Issuu

June 21, 2017

Tuning in the world

Around Town Operation Food Search receives grant for summer program. P.3 DAR cleans local cemetary to honor veterans P.5

Golden Years

Maximizing your assets in retirement. P.4

School

Francis Howell student has perfect attendance for 13 years. P.8

Business Members of the St. Louis QRP Society participated in Field Day at O’Connor Park in Bridgeton in 2016. They will be at the same location this year.

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Area ham radio operators share their love of the airways on Amateur Radio Field Day By Brett Auten This weekend radio waves will be buzzing with activity. In locations around the area (and across the planet for that matter) somewhere in the neighborhood of 40,000 radio amateurs will gather with their clubs as part of Amateur Radio Field Day. The American Radio Relay League, the national association for amateur radio, sponsors this event that occurs on the fourth weekend of June. Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of amateur radio. Field Day is an event designed to simulate an emergency or disaster situation where amateur radio operators, commonly known as “hams,” set up radio equipment to demonstrate the ability to work reliably under any conditions, from almost any location, and create an independent communications network.

For ham radio users, the motivation and challenge are simple. It’s easy for anyone to connect to the Internet and communicate, with no knowledge of how the devices function or how the connection even takes place. Ham radio functions completely independent of the Internet or cell phone infrastructure and can be set up almost anywhere in minutes, and therein lies the beauty of amateur radio during a communications outage. Hams can throw a wire in a tree for an antenna, connect it to a battery-powered transmitter and communicate halfway around the world. 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 2017 runs from 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 24 to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Amateur radio has been described as a “hobby of hobbies,”

as there are many different special interest areas to explore. Some hams bounce their signals off the moon; others communicate via satellites orbiting the Earth. On Field Day, many hams strive to make contact with hams in all fifty states, or in each country around the world. Experienced amateur radio operators will be on hand at all 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. 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 grassy area between Menards and McDonald’s. Ken Humbertson is a member of the St. Charles group and has been interested in electronics since he was a youngster. “I have more electronic gadgets than See RADIO page 2

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 19 No. 25 | 636-379-1775

Battlegrounds raises money for Operation Food Search. P.9

Movie

Does Steven Spielberg favor films with male leads? P.16

Weather FRIDAY Chance of Storms 94/72 SATURDAY Sunny 91/70 SUNDAY Sunny 91/71 FirstWarn Weather

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

Around Town

June 21, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

RADIO Continued from cover

Weather from Nick’s Window

by Nick Palisch

Staying safe in the summer heat

Clubs will have “Get On The Air” (GOTA) Stations as a part of Amateur Radio Field Day where unlicensed individuals can try out a radio under the supervision of a licensed operator. All ages are welcome.

most people,” Humbertson joked. Humbertson said that the St. Charles Club, with its 150 members, is as “general” a club as you can find, meaning no restrictions on membership or in ways of using their radios. “We also pride ourselves in pulling in new members,” Humberston said. “We teach classes at St. Charles Community College, which helps. I encourage anyone to come see what we do and have fun.” The St. Louis Amateur Radio Club will meet on Streetcar

Drive in Maryland Heights and members of the St. Louis QRP Society will be participating in Field Day at O’Connor Park located at 12741 Hemet Dr. in Bridgeton. This club’s specialty is low-power operation; hams that follow self-imposed low power guidelines limit their power output to five watts or less. That’s less power than a tiny night light bulb. Building radios from kits, or even from scratch, is another popular pastime for these hams. So why does this club have power restrictions? “The challenge, of course,” Jeff Logullo, QRP Society club member, said. “It’s always been a thrill to communicate over long distances; but to do it using a tiny radio you build yourself, that’s small enough to fit in your pocket—that’s almost magic.” These hams frequently use Morse code to communicate – it turns out that using Morse code is very power efficient. But using the code is not strict-

ly necessary, and it’s no longer required to learn Morse code before becoming licensed. The Boeing Employees’ Amateur Radio Society will be operating at the Fox Hill Park, 3309 Kister Drive in St. Charles. Member Mike Heitmann said the Boeing group is a little different than others in that its interests and focus is toward emergency situations. The club is also made up of current employees or retirees of Boeing. “Some are part of the club because they like to build others like to communicate with others,” Heitmann said. “There are some who like to communicate by just Morse code or computer. It’s a pretty unique club.” The hobby is open to anyone, and there are now over 725,000 licensed hams in the United States. For more information about amateur radio, visit www.arrl.org/what-isHam-radio.

The summer-like temperatures coupled with the high dewpoints remind us that our typical Missouri summer has already begun. As many folks begin to venture outdoors this summer to swim, float down area rivers, camp, travel and have outdoor celebrations it is important to also remember to be safe in the summer heat. Being safe from the summer heat doesn’t just mean for humans, but also our four-legged friends as well. Summer brings an array of weather conditions to the region and the United States from heat to severe weather, including hurricanes and tornadoes. It is important to make sure safety steps are in place. While hurricanes don’t occur in Missouri, they do occur where many folks travel for some beach time and the remnants from these tropical systems can bring unsettled weather here in the Midwest. Severe weather that can bring large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding to the area also can get pretty mean during the summer months and it is important to make sure you keep a close eye on the sky when you are outdoors. If you hear thunder, seek shelter. If you are camping or enjoying area streams and rivers and heavy rainfall begins to cause them to rise, quickly seek higher ground. When storms are around it is important to get out of the water. The other summer element that we must think about is the extreme heat. The summer heat and humidity takes a toll on the human body and our four-legged friends. It is important to know the signs of heat-related illness. During extreme heat it is important to reduce outdoor work and strenuous activities until early morning or late evening. Drinking plenty of water is also important. Avoid alcohol and wear light colored clothing. It is important to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the direct rays of the sun. Don’t leave kids or pets in cars—temperatures in vehicles climb extremely quickly and heat-related deaths occur quickly in vehicles. In a matter of minutes a car can reach temperatures of 180 to 200 degrees. Last year 94 people lost their lives because of the heat. Many of these lives that were lost in 2016 from heat-related circumstances could have been prevented if precautions were taken. One of the most important thing we can do is avoid the outdoors and seek cool places such as our air-conditioned places – those without air conditioners should seek cooling centers and public places during the peak heating of the day. Make sure you have well-ventilated rooms; if you don’t have air conditioning use a fan to blow hot air out of the room during the day and then blow in the cooler air at night. Other things to stay cool during the summer heat is to take frequent breaks, take cool showers, wear sunscreen, wear loose and light-colored clothing. Check on those who may be at a greater risk of heat related illness or death (elderly, pets, children and those without air conditioning). Make sure you provide outdoor pets with proper protection and abundance of water. When our body tries to tell us that the heat has an impact it is important to listen. Three common heat-related disorders include: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes. We will talk about the signs and symptoms and what to do if you or someone around you begins to experience them in my next column. Stay cool! Nick Palisch is a meteorologist and Missouri native who understands the weather here in our area. He currently resides in Lake Saint Louis and can be reached at nick-wx@sbcglobal.net and you can always get the most up-to-date forecast from the FirstWarn Weather page at www.facebook.com/nickswx The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 21, 2017

St. Charles City-County Library Director announces retirement

Submitted photo St. Charles City-County Library District Library Director Jim Brown has announced his retirement.

The Board of Trustees of the St. Charles City-County Library District announced the retirement of Library Director Jim Brown. Brown has served as the district’s director for more than six years. His final date with the district will coincide with the start of the new director. Before joining the district, Brown worked as a librarian at Washington University’s Olin Library and the University of Missouri’s Ellis Library. He joined the district in 1984 as manager of the Kathryn Linnemann Branch and five years later was named the manager of the Spencer Road Branch. He served in this position until his appointment as library director in January 2011. On June 14, 2017 the Trustees will begin the search for a new director with the release of a Request for Qualifications for executive search and recruitment entities to oversee the process.

Around Town

Operation Food Search receives nearly $29,000 grant for summer program A St. Louis summer meal program just received a much-needed boost that will make a monumental difference in the lives of food insecure children. Operation Food Search (OFS), a local relief organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger and family food insecurity in the St. Louis bi-state region, was recently awarded $28,744 from the Episcopal Presbyterian Health Trust. The money will be used to support OFS’ mobile summer meals program, which is part of the agency’s fiveyear-old Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Episcopal Presbyterian Health Trust (EPHT) represents a diocesan commitment shared by the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy to the St. Louis region. The two denominations first partnered to support St. Luke’s Hospital in 1948 and, since that time, their work has demonstrated how jointly pursuing their missions and ministries can create extraordinary change for the community. This is the second year OFS’ summer program has utilized mobile vans, and it will be the first year the expanded service will distribute meals at 33 locations. Designed to feed children 18 years of age and younger, the no-cost mobile service is available Mon. through Fri. from June 5 through

Aug. 11. Children will also engage in fun activities that stimulate young minds and bodies, as well as encourage positive peer interactions. OFS will hold complimentary community pop-up pantries, which will provide supplies and instructions for families to prepare healthy, delicious meals over the weekend, on the mobile meals route. The mobile summer meals program targets children losing school year access to breakfasts and lunches provided by the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program, which equates to 10 meals per week per child. As a result, the food budget during summer months for low-income families rises by $300, or nearly $1,000, over a three-month period. “This grant will greatly support our mobile meal’s model, which is a game changer for children living in high need, low resource communities,” said Operation Food Search Executive Director Sunny Schaefer. “These children are more vulnerable to hunger and summer learning loss since they have little access to camps or organized learning opportunities. We do our best to help them stay fed and remain mentally challenged throughout the summer.”

Around Town

June 21, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Maximizing your assets in retirement

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No matter how diligent you may have been about saving for retirement, unexpected life changes and economic realities can negatively impact your retirement budget. Sustained low interest rates have suppressed yields on income from bonds and rising health care expenses have affected retirees of all ages. Many retirees are surprised to learn that one of the most valuable assets in their portfolios may be a life insurance policy that they no longer need. It’s not uncommon for people to outlive their need for life insurance, and if you no longer need the policy or can no longer afford the premiums, you could consider selling the policy through a life settlement. This is a financial transaction in which a policy owner works with a company, such as Coventry Direct, to determine if they qualify to sell their life insurance policy. The policy seller receives an immediate cash payment while the buyer assumes all future premium payments. Most life insurance policy types qualify, even convertible term life policies. Consider this story about a financial advisor who recently retired from a long, successful career. He decided the money he was spending on the rising premiums for his $799,975 life insur-

ance policy could be used to help fund his retirement. After some research, he called Coventry Direct and was happy to learn he had an option other than just letting the policy lapse. He sold his policy through a life settlement for $25,000, which was more than four times the value he would have received if he surrendered the policy back to the insurance company. If you don’t own a life insurance policy or still need your coverage, you may want to evaluate the real estate you own. Think about downsizing to a smaller home or selling other property you no longer need. Many retirees discover that they have significant equity tied up in real estate – equity that could be used to help fund expenses. Another useful exercise is reviewing your investments. If your retirement income is failing to produce the amount needed to maintain your lifestyle, you may need to rebalance your portfolio in order to meet your changing needs. If you find your retirement income is insufficient, there are options available to maximize your assets. For many retirees, an existing life insurance policy may be a hidden asset that can be utilized to generate cash. To learn more about life settlements, visit coventrydirect.com/lifesettlements or call 888-858-9344.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 21, 2017

Around Town

Seniors grab walking shoes for Wednesday Walkers Every Wednesday, now through September, those 55 and older have the opportunity to use the Youth Activity Park, at 7801 Highway N in Dardenne Prairie, for the St. Charles County Parks’ new Wednesday Walkers program. This free fitness program, geared toward seniors, is held from 8 a.m. – noon prior to the park’s regular business hours. The park has

nearly one mile of paved trails to enjoy. Free coffee is available at the concession stand. Outside drinks are permitted. Registration is not necessary, and openings are unlimited. Those planning to participate should check the Rainout Line on the website, or call 636-707-0011, prior to walking. For more information, call the park at 636-561-4964.

DAR cleaning local cemetery to honor veterans

Dardenne Presbyterian Church

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S MUSIC A A Patriotic Patriotic Concert Concert

Sunday, June 25th at 3:00 pm in the Christian Life Center EVERYONE IS WELCOME! 7400 S. Outer 364 • O’Fallon, MO 63368 - 636-561-4347 • www.dpc4u.org www.dpc4u.org

Submitted photo The Caroline Close Stuart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution set out on June 10 to clean and restore several grave markers at the Mt. Zion Cemetery on highway K in O’Fallon.

Armed with scrub brushes and water, the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) set out on June 10 to provide sunshine to some of the patriots buried at the Mt. Zion Cemetery on highway K in O’Fallon. This story began when DAR members marked the grave of Samuel Wells with a Christmas wreath. While at the cemetery they noticed many of the older grave markers were covered with grass and dirt. Saddened by the condition of the graves they brought the matter to the church’s attention. Chapter members were unanimously in favor of cleaning up and restoring the final resting place of several Revolutionary soldiers and families buried there. As a part of the cleaning project

the members will also help the church survey the grounds for any undocumented burials which were lost in a fire of the cemetery’s older records. Boy Scouts from Pack 873 and Troop 873, under the supervision of chapter member Marlana Strasburg, were on hand to help find the stones laying on the ground and carry the water. The Nathan Futrell C.A.R Society represented by Emma Gunther were on hand to help clean the stones under the supervision of Sheila Gunther. Penny Pitman, preservation chairman, said, “Cleaning up this cemetery is a small but worthwhile task. The least we can do is to dignify this sacred ground not only in remembrance and honor of our patriots’ sacrifices but also for the freedom we enjoy today. We have plans for more projects in the coming months.”

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Around Town

June 21, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Winner of O’Fallon Optimist Club essay contest announced Cameron Myers, a senior at Ft. Zumwalt West High School, recently won the Optimist Club of O’Fallon essay contest based on a theme of “Chasing Optimism in the Face of Challenges.” Mia Bellanca, a senior at Ft. Zumwalt North High School was first runner up. Myers essay was sent to the East Missouri Optimist District level to be judged along with winners from other Optimist Clubs in the district. “Cameron did a wonderful job of articulating this year’s theme. He expressed himself well through the essay and deserved the honor of first place,” club president Cyndy Schwab said. At the district level the $2,500 scholarship Submitted photo was won by Brice Jansen from Leopold, MisO’Fallon Optimist Club essay winner Cameron Meyers signs an applicasouri sponsored by the Marble Hill Optimist tion to submit his winning essay as O’Fallon Optimist Club President Club. Cyndy Schwab looks on. The Optimist Club of O’Fallon has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for over twenty years and has been active in the Best in Kids,” Optimists conduct positive sercommunity since 1986. Other scholarship pro- vice projects that reach more than six million grams the club has sponsored include Oratori- young people each year. The 20017-2018 Essay, Oratorical, and Comcal and Communications Contest for the Deaf munications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of and Hard of Hearing. Optimist International is one of the world’s Hearing applications with qualifications, rules, largest service club organizations with adult and and the new topic, will be available on the orgayouth members in the United States, Canada, nization’s website after July 15 at www.optimist. the Caribbean and Mexico and throughout the org. world. Carrying the motto “Bringing Out the

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Genocide survivor to exhibit artwork at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre Bertrand Ishimwe is a young man from Kigali, Rwanda, whose story is tragic, yet triumphant. The talented young artist has dedicated his life to bringing hope to the youth of Rwanda. The community will have a chance to view his stunning visual works at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre in an upcoming featured exhibit. When the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi began, Ishimwe’s parents had to flee while his mother was pregnant with him. Upon return when the country was liberated, everything the family owned was gone, and most members of his mother’s family were lost in the horrid human massacre. Ishimwe’s parents were forced to raise their children on the streets.

A British man found Ishimwe and recognized his artistic abilities and funded his education. Ishimwe has decided to pay it forward and founded an organization, Irembo Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the community life and sustainability in educational aspect for the street kids, kids from vulnerable families and orphans. Bertrand Ishimwe is visiting the U.S. in June and July, sharing and selling his art to raise awareness and support for his Irembo Foundation. You can see Bertrand’s work from June 29Aug. 20 at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre located in the west side of St. Peters City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.

Advertiser Profile: O’Fallon Family Eyecare focuses on dry eyes

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Located in O’Fallon, Dr. Joe Hegyi and O’Fallon Family Eyecare have been focusing on a procedure to help give an immediate effect on dry eyes. The procedure is MiBoFlo, which focuses on smoothing out and melting the thick layers of dry oils on patient’s eye lids. Hegyi said other treatments could take six to eight weeks for patients to see results. “MoBoFlo has an immediate effect,” Hegyi said. “Other treatments patients have to do several things at one time and it might not feel effects for a while.” Other practices and treatments cause patients to take multiple supplements at the

same time and could cost the patient hundreds of dollars Hegyi typically recommends three treatments for patients with mild to moderate dry eyes. Hegyi said dry eyes are caused by the layers of oils on the eye lids building up and becoming thick. MoBoFlo is a spa like treatment for the eyes, which helps focus on the built up oils on the eye lids through massage. The controlled temperature of the procedures melt the layers of oils on the eye lids and smooths them out. Hegyi said he has a focus in dry eyes in his practice and found MoBoFlo through keep-

Photo by Ray Rockwell Dr. Joe Hegyi with O’Fallon Family Eyecare.

ing up with the times and looking at different procedures and the technologies.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 21, 2017

Yeggs

John Hanna

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‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore www.SHOESANDHOPE.org

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Gifted individuals The month to celebrate dads everywhere is once again upon us. My husband instructed me not to buy him anything, which translated means, “Don’t buy me anything, but if you really don’t buy me anything I’ll know you really hate me.” Big man baby! But those man babies are so hard to buy for. Whereas I, being a lady of abundant needs, fall into the category of easy-to-buy-for-as-long-asit-comes-with-a-receipt-so-I-can-return-it-forwhat-I-really-want. Aside from that, I’d be happy with: candy, jewelry, flowers, plants, clothes, shoes, gift cards to restaurants or favorite stores at the mall, makeup, perfume, small furry animals and if all else fails get me an oven mitt and some vacuum bags and I’ll be just as thrilled – provided they’re stuffed with dark chocolate, of course. My father-in-law is a man who also falls into the category as one of those who is hard to buy for. He insists that he needs nothing and gives no hints to help out. A couple of years ago we noticed that the flannel shirts he wore were looking a bit scruffy and threadbare. (When the outline of one’s pacemaker is visible through the fabric, it’s time to get a new shirt.) Light bulb moment! For the next year, any and all occasions including Christmas, birthday, Father’s Day and the successful removal of a large kidney stone were celebrated with new flannel shirts. Afterwards we noticed that he still sported his shabby shirts. After further investigation, we

found that he kept his new crispy shirts, with tags still attached hung in a row in the backmost part of his closet. My mother-in-law informed us that he thought there was still a lot of wear left in the oldies and he couldn’t bear to crack open a new one until the others fell from his body. Although, he hinted that there was a slight possibility he would allow us to use one of them for his burial clothes. Those darn kids who grew up in the Depression will never get over it! So off I went in search of a Father’s Day gift for my husband, who gave me no hints, no help, no idea of what to get him whatsoever, but would be sad as an orphaned puppy if I came back emptyhanded. After hours of roaming through stores I settled on his three loves: a bag of grass fertilizer; a family-pack of meaty T-bones, and a case of motor oil. I tossed in a flannel shirt as a bonus.

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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. www.wentzville-mo.minutemanpress.com

School

June 21, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Dominic High School announces new president

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Jim Welby will serve as St. Dominic High School’s next president, effective July 1. Welby has served the St. Dominic community as athletic director since 2012 and has 17 years of experience in Catholic education. “I am humbled to be able to continue to serve the St. Dominic community in this new position,” Welby said. “My family and I are deeply rooted at St. Dominic, and I look forward to being able to continue the school’s rich heritage of prayer, study, community and service for many years.” Welby will be the eighth leader of St. Dominic High School since its founding in 1962. He is the school’s second lay president, following Cathy Fetter who will retire June 30 as president emeritus. “Jim has been an asset to St. Dominic in his time as athletic director,” said St. Dominic Principal Janet Eaton. “He is dedicated to our school’s mission and will continue to be an outstanding leader for the St. Dominic community.” Prior to coming to St. Dominic, Welby served as a teacher and administrator at his alma mater, Bishop DuBourg High School. He brings 13 years of administrative experience, including serving as athletic director and advancement director at Bishop DuBourg. “We are both grateful and excited Mr. Welby has agreed to assume this role of leadership,” said

Submitted photo Jim Welby will serve as St. Dominic High School’s next president, effective July 1.

Dr. Kurt Nelson, Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. “We have every confidence in his capacity to guide the school.” Catholic education is a tradition for Welby’s entire family. His wife, Jamie, has served as a Catholic educator for 19 years and will begin teaching at Assumption School this fall. Their daughter, Caitlin, will be a sophomore at St. Dominic and their son, Kelly James, will enter seventh grade at Assumption. Their oldest daughter, Maggie, passed away at age 7 in 2005. The family lives in Dardenne Prairie.

Francis Howell student attains perfect attendance for 13 years

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Laraya Griffith just graduated from Francis Howell North (FHN) High School, and she never missed a thing. Literally. She had perfect attendance in school, from the first day of kindergarten through the last day of high school. From Becky-David Elementary, to Barnwell Middle School, to FHN, Laraya’s story proves that a little perseverance and motivation can take a person all the way to perfect attendance. Laraya’s older brother Brenton graduated in 2013 with the same accomplishment, so it must be a family thing. “I missed a lot,” Cassandra Griffith, Laraya’s mother, confessed. Out of Cassandra’s five children, two have had perfect attendance, and the other three missed just a few days here and there. “I encouraged them that they would miss out on lessons and learning,” Cassandra said, “things that – if they were there – they would be taught instead of having to figure it out on their own.” Laraya bought in, despite her initial youthful reservations. “At the beginning, it was hard to go every day,” Laraya said. “As time passed, I wanted to be there so I wouldn’t miss assignments and be behind in class.” Ah, but was it worth it? Laraya thinks so. “I got to attend important events at school,” she said, and that

means all of them, “and I did not get behind in homework and note-taking.” Attendance is truly important to the success of students, and studies have demonstrated the connection between poor attendance and lower test and proficiency scores. But sometimes it’s just so hard to say no to a sick kid who wants to stay home. Cassandra said, “A lot of kids miss school because they are tired and they may think they are sick.” However … she added, far too accurately, “They get better fast when school is over.” Any school nurse will tell you, if you have a fever or have been vomiting in the last 24 hours, please do stay home. That will help keep your illness from spreading to others. But sometimes a little negotiation can help. Cassandra would tell her children, “If you do stay home because you are sick, you stay in bed to get better – which means no TV, and lots of rest. That helped them to want to go to school if they had to stay in bed.” Cassandra never really had to talk Laraya into anything; however, though she encouraged her to attend every day. “About second or third grade,” Cassandra said, “it became Laraya’s mission to not miss school, and I didn’t have to bring up the idea. She wanted to go every day; she didn’t want to miss at all.”

Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District Laraya Griffith just graduated from Francis Howell North High School with 13 years of perfect attendance, from the first day of kindergarten through the last day of high school.

Laraya did make some sacrifices to attain her lofty goal. She didn’t go on trips that required missing days, and she certainly didn’t take part in any of those “Senior Skip Days” that were popular in the past. What she gained; however, is far more valuable. When it came to learning in the classroom or enjoying the outstanding activities in FHSD, thanks to her family’s trademark perseverance, and a little encouragement from mom, Laraya Griffith didn’t miss a thing.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 21, 2017

Glued Arts & Crafts celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

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Owner Kendyll Lawellin celebrated the grand opening of her new business Glued Arts & Crafts with a ribbon cutting on June 8. Joining Kendyll were her family, friends, consignment artists, representatives with the city of St. Charles, and Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Located at 13 Hawks Nest Plaza in St. Charles,

Glued Arts & Crafts offers a little something for everyone – from home décor and jewelry to classes such as “Bob Ross Paint Night”, “Learn to Crochet”, and “Birdhouse Painting”. For more information on Glued, please phone 636-896-4830 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gluedartsandcrafts.

The Battlegrounds raises $4,000 for Operation Food Search The Battlegrounds, St. Louis’ only permanent mud run and obstacle course, recently held its ninth bi-annual race and collected 1,585 pounds of food for Operation Food Search. The donation is valued at more than $2,600 and represents enough food to feed 396 people for one day. In addition to the canned food drive, proceeds from The Battlegrounds race totaled a $4,000 donation to the organization. The canned food was sent to Agape Ministry

of Warren County, which feeds approximately 1,000 Warren County residents each month at its food pantries located in Warrenton and Wright City. “This race had more than 2,700 runners who truly stepped up to help our charitable partner,” said The Battlegrounds’ owner Carl Bolm. “We appreciate their support for such an invaluable organization, and we feel honored to have assisted in the fight to feed the area’s hungry.”

Deer Valley Home Health Services opens new office in St. Charles Deer Valley Home Health Services, one of the largest home healthcare agencies in the St. Louis area, recently expanded its operations in order to serve the growing population in St. Charles. The newest Deer Valley office is located at 516 North 5th Street, in St. Charles. It joins Deer Valley locations in North County at 8600 Airport Road, and in South St. Louis at 3704 South Grand. St. Charles’ has one of the fastest growing populations of disabled and Medicaid eligible residents in the state of Missouri. Deer Valley’s management believes that they can professionally provide home health services to those living in the St. Charles area through its years of experience in providing home health, its administrative resources, and a highly trained staff, “Deer Valley is in business to provide home health services

Submitted photo Cutting the ribbon at Deer Valley Home Health Services new St. Charles location is Ada Joyce Taylor, the President & CEO of Deer Valley Home Health.

that includes Consumer Directed Services (a program that pays family members to take care of the Medicaid eligible relatives). Other programs include Healthy Child & Youth, Department of Mental Health, Personal Care, and a program to service the needs of veterans,” said Veronica Shannon,

Deer Valley’s administrator. For more information about Deer Valley Home Health, interested parties are invited to call 314-355-3679. The phone number of the new St. Charles location is 636-493-6488. Deer Valley Home Health can also be reached through www.deervalleyhomehealth.com.

www.TROYCVB.com

Sports

June 21, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Check out our

Sports you see with Gary B...

Home & Garden Section

Hall of fame coach heading up Christian High School’s basketball program

in Classifieds page 15

River City continues on a hot streak The River City Rascals play in the West Division of the Frontier League with home games at CarShield field in O’Fallon. In their latest games as of this writing the team has won seven of 10 games inching their way to the top of the league four games out. It was a good and bad outing recently in a double-header contest they played against the Washington WildThings in Washington, Pennsylvania. River City extended their season-long winning streak to five games with their fourth onerun victory of the year and improved to four games over .500 with the 4-3 victory in game one. The Rascals struggled to string together hits through the first five frames against WildThings starter Trevor Foss but found their groove in the sixth inning sending eight batters to the plate and scored three runs on four hits. Dan Ludwig earned the win with the quality start, lasting six innings allowing the three earned runs on six hits and struck out seven. The second game had the same score but the Rascals were on the downside of the game. Josh Silver totaled three hits total in the game and he, like Kerrigan, is on a team high 15-game hitting streak. “I’m seeing the ball well lately and just trying to hit the ball hard every time I come up,” Silver said. Relief pitching did not hold up for the team as their opponent had a walk off hit to salvage the second game and stop the River City’s winning streak. ~~~Start it up again

Christian High School has a Missouri Coaches’ Hall of Famer as the Varsity Head Coach of Girls Basketball Program in the name of Chris Ellis. Ellis had 15 seasons as the head coach of Maryville’s women’s basketball program. In Submitted photo 2011-12, he guided the Chris Ellis has been named program to the school’s Christian High School Varsity first Great Lakes Valley Head Coach of Girls BasketConference championball Program. ship. In April 2012, he was inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Ellis compiled a 255-160 overall record in his 15 seasons with Maryville, and has a lifetime record of 609-266 in 32 seasons. He was named St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Coach of the Year five times, while leading his squad to an NCAA Division III conference record 92-game winning streak and six consecutive undefeated seasons in conference play from 2003-2009; a streak that ended with a win as the Saints moved up to NCAA Division II in the 2009-10 campaign. Ellis, a graduate of Maryville, earned his bachelor’s in Education in 1984 and later received his master’s in Education from Lindenwood University in 1998. He joins fellow Hall of Fame coach, Terry Hollander, who just one year ago took the reins of the varsity boys program at Christian High School. ~~~Right place, right time

www.treesbywoody.net

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

Hope for a bright future Mental Health & Addiction Treatment for Adults, Senior Adults and Adolescents Outpatient locations in St. Charles | St. Peters | West County South County | Columbia, MO

For a conndential assessment at no cost

(800) 345-5407 Toll Free (636) 477-2136 Admissions

www.CenterPointeHospital.com www.CenterPointeHospital.com

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 21, 2017

Cool down with patriotic frozen pops With backyard barbecues, pool parties and patriotic celebrations in full swing leading up to the Fourth of July, kids are constantly on the go with summertime activities. For long summer days in the sun, a cool treat is the perfect way to help keep kids energized for all of their summertime activities. These homemade red, white and blueberry frozen pops are the perfect patriotic summer snack for active kids. Made with wholesome ingredients like fruit and milk, they’re a great way to add quality

nutrition to snack time with flavors kids already love. Plus, with milk as an ingredient, this delicious recipe is a creative way to help the whole family get added nutrients they need, like calcium and protein. Whether celebrating Independence Day or relaxing following an afternoon in the sun, this tasty and nutritious summertime snack is one the whole family can enjoy together. For more inspiration and recipes to serve up summer fun, visit milklife.com.

Learn & Play

– SUDOKU – Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

Red, White and Blueberry Frozen Pops Servings: 10

See solution on page 13

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granola 2 teaspoons brown rice syrup 3/4 cup reduced fat milk

6 ounces fat free vanilla Greek yogurt 1 cup whole strawberries, tops removed water

Directions:

iIn small bowl, stir granola and brown rice syrup until combined. Using end of wooden spoon, press approximately 3/4 tablespoon granola into each frozen pop mold. Granola should be packed tightly into bottom of molds. In another small bowl, stir together milk and yogurt; set aside. Using small food processor or high-powered blender, puree strawberries until smooth. Stir water into each puree so they are pourable, about 2 tablespoons each, more if necessary. Set aside 30 blueberries and puree remainder. Add water, as needed, to make pourable. To layer pops, start by pouring, piping or syringing 1 tablespoon milk and yogurt mixture into each mold, covering granola layer. Put each mold in freezer until firm, at least 1 hour.

1 1/4 cup blueberries, divided

Layer 1 tablespoon strawberry puree on top of frozen yogurt layer in each mold. Cover top of molds with foil, insert sticks and freeze again until solid. Remove foil, add another layer of yogurt and freeze again. For final layer, add 1 tablespoon blueberry puree and 3 blueberries to each mold. Freeze until solid. Keep frozen pops in molds until ready to eat. Run each mold under lukewarm water for approximately 10 seconds to loosen and remove frozen pops. Pops can be made 1 day in advance. Tip: For clean lines between frozen yogurt layers, use small syringe. Nutritional information per serving: 70 calories; 2 g fat; 0.5 g saturated fat; 3 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 20 mg sodium; 48 mg calcium (4% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using reduced fat milk.

Crossword Puzzle: FUN IN THE SUN ACROSS 1. Fastening device 6. Computer-generated imagery, acr. 9. Savannah College of Art and Design 13. Of the kidneys 14. Not decaf. 15. Flourishing 16. “The ____ of defeat” 17. Tide alternative 18. “Pokémon,” e.g. 19. *Hitting the water 21. *In the open air 23. RNs’ org. 24. Not happening 25. Eastern title 28. Open-mouthed astonishment 30. Muslim woman’s headscarf 34. Foul substance 36. *Hang out till these come home 38. *July 4th and Labor Day events

40. Novice 41. Addressable locker 43. Calf at a grocery store 44. Biased perspective 46. Ore deposit 47. Home to Sacramento Kings 48. “Live and ____” 50. Telephoned 52. Definite article 53. Same as eon 55. *Poison ____ 57. *Lawn pastime 61. Become undone 65. Nonsense 66. “Dancing in the Rain” dance 68. Window treatment 69. Plural of atrium 70. Id’s partner 71. Brickowski of “The LEGO Movie” 72. *Pick berries, e.g.

73. Movie director Howard 74. Back of the neck, pl. DOWN 1. Underwater hermit 2. Toy brick 3. Dwarf buffalo 4. ____ ray 5. Applying oneself diligently 6. Rugged rock 7. Hair raiser 8. Meltable home 9. *Volleyball turf 10. The Muse of history 11. Shells in a magazine 12. Textile worker 15. Jamaican vernacular 20. Civil rights org. 22. “Gross!” 24. Neonatology patient

25. Play parts 26. *Fired up for BBQ 27. Same as auras 29. *Alternative to #33 Down 31. Indonesian island 32. Weather advisory, e.g. 33. *Cooling off spot 35. Spanish lady 37. Scotch accompaniment 39. Kind of gin 42. Xe 45. Cause for an ER visit 49. Clinton ____ Rodham 51. *Horticulturist’s patch

54. Weasel’s aquatic cousin 56. Stealing is bad ____ 57. Burn to charcoal 58. Traditional learning method 59. Edible pod 60. Witty remark 61. 2nd word in many fairytales 62. Femme fatale 63. D’Artagnan’s sword 64. TV classic “____ Make a Deal” 67. Gone by

See solution on page 13

What’s Happening

June 21, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS June 22: Blood drive

Team up with the Lake Saint Louis Police Department to help save lives by donating blood from 3 until 7 p.m., at the Lake Saint Louis Civic Center Council Chambers at 200 Civic Center Drive. While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended that donors schedule an appointment. To make an appointment go to redcrossblood. org and enter sponsor code: LSLPD or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-7332767).

June 24: Swap meet

Free and open to the public, Coca Cola Collectors Swap Meet takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blanchette Park, Memorial Hall, American Legion & VFW Rooms at 1900 West Randolph Street in St. Charles. Buy-sell- or trade old and new Items. Free appraisals of Coca Cola items (Limit three). For more information about the show or about getting a table at the swap meet contact Terry Smith 636-544-4518.

June 24: Parent program

First Impact Parent Program takes place from 9 - 10:30 a.m. at Spencer Road Branch Community Commons at 427 Spencer Road in St. Peters. First Impact is a traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) law as well as provides them with the tools they need to monitor, coach and support their new teen driver. GDL Coaches will be Sgt. Tom Mozelewski of the St. Peters Police Department and Deana Tucker Dothage, Director, First Impact.

June 24: Genealogy classes

Genealogy classes will be offered through the Renaud Spirit Center, and taught by members of the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter, NSDAR (National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution) at 2650 Tri Sport Circle in O’Fallon. The class starts at 8:30 a.m. and will cover beginning information about how to start a family tree, where to locate documents and how to organize the information collected. The afternoon class held the same day begins at 1 p.m. and will explore the uses and benefits of DNA testing for genealogists. It will also look at how to document Native American ancestry. Each class will end with information on how to become a member of the DAR. DAR Chapter members will also be on hand to help with research road blocks. Residents and non-residents of O’Fallon must register for the classes with the Renaud Spirit Center at 636-474-2732. You may also find information about the local DAR chapter on the web at http://www.mssdar.org/ccstuart.

June 24: German heritage club meeting

Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) the last Saturday of every month: Attendees are predominantly German born/raised people who get together at 11 a.m. in St. Charles to speak German, eat a late breakfast or early lunch and sip a cool drink or two. Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht Mittagessen), und geniessen ein Gespräch auf deutsch. Over 50 percent of attendees are born and/or raised in Germany and over 50 percent live in St. Charles County. June meeting location will be at the Sugar Creek Winery on Hwy 94 just west of Defiance. Meeting this month is a pot luck picnic. Attendees are asked to bring a hors d’oeuvres, snacks and/or a covered dish to share.

June 24: Gospel concert

New Beginnings Worship Center at108 Birdie Hills Rd. in St. Peters will host the gospel singers The Chosen

Ones at 6 p.m. For more information call 636-544-2030 or 314-269-6304.

June 24-25: Amateur Radio Field Day

On the fourth weekend of June, more than 40,000 radio amateurs 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. The ARRL Field Day is an event designed to simulate an emergency or disaster situation where Amateur Radio operators, commonly known as “hams,” set up radio equipment in the field to demonstrate the ability to work reliably under any conditions, from almost any location, and create an independent communications network. 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 2017 runs from 1 p.m. on June 24 to 1 p.m. on June 25. Want to learn more about the hobby and see amateur radio in action? You can see for yourself 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 grassy area between Menards and McDonald’s; 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-is-ham-radio.

June 25: Patriotic concert

“Celebrating America’s Music – A Patriotic Concert” will be presented by the Chancel Choir and Instrumentalists of Dardenne Presbyterian Church along with guest musicians from the community. The concert takes place at 3 p.m. in the Christian Life Center of Dardenne Presbyterian Church located at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the concert. All are welcome to attend this free event. Please contact the Dardenne Presbyterian Church office at 636-561-4347 for more information.

June 26: PTSD presentation

Church on the Rock (COTR) will be hosting a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) presentation at 6:30 p.m. at its south campus location at 900 Birdie Hills Rd. in St. Peters. The meeting will be held in the Volunteer Central location (lower level). Dr. Karen A. Loaiza, clinical psychologist and VA Specialist, will speak at this event. All veterans and spouses are invited to attend. Any questions please call Dan Wagner at 636-240-7775.

June 27: Bartender fundraising event

Community Living staff and board members are busy honing their bartending skills in preparation for the return of the Big Kahuna Bartender Challenge. The popular event will once again give representatives of Community Living the chance to battle it out behind the bar to raise funds for individuals with disabilities in St. Charles County. The team that earns the most money for Community Living will earn the coveted “Big Kahuna” title. 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. Members of each team will work behind the bar, showing off their skills and mingling with guests to earn the most tips and generate the most money overall during their allotted time spot. The public is invited to join in the fun this year. 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 636-9702800 ext. 3081.

June 28: Shredding event

Gather your old bills, mail and other paper products and stop by 1st Advantage Bank’s Ninth Annual Grill and Shred Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the back parking lot of 1st Advantage Bank. Lunch will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

June 29: Optimist Club meeting

There will a meeting held for interested residents in the Troy and Moscow Mills area to recruit charter members for an optimist club to serve the youth in the area. This meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Lincoln County Health Department conference room off Hwy H. At this session you will learn some things about Optimist International which will celebrate 100 years of service in 2020. Refreshments will be served and meeting will last about an hour. Please R.S.V.P. to Cyndy Schwab at 636-544-0102 or send e-mail to cyndyschwab@yahoo.com. For more information visit www.optimist.org.

July 8: TEEN CERT training course

The St. Charles City-County Library District is hosting the Mid America TEEN CERT program to offer TEEN CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training to anyone 1218 years old. The course will teach students to assist local emergency services and the communities of St. Charles County and surrounding areas in case of a large-scale emergency or a disaster, such as the current flooding situation we are experiencing. The training will be held at library’s Spencer Road Branch, located at 427 Spencer Road in St. Peters, beginning July 8 and continuing for five consecutive Saturday mornings through Aug. 5. Class will be in the Siteman Cancer Center Event Room (Room 240) from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. All five sessions are required for course certification. For more information or to sign up for the class at the Spencer Road branch, please register online at http:// bit.ly/2oYYrrm. Space is limited, so register early. More information about CERT/TEEN CERT training can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/ MIDAMERICATEENCERT/, or by contacting program director Mark Rosenblum at mark.rosenblum@juno. com.

July 8: Dog Days of Summer

Parkview Gardens Florist and Greenhouses is sponsoring its second 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 enthusiasts, fellow owners and various pet related local organizations and businesses. Folks from St. Charles City Animal Control and Five Acres Animal Shelter will be among those attending. Visit wwwparkviewgardens. com or call 636-946-7641 for more information.

July 9: Big band concert

The St. Charles Big Band presents Sunday Serenades, a summer big band concert series, at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive

in St. Charles. The concert begins at 7:30 and is free. Bring lawn chair or blanket. See www.stcharlesband.com for details.

July 13-14: Theater performance

Local youth will bring to life the classic tale of an orphan’s unlikely trip from rags to riches when St. Peters Performing Arts Studio presents the musical “Annie Jr.” at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre’s Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for three performance times: July 13 at 7 p.m.; and July 14 at 1 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 per person for each show. To purchase tickets, call Ron Jones at 636485-9171. The Cultural Arts Centre is located at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd.

July 15: Outdoor summer concert and movie

Each summer, the city of Dardenne Prairie Parks and Recreation Department proudly presents the Summer Concert & Movie Series. Featuring the band FanFare and the movie “Finding Dory,” the event takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at City Hall Park, located at 2032 Hanley Road in Dardenne Prairie. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase.

July 16: Country music show

At 2:30 p.m., the Gateway Country Music Summer Show, featuring Traditional Country Music with a host of great singers and the GCMA band Route 67 at Wentzville Holt High School in the C H Jones Auditorium at 600 Campus Dr. in Wentzviile. For tickets call Beverly McManus at 636384-0916 or Dean Raymer at 636-7952014. Tickets are $10 each and can also be purchased at door.

July 17-21: Vacation bible school

Join Peace Lutheran Church-Winghaven for a free and fun VBS on July 17 - 21 from 6 - 8 p.m. Children fully potty-trained through fifth grade are welcome. Register online at www. peacewinghaven.org or call 636-5618282. Peace is located at 9320 Phoenix Village Parkway in O’Fallon.

July 23: Quarter auction

The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 313 will host a “Christmas In July” Quarter Auction at American Legion at 200 Main Street (upper level at Hobo’s) in St. Peters. Doors open at 1 p.m., games are from 2 to 4 p.m. Entrance fee is $10 (includes one paddle). Twelve vendors will be present, as well as many items to bid on. Cash bar, table snacks will be provided, no outside foods please. Seating is limited, reservations are recommended, please contact Ruth McDonough at 314-9419804 for more information.

July 28: Trivia night

Members of the Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon are sponsoring a Trivia Night at the Christy Banquet Center at 9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in O’Fallon. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the game starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $200 for a table of eight people. Prizes will be given for highest and lowest scoring teams, plus 50/50 drawing and raffle baskets. Soda, beer and wine will be provided. Additional drink options are available through open cash bar. Register at https://secure.portalbuzz.com/register. For registration questions call Don at 314-630-4738 or email collettep9@ gmail.com. All trivia night proceeds will go toward replacing the dilapidated playground equipment at the O’Fallon Salvation Army.

July 30: All-you-can-eat breakfast

The Knights of Columbus at St. Robert Bellarmine Church at 1424 First Capitol Drive South in St. Charles will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes: made

to order omelets, pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee Cost for adults is $7, for children six to 11 is $4 and children five and under are free. In addition a blood drive will be held at the same time as the breakfast. Those who donate blood that day will receive a free breakfast. For additional information please call 636-946-6799.

Aug. 5: Golf tournament

St. Charles Friends of Birthright will be hosting the Twenty-fourth Annual Golf Tournament at the Links at Dardenne in O’Fallon. This year it will be a family friendly tournament so gather your friends and their families to enjoy a day filled with golf fun. Capable players of all ages are encouraged to participate. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. followed by lunch in the clubhouse. To register, sponsor, donate or volunteer visit http://www.events.org/ friendsgolfscramble.

Aug. 10: Day trip

Dig into large fossil finds, Anheuser artifacts and “mile-high” apple pie as the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre takes a day trip to Kimmswick, Missouri. The historic Kimmswick Bone Bed site at Mastodon State Historic Site provides a close-up view of one of our country’s biggest ice age fossil finds. Bones of mastodons, giant sloths and more, plus 10,000-year-old stone spear points, give you a glimpse into prehistoric life. Enjoy lunch at Blue Owl Restaurant, famous for its milehigh apple pie, and take a timeout to visit some of Kimmswick’s quaint shops before our last stop at Anheuser Museum and Estate. Check out Anheuser family and brewery artifacts and other memorabilia at this historic 23-acre estate, built along the Mississippi River in 1867 with splendid views of the river and its wildlife. The motorcoach bus leaves the west parking lot of St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. at 8:30 a.m. and returns around 4:30 p.m. The Kimmswick trip involves quite a bit of walking, but mostly at your leisure. The cost is $91 and includes transportation, admissions, lunch and gratuities. For more information on this and other day trips offered by the Cultural Arts Centre, call 636-397-6903, ext. 1624, or visit www.stpetersmo.net/arts.

Aug. 13: Big band concert

The St. Charles Big Band presents Sunday Serenades, a summer big band concert series, at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive in St. Charles. The concert begins at 7:30 and is free. Bring lawn chair or blanket. See www.stcharlesband.com for details.

Aug. 19: Outdoor summer concert and movie

Each summer, the city of Dardenne Prairie Parks and Recreation Department proudly presents the Summer Concert & Movie Series. Featuring the band Borderline, the event takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at City Hall Park, located at 2032 Hanley Road in Dardenne Prairie. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Aug. 24: Concert series

The St. Charles Municipal Band presents Down By the Riverside, a summer concert series, Thursday nights at 8 p.m. in June, July, and August. Concerts are performed at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive in St. Charles. Bring lawn chair or blanket to these free programs. See www.stcharlesband.com for details.

Sept. 3: Big band concert

The St. Charles Big Band presents Sunday Serenades, a summer big band concert series, at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 21, 2017 in St. Charles. The concert begins at 7:30 and is free. Bring lawn chair or blanket. See www.stcharlesband.com for details

Sept. 9: Craft fair

Tri County Advisory Board to Probation and Parole, Probation and Parole District 17, Missouri Department of Correction invites you to their Fifth 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.

Sept. 23: Prairie Day

Fireworks, music, inflatables, and a variety of other attractions are some highlights of the Dardenne Prairie’s Annual Prairie Day celebration from 12 – 10 p.m. The event will be located at Dardenne Prairie City Hall Park. This celebration will feature food, entertainment, crafts, superheroes and many fun activities for children and adults to take part in. Vendor booths will be on display from 12 – 5 p.m. with St. Louis’ ultimate party band Contagious taking the main stage at 6 p.m. Admission to the event is free for all ages.

ONGOING EVENTS Sundays and Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

The Central Missouri Railroad Association meets at Suite 20 in the Warrenton Outlet Mall. This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more info call 636-2795522 or 636-456-0776.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

Take off pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Grace at 636-9464687.

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Highway in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please all Linda Wilcox at 636447-9056.

- 9 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (President) at 636561-6947.

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

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

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

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

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Mondays: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

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

Mondays, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes 9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314.369.6521.

Mondays: Chronic pain support group

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

3rd Monday of Each Month: Life After Loss support group Support group for families who have lost a loved one to heroin/opiate addiction. 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital Campus in Room 212 of Professional Building 1. Contact: geevigna@charter.net. No registration required

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

1 – 4 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and

is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.

Tuesdays: 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: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

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

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

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

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

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

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

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I love you, B.I.L.Y., Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at314 993 7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo.com. B.I.L.Y is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: Alcoholics Anonymous

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

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

6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480.

1st Monday: St.Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day ) unless otherwise specified. No meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (2nd floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30

Spotlight

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What’s Happening

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Toastmasters

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

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

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

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

The group meets on fourth Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Road Library at the Community Commons, 427 Spencer Rd. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male CareSUDOKU answers from page 11

giver Experience, please call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/stl.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refreshments and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertainment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month. Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information to editor@mycnews.com. CROSSWORD answers from page 11

June 21, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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TO: Daniel D. Kiddy, Defendant ADDRESS: 300 Winding Woods Drive, Suite 214 O’Fallon, MO 63366 Within the time limited by law (see note below) you are hereby required to appear before this Court and answer to a claim filed against you in this action. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you as demanded in the Complaint for ACTION FOR DEBT AND FORECLOSURE OF REAL PROPERTY MORTGAGE. Witness my hand and the Seal of the Court this 2nd day of March, 2017. /s/ Richard P. Farrelly, Esq. Birch, de Jongh & Hindels, PLLC Poinsettia House at Bluebeard’s Castle 1330 Estate Taarnebjerg St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Telephone: (340)774-1100 Telecopier: (340)774-7300

ESTRETLLA GEORGE Acting Clerk of the Court Deputy Clerk

NOTE: The defendant, if served personally, is required to file his/her answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after service of this summons, excluding the date of service. If served by publication or by personal service outside of the jurisdiction, the defendant is required to file his/her answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period of publication or personal service outside of the jurisdiction.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 21, 2017

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June 21, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

By Steve Bryan

Does Steven Spielberg favor films with male leads?

M O V I E

While accepting an award from “Women in Film,” a nonprofit organization, Elizabeth Banks took aim at Steven Spielberg. The prolific director has been making films for decades, including some true classics. In her acceptance speech, Banks claimed that Spielberg never made a movie with a female lead and “called him out” for it. A quick analysis of the director’s body of work shows that Banks’ statement isn’t entirely true. Fans have pointed to “The Sugarland Express,” a 1974 film starring Goldie Hawn, as one of Spielberg’s earliest female leads. Hawn plays a woman so desperate to keep her son out of foster care that she breaks her husband out of jail to help. Arguably, Richard Dreyfuss was the star of 1977’s blockbuster “Close Encounters of the Third

Kind.” As electrical engineer Roy Neary, though, he was fortunate to play opposite two outstanding actresses. Teri Garr played Roy’s wife in the film, suffering not-sosilently after her husband started molding mountains with his mashed potatoes. Melinda Dillon played Jillian Guiler, a mom who teams up with Roy to find her alien-abducted son. In many ways, Banks’ remarks are an insult to Karen Allen, who starred in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” opposite Harrison Ford back in 1981. Allen’s Marion Ravenwood took absolutely no guff and could drink anyone under the table. She even greeted lost love Indiana Jones with a sharp punch to the jaw. This was Allen’s movie just as much as Ford’s and she held her own throughout. 1985’s “The Color Purple” focused on Celie Johnson, a woman

who endured years of abuse and hardship before finding her way in the world. Whoopi Goldberg played the lead role, which catapulted her to cinematic fame. Oprah Winfrey even had a memorable part in this period piece and she, along with Goldberg and co-star Margaret Avery, were nominated for Oscars. Richard Dreyfuss was frontand-center again in “Always,” a 1989 Spielberg film about pilots who battled forest fires. Holly Hunter was his perfect match here as Dorinda, his co-worker and girlfriend. Like Karen Allen and Teri Garr, Dorinda is incredibly strong and the film is more about her life’s journey than any other characters. Given the memorable female leads in his movies, it’s hard to understand why Banks singled out Spielberg for criticism.

Granted, there is a definite shortage of prime female roles, but Gal Gadot’s performance in “Wonder Woman” is working to reverse the trend. As many fans also pointed out, there’s nothing to prevent Elizabeth Banks from financing her own film with a female lead. Independent directors do it all the time.

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.

From left, “The Color Purple ” photo courtesy Warner Brothers, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” photo courtesy Lucasfilms, “The Sugarland Express” photo courtesy Universal Pictures.