CNSTC: April 24, 2022

April 27, 2022

In the ear of the beholder

Around Town ‘Beams of Hope’ offers lasting impression for new Habitat homeowners. Pg. 3 O’Fallon launches new Non-Profit Resiliency Grant Program for organizations serving residents in need. Pg. 4 A SENIOR MOMENT. Pg.4

School Retiring Fort Zumwalt North principal celebrated by state association. Pg. 6 Wentzville School District Robotics Team wins two regional competitions and advances to worlds. Pg. 6

Features

Submitted photo

Claire Wright performs on the piano at establishments and assisted living facilities around St. Charles County.

‘Differently-abled’ musician lets her talent shine across St. Charles County

By Laurie Simon Like many coffeehouses, Sugar Beans Coffeehouse in St. Charles offers a space to promote local musicians. One of those musicians, Claire Wright, has made a big impression on Saturday mornings, not only because of her talent on the piano, but also because she is legally blind.

Wright, who recently graduated from Francis Howell Central, was born with a rare brain and eye condition called, Septo Optic Dysplasia. The condition left Wright completely blind since birth, and shortly thereafter, she was given an autism diagnosis.

“We aren’t afraid to talk about her dis-

ability,” says Claire’s mom, Jennifer Wright.

The “tickling of the ivory keys” can be a tricky skill to master, especially if you can’t read sheet music. Claire had to learn to play by ear. She learned her playlist by listening to the songs, then repeating them note-fornote on the piano.

“I started (playing the piano) in 2011 when I was young and learned to play by ear,” said Claire. “I really like 50’s and 60’s music, but my favorite song is ‘Anything for Love’ by Meatloaf.”

Claire said Spotify and Apple Music are the two platforms she uses most to learn new songs. In addition to the piano, Claire has also picked up playing the harmonica (which she plays on a “flex-rack” to play

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

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the piano at the same time) the steel drums and is learning to master the ukulele. Claire said that someday she hopes she can learn the foot-drum as well.

From patriotic favorite, “This Land is Your Land” to Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” Claire can play something for everyone.

Claire’s music career is family affair with both of her parents being highly supportive.

“I’m more of Claire’s roadie and mom is more of her manger,” said Claire’s father, Jim Wright.

Claire giggled at her dad’s response.

See ‘BEHOLDER‘ page 2

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April 27, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘BEHOLDER’ from cover Jennifer first contacted Clarendale of St. Peters, an Assisted Living Center off Mexico Rd., regarding interest in having Claire play for the residents.

“Her Clarendale playing was us reaching out to them to see if there was a niche for Claire as employment doing what she loves,” said Jennifer.

Since her public debut in November 2021 at Clarendale, Claire has been volunteering, weekly, for the residents.

In addition to Clarendale Assisted Living, Jennifer says Claire has been playing on Saturday mornings at Sugar Beans Coffeehouse since February.

“I had seen a post from someone who was at Sugar Beans,

and it stated that their workers were differently abled, so I started to follow their Facebook page intending to go there to support their business,” said Jennifer. “A few more months went by and Angel, the owner, posted that they were looking for local talent to come and play there; so, I reached out to her about Claire and that’s how she started there.”

When a video post of Claire at Sugar Beans Coffeehouse went “viral” this April, she obtained a weekly gig at the Mocktail Lounge on Main Street in St. Charles. To see the full listing of locations and times where you can catch Claire in action, please visit, “Claire Wright Music” on Facebook.

Submitted photo Claire Wright performs on the piano at establishments and assisted living facilities around St. Charles County.

‘Beams of Hope’ offers lasting impression for new Habitat homeowners The new framework going up in a Habitat home begins an exciting journey for a firsttime Habitat homeowner, as well as for the many volunteers and community partners who assist in the building of the home.

Beams of Hope, a fundraising initiative launched by Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, offers individuals, families, businesses, organizations and community members the opportunity to personalize the two-by-six lengths of lumber, which provide the framework for Habitat’s 95th home. The home, located in the city of St. Charles, is slated for completion by the end of this year.

According to the Habitat St. Charles construction team, over 100 beams are needed to frame the interior and exterior walls of each Habitat home.

To participate, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County offers the following guidelines: Each beam is available with a $250 donation. Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County hopes to raise $25,000 with the Beams of Hope campaign, which will go toward the organization’s home building initiative. Participation is encouraged from individuals, families, businesses, organizations, places of worship and community members.

Visit https://donorbox.org/beamsofhope for more information.

• A plain, wood beam may be picked up during the office hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the local Habitat affiliate office at 2041 Trade Center Drive in St. Pe-

Submitted photo Beams of Hope, a fundraising initiative launched by Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, offers individuals, families, businesses, organizations and community members the opportunity to personalize the two-by-six lengths of lumber, which provide the framework for Habitat’s 95th home.

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ters, Missouri.

Words of hope, encouragement, peace and inspiration may be inscribed on the beam. Participants are encouraged to use their artistic skills and imagination in the personalization of their beam. (Please note: to preserve the structural integrity of the beam, it cannot be cut, burned, carved or physically altered in any way.)

Decorated beams should be returned to the Habitat office by May 16.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County will post logos of Beams of Hope participants on signage at the home’s jobsite, as well as on its website and social media. Contact leah@habitatstcharles.org for more information.

“Beams and Bagels,” a celebratory

viewing party for all participating donors to see their personalized beams installed in the new Habitat home, is slated for July.

“During a Habitat construction project, the home’s wood beams are signed primarily by the volunteers, donors, friends and family members that helped build the home,” said Michelle Woods, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. “Beams of Hope is a unique way to expand on this idea for members of the St. Charles County community to offer indelible, meaningful messages of peace, home, inspiration, praise, love, faith and joy to a new Habitat homeowner while supporting our mission to build affordable, stable housing with hard-working families in the area.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 27, 2022

O’Fallon launches new Non-Profit Resiliency Grant Program for eligible organizations serving residents in need The city of O’Fallon’s Grants & Assistance Office is now offering grants for eligible nonprofit organizations currently serving O’Fallon residents in need. The program aims to assist organizations that provide much-needed services and support to O’Fallon’s residents.

The Non-Profit Resiliency Grant Program is designed to support organizations, programs and activities that specifically benefit city of O’Fallon residents. Organizations eligible to apply include nonprofits that are corporations, associations, agencies or organizations that have a 501©3 non-profit status under the Internal Revenue Service Code. The program is intended as an infusion of funds to assist organizations in creating new programs and/or expanding existing programs that serve O’Fallon’s residents in need.

“Nonprofit organizations continue to tirelessly to serve our neighbors in need,” said Alexis Jaegers, Public Assistance Specialist for the city of O’Fallon. “The public health emergency has stretched their ability to serve beyond previous capabilities,

and yet, they are still providing essential services and support to many of our residents. It’s our goal to support these organizations in their efforts to meet the needs of our O’Fallon community.”

“I am truly grateful for the work our nonprofit organizations do, and continue to do, to support our community,” said Mayor Bill Hennessy. “This has been an unprecedented era in O’Fallon’s history, and I’m proud our city is able to support the organizations who have risen to the challenge and provided much-needed care and support to our residents.”

Applications will be accepted until May 31, at which point, the city’s review process will begin. Applications will be scored based on a matrix, and funds will be awarded accordingly. To apply, non-profit organizations may visit www.ofallon.mo.us/grants-assistance to download the application.

For more information about the application, please contact Alexis Jaegers, O’Fallon’s Public Assistance Specialist, at 636-379-5411, or ajaegers@ ofallon.mo.us.

Around Town

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Optimist Club of St. Charles recognizes oratorical contest winners The Optimist Club of St. Charles recognized the top three finishers of the club’s 2022 Oratorical Contest during the meeting on April 12. The order of finish was First Place Abby Hallam, Second Place Michael Cook and Third Place Katie Elliot.

This year’s oratorical topic was “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times.” Abby and Michael delivered their winning speeches following the club’s weekly luncheon. KaSubmitted photo tie was unable to at- (From left) Michael Cook stands with Abby Hallam and Bob Beckman (Club President and Oratorical Chair). tend the luncheon.

Abby and Michael now advance to the Pio’s Restaurant in St. Charles. Persons District Regional contest scheduled interested in learning more about the on April 19. The top two finishers club are encouraged to view the club’s advance to the district contest where websitehttps://scoptimists.weebly. they will compete for college scholarcom/or Facebook page https://www. ships. facebook.com/Optimist-Club-of-StThe Optimist Club of St. Charles Charles-MO-416164208567872/. meets weekly on Tuesdays at noon at

www.ofallon.mo.us/whiskers

Around Town

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April 27, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

www.mycnews.com

St. Peters and Cottleville residents can shred their unneeded documents and get a free tree seedling St. Peters and Cottleville residents can save a tree and plant a tree, all for free, at the city of St. Peters’ annual Shred It and Forget It event on May 7.

The Shred It and Forget It event will take place from 9 a.m.-noon at the Environmental Services Building at 135 Ecology Drive. St. Peters and Cottleville residents with valid Resident Privilege Cards can have their documents shredded and recycled by mobile shredders at no cost. Non-residents can shred for $5/box. Mobile shredders will be on-site to securely destroy and recycle unneeded documents.

There is a limit of five banker-size boxes per vehicle.

All shredded material will be recycled, including the cardboard boxes.

Do not bring computer discs or hanging file rods.

Documents can contain staples or paper clips.

At this same event, the city of St. Peters will celebrate Arbor Day by handing out free tree seedlings for redbuds or flowering dogwoods. Tree seedlings, along with planting instructions, will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Only residents can receive seedlings for the first hour (9-10 a.m.).

For more information, call 636-970-1456.

THIS WEEK’S PICK

Is your house an asset or an anchor?

Home is associated as a place of love, comfort and joy. It’s where we brought our kids home from the hospital or where we have family gatherings every holiday. Home is where we make good, lasting memories. But home is also a house. When you live in a house for a long time or even a short time, if it requires ongoing maintenance, expense or doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore, it essentially becomes a burden. With a burden comes stress which can result in poor health, exhaustion and a sense of overwhelm. Your home becomes an anchor. Below are five signs that your home may be more of an anchor than an asset.

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Safety is a concern. As our bodies get older, we are more prone to falling and stairs become a concern. Maybe your laundry is in the basement, or your bedroom is on the upper level and it’s essential for you to take the stairs. Downsizing to one level can help your body feel better and cut out unnecessary wear and tear and potential risks.

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Maintenance is overwhelming. If your house needs lots of little repairs, the roof needs to be replaced, you have a plumbing leak or your yard is overgrown - then by handling those issues, you are essentially using energy that you could be using elsewhere. It can be a little overwhelming finding a reputable contractor, scheduling the repair and overseeing the process.

By living somewhere maintenance free, it frees up time and energy for you to focus on the things you enjoy.

with the stuff is because you have space for it. You don’t really want it or need it, but you found a way to tuck it away. Downsizing can simplify your life and help you use only the things you love.

4.

You feel isolated. Studies have shown that seniors who stay actively engaged socially and intellectually live longer, healthier and more satisfying lives. When a community like a retirement community provides meals, transportation and social activities that are convenient, most people find it increases their energy, they have decreased illnesses and have an overall more positive outlook on life.

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You’ve experienced a health change or diagnosis. Maybe your health has been declining slowly over the years or there has been a sudden change. It may be time to start thinking about downsizing before it is not an option anymore and you are forced to do so. It is much better to make decisions before you have to make them at a critical time.

So is your house an asset or an anchor? It’s hard to leave behind a place so near and dear to our hearts. But as the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is” – not the building or the stuff. Seniors who make the decision to downsize themselves, find that simplifying their life improves their life and health. Typically, seniors who are miserable, are the ones that unfortunately ended up being in a position where someone made that decision to downsize for them. Downsizing when you choose can be done on your schedule and your terms.

Keep in mind that many senior communities have wait lists as long as two years or more. Start planning today, for tomorrow.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 27, 2022

Around Town

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Cuivre River Electric announces Youth Tour finalists Cuivre River Electric Cooperative has named its 12 finalists for the 2022 Youth Tour essay contest.

The top 12 scoring essays were selected by a panel of judges out of nearly 80 based on their cooperative knowledge, composition, originality, grammar and neatness.

The 12 finalists are Madelyn Brune, Clopton High School; Katelyn Sieh, Fort Zumwalt North High School; Kaitlyn Benesek, Arthi Kondapaneni, Ella Murphy, Reese Ramler, Samantha Flynn and Alexa Graham, all of Liberty High School; Julia Stakrs and Madisen Nash, both of Warrenton High School; Josie Hoskins, Troy Buchanan High School; and Jamie Jarvis, Jarvis Home School.

The CREC Youth Tour Final Competition and Awards Banquet was held on April 6 at the CREC branch office in Lake Saint Louis. The 12 finalists will take a cooperative knowledge-based quiz, and then present their winning es-

Submitted photos Cuivre River Electric Cooperative has named its 12 finalists for the 2022 Youth Tour essay contest. The top 12 scoring essays were selected by a panel of judges out of nearly 80 based on their cooperative knowledge, composition, originality, grammar and neatness.

says to a board of distinguished judges and special guests. Their presentations will be judged on the student’s speaking ability, poise and personality, appearance and length of presentation.

The six students with the highest combined competition scores will receive an

all-expense paid trip to Washington, D. C., June 13-19, 2022, to attend the National Youth Tour Conference.

The other six finalists will each receive a $500 scholarship.

The annual Youth Tour contest is open to students who live and attend

school in Cuivre River Electric’s general service area, or who have CREC service in their homes. For more information about the Youth Tour program, contact Tim Schmidt at 800-392-3709, ext. 4837 or by email at tschmidt@cuivre.com.

St. Charles County teen named Missouri Junior Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America Selected among fourteen outstanding youth, Logan L. from Poplar Bluff has been named the Missouri Youth of the Year and Salena J. from St. Charles County has been named Missouri Junior Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Youth of the Year titles are a prestigious honor bestowed upon exemplary young people in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 75th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. As the Missouri Junior Youth of the Year, Salena will serve as an advocate for the benefits of after-school programming that promote healthy habits, academic success, character and leadership development, and workforce readiness.

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County’s Junior Youth of the Year competition was supported locally by BKD CPAs and Advisors through an annual partnership that supports leadership training opportunities of club members ages 10-13.

Chief Executive Officer, Karen Englert expressed her excitement at the state luncheon and shared her impression of Salena’s leadership role at the clubs.

“She is an incredible example of our next generation of leaders both in the St. Charles Clubs and across the state,”

Englert said. “It is impossible to walk away from this experience without feeling inspired by her confidence, resiliency, and aspirations. We are proud of the character and poise Salena displays and are anxious to see which leadership opportunities she will pursue next at the O’Fallon Club unit!”

Through programs such as Positive Action and SMART Girls, Salena has embraced a healthy assurance of her internal value and worth.

“The club has given me an experience that’s left an impact on me that I didn’t know I needed. I’m happy I get to be a part of what’s going on here,” Salena said. “It made me realize that I don’t have to have the best clothes, pounds of makeup to be pretty, or look a certain way. I have learned through the programs taught here that being different is okay.”

With dreams of pursuing a career in teaching or the fine arts, Salena continues to make her mark in the Fort Zumwalt School District, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County and in her community.

“We are incredibly proud of Salena and all the Junior Youth of the Year nominees,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Being named Junior Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor and accomplishment. As the Missouri Junior Youth of the Year, Salena will serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Club

kids and teens across the state who need more role models that they can admire and emulate.”

For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www. youthoftheyear.org.

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School

April 27, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Retiring Fort Zumwalt North principal celebrated by state association

WWW.JEWISHSTCHARLES.ORG

Fort Zumwalt North High School Principal Joe Sutton was recognized by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals at their annual conference with the Consummate Professional Award.

The award recognizes principals who have demonstrated leadership in improving school achievement, have ensured a positive school climate that reflects high morale among students and staff, and have served as a formal or informal mentor to new principals. Honorees also are recognized for their contributions to the school and community as well as the respect they are shown by students, staff and the community at large.

Sutton’s commitment to the Zumwalt North community might best be represented by the yellow vest he dons each morning. Residents who traverse Tom Ginnever Avenue in O’Fallon on their way to work are used to seeing Sutton in front of the school, wearing his safety vesting, welcoming students and staff each day.

Under his guidance the school has honored the past, regularly recognizing alumni achievements with its hall of fame and homecoming ceremonies, while celebrating

the contributions of current staff and students.

During Sutton’s tenure, North High has been nationally recognized by US News and World Report as among America’s Best High Schools, and one of the top 50 in the state of Missouri. Students are regularly named to Boys and Girls State, the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY) and participate in numerous projects for the community such as volunteering for the city of O’Fallon and collecting each Thanksgiving for No Hunger Holiday.

Athletics and fine arts groups are also recognized regularly at the state and national levels. Sutton, who has been at North High since 2000 and served as the building’s head principal since 2006, is retiring at the end of this school year.

Beyond the tradition he has honored and perpetuated at Zumwalt North High, his impact is felt across St. Charles County through the many school administrators he has mentored. They include, but are not limited to: Zumwalt East High Principal Brian Bishop; Zumwalt Hope High Principal Ryan Bishop; Zumwalt South Middle Principal Buddy Entwistle, who will replace

Photo courtesy Fort Zumwalt School District Fort Zumwalt North High School Principal Joe Sutton was recognized by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals at their annual conference with the Consummate Professional Award.

Sutton next school year; Wentzville Assistant Superintendent Jeri Labrot; Wentzville Liberty Principal Ed Nelson. Ashlee Vaughn, who will begin her tenure as Zumwalt East Principal next year and Jeff Fletcher, who will begin his tenure as Francis Howell North Principal next year, also have served as a teacher or assistant principal under Sutton.

Wentzville School District Robotics Team wins two regional competitions and advances to worlds The Wentzville School District Robotics Team, the Ratchet Rockers (Team 1706), won two regional competitions with their robot “Blue Widow,” bringing home two Blue Banners. The Ratchet Rockers are composed of about 35 students from all four high schools.

Their robot’s main functions are to pick up cargo (balls) through two intake systems and shoot it into a hub to score points; climb rungs, with more points being scored for reaching a higher rung.

The Ratchet Rockers competed at the Heartland Regional in Kansas City and the St. Louis Regional at Chaifetz Arena. At the Heartland Regional, the Ratchet Rockers competed in twelve matches against 27 teams from Kansas, Missouri, and Minnesota.

The Ratchet Rockers’ alliance with the BroncoBots and Northtown Robotics claimed the victory, Blue Banner, and Excellence in Engineering Award.

At the St. Louis Regional, the Ratchet Rockers competed in twelve qualifying matches against 37 teams from Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky. Together with Edwardsville Technologies, this alliance was undefeated in playoff matches and went on to win the competition, bringing home another Blue Banner. The Ratchet Rockers were also awarded the

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The Wentzville School District Robotics Team, the Ratchet Rockers (Team 1706), won two regional competitions with their robot “Blue Widow.”

Autonomous Award.

This is the first time in team history that the Ratchet Rockers have won two regional competitions.

Each regional win qualified the Ratchet Rockers to compete at the First Robotics World Championship on April 20-23 in Houston, Texas.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 27, 2022

Two Timberland High School students named to Missouri Scholars 100 Two Wentzville School District students were selected for this year’s Missouri Scholars 100. Timberland High School seniors Mason Neal and Joshua Talluto were named to the distinguished list.

The statewide program, now in its 28th year, honors 100 of Missouri’s top academic students in each year’s graduating class. The 2022 recipients will be recognized at a luncheon at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri, on May 1.

Neal has a weighted GPA of 4.33, scored a 34 on the ACT, and is ranked tenth in his class. He is the captain of the Timberland High School Scholar Bowl team; he is also a member of the National Honor Society. Neal plans to major in mathematics at the University of Mississippi.

Talluto has a weighted GPA of 4.53, scored a 34 on the ACT, and is ranked first in his class. He is a member of DECA, Link Crew, and the tennis team. Talluto is also a member of the National Honor Society and was a class officer his junior year; and a member of band and theater. Talluto plans to attend Missouri S&T University to major

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in chemical engineering.

Missouri Scholars 100 Honorable Mention students include Sanjana Anand and Mahathi Manikandan from Liberty High School, and Sarah Goldstein and Nathan Hoenig from Holt High School.

Missouri Scholars 100 is a program sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. Schools across Missouri are invited to nominate candidates for this recognition, which is based primarily on a formula using the student’s grade point average and ACT or SAT score.

Each student nominated had to

first meet the criteria of an “Academic Decathlon” that included ten events designed to test the academic strength of the student. To meet the decathlon requirements, the student must have had a minimum GPA of 3.75, a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1,600, be ranked in the upper ten percent of the class and have taken upper-level courses in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. Attendance, school activity involvement, and just citizenship are also taken into consideration.

Four Fort Zumwalt School District students sign to continue apprenticeship journey with local companies Fort Zumwalt School District is a U.S. Department of Labor Certified Apprenticeship Program. Four members of the Class of 2022 who have been working with Quest Specialty Products or Merric Millwork and Seating celebrated a signing ceremony last week.

James Brinker and Chase Songer have agreed to continue their apprenticeship journey with Quest in Earth City. Evan Baisch and Ian Hawbaker will continue their work with Merric in O’Fallon.

Fort Zumwalt’s Engineering and Industrial Technology Department has established a nationally recognized Apprenticeship Program through the U.S. Department of Labor and Missouri Registered Apprenticeships. The program was launched in an effort to provide students the necessary technical skills to be career ready at graduation, as well as some of the key soft skills employers often cite as applicant shortcomings.

Fort Zumwalt students who have completed two courses in the district’s Engineering & Industrial Tech department are eligible to apply. Once the application is complete and they have secured a teacher recommendation, students are able to apply for apprenticeships with local manufacturing partners Merric and Quest, who will interview the candidates.

The partnership provides students who complete the program with an hourly wage for their 2,000 apprentice hours, a nationally recognized training credential and

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The Wentzville School District Robotics Team, the Ratchet Rockers (Team 1706), won two regional competitions with their robot “Blue Widow.”

45 hours of college credit through St. Charles Community College. The partnership provides local manufacturers with highly skilled workers whose school attendance is a proven track record of commitment to the workplace.

Currently, the apprenticeship program places students in the district’s woods or metals engineering programs. However, the district’s certification does allow for expansion and Fort Zumwalt is exploring other career strands that can be added to the Certified Apprenticeship program.

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What’s Happening

April 27, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

Take Notice . . .

The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.

EVENTS April 30: Aging well resource fair

An aging well resource fair will take place from 1-4 p.m. at St. John UCC at 405 South Fifth Street in St. Charles.

There will be helpful information about a wide variety of services, benefits, activities, opportunities for seniors, soon-to-be seniors and family members of seniors.

April 30-May1: Spring concerts

The Choral Arts Singers present “When Our Voices Rise,” featuring the joyous song “How Can I Keep From Singing” and the title song by a local area composer. Concerts will be on April 30 at 7 p.m. at Wentzville United Methodist Church at 725 Wall Street in Wentzville, and on May 1 at 3 p.m. at the Chapel of Assumption Parish at 403 N. Main Street, O’Fallon. Concerts are free, donations are appreciated. Please visit www. concertarts.org for more concert details.

May 1: Hymn festival

Zion Lutheran Church and School invite the public to join in song at its 18th annual Hymn Festival. This year’s theme is “Voices Raised In Praise.” The Hymn Festival will be held at Zion Lutheran Church at 3866 S. Old Highway 94 in St. Charles at 3 p.m.

For more information and directions, log on to www.zionharvester.org or contact Mark Thoelke, Director of Worship and Music at 636-441-7425.

May 2: Blood drive

A blood drive will take place at SunRise Church at 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd in O’Fallon from 3:30-7:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment go to sunrisefamily.org/events.

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 IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

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: Anonymous

Alcoholics

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

Mondays: Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at The Breakfast Club, 991 Waterbury Falls Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63368. New club looking for new members who want to better our community. Contact Christy at 314583-0538.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting

Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http://www. stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

Choral Arts Singers practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at Connection ChristianChurch, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New singers (high school and older) 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 unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden 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. 314-3696521.

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge

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 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.

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

Candlelighters Women in Recovery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb pre-School, turn left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.

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.

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets

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

Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636219-0553.

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.

Mondays: Mondays:

Measurement

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.

Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 314-954-3364 for info.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

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: Diabetes support group

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis.

A new speaker each month.

Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-625-5447.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, 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 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis. com.

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Tuesdays: Meeting

Toastmasters

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

Tuesdays: Mended Hearts

This heart patient support group provides hospital visitation support for people with any type of heart issues.

The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Spencer Road St. Charles Library, at the corner of Boone Hills Dr. and Spencer Rd. For additional information please call 636639-0875.

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 800272-3900 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 from 1:00 - 3:30 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: 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 636-4560776 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: 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 May 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • April 27, 2022 $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636947-7666.

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

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

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club TOPS 502 Wright City meets every Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church at 104 Hedeman Ave. in Wright City.

Weigh-in 7 - 8:30 a.m. Meeting starts at 9 a.m. For more information call 314-5045202

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: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

Meetings are held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road in St. Charles.

Visitors are always welcome.

For more information visit http://www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@ charter.net.

Wednesdays: Quilt guild

Every Fourth Wednesday from January to October, the Loose Threads Quilt Guild meets at 6:45 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Centre at the St. Peters City Hall on Mexico Road in St. Peters.

Wednesdays: Marine Corps League meeting

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at Pezold Banquet Center, 5701 Hwy N, in Cottleville at 7:00 p.m. All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome.

For more information visit www.stcharlesmarine.org.

Wednesdays: fishing club

Women’s

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at JJ’s Restaurant at 1215 S. Duchesne Dr. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Wednesdays: veterans coffee

Monthly

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 and fourth Wednesday 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.

Wednesdays: Crossroads Cribbage Club

Meets at 1380 Boone St., at 12 p.m. in Troy. 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 weightloss 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.

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m.

VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon.

636-272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 6-6:55pm Any level. Info: 636928-1928.

Wednesdays: Healing

Hope &

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.

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

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 Pounds Sensibly

Off

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: St. Charles Rotary Club Meeting

St. Charles Rotary Club meets at noon at The Moose Lodge at 2705 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. In St Charles. Members and guests are welcome

for lunch, leadership development and to gain a better insight into our community. www.stcharlesrotary.org.

What’s Happening

Thursdays: American Legion meeting

On the first Thursday of each month, American Legion Post 323 meets at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 504

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

9

Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville. For more information call 636-327-6060.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

10

Sports

April 27, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

• • •

www.drmarcycooper.com

Hoots change former baseball Cardinal for the Home Run Derby event The O’Fallon Hoots, members of the Prospect League, announced that Cardinals’ broadcaster and former Cardinal great Rick Ankiel will take part in the Second Annual MLB Alumni Home Run Derby at CarShield Field on June 4.

Ankiel replaces Brian Jordan as the final MLB Alum to be announced after Jordan was forced to withdraw due to injury, joining Ray Lankford, Daniel Descalso and Rafael Furcal.

“It’s always exciting to have Rick back at CarShield Field,” General Manager David Schmoll said. “Cardinals fans love Rick and when the opportunity came up to have him back, we jumped at it. We can’t wait to see him compete in June!”

He was a second-round selection of the Cardinals in 1997. He quickly rose through the minor league ranks, earning Minor League Player of the Year in 1999 by both Baseball America and USA Today and made his Major League debut that same season. Ankiel helped the Cardinals to the 2000 National League Central Division championship and to the NLCS. After injuries, Ankiel returned to the MLB as an outfielder in 2007 where he played until 2013. He finished with 76 home runs including a career high 25 in 2008. *Mark your calendar

Ambush review leaders for the season on offense and defense The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the MASL with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The defensive side has the following at the top: • Sam Guernsey - 32 blocks | 5 goals | 3 assists • Pepe - 19 blocks | 6 goals | 9 assists • Jeff Michaud - 18 blocks | 2 goals | 7 assists

Christian Briggs - 18 blocks | 2 assists On the offensive attack there are: Mohamed Ndiaye - 43 points | 19 goals | 24 assist • James Thomas - 29 points | 19 goals | 10 assists • Will Eskay- 25 points | 19 goals | 6 assists • Robby Kristo - 25 points | 18 goals | 7 assists Overall the Ambush clinched a wildcard position seeded No. 7 scoring the second highest goals in their division.

For more details go to www.STLAmbush.com *Exciting year of indoor soccer

UMSL duo excel in on the links Freshmen Tove Brunell and Juliette Lecomte earned All-Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) honors, while helping the University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s golf team secure a spot in medal/match play as stroke play concluded recently at the GLVC Championships.

Brunell finished as the league’s runner-up, shooting a 228 (74-780-76), while Lecomte was fifth with a score of 236 (77-78-81). The top-five finishers were named All-GLVC, while the remaining golf awards are determined by season results and a coach’s vote later.

The Tritons are the No. 3 seed in the inaugural GLVC medal/match play and will face No. 2 seed Lindenwood, while No. 1 Indianapolis and No. 4 Drury will square off in the other semifinal with the winners meeting in the finals. *Great accomplishments

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, and is currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • April 27, 2022

Recipe: Brunch made easy

Feature

F-1

– 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.

Herbed Spanish Omelet Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research | Servings: 4

Ingredients: 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced or shredded water 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup diced red onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 large whole eggs, lightly beaten

2 egg whites, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives salt, to taste (optional) fresh herb sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

cook 5 minutes.

Place potatoes in large pan.

Cover with water. Bring to boil and cook, uncovered, 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Cover and let stand about 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain well.

Combine whole eggs and egg whites. Stir in parsley, basil and chives. Season with salt, to taste, if desired. Pour mixture over potatoes in hot skillet. Reduce heat and cook, uncovered, about 10 minutes, or until bottom of omelet is golden.

In deep, 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic.

Cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add potatoes and

If desired, brown top under toaster oven. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving: 260 calories; 12 g total fat (2 g saturated fat); 28 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein; 2 g dietary fiber; 106 mg sodium.

For more brunch ideas and recipes, visit Culinary.net.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Tom Cruise’s Captain Peter Mitchell returns in ‘Maverick’

D

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.

uring the pandemic, the airline industry was amongst the hardest hit as people who would normally have traveled for fun opted to stay safe at home. In 1903, however, Orville and Wilbur Wright were the original pilots on the aircraft they created. Orville made the first trip on their invention, but other would-be aviators questioned the brothers’ status of making the first manned flight. Still, the duo opened the door for a new era in travel.

The “Age of Aviation” brought with it engineers, pilots as well as films about their exploits. “Wings,” a 1927 film that won the first Academy Award for Best Picture, contained state-of-the-art special effects at that time. Actress Clara Bow, Charles Rogers and Richard Arlen led a cast that, according to Wikipedia, contained 300 pilots. Director William Wellman shot impressive aerial footage that still looks amazing in the 21st century. In the 1960’s, Rogers and Arlen even made a cameo appearance on “Petticoat Junction” playing themselves at the much-delayed Hooterville premiere of “Wings.”

1957’s “The Spirit of Saint Louis” examined the flying prowess of Charles Lindbergh. Jimmy Stewart played Lindbergh and showed his quest to win the $25,000 award offered by Raymond Orteig for the first successful nonstop transatlantic flight between New York City and

“Top Gun: Maverick” photo courtesy Paramount Pictures

Paris. Lindbergh’s plane, “The Spirit of St. Louis” was a single-engine, single-seat monoplane but, because of the large gas tank in front of the cockpit, Lindbergh had to look out his side windows for guidance.

2009’s “Up in the Air” followed a man whose job was firing people. George Clooney played Ryan Bingham, a smooth-talking, seasoned traveler hired to make reductions in a workforce tolerable. Bingham also loved air travel and his expressed goal was racking up 10 million frequent flyer miles. During his trips, Ryan met Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), another seasoned traveler that seemed like the perfect

woman for him.

On Jan. 15, 2009, pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeff Skiles flew through a flock of Canadian geese that damaged both engines. The pilots kept their cool and Sullenberger relied on experience to ditch the plane in the Hudson River. Although there were some injuries and cases of hypothermia, all the passengers survived. Clint Eastwood’s 2016 film “Sully” told the story of the now-famous captain and what he endured after the flight.

In 2022, Tom Cruise’s iconic Pete Mitchell character will return flying aircraft that the Wright brothers could only imagine. “Top Gun: Maverick” has been slated for a Memorial Day Weekend release and will contain more intriguing special effects. Thirty-five years after the first movie, Maverick has been called back to train select “Top Gun” graduates for a special assignment. One graduate is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s deceased best friend, Goose (played in the first film by Anthony Edwards).

You can almost imagine that the Wright Brothers were there in spirit when Sully and Skiles landed their plane. Pete Mitchell may always have a special “need for speed,” but aviators like the Wright Brothers, Lindbergh and Sully did it better.

“Maverick” opens in theaters on May 27, 2022.

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COLLECTIBLES

April 27, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Feature

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Feature

April 27, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Inventions & Inventors

‘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 Why is it that when our adult children come to visit we remember all too well why we booted them out in the first place.

Speaking of boot…

On a recent extended visit they entered the house with the grandkids in tow. Immediately after the hugs and happy laughter were over, the juvenile habits settled back in quicker than I could say, “Who left the milk out?!”

I knew their old ways had returned because I was immediately encircled by a shoe pile that reached up to my belly button.

“Everyone…shoes!” I said. No answer. “Ahem, no shoes in the house. Rules haven’t changed.

Leave them in the garage. Hello? Anyone?”

I needed to pick my battles. It was too early to start a rampage, so I got a snow shovel and scooped up the nest of shoes and deposited them onto the garage floor.

By then the throng had scampered off into the kitchen to ransack the pantry. They know I stock it up with all their favorite treats. They unloaded and left a trail of plates, glasses and utensils like Hansel and Gretel leaving crumbs to lead them back home.

Later, the swarm followed their path and returned to raid the refrigerator like it was Sir Gorge-A-Lot’s all-you-can-eat-buffet. They believed it was their personal cafeteria opened all hours complete with a waitress on duty to clean up and magically restock the empty shelves just like when they were ten.

Back then the laundry fairy mysteriously made their putrid undershorts wearable again and somehow restocked their sock drawer with fresh

ones. They still have no idea how it happened.

There were other telltale signs that the squatters had taken up residence. Someone forgot to close the toilet lid and the paper roll was empty. That left me wondering what kind of substitute wipes were used. I made a mental note to toss out the hand towels. I wasn’t taking any chances with these barbarians.

I wandered into the den a.k.a., the toy war room. I suggested, “How about we pick up the kids’ playthings sometime this week?”

One daughter paused the TV and stopped dipping into her bowl of popcorn to say, “Why? They’re just going to get them out and make a mess again. Mom, haven’t you learned anything from raising kids?”

The big ones have been evicted, but I kept the little ones behind. Somebody’s got to teach them how to properly install a roll of toilet paper.

Old habits

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. Urban haze 5. Da, oui, or si, e.g.

8. Drug-induced state 12. UK art museum 13. Molten rock 14. Hip-hop or classical, e.g.

15. Sportscaster Andrews 16. Angle between branch and offshoot 17. Bioweapon 18. *Reaper inventor 20. Muslim holy man 21. Dampish 22. *The invention of hand sanitizer centered on alcohol as this 23. Stitched again 26. Decipherable 30. United Nations labor agency, acr.

31. Armed robber, on an Indian subcontinent 34. Heart of the matter 35. Impertinent 37. Be in arrears 38. Belgian port city 39. European erupter 40. Popular women’s magazine 42. Back then 43. Make a new sketch 45. Canine’s coat 47. Digital audiotape, acr.

48. Corner joint 50. ____ crazy 52. *Ground beef steak inventor 56. Nordic glühwein 57. Substance abuser 58. Kind of testimony 59. Soft twilled fabric of silk or rayon 60. Casanova, e.g.

61. Anger on road 62. Flock’s affirmation 63. Short for ensign 64. NBA shot DOWN 1. Flower part 2. Painter Chagall 3. Ear-related 4. DNA sequence 5. Vertical coordinate axis 6. Put out on a curb 7. *Poliomyelitis vaccine inventor 8. *Life-saving maneuver inventor 9. Machu Picchu group 10. Sinister 11. Pecking mother 13. Thin layer 14. Romantic Norwegian composer 19. Disturbing public peace 22. Acquire

23. Early one 24. Carry away, in a way 25. *Edison invented things for its reproduction 26. Stead 27. Flesh of fish 28. Foot-forward squat 29. Glorify 32. *First commercial revolver inventor 33. Harry Potter’s mail carrier 36. *Knitted sweater with open front inventor 38. #4 Down matter, pl.

40. Back of the boat 41. Withdraw from working life 44. Frustration, in print 46. Pergolas 48. *Wide-mouth jar inventor 49. Intestinal obstruction 50. Undesirable location 51. Ruptured 52. Certainly 53. Russia’s mountain range 54. Indian music 55. Big Bang’s original matter 56. Geological Society of America SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9