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January 11, 2017

King Day of Service

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Growing a ‘Little Bit’ at a time. P.6 St. Charles had its sights on being the next ‘Smart City.’ P.7

School

WSD families receive assistance P.8 FZSD Board of Education fills vacancy P.8

Business Photo courtesy city of O’Fallon Volunteers at last year’s O’Fallon’s King Day of Service put together some 600 paper carnations and other paper flowers and added their creative touches to over 500 pre-printed Valentine’s Day cards that were packaged and delivered to over 600 residents, mostly being senior citizens.

City of O’Fallon marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day with volunteer opportunities By Brett Auten When it comes to receiving and giving it, who couldn’t need a little more kindness in their life? The city of O’Fallon is offering a splendid opportunity for area volunteers to spread a little graciousness and benevolence in the community. For the ninth year, O’Fallon’s King Day of Service looks to empower and strengthen those in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and teachings. The city’s “King Day of Service” is from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16. “We’ve invited high school leadership classes as well as all other students,” Megan Taylor, city of O’Fallon Volunteer Services Coordinator, said. “As well as any members from the community it is a good time to come together.” Volunteers, no matter the age, will scour through family-friendly projects, each designed to have a positive impact on local residents currently living in residential care facilities. Planned projects include creating

paper flowers, writing cards and letters and decorating place mats. Last year, the group put together some 600 paper carnations and other paper flowers and added their creative touches to over 500 pre-printed Valentine’s Day cards that were packaged and delivered to over 600 residents, mostly being senior citizens. The finished creations are then paired with another compassionate day as they will be personally delivered in early February as part of Random Acts of Kindness Day. “This ties in all generations,” Taylor added. “It’s a lot of fun. It gives our volunteers a chance to write and be creative. It’s nice thing for our seniors. It is a similar format to what we have done in the past. We have grown. We saw a need to outreach to them and couldn’t think of a better way.” The location of the King Day Service will be at O’Fallon City Hall, positioned at 100 N. Main Street. With most of the area’s students likely off school due to the Martin Luther King Jr. birthday holiday, it is an opportune time to get the younger citizens involved.

“We have definitely had a wide range of ages over the past few years,” Taylor said. “From two-year-olds to those who are in their 80s and 90s, it’s great to watch them intermingle. It gives them a chance to converse, build relationships, and do something worthwhile.” Pre-registration is required for this event, as space and supplies are limited. Register online at www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer. For more information, contact O’Fallon’s Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or you send an email to volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. Martin Luther King’s birthday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King’s birthday of Jan. 15. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000. The national Martin Luther King Day of Service was started to challenge- Americans to transform the King Holiday into a day of citizen action volunteer service in honor of King.

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St. Charles to host workforce recruitment program P.9

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January 11, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Wentzville to hold a town hall Tips for financial fitness in 2017 meeting to discuss moving to If a commitment to improving finances is a charter form of government among your resolutions for 2017, you’re not A charter city is a city that possesses a unique set of laws that forms the legal foundation of its local government. Through adoption of a charter, the citizens of a city have the opportunity to define the powers and functions of elected officials as well as the organization and procedures of local government. The city of Wentzville is currently a fourth-class city, which exists and is significantly controlled by Missouri statutes. Wentzville has grown to be one of the largest fourth-class cities in the state of Missouri. As a fourth-class city, Wentzville can only engage in activities expressly permitted under the state statutes. Missouri law permits cities that are larger than 5,000 citizens to adopt a charter form of government and the citizens in many larger cities have done so. Some of the advantages of the home-rule charter are: • The reduction of potential legislative interference in city affairs. • A charter permits citizens

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to have a greater voice in the determination of local government policies and thus encourages many more citizens to become interested in and participate in local affairs. • A charter permits citizens to determine the form and administrative organization of their local government. • A charter form of government provides greater opportunity for local control regarding local issues. • As Wentzville continues to grow, the mayor, board of aldermen and city staff want to ensure that the form of the city’s government structure is best suited for the city and its citizens. To explore this topic further, a Town Hall Meeting will be held at the Law Enforcement Center at 1019 Schroeder Creek Blvd. at 6 p.m. on Jan. 18. All interested residents are encouraged to attend.

alone. A survey from the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) shows that more than two-thirds of U.S. adults will make a financial resolution this year. However, one out of three Americans said their financial quality of life is worse than they expect, as saving money and debt concerns top the list of stressors. Additionally, almost two-thirds of respondents experienced a financial setback in 2016, with transportation issues, housing repairs and medical care cited as the leading causes. For the nearly 50 percent of those who admit they’re living paycheck to paycheck, significant unplanned expenses can add up. “To be successful with your financial resolutions in 2017, set thoughtful, realistic goals,” said Paul Golden, spokesperson for NEFE. “If your goal is to build an emergency savings, start with a small amount like $500 dollars to show yourself you actually can achieve that mark then set the bar higher. It’s not uncommon to be hit with an unexpected expense, so be prepared.” These five tips can help get you on the path toward tackling your financial goals: 1. Get debt under control. Take a hard look at what you owe. If there are warning signs of too much debt, take action. Set a goal to reduce your debt next year by 5-10 percent. That might mean reducing impulse shopping, which six out of 10 people admit to doing, and 80 percent regret the purchases later. When you face temptation, walk away for at least 30 minutes to make sure you still want the item. 2. Start saving now. Ideally, you should have six to nine months of income set aside, but achieving a small goal can provide a sense of security and reduce stress. The rules of retirement have changed: Review your long-term savings and ensure they are appropriate and on target. 3. Shop for better services. Make a game out of shopping providers to find the best value in the services you use. How long has it been since you shopped your insurance policies?

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Is there any chance you can save money on your cell phone, internet or utilities? Visit current providers and ask, “What’s the best deal?” Be sure to understand your policies and services so that you are comparing fairly and accurately. 4. Understand what’s behind your financial decisions. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel good about spending money on vacations but avoid saving for retirement, the answer may lie in your unique values and how they influence your financial decision-making. Take the LifeValues Quiz at SmartAboutMoney.org. 5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Recruit a “financial buddy” and share your resolutions with a trusted family member or friend who can provide support in helping you meet your financial goals. Find someone who will hold you accountable and set a good example for you to follow. For more help getting your finances in order, visit SmartAboutMoney.org.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 11, 2017

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Informational meeting to be held regarding Commons Neighborhood Historic District in St. Charles The Saint Charles Landmarks Board will sponsor an informational meeting on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. to inform residents and property owners, as well as any other interested parties, about the nomination of the Commons Neighborhood Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers on the 4th floor of City Hall, 200 North Second Street in St. Charles. The city was awarded a Historic Preservation Fund grant by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service to prepare the nomination for the Commons Neighborhood Historic District. The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the benefits of listing in the National Register, including the ability to utilize the federal and Missouri historic preservation tax credits. (Listing does not give the federal or state governments control over private property and no restrictions or limitations will be placed on a property if it is listed.) Submitted Photo

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Basket weaving classes at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site Guests are invited to take part in several basket weaving classes at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site in St. Charles. Classes will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. one Saturday a month from January to May. Guests will learn the art of basket weaving and create individual handmade items. Participants will pay a fee for the class and all materials will be supplied for each the unique basket made. Class size is limited and registration is required. Each class offers the opportunity to learn a different basket and guests are encouraged to experience them all. Dates and projects for classes are: • Jan. 21: Mom’s Casserole basket • Feb. 11, Round Pie basket • March 18: Market basket • April 1: Egg basket • May 6: Picnic basket First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is located at 200 South Main Street, St. Charles. For more information about the event and to register, call the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site at 636-940-3322.

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January 11, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

“A good amount of coverage on a multitude of issues.” ~Reader Survey, 2016

The St. Louis Crisis Nursery unwraps hope during their annual Holiday Hearts program

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Submitted photo The St. Louis Crisis Nursery has given hope and witnessed miracles to a record-breaking 600 families and over 1,600 children through the St. Louis/St. Charles region during their annual Holiday Hearts campaign.

The St. Louis Crisis Nursery has given hope and witnessed miracles to a record-breaking 600 families and over 1,600 children through the St. Louis/St. Charles region during their annual Holiday Hearts campaign. For the campaign, the St. Louis Crisis Nursery starts sending out notices in August asking families, companies, churches and friends to be partners in helping cover many high priority needs and special wishes of nursery families who are experiencing financial hardship. During Holiday Hearts 2016, when sponsors dropped off donations and families picked up donations, over 240 hours were donated by “angel” volunteers. Volunteers sorted the toys and made sure everything was organized and seamless for both sponsors and families. Amazing donations included toys, diapers, housing and utility, transportation assistance, household needs, food, formula, and shoes and

clothing. There were three different ways that sponsors were able to save the day: sponsoring a family, purchasing holiday wish list items and/ or donating to the Crisis Nursery. “Thank you so much to the family that sponsored our family this holiday! Because of you, we will have heat and lights on in our home and my kids will open presents Christmas morning!” said Candace, mother of three. “It’s such a critical time of the year for our families, there’s high stress around the holidays as cold weather moves in,” said DiAnne Mueller, CEO of St. Louis Crisis Nursery. “We’re very thankful that we were able to have so many wonderful sponsors in making Holiday Hearts such a huge success. To know that the community helped us save the holidays for hundreds of families and over 1,600 children is such a blessing!”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 11, 2017

Community Living, Inc. to host 17th Annual Legacy Ball Community Living, Inc., will once again recognize the many significant contributions made by two local leaders whose dedicated efforts are benefiting individuals with disabilities across St. Charles County as the organization hosts its 17th annual Legacy Ball. Set for March 4 at the St. Charles Convention Center, the event will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a four-course wine dinner, oral and silent auctions and live music by Serapis. During the event, Community Living supporter Mark Hollander will receive Community Living’s Legacy Award, while Lisa Baue, of Baue Funeral Homes, will be presented with the organiza-

tion’s Community Volunteer of the Year Award. Proceeds from the Legacy Ball, which is one of St. Charles County’s premier gala events, will benefit the more than 1,000 individuals and their families who are served by Community Living. “As one of the most distinctive and sophisticated galas in St. Charles County, the Legacy Ball is always a highly anticipated event, and one that plays a very important role in helping our organization continue our work to enrich the lives of people with disabilities in St. Charles County,” said Barb Griffith, President and CEO of Community Living, Inc. “We are looking forward to

celebrating the remarkable contributions of Mark A. Hollander and Lisa Baue, and we invite and encourage the community to join us for this elegant night out for a good cause.” Legacy Ball tickets are available at www.communitylivingmo.org/ events/2017legacyball or by calling Beth Kelley, Special Events Coordinator, at 636-387-5530. Tickets can be purchased for $125, and tables seat 10. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available. For more information or questions about the Legacy Ball, please contact Community Living at 636-9702800.

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The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis is accepting student applications The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis will accept applications for its interest-free, fee-free student loan program beginning Jan. 1 through April 15. Qualified postsecondary students of any age can be issued 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 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 (www. stlouisgraduates.org). Upon completion of the general application, applicants can then apply for the interest-free, fee-free loan program. St. Louis Graduates’ Scholarship Central website has over 60 scholarships for the 2017-2018 academic year with various application deadlines accessible through the general application. 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, Warren, and Washington; 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.

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Welcoming the first newborns of 2017 SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – St. Charles and St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis are delighted to introduce to the world their first newborn babies of 2017.

Makai Keoni Johnson

Makai Keoni Johnson, born at St. Joseph Hospital – St. Charles at 6:31 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2, came in at 7 pounds, 11 ounces and 22-inches in length. Makai was born to mother Brianna Puni and father Dallis Johnson. He is the couple’s first child.

Annabelle Perry

Annabelle Perry, born Jan. 2 at St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis to mother Melinda Sanders and father Colton Perry, both of Warrenton, weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces at birth. Annabelle is the couple’s first child. Submitted photos

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January 11, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Growing a ‘Little Bit’ at a time

Submitted photos The Little Bit Foundation works to provide elementary school students in the St. Louis area with basics like uniforms, shoes and school supplies.

Little Bit Foundation providing a future for students with expansion into Riverview Gardens By Nicholas Elmes For the past 15 years, a group of dedicated volunteers has been working to provide a full spectrum of services to school children in need in the St. Louis area. “In that time we have been able to grow and serve a total of 25 schools,” said Founder Rosemary Hanley. “I am so thankful for everyone who rallies around us and sees the difference we are making. We have 14 employees now, but we have thousands of people around us who help us to meet our goals every year. Without those people, we would not be able to do it. She said the success of the nonprofit in recent years had drawn the attention of an anonymous donor who has recently volunteered $250,000 in funding to help the Little Bit Foundation adopt schools in the Riverview Gardens School district with a focus on improving graduation rates. “It is a huge initiative and the donor is asking us to challenge organizations, corporations and companies within the area to get involved in this charge to

make an impact on the community as a whole,” said Hanley. “If we meet our goals then we can look at increasing it to take on even more schools until we cover the whole district.” She said some of the key goals for next year would be to show improvement in attendance and a decrease in discipline. “We go in and adopt schools,” Hanley explained. “We become part of the school community until the need is not there anymore. We address every need a child may have. That is everything from clothing to food to medical care to behavioral health support. We bring services to the school, and we also bring other nonprofits with us to coordinate within the school community. Our main focus is to increase attendance, increase reading proficiency rates and decrease behavioral problems.” Hanley noted that getting the community involved would be key to the success of her organization’s expansion into the Riverview Gardens district. “Our donor said he could fund us and believes in us, but it won’t be until there is swelling of interest from that commu-

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nity that a real change will take place,” she said, noting that the Little Bit Foundation hoped to start with a presence in three schools in the district in the fall with the possibility of starting some interaction with those schools this spring. “We want to get to know the administrations so that we can start strong in the fall,” she said. “We are also looking for financial support and volunteers. We have some great opportunities for corporations to get involved. We have drives that run throughout the year for items that we would prefer not to purchase. There are many, many ways that we are going to need support. Everybody can bring their own talents to Little Bit and we are very good at identifying them and then fitting them into our organization.” And while adopting an entire school district may seem to be a big challenge, Hanley said her organization had the experience to make it a reality. “Right now we ser ve 25 schools and work with 7,000 children,” she said. “Our strategic goal was to adopt 1,000 kids

a year and this is just going to accelerate that growth pattern. We will still be adopting a St. Louis Public school next year and will still be looking for funding for other schools, but this will help us focus a little bit more on the Riverview Gardens District without giving up our other strategic plans. The Little Bit Foundation has had its largest successes working in elementary schools, but also have models for middle schools and are developing a working model for high schools. The organization started in 2001 when Handley helped to distribute coats at an inner city school. “At the time, I had no idea of the depth of poverty over 172,000 children must overcome just minutes from my home,” she said. “Children who are curious, funny and warm, who hope and dream like any other, and whose futures depend on what they are able to do with their education. But consider the obstacles they face. Many go without shoes that fit or clean underwear and socks. They come to school with little more than shirts in the winter months and go home to empty food cabinets. They aren’t prepared with school supplies or have a book to call their own.

Many have undiagnosed health conditions or vision problems that go uncorrected. Some are homeless, touched by violence and constantly on the move. How much can we expect them to concentrate in class or feel good about themselves?” So the Little Bit Foundation focuses on filling those needs. “Our model is very unique,” said Hanley. “It has grown very holistically. We have a team that embeds itself in each school. It is the same group of volunteers that goes into the school every week. They get to know the teachers and principals and understand the needs of the school. We are hyper-focused on individual needs and we are there very week and every year so people get to know us by name. There is a trust and partnership built in each school.” The Little Bit Foundation will be holding a major fundraiser, a popular trivia night, in early March to help make next year’s programing a success. “It is a fun, fun event,” said Hanley. “We have close to 700 people attending each year and everyone is welcome.” To sign up for the trivia night, or to find out more about the Little Bit Foundation, visit http://www.thelittlebitfoundation.org.

Thanks to a new grant, the Little Bit Foundation will be looking to expand into the Riverview Gardens School District to provide basics like new shoes for students.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 11, 2017

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St. Charles has sights on being next ‘Smart City’ The city of St. Charles and St. Charles County jointly have submitted a grant application that would enhance the use of technology in the areas of public safety, health and human services and transportation throughout the region. As part of the smart cities initiative, the Smart Cities Council will award five Smart Cities Council Challenge Grants to help five American cities develop plans for applying smart technologies to improve services and make them more efficient. The grants will benefit the entire community, including vulnerable populations. The city of St. Charles and St. Charles County have developed an application that focuses on three specific areas – transportation, public safety and health and human services – and have held workshops with various community partners that would play a role in any future smart city planning and deployments. All large cities in the county, including St. Peters, O’Fallon, Lake Saint Louis, Cottleville, Weldon Spring and Wentz-

ville, have been engaged in the process and development of the application and have provided written letters of support for the proposal. “We are very excited and grateful for the partnership with St. Charles County on this project,” said Mayor of St. Charles Sally Faith. “The opportunities and ideas presented in this application will allow the city and the county to serve their citizens in the years to come, and will allow us to utilize available technology to benefit the most vulnerable in our area.” One initiative considered in the application includes identifying solutions for better sharing of critical data between various first responder jurisdictions such as police, fire departments and even code enforcement officials. Technology deployments such as integrated software platforms, GPS sensors, and cameras would be potential solutions. “This is a key initiative for St. Charles County,” said County Executive Steve Ehlmann, “and one on which each city’s input is essential. We have many first

Moore On Life

responders in multiple jurisdictions and sharing data is critical to providing complete information to those whose job it is to save lives.” In the area of health and human service, the county and city desire a means of better connecting residents with a wide variety of resources including job and volunteer opportunities, housing assistance, food pantries, etc. Technology, such as mobile apps and kiosks, in key public locations could provide improved accessibility to resources throughout the community. Kiosks in the downtown St. Charles government district also would provide important way-finding assistance, highlight places of interest and include up-to-the minute transportation location information for the St. Charles Trolley. In regard to transportation, the application seeks to reduce congestion, help residents reduce fuel costs and improve safety by developing plans to improve lighting and parking systems in downtown St. Charles for bicyclists, pedestrians and

drivers, and to provide quicker access to local businesses and festivals. CBB Transportation Engineers and Planners, a Midwest firm that provides traffic engineering and transportation planning solutions for safer, more sustainable, and economically vibrant communities, consulted on the application process. “CBB is excited to work with the city of St. Charles and St. Charles County to make the region safer, more accessible and better connected through partnerships and technology,” said Shawn Leight, COO of CBB. “Both the city and county have the proven leadership, vision and resolve that it takes to make the projects within the grant application successful, and I am happy to be part of the team.” Applications for the Smart Cities Council Challenge Grant were due by Dec. 31, 2016 and winners will be selected and announced by Jan. 31. For more information on the program, visit www. smartcitiescouncil.com

By Cindy Moore www.accents-salon.com

Surviving the New Year It’s a new year and what better way to ring in 2017 than with a full blown case of the flu. I’ve been lying in bed since 2016 scribbling notes. Should I pass and anyone wants to make a documentary about my last days; here’s how it went: Day one: My head feels like someone opened my skull and dumped both of my cats inside then tossed in a pit bull for kicks and giggles. My felines do not play well with others. They are not interspecies friendly. In fact, they barely tolerate their humans – the ones who feed them special fishy-shaped kitty treats and clean out their pootie box daily! Day two: A giant elephant has trudged all the way up from the Congo and decided to perch atop my chest! Get off, you big fat fatty! Do I look like a giant peanut!? Not good…can’t breathe! Day three: Everything aches. Who knew toenails had nerve endings? Even my skin hurts. It feels like all seven of my grand kiddies are using me as a piece of playground equipment and climbing and crawling and elbowing and shoving one another on top and over me. Someone

please dump a bag of lollipops out on the front porch to lure them away! Day four: I cannot move for fear of pain. I am as immobilized as a giant manatee in spandex leggings. I can’t watch TV because my eyes burn; I can’t listen to TV because my ears ache; I can’t tell my husband to turn off the TV because my throat hurts and my voice is gone and the elephant on my chest invited his girlfriend along. They are using me as a couch cushion to watch TV. I can only drool slightly and twitch my left pinky finger. My husband takes this to mean I want the lights on and the volume up! Day five: I have downed many narcotics and medicinal substances. I have pickled and preserved myself so much so that I have become self-embalmed. My husband will be delighted with the rebate he gets at my funeral. These vile pharmaceuticals were marketed to tempt me into taking them with names such as Fruity Cherry, Grapey Grape www.krekeler.com and Luscious Lemon. All lies! I have more fitting terms for these false flavors. More like: Icky Insecticide, Tangy Turpentine and,

Tastes Like Toilet Bowl Cleanser. Day six: I have been in the same pair of pajamas for many, oh so many days now. Oh dear Lord above…that means ditto for the underwear. I’m sure when the paramedics come to retrieve my body it will be on a Saturday and my unders will be stamped with Monday and they will include that foul tidbit in my obituary. I must survive! Day seven: I have willed myself to sit upright, if only for the appearance to be among the living. In response my husband turned on the lights and upped the TV volume. I may not survive. 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.

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School

January 11, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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 360 families and nearly 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 worked 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. “Countless businesses, community organizations, congregations, student groups, staff and individuals generously donated in the heartwarming effort to ensure every WSD

student who needed it had a little something to open for the holidays,” said WSD Director of Community Relations Mary LaPak. “This is truly a remarkable example of people coming together for kids and a reminder of how fortunate we all are to live and work in such a caring community.” The Wentzville School District would like to extend special thanks to the following for their contributions in the holiday effort to assist district families: Etrailer.com, Morning Star Church, Wentzville NEA, Calvary Church, Wentzville United Methodist Church, The Way Church, Immanuel Lutheran School/Families, Andrews Academy, Love in The Name of Christ (LINC), Lear Corporation, Air Evac Lifeteam and Saints Joachim & Ann Care Services.

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District This year, over 360 families and nearly 1,000 WSD students received gifts in the coordinated effort to help families in need. 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.

Fort Zumwalt School District Board of Education fills vacancy

WSD receives clean ‘Unmodified’ financial audit

Photo courtesy Fort Zumwalt School District

Louie Gilbert (center) and Craig Moore (right) were sworn into the Fort Zumwalt School District Board of Education by Board Secretary Tammy Breen in December. Gilbert and Moore were appointed to fill the posts of Brent Meyers, who resigned in October and Barbara Benson, who resigned in November. Each has moved from the district, making them ineligible to serve. The Board of Education took applications and conducted interviews before nominating and appointing Gilbert and Moore, who will serve until voters choose new board members with the April 4 election. In Fort Zumwalt, there are three, three-year positions up for election. Voters also will select one board member to serve the remaining one year of Benson’s previously elected term (2015-2018). Board of Education members in Missouri serve three-year terms. They are volunteers who are elected at large, meaning they have no party affiliation or region of the district to serve. Filings for the April election close at 5 p.m., Jan. 17.

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Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Teacher Sarah Gerson stands with students at Discovery Ridge Elementary in the Wentzville School District.

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, 2016. 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 Business Department, all accounting practices, financial records and management complied with state and federal requirements.

“We are very proud to have 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 explosive growth, we are mindful of that trust and strive to stretch every dollar to meet the needs of our students.” In 2015-16, the district’s total revenues were just under $226 million and the total expenditures were just under $212 million. The WSD ended Fiscal Year 2016 with over $52 million in operating fund reserves, which is 34.71 percent of the district’s annual operating expenditures.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 11, 2017

Coldwell Banker Gundaker brings holiday gifts to more than 65 children in foster care Coldwell Banker Gundaker sales associates and employees shared the true spirit of the holidays by collecting and delivering gifts for more than 65 children in the St. Charles Division of Family Services foster care program on Dec. 16. Coldwell Banker Gundaker President Jim Dohr and staff delivered truckloads of colorfully wrapped gifts for local children to make their holidays brighter. Sales associates from each of the area’s 19 Coldwell Banker Gundaker branches participated in buying clothing, shoes, toys and wish list items for each child ranging in ages from six months to 19 years old. “We know how much receiving even one gift means to these children at this time of year,” said Jim Dohr. “The overwhelming generosity and commitment of our sales associates and staff has made this mission possible for more than 21 years. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all of our associates who contributed and made a difference this holiday season.”

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Submitted photo Coldwell Banker Gundaker President Jim Dohr (right) and Print Shop Production Manager Robert Totterer, load toys, clothes and “wish list” gifts for more than 65 children in the foster care program of the St. Charles Division of Family Services. The holiday gifts are made possible by the generous donations of the company’s independent sales associates and employees. The program has been an annual company tradition for more than 21 years.

St. Charles to host workforce recruitment program Citing an effort to assist existing industries, the city of St. Charles’ Economic Development Department has unveiled a cutting edge workforce recruitment program for 2017. On March 28 the city, EDC Business & Community Partners and the St. Charles County Workforce Development Office will be joined by several St. Charles businesses to host a special career fair in Effingham, Illinois. “It is not unusual for communities to travel to other states to recruit industries. We are taking that concept to the next level to address our noted labor shortage,” stated St. Charles Economic Development Director David Leezer. This unique program was developed as a retention tool to aid existing St. Charles businesses. “There is no doubt this is a different venture,” stated Leezer, “However, due to the fact St. Charles County is near full employment, we must take a new perspective in recruiting workforce for our local industries.” “Customer service to existing industries is our highest priority and this is our way of attempting

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to address the workforce gap that many St. Charles companies are experiencing.” Leezer stated the Effingham region was chosen because of its close proximity to St. Charles. “That part of Illinois is about 60 to 90 minutes away, so commuting to our region should not be a problem. Hopefully, the new employees will recognize our numerous quality of life assets and eventually become St. Charles residents.” Leezer added political and economic conditions in the state also play a factor in the campaign. “Southern Illinois University – Carbondale recently issued a report stating nearly 50 percent of Generation X and Millennials want to leave Illinois. Two prominent reasons were the considerably high tax structure and the extreme dysfunction in the state. By contrast, Missouri’s reputation for stable government operations and low taxes – both at the state and local levels – is an attractive feature for these individuals,” Leezer added. While more details will be forthcoming, Leezer stated that a number of St. Charles industries have expressed interest in participating in the recruitment fair.

Sports

January 11, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

“Community News hits all areas for all ages.” -Reader ’s comment, 2016

Why do you read the Community News? Pick up your copy at a newsstand today or check us out online, www.mycnews.com

Two UMSL soccer players excel on and off the field The University of Missouri–St. Louis men’s soccer team motored down the highway toward the site of one out-oftown game this past fall. Senior defenders Evan Garrad and Joe Rund were part of the group, putting it all into perspective. The two Triton players are prospective medical students and have gotten used to talking about some pretty weighty subjects while together on the road. If it wasn’t an existential discussion, it was a problem that came up in one of their biochemistry classes. “We’re always doing school work,” said Garrad, who often sat next to Rund during bus rides, each with headphones in his ears so he could better focus on course work. Rund holds a 4.0 grade-point average while majoring in biology, and Garrad has a 3.98 while majoring in biochemistry and biotechnology. On the field, they contribute to a defense that posted a goals-against average of 1.13 throughout a 10-7-1 season – along with some of their extracurricular pursuits that were enough to land both Rund and Garrad recognition as first-team Academic All-Americans, as chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Go to www.UMSLTritons.com for more information. ~~~The buddy system works Harris from Lindenwood gets two more postseason invitations Connor Harris is a three-time All-American, part of the All-American first team at the linebacker position and a fivetime member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. At the first of the year, he was invited to attend the 2017 National Football League combine for only the elite players in the nation. Along with that, he has an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl Football Classic. He already will be part of the squad of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Jan. 21 in Carson, California. He is on the radar of many of the professional scouts. For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com ~~~ Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information

www.CenterPointeHospital.com www.CenterPointeHospital.com

Motorcycle racing on ice XIIR, (Xtreme International Ice Racing) is a professional racing tour on ice that is a challenge for both man and machine going from 0-60 mph in under three seconds. There are over 2,000 metal studs added to the tires and there are no brakes! It is the fastest sport on ice and one of the fastest sports in the world. The rush of so much power and speed on something as unpredictable as ice and has whipped audiences into a frenzy and gained new fans across the country. The main event consists of six riders for six laps. See all the excitement on Jan. 28 at the Family Arena with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Go to www.FamilyArena.com for more info ~~~A must see event A large gathering of the former players in the Bud Sports Leagues If you were part of the Budweiser League years ago, you need to attend this group of players that were part of the league in yesteryears. Saturday, Jan. 14 from noon to four, you will reminisce with so called “studs” of their era and chat about the past years. Hot Shots restaurant on highway 94 in St. Charles will be the place to be to share a few memories. Contact Mark Allen Lynch on Facebook to get more details. Come see me, Gary B, as I share some stories. ~~~Renew old friendships and make a few new ones.

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.

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 11, 2017

Party-perfect flavors to savor with friends

Learn & Play

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.

Red Velvet Cupcakes Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research Servings: 12

Ingredients: 1 cup canned beets, drained 1/2 cup reduced-fat buttermilk, divided 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, unbleached all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa, plus 1-2 tablespoons for decorating 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/3 cup canola oil, chilled 3/4 cup sugar 1 large egg, cold Cream Cheese Frosting: 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar 4 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese 1/2-1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Drop paper liners into 12-cavity muffin pan. Working knife up and down in measuring cup, coarsely chop beets. Place beets in blender, add 1/4 cup buttermilk and blend until beets are finely chopped. Add remaining buttermilk, vinegar and vanilla and blend to puree. Set beet mixture aside.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

In small bowl, combine flour, 6 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, and set aside. In medium bowl, combine oil and sugar. With hand mixer on medium speed, mix until sugar is evenly moistened. Add cold egg and beat on high until mixture resembles mayonnaise and sugar is almost completely dissolved, 90 seconds. Add beet mixture and beat until combined. Sift dry ingredients into bowl and mix, either on low speed or by hand until combined with wet ingredients. Divide batter evenly among lined muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake cupcakes 28-30 minutes, or until tops feel springy. Immediately transfer cupcakes to wire rack and cool completely before frosting. Ice cupcakes, using about 1 tablespoon frost-

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Cinnamon Honey Buns Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 12

Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened and divided 1/2 cup honey, divided 1/2 cup chopped, toasted nuts (optional) 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed according to package directions 2/3 cup raisins Directions: Grease 12 muffin cups with 1 tablespoon butter. To prepare honey nut topping: Mix together 1 tablespoon butter, 1/4 cup honey and chopped nuts, if desired. Place 1 teaspoon topping in each muffin cup.

To prepare buns: Mix together remaining butter, remaining honey and cinnamon. Roll out bread dough onto floured surface into 18-by8-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough. Sprinkle evenly with raisins. Starting with long side, roll dough into log. Cut log into 12 slices, 1 1/2 inches each. Place one slice, cut-side up, into each prepared muffin cup. Set muffin pan in warm place; let dough rise 30 minutes. Heat oven to 375 F. Place muffin pan on foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, or until buns are golden brown. Remove from oven; cool in pan 5 minutes. Invert muffin pan to remove buns.

ing for each. Place remaining cocoa in strainer and sprinkle over frosted cupcakes. If desired, let cupcakes sit at room temperature to allow frosting to set, about 2 hours. Note: Frosted cupcakes can sit at room temperature for up to 12 hours. To make Cream Cheese Frosting: In small bowl, work sugar and cream cheese together with wooden spoon or hand mixer until combined. Mix in vanilla. Note: Frosting is best when refrigerated 8 hours or overnight, loosely covered, before using. It keeps in refrigerator 5 days.

See solution on page 13

Crossword Puzzle – FAMOUS INVENTIONS ACROSS 1. The Mamas & the ____ 6. Clingy plant 9. Half of Brangelina 13. Poem at a funeral 14. 2nd largest bird in the world 15. Palm grease 16. Abraham’s original name 17. *Columbia introduced the 33 1/3 ___ record 18. Painting support 19. *Originally known as safety cushion assembly 21. *Penny Farthing, e.g. 23. G in music 24. Damp and musty 25. Teacher org. 28. Locus, pl. 30. Opposite of cantata 35. Tiny leftovers 37. Jimmy Kimmel, e.g. 39. Fat cat in the Orient 40. *You can do this from afar with a telescope 41. Certain saxes 43. Org. headquartered in Brussels 44. Not Doric nor Corinthian 46. Novice 47. Ponzi scheme, e.g. 48. “____ ____! This is the police!” 50. Trunk extension 52. Priestly garb 53. Sound of a bell 55. Deadeye’s forte 57. *Aid for the blind 61. Inquirers 64. Soup dispenser 65. ____ of war 67. Homeric epic 69. Like Tower of Pisa 70. North American country 71. Incessantly 72. Risky business, pl. 73. p in mph 74. Coastal feature DOWN 1. “The Princess and the ____” fairy tale 2. “Fantastic Four” actress 3. ____wig or ____winkle 4. Petri dish jellies 5. It can be a mark, sign or word 6. Cause of Titanic’s demise 7. Strike caller 8. Cuban dance

9. Donkey cry 10. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 11. Cain’s unfortunate brother 12. Mark for omission 15. Call with a wave 20. Hello in 50th state 22. Deporting agency 24. Make moonshine, e.g. 25. *Jonas Salk’s conquest 26. Group of apes 27. Do penitence 29. *Early gun maker 31. Grannies 32. Manila hemp 33. Bottom line 34. *Manhattan Project invention 36. Largest organ of human body 38. Reality TV’s Spelling

42. Technical term for human bodies 45. Veal serving 49. Neighbor of Ger. 51. *Clothing named after a site of A-bomb testing 54. Reduce pressure 56. Cantaloupe, e.g. 57. Spill the beans 58. Relative speed of change 59. Miners’ passage 60. Misfortunes 61. #4 Down, sing. 62. Cambodian currency 63. Not loony 66. Put into service 68. *Nobel Prize-winning insecticidal, now banned See solution on page 13

What’s Happening

January 11, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Jan. 12: Preschool open house and art fair

Adam Lamb Preschool Open House and Art Fair takes place from 5:30. to 8 p.m.at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Come and enjoy children’s artwork and meet the Adam Lamb Preschool staff. For those interested, a tour of the facilities will take place at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.adamlambpreschool.com or call 636-561-5203.

Jan. 13: Bunco bash

The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary 7198 is hosting a Bunco Bash at the Pezold Banquet Center at 5701 Highway N, in Cottleville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Net proceeds to benefit Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service. Contact Mary at 636-240-6078 for more information.

Jan 14: Theater auditions

Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “Aesop’s Musical Foibles” at 9 a.m. in the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building auditorium on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Auditions will consist of a song that will be taught, cold readings from the script and basic movement. Children auditioning should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and must be accompanied by an adult. Performances will be at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 18, and 2 p.m. Feb. 19. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636-922-8233.

Jan. 15: Country music concert

The Gateway Country Music Association presents their Winter Show at Wentzville Holt High School, C. H. Jones Auditorium Show starting at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at door or reserved seats by calling Beverly at 636-384-0916 or Dean at 636795-2014.

Jan. 25: Community awareness night

An opportunity for parents and residents to learn more about the heroin and opioid prescription crisis in St. Charles County will take place from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Fort Zumwalt East

High School Auditorium at 600 First Executive Dr. in St. Peters. Presenters will facilitate break-out discussions after the opening presentation. Presenters include: Detective Juan Wilson, St. Charles City Police Department; Special Agent Tim McDermott, Drug Enforcement Agency; Tim Lohmar, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney; Cassie Morris, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Lisa Cassidy and Kyle Gaines, St. Charles Co. Ambulance District and Beth Sailors, Preferred Family Health. Drug deactivation pouches will be available courtesy Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County. Childcare will be courtesy East High National Honor Society.

Jan. 27-29: Marian Conference

18th Annual Marian Conference takes place at the Renaissance Hotel. Speakers include Bishop Robert Hermann, Fr. Bing; Fr. Anthony Gramlich, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ; Fr. Tom Sullivan; Elizabeth Ficocelli; Msgr. Charles Magnan; Msgr. Eugene Morris; Wayne Weible. Please visit stlmarianconference.net or call 314-423-1075 for additional information.

Jan. 29: All-you-can-eat breakfast and blood drive

The Knights of Columbus at St. Robert Bellarmine Church (1424 First Capitol Drive South in St. Charles) will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes: made to order omelets, pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee Cost for adults is $7, for children six to 11 is $4 and children five-and-under are free. In addition a blood drive will be held at the same time as the breakfast. Those who donate blood that day will receive a free breakfast. For additional information please call 636-946-6799.

Jan. 29: Church membership class

Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie will begin Inquiry Class (Membership Class) Jan. 29. This class is designed to teach about the rich history of Dardenne Church, what it means to be Presbyterian, and how you can get more involved in the life and work of Christ’s church on earth. Sessions are held on Sunday mornings during the 11 a.m. worship hour for five weeks. The last class will be held on Feb. 26.

Pre-register by calling the church office. If you have questions, please contact the church office at 636-561-4347 or office.admins@dpc4u.org.

Jan. 29: Quilt social bingo

ing, be sure to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located inside St. Peters City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.

St. Patrick Parish in Wentzville would like to invite area bingo players to the Annual Quilt Social for your chance to win a beautiful quilt. Doors open at 12 p.m., with soup, sandwiches and dessert available for purchase. Bingo begins at 1 p.m., with 25 games played, and a quilt won every fifth game. Other prizes include embroidered pillowcases and towels (no cash prizes). Proceeds to benefit the St. Patrick Home and School Association. For questions, contact Valerie at 636-3329225, ext.222 or valerie@stpatsch.org.

Feb. 18: Bowling fundraiser

Jan. 31: Choral rehearsals

March 2: Financial series for women

Love to sing? New singers are welcome to join. Auditions are not required. Choral Arts Singers begin weekly rehearsals on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Please stop by rehearsal and consider joining. Rehearsal is located at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake Saint Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. Concerts are being planned with local high schools to be presented in late April or early May.

Feb. 4: Scrapbooking day

Scrapbooking Day for Fort Zumwalt East High School Grad Night 2017 takes place at Harvester Church of the Nazarene at 3115 McClay Rd. in St. Peters from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Half-day price is available. Electric is available; bring extension cords. There will be a goodie bag, attendance prizes, games and snacks. Pre-cut FZE items for sale to benefit Grad Night, plus: Creative Memories Advisor Cindy Lawrence will have supplies on hand. A portion of the Creative Memories sales goes to Grad Night. Questions? Contact Laura Wagner at laura.wag1017@gmail.com.

Feb. 4: Daddy-daughter sweetheart dance

Dads, grandpas and uncles, treat your special little girl (age 2 -12) to a lovely evening filled with games, music, dinner and dancing at the Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance. The event will be held from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon. Formal attire is required and each young lady will receive a long-stemmed bouquet. Tickets can be purchased through Jan. 19, or until the dance fills, whichever comes first; tickets will not be available at the gate. The cost per couple is $40 for O’Fallon residents and $45 for non-residents; add $20 for an additional child. A professional photographer will be available to take photos for an additional fee. Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance registration is available at www.ofallon.mo.us/Parks&Rec; enter course number 310103-A. Or, register in person at the Renaud Spirit Center at 2650 Tri Sports Circle or the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 400 Civic Park Drive. For assistance in registering call staff at 636-4742732 during regular business hours. For more information, please contact Recreation Specialist Danielle Reecht at 636-474-8111.

Feb. 14: Time for Tea speaker series

The Time for Tea speaker series returns to the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre from 1-3 p.m. with Emmy-Award winning voice talent and professional actor, Mary Saputo. Mary will bring back great memories of a bygone era with a presentation on America’s Sweetheart, Shirley Temple. Those attending are encouraged to bring along any Shirley Temple memorabilia you have to share with the group. The cost is $10 per person and includes dessert, tea and/ or coffee. St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre members receive $1 off admission. Register in person at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre or by phone at 636397-6903, ext. 1624. When register-

The Tri County Citizens Advisory Board invites you to the 18th Annual Crazy Bowl at O’Fallon Bowling Lane at 420 Sonderen St. in O’Fallon. Registration is at 5:30 p.m., 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 is available. To reserve your place call Esther Angelos at 636-441-0329 or Melinda Oliver at 636-940-3333 ext. 240. Ninety percent of your contribution is tax deductible as allowed by law.

A Women’s Financial Education Series to be offered this spring is designed to help individuals, especially women, increase their current level of financial knowledge, develop confidence in their decision-making ability, and gain control of their lives through informed money management. This five-session series will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, March 2 through March 30. The location is St. Charles Community College at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. The sessions will focus on financial management, credit, insurance, planning for retirement, investing and estate planning. The cost of the program is $49; scholarships are available. Each participant will receive a financial workbook and many other resources. This financial program is sponsored by University of Missouri Extension, St. Charles Community College and other local coalition members. For information, contact Suzanne Gellman at 636-9703000 or email gellmans@missouri.edu. To register, call 636-922-8233 or register online at www.stchas.edu/coned. Visit http://extension.missouri.edu/ wfes for more information. University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all.

March 24: Country music concert

Country artists Leona and Ron Williams will appear at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre Performing Arts Theatre at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets for $13.99 (plus service fee of 3.5 percent) by calling 1-800-838-3006 or online at brownpapertickets.com. Any seats still available will be $20 at the door. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.

ONGOING EVENTS

Sundays and Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

The Central Missouri Railroad Association meets at Suite 20 in the Warrenton Outlet Mall. 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 Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more info call 636-2795522 or 636-456-0776.

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 Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Grace at 636-9464687.

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.

1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting

6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480.

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.

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.

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

6:30 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy. 636.219.0553.

Every Monday: St. Peters Rotary Club Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Every Monday: 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.

Every Monday, 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).

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

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: 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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 11, 2017 served our country and share your experience.

Tuesday and Friday Evenings: Tae Kwon Do Classes

Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. For more information, call 636.561.4347.

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society 6:30pm at various locations. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org; Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America

7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www. showmestitchers.com.

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.

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club

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

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

Noon-1 p.m. at Bogey Hills Country Club at 1120 Country Club Rd. in St. Charles. Membership in Kiwanis offers you the opportunity to benefit your community and its youth by serving with like-minded people. If you are interested in making a positive impact for generations to come, please join us. For more information please call 636-448-4277. You can also find us at 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: 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: 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 & 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: 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.

Every Wednesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

8-9:30pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to 6th grade and up. Bring a light and dark shirt for different teams.

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.

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.

Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club

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

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.

Every Wednesday. Kiwanis Club of Harvester monthly meeting.

Noon, Fratelli’s Restorante, 2061 Zumbehl Road in St Charles. For more information, please contact kellenj@ATT.net

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday: Winfield Foley Firefighters Association Bingo.

Doors open at 5:00 pm, bingo at 6:30 pm. Bingo hall is next door to County Market in the Winfield Plaza on Hwy 47. For more information, call 636566-6621 or 636-566-8406.

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 communi-

ty. 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: 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 636-357-1387.

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

What’s Happening

Every Thursday: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 7-7:55pm Any 636.928.1928.

level.

Info:

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.

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.

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 Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting

3rd Thursday of each month: 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.

Thursdays: Rotary Club breakfast

Every Thursday at 7:30 a.m., except the last Thursday of the month, the O’Fallon Rotary Club meets for breakfast at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Gym at 8945 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. We are a fraternal group that does good in the community and worldwide while having fun.

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.

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

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 Samstag 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/

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

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

Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry

3rd Saturdays: Restore St. Charles Work Day.

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

8-11am or later in the food court at Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters.

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.

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

SUDOKU answers from page 11

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

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

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. CROSSWORD answers from page 11

January 11, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Movie

“La La Land”

By Steve Bryan

‘La La Land’ takes you to a pretty special place Hollywood produces more than enough romantic comedies and love stories throughout the year, but none quite like “La La Land.” Writer/director Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”) takes the “boy meets girl” plotline and makes it fresh and engaging. It’s a film with characters and situations that reel the viewer in and don’t let go until the closing credits. Emma Stone turns in a winning performance as Mia, a would-be actress who left home to come to Hollywood to make her mark. Working as a barista in a studio lot coffee shop, she deals with executives and famous performers on a daily basis. Between shifts, Mia also goes to as many casting calls as her work schedule will allow. Mia meets Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a musician with a passion for traditional jazz. Making his living playing piano at local restaurants, he often gets into trouble for deviating from the required playlist. Mia and Sebastian’s relationship often is antagonistic and borderline hostile, but they are drawn to each other in this land of dreams. In the first few minutes, “La La Land” features an elaborate song-and-dance number set on a gridlocked California highway. It’s a brilliant bit of business, but it almost makes the film seem like a parody of old school musicals. Director Damien Chazelle allows the audience to think that while captivating the viewer with great dialogue and performances. Emma Stone is amazing as Mia, who represents the dreams of countless young actresses. The audition process hasn’t changed that much over the years, and Mia navigates a minefield of competition and distracted casting directors. The lovely Stone captures the passion and frustration of a Hollywood nobody, being so close to her dream on the studio lot and yet so far away.

Ryan Gosling’s Sebastian is the perfect complement to Stone’s character. Forced to play holiday ditties for his demanding boss, Sebastian wants to open his own club and play the music he is passionate about. Like many creative people, he puts his dreams on hold to make a living. At one point, he is offered a career-making opportunity, but it requires selling out. Chazelle tells Mia and Sebastian’s story with a tip of his director’s cap to the great musicals of the 1940’s and 50’s. In one lovely sequence, Stone and Gosling do an impromptu tap dance number under the stars. Before starting their dance, however, Mia takes the time to put on her dancing shoes. One can almost see them channeling Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in these moments. This is a movie that hits all the right notes, from the rude finger gesture that starts the key relationship to the final moments. Chazelle knows how to create characters and has been blessed with Stone and Gosling as his leads. 2016 did not produce a lot of great films, but “La La Land” is rather special. “La La Land,” rated PG-13 for some language, currently is playing in theaters. Photo courtesy Lionsgate 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.

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