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January 3, 2018

A look back at 2017 The Community News reviews the year that was for St. Charles County

Recycled Christmas trees to benefit fish and anglers P.4 St. Charles City County Library hires new director P.4

By Brett Auten

School

Looking back, 2017 was an eventful year here in St. Charles County. As we flip the calendar to 2018, we at the Community News thought it would be a good time to look back at what transpired over the past 12 months. We have collected the highlights and remember all of the difference-makers in our community in 2017.

January

A stranger’s gift of life On Jan. 18, 2016, a virtual stranger donated a kidney to the Bahr family of Arnold and gave this family the gift of life to their then 14-month-old son, Blake. One year later Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis was the location last week for a special reunion. During his first year of life, Blake spent 135 days in the hospital, faced five surgeries and spent over a year on peritoneal dialysis anywhere from 13 to 24 hours every day. Laurie Jansen of Warrenton was having a tough time sleeping so she pulled out her iPad and was drawn to the Brave Blake’s Battle Facebook page. Jansen reached out to Blake’s mother Heather and offered to become a living kidney donor. Quick to shun the spotlight and attention, Jansen said the focus of this story should be Blake and others like him and the importance of organ donation. “Aside from the testing, it was about two weeks out of my life to be able to change this little boy’s life forever,” she said. “To see the drastic changes in Blake, it was a no-brainer. Nothing (physically) changed for me. I did gain more family and hopefully raised awareness.”

February

Giving kids a new S.T.A.R.T.

A brand new drug prevention curriculum was launched locally by the St. Charles County Police Department when students returned from holiday break. The program,

Around Town

FHSD named to AP District Honor Roll P.8 Community connects to Orchard Farm P.8 Orchard Farm to host Programs for the Future P.8

Business GM Wentzville employees make Christmas bright for area children P.9 SCC receives $10,000 from AT&T for college and career readiness program P.9 Submitted Photos Laurie Jansen holds Blake Bahr, the little boy to whom she donated a kidney. The two had never met until Jansen read about Blake’s medical needs on Facebook.

called S.T.A.R.T. (Substance Tobacco Alcohol Resistance Training), was rolled out in districts across the county. S.T.A.R.T. is a comprehensive curriculum, uniquely designed to address social, legal and emerging issues and trends critical to the development of elementary students from a local, state and federal perspective. Over nine classes, students at both public and private schools learned, discussed and engaged over an array of topics including self-awareness, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, pills, powders, inhalants, bullying and cyberbullying, peer pressure and citizenship. March St. Charles trolley returns A free trolley service began its route on March 15 connecting residents and visitors to see much of what St. Charles has to offer. The trolley had not been in operation since 2010 but the city council voted to approve $200,000 in funding to bring it back. The city had already allocated the funding as part of

the city’s budget. “This was a vision of Mayor (Sally) Faith’s and it matched up with the research that we did that indicated that this is an option that visitors here wanted to see,” Joe Ward, the director of the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, said. “St. Charles has evolved quite a bit since the last time we had a trolley. It has spread out more and they want a more seamless way to get around.”

Learn & Play

Fresh fruit flavors P.11

Weather FRIDAY Mostly Cloudy 33/18 SATURDAY Mostly Cloudy 41/22 SUNDAY Wintry Mix 39/17

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January 3, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

A LOOK BACK Continued from cover April

Preserving history

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The city of Cottleville partnered with Lombardo Homes to preserve the Pitman Cemetery located in the new Legacy of Patriots Ridge subdivision at 6320 Highway N. A gate and fencing will be erected around the Pitman Cemetery as well as adding walkway access and parking. Penny Pitman, a descendant of Revolutionary War veteran John Pitman whom the cemetery is named after, was more than relieved over the decision. “There are still quite a few Pitmans around and we were concerned something bad would happen to it because it was just sort of out there in the middle of a field,” Pitman said. Pitman - whose great-great-great grandfather’s brother was John Pitman – said one person was paramount in making sure the cemetery didn’t fade away. Scott Lewis is best known as the St. Charles County sheriff. But in his downtime, he also serves as the Cottleville city historian.

May

Honoring the fallen

On a muggy evening in May, a wide-range of St. Charles-area residents, both uniformed and civilian, paid tribute to those in blue who have given the ultimate sacrifice. In observance of National Police Week, the St. Charles County Peace Officers Memorial Committee presented its 25th Annual Peace Officers Memorial Candlelight Service. Held at Baue Funeral Home at 620 Jefferson St., the memorial welcomed an estimated crowd of 300 who were there to remember, honor, laugh and cry. “That overtone is there,” Val Joyner, Public Affairs Officer St. Charles County Police Department said. “We know why we are all there. But we’re there together and it’s not just one and other, we also have the community.”

June

Lifesaving texts

St. Charles County residents and those

traveling through the county are able to make use of the text-to-911 service that went live to start the month of June on mobile devices at times when a 911 call is not safe or practical. As always, a call to 911 still is the preferred form of communication but there are certainly several situations – whether it be a home invasion or a domestic violence situation - when texting for help would be the safer choice. “It gives our citizens a way to reach help in a more discreet manner,” St. Charles County Director of Emergency Communications Jeff Smith said. “This gives us another way for our citizens to communicate and summon help.”

July

Bringing school home

The Wentzville School District is being proactive when it comes to early intervention. The district introduced HOME WORKS!, the St. Louis-based Teacher Home Visit Program, beginning with two schools. Teachers and/or counselors from Heritage Primary and Pearce Hall (which houses the district’s alternative program), visit the homes of students who have been identified as performing below grade level, have attendance or behavioral issues, are new to the community, or are in kindergarten or first grade and did not attend pre-kindergarten. According to Heritage Primary principal Geri Buss, the goal of HOME WORKS! is to make home visits to establish trust and build relationships with parents to encourage them as partners in their children’s education in order to improve academic achievement, attendance and classroom behavior.

“It’s some good fun to have and it teaches life skills,” he said about being a member of the drill team.

September

Looking to summer 2018

Excitement and optimism abound at the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation Department as the passing of Prop P has allowed the start of upcoming projects that will be finished just in time for swimsuit season 2018. “More rides, more slides and more attractions,” Maralee Britton, Director of the St. Charles Parks and Recreation Department, said. “There is definitely a lot of upgrades. Some big, some smaller. These aquatic parks have seen some wear and tear and there will be a lot of great amenities.” In August 2016 the residents of St. Charles approved a 1/2 cent sales tax that would split two-thirds of the funding going to storm water and one-third going to the parks and recreation department for outdoor recreational uses. According to park officials, over the 15-year life of the sales tax, it is estimated to generate $21,000,000 for the parks and recreation department. Of that amount, $18,000,000 has been set aside for the replacement of the Blanchette Aquatic Facility and renovation of the Wapelhorst Aquatic Facility. The remaining $3,000,000 has been allocated towards playground replacements, athletic field light upgrades and ball field upgrades. October Red, white and safe all over

August

Canine connections

The learning happens on both ends of the leash. For the four-legged members of the St. Charles County 4-H Dog Care Drill Team, tasks like “fetch,” “speak,” and “sit” are yawn worthy. This select pack of applause-thirsty allstars of the 4-H Dog Care program, which is open to all St. Charles County youths, makes several community performances throughout the year. Second only to the shooting sports, the dog care club is one of the more popular selections in the St. Charles County 4-H program. Clark Gafke serves as the instructor for the drill team. Gafke has had a lifetime love and appreciation for the human and canine bond.

With a bold palette and a newly-redesigned, hard-to-miss exterior, the St. Charles County Ambulance District’s advanced life support units have an all-new look that is getting the attention of drivers. Motivated by a recent study on Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the new look made its debut in July on two ambulances and is being phased into the district’s fleet over the next few years. The FEMA study suggested that agencies consider increased use of reflective materials and contrasting colors on emergency vehicles. “It is going to be a slow roll getting all of them done,” Kyle Gaines, SCCAD Director of Community Relations said. “With a fleet of over 30, we will get to them all eventually.” The SCCAD ambulances are wrapped nearly fully in a reflective vinyl, with some spots left with a flat finish to provide recommended contrast.

See A LOOK BACK page 3

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 3, 2018

December Trails continue expansion

Work began in mid-March on a mile long pedestrian and bicycle trail that will include separate bridges across Highways 364 and 94, also known as the Page Avenue extension. The project is part of the regional Great Rivers Greenway district and once completed will allow for access for walkers and bicyclists northwest of the two busy highways to an existing trail segment on the other side. According to Seth Treptow, Communications Manager of Great Rivers Greenway, the bridges will be functioning soon. “We expect it to open by the end of the year,” Treptow said. The new trail extension will end at Old Highway 94. From there, people will be able to use city streets to bike to Schaefer and Wapelhorst parks in St. Charles and Laurel Park in St. Peters. Plans are afoot for a new trail along part of the route to the St. Peters park.

By Russ Patton Owner Byerly RV The record number of sales of new RVs in 2017 nationwide exceeded everyone’s expectations. In Missouri through September combined sales of motorized and trailers grew 15.5 percent. Through November Byerly RV’s sales of the same mix grew more than 28 percent! Record sales are good, but can be disruptive. Access, delivery and service have been a challenge. The Byerly group has met the sales challenge while still maintaining good performance in other areas such as rentals, parts and service. Service will continue to be a problem if sales continue at this pace. Byerly, through RVDA, is proposing an initiative to create a new entity totally dedicated to after-market needs. I am proud of the Byerly team’s response. They deserve credit for Byerly’s recognition of being one of the Top 50 RV Dealers in the country for 2017. The award is not based on sales alone. Dealers are nominated and selected based upon the decisions of a peer group consisting of manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders. The award was presented at the recent RVDA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The recognition is

Jessica Underhill, DO Family Medicine

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS • Accepts patients of all ages • Experienced practitioner in the St. Louis area • Special interests in osteopathic manipulative medicine and injections SSM Health Medical Group 6994 Mexico Road St. Peters, MO 63376

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call:

636-397-3231

sponsored by RV Business, one of the oldest and most respected publications in the RV industry. Our employees enthusiastically interact with our customers throughout the year on a voluntary basis. We closed out the season with our caravan of motorhomes filled with customers through Santa’s Magical Kingdom, a light show at Jellystone Campground. Watch for our monthly RV School in which employees “show and tell” topics related to service and operations of RVs. The Spring Campout will be here before we know it. The next big event is the annual RV Show at St Louis Convention Center, Feb. 1-4. We are proud to announce, after 70 years in business, that Winnebago will become a part

of the Byerly Family. More announcements to come! 2018 is here. Byerly is ready. Happy New Year! Check us out at byerlyrv.com and Facebook.

The benefits are boundless when it comes to exercise and fitness. The physical, mental and spiritual fabrics of our being get a lift-off after a good session of raising the heart rate. A group of St. Charles County residents and business owners are making sure those opportunities are open and available to anyone. The program Emerge Everyone has taken its first steps toward providing a health and fitness regime for the physically and intellectually disabled. Emerge Everyone is a partnership between Wentzville K9 police officer Jason Davis, the Wentzville organization Andrew’s Hugs and the St. Charlesbased Emerge Fitness Training. Emerge Everyone has taken clients from Boone Center Inc., and Community Living Inc., and put them through a fun yet challenging course of exercises and obstacles.

Byerly RV awarded Top 50 RV Dealer in U.S.

A LOOK BACK Continued from page 2 November Fitness for everyone

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January 3, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Charles City-County Library Board of Trustees hires new director

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stcharles

The St. Charles City-County Library District Board of Trustees have selected a new library director. On Dec. 21, the board voted unanimously to offer the position of St. Charles CityCounty Library Director to Jason Kuhl. Kuhl began his library career working for St. Louis County Library in 2000. In 2008 he became Information Services Manager at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He served in three positions there, most recently leading a staff of 240 and overseeing a budget of $14 million as executive director. Kuhl will begin his position as the St. Charles City-Coun-

ty Library Director on Jan. 29. His annual salary will be $139,468.33 plus benefits. “I saved for the down payment on my first house by working from 2000 to 2002 as a Sunday Librarian at the St. Charles City-County Library Middendorf-Kredell Branch,” said Kuhl. “I am so excited to be coming back to St. Charles County as the new Library Director.” The board of trustees began a nation-wide search for a new director in June 2017 when the district’s current director Jim Brown announced he would be retiring in December 2017. The search was conducted by the Library Board with help

from a professional recruitment firm specializing in libraries. A pool of twenty-three applicants was narrowed to six and then to three finalists. The final three were invited to St. Charles County for in-person interviews and to meet with library staff. “Jason met or exceeded everything the board was looking for in a new director,” said Board President Gail Zumwalt. “We had many strong applicants, but in the end we all agreed that Jason was the best candidate to keep our library district moving forward to even greater things. We are very excited to have Jason as our new director.”

Recycled Christmas trees to benefit fish and anglers

www.taorminasFamilyrestaurant.com

Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation MDC Fisheries biologists sink used Christmas trees in the water to provide cover and habitat for fish. MDC is seeking donated trees after the holidays for that purpose at Lake 33 at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles, and St. Louis County’s Spanish Lake Park.

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What better Christmas present could there be than a new home? Of course, some anglers might say an improved chance to catch some fish would be at the top of their list. Christmas trees can check both boxes off the list by creating a place for fish to live and giving an advantage to anglers. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is accepting used natural Christmas trees to create fish habitat in Lake 33 on the August A. Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles, and in north St. Louis County at Spanish Lake Park. So how does recycling a used Christmas tree give fish something to celebrate? Turns out, a bunch of them can create the aquatic equivalent of an underwater condominium. “A lot of lakes we work with are manmade and there’s not much fish cover in them, so we have to figure out how to put fish habitat in those lakes,” said Kevin Meneau, MDC Fisheries Management Biologist. “Christmas trees are one of the best ways to do that in winter.” According to Meneau, the trees provide woody cover that makes excellent habitat for invertebrates. These are an ideal food source for smaller fish, which draws them in like a magnet. This in turn brings in bigger fish and creates a situation that gives a boost to the lake’s entire food chain. “They also help young fish,” Meneau added, “because when the adults spawn their young can hide in those trees.”

The trees benefit some of the most popular fish that anglers like to pursue, including largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and crappie. Since these fish typically spawn in shallow water, the trees are tied to cement blocks and submerged at depths of four-to-seven feet to give emerging fish easy access to their cover. The underwater brush piles concentrate fish, so the submerged trees can be a boon for anglers as well. By noting the location of the trees, astute anglers can focus their efforts in these areas to improve their odds. Meneau said the tree tops are usually visible for five-to-six weeks after being put into the lake before they become water logged and sink completely. This gives anglers until about mid-March to locate these potential fishing jackpots. Resourceful anglers often mark the sites for future reference on maps they make themselves or by using a GPS. Meneau said it’s best to drop off the entire tree, without cutting it up or removing any branches. Tree donors should remove all decorations, including lights, garland, and ornaments before drop off. The August A. Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles is located on Route D, two miles west of Highway 94. Signs on the area will guide visitors to the drop off point. Spanish Lake Park is located at 12500 Spanish Pond Road in Spanish Lake. Christmas trees can be donated at these lakes between now and Jan.10, 2018.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January, 3, 2018

Around Town

Snowy owls from Arctic making a winter visit to Missouri

www.shoesandhope.org Photo courtesy Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Several snowy owls have been reported in Missouri this winter. This owl was at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary north of St. Louis on Dec. 21.

9, said Ken Buchholz, director for the Audubon Center at Riverlands. A female appeared during the Thanksgiving holiday week. A snowy owl was spotted at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge on the western side of the state in recent weeks. Snowy owls last appeared in Missouri and Kansas in noticeable numbers during the winter of 2011-2012. The majority of those where age could be determined were young birds, according to a scientific paper on the irruption that Robbins helped compile. In the 20112012 irruption, experts found and examined some owls that died. Most owls examined were emaciated, suggesting they were having difficulty finding prey for food in unfamiliar habitat. People are urged to minimize

disturbance of the snowy owls, as they are already stressed due to food shortage in their normal winter habitat. These tundra dwellers normally feed on lemmings, ptarmingan and waterfowl. They especially rely on lemmings. When lemming populations are high, snowy owl populations rise. The owls move south when lemming populations crash. In Missouri, they prefer grasslands as habitat and may eat rodents, rabbits, squirrels, waterfowl and other birds. For information about owl sightings and birding, visit eBird at http://ebird.org. To learn more about snowy owls and their visits to Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ ZSU.

Rebecca Melvin, DO Pediatrics

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS • Sees newborns through 18 years of age • Same-day appointments may be available, as well as extended hours • Practicing pediatrician since 2009 • Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics SSM Health Outpatient Center 1475 Kisker Road St. Charles, MO 63376

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call:

636-498-5970

Missouri birders are getting a winter treat. Snowy owls are being spotted in the state and throughout the Midwest. But the visit from this owl species from the Arctic is not good news for the birds, as likely a food shortage in their natural habitat has pushed them farther south than usual, experts say. “This is an irruption likely tied to a drop in the lemming population in the Arctic this summer and fall,” said Mark Robbins, an ornithologist at the University of Kansas who also works with Audubon Christmas Bird Counts in Missouri. The maps on eBird, a cooperative online effort by birders and researchers to track sightings for all species, shows several snowy owls have been seen across north Missouri and a few in central and southern Missouri. Snowy owls are among the largest owls and named for their white coloration. Adult males are mostly white. Females and younger owls can have black barring as well as white. Snowy owls can have wingspans topping four feet. Harry Potter’s owl was a snowy owl. A male snowy owl arrived at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary near the Mississippi River north of St. Louis on Nov.

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NOTES

January 3, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 3, 2018

Yeggs

Around Town

John Hanna

By John M Hanna ‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

www.Byerlyrv.com

Getting carded I’m told I am getting harder and harder to buy for with each passing Christmas. Huh? One of my family members, whose name will be kept private because this person has the power to hold hostage the pin number (which I keep forgetting) to the ATM. So let’s just call this person, Mr. Grinch – MG for short. MG’s Christmas gift-giving skillset has been waning. More so, in the last couple of years. But, he claims I’m impossible to buy for. Really? Moi?! I thrill over the simplest of things. I’m that person who gets teary-eyed and emotional over a new pair of oven mitts (even though I’ll never use them). I get giddy and jump for joy over finding a Dr. Pepper-flavored lip gloss stuffed into my stocking! Seriously, I am not the problem here. To be helpful, I once mentioned to my husband…oops… MG! Whatever, I wrote the ATM password down on my driver’s license with a Sharpie. I suggested he get me a gift card.

Since then, it’s become a mindset and permanently locked in his brain. I’ve received one for every birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day and any other holiday in between. He even gave me one last Jan. 16, which is officially, Nothing Day. God bless America when we have a day in which absolutely nothing is going on and we still celebrate its nothingness. I suppose, to prevent that poor day from feeling like a loser, someone officially felt the need to declare it as something day and so it became, Nothing Day. This ensured that Hallmark would be forced to create pricey greeting cards which in turn ensured that my husband felt guilt and would buy me another food card. Personally, I think it was to ensure he’ll be getting a meal, since I always take him along. But it had to happen. Eventually there were no more restaurants left to try. He then moved over to car wash and tune-up gift cards. I’m expecting a colonoscopy gift card next birthday. But, surprise, surprise! This

year he went all crazy creative for Christmas. Good news! He got me something original – a Trump Chia Pet. No, no, no. That’s bad news! I don’t do plants. Plants need water. That’s the same as cooking. I don’t do oven mitts or cooking. Plant went bye, bye. Something tells me I’m gonna hear about this on Twitter.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

School

January 3, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Community connects to Orchard Farm

Photo courtesy Orchard Farm School District Community Connections program Principles of Biomedical Science students explain the experiment at hand to parent and community member Joanne Menke.

Community members learned about the biomedical science program at Orchard Farm High School thanks to a new program called Community Connections. On Dec. 8, Orchard Farm patrons visited teacher Michael Seideman’s Principles of Biomedical Science classroom. The biomedical courses are a strand of Project Lead the Way. The Orchard Farm School District plans to host more Community Connections throughout the year to highlight 21st century learning. Community Connections is open to the public. Any group interested in customizing a program can contact April Bryant at 636-925-5462 or via email at abryant@ofr5.com.

FHSD named to AP District Honor Roll The Francis Howell School District has been honored by the College Board with placement on the Eighth Annual Advanced Placement (AP) District Honor Roll. FHSD is one of only three school districts in Missouri and one of only 447 in North America to achieve this distinction. To be included on the Honor Roll, the district had to increase the number of students participating in AP while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. This is the fourth time that FHSD has been named to the prestigious list. “We are always looking for ways to identify more students to take rigorous courses, and being recognized by the College Board is a testament to our steady increase in AP offerings and student achievement,” said FHSD Superintendent Dr. Mary Hendricks-Harris. “Student success is always our primary focus, and our continuing efforts to expand the AP program will help to ensure that students are college and career ready when they graduate.” For the 2016-17 school year, 242 FHSD students were named AP Scholars, the most in district history. “Congratulations to all the

Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District The Francis Howell School District has been honored by the College Board with placement on the Eighth Annual Advanced Placement (AP) District Honor Roll.

educators and administrators in Francis Howell who have worked to clear a path for more students of all backgrounds to participate and succeed in AP,” said Trevor Packer, head of AP and Instruction. “These educators and administrators are fostering a culture in their schools and classrooms that allows students to face new challenges and build the confidence to succeed.” In 2017, more than 4,000 colleges and universities around the world received AP scores for college credit, advanced placement, or both, and/or consideration in the admissions process. Inclusion in the 8th Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on a

review of three years of AP data, from 2015 to 2017, looking at 38 AP Exams, including world language and culture. The following criteria are also used Districts must: • Increase participation/access to AP by at least four percent in large districts (such as FHSD); • Increase or maintain the percentage of minority students taking exams and scoring 3+ on at least one AP Exam; and • Improve or maintain performance levels when comparing the 2017 percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher to 2015.

Orchard Farm to host Programs for the Future Programs for the Future is on Jan. 4 at Orchard Farm High School. The event, designed for parents of students in grades 8-11, highlights the variety of program options and career pathways now available at Orchard Farm High School. Parents in attendance receive a programs guide, watch trailers about each program and attend up to three breakout sessions. The breakout sessions

provide parents the opportunity to learn more details about programs of interest and ask questions. Programs for the Future will also introduce new programs available beginning in 2018. Programs for the Future begins in the cafeteria at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to end at 8 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2018.

City of St. Charles School District Board approves to be St. Charles CAPS fiscal agent On Dec. 14, the City of St. Charles School District Board of Education unanimously voted in favor of becoming the fiscal agent of the St. Charles County Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program beginning in the 2018-19 school year. This approval will allow for the school districts in St. Charles County (City of St. Charles, Francis Howell, Fort Zumwalt, Orchard Farm and Wentzville) to create a consortium to offer CAPS programming to all county students. The consortium will include three strands in 2018-19: • Global Business/Entrepreneurship • Medicine/Healthcare • Technology Solutions. “This is the culmination of a lot of work from all the districts in St. Charles County,” said Dr. Jeff Marion, Superintendent of Schools for the City of St. Charles School District. “Collaboration between school districts and industry leaders creates enormous educational opportunities for students. Such partnerships help ensure that schools provide authentic learning experiences that match the needs of the workforce. It is really as much about economic development as it is education. You can’t have one without the other,” Dr. Marion said. In being the fiscal agent, the City of St. Charles

School District will be responsible for managing the St. Charles County CAPS staff and other various tasks in conjunction with the executive board such as curriculum development, securing business partners and general oversight of the program. Currently, four districts are offering CAPS classes independently (St. Charles/Orchard Farm School District-Global Business/Entrepreneurship, Wentzville-Global Business/Entrepreneurship and Medicine/Healthcare, and Francis Howell-Technology Solutions). All of these programs will be become part of the St. Charles County CAPS Consortium. The consortium model should allow for maximization of resources and accelerated program expansion opportunities. By working with local entrepreneurs and business leaders, the CAPS program aims to provide students with internships, mentorships and give them real, hands-on experience by partnering with businesses to help with projects. “This truly is a cutting-edge way to provide students the skills they need to be successful in an ever-changing world economy,” Dr. Marion said. For more information on the St. Charles County CAPS program, please visit www.stcharlescaps. org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 3, 2018

Business

GM Wentzville employees help make Christmas bright for area children Hundreds of children in the area will have a Merry Christmas with gifts from their own personal list to Santa, thanks to a gift drive sponsored by GM Wentzville Assembly UAW Local 2250. Trucks from United Way and other community service organizations departed this week full of gifts bound for low-income and abused or neglected children not only in the Wentzville area, but in neighboring counties and into Illinois. Culminating weeks of planning and collections of donations from GM Wentzville employees, the gift deliveries are being made through a network of shelters, schools and foster care providers. UAW Local 2250’s Community Services team once again organized the drive as part of its year-round community support efforts. A visit by Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione was a reminder to the plant’s 4,500 employees that their focus on community support is a vital part of the area’s character and

vitality. “This is an example of the outstanding contributions the people of GM Wentzville are making in supporting and strengthening our community,” said Guccione as members of the UAW Community Services team ushered him through the aisles of boxes packed with dolls, pillows, pajamas, games and other items on children’s lists to Santa. The gifts are being distributed through the United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs, The Salvation Army - O’Fallon, Bridgeway Centers, New Dawn Shelter (Warrenton), Fort Zumwalt School District, Troy School District and Troy Abuse Shelter. The team began collecting donations earlier this fall, holding raffle drawings and bake sales to help raise money and to pair employees with the gift wishes of individual children. More than 250 children were “adopted” through this year’s program. ADD ONE – Adopt A Child “We’re grateful to the gener-

Submitted photo Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione (right) visited GM Wentzville to see toy and clothing donations collected by GM Wentzville Assembly UAW Local 2250. The program collected items from GM Wentzville employees to fulfill Santa lists from low-income and abused or neglected children not only in the Wentzville area, but in neighboring counties and into Illinois. Culminating weeks of planning and collections, the gift deliveries will be made through a network of shelters, schools and foster care providers. Pictured with Guccione are (from left) GM Wentzville Assistant Plant Manager Ken A. Johnson, Local 2250 President Glenn Kage, Jr. and Chairman Alan Chambliss and UAW Community Services lead Tina Hays.

ous hearts of our co-workers, who are going to make Christmas dreams come true for kids

most in need of some kindness and cheer,” said Tina Hays who spearheaded the effort this year

with Wanda Richards, Mike Fletcher and Diana Valendy

SCC receives $10,000 from AT&T for college and career readiness program St. Charles Community College’s Foundation received a $10,000 contribution from AT&T to support the Career Explorations Alliance, a program that focuses on college and career readiness through job shadowing and mentorships. “When professionals invest in young people and students become better-prepared for college and a career, the entire community benefits,” said Dawn Thornton, Career Explorations Alliance program manager. The number of people participating in the program continues to grow as more students request to shadow engineers, nurses, attorneys, graphic designers and many other professionals. More than 550 students participated this November. “Having access to this network of professionals is a tremendous help to students as they prepare for their future careers,” said John Sondag, president of AT&T. “We are encouraged to see so many students and community members working together with the college to build this outstanding program.” Thanks to AT&T and other corporate partners, participating schools only pay a modest stipend for their students to participate. Schools include the five public school districts in St. Charles County, Lincoln County School District and St. Charles Community College. AT&T’s support for the Ca-

Photo courtesy SCC Dale Bax Vice president of Bax Engineering, spends time with students from Francis Howell, Troy Buchanan and Wentzville during the Career Explorations Alliance Fall Career Week in November.

reer Explorations Alliance is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to education. AT&T’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education through technology, social innovation and relationships to ensure all students have the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Since 2008, AT&T has committed $400 million to programs to help millions of students in all 50 states and around the world. Professionals, educators or students interested in job shadowing or mentoring should contact Dawn Thornton at dthornton@stchas.edu or 636-922-8373.

www.pbtc.net

www.ashfordmotors.net

Sports

January 3, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

THEME: THE 1990S

McCluer High swimmer’s career among best in state McCluer High School senior Drew Tallent ended his stellar high school swimming career by placing among the best in Missouri during the MSHHAA State Swim Meet, Class 1. Tallent placed fifth in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 53.81 seconds and ninth the 100-backstroke with the fifth overall fastest time of 55.54 seconds. This was Tallent’s third trip to the state swim meet. He consistently won events throughout his senior swim season and became a known and respected adversary for many teams in the region. He holds school records in three individual events – backstroke, butterfly, and 500-freestyle – and broke his own school records in the backstroke and butterfly this year. Tallent also holds the pool record at McCluer South-Berkeley, McCluer’s home pool, in the backstroke, butterfly, 500-freestyle, 50-freestyle, and the individual medley. He has accomplished all of this while maintaining a 4.34 GPA and dual enrollment at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley. He has been selected by the Missouri Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association to be part of the All-State Interscholastic Swimming Team. After graduation, he plans to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology to pursue a major in mechanical engineering. *In the water THEME: ACROSS 1. Had, with “thou” 6. Leaves in a bag 9. “____ ____ good example” 13. Chilled 14. Hole punching tool 15. John du Pont, e.g. 16. *”Private Parts” and “Miss America” author 17. Hawaiian garland 18. Faster! 19. *Highest grossing movie 21. *Popular 1990s communication device 23. Digital location marker 24. Sty cry 25. Homer’s exclamation 28. Ticket leftover 30. Perform onychectomy 35. International Civil Aviation Organization 37. Please get back to me 39. Andean pack animal 40. Aldous Huxley’s drug of choice 41. Willow twig 43. Cain’s unfortunate brother 44. Like Desmond Morris’ ape 46. Of low density 47. Cosa Nostra and such 48. Entertained 50. Yanks 52. U Rah ____! 53. “Put that in your ____ and smoke it!” 55. *Swedish pop group, ____ of Base 57. *Human ____ Project 60. *Grunge fabric 64. Panthers 65. “Uh-uh” 67. Indian cuisine yogurt staple 68. High society 69. Genesis vessel 70. Audience’s approval 71. ‘70s hairdo 72. *Pamela Anderson’s husband 73. Rosetta Stone, e.g.

DOWN 1. *Conan debuted as one on NBC in 1993 2. Against 3. Weight watcher’s plan 4. Garbage disposal fodder 5. *Anna Kournikova’s domain 6. Barber’s supply 7. *Dolly 8. Cover story 9. a.k.a. porgy 10. Dublin land 11. Millimeter of mercury 12. Take your pick 15. Israeli monetary unit 20. Preface 22. *Emma Thompson in “Howard’s ____” 24. Eliminate 25. *Royal car crash victim 26. ____’s razor 27. 3-line poem 29. *This socialist state is no more, acr. 31. Chowder ingredient 32. *Robert Reich, Secretary of ____ 33. Single-cell animal 34. *Brandon or Brenda of “Beverly Hills, 90210” 36. Lyric poems 38. Paddington’s home country 42. Like something fit for a king 45. Remove from the throne 49. Not bright 51. Frightens 54. Prison-related 56. Perform in a play 57. *1991 war site 58. Arabian chieftain 59. *Operation Joint Endeavour mastermind organization 60. Type of fish net 61. Cairo’s waterway 62. Et alibi, abbr. 63. *”Late Night” becomes “____ Show” 64. One in a pod 66. Second person of be See solution on pg. 13

Lindenwood swim and dive team compete in Mississippi The Lindenwood swimming and diving teams competed in the Delta State Christmas Invite in Cleveland, Mississippi before Christmas. The women’s team finished in first place out of five teams with 2,104 total points. The men’s team finished in second place out of six teams with 1,943 total points. The Lions put together nine first-place finishes in team relay events. In addition to being a part of multiple winning relay teams, Simone de Rijcke picked up

Gary B. will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan. com

first place honors in the 1000-yd, 500-yd, 200-yd, and 100-yd freestyle events. Simone earned herself an invite to the NCAA Nationals, putting up an NCAA Qualification time in the 200-yd freestyle on day three of the event. She also set a new school record with her qualifying time. Simone also won the female swimmer of the meet. Ashley Holloway picked up a first place finish in the 3-mtr dive, scoring 32 points. Holloway also won female diver of the meet. For the men, Matheus Isidro picked up first place honors in the 500-yd freestyle, 100-yd butterfly, and 200-yd butterfly. Isidro won the male swimmer of the meet. Cristian Vasquez finished in first place in the 400-yd IM and Grant Williams picked up a second place finish in the 1-mtr dive finals with 28 points. *Swimming in January Rascals start 20th season in O’Fallon During the 2018 season, the River City Rascals will be celebrating their 20th season at CarShield Field, formerly known as T.R. Hughes Ballpark. In 1999, the Greys moved to from their home in Zanesville, Ohio to O’Fallon and were renamed the River City Rascals. The newly renamed team started their first season in O’Fallon with a bang and led the Frontier League in home runs that inaugural season. Both in 1999 and 2000, the Rascals were named Frontier League Organization of the Year, with over 150,000 fans in 1999. With the help of their fans, they set franchise records for attendance in 2000 and 2002. Since opening in O’Fallon, the Rascals have won the West Division Championship in 2009, 2011, and 2014. They also had Frontier League Championship Appearances in all those years as well as 2015 and 2016 and won the Frontier League Championship in 2010 under the direction of former player and current manager, Steve Brook. Over the past 19 seasons, four players have made it to The Show - Josh Kinney, Justin Christian, Joe Thatcher, and Brandon Cunniff. Former manager, Jack Clark, became the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. *A lot of fun planned

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 3, 2018

Learn & Play

Fresh fruit flavors

hen it comes to fresh fruit, watermelon is a top pick in many households. It’s available year-round and makes for a nutritious snack, but its great taste is the reason most people buy watermelon, according to research from the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Not only is watermelon a tasty snack by itself, it’s a great complement to other flavors, making it easy to create flavorful pairings. This sweet take on pizza combines watermelon with a host of other good-for-you ingredients for a delicious treat. Healthy enough for breakfast and sweet enough for dessert, this pizza can make its way into your weekly meal rotation. For another nutritious option, con-

sider this Buddha bowl featuring watermelon, which contains higher levels of lycopene, an antioxidant, than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamin C, and it provides vitamin B6 and potassium. It’s the perfect sweet addition to balance the savory flavors of this traditional plant-based Buddha bowl. Each of these recipes leaves plenty of room for personalization; experiment with your favorite flavors to make each dish your own. Also remember that watermelon travels well, so these recipes make for ideal take-along snacks when you’re on the go. Find more fresh, fruity recipes to enjoy any time of year at watermelon. org..

Sweet Watermelon Pizza Ingredients: Greek yogurt Watermelon, cut to 1-inch thick round slice Shredded coconut Mint Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries or blackberries Slivered almonds

Directions: Spread yogurt to cover fleshy part of watermelon, leaving room to hold rind. Sprinkle with coconut, mint, berries and almonds, or other toppings, as desired.

Watermelon Buddha Bowl

Check out our

Home & Garden Section in Classifieds page 15

– SUDOKU – Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

Citrusy Tahini Dressing: 3 tablespoons tahini (ground sesame seed paste) 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt

Buddha Bowls: 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed 4 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced 1 cup sweet cherries, pitted and halved 2 avocados, sliced 2 cups cooked black rice 1 cup sliced, toasted almonds Citrusy Tahini Dressing

Directions: To make Citrusy Tahini Dressing: In bowl, whisk tahini, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger and salt. If dressing seems thick, add more orange juice or water to reach desired consistency. To arrange Buddha Bowls: Separate watermelon, cucumbers, cherries, avocados and rice in four bowls. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately.

See solution on page 13

What’s Happening

January 3, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it!

EVENTS Jan 6: Theater auditions

Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “The Wizard of Oz” at 8:30 a.m. in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Callbacks for principle roles will be held at 1 p.m., Jan. 7. Auditions are open for youth ages eight to 18, and will consist of solo singing, a dance routine which will be taught and brief readings from the script. Students auditioning should bring dance shoes (jazz, ballet, tap or all) and wear clothes in which they can dance comfortably. They should also prepare 16 to 32 measures of a Broadway repertoire song in their key and bring an accompaniment CD, no a cappella or singing over lyrics.Those auditioning must be accompanied by an adult. To be cast, students must either have had Introductory Theatre Workshop I or concurrently enroll in that class in addition to being in the production. Performances will be at 7 p.m. March 16, March 17, March 22, March 23 and March 24; and 2 p.m. March 18, March 24, and March 25. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636922-8233. For more information, call the SCC Continuing Education Department at 636-922-8233.

Jan. 6: Recycle event

Need a way to properly dispose of old computers, modems, printers, cell phones, VCRs or other outdated or unused electronic items? The city of Wentzville will host an electronics recycling event for Wentzville residents from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Heartland Park (100 William Dierberg Dr.). This drive-thru-and-drop-off event will be for Wentzville utility customers only (water/sewer/trash). Residents must present a utility bill and a valid driver’s license in order to participate. More than 60 items will be accepted free of charge. For a list of free items, plus items that will be accepted for a fee, please visit http://bit.ly/electronicsrecyclingevent. This event is partially funded through a grant from the St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Jan. 8: Library concert

Come to the St. Charles City-County Library’s monthly concert series featuring The Boneheads: at 7 p.m. at Spencer Road Branch at 427 Spencer Road in St. Peters. This Trombone Quartet will play a medley of Elvis Songs. For more information visit http://www.youranswerplace.org/ecalendar.

Jan. 16-17: Theater auditions

Center Stage Theatre will hold open auditions for “You Can’t Take it With You” at 7 p.m., Jan. 16-17. Auditions will be held in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the SCC campus. Callbacks will be at 7 p.m., Jan. 18. Roles are available for 12 men and seven women. Auditions will consist of a cold reading from the script, which are on reserve at the SCC library. A prepared monologue is suggested but not required. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-March 3; 10 a.m. March 1 and 2 p.m. March 4. Tickets are free to SCC students with ID, or $8 general admission and $6 seniors, veterans and students. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. For more information, contact Lynne Snyder, Director, lsnyder@stchas.edu or 636-922-8325.

Jan. 21: Country music concert

At 2:30 p.m., the GatewayCountry Music Winter Show, featuring Traditional Country Music with a host of great singers and the GCMA band “Route 67” will take place at the Wentzville Holt High School, in the C H auditorium. For tickets call Beverly McManus at 636-795-0916 or Dean Raymer at 636-795-2014. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

Jan. 26-27: Book fair

The Friends of the Library will host their Cabin Fever Book Fair Jan. 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The book fair is being held at VFW Post 5077 at 8500 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. Adult mystery, fiction, romance, cooking, children’s/teen books and AV materials will be on hand. Hardbacks are $2, oversized paperbacks are $1, most paperbacks 50 cents, children’s and teen 50 cents and AV materials will be priced as marked. Admission is free. Accepting payment by cash or check only. Link: https:// www.stchlibrar yfoundation.org/ BookFair

Jan. 28: Quilt Social Bingo

Come to the St. Patrick Quilt Social for your chance to win a beautiful quilt from 12 -4 p.m. There will be 25 bingo games for five quilts and one quilt raffle. Sandwiches, chips and dessert will be available for purchase. The St. Patrick Parish social hall is located at 405 S. Church St. in Wentzville. Visit www. stpatrickwentzville.org/Quilt-Social for more information.

Feb. 17: Bowling fundraiser

The Tri County Advisory Board invites you to the 19th Annual Crazy Bowl at O’Fallon Bowling Lane at 420 Sonderen St. in O’Fallon. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. and bowling begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per bowler and includes three games of bowling, bowling shoe rental and prizes. Cash bar available. 16 lanes have been reserved so R.S.V.P. early. 90 percent of your contribution is tax deductible as allowed by law.

Feb. 24: Trivia night

Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Division annual trivia night takes place at St. Robert Bellermine church hall at 1424 First Capital Drive in St. Charles. Please call 636544-7418 or pat1288@aol.com for reservations or questions. Cost is $200 for a table of eight. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., trivia starts at 7 p.m.

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

Take off pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Joyce at 636-206-5306.

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Highway in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please all Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I love you, B.I.L.Y., Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capi-

tol Drive in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at314 993 7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo.com. B.I.L.Y is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertainment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month.

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Cancer Companions Support Group is a support group for any cancer patient in treatment or post treatment, their caregiver and their loved ones that meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie at 7 p.m. in the parlor. Registration is not required.

1st Monday: St.Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

Mondays: mous

Alcoholics

Anony-

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day ) unless otherwise specified. No meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (2nd floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 9 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (President) at 636561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Mondays: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

The Seasoned Eye Carvers meet every Monday from 9am to noon at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center, 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

Mondays, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes 9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-369-6521.

Mondays: Chronic pain support group

American Chronic Pain Association is a support group for and by people experiencing chronic pain. Group meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 3 – 5 p.m. at the Spencer Road Library in St Peters. Important: This is an anonymous group (first names only).

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

6:30pm, Midwest BankCentre board room, 2299 Technology Dr. O’Fallon. For more informaiton call Mike at 314.276.5018.

3rd Monday of Each Month: Life After Loss support group

Support group for families who have lost a loved one to heroin/opiate addiction. 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital Campus in Room 212 of Professional Building 1. Contact: geevigna@charter.net. No registration required

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets 6:30 pm at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.219.0553.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

1 – 4 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.

Spotlight

Gateway Spotlight is a women’s a capella chorus that meets at First United Methodist Church at 801 first Capitol Dr. in St. Charles every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. Call 636-2566823 for more details.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

The St. Charles Optimist Club meets each Tuesday at noon at Pio’s Restaurant. For more information contact Jack Ross at 314 287-0569 or jackross@att.net.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the IHOP at 3851 Veterans Memorial Dr. in St. Peters. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

Noon – 1pm at Tubby’s Bar & Grill at 506 Droste Rd. in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-448-4277. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.

Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant.

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Toastmasters

7pm at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon. Info: 636.379.2505.

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

7:15-9:45pm at First United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. Info: www.gatewayspotlight. org or 636.256.6823.

Tuesdays: St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association Male Caregiver Experience

The group meets on fourth Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Road Library at the Community Commons, 427 Spencer Rd. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male Caregiver Experience, please call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/ stl.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refreshments

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and camaraderie. Come meet with fellow veterans who served our country and share your experience.

Every Tuesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

8-9:30pm, in the Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to high school and adult men.

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

6:30pm at various locations. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org; Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

1st & 3rd TuesdayBook Study Group

Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward by Nabeel Qureshi will meet from 7 to 8:30 pm at Denny’s 1300 Lake Saint Louis Blvd near I-70. They would like as much diversity in the group as possible, so men and women of all religions or no religion are welcome. Questions or to order the book Email: MartyJan@Gmail.com or Call or Text: 314-704-0616

2nd Tuesday: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.; locations posted on our website www. angelfire.com and on our Facebook page. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-456-0776.

2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America 7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www. showmestitchers.com.

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club

6:30pm at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930.

Last Tuesday of every month, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner.

5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.

Every Tuesday & Thursday: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA

8-9am & 10:15-11:15am. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

9-10am and 5:30-6:30pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314.369.6521.

Wednesdays: Book study group

On the first and third Wednesday of each month a book study group on “Answering Gihad: A Better Way Forward” by Nabeel Qureshi is meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Denny’s at 1300 Lake Saint Louis Blvd near I-70. Men and women of all religions or no religion are welcome. Questions or to order the book Email: MartyJan@Gmail. com or call or text: 314-704-0616.

Wednesdays: Food pantry

Food pantry open Wednesdays to the public from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Cor-

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 3, 2018 nerstone UMC at 1151 Tom Ginnever Ave. in O’Fallon. Bread, canned goods other necessities.

Wednesdays: Talk

Veterans

Coffee

Veterans from all branches of the service are invited to attend “Coffee Talk” every Wednesday at. 9 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 3601 Ehlmann Rd. in St. Charles (Take I-70 to the Cave Springs exit). We will have applications for VA health care, applications for the honor flight, reports from local American Legion and VFW halls and lots of good comradery. Come join us for free coffee and donuts and enjoy an hour with your fellow veterans.

Wednesdays: Marine League meeting

Corp

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at the American Legion 313 old town St. Peters at 7:30 p.m. All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome. For more information visit www. stcharlesmarine.org.

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at Rookies Bar and Grill at 3721 New Town Rd. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Wednesdays: TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club 661 Wentzville holds meetings every Wednesday at 9:15 p.m. at Elder Court community meeting room. For more information call 314-650-1014.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the parish hall of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church at 907 Jungermann Rd. in St. Peters. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. Weigh-ins begin at 9 a.m. Contact Judy Bauer at 636-541-2263 for further information.

Thursdays: Lions Club meeting

Wentzville Outreach Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at Schnucks at 1960 Wentzville PWK in Wentzville at 6 p.m. Contact Jimmy Butler at 314-780-5629 or Lisa Alexander at 314-258-1069 for more information.

Thursdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in the United Methodist Church at 725 N. Wall St. in Wentzville. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. For more information call Mary Stassi at 636357-1387.

Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings

The O’Fallon Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bank of Old Monroe T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon.

Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

10am Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379.

St. Charles Lions Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton Street in St. Charles. Contact Art for more info at 636-441-1831. New members are welcome.

Wednesdays: Kiwanis Club meeting

3rd Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting

Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club

Cottleville/Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Bemos and the third Tuesday of the month at 7 a.m. at Kisker Road Library. This is a new club looking for new members interested in working to better our community. For more information call Christy at 314583-0538.

Every Wednesday: Men’s Golf League

5pm, tee off at 5:30 pm at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. www.lakesaintlouis.com, under the parks and recreation section.

Every Wednesday: Charity Bingo

6:45pm VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

1st Wednesday: Hope & Healing

5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Unique service of music, worship, and prayer for those in need of hope and healing.

1st and 3rd Wednesday Each: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

7pm – 9pm. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

2nd Wednesday: Free Financial Education- Money Matters

6:30pm at the O’Fallon Family YMCA. PNC Bank and The O’Fallon Family YMCA have partnered to provide monthly free financial education courses for members of the community. Info (including a list of topics): call PNC Bank at 636.272.2449.

7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters. Those who served in any branch between 1962 and 1975 are welcome.

Every Thursday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Quilters

9am-2pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Members do hand quilting to quilts of any size for donation that is given to various church supported charities. No experience is necessary to join the group. For more information, contact Vickie Young at 636.928.7348, or Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters

6:30am at IHOP (3851 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy St. Peters). 636.328.4941.

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon

11:45am Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. Info: www.ofkiwanis.com.

Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting

7:30am, The Rendezvous Café at 217 South Main St. in O’Fallon. We welcome existing and potential members to visit and have breakfast with us. www.ofallonmo.rotary-clubs.org

Every Thursday: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA

7-7:55pm Any level. Info: 636.928.1928.

Every Thursday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

10am Free. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Alexander Chapter #242 Order of the Eastern Star Meetings 7:30pm, St. Charles Masonic Lodge,

2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles.

3rd Thursday of each month: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 meetings 7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters.

3rd Thursday of the month, Ladies Night Out

Cottleville Crafts, Etc..., 5335 Highway N in Cottleville. Vinyl design class. For more information, call 636.441.2700 or visit www.cottlevillecrafts.com. 2nd & 4th Thursday: Alexander Chapter 242/Eastern Star St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway, St. Charles. 636.577.0056. 2nd and 4th Thursdays: Lions Club meetings St. Charles County Lions Club meets second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton in St. Charles. New members welcome.

3rd Thursday of each month: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting

7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd. in St. Peters. Veterans who served in any branch of service between 1962 and 1975 are welcome.

Every Friday: Moms Play Group

What’s Happening

Library in O’Fallon. We will continue to meet, at the same time and place, on the fourth Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. No registration required.

Call for more 636.293.5030.

Saturdays: Fruehschoppen Sam-

Food to at-risk children over the weekend. 636.327.6377

stag Verein (FSV)

Last Saturday of every month Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) meets at 11 a.m. at 2865 Brew House Restaurant in St. Charles on Veteran’s Memorial Parkway across the parking lot from Sam’s Warehouse. Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht Mittagessen), und geniessen ein Gespräch auf deutsch. We’re meeting for a beer (and maybe lunch), and enjoying a conversation in German. April, June and September meetings are held at different locations. See https://www.facebook.com/groups/472022532983525/

1st & 3rd Saturday: St Peters Square Dance Club Dances

6:30pm. 1st United Methodist Church, 801 First Capital Dr. www.squaredancestcharles.com.

3rd Saturdays: Restore St. Charles Work Day. 8am, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Volunteer labor needed to provide the needy in our community with adequate living accommodations. Continental breakfast, safety instructions, and job assignments provided before work begins.

10am at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. 314.479.0306, andreacrislip@ gmail.com or www.lslmothersclub. com.

Every Sunday: Wentzville Community Club Flea Market

Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry

2nd Sunday: Moscow Mills Lions Breakfast

3-8pm VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane. Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.

Every Friday, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 Charity bingo 6:30pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.

Every Saturday: Chess

9-12 at Middendor-Kredell Library on Hwy K.

Every Saturday: Veterans Learn guitar for FREE

9:30am in Historic St. Charles. Info: Bill Dennis at 314.479.5750.

Every Saturday: Peaceful Puppy Mill Protest

11am - 12:30pm at Petland, 6131 Ronald Reagan Drive, Lake St. Louis. banmo.puppymills@yahoo.com.

Second and Fourth Saturday of the month: Charitable bingo

Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m. at the Wentzville Community Club located at 500 West Main in Wentzville. For more information visit www.wentzvillecommunityclub.com or www.facebook.com/wentzvillecommunity-club

Saturdays: Bosom Buddies

The St Charles County WIC Clinic is working to become a breastfeeding friendly clinic. As part of this effort, we have formed a breastfeeding support group for our area. What is great about “Bosom Buddies” is that we are not just open to WIC clients! Bosom Buddies is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks. Meetings will be held at the Middenorf-Kredell Branch

6am-1pm, 500 West Main St. in Wentzville. For more information, call 636.357.4328.

7am - noon, September - April. Moscow Community Center, Hwy C. $7/ adult, $4/child, under 6 free. www.eclubhouse.org/sites/moscowmills. 2nd Sunday: The Wheelers and Dealers Square Dance 7pm. Blanchette Park, 1900 W Randolph St. www.squaredancestcharles. com. Sundays: Meat shoot Wentzville VFW Post 5317 at 1414 Hwy Z in Wentzville hosts shotgun meat shoots every Sunday at noon. Fourteen rounds consist of seven meat rounds and seven money rounds. First Sunday of the month is open shoot. Other Sundays are .680 minimum choke. House gun available and shells supplied. For more information, please call 636-639-1648.

CHURCH Every Saturday: JAM – Jesus and Men’s Bible Study.

8-9:30am, Dardenne Presbyterian Hearth Room, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie.Bible study, discussion, and upcoming event planning.

Every Sunday: Young Adult Bible

Study and Fellowship Group. 11am, Dardenne Presbyterian Church Parlor, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. The Bible and some great YouTube videos will be used.

information,

Operation Backpack: United Methodist Church, Wentzville

Every Tuesday: Ministry To Men: Men’s Introductory Bible Discussion Groups

7am at United Methodist Church, 725 N. Wall St., Wentzville. Groups are interdenominational and beginners as well as “old timers” are welcome. 636.698.5598 or 636.625.3447.

3rd Tuesday: Luncheon for Seniors

11am - 2pm at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd., 636.561.8951

2nd Wednesday: Noon Luncheon

Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1515 Hwy T, Foristell, 636.673.2144.

HEALTH Cancer Survivor Fitness Program

Free for all cancer patients and survivors. A 12-week program with trained instructors to help participants regain energy and improve stamina. St. Charles County Family YMCA, 636928-1928.

Diabetes Self Management Training (DSMT) Available with a doctor’s order. 636.949.9600 or Patty Shelton at 636.947.5573.

Medical (MNT)

Nutrition

Therapy

A nutritional diagnostic therapy and counseling service held at SSM St. Joseph Health Center. Available with a doctor’s order only. Registration: 636.949.9600 Info: 636.947.5163.

Free Mammogram Screenings

SSM Health Care offers free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments are available at SSM St. Joseph Health Center, 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis. Info: Karen at 636.947.5617.

Diabetes Prevention Program

Helping those at high risk for type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles to reduce chances of developing the disease. Held at participating YMCA’s throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles areas. This program is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. Contact Joyce Hoth at 314.436.1177.

Crisis Nursery

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. 24-hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www.crisisnurserykids.org

Northside Church of Christ Free Correspondence Bible Course: SUDOKU answers from page11

CROSSWORD answers from page 10

January 3, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, R.H.

SERVICES www.dawcstl.com SINGERS WANTED www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

PET CEMETERY

over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

Call Brooke at 636.697.2414

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 3, 2018

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January 3, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”

M O V I E

‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ honors the original

he late Robin Williams was a living, breathing special effect, which made him perfect for 1995’s “Jumanji.” Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, the film focused on a mystical, jungle-themed board game that altered reality. Williams played Alan Parrish, the adult version of a boy who was sucked into the game and didn’t return until 26 years later. Williams’ physical comedy skills and acting ability made this film a familyfriendly hit. It’s a rare event when a sequel matches the success of the original, but “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” does this with ease. With a warm-hearted nod to Mr. Williams, this film captures the fun and excitement of the first movie while providing a comedic showcase for a quartet of talented performers. The story opens in 1996 as Alex (Nick Jonas) gets his hands on the Jumanji board game discarded at the end of the first film. A dedicated videogame player, he dismisses it at first, but the board transforms itself into a game cartridge. Alex starts playing and ultimately is transported to the jungles of Jumanji like Alan Parrish before him. His disappearance becomes a local legend in his hometown. Twenty years later, four high school students find the Jumanji cartridge and start to play. Like their predecessors, the quartet also becomes part of the game. Additionally, they take on the physical appearances and abilities of the game characters. That becomes a problem for Bethany (Madison Iseman), a pretty girl who becomes the very male Dr. Shelly Oberon (Jack Black). Director Jake Kasdan keeps the “Jumanji” franchise alive with a lively follow-up that stays true to the original concept. “Zathura,” a 2005 spaced-themed adventure based on another

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By Steve Bryan

Chris Van Allsburg book, failed to recapture the magic even with Kristen Stewart, Dax Shepherd and Josh Hutcherson in the cast. Kasdan deserves high praise for revisiting the themes of the 1995 original. The game reaches out to those who are troubled and working through issues. Young Alan Parrish had conflicts with his father, but his time in the jungle and subsequent return helped him change for the better. He found inner courage and a new appreciation of how much his dad truly loved him. The same thing holds true for Spencer (Alex Wolff), a smart guy who wants friends. He does the homework of football star Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain) just to hang out with him. He also likes Martha (Morgan Turner) but has trouble expressing those feelings. The aforementioned Bethany is completely selfabsorbed and can’t function without a phone. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan play the video game avatars once the teenagers go into the game. These adults do an excellent job as characters completely out of their depth. Johnson nicely captures Spencer’s nervousness and his ultimate acceptance of his

new muscular body. Jack Black plays a teen girl extremely well and Kevin Hart is hilarious as always. Gillan, who is a stand-out in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, gets to kick even more butt here. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” is the perfect sequel and one that leaves the door open for other adventures. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait two decades for the next chapter. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” rated PG13 for adventure action, suggestive content and some language, currently is playing in theater. "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle " photo courtesy Columbia Pictures Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.