmer_get.py b/mpisppy/tests/examples/w_test_data/farmer_get.py
index 4099e7eda..e12634e8d 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/examples/w_test_data/farmer_get.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/examples/w_test_data/farmer_get.py
@@ -12,10 +12,8 @@
 
 # Make it all go
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
 
 from mpisppy.extensions.norm_rho_updater import NormRhoUpdater
 from mpisppy.convergers.norm_rho_converger import NormRhoConverger
@@ -83,7 +81,7 @@ def main():
     
     scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen{}'.format(sn) for sn in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix='scen')
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         'use_integer': False,
         "crops_multiplier": crops_multiplier,
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/examples/w_test_data/farmer_set.py b/mpisppy/tests/examples/w_test_data/farmer_set.py
index f28373dac..60b6d8895 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/examples/w_test_data/farmer_set.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/examples/w_test_data/farmer_set.py
@@ -12,10 +12,7 @@
 
 # Make it all go
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 
 from mpisppy.extensions.norm_rho_updater import NormRhoUpdater
 from mpisppy.convergers.norm_rho_converger import NormRhoConverger
@@ -85,7 +82,7 @@ def main():
     
     scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = ['scen{}'.format(sn) for sn in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix='scen')
     scenario_creator_kwargs = {
         'use_integer': False,
         "crops_multiplier": crops_multiplier,
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/test_admmWrapper.py b/mpisppy/tests/test_admmWrapper.py
index 3682cc277..07105d946 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/test_admmWrapper.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/test_admmWrapper.py
@@ -8,9 +8,8 @@
 ###############################################################################
 # TBD: make these tests less fragile
 import unittest
-import mpisppy.utils.admmWrapper as admmWrapper
 import mpisppy.tests.examples.distr.distr as distr
-from mpisppy.utils import config
+from mpisppy.utils import admmWrapper, config, scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.tests.utils import get_solver
 from mpisppy import MPI
 import subprocess
@@ -36,7 +35,7 @@ def _cfg_creator(self, num_scens):
     def _make_admm(self, num_scens,verbose=False):
         cfg = self._cfg_creator(num_scens)
         options = {}
-        all_scenario_names = distr.scenario_names_creator(num_scens=cfg.num_scens)
+        all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(cfg.num_scens, prefix="Region", start=1)
         scenario_creator = distr.scenario_creator
         scenario_creator_kwargs = distr.kw_creator(cfg)
         consensus_vars = distr.consensus_vars_creator(cfg.num_scens)
@@ -56,7 +55,7 @@ def test_constructor(self):
         for i in range(3,5):
             self._make_admm(i)
 
-    def test_variable_probability(self):        
+    def test_variable_probability(self):
         admm = self._make_admm(3)
         q = dict()
         for sname, s in admm.local_scenarios.items():
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/test_agnostic.py b/mpisppy/tests/test_agnostic.py
index da64ef2e7..9fb3e122d 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/test_agnostic.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/test_agnostic.py
@@ -13,10 +13,9 @@
 import math
 import mpisppy.opt.ph
 from mpisppy.tests.utils import get_solver
-import mpisppy.utils.config as config
-import mpisppy.agnostic.agnostic as agnostic
-import mpisppy.agnostic.agnostic_cylinders as agnostic_cylinders
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import config, sputils, scenario_names_creator
+from mpisppy.agnostic import agnostic, agnostic_cylinders
+
 
 sys.path.insert(0, "../../examples/farmer/agnostic")
 import farmer_pyomo_agnostic
@@ -34,7 +33,7 @@
     import farmer_gurobipy_agnostic
     have_gurobipy = True
 except ModuleNotFoundError:
-    have_gurobipy = False    
+    have_gurobipy = False
 
 __version__ = 0.2
 
@@ -101,7 +100,7 @@ def test_agnostic_pyomo_PH_constructor(self):
         phoptions = _get_ph_base_options()
         ph = mpisppy.opt.ph.PH(
             phoptions,
-            farmer_pyomo_agnostic.scenario_names_creator(num_scens=3),
+            scenario_names_creator(3),
             Ag.scenario_creator,
             farmer_pyomo_agnostic.scenario_denouement,
             scenario_creator_kwargs=None,   # agnostic.py takes care of this
@@ -116,7 +115,7 @@ def test_agnostic_pyomo_PH(self):
         s1 = Ag.scenario_creator("scen1")  # average case
         phoptions = _get_ph_base_options()
         phoptions["Ag"] = Ag  # this is critical
-        scennames = farmer_pyomo_agnostic.scenario_names_creator(num_scens=3)
+        scennames = scenario_names_creator(3)
         ph = mpisppy.opt.ph.PH(
             phoptions,
             scennames,
@@ -150,7 +149,7 @@ def test_agnostic_ampl_PH(self):
         phoptions = _get_ph_base_options()
         phoptions["Ag"] = Ag  # this is critical
         phoptions["solver_name"] = "gurobi"  # need an ampl solver
-        scennames = farmer_ampl_agnostic.scenario_names_creator(num_scens=3)
+        scennames = scenario_names_creator(3)
         ph = mpisppy.opt.ph.PH(
             phoptions,
             scennames,
@@ -224,7 +223,7 @@ def test_agnostic_gurobipy_PH_constructor(self):
         phoptions = _get_ph_base_options()
         ph = mpisppy.opt.ph.PH(
             phoptions,
-            farmer_gurobipy_agnostic.scenario_names_creator(num_scens=3),
+            scenario_names_creator(3),
             Ag.scenario_creator,
             farmer_gurobipy_agnostic.scenario_denouement,
             scenario_creator_kwargs=None,  # agnostic.py takes care of this
@@ -240,7 +239,7 @@ def test_agnostic_gurobipy_PH(self):
         s1 = Ag.scenario_creator("scen1")  # average case
         phoptions = _get_ph_base_options()
         phoptions["Ag"] = Ag  # this is critical
-        scennames = farmer_gurobipy_agnostic.scenario_names_creator(num_scens=3)
+        scennames = scenario_names_creator(3)
         ph = mpisppy.opt.ph.PH(
             phoptions,
             scennames,
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/test_conf_int_aircond.py b/mpisppy/tests/test_conf_int_aircond.py
index 6e5c741e0..e73e147ef 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/test_conf_int_aircond.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/test_conf_int_aircond.py
@@ -18,17 +18,15 @@
 
 
 from mpisppy.tests.utils import get_solver, round_pos_sig
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
+from mpisppy.utils import amalgamator as ama, config, scenario_names_creator, sputils
 import mpisppy.tests.examples.aircond as aircond
 
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.mmw_ci as MMWci
-import mpisppy.utils.amalgamator as ama
 from mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval import Xhat_Eval
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.seqsampling as seqsampling
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.multi_seqsampling as multi_seqsampling
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.confidence_config as confidence_config
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.ciutils as ciutils
-from mpisppy.utils import config
 import pyomo.common.config as pyofig
 
 __version__ = 0.4
@@ -46,7 +44,7 @@ class Test_confint_aircond(unittest.TestCase):
     def setUpClass(self):
         self.refmodelname ="mpisppy.tests.examples.aircond"  # amalgamator compatible
         # TBD: maybe this code should create the file
-        self.xhatpath = "farmer_cyl_nonants.spy.npy"      
+        self.xhatpath = "farmer_cyl_nonants.spy.npy"
 
     def _get_base_options(self):
         # Base option has batch options
@@ -79,7 +77,7 @@ def _get_xhatEval_options(self):
 
     def _get_xhat_gen_options(self, BFs):
         num_scens = np.prod(BFs)
-        scenario_names = aircond.scenario_names_creator(num_scens)
+        scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scens)
         xhat_gen_options = {"scenario_names": scenario_names,
                             "solver_name": solver_name,
                             "solver_options": None,
@@ -107,14 +105,14 @@ def setUp(self):
     def tearDown(self):
          os.remove(self.xhat_path)
 
-        
+
     def _eval_creator(self):
         xh_options = self._get_xhatEval_options()
         
         MMW_options, scenario_creator_kwargs = self._get_base_options()
         branching_factors= global_BFs
-        scen_count = np.prod(branching_factors)
-        all_scenario_names = aircond.scenario_names_creator(scen_count)
+        scen_count = int(np.prod(branching_factors))
+        all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(scen_count)
         all_nodenames = sputils.create_nodenames_from_branching_factors(branching_factors)
         ev = Xhat_Eval(xh_options,
                        all_scenario_names,
@@ -233,7 +231,7 @@ def test_xhat_eval_evaluate_one(self):
 
         num_scens = np.prod(branching_factors)
         scenario_creator_kwargs['num_scens'] = num_scens
-        all_scenario_names = aircond.scenario_names_creator(num_scens)
+        all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scens)
 
         k = all_scenario_names[0]
         obj = ev.evaluate_one(full_xhat,k,ev.local_scenarios[k])
@@ -262,8 +260,8 @@ def test_MMW_running(self):
     def test_gap_estimators(self):
         options, scenario_creator_kwargs = self._get_base_options()
         branching_factors= global_BFs
-        scen_count = np.prod(branching_factors)
-        scenario_names = aircond.scenario_names_creator(scen_count, start=1000)
+        scen_count = int(np.prod(branching_factors))
+        scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(scen_count, start=1000)
         sample_options = {"seed": 0,
                           "branching_factors": global_BFs}
         estim = ciutils.gap_estimators(self.xhat,
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/test_conf_int_farmer.py b/mpisppy/tests/test_conf_int_farmer.py
index e130b9277..56fa05aba 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/test_conf_int_farmer.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/test_conf_int_farmer.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 from mpisppy.utils.xhat_eval import Xhat_Eval
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.seqsampling as seqsampling
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.ciutils as ciutils
-from mpisppy.utils import config
+from mpisppy.utils import config, scenario_names_creator
 import mpisppy.confidence_intervals.confidence_config as confidence_config
 
 fullcomm = mpi.COMM_WORLD
@@ -153,8 +153,7 @@ def test_ama_running(self):
         self.assertEqual(obj, -130000)
     
 
-    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available,
-                     "no solver is available")      
+    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available, "no solver is available")
     def test_xhat_eval_creator(self):
         options = self._get_xhatEval_options()
         
@@ -162,22 +161,21 @@ def test_xhat_eval_creator(self):
         scenario_creator_kwargs = MMW_options['kwargs']
         scenario_creator_kwargs['num_scens'] = MMW_options['batch_size']
         ev = Xhat_Eval(options,
-                       farmer.scenario_names_creator(100),
+                       scenario_names_creator(100),
                        farmer.scenario_creator,
                        scenario_denouement=None,
                        scenario_creator_kwargs=scenario_creator_kwargs
                        )
         assert ev is not None
         
-    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available,
-                     "no solver is available")      
+    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available, "no solver is available")
     def test_xhat_eval_evaluate(self):
         options = self._get_xhatEval_options()
         MMW_options = self._get_base_options()
         scenario_creator_kwargs = MMW_options['kwargs']
         scenario_creator_kwargs['num_scens'] = MMW_options['batch_size']
         ev = Xhat_Eval(options,
-                   farmer.scenario_names_creator(100),
+                   scenario_names_creator(100),
                    farmer.scenario_creator,
                    scenario_denouement=None,
                    scenario_creator_kwargs=scenario_creator_kwargs
@@ -187,15 +185,14 @@ def test_xhat_eval_evaluate(self):
         obj = round_pos_sig(ev.evaluate(xhat),2)
         self.assertEqual(obj, -1300000.0)
  
-    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available,
-                     "no solver is available")  
+    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available, "no solver is available")
     def test_xhat_eval_evaluate_one(self):
         options = self._get_xhatEval_options()
         MMW_options = self._get_base_options()
         xhat = ciutils.read_xhat(self.xhat_path)
         scenario_creator_kwargs = MMW_options['kwargs']
         scenario_creator_kwargs['num_scens'] = MMW_options['batch_size']
-        scenario_names = farmer.scenario_names_creator(100)
+        scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(100)
         ev = Xhat_Eval(options,
                    scenario_names,
                    farmer.scenario_creator,
@@ -207,8 +204,7 @@ def test_xhat_eval_evaluate_one(self):
         obj = round_pos_sig(obj,2)
         self.assertEqual(obj, -48000.0)
       
-    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available,
-                     "no solver is available")  
+    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available, "no solver is available")
     def test_MMW_running(self):
         cfg = self._get_base_options()
         xhat = ciutils.read_xhat(self.xhat_path)
@@ -223,10 +219,9 @@ def test_MMW_running(self):
         bound = round_pos_sig(r['gap_inner_bound'],2)
         self.assertEqual((s,bound), (1.5,96.0))
    
-    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available,
-                     "no solver is available")
+    @unittest.skipIf(not solver_available, "no solver is available")
     def test_gap_estimators(self):
-        scenario_names = farmer.scenario_names_creator(50,start=1000)
+        scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(50, start=1000)
         estim = ciutils.gap_estimators(self.xhat,
                                        self.refmodelname,
                                        cfg=self._get_base_options(),
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/test_gradient_rho.py b/mpisppy/tests/test_gradient_rho.py
index f615acdf3..01c025ae2 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/test_gradient_rho.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/test_gradient_rho.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 import unittest
 from mpisppy.utils import config
 
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, scenario_names_creator
 import mpisppy.tests.examples.farmer as farmer
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
 from mpisppy.tests.utils import get_solver
@@ -49,11 +49,11 @@ def _create_ph_farmer(self):
         self.cfg.num_scens = 3
         scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
         scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
-        all_scenario_names = farmer.scenario_names_creator(self.cfg.num_scens)
+        all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(self.cfg.num_scens, prefix="scen")
         scenario_creator_kwargs = farmer.kw_creator(self.cfg)
         beans = (self.cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
         hub_dict = vanilla.ph_hub(*beans, scenario_creator_kwargs=scenario_creator_kwargs)
-        hub_dict['opt_kwargs']['options']['cfg'] = self.cfg                            
+        hub_dict['opt_kwargs']['options']['cfg'] = self.cfg
         list_of_spoke_dict = list()
         wheel = WheelSpinner(hub_dict, list_of_spoke_dict)
         wheel.spin()
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/test_scenario_names_creator.py b/mpisppy/tests/test_scenario_names_creator.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e0f05455e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/test_scenario_names_creator.py
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+###############################################################################
+# mpi-sppy: MPI-based Stochastic Programming in PYthon
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2024, Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Alliance for
+# Sustainable Energy, LLC, The Regents of the University of California, et al.
+# All rights reserved. Please see the files COPYRIGHT.md and LICENSE.md for
+# full copyright and license information.
+###############################################################################
+
+from unittest import TestCase
+
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
+
+
+class TestScenarioNamesCeator(TestCase):
+    def test_scenario_names_creator_default(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            scenario_names_creator(3),
+            ["scenario0", "scenario1", "scenario2"],
+            "Should be a list with 'scenario0', 'scenario1' and 'scenario2'",
+        )
+
+    def test_scenario_names_creator_defining_prefix(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            scenario_names_creator(3, prefix="s"),
+            ["s0", "s1", "s2"],
+            "Should be a list with 's0', 's1' and 's2'",
+        )
+
+    def test_scenario_names_creator_setting_start_value(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            scenario_names_creator(3, start=1),
+            ["scenario1", "scenario2", "scenario3"],
+            "Should be a list with 'scenario1', 'scenario2' and 'scenario3'",
+        )
+
+    def test_scenario_names_creator_start_value_is_None(self):
+        # to avoid migration errors from earlier implementations start is also allowed to be None
+        self.assertEqual(
+            scenario_names_creator(3, start=None),
+            ["scenario0", "scenario1", "scenario2"],
+            "Should be a list with 'scenario10', 'scenario1' and 'scenario2'",
+        )
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/test_with_cylinders.py b/mpisppy/tests/test_with_cylinders.py
index 7b5c45cd9..917268a71 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/test_with_cylinders.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/test_with_cylinders.py
@@ -13,9 +13,8 @@
 """
 
 import unittest
-from mpisppy.utils import config
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator
 
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
 import mpisppy.tests.examples.farmer as farmer
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
 from mpisppy.tests.utils import get_solver
@@ -50,7 +49,7 @@ def _create_stuff(self, iters=5):
         self.cfg.max_iterations = iters
         scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
         scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
-        all_scenario_names = farmer.scenario_names_creator(self.cfg.num_scens)
+        all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(self.cfg.num_scens)
         scenario_creator_kwargs = farmer.kw_creator(self.cfg)
         beans = (self.cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
         hub_dict = vanilla.ph_hub(*beans, scenario_creator_kwargs=scenario_creator_kwargs)
diff --git a/mpisppy/tests/test_xbar_w_reader_writer.py b/mpisppy/tests/test_xbar_w_reader_writer.py
index c16037750..e3cb61030 100644
--- a/mpisppy/tests/test_xbar_w_reader_writer.py
+++ b/mpisppy/tests/test_xbar_w_reader_writer.py
@@ -16,14 +16,12 @@
 import os
 import unittest
 import csv
-from mpisppy.utils import config
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, wxbarreader, wxbarwriter
 
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
 import mpisppy.tests.examples.farmer as farmer
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
 from mpisppy.tests.utils import get_solver
-import mpisppy.utils.wxbarreader as wxbarreader
-import mpisppy.utils.wxbarwriter as wxbarwriter
+
 
 __version__ = 0.2
 
@@ -31,7 +29,7 @@
 
 def _create_cfg():
     cfg = config.Config()
-    wxbarreader.add_options_to_config(cfg)        
+    wxbarreader.add_options_to_config(cfg)
     wxbarwriter.add_options_to_config(cfg)
     cfg.add_branching_factors()
     cfg.num_scens_required()
@@ -55,7 +53,7 @@ def _create_ph_farmer(self, ph_extensions=None, max_iter=100):
         self.cfg.num_scens = 3
         scenario_creator = farmer.scenario_creator
         scenario_denouement = farmer.scenario_denouement
-        all_scenario_names = farmer.scenario_names_creator(self.cfg.num_scens)
+        all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(self.cfg.num_scens, prefix="scen")
         scenario_creator_kwargs = farmer.kw_creator(self.cfg)
         self.cfg.max_iterations = max_iter
         beans = (self.cfg, scenario_creator, scenario_denouement, all_scenario_names)
diff --git a/mpisppy/utils/__init__.py b/mpisppy/utils/__init__.py
index 776b873ec..480a79e89 100644
--- a/mpisppy/utils/__init__.py
+++ b/mpisppy/utils/__init__.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 # full copyright and license information.
 ###############################################################################
 
-from .strings import nice_join
+from .strings import nice_join, scenario_names_creator
 
 
-__all__ = ["nice_join"]
+__all__ = ["nice_join", "scenario_names_creator"]
diff --git a/mpisppy/utils/amalgamator.py b/mpisppy/utils/amalgamator.py
index 7fc6f6b74..bd77d9ba5 100644
--- a/mpisppy/utils/amalgamator.py
+++ b/mpisppy/utils/amalgamator.py
@@ -13,12 +13,9 @@
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 import copy
 import pyomo.common.config as pyofig
-from mpisppy.utils import config
-import mpisppy.utils.solver_spec as solver_spec
+from mpisppy.utils import cfg_vanilla as vanilla, config, scenario_names_creator, solver_spec, sputils
 
 from mpisppy.spin_the_wheel import WheelSpinner
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-import mpisppy.utils.cfg_vanilla as vanilla
 from mpisppy import global_toc
 
 from mpisppy.extensions.fixer import Fixer
@@ -126,10 +123,7 @@ def find_spokes(cylinders, is_multi=False):
 #==========
 def check_module_ama(module):
     # Complain if the module lacks things needed.
-    everything = ["scenario_names_creator",
-                 "scenario_creator",
-                 "inparser_adder",
-                 "kw_creator"]  # start and denouement can be missing.
+    everything = ["scenario_creator", "inparser_adder", "kw_creator"]  # start and denouement can be missing.
     you_can_have_it_all = True
     for ething in everything:
         if not hasattr(module, ething):
@@ -169,7 +163,7 @@ def from_module(mname, cfg, extraargs_fct=None, use_command_line=True):
                                  use_command_line=use_command_line)
     cfg.add_and_assign('_mpisppy_probability', description="Uniform prob.", domain=float, default=None, value= 1/cfg['num_scens'], complain=False)
     start = cfg['start'] if 'start' in cfg else 0
-    sn = m.scenario_names_creator(cfg['num_scens'], start=start)
+    sn = scenario_names_creator(cfg['num_scens'], start=start)
     dn = m.scenario_denouement if hasattr(m, "scenario_denouement") else None
     ama = Amalgamator(cfg,
                       sn,
diff --git a/mpisppy/utils/mps_module.py b/mpisppy/utils/mps_module.py
index 1b5cbbc7a..93714d610 100644
--- a/mpisppy/utils/mps_module.py
+++ b/mpisppy/utils/mps_module.py
@@ -26,12 +26,9 @@
 
 """
 import os
-import re
-import glob
 import json
 import mpisppy.scenario_tree as scenario_tree
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-import mpisppy.utils.mps_reader as mps_reader
+from mpisppy.utils import mps_reader, sputils
 # assume you can get the path from config, set in kw_creator as a side-effect
 mps_files_directory = None
 
@@ -87,31 +84,6 @@ def scenario_creator(sname, cfg=None):
     return model
 
 
-#=========
-def scenario_names_creator(num_scens, start=None):
-    # validate the directory and use it to get names (that have to be numbered)
-    # IMPORTANT: start is zero-based even if the names are one-based!
-    mps_files = [os.path.basename(f)
-                for f in glob.glob(os.path.join(mps_files_directory, "*.mps"))]
-    mps_files.sort()
-    if start is None:
-        start = 0
-    if num_scens is None:
-        num_scens = len(mps_files) - start
-    first = re.search(r"\d+$",mps_files[0][:-4])  # first scenario number
-    try:
-        first = int(first.group())
-    except Exception as e:
-        raise RuntimeError(f'mps files in {mps_files_directory} must end with an integer'
-                           f'found file {mps_files[0]} (error was: {e})')
-    if first != 0:
-        print("WARNING: non-zero-based senario names might cause trouble"
-              f" found {first=} for dir {mps_files_directory}")
-    assert start+num_scens <= len(mps_files),\
-        f"Trying to create scenarios names with {start=}, {num_scens=} but {len(mps_files)=}"
-    retval = [fn[:-4] for fn in mps_files[start:start+num_scens]]
-    return retval
-
 #=========
 def inparser_adder(cfg):
     # verify that that the mps_files_directory is there, or add it
diff --git a/mpisppy/utils/proper_bundler.py b/mpisppy/utils/proper_bundler.py
index 15612d92f..439a06336 100644
--- a/mpisppy/utils/proper_bundler.py
+++ b/mpisppy/utils/proper_bundler.py
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@
 
 import os
 import numpy as np
-import mpisppy.utils.sputils as sputils
-import mpisppy.utils.pickle_bundle as pickle_bundle
+from mpisppy.utils import pickle_bundle, scenario_names_creator, sputils
+
 
 # Development notes:
 # 2 stage Cases:
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ def inparser_adder(self, cfg):
     def scenario_names_creator(self, num_scens, start=None, cfg=None):
         # no need to wrap?
         assert cfg is not None, "ProperBundler needs cfg for scenario names"
-        return cfg.model.scenario_names_creator(num_scens, start=start)
+        return scenario_names_creator(num_scens, start=start)
 
     def set_bunBFs(self, cfg):
         # utility for bundle objects. Might throw if it doesn't like the branching factors.
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ def bundle_names_creator(self, num_buns, start=None, cfg=None):
         bsize = cfg.scenarios_per_bundle  # typing aid
         self.set_bunBFs(cfg)
         # We need to know if scenarios (not bundles) are one-based.
-        inum = sputils.extract_num(self.module.scenario_names_creator(1)[0])
+        inum = sputils.extract_num(scenario_names_creator(1)[0])
         names = [f"Bundle_{bn*bsize+inum}_{(bn+1)*bsize-1+inum}" for bn in range(start+num_buns)]
         return names
 
@@ -114,8 +114,7 @@ def scenario_creator(self, sname, **kwargs):
             firstnum = int(sname.split("_")[1])  # sname is a bundle name
             lastnum = int(sname.split("_")[2])
             # snames are scenario names
-            snames = self.module.scenario_names_creator(lastnum-firstnum+1,
-                                                        firstnum)
+            snames = scenario_names_creator(lastnum-firstnum+1, start=firstnum)
             kws = self.original_kwargs
             if self.bunBFs is not None:
                 # The original scenario creator needs to handle these
diff --git a/mpisppy/utils/sputils.py b/mpisppy/utils/sputils.py
index c7bff5e45..2ef1ac488 100644
--- a/mpisppy/utils/sputils.py
+++ b/mpisppy/utils/sputils.py
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@
 from pyomo.core.base.indexed_component_slice import IndexedComponent_slice
 
 from mpisppy import tt_timer
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 
 global_rank = MPI.COMM_WORLD.Get_rank()
 
@@ -729,7 +730,7 @@ def scens_to_ranks(scen_count, n_proc, rank, branching_factors = None):
         # indecision as of May 2020 (delete this comment DLW)
         # just make sure things are consistent with what xhat will do...
         # TBD: streamline
-        all_scenario_names = ["ID"+str(i) for i in range(scen_count)]
+        all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(scen_count, prefix="ID")
         tree = _ScenTree(branching_factors, all_scenario_names)
         scenario_names_to_ranks, slices, = tree.scen_name_to_rank(n_proc, rank)
         return slices, scenario_names_to_ranks
diff --git a/mpisppy/utils/strings.py b/mpisppy/utils/strings.py
index e69e2d49b..fdb16c3cd 100644
--- a/mpisppy/utils/strings.py
+++ b/mpisppy/utils/strings.py
@@ -45,3 +45,25 @@ def nice_join(
         return separator.join(seq)
     else:
         return f"{separator.join(seq[:-1])} {conjunction} {seq[-1]}"
+
+
+def scenario_names_creator(n: int, prefix: str = "scenario", start: int | None = 0) -> list[str]:
+    """Creates a list of scenario names using the pattern `{prefix}{number}` for a single scenario
+    name. The scenario names are distinguished using consecutive numbers.
+
+    Args:
+        n (int): number of wanted scenarios names
+        prefix (str, "scenario"): string to start the scenario name
+        start (int | None, 0): number to use for the first scenario name
+
+    Examples:
+
+        >>> from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
+
+        >>> scenario_names_creator(3, prefix="scen_", start=1)
+        ["scen_1", "scen_2", "scen_3"]
+    """
+    # start is also allowed to be None to avoid migration errors from earlier implementations
+    if start is None:
+        start = 0
+    return [f"{prefix}{i}" for i in range(start, start + n)]
diff --git a/mpisppy/utils/wtracker.py b/mpisppy/utils/wtracker.py
index 04898ebb9..9e4f55da0 100644
--- a/mpisppy/utils/wtracker.py
+++ b/mpisppy/utils/wtracker.py
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
 import pandas as pd
 import mpisppy.opt.ph
 import mpisppy.MPI as MPI
+from mpisppy.utils import scenario_names_creator
 
 class WTracker():
     """
@@ -233,7 +234,7 @@ def check_w_stdev(self, wlen, stdevthresh, offsetback=0):
     options["PHIterLimit"] = 1
     ph = mpisppy.opt.ph.PH(
         options,
-        farmer.scenario_names_creator(3),
+        scenario_names_creator(3),
         farmer.scenario_creator,
         farmer.scenario_denouement,
         scenario_creator_kwargs=farmer.kw_creator(options),
diff --git a/paperruns/larger_uc/uc_cylinders.py b/paperruns/larger_uc/uc_cylinders.py
index ef8cc7e31..0c87d6aa1 100644
--- a/paperruns/larger_uc/uc_cylinders.py
+++ b/paperruns/larger_uc/uc_cylinders.py
@@ -20,8 +20,7 @@
 from mpisppy.extensions.extension import MultiExtension
 from mpisppy.extensions.fixer import Fixer
 from mpisppy.extensions.mipgapper import Gapper
-from mpisppy.utils import baseparsers
-from mpisppy.utils import vanilla
+from mpisppy.utils import baseparsers, cfg_vanilla as vanilla, scenario_names_creator
 from mpisppy.extensions.cross_scen_extension import CrossScenarioExtension
 
 
@@ -38,7 +37,7 @@ def _parse_args():
                         help="json file with mipgap schedule (default None)",
                         dest="ph_mipgaps_json",
                         type=str,
-                        default=None)                
+                        default=None)
     
     args = parser.parse_args()
     return args
@@ -69,7 +68,7 @@ def main():
     }
     scenario_creator = uc.scenario_creator
     scenario_denouement = uc.scenario_denouement
-    all_scenario_names = [f"Scenario{i+1}" for i in range(num_scen)]
+    all_scenario_names = scenario_names_creator(num_scen, prefix="Scenario", start=1)
     rho_setter = uc._rho_setter
     
     # Things needed for vanilla cylinders