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January 31, 2018

The fabric of history

Around Town

Ambulance district, BJC offer free training and screenings. P.2 O’Fallon Parks and Recreation offering day trips to fun and famous destinations. P.6

Healthy Living

Kickstarting your weight loss resolution. P.5

School

Elaine Ooley with VFW Post 388 members (from left) Oliver McGuire, Jim Griesemauer and Paul Ludy.

Submitted photos

Quilts of Valor honors 104-year-old St. Charles woman for service during World War II as a Veteran of the Women’s Corps By Brett Auten Friends and family gathered at the Breeze Park Senior Living Community to honor the 104-year-old St. Charles woman for her service during World War II. Ooley enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served as an aircraft dispatcher at Kirtland Air Force Base from 1943 until the end of the war. Ooley is believed to be the oldest living Women’s Air Corps veteran in the United States. She was recognized by the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Quilts of Valor are presented as a symbol of comfort and peace to selected veterans across the country who have been touched by the effects of war. The ceremony was a put together in a snap as Ooley’s friend, Glennine Schoen, got in touch with Linda Kuennen, of the Peacemakers Heritage Quilts in Florence, Arizona, and told her of her Ooley’s service and upcoming birthday. Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Spring presented Ooley with a copy of a special proclamation he Sen. Bill Eigel presents Elaine Ooley with a Special State Proclamation honoring her service. will read on the Senate floor to publicly

recognize Elaine for her service. At the event, Ooley told her story of service in World War II through the eyes of a woman. She spoke to the room and was very thankful to everyone involved that made it happen. “I was completely awestruck,” Ooley said. “I had never had attention and love quite like that. I have never had so many photos taken of me.” Ooley said she plans on keeping the quilt around for a time but would like to donate it to a local VFW so it could be on display for others to see. “It is such a gorgeous quilt, and it’s museum quality,” she said. “I will enjoy it with my friends, but I would like somewhere we can hang it as a tribute. It is such beautiful work, and I haven’t seen anything like it in some time.” Tammy Hampen is the Executive Director of the Breeze Park senior living community. “(Elaine) is a chatty Cathy and very funny,” Hampen said. “She is an amazing woman and a fighter. She gets tickled every time I tell her that, but it’s true.” See ‘FABRIC OF HISTORY’ page 2

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 20 No. 5 | 636-379-1775

Kindergarten registration begins for Francis Howell. P.8

Movie

‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ is an Oscar front-runner. P.16

Weather FRIDAY Sunny 33/22 SATURDAY Partly Sunny; Rain/Snow Late 44/26 SUNDAY Chance of Rain/ Snow 36/13 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.

Around Town

January 31, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘FABRIC OF HISTORY’ Continued from cover

Elaine Ooley with VFW Post 388 in St. Charles members Jim Griesenauer (right), Oliver McGuire (center) Paul Ludy (left).

Ooley was asked to give some life advice. “She was asked, ‘what were her keys to success?’ and she said the key is not to worry about the small things and to worry about what you can control and to leave the big things up to God,” Hampen said. Ooley is a 34-year volunteer for the American Legion Post 388 – who also lent a hand in getting the ceremony put together and the St. Louis Veterans Home. Her first husband, Capt. Fred Brown was a Pearl Harbor survivor. “This came as a total surprise,” Ooley said. “I didn’t even have time to think about it. I didn’t know a thing about the Quilt of Valor, and as I was sitting there I told (Hampen), ‘I’m not ready for this.’ and she said, ‘but they’re ready for you, honey.’” Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information to editor@mycnews.com.

(Top) Linda Kuennen of Peacemaker Heritage Quilts presides over the ceremony. (Right) The back of the quilt shows the information about Elaine Ooley that was stitched into the quilt and personalized for her WWII service.

Ambulance District, BJC celebrate Heart Month with free training, screenings at Mid Rivers Mall The phrase ‘shop till you drop’ has been around for ages, but according to the American Heart Association [AHA], an overwhelming number of Americans would feel ‘helpless’ to act if someone near them in a mall, grocery store or other public venue were to collapse following a sudden cardiac arrest. The AHA reports an astonishing 70 percent of Americans would not know what to do in this situation. On Saturday, Feb. 10, St. Charles County Ambulance District [SCCAD] paramedics and the team at BJC Healthcare will celebrate Heart Month with Lifesaver CPR at Mid Rivers Mall - a free, family-friendly training event aimed at helping individuals throughout the metro area learn the skills needed to help a victim of sudden cardiac arrest or choking. Training will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and typically takes about 15 minutes to complete. “The common denominator in virtually all successful cardiac arrest resuscitations is good-quality CPR prior to paramedics’ arrival,” said SCCAD Deputy Chief Medical Director John Romeo, “Bystanders are a vital link in the chain of survival, and our goal with Lifesaver CPR is to give residents of our community the knowledge and confidence to intervene during a cardiac emergency.” Paramedics encourage families with children of all ages to attend the training - though young children may not have the strength to perform chest compressions, they’re still learning proper rate, rhythm and technique that they could pass along to another rescuer in the event of an emergency. Also at the event, BJC invites attendees to utilize the Know Your Numbers kiosk - a unique device designed to measure blood pressure, body mass index, and pulse rate. Nurses also will be on hand to

Participants in last year’s Lifesaver CPR event at Mid Rivers Mall.

check total cholesterol and blood glucose – two other key metrics that play a role in cardiac health. “This event is a great opportunity for families to come out to the mall and learn important information that could save a life,” said Dr. David Fouts, medical director for the emergency department at Progress West Hospital. “We’re excited to partner with SCCAD again this year to inform people of ways to save the lives of others and steps they can take to improve their

Photo courtesy SCCAD

own health, as well.” This marks the second time that BJC and SCCAD have come together at Mid Rivers Mall for Lifesaver CPR – last year’s event saw more than 350 individuals from around the metro area come together to learn this important life-saving skill. Lifesaver CPR is intended to provide base knowledge to lay rescuers; it does not yield a certification card that may be required by some workplaces.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 31, 2018

Foley Baptist Church remains committed to food pantry

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Submitted photo A $1,000 Operation Round Up grant was recently presented to Foley Baptist Church to help stock its food pantry shelves. The pantry is open from 9-10 a.m. on the last Saturday of the month. Pictured (front row from left) are Dot Jenkins, Bertina Bromwich, Sylvia Cannon, (back row, from left) Jenny Jordan, Deb Wallace and Mary Jane Clark, Cuivre River Electric manager of communications.

The Cuivre River Community Trust Board has awarded a $1,000 grant to Foley Baptist Church to help operate its food pantry. The funds will be used to purchase food items and other products to keep the pantry’s shelves stocked. The pantry, located inside the church at 517 Elm Street, is open from 9 to 10 a.m. on the last Saturday of the month. An average of eight to 10 people are helped monthly, though the need has been as high as 15. Volunteers are concerned the monthly demand may increase now that the Elsberry Food Pantry has closed. “We’re not going to let anybody go hungry,” said Deb Wallace, who helps manage the food pantry. “We never want to refuse anyone.”

The food pantry was started in the early 1990s by Bertina Bromwich and her late husband John, longtime church members. While the responsibilities have shifted to other congregation members such as Wallace, the church and its congregation remains committed to help area residents in need. The pantry is self-funded by the congregation, with a church-wide food drive also held and donations accepted from others in the area. Volunteers are grateful for the Operation Round Up grant. “The money will last a long time,” Wallace said. To learn more about the food pantry or to make a donation, contact Wallace at 573-898-5113.

Coordinated Entry provides one-stop assistance for people experiencing homelessness The Community Council of St. Charles County and the Tri-County Continuum of Care announce the opening of their Coordinated Entry case management center to serve people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless in St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren County. The center, accessible by calling United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline, provides clients with access to more than 40 housing programs serving the region. According to Todd Barnes, Community Council’s Executive Director, “Currently, people who are homeless must call each housing provider directly and complete a separate assessment for every agency. Through Coordinated Entry, they can call a single phone number and complete a single assessment to access the services they need.” Coordinated Entry also provides a simpler, more coordinated process when police, hospital personnel, schools, churches and others in the community assist people who are homelessness. For the agencies providing housing services, Coordinated Entry reduces time spent on phone inquiries and assessments, so they can focus staff time on stabilizing housing for their clients. When an individual or family contacts Coordinated Entry, they will first receive triage to determine if emergency shelter is needed. Then, a case manager will conduct a standardized, researchbased assessment, which determines eligibil-

ity for housing programs and assigns a vulnerability score for prioritizing services. Those with high vulnerability will be referred to an available housing program for which they qualify. If no program openings are available at the time of the assessment, the individual or family will be placed on a community waiting list. While waiting for services, they will receive ongoing case management, including assistance with developing a personalized housing stability plan. The case management team will also assist anyone not qualifying for housing services with completing their housing stability plan and connecting to support services through churches, small nonprofits and other community organizations. Coordinated Entry is mandated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for communities receiving federal homeless funding. In St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren Counties, funding for Coordinated Entry was provided in part by Missouri Foundation for Health. The foundation is a resource for the region, working with communities and nonprofits to generate and accelerate positive changes in health. As a catalyst for change, the foundation improves the health of Missourians through a combination of partnership, experience, knowledge and funding. Other partners contributing to Coordinated Entry include local municipalities, hospital systems, churches and social service agencies.

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January 31, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Rett Syndrome Foundation to host 11th Strollathon

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Submitted photo The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF), now known as Rettsyndrome.org, will host its 11th annual St. Louis Strollathon on May 5 with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10 a.m.

The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF), now known as Rettsyndrome.org, will host its 11th annual St. Louis Strollathon on May 5 with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10 a.m. The one-mile family-friendly stroll, which will be held at the JCC-St. Louis located at 2 Millstone Campus Dr., includes a visit from Fredbird, entertainment and food. All proceeds will benefit Rett Syndrome research. Each year’s event has had 500-plus participants, and more than $600,000 total has been raised from the past 10 walks. The Strollathon program, Rettsyndrome.org’s signature fundraising event, has brought families together to fundraise and to strengthen the local Rett community since 2004. Strollathons have raised a grand total of nearly $12 million nationwide for research treatments and a cure in the last 14 years. St. Louis features a specialty clinic to care for and support children with Rett Syndrome and Rett-related disorders. The clinic is a collaboration between Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Patients and their families have the opportunity to meet with several health care providers including neurology, therapy, and nutrition along with other needed specialists. The clinic – which was

named one of 14 Rett syndrome clinical research centers of excellence – has a team of specialists with substantial experience in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of individuals with Rett syndrome. By partnering with families and community healthcare providers, the clinic delivers care that is comprehensive and appropriate for a family’s individual needs. Rett syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in females and becomes apparent after 6-18 months of early normal development. It results in a regression that leads to lifelong impairments. Those inflicted with this disorder have multiple dysfunctions: speech is lost, seizures develop and scoliosis occurs, many develop irregular breathing patterns, and more than half of the girls and women lose their ability to walk. Those diagnosed with Rett require maximum assistance with even the most basic daily activities. The hallmark sign of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements while awake. Donations are appreciated to the Strollathon, which is free and open to the public. For more information, call Strollathon chair Joyce Opinsky at 314-346-1323, e-mail her at stlstrollathon@gmail.com, or visit the organization’s web site at http://www.rettsyndrome.org.

St. Charles County Parks to offer frog watching training in partnership with St. Louis Zoo

www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex

The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with the St. Louis Zoo to offer FrogWatch USA training for those interested in learning about the wetlands in their communities by reporting on the calls of local frogs and toads. The training will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., March 16 at Broemmelsiek Park near Defiance. You don’t have to be a frog or toad expert to be a FrogWatch USA volunteer. All you need to do is have an interest in frogs and toads, join the St. Louis Zoo’s FrogWatch Chapter, participate in our volunteer training session and commit to monitor a site of your choosing for at least three minutes twice throughout the breeding season – of February through August. Be a part of this monitoring program to become directly involved with gathering informa-

tion that can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to stop amphibian decline. FrogWatch USA is a long-term citizen science monitoring program that was started by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1998 to report on observation of frogs and toads throughout the US, and is sponsored by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Visit https://www.aza.org/becomea-frogwatch-volunteer/ to learn more, or contact Michael Dawson, naturalist instructor at the Saint Louis Zoo, at dawson@stlzoo.org or 314-646-4551. The volunteer training session is free, but preregistration is requested. Call the parks department at 636-949-7535 or go online at http://bit. ly/2mSB5ki to register. Broemmelsiek Park is located at 1795 Highway DD near Defiance.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 31, 2018

Around Town

www.AskTheBJCExpert.org

Kickstarting your weight loss resolution

hinking about losing weight for your New Year’s resolution? If you’ve decided this is the year for a healthier you, be proud. It takes a true commitment to make healthy lifestyle changes. Losing weight not only helps you control or reduce your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, but it also helps you live longer, gives you more energy and makes you feel better about yourself. Here are 10 tips to kickstart your journey to a healthier you. 1. Focus on lifestyle changes and avoid fad diets. You need to learn how to eat healthy, rather than following a crazy diet for a month. If a diet sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 2. Be realistic. If it took you longer than a week to gain the weight, it will likely take you longer than a week to lose it. And keep in mind, muscle weighs more than fat, so the number on the scale doesn’t necessarily track your progress. 3. Set goals. This is an important step to get you to where you want to be. Choose goals that are achievable and specific. Focus on making gradual changes to meet your

goals and keep them. 4. Eat three meals per day. Studies have shown people who skip breakfast actually weigh more than those who eat breakfast. Eating three balanced meals per day helps fuel your metabolism. 5. Don’t drink your calories. Cutting out sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda, is a small change that could greatly decrease your total calorie intake. Instead, drink plenty of water. You could add a lemon or other fruit to your water for more flavor. 6. Keep a food journal and watch your portion sizes. Apps and websites are great tools to help with diet compliance. Sometimes you don’t really know how much you are eating until you measure it out and look up the nutrition facts. 7. Eat mindfully. Pay attention to why you are eating. Are you actually hungry, or are you just bored? Practice mindful eating by avoiding eating in front of the television and slowing down when you eat. 8. Plan ahead. If you don’t, you might choose foods that are quick, convenient, and generally, unhealthy.

Photo courtesy Bigstock

Take one day to make dinner for the entire week and prepare your lunch the night before. 9. Ask the expert. Consult a dietitian to answer your questions or to provide a personalized plan for your weight loss journey. Go online to www.eatright.org/find-anexpert to find a dietitian near you, or call your local hospital and ask

to speak with their dietitian. 10. Reward yourself. Instead of food as a reward, treat yourself to something that motivates you to meet your monthly goals. This could be a new outfit, a massage or something else that helps you stick to your weight loss resolution.

Assistive technology tools to improve the everyday Most Americans want to stay in their homes as they age. Not a bad plan, but what if your home doesn’t fit you as well as it once did? Often, aging can be accompanied by a change in your ability to manage and move around in your home. That’s where assistive technology – better known as AT – comes in. No matter your age or what type of disability you may have, chances are there is an AT device out there that can help you with everyday tasks. AT isn’t a new concept. In fact, most people have probably used an assistive device without realizing it. Smartphones, voice command technology and certain types of software all fall under the AT umbrella. AT also includes plenty of low-tech devices, like adapted pencil grips for students with disabilities. There’s an ever-growing variety of AT tools available to help with household chores, work functions, getting around, seeing, hearing, learning and living independently in general. These devices and technologies are designed to help older adults and people with disabilities, but you may find that these tools can make life easier for anyone. Examples of AT devices and tools include: • Hearing aids • Vehicle modifications, such as hand controls or wheelchair lifts • Devices that help with bathing and eating • Software modifications for those with hearing and visual challenges Photo courtesy Getty Images

• • • •

Equipment, such as grab bars in a shower, to help prevent falls Eye glasses and magnification devices to help individuals with low vision Communication devices for individuals with speech disabilities Wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices

The right AT for you

At first, trying to find the right AT tools and solutions can feel overwhelming. The network of State Assistive Technology Act Programs is a good place to start. Your state AT Act program can provide information and support to help you identify and acquire AT that meets your needs. These programs offer: • Device demonstration and short-term loan programs that allow you to try out equipment before purchasing • Reuse programs that provide gently used devices at substantial savings • Financing options, such as cash loan programs, that can help you get the AT devices you need You can find the AT Act Program in your state or territory at acl.gov/AT. With more research and awareness around the importance of AT, the future possibilities for living independently in the place of your choosing are almost limitless.

Around Town

January 31, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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MOSAICS Fine Art Festival announces 2018 call to entry MOSAICS Fine Art Festival announces their Call to Entry for their 24th Annual Arts Festival event, taking place Sept. 14-16 in Historic St. Charles. Join approximately 100 juried and invited artists at this annual Arts Festival, which is a family-friendly weekend event with activities for everyone, including art, entertainment and the opportunity for children to create their own artwork. The MOSAICS organization is accepting applications for the 2018 event, now through the May 15 deadline. Juried artists will be notified no later than May 24, and booth fees will be due to the arts organization upon invitation and acceptance to the festival by June 30. • Artist Mediums – The 24th Annual MOSAICS Fine Art Festival is limited to approximately 100 juried artists in varied media including painting, clay, sculpture, photography, print making, pastels, drawing, wood, jewelry, metalwork, glass, art to wear and mixed media. • Event Promotion – The MOSAICS Festival is promoted to the art-buying public via newspapers, radio, television, billboards, signage and social media across the St. Louis metropolitan area. • Prizes – $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to participating artists. • Fees – Jury fees are $35, and Booth fees are $315 for a single booth, $415 for corner booth and double booths available by special arrangement.

Submitted Photo

• Amenities – Artist amenities include booth sitting, cold water delivered to booths, complimentary dinner delivered to booths on Friday and Saturday evening, a variety of restaurants within the festival area, special accommodation rates from nearby hotels/motels and bed & breakfasts, and security provided both day and night. • Where/how to apply – Artists may apply online at www.zapplication.org/ mosaics. Proceeds from MOSAICS provides support to community art education and activities for St. Louis area youth, including the Mentor Me school art program and exhibition, hosted by the Foundry Art Centre (located within one block of the MOSAICS Festi-

val); the Art for Youth Gallery program, which allows children to purchase professional art at a nominal fee, fostering art appreciation among the kids 14 years and younger; and the family-friendly Children’s Village, which is a special place where kids of all ages can learn about and create their own work of art. MOSAICS is operated and managed by a dedicated group of committee members and volunteers who provide continuity, constant improvement and a congenial atmosphere. Additional details regarding the Call to Entry process for the 2018 MOSAICS Festival are available online at www. Zapplication.org. For more information about the 24th Annual MOSAICS Fine Art Festival, please call 314-482-5476 or visit www.stcharlesmosaics.org.

Relax and ride to fun and famous destinations with O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation trips

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Sign up for O’Fallon Parks and Recreation day trips to exciting destinations and leave the driving to the motor coach operator. On the day of departure, park free in the CarShield Field parking lot in O’Fallon, and board the motor coach at 10 a.m., returning by 5 p.m. Trips are for ages 21 and over, and include shopping opportunities and meals. The deadline to register for each trip is a month in advance, so register soon. Warm Springs Ranch – Sit back and enjoy the scenery on March 13, as the motor coach heads west to Warm Springs Ranch, the world headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdale horse breeding operations. The day’s activities include a walking tour of the ranch, interacting with Clydesdales, lunch at the Yates House Bed & Breakfast and wine tasting at Les Bourgeois Winery. The cost of $80 for residents and $89 for non-residents includes lunch, transportation, an escort and gratuities. The deadline to register for course 430803-A is Feb. 16. Hannibal Riverboat Cruise – On April 10, journey to historic Hannibal, Missouri, and tour

the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, then step aboard the Mark Twain for lunch and a relaxing Mississippi River cruise. The adventure concludes with the Haunted Hannibal Tour. The cost of $88 for residents and $98 for non-residents includes tours, the riverboat cruise, lunch, transportation, an escort and gratuities. The deadline to register for course 430816-A is March 9. It’s easy to register for O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation programs: • Sign up online 24/7 with your email at www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec • Or, call staff at 636-474-2732 during business hours and have your credit card handy. • Or, register in-person at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, or the Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Civic Park Drive. For more information about the trips, contact Tyler Landreth at 636-474-8105 or tlandreth@ ofallon.mo.us.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 31, 2018

Around Town

Yeggs

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

– 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.

ALARMING Seriously, two in one week?! Yet again another false alarm bomb alert went off – this time in Japan. It seems as if Kim Jong Loon has everybody trigger happy and that the fail-safe alarm buttons are not so failsafe. Really? The safety of our entire country relies on the single press of a button? I can’t even delete a document without being asked multiple times if it’s really what I want to do and then send in a blood sample to prove it’s actually me! The employees of the bomb bunker buried deep within the granite mountains of unknown whereabouts on a planet far off in a distant galaxy have nothing to do but wait for the okay to push the warning button. So it must be pretty boring in between waiting for that call. How do they pass the time? Doyle: “Go on, Darrell, I dare ya to push the button. Let’s see if this puppy really works.” Darrell: “Bet ya 100 points it does work.” Doyle: “Dude, bet ya 200 it doesn’t.” “Does!”

“Ya? How we ever gonna know? What if it doesn’t work and all these years we’ve been down here with a broken button. How we gonna explain that to the world when it’s frying like bacon? Go ahead push it.” “No way. You push it!” “Then just bump it. You know…like an accident.” “Throw in an extra hour of playing Candy Crush during lunchtime.” “How about an extra hour of sleep during break time?” “No way, last time you drew bullet holes all over my face with a Sharpie. Give me my extra thirty points for banking that shot off of your head and into the garbage can during wastebasket ball yesterday and we’ll talk.” “Dude, only if you’ll give me forty points for chugging down that liter of Coke and belching for a full minute during breakfast this morning!” “Deal. Let’s see, that brings our running total of game points to…a dead even.” “We need a deal breaker. I know, for 50 points email this

picture of a naked mole rat to Kim Jong Loon and tell him it’s his Match.com date!” “Nice try. They don’t even have the internet.” “Then I’ll fax it to him. Here’s the number.” “Cool. Now punch send.” “Oops! Wrong button.” A red glowing message says missile alert activated. “Whoa, Dude. It really works.” “Awesome. I get 100 points. I’m ahead!” 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 31, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Orchard Farm sends three top Wentzville School District hires new Assistant spellers to next round Superintendent of Curriculum The 2018 Spelling Bee in Orchard Farm is now complete. Three students earned the title of Spelling Bee Champion of their respective school. Winners include Nicholas Porter from Discovery Elementary School, Kierra Lombardi from Orchard Farm Elementary School and Kate Covey from Orchard Farm Middle School. Each student spelled their way through several rounds to earn the honor. Each will now move onto the next level of spelling bee at McKendree University on March 10.

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The Wentzville School District Board of Education has approved the hiring of Dr. Megan Stryjewski as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the 2018-2019 school year. She is replacing Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith who has been named the new superintendent for the Warren County School District. Stryjewski is a native of Missouri and a graduate of Webster Groves High School. She holds a bachelor of science in elementary education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a masters in educational leadership from Saint Joseph’s University, and an educational doctorate from Maryville University. Stryjewski has taught

in elementary schools in New York, New Jersey and in the Kirkwood School District here in Missouri before being named principal of Truman Elementary and then Concord Elementary for Lindbergh Schools in St. Louis. She presently serves as the Director of Elementary Education and Professional Learning for Lindbergh Schools and is an adjunct professor for the University of Missouri-Columbia. “I am thrilled to be joining the Wentzville School District,” said Stryjewski. “I am excited for the opportunity to work with a dynamic team in such a successful school district that is growing and thriving and doing great things for students. I’m

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Dr. Megan Stryjewski as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the 2018-2019 school year.

looking forward to continuing the tradition of academic excellence the WSD is known for.”

Francis Howell Kindergarten Registration begins for 2018-19

w w w. s h o e s a n d h o p e . o r g

Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District

The Francis Howell School District offers kindergarten programs for children beginning at age five. FHSD kindergarten emphasizes meeting the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of young children. Readiness skills in language arts, reading, math, music, visual arts, social studies, science, physical education, and health are introduced and taught in a child-centered environment. Children learn to interact and cooperate with one another, and gain self-confidence to be successful learners. Registration Requirements In compliance with Missouri laws, children must be five years of age before Aug. 1 to enroll in kindergarten. No early assessments will be administered. It is very important that all children be registered prior to entering kindergarten in August. A printable checklist is available on the District website with all of the required information that you will need

to register your child for kindergarten. Developmental Screening FHSD recommends that all children be screened after age three and prior to entering kindergarten. To make an appointment for your child’s developmental screening, please call one of the Early Childhood Family Education Centers (Hackmann Rd., 636851-6200, Central School Rd., 636-851-6400, Meadows Parkway, 636-851-6000). Registration Dates If you miss the registration dates at your child’s elementary school, please call the school office for registration information. Becky David Feb. 15 – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. March 12 – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m Castlio March 6 – 5 – 7 p.m. March 8 – 5 – 7 p.m.

Central Jan. 31 – 4 – 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 – 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Daniel Boone March 1 – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. March 8 – 5 – 7 p.m. Fairmount Jan. 31 – 6 – 8 p.m. Feb. 5 – 6 – 8 p.m. Harvest Ridge Feb. 5 – 5 – 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 – 5 – 7:30 p.m. Henderson Feb. 28 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. March 6 – 5 – 7 p.m. March 8 – 5 – 7 p.m. John Weldon March 6 – 5 – 7 p.m. April 10 – 5 – 7 p.m. Warren Feb. 5 – 5 – 7:30 p.m.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 31, 2018

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24 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Awards recognize outstanding stewardship, operation

Apply now to enroll in O’Fallon’s Citizens Police Academy 2018

To recognize the importance that St. Charles County establishments place on food safety, sanitation and employee education, the Division of Environmental Health and Protection began presenting its 24 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Awards in 2007. The division recognizes its 24 Carrot Gold award winners for 2017: • Culver’s of O’Fallon at 8500 Mexico Road, O’Fallon • NHC Healthcare at 35 Sugar Maple Lane, St. Charles • Progress West Hospital at 2 Progress Point Parkway, O’Fallon • Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers #180 at 6095 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Charles • Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers #236 at1840 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles • Red Robin of O’Fallon at 1440 Mexico Loop Road East, O’Fallon • The Brass Rail at 4601 Highway K, O’Fallon To view a list of annual 24 Carrot Gold award winners, please visit http://www.sccmo. org/24Carrot. To be eligible for 24 Carrot Gold award consideration, a facility must possess a valid St. Charles County Food Establishment permit and be in good standing with the Department of Public Health. Winners cannot have critical inspection

Residents interested in learning about real-life police work, including crime scene investigations, narcotics awareness, K-9 teams, and law enforcement philosophy and procedures are invited to enroll in the city of O’Fallon’s annual Citizens Police Academy. The six-week program begins Feb. 27 and meets from 7-9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the O’Fallon Justice Center at 1019 Bryan Road in O’Fallon. The cost for the course is $30. The academy is open to adults from all walks of life and provides a chance to ride along with an officer on patrol and a hands-on introduction to firearms training at the indoor firing range in the Justice Center. Applicants must be at least 18, residents of St. Charles County and pass a background check. Applications and additional information are currently available at www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/citizenspolice-academy. The deadline for submission is Feb. 16. Class space is limited. For more information, contact Police Officer Tim Bateman at tbateman@ofallon.mo.us. If email is not possible, please contact the O’Fallon Police Department at 636-240-3200.

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Photo courtesy St. Charles County

violations within the previous year and have more than six non-critical violations over the same period. In addition, a food safety certification class must be completed by at least 90 percent of the facility’s food managers. Staff from the Division of Environmental Health and Protection regularly inspects permanent, mobile and temporary food service establishments within St. Charles County, except those operat-

ing within the city limits of St. Peters (the city health department permits and inspects its own establishments). Inspections are based upon a starting score of 100, with points deducted for various items reported to be in need of correction. To help customers know the food service rating of an establishment, the department requires posting of the most recent inspection in a prominent location as a part of the county’s food code.

St. Charles County Assessor mails 2018 personal property assessment forms The St. Charles County Assessor mailed approximately 158,000 personal property assessment forms by Jan. 29. Assessments are due by March 1. Individual personal property owners have the option to file online after receiving the assessment form in the mail. The e-filing website and unique secure access code for the individual personal property owner’s account is printed on the form. The e-filing link also is available through the assessor’s website, sccmo.org/Assessor. Those who filed online in previous years should note that the unique secure code changes each year. By state law, personal property assessments must be filed with the assessor every year. Those who fail to complete their personal property assessment may be charged a late-filing penalty up to $105. Additionally, failing to file a personal property assessment form may delay the ability to renew or register license plates for a vehicle. “The tax rate for everyone in the county is impacted by those who do not declare their personal property,” says Scott Shipman, St. Charles County Assessor. “Submitting the form by the deadline is important because it assures a fair and equitable distribution of taxes.” If needed, blank personal property assessment forms can be downloaded from the assessor’s website. For questions, please call 636-949-7420.

www.pbtc.net

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

Sports

January 31, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

THEME: WINTER OLYMPICS

Sports you see with Gary B... Former St. Louis Big Red quarterback and baseball Cardinal third baseman spotted

Submitted photo (From left) Ken Reitz stands with Fred Waelter and Tim Van Galder.

ACROSS 1. Nordic glühwein 6. *It last broadcast the Olympics in 1988 9. Sigma Phi Epsilon 13. Yokel’s holler 14. Promise to pay 15. Pre-bun state 16. Dug up 17. Luftwaffe’s WWII enemy 18. Provide with ability 19. *Country with most Winter Olympic gold medals 21. *Number of 2018 Winter Olympics sports 23. Dog command 24. Small island 25. Cul de ____ 28. Partial haircut 30. Geek and jock, e.g. 35. S-shaped molding 37. International Civil Aviation Org. 39. Best not mentioned 40. Pakistani language 41. *American skating icon 43. College cadet program 44. Crocodile ones are insincere 46. Make children 47. This and the other 48. Praise for a fearless one 50. Dispatch 52. Ornamental ponddweller 53. Classic sci-fi video game 55. Drag behind 57. *Done on 90m hill

61. “I love the smell of ____ in the morning.” 64. UFO pilot? 65. 1973 Supreme Court decision name 67. “Complete ____’s Guides” 69. Short for incognito 70. Tokyo, in the olden days 71. Impulse transmitter 72. Indian restaurant staple 73. D.C. bigwig 74. Like a rookie 70. Button on electrical outlet DOWN 1. *Olympic participant’s hangout 2. Been in bed 3. *8-time American speed skating medalist 4. Regular visitors 5. Long-billed shore bird 6. Well-ventilated 7. Flapper’s neckwear 8. Spots for links 9. Arial, e.g. 10. Ill-mannered 11. Malaria symptom 12. Subsequently 15. *”Agony of ____” 20. Like anchor aweigh 22. Not well 24. Ezra Pounds’ poetry movement 25. *Which Korea is 2018 Winter host? 26. Come to terms 27. Closet wood 29. Frosts a cake

31. Fence prickle 32. Kindle content 33. Powerball, e.g. 34. *2014 Winter host city 36. France’s currency 38. Shrek 42. Busybody, in yiddish 45. House cover 49. Opposite of pro 51. *Olympic no-no 54. Shrek and Fiona 56. Crane or heron 57. Jainism follower 58. Arm part 59. Isinglass 60. Lowly laborer 61. Rhymes with #60 Down 62. Plural of lira 63. Change of address 66. Lyric poem 68. X

See solution on pg. 13

You just never know when you will have an opportunity to run into professional ball players of your favorite pastime. Recently at Fredrick’s Steakhouse and Pizzeria in Bridgeton, Fred Waelter of Fredrick’s introduced me to two guys that I saw many times on the gridiron and baseball diamond. Tim Van Galder and Ken Reitz strolled into the establishment that just happened to have hall-of-fame tight end, formerly with the St. Louis Football Cardinals, Jackie Smith singing several songs. Van Galder affectionately known as ‘TVG’, played quarterback for the football Cardiac Cardinals in 1967, 1971 and 1972. He also had a year with the New York Jets in 1974. That is where he told me a quick story that went something like this…he was going out to dinner with some friends and his roommate on the Jets asked, “Do you mind if I can join you guys?” TVG looked and him and said, “Sure, your more than welcome to join us.” His roommate…..was ‘”Broadway Joe” Namath. Ken Reitz affectionately known as ‘The Zamboni’ for his skill at scooping up ground balls, played for the Cardinals in 1972-1975 and 1977-1980. He also played with the San Francis-

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

co Giants 1976, Chicago Cubs 1981 and Pittsburgh Pirates 1982. A few accomplishments was replacing Joe Torre at third base and in 1975 he won a Gold Glove Award at third base, breaking Doug Rader’s streak of five consecutive Gold Gloves. Reitz has a place in baseball history for one of the longest major league games ever played. On Sept. 11, 1974, against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium, with the Cardinals trailing 3-1 with two out in the ninth and pinch runner Larry Herndon on base, he hit a home run off starter Jerry Koosman to send the game into extra innings. The score remained tied 3-3 until Bake McBride scored the winning run from first base on two Met errors in the top of the 25th inning. Hope you enjoyed a trip down memory lane! *Thanks to Fred for all the great things he has done to make Fredrick’s an iconic location Lindenwood’s women’s hockey team takes series The Lindenwood University club completed a two-game series sweep over the Robert Morris University (RIT) Tigers recently at Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville. The Lions prevailed by a final score of 3-1, registering all three of their goals during the second period. The series sweep was Lindenwood’s first since it took both games of a two-game set against Penn State on Feb. 8-9, 2014. Goals were scored by Lillian Marchant who notched two and a single one by Hannah Alt. *Strong second period did the trick Tryouts available for the River City Rascals The River City club will be holding a tryout on April 21 at Carshield Field, the home of the Rascals. For more information go to www.RiverCityRascals.com *Rascal baseball in 92 days

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 31, 2018

Recipe:

Learn & Play

HEARTY MEALS TO BRING THE FAMILY TOGETHER

athering the family around the table with delicious, traditional meals is the ultimate combination for many home chefs like Catherine Lowe, winner of the 17th season of ABC’s “The Bachelor.” Lowe, who partnered as a celebrity spokesperson with Bertolli to create this Roasted Garlic Marinara Braised Chicken with Linguine recipe, enjoys adding authenticity to the table with recipes that provide homemade taste and layers of flavor. “I pride myself on my strong Italian roots,” Lowe said. “My dad taught me how to cook at a young age, and growing up, it was an event to make and enjoy dinner with his side of the family. It’s important for me to remember and celebrate that heritage.” Full of hearty vegetables you can see and taste, and inspired by the simple goodness of Tuscan cooking, Bertolli Rustic Cut Pasta sauces help bring homemade flavor to your table. Offered in four varieties – Marinara with Traditional Vegetables, Spicy Marinara with Traditional Vegetables, Roasted Garlic Marinara with Garden Vegetables and Sweet Peppers with Portobello Mushrooms – it’s Lowe’s secret ingredient to helping make family meals more enjoyable. Find more family-friendly recipes to bring ev-

Roasted Garlic Marinara Braised Chicken with Linguine Recipe courtesy of Sean and Catherine Lowe Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 60 minutes | Servings: 4-6

eryone together at bertolli.com.

Three-Cheese Farmstand Cups Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6 Ingredients: 2 c ups cooked mini penne pasta 1 cup small broccoli florets, cut into 1/2-inch pieces nonstick cooking spray 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese 3 e ggs, beaten 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 jar (23 ounces) Bertolli Rustic Cut Sweet Peppers and Portobello Mushroom Sauce, divided 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Add chicken to sauce in Dutch oven in single layer, skin-side up, with skin just above surface of sauce. Cover and bake 40 minutes. Begin to boil water for pasta. Let stand 3 minutes before unmolding. Warm remaining sauce and serve over top of cups with basil.

Grilled Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Reduce heat to low; cover. Cook 4 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Stir in cheese, almonds and 1/4 cup mint. Brush outsides of peppers with remaining oil. Grill 4-6

Place portion of pasta in pasta bowl and make well in middle. Spoon mushroom-kale mixture into center of well and top with one piece of chicken.

Remove chicken from skillet, leaving fat in pan. Set aside skillet to be used later.

Sprinkle tops with remaining mozzarella cheese halfway through bake time.

In medium skillet on medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add pasta; cook and stir 2-3 minutes, or until light golden brown. Stir in broth and 1 cup sauce; bring to boil.

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken, skin-side down, and cook 3-5 minutes, or until skin is crisp and deep goldenbrown. Turn chicken over and cook 3-5 minutes until golden-brown on second side.

Stir in Parmesan, 2 cups sauce and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1/4 cup egg mixture over pasta and broccoli in each cup; with spoon press filling down gently. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until set.

Directions: Heat grill to high.

Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain.

In 3-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, heat sauce. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.

Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Divide penne pasta and broccoli evenly between 12 standard muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray. Whisk in mascarpone until smooth; gradually whisk in eggs.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 1/2 cups (10 ounces) uncooked orzo pasta 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) vegetable broth 1 jar (23 ounces) marinara sauce, divided 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup (2 ounces) coarsely chopped smoked almonds 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint, divided 6 large red, yellow or orange bell peppers, top 1/2 inch removed and seeded

Ingredients: 23 ounces marinara sauce 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound whole-wheat linguine 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms 1/2cup small diced onion 1/4 cup white wine (optional) 3 ounces baby kale Parmesan cheese

minutes, or until crisp tender and lightly marked on all sides, turning frequently; cool slightly. Place peppers in center of 12-by-12-inch square of heavy duty foil. Bring sides of foil up and shape foil around each pepper, leaving tops open. Shape foil into stable base to secure peppers firmly. Keep upright while grilling. Fill each pepper with 1 tablespoon sauce and about 3/4 cup orzo mixture. Grill peppers 8-10 minutes, or until filling is heated through. Remove from foil. Warm remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mint before serving with warmed sauce. To prepare peppers: Heat oven to 400 F. Prepare orzo mixture as directed but do not grill peppers. Fill raw peppers with orzo mixture and place on foil squares. Bring sides of foil up and seal tops to fully enclose each pepper. Arrange on rimmed baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes, or until peppers are soft and filling is heated through.

Remove cover from Dutch oven and cook in oven 10 minutes.

Heat reserved skillet and fat over medium-high heat; add cremini mushrooms and onions; saute until lightly browned. Deglaze with white wine, if desired, and cook until dry. Add kale to mushrooms and toss gently to wilt. Remove Dutch oven from oven and gently transfer chicken to large plate. Add pasta to sauce in Dutch oven and stir gently to coat.

Shave Parmesan cheese over dish to finish. Substitution: Portobello, shiitake or button mushrooms may be used in place of cremini mushrooms. Tip: Serve with creamy polenta instead of pasta. In saucepan, combine 2 cups chicken stock, 2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to boil and whisk in 1 cup instant polenta and cook, while stirring, 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and whisk to combine. Spoon polenta into serving dish and make a well in middle. Place mushroom-kale mixture in well. Top with marinara sauce and one piece of chicken.

What’s Happening

January 31, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Feb. 3: Scrapbooking day

Fort Zumwalt East’s Scrapbooking Day for Grad Night with a light breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks included from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Harvester Church of the Nazarene at 3115 McClay Rd., in St. Peters. Cost is $45 by Jan. 26 for the day. Send form and check (to FZE Grad Night) to: Josh Devlin FZE/Grad Night 600 First Executive Ave. St. Peters, MO 63376. Electric available, bring extension cords. Goodie bag attendance prizes, games, and FZE die cuts on sale for Grad Night. Plus, Creative Memories consultant Cindy Lawrence will have supplies on hand. A portion of her sales goes to Grad Night! Pre-order online at www.creativememories.com/ user/cindylawrence. Questions? Email laura.wag1017@gmail.com. You can also sign up at this link: https://goo.gl/ forms/lnYcYW7ox1a54B7o1. Registration is not complete until payment is received.

Feb. 3: Bingo quilt social

St. Barnabas Church at 1400 N. Main St. in O’Fallon Ladies Guild is having a Bingo Quilt Social. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Bingo starts at noon. Lunch is being served, no one under 16 years of age will be admitted.

Feb. 5: Free concert

St. Charles City-County Library’s LIVE @ The Library concert series features Seth Brand at 7 p.m. at the Spencer Road Branch at 427 Spencer Road in St. Peters. This singer-songwriter and recording/mixing engineer performs a blend of Americana/folk rock with a hint of pop and country.

Feb. 9: Valentine dinner/dance

The eighth annual Valentine Dinner/ Dance and Silent Auction sponsored by Crossroads Clinic/Volunteers in Medicine will be held at The Christy Banquet Center at 9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in O’Fallon. Ticket includes dinner and open bar. Cost is $50 per person. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dinner served at 7:30 p.m. and conclusion at 10:30 p.m. Please call 314-6506131 for tickets. Crossroads Clinic is a non-profit corporation located in Lake St. Louis and serves the medical needs of persons who are uninsured.

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. 10: Comedy night

Comedians K-Von and Corey Rodrigues will headline St. Charles Community College’s Comedy Night. The show begins at 7 p.m. in the theater of the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the SCC campus in Cottleville. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for SCC students with a valid ID. Purchase tickets online at stchastickets.com or through the SCC box office at 636-922-8050.

Feb. 13: Pancake day

For over 65 years the St. Charles Kiwanis Club has held their Pancake Day on Fat Tuesday. This year it will be from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Blanchette Memorial Hall. Tickets are $7 in ad-

vance and $8 at the door for adults and $5 for children. There will be all-youcan-eat pancakes and sausage. You can buy tickets in advance by calling John Pallardy at 636-946-7088 or from any Kiwanis Club member. All the proceeds go to supporting the St. Charles area youth. These include sponsoring the Duchesne High School Key Club, St. Charles West and St. Charles High Key Clubs along with the Sts. Joachim & Ann, St. Cletus, and Hardin Builders Clubs, plus Lindenwood University’s Kiwanis Circle K Club.

Feb. 13 Happy hour fundraiser

Happy Healthy Hearts Happy Hour takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Trigg Banquet Center at 300 O’Fallon Plaza. Fundraiser to benefit savethemommies.org and to help donate Juice Plus Tower Garden Wabash Elementary School. Free to attend, atwill donations accepted. Drinks and food available for purchase cash only. Hosted by Bridgette Childress Juice Plus 636-698-3780.Up to 60 vendors. Contact Kathryn Hubbard kkfundraisingandevents@gmail.com to be a vendor. For more information visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happyhour-event-for-happy-healthy-heartstickets-41627590243.

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. 18: Smoked sausage supper

Don’t miss out on Zion’s annual allyou-can-eat sausage supper featuring delicious whole-hog smoked pork sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, applesauce and scrumptious desserts. Dine-in and carry-out meals are served from 11:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children six through 12; ages five and under are free. Zion Lutheran Church is located at 3866 S. Old Highway 94 in St. Charles, just off Hwy 364 at the Woodstone Drive exit. For more information call 636-4417425.

Feb. 18-19: Theater auditions

Wentzville Christian Church will hold auditions for “Footloose” Feb. 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. and Feb. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Those auditioning should come prepared to sing 16-32 measures of a Broadway style song. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring your own sheet music in the correct key. Actors will also be asked to learn and perform a short dance. Please check the church website (www.wentzvillecc.org) for additional information. Production dates are May 4 -6. Wentzville Christian Church is located at 1507 Highway Z in Wentzville. If you have any questions, please call Tammy Rodenbaugh at 636-219-3238.

Feb. 21: Concert

Award-winning performers Deborah Sharn and Carolbeth True will take you back in time for an afternoon of music at their “Great Ladies of Song” show at 1 p.m., at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre’s Performing Arts Theatre. Sharn and True will perform the music of female greats Doris Day, Patsy Cline, Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as more contemporary artists such as Carole King and Adele. Tickets are just $10 per person. Advance registration is required. Register in person at the St. Peters Rec-Plex, by phone

at 636-939-2386, ext. 1400, or online at www.stpetersmo.net/rec-connect. When registering online, print your registration form and bring it with you for admission to the show. The Performing Arts Theatre is located within the Cultural Arts Centre in the west wing of St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd.

Feb. 23: Trivia night

ShowMe Aquatics 6th annual trivia night takes place at Immanuel Lutheran Fellowship Hall at 115 South 6th Street in St. Charles. Doors open at 6 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m. Cost is $200 per team of eight ($25 per person in advance, $30 at the door). VIP Tables available for $250 per table (table of eight), which includes two large pizza’s and a dedicated table runner. Benefits ShowMe Aquatics and Fitness and Individuals with Disabilities. Make reservations early, space is limited. Call 636-896-0999 ext. 21 for Kimbra Heimerl.

Feb. 23: Art show

St. Charles Community College will display the artwork of eight regional painters Jan. 29-Feb. 23 in Abstract Rhythms: Painting Invitational. Sarah Giannobile, Jeff Hursey, William La Chance, Julie Malone, John Marksbury, Ethan Meyer, Jeremy Rabus and Nick Schleicher will be featured in the gallery of the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The gallery is located in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building. Parking for patrons is free in the campus Blue and Yellow lots. For more information, contact Brian D. Smith at bsmith@stchas.edu or 636-922-8575.

Feb. 24: Gardening seminar

St. Charles County Master Gardeners will host Dig-In 2018 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Charles Community College at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville. The day begins with a keynote speaker on the importance of soil. Three sessions will follow with a choice of five topics in each session. Registrants will choose one topic for each session Light breakfast and a box lunch is included with registration. The cost is $35 until Feb. 16. After Feb. 16 and at-the-door registration will cost $45 – there may be limited choice of topics. Register early to guarantee your topic selection. Visit http://extension. missouri.edu/stcharles/digin.aspx for topic descriptions and more details. Call 636-970-3000 to register. All major credit cards are accepted. Master Gardeners receive numerous hours of training from University of Missouri Extension. They volunteer their time to promote and to demonstrate good gardening principles and techniques, as well as participate in projects that enhance the beauty of our community.

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.

Feb. 28-March 4: Theater production

St. Charles Community College’s Center Stage Theatre will present “You Can’t Take it With You” in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the SCC campus. 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 Jean Deimund at jdeimund@stchas.edu or 636-922-

8050. To purchase tickets, visit stchastickets.com.

March 17: Quilt social

The quilters from Immaculate Conception Parish of Dardenne Prairie will be holding a quilt social in ICD parish hall (lower level of the church). Doors open at 10 a.m. with bingo beginning at noon. Come hungry as lunch with homemade desserts will be available for purchase. All over the age of 16 are welcome.

March 20: Speaker series

St. Charles City-County Library District speaker series features St. Charles County elected officials and county staff, who address topics of interest to residents. “Let’s Talk Transportation” will feature Amanda Brauer, Manager of Roads and Traffic, and Craig Tajkowski, County Engineer at Kathryn Linnemann Branch Library at 2323 Elm St. in St. Charles. All programs are free. Registration is requested. For more information call 636-949-7900, ext. 3724, email mtdempsey@sccmo.org or visit sccmo. org/SpeakerSeries.

April 7: Bike blessing

The Third Annual Bike Blessing takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St Paul UCC at 903 Meier Road in Old Monroe. Food and refreshments available. This is an alcohol and drug free event. For more information call 636-6655329.

May 15: Speaker series

St. Charles City-County Library District speaker series features St. Charles County elected officials and county staff, who address topics of interest to residents. “St. Charles County: Past, Present and Future” will feature County Executive Steve Ehlmann at Kisker Road Branch Library 1000 Kisker Rd. in St. Charles. All programs are free. Registration is requested. For more information call 636-949-7900, ext. 3724, email mtdempsey@sccmo.org or visit sccmo.org/SpeakerSeries.

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

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

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

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

Mondays: Parent support group

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

Mondays: mous

Alcoholics

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. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Mondays: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

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

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

Mondays: Chronic pain support group

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

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

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

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

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

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

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

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

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

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

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 ca-

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 31, 2018 pella chorus that meets at First United Methodist Church at 801 first Capitol Dr. in St. Charles every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. Call 636-2566823 for more details.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

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

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

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

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

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Toastmasters

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

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.

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 636456-0776.

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: 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

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.

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.

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

Wednesdays: Marine League meeting

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

Corp

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

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at Rookies Bar and Grill at 3721 New Town Rd.

in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Wednesdays: TOPS meeting

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

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 314-5830538.

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

What’s Happening

Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings

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.

Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

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

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. 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.

Every Friday: Moms Play Group

Every Thursday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Quilters

Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry

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

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

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters

1st Wednesday: Hope & Healing

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon

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 information call Mary Stassi at 636357-1387.

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

3rd Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting

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

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 at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. 314.479.0306, andreacrislip@ gmail.com or www.lslmothersclub. com. 3-8pm VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane. Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.

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

Every Saturday: Chess

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

Every Saturday: Veterans Learn guitar for FREE

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

Every Saturday: Peaceful Puppy Mill Protest

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

Second and Fourth Saturday of the month: Charitable bingo

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

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. SUDOKU answers from page 7

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article

formats to editor@mycnews.com. CROSSWORD answers from page 10

January 31, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

By Steve Bryan

‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ is an Oscar front-runner

M O V I E

This year’s Oscar race for Best Picture contains films written by talented storytellers such as Martin McDonagh. The writer/director behind “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” tells a compelling story of justice and redemption set in the Midwest. It’s a solid piece with just a few flaws that can be overlooked in light of its great performances. Frances McDormand plays Mildred, a divorced mom whose daughter was murdered months earlier. Scraping together some cash, Mildred rents three billboards just outside of town to send a message to Sheriff Bill Willoughby (a superb Woody Harrelson). The grieving mother simply wants to know why local law enforcement has made no arrests in the case. Willoughby is a popular guy, so the messages have a polarizing effect on the town. The billboards also prompt the sheriff to review the case file on the murder. Officer Jason Dixon (an impressive Sam Rockwell) has the most trouble with the billboards, though. His momma (Sandy Martin) is not the caring and nurturing type, delivering zingers and insults between sips of beer. At its heart, “Three Billboards” is a simple story set in a quiet town where everyone knows everybody’s business. Frances McDormand’s razor-sharp performance is the high point of the film. Mildred steadfastly refuses to take down the messages despite threats to her and her friends. McDormand

also embodies Mildred’s vulnerability when dealing with abusive ex-husband Charlie (John Hawkes). Woody Harrelson is outstanding as Sheriff Willoughby. The peace officer is a complex guy who passionately loves his two daughters and his wife, Anne (Abbie Cornish). Despite their differences, there’s obvious respect between Mildred and Bill, who genuinely wants to solve the case. Willoughby also is dealing with some health issue as well. Sam Rockwell turns in one of his best performances as Jason Dixon. Still living with his mother, Dixon wants to become a detective, but he sabotages his own career. Disorganized and extremely racist, the officer can be found reading comic books at his desk and also misplaces his badge. Rockwell handles Dixon’s story arc beautifully here. Caleb Landry Jones (“X-Men First Class) deserves special mention for his work as Red Welby, the young man whose company owns

www.westcommunitycu.org

the billboards. Red may come off as something of a hick, but he’s actually a sharp character. He stands up to increasing pressure from the police and bravely faces an intoxicated Officer Dixon. This young man also is capable of incredible compassion. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” tells a complicated story. Mildred wants the killer found and punished. Officer Dixon has led a questionable life but gets a shot at redemption. Red, who didn’t even know the billboards existed, helps take up Mildred’s cause in his own way. These complex characters and performances make this film Oscar-worthy. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” rated R for violence, language throughout and some sexual references, currently is playing in theaters. Pictures courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.