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April 10, 2019

Love rains down

Around Town Mid Rivers Mall Drive reopened at railroad crossing north of I-70. Pg. 2

Shower of Love is an annual baby care drive that collects thousands of basic goods for families in need in St. Charles County

Special Section Summer Camp Guide. Pg. 4

School Three FHSD seniors named candidates in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Pg. 6 Zumwalt students make up one-fifth of SLSO’s Top 100 artists. Pg. 6

By Brett Auten Look around. Week-to-week. Month-to-month. There are families that are hanging on by a thread. In St. Charles County, local agencies receive hundreds of inquiries each month asking for diapers, baby clothes, car seats and other basics. And each year, Shower of Love looks to remedy that. Since 2007, Shower of Love has collected $966,000 in donations for nonprofits in St. Charles County, assisting hundreds of mothers, infants, and families each year. According to Shower of Love Coordinator Jeanne Spencer, federal programs do not typically provide diapers and baby care items, and for many families spending an average of $100 a month for baby supplies can be a struggle. Shower of Love wants to make sure that no mother has to reuse diapers or trust second-or-third-hand equipment, which can lead to serious physical and developmental problems for babies. “No baby should have to sit in a dirty diaper because mom or dad doesn’t have enough diapers,” Spencer said. “One box of diapers may be all of the difference in the world for these moms.” Slated for May 2, the 13th annual Shower of Love is a baby care drive sponsored by the Community and Children’s Resource Board of St. Charles County. In April, over 40 businesses, churches, schools, and civic groups will host donation

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword. Pg. F-4 Photo by Kate Edmonson At the Crisis Nursery in St. Charles, Maggie Middleton (Program Coordinator), Julie Sinner (Volunteer Coordinator), Jeanne Spencer (Administrative and Grants Assistant CCRB), Lisa Cholley (Play Therapist) and Mandy Blankenship (Site Coordinator) stands with donations.

drives for the Shower of Love and things are kicking off this week with a new event, Fill the Ambulance for Babies. Mid Rivers Mall and the St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD) Grants Administrator want to help local families by partnering to “Fill the Ambulance for Babies” on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters. Shower of Love and SCCAD representatives will be accepting donations of baby basics, such as baby wipes, diapers, Enfamil

formula, new car seats, pack ‘n plays, and strollers. Look for the SCCAD ambulance at the entrance near V-Stock and Macy’s. Fill the Ambulance for Babies is just one of several local events benefiting Shower of Love. On April 27, O’Fallon’s Good News Brewing and Alpha & Omega Roasting Company are hosting a baby shower to support of Shower of Love. If you bring in a donation See ‘LOVE’ page 2

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April 10, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Suggested Donations • Diapers (esp. sizes 4, 5, and 6) • Pull-Ups, all sizes • Enfamil Formula • Baby Wipes • Diaper Rash Ointment • Pack ’n Play and Crib Sheets • Baby Toiletries • Laundry Detergent • Baby Monitors* • Pack ‘n Plays* • Car Seats* Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information to editor@mycnews.com

Huneke Publications, Inc. 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 PH: 636-379-1775 | FX: 636-379-1632 Published weekly since 1921. Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties. Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/General Manager Robert J. Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistant Melissa Nordmann Copy Editor Donna Huneke Staﬀ Writers Brett Auten, Charlotte Beard Staﬀ Photographer Kate Edmonson Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore

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(Right) Children’s artwork displayed at the Crisis Nursery in St. Charles (one of the CCRB’s beneficiaries).

‘LOVE’ from cover of wipes, formula, diapers, or other baby care items during business hours you will receive a free 10-ounce beer at Good News Brewing or a free 12-ounce coffee at Alpha & Omega Roasting Company. On May 2, Shower of Love volunteers will solicit baby care donations at local Midtowne Market, Dierbergs, and Walmart stores. Donations collected by the Show-

er of Love are distributed to ten nonprofits: Birthright of St. Charles, Birthright of Wentzville, Mary Queen of Angels, Nurses for Newborns, Our Lady’s Inn, Saint Louis Crisis Nursery – St. Charles and Wentzville, Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service, The Sparrow’s Nest, ThriVe St. Louis, and Youth In Need– Teen Parent and Head Start & Early Head Start programs.

For a list of participating community members, a link to an Amazon Wishlist, and a full list of donation locations, visit www.showeroflovestc.org or call Spencer at 636-939-6200. “One box of diapers may be all of the difference these moms need to get through a difficult week,” Spencer said. “The mothers are always so grateful.”

Mid Rivers Mall Drive reopened at railroad crossing north of I-70 Mid Rivers Mall Drive reopened last month at the Norfolk-Southern railway crossing north of I-70. The road had been closed since Jan. 28 to allow Norfolk-Southern to reconstruct its railway crossing to accommodate lane and trail improvements as part of the city of St. Peters’ Mid Rivers Mall Drive Widening transportation project. The new railway crossing is now wide enough to accommodate two northbound and two southbound traffic lanes, as well as a 10foot wide bike and pedestrian trail. The Mid Rivers Mall Drive Widening Project will improve safety

Cartoonist John Hanna

and reduce congestion on Mid Rivers Mall Drive at I-70 north to Ecology Drive. Improvements already had been completed at the I-70 interchange, North Outer Road and Ecology Drive, plus a 10foot wide trail was constructed from the interchange to Salt River Road. The entire project is expected to be completed this spring. Remaining work includes completion of trail work near Main Street. For the latest news about city of St. Peters street projects, go online to www.stpetersmo.net/streets.

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Photos by Kate Edmonson

(Left) Jeanne Spencer (Administrative and Grants Assistant) at CCRB stands with donations.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 10, 2019

St. Charles County Assessor to send notices of real estate assessment in April The St. Charles County Assessor will mail 2019 Notices of Real Estate Assessment to property owners in April. State law requires the assessor to revalue all real property in the county as of Jan. 1 of odd-numbered years. The valuation notices reflect the change in value since Jan. 1, 2017. “Along with the assessment details, the notices include information on property tax relief and the appeal process, and answers to frequently asked questions,” says Scott Shipman, Assessor. Notices will be sent in three mailings: Washington, Wentzville, and St. Charles school districts first; Fort Zumwalt and Orchard Farm school districts second; and the Francis Howell School District third. Taxpayers have 10 days from the mailed date on the notice to schedule an informal hearing with a staff member from the Assessor’s office to discuss the property value or classification by calling 636-949-7431 or 1-800-822-4012, ext. 7431, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Scheduled informal hearings will be conducted Monday through Thursday at 201 N. Second

St. in St. Charles beginning the last week of April. “Taxpayers are welcome to contact us with any questions they have about the assessments,” adds Shipman. The assessor is responsible for establishing the fair market value of both real estate and personal property within St. Charles County to assure taxes are distributed fairly among those responsible for payment. Real estate and personal property values are adjusted as necessary to reflect current market and economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation rates, supply and demand, and changes in tax laws. Political subdivisions, which include school, city and fire districts, establish property tax rates/levies based on budgetary requirements needed to appropriately fund services provided within their jurisdiction. The Collector of Revenue receives these rates annually by Oct. 31 and is charged with issuing property tax bills and the collection and disbursement of taxes to the political subdivisions. For more information, visit sccmo.org/Assessor.

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Inspiration Corner: Hero or hypocrite? “History has proven that these noble virtues (sincerity and conscientiousness) may degenerate into tragic vices.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Do actions always speak louder than words? I considered this recently as I clumsily jogged down the street. My belly was a little flabbier and my heart a little heavier as I considered my recent responses to difficult situations. I chose poorly in some areas; fast food instead of lowfat, couch instead of 5K. But physical fitness aside, it was the poor choices I made in personal relationships that were causing the most angst. I wondered, am I a hero or a hypocrite? In his sermon, “Love in Action,” Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “One of the great tragedies of life is that men seldom bridge the gulf between practice and profession, between doing and saying. A persistent schizophrenia leaves so many of us tragically divided against ourselves. On the one hand, we proudly profess certain sublime and noble principles, but on the other hand, we sadly practice the very antithesis of those principles.” Martin Luther King, Jr. knew about vices. Those who knew

and loved him best tried to shield his reputation from his private failings, but make no mistake, he was human – a man. Martin was also a Christian who rested on his faith in God. He knew he was forgiven. This is the beauty of the gospel message; no matter what we have done, we may plead forgiveness at the throne of grace and find it. Still, I wonder if Martin-theman could forgive the incorrigibility of Henry Loeb whose antipathy for striking sanitation workers drove MLK to Memphis and into the sights of James Earl Ray, thereby robbing his children of their father. Dr. King wrote, “Love and forgiveness are absolute necessities for spiritual maturity.” Forgiveness is a thoughtful choice that has a cost. MLK proved over time that he was willing to make that choice. In his efforts to reconcile people and groups he was accused of having a Messiah complex – something he flatly denied. In actuality, his sincerity and conscientiousness made him accessible to many people who put him on a pedestal he knew he didn’t deserve. So it is with us. No man or woman is immune to temptation or sin.

www.fsbfinancial.com How do we reconcile our actions with our words? I look at Dr. King. He was a hero and a hypocrite, just like me. I strive to do what is right but sometimes my love muscle falters and I resort to anger. Sometimes my desire to give is overshadowed by my longing to receive. Sometimes I grieve the people I profess to love most with selfish ambition and then cling to bitterness when they can’t forgive me. But if I have learned anything from Dr. King, it is that forgiveness comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and it is always accessible at the cross. For more inspiration, follow me on my blog: www.destinationdiscipline.com.

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April 10, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Charles Farmer Wins National Award in Soybean Yield Contest Wes Willbrand of St. Charles was recently honored for being among the nation’s highest-producing soybean farmers of his region in the 2018 Asgrow National Yield Contest. Willbrand captured the award with an impressive yield of 95.61 bushels per acre with Asgrow AG36X6 Brand. “Congratulations to Wes on his outstanding achievement,” said Pete Uitenbroek, U.S. DEKALB, Asgrow and Deltapine Market Lead. “It’s exciting to see farmers push yield boundaries through a winning combination of hard work, management skills and exclusive genetics.” Among 56 farmers receiving awards, more than 23

achieved yields of more than 100 bushels per acre in the 2018 contest. Winning farmers were recently recognized at the 2019 Commodity Classic Feb. 28 to March 2 in Orlando, Florida, with an awards banquet and private concert featuring country music duo Brothers Osborne. The Asgrow National Yield Contest first debuted in 2012 and encourages soybean producers to challenge their peers in pushing yield limits. The contest also provides farmers the opportunity to learn more about the latest seed technologies and production practices, which Submitted photo contribute to overall advances for farmers across the Wes Willbrand of St. Charles was recently honored for being among the country. nation’s highest-producing soybean farmers of his region in the 2018

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Asgrow National Yield Contest.

Boys & Girls Clubs summer camps for kids and teens

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) offers one of the most affordable, comprehensive, extended, high quality summer day camp programs in the St. Louis region. Summer campers, ages 6-16, are exposed to a variety of learning and participate in educational, recreational, and social activities as well as field trips, social recreation, and cultural activities on-site and in the community. Camps also include a nutritious breakfast and lunch. BGCSTL will have summer camp at eight locations and offer youth what they need and want most: trained professional staff who respect and listen to them; a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves; and interesting, constructive activities that channel youth energy into challenging pursuits. Summer will truly be a fun and dynamic experience that will spark creativity, engagement, and explorations! Swimming, teen and STEM programs, college and career readiness

programs, sports as well as field trips are just a few of the things campers can experience. Summer campers who are interested in writing, producing or singing will enjoy a Music Studio program led by Grammy Award-winning producer/songwriter Alonzo ”Zo” Lee. Students will be fully engaged in the songwriting/ recording process and create a song from start to finish. While youth who aspire to become coders, graphic designers, 3D animators or game developers will have access to our newly opened Best Buy Teen Tech Center at our Herbert Hoover Club. The center is an interactive and innovative fully equipped space with everything needed to engage youth ages 10-16 with STEAM activities including a music studio, 3D printer, t-shirt press maker, coding stations, state of the art computers, monitors and virtual reality headsets. Registration is now open at www.bgcstl.org or call 314-335-8000 with questions.

Girl Scouts have lots of summer fun in store Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is more than a century young and while our programming is always evolving, one thing has stayed the same. We have the wonderful role of facilitating life-changing experiences through the power of our Traditional Camp program. This summer send your girl on an adventure she will always remember. At Traditional Camp, she

will take aim at the archery range, paddle on the lake in a canoe and build life-long friendships with fellow campers. This is her moment to take action and create her next BIG adventure. Join us! Kathy Dabrowski Director of Camping Services

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 10, 2019

Play Street Museum celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting Owners Kellie Geraghty and Nicole Simon celebrated the grand opening of their new business – Play Street Museum, with a ribbon cutting on Friday, March 22, 2019. Joining Geraghty and Simon were city of St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith along with city staff and members of the city council, Play Street Museum staff, family members, board members and ambassadors with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Play Street Museum is located at 1650 Beale Street, Suite 138 in the Streets of St. Charles (next to Mission Taco). This unique museum, geared toward kids ages one through eight, features exhibits and activities that build educational curriculum into everyday play and cultivate a child’s growing confidence and autonomy. “Because Play Street is a small-scale museum, it makes it easier for young children to explore on their own, giving them a greater sense of independence,” explained Simon. “Kids are able to figure out things on their own instead of having their parents hover around them all the time.” When stepping into Play Street Museum, kids step into a child-sized neighborhood where they

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can explore a firehouse, grocery store, and pet shop and animal rescue. They’re also free to try their hand at arts and crafts activities, construction blocks and a giant Lite-Brite attraction. Plus, the museum’s ever-changing Discovery Room highlights a rotating range of educational topics, taking kids to outer space one month and back in time to the Mesozoic Era the next. For more information on Play Street Museum, their hours of operation and party information, please call 520-977-2536 or visit their website at www.psmstlouis.com.

The Orthodox Christian Church is now in St. Charles County, Missouri. While there are eleven Orthodox Christian Churches in the Metro St. Louis Area, there has never been one in St. Charles County. 



If you are an Orthodox Christian in St. Charles County who no longer attends your original parish due to distance, please contact us. If you have an interest in the Orthodox Christian Church, or simply curious and would like to know more, get in touch with us (we promise we won’t “pester” you).

Also, while we are presently using a small space in St. Peters, graciously provided by a small business, we are looking for a more permanent location where we can hold services without having to pack-up after every service. If you have a location that we could use without cost, we would greatly appreciate it (500 – 700 square feet would help us get started). We need to be in O’Fallon, Lake St. Louis, or Wentzville.

Please contact: Email: mission.stcharles@gmail.com Fr. James Mackoul: (314) 440 – 8924 Dr. Roy Snyder: 636) 395 - 6518

Submitted photo

team-building environment designed to encourage personal growth throughout all aspects of life. For more information on Disabled Athletes Sports Association, their hours of operation and services they provide, please call 636-477-0716 or visit their website at www.dasasports.org.

Laser Lipo and Vein Center introduces new technology Dr. Thomas Wright, Medical Director of Laser Lipo and Vein Center has announce the addition of Emsculpt, the first and only non-invasive body shaping procedure that simultaneously addresses both muscle and fat. Emsculpt introduces an entirely new techology to the category that goes beyond waist line reduction and elimination of fat cells. “Muscles represent about 35 percent of the human body, but existing aesthetic treatments only focus on the reduction of fat and fail to address muscle,” said Wright. “Emsculpt now offers a procedure to treat our fitness focused patients

30 Years Experience.

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Disabled Athletes Sports Association celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting Founder Kelly Behlmann celebrated the grand opening of the new location for Disabled Athletes Sports Association, with a ribbon cutting on March 22. Joining Kelly were city of St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano, staff, clients, board members and ambassadors with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Disabled Athletes Sports Association (DASA) is located at 2272 Mid Rivers Mall (Upstairs by Dillards) in St. Peters and specializing in therapeutic sport and fitness opportunities. The athletes of DASA are encouraged to seek their highest level of independence and become involved to the fullest extent with their non-disabled peers and their community as a whole. Their programs introduce both children and adults to sports and fitness activities that promote physical fitness, self-confidence, family values, and a positive,

Business

who are not candidates for existing technologies as they don’t have bulk or excess fat to lose. By finally addressing muscle tone, this treatment supports an individual’s dedication to an active and healthy lifestyle, helping them address and further define those particulary stubborun areas,” said Wright. The Laser Lipo and Vein Center, located at 830 Waterbury Falls Drive, Suite 202 in O’ Fallon is hosting an informational open house on April 29, from 4 – 7 p.m. Please call 636-397-4012 for more information or to RSVP to the event.

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School

April 10, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Three FHSD seniors named candidates in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

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The U.S. Department of Education has announced that seniors Arianna Chaves (Francis Howell North), Stephanie Monson (Francis Howell Central), and David Yang (Francis Howell) have been named candidates in the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The 4,500 candidates from across the country were selected out of nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 54th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the

Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District The U.S. Department of Education has announced that seniors Arianna Chaves (Francis Howell North), Stephanie Monson (Francis Howell Central), and David Yang (Francis Howell) have been named candidates in the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recog-

nize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.

East and West high schools named to prestigious PLTW list

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East High and West High have been recognized as Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools, among only 15 in Missouri. Project Lead the Way is a national curriculum in place at all Fort Zumwalt high schools that offers students handson learning in biomedical science, engineering and computer science. Participating students have the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. PLTW recognizes Distinguished Schools for their commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. In all, seven of Missouri’s PLTW Distinguished Schools are in St. Charles County.

Photo courtesy Fort Zumwalt School District PLTW biomedical students who have completed four years in the program are celebrated with a white coat ceremony.

Zumwalt students make up one-fifth of SLSO’s Top 100 artists Each St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association is flooded with submissions to their Picture the Music contest. Young artists grades K - 6 have the opportunity to listen to the selected piece and create a piece of art that tells the story they hear. From these hundreds of pieces, the Top 100 are selected and the artists are recognized at Powell Hall downtown.

This year, as in so many, Fort Zumwalt’s young artists stood out. Of the Top 100, 20 are Fort Zumwalt students. Owen Curtis, a third-grader at Dardenne Elementary and Kylee Burton, a kindergartner at Emge Elementary, each won the Symphony Award, the second-highest recognition in their category.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 10, 2019

School

Four schools in the WSD receive national recognition for STEM programs Holt, Liberty and Timberland high schools, as well as South Middle School in the Wentzville School District, have all been recognized as Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities through PLTW programs. Holt, Liberty and Timberland are among just 64 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor, and South Middle is one of only 148 middle schools in the country to receive the honor. The WSD has offered PLTW courses since 2007 Photo courtesy Wentzville School District and currently offers multiple courses in all three Holt, Liberty and Timberland high schools, as well as South Middle strands in high school (engineering, biomedical School in the Wentzville School District, have all been recognized as and computer science), as well as App Creator, Project Lead The Way Distinguished Schools. Design and Modeling, Magic of Electrons, and Automation and Robotics at the middle school PLTW programs. level, and a Medical Detectives course at the elePLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves mentary level. millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in “This is a tremendous distinction for our district schools across the U.S. Through PLTW programs, and a direct reflection of the dedication and com- students develop STEM knowledge as well as mitment our PLTW teachers and students have in-demand, transportable skills that they will use shown and the resulting accomplishments they both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any have achieved,” said Assistant Superintendent of career path they take. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Dr. Me“It is a great honor to recognize Holt, Liberty, gan Stryjewski. “We continue to focus on expand- Timberland and South Middle for their commiting options for students to ensure they are college ment to students,” said Vince Bertram, President and career ready well before they graduate from and CEO of PLTW. “They are a model for what a high school.” school should look like, and they should be very The PLTW Distinguished School recognition proud of ensuring students have the knowledge honors schools committed to increasing student and skills to be career ready and successful on any access, engagement, and achievement in their career path they choose.”

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Timberland Student Council elected as state president The Timberland High School Student Council (STUCO) has been elected President of the Missouri Association of Student Councils (MASC) for the 20192020 school year, the highest honor a council can receive in the state. MASC’s mission is to provide programs and resources that develop positive student leaders and advisors who will promote a quality school and community environment. Nearly 1,000 student leaders from across Missouri attended the 2019 State Convention at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis March 7-9. During the annual spring convention, schools campaign for office for the following school year, and use skits, election presentations, and creative campaign materials to garner votes from other student councils. Timberland STUCO has been elected Gateway Council President among schools in the greater St. Louis area four times in the past 10 years, but this is the first time in school history

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The Timberland High School Student Council has been elected President of the Missouri Association of Student Councils for the 2019-2020 school year, the highest honor a council can receive in the state.

that the group has secured the top office in the state. As state president, Timberland students are now responsible to host the MASC Convention in March of 2020. Timberland STUCO students had to decide to run for the state office months ago, according to THS STUCO Advisor Jim Andrzejewski. Their election campaign included putting together a video that highlights

the council’s many accomplishments. “Winning this position is a testament to the level of respect Timberland Student Council has around the entire state,” said Andrzejewski. “We have waited a long time for this, and I couldn’t be happier to have such an opportunity to showcase our school, district and community to the entire state of Missouri. ”

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What’s Happening

April 10, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS April 12: Fundraising event

Turning Point Advocacy Services annual event, Boots ‘n Bling, will be held at the Aspen Center in Innsbrook. Doors open at 6 p.m. This year’s guest speaker is the Honorable Kelly Boniec. Broniec, an associate circuit judge in Montgomery County, handles a variety court cases. As a guest speaker, she will discuss her experience in prosecuting and hearing cases in family, criminal and civil law that connect with Turning Point’s work as advocates and educators in sexual abuse. Guests at Boots ‘n Bling will enjoy dinner, a live auction and dancing. Every guest who brings an item from the shelter’s wish list will receive a raffle ticket for prizes. To reserve a seat or table, or to donate, call 636-456-1186, visit turningpointdvs.com, or find Turningpointwmo on Facebook.

April 14: Country music show

The Gateway Country Music Association will have their spring GCMA show featuring traditional country music with a host of singers and the GCMA band Route 67, at Wentzville Holt High School in the C H Jones Auditorium at 600 Campus Dr. in Wentzville. For tickets call Beverly McManus 636-384-0916 or Dean Raymer 636795-2014. Tickets are $10 and can also be purchased at the door.

April 12: Art exhibit

St. Charles Community College is hosting “Fantastic,” a multimedia invitation art exhibit featuring eight professional artists from the St. Louis region who use the theme of fantasy as their subject. The exhibit will run through 8 p.m. April 12 in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building gallery. 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. For more information contact Brian D. Smith at 636-922-8575 or bsmith@stchas.edu.

April 13: Spring carnival

The Holt High School DECA Chapter will be hosting the 20th annual Spring Fling at their school from 1 to 4:00 p.m. The event will include games, activities and the traditional egg hunts. Admission and the egg hunts are free. Game and activity tickets are available for purchase at five for $1. The egg hunts will be broken down into two age groups; preschool through second grade beginning at 2 p.m., and third through sixth grade beginning at 3 p.m. For more information, please contact the event coordinator Jolene Wofford at jolenewofford@wsdr4.org.

April 17-19: Theater performance

The Holt High School Theatre Department will present Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett’s “The Diary of Anne Frank” on April 17, 18 and 19. This drama will be performed by an all-school cast and crew each evening beginning at 7 p.m. The performance will be held in the C.H. Jones Auditorium. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets are available at the door.

April 26: Teen event

O’Fallon: Game On is open to teens age 13 – 18 and will offer more than a dozen activities including the latest video games, extreme inflatable challenges, oversized versions of yard games and more. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate on the night of the event, which will take place from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at CarShield Field at 900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard in O’Fallon. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/game-on or call 636-379-5606 or 636-474-2732.

April 27: Rummage and bake sale

A rummage and bake sale will be happening at Grace UCC at 8326 Mexico Road in O’Fallon from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a free will offering for the “treasures” you choose. For more information, call B. Warren at 636-5613038.

April 27: One with Courage Gala

The Child Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides services to children victimized by abuse and neglect will host its annual gala, to raise much-needed funds to continue fighting child abuse. The black-tie gala will be themed around a Kentucky Derby garden party and guests are encouraged to wear bow ties and hats while enjoying themed drinks and appetizers, a three-course dinner, an impressive live and silent auction, and entertainment by the Downtime Band. The event will be held at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles and is open to the public. To become a sponsor, donate an auction item, or to learn more about attending the event, please visit www.thechildcenter.com/ gala.

May 3-5: Theater performance

Wentzville Christian Church will present a community theater production of “Hello Dolly” on May 3 at 7 p.m., May 4 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on May 5 at 2 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance. The church is also collecting hats, scarves, and turbans for the American Cancer Society during the performance weekend. Wentzville Christian Church is located at 1507 Highway Z (1 mile south of I-70). For more information call 636327-6622 or visit www.wentzvillecc. org.

May 4: Friedens UCC benefit shrimp boil

Friedens is hosting a benefit shrimp boil at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles. It will benefit the Emmaus Homes, Inc. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the meal will begin at 6 p.m. There are a limited number of tickets so call 636-946-2884 by April 30 to get your reservations.

May 6: Card party

St. Robert Bellarmine Ladies Council is hosting their annual card party. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with lunch being served at 11:30 a.m. Price is $12 (lunch included). There will be attendance prizes. For reservations contact

Cathy at 636-723-0436. St. Robert Bellarmine is located at 1424 South First Capital Dr. in St. Charles (at corner of S. Hwy. 94 and Sherman Dr.).

May 22: Public works fair

Bring your toddlers and preschoolers ready to learn and discover at the city of O’Fallon’s Annual Public Works Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex parking lot at 890 T.R. Hughes Blvd. This free, kid-friendly and educational event is open to the public, and will highlight how city services are provided for everyday activities, from driving on the streets, to taking a drink of water, to the trash and recycling trucks that pick up curbside disposals. All activities are free, including hot dogs, chips and water.

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville Schnuck’s meeting room located on Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314560-1868.

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 St. 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 Hwy in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please call Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo.com. BILY 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: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.

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. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays: 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 (Second floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (Treasurer) at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-369-6521.

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge

St. Peters Senior Center plays bridge from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Thursdays, and would love to have any player, regardless of skill level, to join in. Call Mary Ann at 636-397-0866 if you are interested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets

Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636-2190553.

Mondays: Measurement Mondays:

10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays 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 baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

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 Rec-

reation, 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.

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.

Tuesdays: Seniors group

Please join us on the third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a gathering for senior adults. There will be lunch (no charge), cards and bingo (no charge), community program referrals, occasional health and wellness presentations and clergy available upon request. The event takes place at Church of the Transfiguration at1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake Saint Louis. For more information call 636-5618951.

Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

Spotlight

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

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Tuesdays: Cottleville Spring Kiwanis Club

Weldon

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. and the third Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. Both meetings are at Rack House Kitchen Wine Whiskey. New club looking for new members who want to better our community. Contact Christy at 314583-0538.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Bogey Hills Country Club 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 636448-4277. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 10, 2019 Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636-3792505.

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

The group meets on third Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Alzheimer’s Chapter Office at 9370 Olive Blvd. 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. Registration is requested before the first meeting.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refreshments and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertainment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month.

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

If you have a family member or friend who is having mental health concerns there is a support group for you. It meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Tuesdays: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball 8-9:30 p.m., in the Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to high school and adult men.

Tuesdays: 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 second Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warrenton Masonic Lodge. For more info call 636-279-5522

or 636-456-0776 or visit our Facebook page.

Tuesdays: 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.

Tuesdays: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America

Meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www.showmestitchers.com.

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Garden Club

Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930. Club does not meet in August or November.

Tuesdays: St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner. 5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles on the last Tuesday of the month. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 10:15-11:15 a.m. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

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: Crossroads Cribbage Club 12 noon. Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.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.

Wednesdays: Men’s Golf League

Wednesdays, April - October. 5 p.m., tee off at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. For more information, contact the Lake St. Louis Community Association at (636)625-8276.

6-6:55pm Any level. Info: 636.928.1928.

Wednesdays: Hope & Healing

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

Wednesdays: Veterans Coffee Talk

Wednesdays: Marine Corp League meeting

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: club

Women’s

fishing

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at Rookies

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club 661 Wentzville holds meetings every Thursday in room 21 at The United Methodist Church of Wentzville, 725 Wall Street. Weigh ins at 9:30, meetings begin at 10 a.m. For more information call 314-650-1014.

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. For more information, contact CyndySchwab at (636)544-0102.

Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

O’Fallon Rotary Club meets from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar at 217 S. Main St. in O’Fallon every

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.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Thursdays: O’Fallon Rotary Club meetings

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA

Wednesdays: Food pantry

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.

Thursdays: TOPS meeting

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

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 weightloss 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: meeting

American

Legion

On the first Thursday of each month, American Legion Post 323 meets at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville. For more information call 636-3276060.

Thursdays: Lions Club meeting

Wentzville Outreach Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at

Thursday. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, call President, Lisa Muncy at 636-240-0912.

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m. VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

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.

Schnucks at 1960 Wentzville Pkwy in Wentzville at 6 p.m. Contact Jimmy Butler at 314-780-5629 or Lisa Alexander at 314-258-1069 for more information.

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

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

9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314-369-6521.

What’s Happening

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

Sports

April 10, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

www.SHOESANDHOPE.org

www.treesbywoody.net

www.pbtc.net

Rascals getting new catchers for 2019 season The River City Rascals, your professional baseball team, play in the Western Division of the Frontier League and play their home games at the CarShield Field in O’Fallon. The team will see a changing of the guard behind the plate in this season. Veterans Josh Ludy and Mike Jurgella have manned the backstop position for the last few seasons, but a new crop of players will compete for the starting job this spring. Last year’s primary back-ups Gage West and James Morisano will be in the mix to take on the starting role. West hit .239 with nine RBIs in 29 games as a rookie in 2018, highlighted by a four-hit, three RBI performance against the Evansville Otters on July 29. The Tallahassee, Florida native joined the team in June after graduating from Faulker University in Montgomery, Alabama. The 23-year old hit .326 with six home runs and 52 RBIs as a senior, helping lead the Eagles to the NAIA World Series. West started his collegiate career at Florida State. Morisano, a Staten Island, New York native, hit .292 in nine games as a rookie last season. He hit his first career home run on Aug.29 against the Southern Illinois Miners, and had a three-hit game against the team earlier in the season. Prior to signing with the Rascals, he enjoyed a stellar collegiate career at Saint Louis University, helping lead the Billikens to the NCAA tournament as a senior in 2018. He was a college teammate of Rascals player/coach Braxton Martinez for two seasons at SLU. ~~~Who will be behind the mask? River City to start season The defending West Division champion Rascals open this year’s campaign on May 9 against the Washington Wild Things in O’Fallon. ~~~Ready or not

Women dominate in softball at Lindenwood Lindenwood University softball squad swept Pittsburg State at the Lou Brock Sports Complex in St. Charles in a pair of close games. The Lions won the opener 3-0 and the second game 4-1. Stormee Galka started both games in the circle, throwing a total of 12 innings with eight strikeouts against the Gorillas. Lindenwood rises to 19-13 overall and 8-10 in conference play. Highlights: - In the opener, Austine Pauley led the Lions offense, going 2-3 with a double, a triple and a pair of runs scored. - Stormee Galka and Taylor Bushman hit first and second, respectively with each player garnering a steal in the game. - Galka threw the complete game shutout, allowing five hits with two walks and five strikeouts. - In game two, Courtney Klosinski was 2-2 with a double, a run scored and an RBI. - Becca Stocker entered the game in the top of the sixth as a defensive sub and she then came to bat in the bottom of the inning and responded with a two-run single. - Pauley was 1-3 with a triple in the game. - Sam Dean went 1-3 with the eventual game-winning double, a run scored and an RBI. - Galka started the second game as well, throwing five innings with three hits, three strikeouts and one walk and she allowed one earned run against the Gorillas. - Marina Esparza got the win in game two, allowing a hit and striking out two in 2.0 IP. ~~~Happy times on the softball field 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 • April 10, 2019

Recipe: Go big on brunch A SMALL BRUNCH BITE: A full brunch menu calls for small bites on the side to complement the multitude of flavors brought on by a variety of brunch dishes. For a clever option that’s quick to make, these Mini Hash Brown Casseroles provide a morsel

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

bursting with flavor to pair with just about any morning meal. Made with refrigerated Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns, which are pre-shredded for a faster fridge to fork kitchen experience, you can make a batch of the tasty cups in less than an hour.

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.

Mini Hash Brown Casseroles Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24

Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated shredded hash browns 1 pound sausage roll 4 large eggs 1/2 cup milk 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup ham, cubed 1 cup red pepper, diced 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Directions: Heat oven to 350 F.

In skillet, cook sausage according to package directions.

browns, butter, ham, red pepper, black pepper and cheese; mix.

Remove hash browns from refrigerator and let rest.

Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin tins. In bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add hash

Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake 27-30 minutes. Serve warm.

Find more brunch solutions and recipes at simplypotatoes.com

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Box office success ‘Unplanned’ generates controversy, debate

Movie: By Steve Bryan

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.

ure Flix Entertainment, a studio known for releasing faith-based such as “God’s Not Dead,” has an unexpected box office success in “Unplanned.” Based on the experiences of Abby Johnson, who had been one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors, the film contains graphic scenes showing an abortion and earned an “R” rating as a result. Abortion is a hot-button topic and people are strongly divided over this medical procedure. Some notable Hollywood films have covered the topic of abortion before “Unplanned.” In 1982’s “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” for instance, Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) becomes pregnant after an encounter with the fast-talking Mike Damone (Robert Romanus). The young man promises to drive her to the clinic and pay for part of the procedure, but he never follows through. The abortion sequences are somewhat downplayed here. A pre- “Spider-Man” Tobey Maguire was front-and-center in “The Cider House Rules,” which was based on the novel by John Irving. Maguire played Homer Wells, a young orphan trained in obstetrics even though he never went to high school. His mentor, Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine), also teaches him how to perform abortions, even though Homer is not in favor of them. When he travels out into the world, his skills and ethics

“Unplanned” photo courtesy Pure Flix Entertainment

are put to the test. Actress Ellen Page starred in 2007’s “Juno,” the story of an unplanned pregnancy. Page plays the title role, a teenager who becomes pregnant by one of her friends. She goes to a clinic for an abortion but changes her mind once she gets there. “Juno” is considered a coming-of-age comedy, but it has serious overtones. It focuses more on alternatives to abortion such as adoption. “Dirty Dancing,” a very successful comingof-age film, contains a subplot featuring dancer Penny Johnson (Cynthia Rhodes). While working at a resort in 1963, Penny discovers she is pregnant by one of the wait staff and

wants to get an abortion. Baby Houseman (Jennifer Grey) borrows money from her physician father (Jerry Orbach) for the procedure, but Penny is injured during the abortion but Dr. Houseman steps in to help her. “Unplanned” is the latest film about abortion and has stirred up some controversy and debate. Apparently, the social media network Twitter, which normally welcomes movie promotion, temporarily shut down the film’s account. Unlike some of its predecessors, this film is more intense and graphic when it comes to the actual procedure. With strong voices on both sides, the debate and controversy is sure to continue.

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April 10, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Feature

April 10, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Space

‘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.

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life Fast foodie connoisseurs in Australia aren’t laughing it up as hoped after an April fool’s joke turned sour – sour as the pickle burger the restaurant promised, which turned out to be an attempt at light-hearted fun. McDairyKing offered a sandwich stuffed mile high with pickles, cheese and ketchup then sent the picture out to the Twitter-sphere on April 1. That should have been clue number one. The executives sat back to hear the laughter and applause and pat themselves on the back. The laughter and applause soon fell silent. And the only thing they felt in their backs was the sharp end of a silly gag that fell as flat as the pickle slices. First came the hopeful tweets:

In a pickle

• My life had no meaning. The future looked dismal. And then a glimmer of hope—the McPickle burger was created. McDairyKing, you saved my life. • Our vegetarian dinners were a mish-mash of boring meatless meals: tofu, kale casserole along with the occasional bean sprout burrito. The evening supper looked dark and depressing but, the promise of pickle sandwiches saved our monotonous dull routine. Happy dancin’ in our kitchen! • Ever since mad cow disease hit the newsstands with tales of people’s brains turning into cowpie mush after eating meat, I’ve never touched a burger. Thanks McDairyKing for bringing me

out of a bleak existence. • But soon the gig was up. The curtain lifted on the hoax and it did not tickle the giggle bones of the receivers one bit. Nay, they were as fuming mad as a mad cow with mad cow disease on branding day. The angry Tweets came out immediately: • The only thing left on my bucket list was to have a pickle burger. Life no longer has meaning. Darkness is closing in. The end is near.

• Is nothing sacred? My mouth watered for this delicacy only to have my hopes destroyed. Cruel and sadistic! • Fun suckers…dream dashers! What’s next? I suppose you’ll be telling us there are no unicorns! Who knew people actually had such a fondness for pickles. Good thing they cancelled their next prank: Mermaid McNuggets. 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.

ACROSS 1. Not slouching 6. However, poetically 9. “Poor me!” 13. Yo-Yo’s instrument 14. Read-only storage 15. Clear the chalkboard 16. Macho one 17. Gobbled up 18. Prepare for winter takeoff 19. *”2001: A Space ____” 21. *First man in space 23. Rocketman’s title 24. Green gemstone 25. Middle-earth creature 28. Dharma teacher 30. *Like space 35. Actress Gilbert 37. Heartburn relief 39. Parent, to a child 40. All over again 41. Pertaining to Os 43. Rani’s dress 44. Great reviews 46. 1,000 grams 47. Moon pull 48. *NASA’s human spaceflight program 50. Major European river 52. Huxley’s choice 53. Bookie’s quote 55. Two halves 57. *Robotic space explorer 61. *Kennedy Space Center location 65. Pleasant smell 66. Be indisposed 68. “____ death do us part” 69. Manicurist’s office 70. Court 71. Underwater breathing organs 72. Benevolent fellows 73. Car nut 74. Conversation starter

DOWN 1. Acoustic phenomenon 2. Lou of The Velvet Underground 3. Abounding with elms 4. Teacher’s audience 5. Throat lymph node 6. Carhop’s carrier 7. *Like Venus 8. *____ Centauri or ____ Nebula 9. *____ 51 10. Bear’s den 11. Fungal spore sacs 12. “As ____ on TV” 15. Push one’s way into 20. One of the Muses 22. Internet pop-ups 24. Comfy nightwear 25. City in Japan 26. Piled up, as in debt 27. Words to live by 29. *Falcon Heavy entrepreneur 31. *Kind of frontier? 32. 21st century letter 33. Smart candy? 34. ____-and-true 36. Military no-show 38. Place for a house plant 42. Business-oriented programming language 45. *”For the Benefit of All,” e.g. 49. “___ to Joy” 51. As much as necessary 54. A southern ____ 56. Bert’s partner 57. Bud holder 58. Instead of written 59. Part of an egg 60. Singer-songwriter Tori 61. Use a cat o’ nine tails 62. It will 63. Popular pickling herb 64. Additionally 67. Promise to pay SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9