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January 10, 2018
Warmth for homeless vets
Around Town OATS to provide rides for O’Fallon’s Disabled Transportation Program P.4
Therapy dog brings comfort P.5
MDC and MoDOT invite schools to fight litter P.6
School
Photos by Ray Rockwell (From left ) Kathy Frecks, Bev Frecks and Cathy Perrine stand with some finished plastic mats for homeless veterans at Zion Lutheran Church. Kathy Frecks helped kickstart this project in conjunction with Perrine and the Vietnam Veterans Mid Rivers Chapter 458.
Community comes together to make plastic mats for homeless veterans in and around St. Charles County By Brett Auten Kathy Frecks summed it up the best, “They’re cold and need some help.” Frecks, a St. Charles resident, helped kickstart a unique community project in conjunction with the annual Vietnam Veterans Mid Rivers Chapter 458 Boot and Helmet fundraiser. The idea to make sleeping mats out of plastic bags for the homeless started around Thanksgiving when the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 458 learned – through the St Joachim and Ann Care Service – of homeless veterans living in wooded areas around St. Charles County. The VVA 459 members were already donating 24 bags of supplies to the homeless veterans over Christmas. Those bags were filled with scarves, hats, gloves, flashlights, bug spray, and baby wipes among other essentials. Frecks went online to see what other items she could donate to help keep them warm and stumbled upon a project that helped keep their bedding dry. From city to city across the nation, community service projects to benefit local shelters and the homeless in your area where children and adults of all ages combine their creativity, talents and spare time
Volunteers at Zion Lutheran Church including students from Zion Lutheran School help flatten bags, cut bags into strips, and create the “plarn” needed to create the mats.
to provide sleeping mats for those in need to weather the elements by using plastic yarn made from plastic bags. Plarn is the ‘yarn’ also known as plastic yarn that is used to knit or crochet the plastic mat.
Plarn is constructed from plastic shopping bags and is used the same way you would use yarn in knitting or crocheting. The mats are bug resistant, dry easy, are lightweight, cost nothing but time and help to prevent hypothermia. “I started collecting bags from friends and family and area businesses and realized right away that I was going to need a lot of bags and help to cut and to wind them up,” Frecks said. “I asked some church members and soon found out, particularly when they found out it was for veterans, that they were more than willing to help.” The mats also help keep the plastic bags out of the landfill and can be easily rolled up and carried. Frecks said she is closing in on 17 mats totals with anywhere from 500700 bags used per mat. When it came to the donation bags and the mats, Cathy Perrine, with the Vietnam Veterans Mid Rivers Chapter 458, was pleased with the cooperation. “I was amazed at the number of people who were so willing to help,” Perrine said. “We all try to do what we could. It just sort of grew and grew.” Thanks to members of the Zion Lutheran See WARMTH page 2
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WSD families receive holiday assistance P.8 WSD names teacher of the year P.8
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January 10, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
WARMTH Continued from cover Church, bags came in aplenty. And among the volunteers that were willing to help flatten bags, cut bags into strips, and create the “plarn” needed to create the mats were the Ladies Bible study members, Amy Bernhardt’s first grade class at Zion Lutheran School, American Heritage Girls, Blue Star Moms (a private nonprofit organization in the United States that provides support for mothers who have sons or daughters in active service in the U.S. Armed Forces) and many friends and family members. Once completed, the mats were then handed over to the St Joachim and Ann Care Service members who distributed them right before Christmas. Frecks said she would continue as long as there is a need. “We could never have done it without the community responding to the need,” Frecks said. “There were several steps between folding cutting, and stringing them together. But we had everybody from a blind lady to a first grader help out. I think it says a lot that these people took time out during a busy time of the year to help with this project.”
Photos by Ray Rockwell Volunteers at Zion Lutheran Church including students from Zion Lutheran School help flatten bags, cut bags into strips, and create the “plarn” needed to create the mats.
2017 Citizen of the Years named by Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce Since 1957, The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce has recognized local leaders for their dedication to serving the St. Charles County community. This year, the chamber has named Mike Sommer 2017 Citizen of the Years. Born and raised in St. Charles, Sommer is a graduate of Duchesne High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University. Sommer is a certified public accountant and business owner of Sommer & Associates CPAs. He holds a lifetime teaching certificate and can be found guest lecturing at St. Charles Community College. Serving the community has always been very important to Sommer. As a member of the Francis Howell School District Board of Education, Sommer served as president, treasurer, director and an active board member on various committees. He is an active member of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce serving on the board of directors, the executive board and becoming Chairman of the Board in 2004. Sommer serves his community by volunteering as the Certified Public Accountant for the Mayor’s Charity Ball, and is an active member of the Rotary Club of St. Charles, Missouri Association of Tax Practitioners, on the board of directors for the Missouri School Board Association and as Treasurer for the St. Charles County CrimeStoppers. As a longtime member of the St. Charles Jaycees, he received the C William Brownfield Award and was presented as a Lifetime Member. Sommer was recognized as Outstanding Young Missourian by the Missouri Jaycees and received his JCI Senatorship. A Senatorship is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member of the Junior Chamber International Organization.
Along with Sommer, the chamber will also be recognizing recipients of the Lifetime Distinguished Service awards which include: • Civic: Jerry Hollingsworth; Broker and Previous Owner of St. Charles Insurance. Has served on the Board of Aldermen for the city of St. Peters since 1992. He is on the board of directors for Citizens National Bank, the Center for Autism Education, Mid East Area Agency on Aging. • Cultural: Richard Baum; worked to establish the Historic Landmarks Preservation and Architecture Review Board, which served as the catalyst for documented guidelines and cultural identity of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. He is also active with Mosaics, Festival for the Arts, and served as President of the Mosaics board in 2010. • Humanitarian: Denise Liebel; President / CEO of United Services for Children, which provides early intervention, pediatric therapy and developmental learning opportunities for young children in St. Charles County. She continues to seek new ways to provide enriching and inclusive opportunities for the youngest citizens in our community and their parents. Chamber Champion: Keith McNames; Having just completed his six-year term on the Board of Directors and recently stepping down as Co-Chair of the Public Policy Committee, McNames is by far is the biggest champion of the chamber. He’s the first to congratulate you on a job well done and he’s also the first to tell you if he thinks something needs another look. For the two largest events – Sip & Savor St. Charles
Submitted photo The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce has named Mike Sommer 2017 Citizen of the Years.
County and Santa’s North Pole Dash, McNames is the first volunteer to arrive and the last to leave. The public is invited to help recognize the efforts of all of these recipients at the 2017 Year End Celebration honoring Citizen of the Years, to be held on Feb. 16 at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. Tickets are $95 per person or $950 for a table of 10. Corporate sponsorships are available upon request. For more information, please contact Wendy Rackovan at the Chamber of Commerce office at 636946-0633 or electronically at Wendy@GSTCCC.com.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 10, 2018
Genealogy classes offered at Renaud Spirit Center
Submitted photo
Genealogy classes will be offered through the Renaud Spirit Center, and taught by members of the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter, NSDAR (National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution) on Jan. 20 at 2650 Tri Sport Circle in O’Fallon. The class starts at 8:30 a.m. and will cover beginning information about how to start a family tree, where to locate documents and how to organize the information collected. The afternoon class held the same day begins at 1 p.m. and will go into more in depth information for anyone who has already gotten started but wants to sharpen skills and search like a pro. Each class will end with information on how to become a member of the DAR. DAR chapter members will also be on hand to help with research road blocks. Mary Jo Anderson, Chapter Registrar and Field Genealogist says, “Tracking your family’s roots is just like being a gopher, you dig and dig until you find what you need and you keep working your way back, one piece of information at a time.” “If people enjoy history and want to help perpetuate our beginning roots this is the place you should be,” she says. Tracing your family roots back further than two or three generations can be a daunting challenge. However, if you manage to connect your ancestral line directly to a patriot of the American Revolutionary War, you could be eligible to join the new DAR Chapter. Residents and non-residents of O’Fallon must register for the classes with the Renaud Spirit Center at 636-474-2732. You may also find information about the local DAR chapter on the web at http://www.mssdar.org/ccstuart.
Around Town
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WSD receives clean ‘Unmodified’ financial audit The Wentzville School District received a clean audit of its financial records, accounting practices and compliance with state and federal requirements during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2017. The audit, which was conducted by the Daniel Jones & Associates accounting firm, reported no findings or questioned costs. The WSD Board of Education approved the audit at its November meeting. Jacob Myers, Senior Accountant with Daniel Jones & Associates, told the school board that after spending several weeks reviewing information from the WSD Finance & Facilities Department, all accounting practices, financial records and management complied with state and federal requirements. The audit was all inclusive, reviewing everything from how a purchase order becomes a check, tracing a check to ensure all checks originated with a purchase order that followed proper procedures, reviewing bids and contracts, verifying attendance and payroll records, as well as confirming correct receipt of revenue at the local, county, state and federal level. “We are extremely proud to
Photo courtesy Wentzville School District
have once again received an ‘Unmodified’ rating as a result of the audit,” said Pam Frazier, WSD Chief Financial Officer. “We work very hard across the district to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars to earn and maintain the trust of our stakeholders. As we continue to manage our tremendous growth, we are mindful of that trust and strive to stretch every
dollar to meet the needs of our students.” In 2016-17, the district’s total revenues were $206.1 million and the total expenditures were $196.1 million. The WSD ended Fiscal Year 2017 with $56.3 million in operating fund reserves, which is 34.85 percent of the district’s annual operating expenditures.
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January 10, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
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Recycle Christmas trees for free at St. Peters Earth Centre St. Peters residents and non-residents alike can recycle their live Christmas trees for free at St. Peters Earth Centre now through Jan. 17. To properly prepare the tree for recycling, please remove all decorations, lights, plastic bags and stands from the tree. After Jan. 17, there is a $5 charge to drop off a Christmas tree without a Resident Privilege Card. St. Peters residents can also take trees to the temporary designated drop-off center at Laurel Park in the upper parking lot through Jan. 13. If residents would like to have their tree picked up at their home they can cut their Christmas
tree in half and place it at the curb for yard waste pickup on their regular yard waste pickup day through Jan. 10. Just a reminder, yard waste pickup will be suspended during the month of February and resumes the first full week of March. This practice saves fuel costs, helps the environment, and provides a time to perform our annual vehicle maintenance and repair. St. Peters Earth Centre is located at 115 Ecology Drive in St. Peters, off Mid Rivers Mall Drive just north of I-70. For more information, call 636-970-1456
OATS to provide rides for O’Fallon’s Disabled Transportation Program
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O’Fallon residents with disabilities who either cannot drive or do not have access to a car can apply for transportation to local essential living destinations, free, through O’Fallon’s Disabled Transportation program. Starting in January, OATS, Inc., will provide eligible O’Fallon residents with transportation to local destinations for medical appointments, banking and for groceries and personal care shopping. Due to funding constraints, rides are limited to two per month. “The city of O’Fallon’s Disabled Transportation Program is designed to foster independence and promote accessibility within our O’Fallon community at no cost to the participant,” said Alexis
Jaegers, the city’s Public Assistance Specialist. To qualify for the program, residents must complete and submit an application to the Public Assistance Office at city hall. As part of the application, residents must include legal proof of disability, photo identification and proof of O’Fallon residency. A photo ID with their O’Fallon address and their disability award letter or Social Security information can be used to show proof of their O’Fallon address. Once an application has been approved, the resident may then contact OATS, Inc., to schedule rides. To apply, contact Public Assistance Specialist Alexis Jaegers by calling 636-379-5411, or send an email to Jaegers at ajaegers@ofallon.mo.us.
WSD Board of Education votes unanimously to place no-tax-increase bond issue on April ballot
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Photo courtesy Wentzville School District
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The Wentzville School District Board of Education has unanimously voted to place a $125 million no-tax-increase bond issue on the April 3 ballot to accommodate the continued enrollment growth of the district. The “Proposition E” bond issue will include a new, comprehensive high school to be built on the recently acquired land at West Meyer and North Point Prairie in Wentzville, a new elementary school, classroom additions at Barfield Early Childhood Special Education Center, Peine Ridge Elementary, Pearce Hall and a new gymnasium at Holt High School. “The projects on the ballot address our most pressing needs across the district,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain. “Our K-6 Plan for Growth addressed our space issues at our middle schools for the time being without a tax increase and provided us time to pay down our debt so that our next buildings could also be built without asking the voters to approve a tax increase. We are working to effectively manage our continued growth while maintaining our exceptional reputation for student achievement and innovative initiatives. It is certainly a challenge, but it’s one we are familiar with and we are fortunate to have an amazing team committed to moving this great district forward and providing adequate
space for all students to learn and grow.” The WSD has been the fastest growing school district in Missouri in the 21st century. Enrollment has increased by more than 10,000 students since 2001, averaging well over 500 new students every year. According to projections in a demographic study released earlier this year by Business Information Services, the WSD could add more than 6,700 new students over the next decade. The report’s findings include calculations that indicate Holt and Timberland high schools will be over capacity by 2019 and Liberty could be over capacity by 2021. Executive Director of Facilities John Blanton estimates it will take three years to build a new high school. “We are already behind on the timeline for a fourth high school,” he said. The report also indicates the WSD will need an additional elementary school by 2023. The entire demographic study can be viewed on the district website. “I’m hopeful this (no-tax-increase bond issue) will be seen by our stakeholders as yet another example of the district being fiscally responsible; doing everything we can to manage the growth while still being good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Board Secretary Jennifer Simpson just before the vote at the Dec. 5 meeting.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 10, 2018
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Therapy dog brings comfort to young abuse victims When a young victim shares the experi- purchase 500 stuffed animals that resemble ences of their abuse, forensic interviewers Reka. Each young victim receives their own have to remain neutral and can’t offer a lot “Reka” to bring them comfort at home. of assurance or comfort at that time. Since the stuffed animals were first introBut that is where Reka comes in. duced, they have continued to be a hit. RobThe Child Center, Inc., has turned to a ins said they receive positive feedback from therapy dog to provide a calming support to parents on a regular basis. young children who have been the victims “We saw how impactful Reka was here, but of sexual or physical abuse. we wondered, ‘How can we continue that Reka is an accredited service dog used by support for kids even though Reka can’t see the child advocacy agency. The chocolate everyone on a daily basis?’ ” she remarked. lab’s presence helps children disclose infor- “We hear, ‘My Reka went to Florida with me,’ mation during a forensic interview about ‘my Reka snuggles with me at night when their abuse during a traumatic time in their I’m sad.’ It is so meaningful for the kids to be young lives. able to have them when they leave.” Recently, a three-year-old sexual abuse Reka has been a welcome addition to the victim walked into a courtroom to testify staff. and face her abuser. As she took the stand, “I knew she would be great for our office, Reka was alongside her. but I didn’t really know the type of differ“I don’t quite know if she would have had ence it would really make,” Robins said. “It is the courage to do if she didn’t have some hands down a night and day difference from control of the situation by having Reka by the kids who use Reka versus the kids who her,” recalled Amy Robins, supervisor of fo- don’t.” rensic services and Reka’s handler. To learn more about The Child Center, Headquartered in Wentzville, The Child call 636-332-0899 or visit www.thechildcenCenter is a nonprofit child advocacy cen- ter.com. ter that serves 14 counties in Northeast Operation Round Up helps address needs Missouri, including Lincoln, Warren, St. in the areas of health, education, home Charles, Pike and Montgomery. In 2016, weatherization, youth, community and The Child Center conducted forensic inter- emergency services that cannot be met with views with 565 children. As of mid-Novem- other resources. More than $5 million have ber, officials had already interviewed 480 been awarded to applicants since the Operachildren this year from the Wentzville office. tion Round Up program began in 1997. The agency also has offices in Hannibal and Memphis. The Child Center was a recent recipient of Submitted photo a $3,145 Operation Round Up grant award- The Child Center, Inc. was recently awarded a $3,145 grant through Operation Round Up to purchase stuffed animals that resemble Reka, a service dog used by the organizaed by the Cuivre River Electric Commu- tion to provide comfort to children during forensic interviews. Pictured with Reka are (from left) Amy Robins, The Child Center’s supervisor of forensic services and Reka’s nity Trust Board. The funds will be used to handler and Tim Schmidt, Cuivre River Electric Cooperative communications/media specialist.
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January 10, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
MDC and MoDOT invite schools to fight litter through trashcan decorating contest
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The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) invite Missouri public, private, and home-school students in grades K-8 to help fight litter in the Show-Me State -- and to have creative and educational fun – by participating in the 2018 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-can-decorating contest. The annual contest is sponsored by MDC and MoDOT as part of the state’s “No MOre Trash!” statewide litter campaign. The contest encourages school classes and school groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention message using a variety of creative media. Schools may submit one entry in each competition category: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence to contest rules, and effective use of theme and logo. First-place winners from each competition category receive $200 awarded to the sponsoring schools. All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of a trophy and $600 awarded to the
Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation These PK-1 students at Cowgill Elementary won the K-2-grade category and the grand prize for their 2017 NMT trashcan contest entry, “Oscar will be your fan, if you keep it in the can!!” The school received a check for $200 for the category win, along with a check for $600 and a trophy as grand prize winners.
sponsoring school. There is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must submit a completed entry form online with up to three photos to nomoretrash.org by March 16. Contest rules, entry forms, logo, past contest entries and winners, and educational information can also be found at nomoretrash.org.
The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis is accepting student applications
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The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis is accepting applications for its interest-free, fee-free student loan program through April 16. Qualified postsecondary students of any age can be awarded a renewable, interest-free loan of up to $11,000 annually. Those interested must meet the following requirements: • Be pursuing a first certificate or degree at an accredited, nonprofit college, university or technical/trade school. • Demonstrate financial need. • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher or have earned a GED. • Be a permanent resident of the St. Louis metropolitan area, for at least two years prior to application. Applicants are selected on the basis of academic potential, personal character, and financial need. Students can apply for funding by
completing an online general application on the St. Louis Graduates’ Scholarship Central website (myscholarshipcentral.org). Upon completion of the general application, applicants can then apply for The Scholarship Foundation’s interest-free loan. St. Louis Graduates’ Scholarship Central website contains over 60 scholarship opportunities for the 2018-2019 academic year with various application deadlines. Students from the following areas are eligible to apply: St. Louis City and St. Louis County; the Missouri counties of Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, and Warren; and the Illinois counties of Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Macoupin, Monroe, and St. Clair. For more information, or for application assistance, please contact The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis at 314-725-7990, info@sfstl.org, or visit www.sfstl.org.
FHSD Board of Education places operating levy increase on April ballot The Francis Howell School District Board of Education has unanimously voted to place a 48-cent operating levy increase on the April 3 ballot. If “Proposition Learn” is approved, the adjusted operating levy of the district is estimated to be $4.66 per $100 of assessed valuation. A simple majority is required to approve the increase in the operating levy in the April election. “The board of education is committed to providing an excellent public education for the students of our community, and at the same time an exceptional value for our taxpayers,” said Board President Rene Cope. “We need these funds to provide the programs and staff necessary to continue our exceptional educational offerings.” Funds generated by Proposition Learn would be used to support technology upgrades, provide new programming and innovative courses, hire staff to address student needs and support struggling students, provide updated classroom materials, bolster funding for extracurricular activities, and increase staff compensation after two years of frozen salaries. “Our community has clearly stated their desire that FHSD continues to be a very high achieving school district,” Superintendent Dr. Mary Hendricks-Harris said. “Proposition Learn would
provide the necessary resources for the district to maintain the quality education our students deserve and our stakeholders have told us they want for our community.” The last time voters in Francis Howell approved an operating tax levy increase was in 2004. The costs of goods and services associated with operating the school district continue to increase, including utilities, transportation, insurance, and special education. Voters in every other school district in St. Charles County have approved a levy or bond issue in the past three years, but it has been more than thirteen years since voters approved an operating levy increase in the Francis Howell School District. Many families choose to live in the Francis Howell School District because of high-quality schools. Studies have confirmed the link between strong school districts and strong communities. A strong public school system protects property values, provides a qualified workforce, lowers crime rates, creates a better sense of community, and enhances public services with less demand for social programs. For more information about Proposition Learn, please visit the district website at www. fhsdschools.org.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 10, 2018
Around Town
Yeggs
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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.mycnews.com WWW.MYCNEWS.COM “Community News hits all areas for all ages.” -Reader ’s comment, 2016
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Resolve dissolve It’s a new year and you know what that means – time to break New Year’s resolutions. But not this time 2018! Oh no, you’re not going to get me even though studies say only eight percent of people actually keep their resolutions. I’m going to be part of that eight percent and do what the experts tell me to do to keep my resolution. I will pick a specific, realistic, measurable and achievable goal. Specific: Muffin top. All right mush-gut I’m coming after you and this time I’m gonna win! I’m tired of your blubbery little butt taking up residency rent-free on my waistline; just lounging there like an overfed couch potato pooching over my belt and shaking your jellythang every time I reach over to pick up another donut! Realistic: Think positive – it can be done! Many before me and many after have lost their little wobbly tag-along friend and I can too. It even has a name, Thelma. You know there’s a problem when you have to start naming your ap-
pendages. So, Thelma, it’s time to cut our relationship off. It’s been real. I’ve enjoyed these many past years feeding your addiction of maple bars and Yoo-Hoos, but the time has come. I’m kicking you to the curb. Pack your flabby bags and be out of here in four weeks or I’m sending in the (TTS) Tummy-Tuck Squad to surgically do it! Measurable: This one’s a cinch. It may take a measuring tape (or two) and then we’ll get this thing sized up and ready to go. Achievable: I have to be focused and have the prize in view. I will rise well before dawn and run the parameters of my city at full speed until I sweat out a full gallon of fat cells. I will then return home to lift barbells twice my weight until each nerve ending in my body is left shrieking with red hot pain. Following this comes a full cardio routine which will cause every muscle in my body to exquisitely ache as if they have been pummeled by jackhammers.
Motivation is key to the process! At the end of a month of these grueling workouts I will reward myself with a delicious kale, bean curd, beet top and avocado peel smoothie. Hmmm? Second thoughts. Thelma and I along with the other 92 percent have decided to rethink this over a box of Krispy Kremes and a pint of Chunky Monkey ice cream. Check back with us in 2019.
– 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.
Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two selfindulgent 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. See solution on page 13
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School
January 10, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
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Wentzville School District families receive assistance through district’s holiday program Each year in December, the WSD Holiday Assistance Program helps to provide gifts for students whose families are in need. This year, over 380 families and 1,000 WSD students received gifts in the coordinated effort. Some schools participated in the district’s traditional “Adopt-a-Family” program while others partnered with area churches to hold “Christmas Shops” for WSD families. In addition, the district’s Community Relations Department and school counselors work with Saints Joachim & Ann Care Services and Love in the Name of Christ (LINC) to coordinate efforts and ensure there is no overlap of services in order to extend resources and reach the most possible families who need assistance. “We are so fortunate to live in a caring and generous community that works together to meet the needs of our students year round,” said WSD Chief Communications Officer Mary LaPak. “But it is especially gratifying and heartwarming to see our local congregations and community members, as well as our student groups, staff
Photo courtesy Wentzville School District ach year in December, the WSD Holiday Assistance Program helps to provide gifts for students whose families are in need. This year, over 380 families and 1,000 WSD students received gifts in the coordinated effort.
members, families and friends come together to ensure every WSD student has a little something special to open for the holidays.” The Wentzville School District would like to extend special thanks to the following for their contributions in the holiday effort to assist district
families: Wentzville Walmart, Morning Star Church, Wentzville NEA, Calvary Church, Wentzville United Methodist Church, The Way Church Love in The Name of Christ (LINC) and Saints Joachim & Ann Care Services.
Wentzville School District selects teacher of the year
Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Katherine “Katie” Zak, a first grade teacher at Lakeview Elementary School pictured here with her class, has been selected as the Wentzville School District Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018.
Katherine “Katie” Zak, a first grade teacher at Lakeview Elementary School, has been selected as the Wentzville School District Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018. Candidates are judged on their ability to inspire and educate students of all backgrounds and abilities, as well as their ability to lead and inspire their colleagues. “I am very grateful,” Zak shared following the announcement. “There are so many teachers deserving of this distinction. I am the teacher I am because of all the amazing teachers I have had the benefit of working with and learning from.” Zak has worked for the Wentzville School District since 2005. When asked about her philosophy of teaching, she shared that it is based on three precepts: All children are good, all children can learn, and all children can be successful.
“My job is to ensure every student reaches their full potential.” Zak’s principal at Lakeview, Doug Holler, shared that she is a team player who is committed to seeing her students grow. “Mrs. Zak meets each of her students at their own learning level and challenges them to learn and grow. She is patient, kind and compassionate and she makes learning fun and relevant,” he said. As the winner of the District Teacher of the Year, Zak is now eligible to compete at the regional and state level in the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, which is conducted annually by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year program.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 10, 2018
Peoples Bank & Trust employee honored for 15 years of service Margie Newsom, branch manager at Peoples Bank & Trust’s O’Fallon Branch, was presented with a gift for her 15 years of continued service and dedication. The public is encouraged to congratulate Margie by stopping by the bank at 1310 N. Main Street in O’Fallon or giving her a call at 636-980-1777.
If you have a room at home or workplace area that doesn’t seem to get or stay warm, you may find yourself looking for a space heater. A portable heater can warm a space and help you avoid turning up the thermostat up or overheating other areas. Space heaters can be an affordable way to stay warm, but keep operating costs in mind if you use them for prolonged periods. Cuivre River Electric Cooperative Member Services Representative Gabe Twellman reminds us, “Space heaters can be an effective way to heat a room, but don’t rely on a space heater as a primary source of heat in your home. A common 1500 watt electric space heater will cost roughly $0.15 an hour to operate. If the space heater is used eight hours a day, on average, it could increase an energy bill about $36 a month.” If you choose to use a space heater to supplement your home’s heating system, be careful about where it is placed and plugged in. Generally, plugging a space heater directly into a wall outlet is best. However, if you must use an extension cord, make sure it’s the correct type and has the right wire gauge size for your particular space heater. Place your heater in a location with convenient access to an outlet. Keep heaters three feet away from combustible materials — such as bedding, drapes, rugs and clothes. Avoid using them in areas where you store flammable liquids.
When selecting a heater, look for safety features that will automatically shut the heater off if it tips over or reaches a certain set temperature. Choose a heater that has been approved by an independent testing facility, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Purchase a safety-certified model and read the safety instructions. Inspect all cords and connections for cracks and frayed edges, which are serious fire and injury hazards. Something to keep in mind while using space heaters is that they are responsible for 32 percent of house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association As with any appliance, especially one that gives off heat, certain precautions should be taken: • Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep. • Don’t let children or pets play too close to a space heater. • Space heaters provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook, dry clothing or thaw pipes. • Always unplug and safely store the heater when is not being used. • Never use or store flammable liquids near space heaters. For more information about portable heater energy use and safety visit: https://energy.gove/ energysaver/portableheaters or www.consumersearch.com/space-heater-safety.
Home & Garden Section in Classifieds page 15
www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral
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First Bank, Energycare provide warmth to St. Louisans With temperatures dropping, First Bank employees recently donated 164 new electric blankets worth $4,900 to EnergyCare, a nonprofit organization located in St. Louis. “I want to thank our employees for their heartfelt donations,” said Ed Furman, First Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer who organized the employee effort with First Bank. “Their caring and generosity will help more St. Louisans stay warm and safe this winter.” Since 1999, First Bank employees have donated a total of 2,459 blankets valued at $67,718. In the summer, First Bank employees also donated new air conditioners to EnergyCare. Combined, First Bank has raised a total of $148,268 for the non-profit during the past 18 years. Helping Furman load the blankets onto the EnergyCare vehicles were Tim O’Dea, Ex-
Submitted photo (From left) Ed Furman (First Bank) stands with Tim O’Dea (EnergyCare), Jana Ngugi (EnergyCare) and Justine Collum (EnergyCare).
ecutive Director, EnergyCare, Justine Collum, Director of Development, EnergyCare, and Jana Ngugi, Services Supervisor, EnergyCare. EnergyCare relies on generous donations to help to keep low-income, homebound and medically-at-risk people safe.
EnergyCare provides energyrelated services and information for the low-income elderly, ill, disabled and families with young children in St. Louis City and County. Donations are tax deductible. For information, please visit www.energycare. org or call 314-773-5900.
9
Check out our
While only employees that had reached milestone years or had perfect attendance were awarded, Peoples Bank & Trust is proud of all its employees and truly values their hard work and loyalty which allows the bank to continue to offer the newest services and the highest degree of customer service.
Space heater safety extremely important in cold weather
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10
Sports
January 10, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
THEME: FAMOUS AMERICANS
Sports you see with Gary B... 113 days until the baseball Rascals open the home season The River City Rascals, your professional baseball team play home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon. Go to www.RiverCityRascals. com for all the details. *Dust off the bat and glove
ACROSS 1. Echo sounder 6. Sheepish cry 9. Speed obstacle 13. Seven day mourning period 14. 100% 15. More painful 16. It’s often wreaked 17. Cardinal 3 18. Figure with vertex and rays 19. *Pop icon-painting pop icon 21. *Jackie O’s first husband 23. “You betcha!” 24. Off-color 25. Like TV’s Randall/Klugman couple 28. Genealogy “plant” 30. No, it doesn’t crawl in one’s ear 35. *World-famous yellow cartoon boy 37. Kuwaiti, e.g. 39. Tarzan’s swing 40. Indian nursemaid 41. Gardener’s pipe, pl. 43. Overeat 44. Last European colony in China 46. Surfer’s stop 47. Bone-dry 48. Choose by divine intervention 50. Police informer 52. Hi-____ 53. Chihuahua-Pug hybrid 55. By means of 57. *Norma Jean’s pseudonym 61. *His Airness 64. Naked protozoa 65. Not an amateur 67. Type of wave 69. Surrendered land 70. What iodine and quinine have in common 71. Like unbagged tea 72. *Kentucky’s Fort ____, named for first US Secretary of War 73. Aye’s opposite 74. English homework?
DOWN 1. Wildfire remains 2. *Famous American clarinetist, Artie ____ 3. Cher or Mariah Carey, e.g.? 4. Poacher’s ware 5. Prestige 6. Get-out-of-jail money 7. *Cassius Clay 8. Like Mary-Kate and Ashley 9. Capital of West Germany, 1949-1989 10. Push for something 11. Mix together 12. Mouse to a snake 15. Footwear to match toga 20. *Queen of All Media 22. Bo Peep follower 24. Renting 25. *2009 Nobel Prize for Peace recipient 26. Israeli statesman Moshe 27. Famous Slytherin member 29. Aphrodite’s son 31. Semis 32. Australian horse 33. Accustom 34. *Man behind Windows 36. Bangkok inhabitant 38. Between Phi and Kappa 42. Aussie gas station 45. Without clothes 49. Olden day “your” 51. Middle Ages garment 54. Remove from Google Maps 56. Dora the Explorer’s farewell 57. *Baseball Hall of Famer, Connie ____ 58. End of grace 59. Redecorate, e.g. 60. Wild goat 61. *Actor Bishop or punk rocker Ramone 62. Fusses 63. *Neil Armstrong’s employer 66. Ribonucleic acid 68. Grazing land See solution on pg. 13
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Top defensive basketball teams have a shootout The contest between two of the top defensive teams in the MIAA turned into an offensive shootout on Saturday in Edmond, Oklahoma. University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos were able to defend its home court with a 98-87 overtime victory over Lindenwood University. Central Oklahoma missed a three-pointer at the end of regulation to keep the contest at 81 and force an overtime. The Bronchos scored the first five points of overtime to regain momentum and the Lions could never get closer than three points. The Lion’s Adam Pohlman directed the offense by dishing out 13 assists, tying Alex Bazzell for Lindenwood’s single-game record. Eight of his assists came in the first half, and he had five more in the second half. Pohlman did not have a single turnover in the game. Jackson Price led Lindenwood with 28 points, Brad Newman had 20, and Max Meylor collected 14 points. Those three players combined for 11 three-pointers, and shot 55 percent from threepoint range. Meylor also led the team with seven rebounds. Lindenwood falls to 11-4 on the season and 3-3 in MIAA play. *Lots of time in the New Year to get on a roll
Ambush add two players to roster to get momentum The St. Louis Ambush play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. The season is only 12 games old but the team has only been able to put one victory on the board. Ambush CEO Shelly Clark announced the ad-
dition of two new players with defender Raphael Nascimento and local product Justin Stinson. Nascimento comes to the Ambush from the Florida Tropics, having been traded to the Ambush for the remainder of the 2017-18 season for future considerations. He is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in Brazil and has played for America, Santa Cruz and Clube Atletico Mineiro during his youth in Brazil. Before moving to the states for college, he gained professional soccer experience with Ipatinga Futebol Clube, who have played at the highest level in Brazil, Série A. The current season is his second in the MASL as he appeared in 17 games with the Florida Tropics during the 2016-17 season and one game this season. Justin Stinson is from St. Charles and the midfielder is a newcomer to the arena soccer ranks. He began playing youth soccer at age four and club soccer with Scott Gallagher when he was seven. At the age of ten, he traveled to England to play with West Ham Youth Academy. He competed on the soccer team at Francis Howell Central before playing collegiate soccer locally at Lewis and Clark Community College and at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. He also played locally for the St. Louis Lions (USL PDL) during their 2017 season, appearing in 13 games. The next home game for the Ambush will be Friday, Jan. 19 at 7:35 p.m. when the Syracuse Silver Knights visit the Family Arena. For up to date Ambush news visit www. STLAmbush.com *Shake up the team with new talent 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 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.
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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 10, 2018
Learn & Play
11
Chow down on championship snacks
W
hen the clock ticks down toward game day and you’re putting together a snacking plan of attack, turn to recipes like these that you and your guests can savor for all four quarters of action. With different choices to draft from, there’s no need for a superstar main course at the center of the meal. Instead, rely on options like customizable brats and pulled pork sandwiches, baked chicken wings and game-day dips for winners all around. Find more recipes for hosting game day at Culinary.net.
Top Your Tailgate
Take your tailgate or home viewing party to the next level by setting up a topping station with a variety of both traditional and unexpected condiments and garnishes to let your fellow fans customize their grilled fare. Include options such as: • Ketchup and mustard (with flavor variations for added zing) • Sauerkraut or cole slaw • Chopped fresh and grilled onions • Chili (homemade or from a can) • Pickle spears and relish • Barbecue sauce • Sriracha • Assorted shredded and crumbled cheeses • A variety of peppers
A Game-Day Winner
Game time is no time to mess around when it comes to fast, savory snacks. Crispy and light, tangy and bold, these wings have you covered for all your game-day needs. These spicy hot wings pair perfectly with Litehouse Chunky Blue Cheese or Homestyle Ranch Dressing and may result in another game day rivalry: blue cheese vs. ranch. Whether you’re hosting the game-day party or bringing a dish to a friend’s bash, these wings can make mouths water from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Find more game-day recipes at litehousefoods.com. I ngredients: 4 pounds chicken wings 2 tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt nonstick cooking spray 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup hot sauce 1/2 cup chunky blue cheese or homestyle ranch dressing 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles carrots celery
Total time: 1 hour, 25 minutes | Serves: 8
Dip into Game Day
Game day is about huddling up with friends and family, and feeling good about the food you share. Kick off the big game with Sabra, the official dip of the NFL, and help the crowd go wild when you put a twist on traditional hummus by topping it with bruschetta. Available in more than a dozen flavors, Sabra Hummus is made with fresh chickpeas, a touch of garlic and smooth tahini, making it a wholesome and delicious accompaniment for your favorite game-day chips, crackers and veggies. Find more big-game recipes at sabra.com.
Heat oven to 250 F. Put one oven shelf in lower quarter of oven and one in top quarter.
Line tray with foil. Spray rack on baking tray with nonstick spray. Place wings skin side up on rack. Bake on lower shelf 30 minutes.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
Directions: Lay wings on rack on rimmed baking tray and let dry in refrigerator overnight, or pat dry with paper towels.
Place wings in large re-sealable bag. Add baking powder and salt. Shake bag to coat wings evenly.
Bruschetta-Topped Hummus
Move tray to higher shelf and turn oven up to 425 F. Bake 40-50 minutes, rotating tray halfway through. Wings are done when they are dark, golden brown and skin is crispy.
A Heaping Handheld
Snack like a champion during the big game with recipes that please palates without overfilling like these Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Since guests can pile their sandwiches as high as they like with sweet pork and optional toppings, there’s no need to worry about serving sizes. Find more honey-infused recipes for tasty meal solutions at honey.com.
While wings bake, whisk together butter and hot sauce; keep warm. Remove wings from oven and toss with hot sauce; sprinkle immediately with blue cheese crumbles. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing, carrots and celery sticks.
Bruschetta: 2 cups multi-colored cherry tomatoes 1 clove garlic, minced 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus additional (optional) salt, to taste container Sabra Classic Hummus (10 ounces) Directions: To make bruschetta: Cut
cherry tomatoes into quarters or eighths, if large. Place in small mixing bowl. Stir in garlic, basil and olive oil, and season with salt, to taste. Scoop hummus out of container and swirl onto serving plate. Top with bruschetta and drizzle with touch of olive oil, if desired. Serve with fresh vegetables or pita chips.
Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Honey Barbecue Sauce Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board
Servings: 8-10
Pork Rub: 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 teaspoons paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 bone-in pork shoulder roast (4 pounds) 2 cups hickory chips 1 cup water 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce 1 1/2 cups honey 1 cup ketchup
8-10 rolls chopped jalapeno peppers (optional) chopped onion (optional) chopped pickles (optional) Directions: To make Pork Rub: Stir together sugar, chili powder, paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, pepper and cayenne pepper. Massage Pork Rub over surface of pork and let stand 30 minutes. Soak hickory chips in water; drain well. Wrap chips in foil;
punch holes in foil and place on top of gas grill set on high. When chips begin to smoke, place pork on grill and cook until well browned on all sides with lid closed, about 30-45 minutes. Heat oven to 300 F. Remove pork from grill and place in turkey-size oven bag set in large, shallow baking dish. Add water and seal well; pierce bag several times with small knife. Cook 3-3 1/2 hours, or until meat is tender and pork bone can be removed easily. Remove from oven. Remove bone and set aside
until cool enough to handle. Shred meat into small pieces, removing fat. Add juices from cooking bag, skimming off excess fat. In separate saucepan, stir together barbecue sauce, honey and ketchup, cooking until hot and honey has dissolved. Stir most of sauce into shredded pork and mix well. Serve on rolls and drizzle with remaining sauce. Top with jalapenos, onions and pickles, if desired.
12
What’s Happening
January 10, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Jan. 13-14, 20-21: Soup and Chili Days
The Village Of The Blue Rose would like to invite you to Soup and Chili Days from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Jan. 13 and 14 and again on Jan. 20 and 21. All you can eat of homemade soups, desserts and bread along with eagle watching from above the Mississippi. There will also be 50 percent off in the Red Barn and Flea Market Sales.
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. 9: Trivia night
The Child Center, Inc. will host its annual Superheroes for Kids Trivia Night at St. Peter Parish Center located at 301 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m. For only $200 per table or $25 per person, each guest can look forward to 10 rounds of trivia, mulligans, beer, and soda; outside food and beverages are allowed. The evening will be packed with games, silent auction, 50/50, and prizes for the top teams. For more information or to register please visit www.thechildcenter/trivia or call 636332-0899 to reserve your team.
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.
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 Capitol 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.
Alcoholics
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
Anony-
If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.
MONDAYS: Choral Arts Singers practice
Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. This session will include performance at St. James Cathedral, Chicago on June 25. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See ww.concertarts. org.
1st Monday: St.Charles County Council of the Blind meetings
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.
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.
9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-369-6521.
Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club
Mondays: Chronic pain support group
Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA
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
ONGOING EVENTS
Mondays: mous
Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.
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.
Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting
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.
Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal
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.
Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant.
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 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: Monthly veterans coffee
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: Cancer support group
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.
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 Cornerstone 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
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 10, 2018 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.
Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club 10am Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379.
Wednesdays: Kiwanis Club meeting
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 Breeze Park. 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
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
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.
3rd Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting
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.
6:45pm VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.
Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters
1st Wednesday: Hope & Healing
Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon
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.
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
6:30am at IHOP (3851 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy St. Peters). 636.328.4941.
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
10am at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. 314.479.0306, andreacrislip@ gmail.com or www.lslmothersclub. com.
Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry
3-8pm VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane. Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.
Every Friday, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 Charity bingo
What’s Happening
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.
Every Sunday: Wentzville Community Club Flea Market
6am-1pm, 500 West Main St. in Wentzville. For more information, call 636.357.4328.
2nd Sunday: Moscow Mills Lions Breakfast
6:30pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.
7am - noon, September - April. Moscow Community Center, Hwy C. $7/ adult, $4/child, under 6 free. www.eclubhouse.org/sites/moscowmills.
Every Saturday: Chess
2nd Sunday: The Wheelers and Dealers Square Dance
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 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. Saturdays: Fruehschoppen Sam-
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,
Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article to editor@mycnews.com.
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.
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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
Every Sunday: Young Adult Bible
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:
SUPPORT GROUPS
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.
Call for more 636.293.5030.
information,
Operation Backpack: United Methodist Church, Wentzville
Food to at-risk children over the weekend. 636.327.6377
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
SUDOKU answers from page11
Daily: 12 Step Recovery Club
204 G West Pittman, O’Fallon. Info: Mike at 636.240.1722 or www.212club. org.
Wednesdays: Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group
Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group (MO/IL) meets the first Wednesday of each month from 10 – 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Medical Park, Education Room at1475 Kisker Rd. (off Hwy. 94) in St. Charles. Interested patients, caregivers, and family members are encouraged to join us. For more information call Carla Bouselli: 636-795-4498, or visit group’s website at stcharles@ imfsupport.org. Meet other survivors and learn about the latest advances in treatment of myeloma.
CROSSWORD answers from page 10
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January 10, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
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January 10, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
“ All the Money in the World ”
M O V I E
A
By Steve Bryan
Christopher Plummer shines in ‘All the Money in the World’
lways a shrewd investor, the late John Paul Getty would probably have approved of the $10 million used to reshoot scenes for “All the Money in the World.” After the allegations against actor Kevin Spacey came to light, director Ridley Scott brought in Christopher Plummer, his first choice, to replace him as oil baron J. Paul Getty. Scott managed to get the film to theaters in short order and, based on the final product, this was money well spent. The film focuses on the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer), grandson of the wealthy oil tycoon. His captors want $17 million to release him, but his mother Gail Harris (Michelle Williams) is far from wealthy. Appeals to J. Paul Getty himself for financial help are seemingly ignored, even though he loves Paul. In one notable scene, the oil tycoon even says he will pay nothing to get his grandson back. An intriguing look at shocking, real-life events, “All the Money in the World” boasts an exceptionally talented cast. As late as November, movie trailers featuring Kevin Spacey as J. Paul
www.byerlyrv.com
Getty were still showing in theaters. Spacey is a talented actor, but Christopher Plummer owns the role of J. Paul Getty. He shows how the late oil tycoon loved possessions more than people and worried that being a billionaire wasn’t enough. Plummer has some great moments with Mark Wahlberg, who plays Fletcher Chase, a former CIA operative who handles negotiations for the elder Getty. The interactions between Wahlberg and Plummer are wonderful, especially in scenes when Chase takes Getty to task for his behavior. Chase also bonds with the family during this crisis. Michelle Williams stands out as Gail Harris, a mother desperate to get her son back. Reportedly, Williams along with Wahlberg did not accept payment for the necessary reshoots. That truly was a bargain for audiences because Williams is fantastic all the way through this piece. As Harris, she also has memorable, jawdropping moments confronting Getty, a man with enough money to bring her boy back. Though they could be easily be grandfather and grandson in real life, Charlie Plummer is
not related to Christopher Plummer. As young Paul Getty, Plummer embodies the agony that the teenager went through at the hands of his captors, including mutilation. The experience was life-changing and devastating for Getty, which Plummer shows in his performance. Kudos to Ridley Scott and his talented cast for making “All the Money in the World” a solid movie experience. It already has three Golden Globe nominations, and more honors are sure to follow. "All the Money in the World " photo courtesy TriStar Productions 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.