June 20, 2018
Library reaches out The St. Charles CityCounty Library District’s outreach service brings programs into the St. Charles County Juvenile Justice Center
Paramedics aim to reduce response time with improvements. Pg.3
Special Section The Golden Years. Pg.4
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By Brett Auten Mindy Schmidt confessed that she was pretty anxious the first time she walked into 1700 S. River Road in St. Charles. As part of the St. Charles City-County Library District’s Outreach service, Schmidt was on the maiden voyage to bring programs into a serious situation, the St. Charles County Juvenile Justice Center (JCC) which houses teenagers who have violated the law. With a credo of “if the young people at the Justice Center can’t make it to the library for instruction, the library will come to them,” twice a month either Schmidt or Elizabeth Lippoldt, both youth paraprofessionals with the SCCLD, bring in a program to the facility. After entering through a metal detector and a quick count of pens and a search for any other item that could be used in either a ruse for escape or to injure someone never make it through, the day’s project begins. “I was a little nervous. I didn’t know what to expect,” Schmidt said. “I was thinking more harder shell kids, more of ‘who are you?’ and it’s not like that. It’s more like average kids who come into the library.” Schmidt is closing on 13 years with the district, and this is her third summer in the position of Youth Paraprofessional at McClay. Lippoldt has been at the Kathryn-Linnemann branch in the same position for almost two years. They visit and provide resources for the teens and the JJC classroom teacher. During the summer months when the JJC school is not in session, their visits are especially welcomed, when DVDs, board games and books are the only items on the entertainment menu. “We’re trying to create connections with
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Photo by Brett Auten Elizabeth Lippoldt (left) and Mindy Schmidt are shown here in the recently revamped Teen Lounge at the McClay Road Library. Lippoldt and Schmidt are part of the Youth Services team from the St. Charles City-County Library who make regular visits to the St. Charles County Juvenile Justice Center to provide outreach classes to the young people serving time there.
the kids,” Lippoldt said. “It’s not really about, ‘this is the library, and when you leave here, you can go to the library.’ Libraries are changing and are trying more to meet the community where they are at. If the community is not coming into the library, we figure out where they are at and go to them. So we’re basically bringing the library to them as far as programming. A lot of the stuff we’re doing is programs that we do with teens who come here. We’re just taking it there.” Schmidt and Lippoldt aren’t teachers, and they aren’t there to teach a specific subject, but instead they present a variety of ideas that the teens don’t have exposure to. One week may be Lego maze and building challenges. The next, snap circuits and Raspberry Pis. Another session featured a Money Smart Reality Fair with help from Vantage Credit Union. There have been home gardening projects, a variety of art activities and lots of books. Even if they weren’t a reader when they come in, the teens learn to become one to help pass the time.
“Their last instructor would keep a record of how many pages they had read by the time they got out and it would in the thousands,” Lippoldt said. Some days, when maybe the program is getting through, being an honest soundboard and lending a neutral ear is the best way their hour session is served. “A lot of times it’s just listening because I don’t think a lot of those kids come from backgrounds where people are listening to them, and they’re in a situation where nobody is going to listen to them,” Lippoldt said. “Sometimes they will open up and share with you, and you try to let them know that they are going to come through all of this.” The pair received reaffirmation at an annual dinner where not only were they invited to attend but had their table decorated, personal thank you cards made out to them and some even got up and talked. It was an eye-opening experience on how the littlest things that they See ‘LIBRARY’ page 2
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June 20, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
‘LIBRARY’ from cover are exposed to influences the teens. “That meant a lot because sometimes you go and you don’t feel like you’re reaching anyone,” Schmidt said. “And then after the dinner, we stayed and played card games, and that felt like you were reaching them on a personal level without being an authoritative figure. You just got to sit and play.” The duo said that the JJC is always looking for outside volunteers to come in and donate their time or experience or anything they may specialize in and that the library they do have is limited on space, so they are trying to get book carts and shelving for them. For more information, you can contact the JJC at 636-949-3040. For the latest on what’s happening, visit the library website youranswerplace.org.
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Submitted photos The St. Charles City-County Library District’s outreach service brings programs into the St. Charles County Juvenile Justice Center which houses teenagers who have violated the law.
Wentzville Middle School receives grant for drone technology Wentzville Middle School (WMS) has received a $500 Karen Battle Memorial Grant from the Gifted Support Network (GSN) out of St. Charles County. WMS Science and Project Lead the Way Teacher Dr. Edward Picone applied for the grant to help purchase multiple drones for use at his school. He says it is important to introduce drone technology to students as early as possible, as it is becoming a larger part of the business world. “Career readiness is our focus with this grant, and the generosity of Gifted Support Network is going to help a tremendous amount of students find their passion for technology and unmanned flight,” he said. Picone plans to utilize the new drones in a number of his classes including Automation and Robotics and Magic of Electrons, a new course being offered at WMS this coming school year. “The drones will help illustrate how electrical engineering is changing the world of
delivery, flight and soon human mobility,” he said. Picone shared that the best part of the drones – other than the fact that students love them – is that the headset allows students to fly the drone by simply moving their head. “Being able to see exactly what the drone sees is going to be a wonderful learning experience for the students. We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring this Photo courtesy Wentzville School District innovation to Wentzville Middle School Wentzville Middle School has received a $500 Karen Battle this coming year,” he said. Memorial Grant from the Gifted Support Network out of St. Educators who receive the grant are cho- Charles County. sen because their project proposals are most in line with GSN’s mission, which is to provide resources to support parents Gifted Support Network is proud to be able and educators of gifted and high-ability to support our community’s educators by funding these grants.” children. The grant is awarded in memory of Kar“Their projects have a high impact on the gifted community surrounding them, and en Battle, a gifted teacher in St. Charles are innovative and creative,” shared Krista County for 25 years, who lost her fight with Brown, GSN Program Coordinator. “The cancer and passed away earlier this year.
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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 20, 2018
Paramedics aim to reduce response times with O’Fallon infrastructure improvements With rapid development in O’Fallon has come increased demand for emergency medical services – a demand St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD) will address with two new ambulance stations strategically positioned to help reduce response times to 911 calls. The new stations opened last month and are located along Mexico Road just east of Sonderen Street, and along Highway P just west of Highway M. Each will be staffed around the clock with two paramedics ready to respond to medical emergencies. This infrastructure enhancement does not increase the number of ambulances on the street in the district, but rather repositions assets to provide better coverage for the community. “Given the expanding residential footprint in northern parts of the city, we felt it was important to place a unit further up Highway M,” said SCCAD Chief Taz Meyer. “Equally important to us was getting a unit positioned south of I-70, where the majority of calls in this zone occur.” Call volume in this core area of O’Fallon has grown considerably in recent years, essentially doubling between 2005 and 2017. Last year, SCCAD paramedics responded to more than 4,400 calls in this zone alone. In total, the district responded to nearly 40,000 requests for service in 2017. The new stations, built at a cost of approximately $1.25 million each, are capable of housing multiple ambulances or other district assets, such as utility terrain vehicles or disaster response trailers. The buildings incorporate a number of features that enable them to remain up and running in the event of a disaster: 600-gallon potable water supply tanks and generators capable of powering the facilities for up to two days without refueling. Until now, the district has operated an ambulance station along East Terra Ln. – the north outer road of I-70. For more than a decade, the station has housed two ambulances due to the high volume of calls in this portion of the county. Congestion at and near the intersection of I-70 and Highway K has made the location of this station increasingly problematic, and planned one-way outer roads along the highway will further impact response times. By separating and repositioning the units, the district expects to avoid said issues. Following the emergency units’ relocation, the East Terra facility will be repurposed as a hub for SCCAD’s non-emergency transfer division.
St. Charles County Assessor mails notices of assessment change The St. Charles County Assessor mailed approximately 43,000 Personal Property Notices of Assessment Change by June 5. Taxpayers who reported additional personal property or made corrections to their 2018 personal property assessments will receive the notice. The mailing is part of County Assessor Scott Shipman’s efforts to further involve taxpayers in the assessment process, with the goal of making it less burdensome. “Our intention is to help citizens avoid issues at the end of the year when they receive their tax bills. It is too late to appeal the assessed value at that point,” says Shipman. “This notice alerts taxpayers of the change in their personal property assessment and allows time to appeal the value within the statutory appeal timeframe.” Visit the St. Charles County Assessor’s Office online at sccmo. org/Assessor for more information and frequently asked questions regarding property taxes and appeal procedures. Citizens also can contact the assessor’s office for assistance at 636-949-7420 or 1-800822-4012, ext. 7420.
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New multi-use courts open in O’Fallon’s Westhoff Park The city of O’Fallon recently opened four new multi-use courts in Paul A. Westhoff Park at 810 Sheppard Dr. in O’Fallon. The courts, which already are attracting users, include one basketball court, one in-line roller hockey court and two pickleball courts. “These four new courts round out Westhoff Park’s roster of outdoor game facilities for all ages,” said Tom Drabelle, O’Fallon’s Communications Director. “The courts also tap into the latest sports craze, pickleball, while the roller Photo courtesy city of O’Fallon hockey court provides the right features needed Pickleball players enjoy a game on one of the two new pickleball courts in Westhoff Park. for street hockey games.”
Fleur de Lis Garden Society selects Garden of the Month Donna and Rick Pfaff, 19 Belle Plaine in St. Charles, are the proud recipients of the Garden of the Month Award presented by the Fleur de Lis Garden Society. The Pfaffs received a gift card for Daniels Farm and Greenhouses and a Garden of the Month sign to display. The Pfaffs have lived at their current address for 16 years. Donna is an avid gardener and possesses an eye for using shape and color in the garden. She is a substitute teacher at St. Elizabeth’s School in St. Peters. She enjoys her time off in summer to nourish her gardening hobby.
Submitted photo
History comes to life during Military History Weekend Experience what life was like for Daniel Boone and his fellow frontier militiamen during
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Military History Weekend, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., June 30 and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., July
1 at The Historic Daniel Boone Home near Defiance. Visitors will observe cannon and weapons demonstrations, military drills, mustering speeches, camp life and more. This two-day event showcases the evolution of the American military from early militia to the Civil War. A number of local and national militia units will be featured. Tickets for Military History Weekend are $5 and can be purchased in advance or at the park the days of the event. For more information or to register, call 636949-7535 or visit stccparks.org. As part of the event admission fee, participants can also tour the Boone Home where Daniel lived in his last years and learn the history of this legendary folk hero.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 20, 2018
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Sons of the American Revolution select Woman of the Year The Missouri Society of the Sons of the American Revolution selected Patti M. Dickherber of St. Charles as the Winona Yohe Woman of the Year. The Winona Yohe Woman of the Year is the highest award the Missouri Society of the Sons of the American Revolution gives to a woman who supports the Sons of the American Revolution. The Winona Yohe Woman of the Year award is an opportunity to say “thank you” to ladies for their support. Some of the requirements for nomination are the candidate is a woman who has shown support for SAR membership, programs, events and other activities. As part of being selected as the Winona Yohe Woman of the Year, an SAR “Daughters of Liberty Medal” is presented. The Daughters of Liberty Medal is the highest lady’s medal that the SAR can present to a woman. A nominee must have first received either the SAR Medal of Appreciation or the SAR Martha Washington Award to be considered for the Daughters of Liberty Medal. Dickherber received both of these medals. This year’s Winona Yohe Woman of the Year was nominated by Charles E. Lilly and the Fernando de
www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/Stcharles Submitted photo (From left) Charles E. Lilly, Fernando de Leyba (St. Charles) SAR Chapter stands next to Patti M. Dickherber; Larry T. Guzy, National SAR Society President General and Dennis J. Hahn, Missouri SAR Society President.
Leyba (St. Charles) SAR Chapter. National SAR Society President General Larry T. Guzy made the presentation to Dickherber at the Missouri Society’s Annual Convention held at the Embassy Suites – St. Charles. Dickherber has been a member of the DAR, Saint Charles Chapter, since 2005 and has served her chapter in several capacities. She is also a member of other legacy organizations. She is married to Bob Dickherber.
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Cultural Arts Centre to host ‘The Freedom Endeavor’ Art Exhibit to honor veterans A week before we celebrate Independence Day, St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre will be honoring veterans in its own way by bringing “The Freedom Endeavor” Art Exhibit to St. Peters beginning June 28. This powerful, interactive exhibit will feature large, 24x36” framed black and white photographs of veterans as you might see them currently, in everyday civilian life, holding a photo of themselves while they were serving the military. You will also be able to watch a video or read about each individual veteran’s story on the exhibit’s website, www.freedomendeavor.org. The exhibit will remain on display at the Cultural Arts Centre through Aug. 19. Photographer Steve Snyder started the project to raise awareness of who our nation’s veterans are and to “honor and preserve the legacy of America’s veterans,” according to the website. “The Freedom Endeavor recognizes the contributions of ev-
eryday citizens who have served in the U.S. military,” Snyder says. “We see them every day, we meet them on the street, at the market, but how do we distinguish the people responsible for our freedoms and liberties? The Freedom Endeavor honors
these veterans through the use of dramatic artistic photography as well as audio/video and text media.” Snyder will be present for the exhibit’s opening reception from 6-7:30 p.m., June 28, at the Cultural Arts Centre.
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School
June 20, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Independence Elementary named National School
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Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District For the second time in five years, Independence Elementary in the Francis Howell School District has been selected as a National School of Character by Character.org.
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For the second time in five years, Independence Elementary in the Francis Howell School District has been selected as a National School of Character by Character.org. Only 73 schools and five districts from across the country received the 2018 National Schools and Districts of Character designation. The mission of Character.org is to provide leadership and advocacy for character worldwide. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping people everywhere become educated, inspired, and empowered to be ethical and compassionate citizens. “Five years after first being named a National School of Character in 2013, this celebration reaffirms our belief in the work that we do with students, staff and families,” said Independence Principal Emily Pavia. “It is all about building strong relationships with all members of our community. I feel truly blessed to be a member of the Independence community and have the opportunity to learn and grow with students, staff, and parents.” Each year, Character.org and its state affiliates
certify schools and districts that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development with a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, school climate and their communities. Character.org evaluates schools selected as State Schools of Character for national certification as National Schools of Character. “At Character.org, we are extremely proud of this year’s National Schools of Character. Their dedication to character development is reducing the skills gap by equipping the future workforce with transferable relationship skills needed to meet tomorrow’s challenges,” said Doug Karr, President and CEO of Character.org. “Validating character initiatives is at the core of what we do because they create fertile conditions for multi-generational character growth in communities of character.” Character.org will honor the designated schools and districts at its 25th National Forum on Character to be held Oct. 4-7, 2018, in Washington, D.C.
Orchard Farm adopts SafeDefend Active Shooter Response System Orchard Farm School District unanimously voted to adopt the SafeDefend Active Shooter Response System. In the wake of several recent school shooting tragedies, Superintendent Tom Muzzey and the district safety team examined a number of methods to increase the safety and security of their students and staff. Developed by a former elementary principal, the SafeDefend Active Shooter Response System addresses four critical areas needed to protect students and staff: 1. Reducing law enforcement response time. 2. Ensuring law enforcement and staff have real-time crisis information. 3. Providing the ability for staff to effectively manage the crisis until help arrives. 4. Realizing the biggest threat to our schools is already inside the building. Muzzey believes school safety is a multi-layered approach. “We need to ensure that the facilities are se-
cure and we can manage our visitors appropriately. In addition, we realize that this does not provide the protection needed inside the building. At a cost of around $100 per life, no other company that we found offers the protection, law enforcement compatibility, empowerment of staff and peace of mind to our community like SafeDefend.” When the SafeDefend system is activated Orchard Farm staff will have access to easy-touse tools recommended by threat assessment experts, law enforcement and emergency responders. The system alerts staff via text to begin lockdown procedures and law enforcement is immediately notified of the building and where the system was activated. The cost for having the system in every classroom and other areas within all of the district buildings was $259,000. Learn more about the system at www.safedefend.com.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 20, 2018
1st Financial Federal Credit Union celebrates 50 years with 50 Acts of Cooperation In 2017, a group of employees at 1st Financial Federal Credit Union had a vision for the credit union to help build community on a larger scale in 2018. Laura Woods, Vice President of Marketing and Community Presence, who has played an integral role in building 1st Financials community development program knew, alongside her team, the perfect way to celebrate the credit union’s 50th anniversary was to focus on the importance of cooperation in our community. Out of that idea, 50 Small Acts of Cooperation was born. “In 1968 District 837 Credit Union (now 1st Financial Federal Credit Union) was created from the idea that if we can find a better way to work together, we can accomplish great things. But our niche can’t just be in our structure as credit union. We are not for profit, but if there is no discernable difference for the member, it’s vapor. It’s nothing. So, we talk about our structure as a credit union, because out of our mission, comes our intent, which drives our action,” said Woods. 50 Small Acts of Cooperation helps 1st Financial members, nonmembers, and local nonprofits with anything from paying a bill to collecting school supplies to participating in paid employee volunteer days to feeding the homeless and more. To date, 1st Financial has completed 20 of the 50 Acts that they
have planned in 2018. The first person to benefit from the 50 Acts of Cooperation project was 1st Financial Member David W., who spends his own money to help feed the homeless in St. Louis each week. 1st Financial was proud to help David by gifting him with a small monetary gift to help continue the strong community work that he’s doing by caring for the unhoused community. David said, “When I first started working in the city, I’d see a lot of homeless people and I felt like I could do a bit more. I can go home to a comfortable bed, but everyday I’d see them laying on the streets. I can’t give them a bed, but I can get them something to eat.” 1st Financial also sponsored Cathy Daniels (also known as Mama Cat), a 1st Financial member and the creator of PotBangerz – Feed the Body Mission, a 501c3 organization that builds community daily through their mission to feed and provide shelter for St. Louis’ unhoused community. 1st Financial was proud to help PotBangerz obtain their 501c3 status to continue their work in the community. Daniels said, “We are not exempt from being unhoused. I didn’t think I could be and then I was. If we take everybody with us, we can go so much further. None of us are as good as all of us.” 1st Financial member Scott, who is a recovering addict was
Submitted photo Michelle, a 1st Financial Member since 2013, was nominated for one of 1st Financial Federal Credit Union’s 50 Small Acts of Cooperation to help ease the burden of the mounting medical bills from her breast cancer treatments.
given the opportunity to open a checking account with a monetary gift to help him turn his financial life around. After having been turned away by other financial institutions, Scott was grateful to be given a second chance at a new life. “When you’re in addiction and you’re trying to get your life back together that’s a big step to get a checking account because for the longest time you didn’t worry about that,” said Scott. “We aren’t just the better way to bank because our Board and CEO isn’t getting rich. We are better because we invest tens of thousands of dollars into our communities, to heal real issues,” said Woods. 1st Financial is currently accepting nominations for 50 Acts of Cooperation at https://www.1stfinancialfcu. org/50-small-acts-cooperation/. Nominations are open to the public.
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Business
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June 20, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS June 22: Golf fundraiser
The O’Fallon Kiwanis Club’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament will be held at the Falls Golf Course at 1170 Turtle Creek Drive in O’Fallon. The Kiwanis will be partnering once again with the O’Fallon Rotary Club for this four person scramble. All proceeds from the tourney will be donated to high school graduates for college funding support and to local O’Fallon charities. The cost is $100 per person and includes golf with a cart, great prizes, refreshments, lunch and dinner, silent auction. Mail your checks payable to O’Fallon Kiwanis, P.O. Box 1459, O’Fallon, MO 63366.
June 23-24: Amateur Radio Field Day
On the fourth weekend of June, more than 40,000 radio amateurs throughout North America will gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from remote locations. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national association for Amateur Radio, sponsors this event. Amateur radio operators, commonly known as “hams”, set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. Radio operators will attempt to make contact with other stations across the country and around the world; testing the readiness of Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. Field Day 2018 runs from 1 p.m. on June 23 to 1 p.m. on June 24. at one of these two locations: The St. Charles Amateur Radio Club will have their equipment set up and operating at the Menards home improvement store at 151 Spencer Road in St. Peters (just north of Mexico Road), on the open field between Menards and McDonald’s and The Boeing Employees’ Amateur Radio Society will be operating at the Fox Hill Park, 3309 Kister Drive in St. Charles. Take MO 370 to Hwy
94, then go north on Hwy 94 and turn left on Fox Hill Road. Amateur radio operators will be on hand at both locations to answer your questions. Both clubs will have a “Get On The Air” (GOTA) Station where unlicensed individuals can try out a radio under the supervision of a licensed operator. All ages are welcome. For more information on Amateur Radio, visit http://www.arrl.org/what-isham-radio.
through North O’Fallon and the race will end over home plate on the field of the River City Rascals. Runners and spectators will be met with an expo, family fun area, awards ceremony, and the famous runner’s-only area packed with food and drinks for race participants. Runners and their family and friends are encouraged to stick around the ballpark to watch the 2018 Heritage & Freedom Fest parade by the city of O’Fallon.
June 26: Bartender fundraiser
July 8-9: Theater auditions
St. Charles County First Responders are busy honing their bartending skills in preparation for the return of the Big Kahuna Bartender Challenge. The popular event will once again give Community Living’s Board of Directors the chance to defend their title by battling it out behind the bar to raise funds for individuals with disabilities in St. Charles County. The team that earns the most money in tips during the event will earn the coveted “Big Kahuna” title and bragging rights for the year. Area residents are invited to come out and cheer on their favorite team during the event, which will take place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Gettemeier’s – St. Peters, located at 269 Salt Lick Road. All proceeds from the event, including tips, and a $5 cover charge, will benefit Community Living’s programs and services for people with disabilities in St. Charles County. Those interested in learning more about the Big Kahuna Bartender Challenge can visit www.communitylivingmo.org/events or call 636-387-5530.
July 4: Firecracker run
The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industries is proud to host the 34th Annual USATF Certified Firecracker Run presented by Mercy in O’Fallon. The race begins at 7 a.m. and consists of a 10K, 5K, Stroller categories, and a One Mile Fun Run. The event will begin at Car Shield Field located in O’Fallon at 900 T.R. Hughes Blvd. Pace cars provided by Frank Leta Honda will be leading runners
Wentzville Christian Church announces auditions for “It’s a Wonderful Life” July 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. and July 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. Those auditioning should come prepared with a monologue 30 seconds to one minute in length. You may also be asked to read from the script. Production dates are Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1. For more information go to wentzvillecc.org or contact Tammy at 636-219-3238.
July 14: “Dog Days of Summer” event
Parkview Gardens Florist and Greenhouses is sponsoring its annual “Dog Days of Summer” event from 9 a.m. until noon at 1925 Randolph, across from Blanchette Park in St. Charles. This is a free event for dog lovers, dog owners and dogs on leashes. Meet and greet fellow dog owners and various local pet related organizations and businesses. Folks from Five Acres Animal Shelter, Dogs On Duty, Missouri Lost & Found Paws, among others, will be at this event. Visit wwwparkviewgardens.com or call 636946-7641 for more information.
Aug. 25: Fundraiser gala
United Services for Children will host its 35th annual gala, “Magical Moments – An Evening Under the Stars,” in the Discovery Ballroom of Ameristar Casino-St. Charles. United Services will present the Champions for Children award to Joel and Janet Brett. They will also bestow the Community Partnership Award to the Renaud Spirit Center – City of O’Fallon. More than 300 guests typically attend the gala. Please visit www.unitedservicesforchildren.org for more information on the gala, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
Sept. 15: Craft fair
Tri County Advisory Board To Probation And Parole Probation and Parole District 17, Missouri Department of Correction invites you to their Sixth Annual Christmas In September Craft Fair at Calvary Church at 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters are needed. Please contact Esther Angelos at marlofan@charter.net, home phone 636441-0329 or cell 314-477-5096.
ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly
Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 20, 2018 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Joyce at 636-206-5306.
Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly
TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Highway in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please 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 Drive 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: mous
Alcoholics
Anony-
If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.
Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice
Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. This session will include performance at St. James Cathedral, Chicago on June 25. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.
First Monday: St.Charles County Council of the Blind meetings
Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day) unless otherwise specified. No
www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex
meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (2nd floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 9 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (President) at 636-561-6947.
Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club
Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.
Mondays: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting
The Seasoned Eye Carvers meet every Monday from 9 a.m. to noon at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center, 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.
Mondays, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes www.treesbywoody.net
9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-369-6521.
Mondays: Chronic pain support group
American Chronic Pain Association is a support group for and by people experiencing chronic pain. Group meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 3 – 5 p.m. at the Spencer Road Library in St Peters. Important: This is an anonymous group (first names only).
Second Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table
6:30 p.m., Midwest BankCentre board room, 2299 Technology Dr. O’Fallon. For more informaiton call Mike at 314-276-5018.
Third Monday of Each Month: Life After Loss support group
Support group for families who have lost a loved one to heroin/opiate addiction. 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital Campus in Room 212 of Professional Building 1. Con-
tact: geevigna@charter.net. No registration required
What’s Happening
SUDOKU answers from page F-1
CROSSWORD answers from page F-4
Fourth Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets
6:30 pm at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.219.0553.
Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class
Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.
Tuesdays: Cribbage Club
Meets every Tuesday, 1 – 4 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.
Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting
St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.
Tuesdays: Seniors group
On the third Tuesdays of each month is 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 636-561-8951
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 636256-6823 for more details.
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10 Sports June 20, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com Gary B. will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com
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Old shoes just hanging around? Donate your gently used shoes and make a difference.
(314) 594-7463 Visit www.SHOESANDHOPE.org for more information
Sports you see with Gary B... UMSL athletes excel in classroom While the University of Missouri-St. Louis athletic teams were successful in their respective sports this past semester, the Tritons were equally as impressive in the classroom as the nearly 200 student-athletes combined to boast a cumulative grade point average of 3.3. To move to a higher level, 12 of 13 athletic teams earned at least a 3.0 GPA, while 78 percent of student-athletes did the same. There were also 26 who recorded straight-As in their spring classes. One other impressive statistic is that the top three team GPAs were by teams who all qualified for the NCAA Championships, including: *Women’s golf, which led the department with a 3.611 GPA, while recording a program-best sixth-place national finish. *Men’s golf team followed with a 3.589 GPA and recorded a 13th place finish at the NCAA Championships *Women’s tennis team produced a 3.582 GPA and advanced to the national quarterfinals for the first time in program history. *Great combo Rascals continue at top of league as summer starts The River City Rascals professional baseball team play in the West Division of the Frontier League with their home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon. At the time of this writing, the club is one-half game in first place as we start the week. Catcher Mike Jurgella leads the team with a .289 average and is second in the league in doubles. Lefty Hector Hernandez, has started six games this season on the mound and has a won five of those games and has lost none. His 2.00 earned
run average is good enough for second place in the league. Infielder Clint Freeman has been close to flawless on defense. Playing over 30 games, he has 255 putouts with only three errors along with 15 assists. As a team the club is only hitting at a .235 club however the pitching has only allowed 3.27 runs a game setting them ahead of the entire league. Right-handed pitcher Josh Kimborowicz continues his torrid strikeout pace with 43 strike outs in 41 innings placing him fourth in the league. NEXT HOME GAMES: Jun 20, 21 vs. the Gateway Grizzlies Jun 22, 23, 24 vs. the Florence Freedom Go to www.RiverCityRascals.com for more details. *Team is working together well LWCS soccer girls get accolades The Living Word Christian School of O’Fallon announced the 2018 Missouri Class 2 All-Star Honors *Hailey Hickerson (‘18)-Player of the Year *John Wagner-coach of the Year *Rachel Curran (‘18), Hailey Hickerson (‘18), Abby King (‘18), Eylesa Kellam (’20) and Chloe Hall (’18)—1st Team *Mercedes Schroer (’21)—Honorable Mention Recognition for Conference, Regional and State awards are done by members of the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association (MSHSSCA) *Thanks to Mike McMullen
Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. 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 • June 20, 2018
Recipe: ADD SIZZLE TO SUMMER SALADS
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– 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.
Cherry-Glazed Duck Breast Salad Recipe courtesy of Chef Ted Cizma on behalf of Maple Leaf Farms Prep time: 40 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients: 2 boneless duck breasts 6 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves, washed and trimmed 2 cups blue cheese 2 cups slivered almonds
Cherry Vinaigrette: 2 cups dried cherries, divided 3 cups hot water 1/3 cup raspberry vinegar 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions: To make Cherry Vinaigrette: In small saucepan over low heat, cover 1 cup cherries with water. Bring to simmer, cover pan and remove from heat. Let cherries soak in hot water 15-20 minutes. Strain cherries and reserve liquid. In food processor or blender, puree cherries until smooth, adding reserved liquid as necessary. Add raspberry vinegar to cherry mixture. With blender or food processor on low, slowly add olive oil, reserving about 2 tablespoons. Season mixture, to taste, with salt and pepper. Set aside Cherry Vinaigrette. Heat grill to medium heat. Remove skin from duck breasts. Rub with remaining olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper. Pour some Cherry Vinaigrette into separate container to use as glaze; reserve remaining for dressing. Using pastry brush, coat duck breasts with Cherry Vinaigrette. Cook duck until crisp and dark brown (about 5-6 minutes), turn
over and recoat. Continue cooking until second side is crisp and brown, brushing with vinaigrette as needed, about 4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155 F. Remove to cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes. Place spinach in mixing bowl. Toss spinach with enough dressing to coat leaves. Add blue cheese, almonds and most of remaining dried cherries, reserving some of each for garnish. Season with salt and pepper. Divide spinach mixture among four bowls. Slice duck breast thinly on bias, starting at one end of each breast with knife at 45-degree angle. Fan slices of duck on top of each salad. Sprinkle each salad with crumbled blue cheese, almonds and dried cherries.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor”
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9
By Steve Bryan
Fred Rogers is still everyone’s best neighbor
M O V I E
Hollywood creates superstars and “It Girls” that arrive on the scene and capture the viewing public’s imagination. Often, these newly-minted celebrities are popular for a time but are soon replaced by the next one. Some, such as Tom Hanks, John Wayne and Lucille Ball, even become icons and legends in their chosen profession. Fred McFeely Rogers, on the other hand, was in a class by himself. A Presbyterian minister, musician and puppeteer, Mr. Rogers quietly appeared on public television with the expressed purpose of providing a quality educational show for children. Rogers recorded “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” from 1968 to 2000 and passed away in 2003. Episodes from the popular series are still available online. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” a new documentary from director Morgan Neville, examines the life and work of Fred Rogers. Now playing in theaters, the film captures the essence of the television host. The title is especially appropriate since the tone of his show was about welcoming people and accepting everyone for who they are, not what we want them to be. Being a good neighbor was the central theme of his work. While going to school for the first time in the late 1960s, I fell in love with “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” and watched it for years on KETC Channel 9 in St. Louis. In addition to life lessons, I learned something about economic hardships when the show left the air due to budget cuts at the station. Fortunately, that issue was resolved quickly. Contrary to very popular internet rumors, Mr. Rogers was never a Navy SEAL, did not rack up any kills in Vietnam and did not have tattoos on
his arms. “People” magazine’s online edition pointed out, though, that the beloved TV host tackled racism in his own way with the help of his co-star Francois Clemmons. This was during the 1960’s, when racial tension was at an extremely elevated level. One of Fred Rogers’ mantras was “You are my friend,” which also is the title of an upcoming film about the iconic television host. Director Marielle Heller’s film focuses on the friendship between Rogers and reporter Tom Junod. Writing for Esquire magazine, Junod intended to submit Photo courtesy Tremolo Productions a simple article for the publication, but his life was changed after meeting Rogers. Appropriately enough, Tom Hanks has been cast as Fred Rogers in this film. Among the dozens of children’s television hosts, Fred Rogers stood out because he was just being himself. His beliefs and attitudes were simple yet profound in their effect. In one instance, Rogers mentioned that his mother always told him to “look for the helpers” in scary situations because someone will always come forward to help. In my humble opinion, Fred Rogers was one of the biggest helpers of all. Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.
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June 20, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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June 20, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
Crossword: Pro Sports
‘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 Did you see this? Kim Jong Un crawled out from beneath his hermit kingdom and made an attempt to join the 21st century. In other news, it was also announced last week that the place of flames and cinders down under had finally frozen over. The president and Mr. Kim had a summit and after some polite head nods and a gazillion photo ops they took off for a secret meeting. Just what went on in that meeting to bring him to his senses? More important, if he does come to his senses and joins the civilized world, where am I going to find another bat crazy dictator to make fun of in my columns? Oh sure, there’s always Putin. But do I really want my computer compromised for attacking Russia? You can be certain I’ll open it up one day only to find that my email address has been given to every politician in the country. It will be loaded down with bazillions of invitations insisting on money? Oh wait, that’s already happening. Curse you Putin! Back to the secret meeting. With Trump’s shrewd deal-making talents, we can guess with certainty how this all went down: Trump: “Listen up, Kim; do you want to go on living in a country with only one lightbulb? Sweet mother, you’ve still got Betamax, but no TVs to play it on. Dude, you’ve got issues! I can help.” He then hands Kim an IPhone and accesses funny cat videos on YouTube. “See this? It’s what we give our citizens. You
don’t even have to be an evil dictator to have your people under your complete control. One look at it and they’ll sit quietly and never give you any trouble. You won’t hear a peep out of them for years plus it saves on the cost of those lavish prison camps.” Kim: “Me like kitty. Taste like chicken.” Trump: “Oh, and we’ll fix that too.” He hands Kim a Happy Meal. “We’ve got plans to get Golden Arches on every street corner as soon as we make a deal. Go ahead. Eat. It’s supposed to make you happy.” Afterwards Kim was pictured giddily signing stacks of I-surrender documents faster than a seventh grade cheerleader autographing her picture on yearbook day. And that’s how modern world peace is achieved. Cat videos plus McSnacks equals… the art of the deal!
Deal maker
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. *MLB pitcher who retired with 321 saves 5. Bean house 8. Babies down under 12. Singes in “La Planète des singes” 13. Foolhardy challenge 14. 24-____ gold 15. Horizontal wall beam 16. Land o’ blarney 17. Analyze 18. *Stanley Cup sport 20. Fanatic’s quality 21. Street art 22. Have a bawl 23. Wear out 26. Maliciously satisfied one 30. Poor man’s caviar 31. Send, as in troops 34. Prefix meaning “left” 35. Resoundingly successful 37. Be unwell 38. Give a green light 39. “I’m ____ you!” 40. Rudolph or Hermey, e.g. 42. 1950s’“I Like ____” 43. Mended by a cobbler 45. *a.k.a. association football
47. Hauling truck 48. Sanrio’s “____ Kitty” 50. Great Depression drifter 52. Most pleasing to the eye 56. Saintly glows 57. Owl’s cry 58. Stringed instrument 59. Like old cracker 60. Prefers 61. *The Browns and Indians play near this lake 62. Hurt a muscle 63. Don’t waste 64. College dwelling DOWN 2. *Type of matchup 3. Dry as dust 4. Cause of wheezing 5. “Snorkel” wear 6. Type of window 7. Say it isn’t so 8. *Known for its diamonds 9. Celestial bear 10. Figure of worship 11. Chester White’s home 13. King’s order 14. If you can hum, you can play it!
19. Beat the Joneses 22. Stallone’s nickname 23. Spring holiday honoree 24. *Yankees manager 25. Not rights 26. *Know for its tour 27. Opposite of ecbatic 28. Call forth 29. One of the crew 32. *When athletes get this, they become pros 33. Fleur-de-____ 36. *It includes safeties and ends 38. Coral reef island 40. Feline sound 41. Specks in the sea 44. Like change in a pocket 46. Folded like a snake 48. *Popular colloquial sport name 49. Be theatrical 50. Rwanda’s majority 51. Kind of surgeon 52. Cabbage in France 53. EU currency 54. Recipe direction 55. Team homophone 56. Nile viper SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9