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August 31, 2016

Growing strong in Wentzville Wentzville School District welcomes the challenges of being the fastest-growing district in the state

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Celebrating man’s best friend

By Brett Auten

Feature Section What would cause most school districts to fluster has become commonplace in Wentzville. Yet again, when the doors opened on Aug. 11, the Wentzville School District has seen another boost in its number of students. Since 2001 Wentzville has continued to be the fastest-growing school district in the state. This year saw an increase of 625 students district-wide, bumping the total from 15,349 to 15,974. When looking at the numbers, the amount of new students can be borderline astonishing. On one July day, 67 new students enrolled in the district. That was part of a two-week boom that saw around 300 students enroll during that time frame. “This is just my fourth year in the district but this has been our reality since 2000,” Dr. Curtis Cain, Wentzville superintendent said. “Back then we were just under 6,000 students and this year we’re close to 16,000. It has been a longstanding tradition that the district has been able to accommodate plenty of students every year. Growth is on our radar and we always anticipate it.” Why such a consistent increase? Urban sprawl is a term that has been thrown around for decades and that is certainly part of it. Affordable housing prices combined with a reputation of excellent public school educational opportunities have led for the influx of families into the district. In a Citizen’s Satisfactory Survey compiled by the city of Wentzville during January and February of this year when asked about the most important reasons they chose to live in Wentzville, residents indicated these top-three choices: quality of public schools, safety and security and quality of housing. Wentzville leads St. Charles County municipalities in new home construction, issuing 343 permits since the beginning of 2016. Second was O’Fallon (200), then St. Charles city (126). From 2010 to 2015, 25,000 people moved into

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Students line the halls at Discovery Ridge Elementary School in the Wentzville School District

St. Charles County, making the county first in the state in population growth, according to the Missouri Census Data Center. Since 2010, Wentzville has issued 2,667 new, single-family home permits. More than 1,700 new, single-family homes were built in St. Charles County each year from 2013-2015, according to a press release. The Wentzville School District, which is composed of three high schools, three middle schools, and nine elementary schools (soon to be 11), is the 11th largest school district in the state. Projected numbers have the school district climbing into the top five position in 10 years with somewhere in the neighborhood of 22,000 students. So how does a school district deal with anywhere from 500-600 new students each and every year over the last 11? Well, it’s become old hat. “Growth is what we do in Wentzville,” Mary LaPak, Director of Community Relations with the Wentzville School District said. “We’ve not only managed

Photos by Ray Rockwell

the growth but our students have consistently performed in the top 10 in the state when it comes to test scoring and have a solid base in STEM and other programs. So, we have not only just increased the number of classrooms but have also maintained the high quality education that people have come to expect from Wentzville.” The district has continually loaded up on new teachers. According to Cain, 115 new teachers were added to the district and he estimated that around 100 teachers have been hired in each of his four years. Wentzville has gotten kudos for its financial responsibility when it comes to making room for its continued expansion. Earlier this month, the Wentzville School District Board of Education unanimously approved the sale of approximately $54 million Lease Participation Certificates that will provide funds See SCHOOL page 2

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Movie: ‘Oscar Bait’ 16

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Around Town

Vol. 18 No. 35

In This Issue... 3

Around Town Holiday Hiring Blitz connects individuals with job opportunities and more.

Feature Section Healthy Living

School WSD educator wins presidential award for teaching excellence and more. Business Plenty of happiness to be found at Joy’s Collective Market and more.

10 Sports

Local sports with Gary B.

11 Learn & Play

Featuring recipe and crossword.

12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Movie

Hollywood goes fishing for “Oscar bait.”

August 31, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

SCHOOL Continued from cover for construction. The sale also provides funds for refinancing a portion of the outstanding 2011 Lease Participation Certificates that were sold to finance a portion of the Proposition 3 projects approved by voters in 2011. The refinancing saves the taxpayers of the district over $3.2 million in interest expense over the next 15 years. Two new elementary schools will open for the 2017-18 school year. Earlier this year, there was a purchase of 20.5 acres on West Meyer Road in Wentzville to build the district’s 11th elementary school. The 10th elementary school will be on 31 acres on Highway Z at Perry Cate Boulevard in Wentzville. The new schools will allow sixth grade to be added to all elementary schools beginning in 2017-18, meaning all middle schools will house just seventh and eighth graders.

In April 2015, voters in the district passed a 25-cent tax increase to fund phase II of Liberty High School, additions at four schools, classroom updates at Wentzville Middle, security upgrades and a new elementary school. The passing of Proposition E, along with higher assessments and having healthy reserves put Wentzville in a position where it could increase what it is paying towards existing debt. With the two elementary schools, the addition of an auditorium at Liberty High, and the recently completed third floor at Holt means that the construction going on now is the most than at any time in the district’s history. “Nothing is static,” LaPak said. “But we have some breathing room now before we would need more expansion or additions.”

Photo by Ray Rockwell Completed construction at Liberty High School will help the Wentzville School District as it continues to expand.

The bulk of the students is in the elementary grades with Discovery Ridge topping the list with over 1,000 students and Boone Trail at 970. Holt High School has 1,700 students with Timberland close behind at 1,670. The recently opened Liberty has 1,254. “The high schools are at or near capacity,” LaPak said. “Opening Liberty definitely re-

lieved the sizes.” For the district to continue its growth in both size and stature it has taken a group effort from the residents to the administration, to the teachers and students. “It’s team WSD,” Cain said. “It always has been and it always will be as we continue to move forward, onward and upward.”

Online manufacturing workforce survey now underway An online survey developed by the Manufacturing Task Force of the St. Charles County Workforce Development Board will assist more than 300 St. Charles County manufacturers in recruiting skilled workers and continuing to grow and succeed in the community. The task force includes members of St. Charles County Government, St. Charles Community College, Lewis & Clark Career Center, Ranken Technical College – Wentzville, O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Seyer Industries and EDC Business & Community Partners. The survey, available online

now at www.surveymonkey. com/r/SCCWorkforce2016v2, is designed to be taken by businesses that fall under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Manufacturing Code. It seeks information on company staffing plans, the ability to find qualified applicants, current and future needs for technical skill training and more. Feedback from the survey will help shape the programs and efforts of numerous resource centers in St. Charles County. “We are working to better understand what local manufacturers are looking for in new applicants,” says Scott Drach-

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nik, director of the St. Charles County Department of Workforce & Business Development. “Additionally, when working with educational institutions and training providers, the responses will enable us to better prepare the local workforce for manufacturing jobs that are available now, and those of the future.” Manufacturing has changed through the decades. “The image of the dirty, dark, hot factory is not what 21st century, advanced manufacturing is all about in St. Charles County and around the St. Louis region,” says Drachnik. “Manufacturing is high tech, and it is alive and

well in our community. In fact, it makes up about 12 percent of local employment, and weekly wage averages make it one of the top paying business sectors.” Drachnik says the online survey has 12 questions and will take five minutes or less to complete. “The more manufacturers we hear from,” he says, “the better we are able to help businesses and labor.” For more information about the local economy, please contact the St. Charles County Department of Workforce & Business Development at 636255-6060 or visit http://www. sccmo.org/Workforce-Business-Development.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 31, 2016

Local teens win first place in battle of the bands contest Church of the Shepherd in St. Charles held a battle of the bands contest called “Chrysalis Ignite 2016.” Christian bands from the Missouri East Region area were invited to “battle” in the competition. Along with conversation, food and music, each band got to perform a set of five songs with the audience determining the winner. The winner was Double Edged Sword which is a local youth praise band from SunRise Church. The kids worked hard preparing for what they thought was a youth praise band battle only to find out they were competing against all adult bands.

Submitted photo The band Double Edged Sword was the winner of battle of the bands contest called “Chrysalis Ignite 2016.”

Holiday Hiring Blitz connects individuals with job opportunities If making extra money for the holidays is on your to-do list, then the Missouri Job Center of St. Charles County has the perfect opportunity for you. The center is hosting the third annual Holiday Hiring Blitz. “It is not too early to get a head start if you are interested in seasonal employment,” said Scott Drachnik, director of the St. Charles County Department of Workforce & Business Development, operator of the Missouri Job Center of St. Charles County. “These jobs are in high demand and employers need to fill the positions quickly. The Holiday Hiring Blitz is a convenient way for job seekers and employers to connect.” Employers participating in the blitz are hiring for a variety of positions, including food service crew members and managers, cashiers, gifting associates, retail associates and managers, production, manufacturing, packagers, drivers, and more. Some employers also are hiring for

full and part-time positions lasting past the holiday season. The Holiday Hiring Blitz is comprised of two events: 1. Curbside Packet Pick-Up: From 2-5:30 p.m., Sept. 7 job seekers can drive up to the Missouri Job Center of St. Charles County, located at 212 Turner Blvd., St. Peters, to pick up packets of information and applications from employers hiring for the holidays. 2. Blitz Job Fair: From 4:30-6:30 p.m., Sept. 14, and 9-11 a.m., Sept. 24, job seekers can return to the Missouri Job Center to meet employers and ask questions. Registration is not required for job seekers who want to attend the Holiday Hiring Blitz events. Citizens are welcome to attend one or all events. For more information, please contact Lori Myers at 636-255-6060, ext. 5260, or lmyers@ sccmo.org

‘First Pour’ Gathering held for the new Drury Inn and Suites at Streets of St. Charles Elected officials, dignitaries, community members, and company representatives came together at Streets of St. Charles for the “First Pour” Gathering for the new Drury Inn and Suites. The event marked the first deck pour for the 180-room, seven story hotel, currently under construction. Mayor Sally Faith welcomed Drury to the community, while Cullinan Properties’ Senior Real Estate Representative Patty Kueneke joined Drury Development Corporation’s Rob Warner, Vice President of Construction, and Mark Kohl, Vice President of Development, to discuss the project with attendees. St. Charles Director of Development, David Leezer, as well as representatives from the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, tenants and patrons of Streets of St. Charles also participated. The new Drury Inn and Suites project also includes an additional 300-car parking deck at Streets of St. Charles. Construction of both structures is currently underway, with anticipated completion in Summer, 2017. “The inclusion of the Drury development here at Streets of St. Charles is important not just for the property, but for the community in general,” said Chris West, Cullinan Partner and Chief Operating

Submitted photo Attending the “First Pour” Gathering for the new Drury Inn and Suites (from left) David Leezer, Rob Warner, Mark Kohl, Patty Kueneke, Robey Taylor, Mayor Sally Faith and Alyssa Houska.

Officer. “We were proud to host a celebration for the community to mark this important milestone of the first deck pour, and appreciate those who played a key role in bringing the Drury to life here at Streets of St. Charles. Drury currently owns 20 hotels in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Several new tenants are also preparing for their grand openings in the coming weeks, including Orangetheory Fitness, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, and Think Pink Nail Salon. This follows the recent openings of Sole and Blues Boutique and PF Chang’s. “There continues to be a great deal of energy and excitement surrounding Streets of St. Charles,” said West. “We’ve built a destination that’s attracting people from across the region, and the addition of the Drury will allow for an even greater draw. We look forward to celebrating this exciting phase of the project and to their opening to the public next summer.”

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August 31, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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AARP to hold several events throughout the St. Louis region Free presentations from “Speak Out!”: “Speak Out!”, the AARP in St. Louis volunteer speakers bureau, is a free service to community and social groups, churches, and businesses. Trained volunteers deliver information about various topics of importance and share reference materials for future use by audiences. For topic listing and to request a speaker, go to aarp. cvent.com/speakersrequestform. Please request a “Speak Out!” presentation four weeks in advance. Boomer bikers to ride on Saturdays: Join guided bike rides with AARP in St. Louis led by experienced cyclists from Team Rev and WC2 starting at 9 a.m. Oct. 1 at Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area in Spanish Lake, Missouri and Oct. 15 at Schoolhouse Trail in Collinsville, Illinois. Details and required registration information can be found online at aarp.org/ stlouis. Cars have changed: And so have traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads we drive on. The AARP Smart Driver Course can help get you up to speed. Classroom courses are offered at various locations in the St. Louis region. Tune up your driv-

ing skills by visiting AARP in St. Louis online to find a course nearest you at aarp.org/stlouis. CAREversations for you and your family: CAREversations is a free and fun 90-minute event designed especially for family caregivers. Participants will connect with other family caregivers in small groups in an engaging, interactive conversation about family caregiving. A group facilitator will help guide conversations around such topics as how to build a support network, tips to care for yourself and where to find local resources. Complimentary food and drinks will also be provided. Go to aarp.org/stlouis for the date and time of all scheduled CAREversations. Learn about and join the digital age: Technology is now a pervasive part of life for older Americans. Whether staying in touch with family via social media, using technology to expand a business, or playing games on a tablet, people 50-plus are adopting new devices and services and enjoying the benefits of the digital age. AARP TEK Community Workshops are free and deliver hands-on educational sessions using tablets. Join the digital age and learn more at aarp. org/stlouis.

O’Fallon Optimist Club celebrates 30 years

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The O’Fallon Optimist Club has been serving youth in the community since 1986. They have provided activities like a fishing derby, a Yahtzee bicycle ride and a visit from Santa at the Civic Park building where kids enjoyed activities and got their picture taken with Santa. They helped the city with the Easter breakfast and egg hunt. They have displayed a scene at the Celebration of Lights since it began, and participated in the Fourth of July activities providing kids games and selling popcorn. Cyndy Schwab, president of the O’Fallon Optimist Club, said she has been part of this organization for 29 years now and is proud to have been a part of serving so many youth in the community in so many ways. “I feel I have been blessed to be a part of the activities that bring happiness to so many kids, and

to have worked with so many fellow members who do so much for the club. We feel we have a good relationship with the city of O’Fallon, in particular, the staff of the parks department. We have many opportunities for community service in partnership with them and other volunteers.” They provide educational opportunities with scholarships for essay, oratorical, and a communications contest for the deaf and hard of hearing. They have had safety programs including bicycle safety and conducted helmet fittings. Just this year they offered a program on internet safety titled “The Hidden Dangers of Social Media.” The focus was on cyber bullying. The O’Fallon Junior Optimist Club presented a portion of the program where Tina Meier was the guest speaker. A donation was made to the Me-

gan Meier Foundation. They recognize students who have distinguished themselves through community service with their “Youth Appreciation” program and they honor law enforcement with their “Respect for Law” program. With money raised through fundraisers they contribute backpacks with supplies to the Fort Zumwalt School District for K-8 grade students in need of the help. They also contribute funds to support research to provide a cure for childhood cancer. The Optimist Club invites the public to their open house at the M.K. Branch Library on S. Hwy K on Sept. 8. Stop by anytime between 6-8 p.m. to get acquainted and to help celebrate. There will be displays, prizes, and refreshments.

Hit the course for the O’Fallon Chamber Golf Tournament www.stladhd.com

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries has announced that the 24th Annual Golf Tournament presented by Country Financial will be held at The Falls Golf Course at 1170 Turtle Creek in O’Fallon. This annual event is open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to participate on Sept. 12 with 10:30 a.m. registration and 11:30 a.m. shotgun start. Cost is $125 per person or $500 for a foursome. Call the chamber office at 636-240-1818 or go online to www.OFallonChamber.org/Golf to register. No clubs – no problem! Call The Falls Golf Club at 636-240-4653 to rent a set for the day for only $25. All golfers will receive a goodie bag filled with great donations from O’Fallon Chamber members, 18 holes of golf with cart and drinks

on the course, lunch catered and sponsored by Quintessential Catering, and an awards dinner sponsored by People’s Savings Bank. On-course activities planned include the ever popular Cooler of Fun from Delmar Gardens & Garden Villas of O’Fallon plus many more activities. The planning committee works to ensure that all participants have fun with on the course games like “Big Break” and “Does a Bear Chip in the Woods”. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top teams in A & B flights following the tournament, along with prizes for the Longest Drive, closest to the Pin, and a Putting Contest. Golf Tournament proceeds to benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 31, 2016

Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce hosting Sixth Annual Santa Run The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce announces they will be holding their Sixth Annual Santa’s North Pole Dash & Children’s Snowman Shuffle on Dec. 3 in Historic St. Charles. Santa’s North Pole Dash is a 5K run and one-mile walk through the historic district of St. Charles. All participants will receive a holiday-themed long-sleeved shirt that resembles either Santa’s Jacket or our 2016 Custom Design – the Grinch, hat, beard and gloves that can be worn during the race. All finishers will receive a commemorative medal. Children 11 and under are encouraged to participate in the Snowman Shuffle, our kids sprint race down Riverside Drive. All kids who register will receive a snowman t-shirt. Registration for the 5K run and 1-mile walk is $35 through Oct. 31st and $40 beginning Nov. 1. The registration deadline is Nov. 28 or 3,000 participants, whichever comes first. Race day registration is $45. The children’s run is $20 per child. This year, all participants

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are invited to attend the Post Race Party and Complimentary Breakfast. The breakfast, provided by Chris Cakes will feature all you care to eat pancakes and sausage. NEWCO, Inc. will also be providing coffee and hot cocoa during breakfast. The awards ceremony will take place in the breakfast tent as well. The overall men’s and women’s finisher will receive an engraved milk bottle while age group winners for both men’s and women’s divisions will receive an engraved cookie plate. Everyone knows Santa loves cookies and milk.

All participants who wear their race shirts in participating Main Street businesses will receive special one-day discounts and can take part in “Holiday Spirits on Main”, where select pubs and restaurants will offer specials for participants wearing their 2016 run shirts. Register early, there are only 3,000 costumes and finisher medals are available. For more information on the event and to register, please visit www.SantasNorthPoleDash.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County announces donation of 10,000 drug deactivation pouches The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County announced a donation of 10,000 drug deactivation pouches that will be provided to area families to encourage the safe and responsible disposal of leftover prescription medication. U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-MO, joined area youth and community leaders, in conjunction with the donation announcement, expressing her commitment to fight prescription drug abuse. “It is heartbreaking to know those affected by this epidemic are our parents, children, friends or neighbors,” said Wagner. “Opioid abuse frequently begins with pills found in the home medicine cabinet, and safe and responsible drug disposal is an important first step for Missourians to help prevent prescription drug abuse or overdose. I applaud law enforcement, educators, parents, health care professionals and community organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Charles County who are on the front lines working tirelessly each day to combat this issue.” The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County will help distribute the pouches to parents and families in St. Charles County in coming months in collaboration with organizations such as Walking to Wellness, and other com-

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munity groups, local companies and family members supported by the clubs. The Deterra drug deactivation pouches were purchased and donated by Mallinckrodt, a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company. The userfriendly pouch-based systems deactivate prescription drugs and render chemical compounds safe for landfills. After filling the specially formulated pouch with regular tap water, it can be sealed and thrown away with the household trash. The pouches are biodegradable, providing an environmentally responsible way to deactivate and dispose of drugs. “Our nation is experiencing a crisis in prescription drug abuse and misuse, and children in St. Charles County unfortunately are not immune to the devastating effects of this crisis,” said Linda Sanchez, President, Board of Directors, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County. “We’re pleased to encourage families in our community to destroy their unused prescription medications by using the drug deactivation pouches. We thank Mallinckrodt for their generosity and shared commitment to keep our community and families safe, healthy and free of drug abuse.” The St. Charles County donation is part of Mallinckrodt’s

one-million pouch donation initiative to help combat the abuse of prescription pain medications, which is one of the top public health threats in the U.S. today. Nearly 68 percent of those who used prescription pain relievers non-medically in 2012-2013 got them from friends or relatives, according to the 2013 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health. “As a company focused on the health and well-being of our patients and communities, Mallinckrodt has long been a strong advocate of addressing the complex issues of opioid misuse and abuse that cause so much harm to families,“ said Mark Trudeau, Mallinckrodt President and Chief Executive Officer. “We share the concerns of people across the nation, and believe that providing patients with a safe, environmentally responsible way to dispose of unused medications is critical in this fight against prescription drug abuse. Mallinckrodt is committed to working with policy makers, community leaders, law enforcement and industry partners to ensure the responsible use of pain medications and prevent unused medications from ending up in the wrong hands.”

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August 31, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Wounds that refuse to heal need special care By Stephanie Sandberg, DO What type of patients do you see? We see a variety of patients. Some patients may have had a surgical procedure that is not healing as fast as they expected, or even vein wounds. Others have diabetes, with common wounds in their feet and toes. We also see patients that may not be getting enough blood flow to their feet and legs. We see wounds that are not healing in the normal fashion - sometimes they just need dressings or cleanings. Other times, it requires more intensive therapy. At what point should I seek help? Call us or your primary care physician anytime you have open wound. It’s very common for wounds to get infected and cause further problems, even a loss of limb, which is something we obviously want to avoid. What are the common causes of these types of wounds? The most common wounds we see are from diabetics. Diabetics lose some of the blood supply and their sugars are irregular at times, which causes problem in their feet and toes. That’s a great reason to see a primary care physician on a regular basis; they do a foot evaluation at every checkup to look for wounds or breakdowns in the skin. People with diabetes are at high risk.

Teach kids to manage their health care Tips for parents of college-age students

We also see wounds that can result from surgeries, including orthopedic, back, general surgery and abdominal surgery. Typically, patients just aren’t progressing as fast as the original surgeon thought they would. What is the initial visit like? Patients will be seen by one of our five wound care certified physicians with backgrounds in surgical, infectious, medical or vascular. The physicians work together to give patients the best care. On the initial visit, we’ll evaluate and try to determine the cause of the wound. How often do patients come to see you? We usually see them every week at the beginning to really get an idea of how their wound is going to respond to some of the treatments and make sure they are on the right road to healing. We also coordinate home-health nursing if it’s needed, and can order dressings for patients to be sent to their home. It’s just part of coordinating the complete care and healing of this wound. How effective is the treatment? At the beginning we give the patient an idea of how long it will take. But we can heal most wounds within 12 weeks. There are quite a few options we have now to close wounds that we didn’t have several years ago.

Submitted Photo Stephanie Sandberg, DO is with the Advanced Wound Center, located at 2630 Highway K in O’Fallon.

Does insurance cover wound care? Yes they do, in a variety of ranges. We assess insurance coverage on the first visit. There are different treatments we use to treat wounds, and all of the treatments are run through insurance. If people want to learn more about the wound center, how would they contact you? Call the Advanced Wound Center directly at 636-980-5333 and speak to a specialist to get you scheduled and take care of your insurance. If you want more information about our technology visit progresswest.org/woundcare

LIKE US AT: Troy Dental Care / Dr. Mary Berk

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For parents with college-age children, there’s a fairly standard set of basics that helps ensure their children are ready to tackle the world with some degree of independence. But beyond school supplies, housing, food and transportation, one important consideration remains: health care. As a parent, ensuring your young adult is equipped to take charge of his own health can be a daunting task. That’s why it’s important to have a conversation with your college students about their local health service options before the need arises. Together you can do some research and discuss the answers to these questions: What is your health coverage? Take time to brush up on (or introduce your child) to your family’s health insurance policy and understand how your policy covers various facilities. This is an opportunity to teach about co-pays and deductibles, and what it means when a physician or facility is considered in-network and out-of-network. Do you already pay to use the student health center? In some cases, student fees include access to the campus student health center and your separate health insurance may not be necessary. Where is the student center located? Encourage your student to set up a well appointment at the student health clinic to get a file started. Not only will this ensure your child can find the center when need arises, having an established patient profile cuts down on paperwork when there’s an emergent health concern. Which other medical practitioners are in the area? There may be any number of reasons your student needs to be seen off campus, so it’s a smart idea to look for AAAHC accreditation when trying to assess the quality of nearby health care alternatives. Make a short list with office hours and phone numbers for future reference. Where is the best local hospital? Devise an emergency plan for urgent needs and be sure your student knows how to get to the closest urgent care center and hospital, as well as when to use each one. By approaching the topic of your college student’s health care together, you can help ensure your child has the information necessary to begin managing personal care. In the process, you can also be assured that you’re identifying health centers that share your commitment to the very best care for both the mind and body of your student.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 31, 2016

Moore On Life

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By Cindy Moore

Losing my cool Used to be I didn’t have to try to be cool; it just came naturally. I wore the right clothes – crushed velvet pants with a matching purple satin vest. I drove the right car – a boat-sized Galaxie 500 with red interior. I even had the right lingo. “Hey hunk, you are all that and a bag of chips. Lemme give you my digits. Far out!” Who couldn’t be hip speaking like that? Then my coolness chilled. It happened somewhere between birthing a wad of children and winding up in mom-jeans with an elastic waistband that reached up over my ribcage. Possibly it had to do with driving a mini-van with two missing hubcaps and a “Vote for Perot” bumper sticker still attached. Toss in shouting uncool things like, “How many times have I told you kids to quit playing in the toilet bowl!” and my coolness card was officially confiscated. I lost it along with my car keys and cell phone and reading glasses and most of my mind. But I’m trying to regain it. For instance, when I went shopping recently… Typically I patronize the type of store where customers cinch up the drawstring of their pajamas and consider that to be dressing up. But this time, I went somewhere a tad more upscale to buy a wedding gift. I arrived at one of those snooty department stores where all the posh people congregate to show off their name-brand handbags and footwear. The first sign of my unsophistication began in the parking lot. I parked among the fancy cars then got out and began to walk confidently. I flipped my keys over my head and clicked the button on my keyring

to lock my car. One of those cool backhanded clicks would show these people I was hip. I proceeded to the entrance strutting along in my Payless buy-one-get-one shoes and mismatched handbag, which I bought on clearance with a 30-percent-off coupon. Halfway down the parking lot aisle a woman called out and alerted me to the fact that instead of locking my car, I had just popped open my trunk. I turned around red-faced to see my trunk gaping wide opened as if chortle-snorting at me. I hid behind my trendy Dollar Store shades and marched on. Later I came out still hidden behind my chic sunglasses. I then raised them to perch on my head only to hear them clink against the additional pair I already had atop my noggin. Hopefully wearing not one, but two pair showed those hoity-toits my uber-swankiness. I could already feel my coolness returning. 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.

Paws In The Park celebrates ‘man’s best friend’ Walmart welcomes and helps local animal shelters applications for grants from $25,000 to $200,000 Support local animal shelters by participating in the county’s largest off-leash dog festival. The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating its annual Paws in the Park program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Broemmelsiek Park, located at 1795 Highway DD in Defiance. Pet lovers from across the region are invited to bring their “best friend” to this fun, free dog event that’s packed with contests, prizes, sponsor giveaways, and K-9 and obedience skills demonstrations. Admission is free with a dog or pet supply donation at the gate. Pet donations benefit the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center and Five Acres Animal Shelter. The program kicks off with an agility course demonstration from Infinite Pawsibilities Trainer Lynsey Fuegner at 10 a.m., followed by St. Charles County Police K-9s at 11 a.m., Canine Search and Rescue Association at noon, and Gateway DockDogs at 1 p.m. Demonstrators will be available to answer questions and talk to guests, after each performance. Gateway DockDogs also will assist with dock diving instruction and trainers will be on hand to help pets maneuver through a set of jumps, tunnels and other obstacles in the agility course.

Submitted photo A “Best Kisser” contestant gets double the smooches from her two pooches at the Paws in the Park celebration last year.

Royal Canin, Sebastien’s Pet Salon, and Pets & Company are the corporate sponsors of this year’s event and will judge the dog contests. Baue Pet Services and Sorenson Kennels are event sponsors. The dog contests begin at 10:30 a.m., under the pavilion in the park’s Off-Leash Dog Area. On the day of the event, owners can register their dogs in the “Best Costume,” “Best Trick,” “Fastest Ball Retrieval from Pond,” “Best Dog/Owner Look-Alike” and “Best Kisser” contests. The winners of each contest will be awarded a commemorative medal. Participating businesses will offer product samples and more

at their vendor tables. Additionally, the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center will host a booth with several animals available for adoption at the event, Westinn Kennels will offer free nail trims to dogs, and Crossroads Veterinary Hospital will take photos of guests with their furry friends. Food will be available not only for pet owners, but also their loyal friends, as well. Lady Bug Snow Cones and At Peace Pets will sell snow cones, brats, beef hot dogs, chips, drinks and dog snow cones. A portion of the proceeds from concession sales will be donated to St. Charles County Parks.

The Walmart Foundation opened the application period for its State Giving Program funding cycle on Monday, Aug. 29. Missouri nonprofits with programs that focus on hunger relief, career opportunities, education programs, health care access and other human service programs designed to meet the needs of underserved, low-income populations are encouraged to apply for funding. The deadline to submit grant requests is 11:59 p.m. CST on Friday, Sept. 2. The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities for people to live better. And through its grants, Walmart seeks to support organizations and initiatives that have a longlasting, positive impact on communities nationwide. In the last fiscal year alone, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave $42.7 million to hundreds of nonprofit organizations in Missouri. Among the Missouri organizations receiving funding as part of Walmart’s State Giving Program during the fiscal year was Ozarks Food Harvest. The organization was awarded a $125,000 grant, which was used to provide hunger relief funding to Ozark Food Harvest’s network of 200 member food

pantries and feeding sites across 28 Missouri counties. “Our hunger-relief partners were able to obtain nutritious food with this grant money and provide more food to their clients,” said Bart Brown, Ozarks Food Harvest, president/CEO. “I’m proud that we are able to stretch every dollar to provide $10 worth of food. This allows our partner agencies to help more people every day, and that is truly at the heart of everything we do at Ozarks Food Harvest.” To be considered for grant support, prospective grantee organizations must submit online applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program website. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at http://giving.walmart.com/ foundation.

School

Augsut 31, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

WSD educator wins presidential award for teaching excellence Katherine Schack, who is the Math Content Leader for the Wentzville School District, has won the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The awards (for the last two years) were announced at the White House, and are the highest recognition that a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Schack received the award for her classroom work at Lakeview Elementary, where she taught second grade before her promotion to the district’s Math Instructional Leader in 2014. “Working in the Wentzville School District with all of the extraordinary educators has taught me so much,” said Schack, one of only two educators in Missouri to be chosen for the award. “I am overwhelmed and honored to be chosen from such an amazing pool of applicants.” Schack is the fourth WSD educator to be nominated for this prestigious award and the second recipient of the award since 2012. The awards are typically given annually to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. It recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that enhances student learning. “The recipients of this award are integral to ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to our nation’s success,” said President Obama. “As the United States continues to lead

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Katherine Schack (right) has won the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

the way in the innovation that is shaping our future, these excellent teachers are preparing students from all corners of the country with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills that help keep us on the cutting-edge.” Schack and the other educators selected for this presidential honor will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They will also be invited to Washington for an awards ceremony, educational events and visits with members of Congress and the Administration. The PAEMST award was established by Congress in 1983 and the National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Wentzville School District saves $3.2 million in bond sale and refinance

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Construction work continues on Liberty High School in the Wentzville School District.

The Wentzville School District Board of Education unanimously approved the sale of approximately $54 million Lease Participation Certificates that will provide funds for construction across the district. The sale will also provide funds for refinancing a portion of the outstanding 2011 Lease Participation Certificates that were sold to finance a portion of the Proposition 3 projects approved by voters in 2011. The refinancing saves the taxpayers of the WSD over $3.2 million in interest expense over the next 15 years. This is the eighth time in the past seven years that the district has refinanced bonds for a total interest cost savings of over $21 million. Fiscal responsibility across the district has resulted in a strong “Aa3” credit rating which contributed to the WSD receiving nearly $100 million in orders from investors (almost twice the amount of bonds available), which resulted

in lower interest rates and borrowing costs for the WSD. “The favorable market conditions, combined with the district’s outstanding credit rating, resulted in an opportunity to lock in savings for our tax payers,” said Board of Education President Natalie DeWeese. “The timing could not be better as we work to provide the facilities needed to accommodate the students who continue to move to our district.” The Wentzville School District continues to be the fastest growing district in the state in the 21st century, adding between 500 and 600 new students each year since 2001. This year, enrollment is up nearly 700 students over the start of school last year. As a result, the district has built nine new schools during that period and two more are under construction, scheduled to open for the 2017-18 school year. The WSD is now the 11th largest school district in Missouri.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 31, 2016

Business

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Historic Streets Profile: Plenty of happiness to be found at Joy’s Collective Market By Tina Robinson Austin and Ali Warren own Joy’s Collective Market at 604 S. Main St. in St. Charles. Named after Austin’s grandmother, Joyce, Joy’s also stands for “Find the Joys in Your Life.” After walking through an arbor, cascading with yellow squash blossoms, I met with the Warrens at a wooden table in the courtyard. They are a charming young couple, married almost two years, who were high school sweethearts. The market is housed in the first brick building in St. Charles. It was owned by Colonel Timothy Kibbe in the late 1700s, who built the second building as his barn. It was later sold to Jacob Zeisler, Jr. of the Zeisler Soda and Mineral Water Co. who used the barn as his factory. In fact, Austin showed me two of the original bottles used. Joy’s is actually two stores. The store in front has been open five years and houses the Warrens’ wares. It has a rustic charm with modern tastes. While you might see a vintage Ferris wheel carrying flowers in the window, you will also find dresses and jewelry that are “today.” The back staircase leads to a sort of “man cave” while the front staircase takes you to an old-time bedroom furnished with an antique bedstead and shoes worn long ago. The store in back, open four months, is home to fifty local vendors. Austin and Ali spoke highly of their vendors. They give them a wide berth to choose their own goods because they “have great taste” and they trust them. Floor-to-ceiling books, a trailer circa the 1950’s painted on the wall, an

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Photo by Tina Robinson Austin and Ali Warren stand outside of Joy’s Collective Market at 604 S. Main St. in St. Charles.

antique scale topped by a bird nest, lovely homemade dresses, home crafted jewelry and vintage radios that have been up-scaled to work with today’ s technology, are just a few treasures you can find at Joy’s. Joy’s has been highlighted on Show Me St. Louis and can be followed on Facebook.

Cuivre River Electric and CoBank donate $10,000 to The Sparrow’s Nest The Sparrow’s Nest in St. Charles County received a $10,000 “Sharing Success” grant from Cuivre River Electric of Troy and financial partner CoBank of Denver, Colorado to provide longterm housing outreach for young women who are still growing up themselves, yet are displaced or homeless while pregnant or parenting. “The Sparrow’s Nest provides a Christ-centered shelter for young women during their pregnancy, as well as up to a year after their baby is born,” said Founder/Executive Director of The Sparrow’s Nest Carissa Figgins. “We become an extension of a young women’s family while she continues her education, explores her faith, and volunteers back into the community as she strengthens her parenting skills.” “Our clients are expected to continue their education while living at the maternity home,” added Figgins. “The Sharing Success grant will help us in our mission to provide these young women with a wide range of services that empower them to make positive and healthy life decisions for themselves and their babies.” The Sparrow’s Nest, founded in 2011, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Since 2014, they have provided a safe haven to more than 60 young women and children at their maternity home in St. Charles County. Further assistance is provided through counseling, referrals, housing, and support groups. In 2016, The Sparrow’s Nest has served approximately 30 women and children. Cuivre River Electric’s Operation Round Up program has supported The Sparrow’s Nest’s mission, facilities and programs with more than $6,000 in grants since 2013. “The Cuivre River Electric Community Trust has been a strong advocate of our programs for several years,” said Figgins.

Photo courtesy Lonnie Tucker (From left) Cuivre River Electric Cooperative (CREC) Board Director Denise O’Mara, Sparrow’s Nest Founder/Executive Director Carissa Figgins, and CREC Manager of Finance & Accounting Susan Dollins celebrate a $10,000 Sharing Success grant from CREC and CoBank.

“We are so thankful to partner with Cuivre River Electric and CoBank to provide this opportunity to our maternity home. The generous grant will have a positive impact on our young women and their babies – one that words simply cannot describe,” said Figgins. Each partner contributed $5,000. Cuivre River Electric General Manager/CEO Dan L. Brown said, “We are very appreciative of CoBank’s mission of sharing their success to benefit our members and the communities we serve. We strive daily to follow this Cooperative principle and Touchstone Energy core value: Commitment to our Community.” “Sharing Success is a hallmark of the cooperative business model,” said CoBank President and CEO Robert B. Engel. “Throughout rural America, cooperatives are working not only to provide value to their members but to improve the quality of life for people in their local communities. We’re delighted that Cuivre River Electric has taken advantage of the Sharing Success program and is using it to support such a worthy cause.”

www.stpetersmo.net.

Sports

August 31, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

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Rascals end home regular season winning 11 in a row The River City Rascals play professional baseball in the West Division of the Frontier League at the CarShield Field in O’Fallon. Manager Steve Brook and his coaches have the ‘boys of the summer’ getting hot at the right time of the season. With six games left, all on the road, as of the past Sunday the crew have played flawless ball at home as well as on the road. They are in a good position for a wild-card berth in post-season play and just need to continue their solid play. The O’Fallon team is now three-and-a-half games ahead of the team behind them for the final wild card spot. The Rascals end the regular season at the Southern Illinois Miners for a three game stint. The Miners are the first-place team in the league. The 11 game winning streak is the highest in Brook’s career, it was the seventh sweep for the club. The team has several standout players as part of the league leaders: *Josh Silver tied for the top spot in average hitting at .354. *Alexi Colon has belted 17 home runs that ties him for second place. *Dan Ludwig has notched nine wins on the mound that ties him for second place. The team has been pulling away from the rest of the Frontier League in team batting average…now at .283. Next home games: Playoffs? For more information go to www.RiverCityRascals.com *Hot time at the ball yard Cross country at Lindenwood The MIAA (MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletic Association) recently came out with their first cross country coaches polls. Lindenwood’s men’s team ranked eighth while women’s were selected ninth. The men finished with 21 points, trailing a sixth place-tie between Missouri Southern and Central Missouri and leading Emporia State by three points. They finished eighth place in the MIAA Championships last year

including 25th and 26th finishes from Colin Cernik and Travis Staebell respectively. The Lady Lions earned 46 points with Central Missouri ahead by nine points. They also placed eighth in the MIAA Championships. Both teams will begin the 2016 season this week in Kirksville, Missouri for the Truman State Meet. *And the run begins MMA coming to the Family Arena Fight Hard Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) returns to the family arena on Sept. 17 at the Family Arena. MMA stars Lucas “2 Strong” Gwaltney will go against Kyle “Hurtz” Kurtz for the vacant Fight Hard MMA 170-pound Welterwieght Title Belt. A few others on the card are *Fred Freeman vs. TBD *Charles Johnson vs. Demetrius Wilson *Anthony Livingston vs. Frank Cortez *Nikki Smith vs. Ronni Nanney *Chris Petty vs. Luis “The Beast” Pena “Mad” Max McNeely vs. Michael Wasem *Katy “Red Dragon” Collins vs. Jamie “The Pretty Assassin” Thorton *Derek Clardy vs. Dan Busch (co-main event) Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in America! They showcase MMA’s best and brightest young fighters while providing its fans with non-stop action both inside and outside of the cage. For more information go to www.FightHardMMA.com *Get there early to beat the crowds

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

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 • August 31, 2016

Learn & Play

Recipe: Simple steps to smarter snacking

hen hunger strikes, it can be tempting to reach for the closest treat, even if it’s laden with fat and empty calories. Make it easier to enjoy better-for-you snacks with these three simple steps that appeal to your taste and your waist. 1. Know that choosing more healthy snacks can still be quick and convenient. Learn to recognize your hunger patterns and keep foods on hand to fit your cravings. For example, if you tend to need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up at work, prepare snack-size portions of finger foods that feel hearty without weighing you down. 2. Make flavor count in every bite. Watching what you eat doesn’t have to be bland. In fact, an eating plan that cuts back on your calorie intake is the perfect reason to pay more attention to what you eat and thoroughly enjoy it, rather than wasting a portion of your daily consumption on foods that don’t taste great. 3. When your sweet tooth is screaming, answer it with the refreshing indulgence of a fruity dessert. Fruit-based desserts are naturally sweet and deliver some of the key nutrients your body needs, so you can feel extra good about bypassing other options laden with unhealthy ingredients.

Peach Crisp Pops Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 6 I ngredients: 1 jar (23.5 ounces) sliced peaches, divided 4 teaspoons maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2/3 cup granola 1 cup vanilla flavored Greek yogurt

DOWN 1. Steinful 2. *”Where the ____ Things Are” 3. All over again 4. Summary

Place 2 peach slices in each frozen pop mold. Pour yogurt mixture into molds or small paper cups. Place on tray and freeze about 1 hour, or until partially set.

Directions: Measure 1 1/2 cups drained fruit and 6 tablespoons juice. In medium bowl,

Insert frozen pop stick into center of each mold; freeze 2 hours longer, or until firm.

Pineapple Cherry Minis

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Childrens Movies ACROSS 1. Savvy 6. Churchill’s “so few” 9. Wolf in Mexico 13. Type of closet 14. “____ to Joy” 15. Giverny Impressionist 16. Select by a vote 17. Craggy peak 18. Eight voices 19. *Snow White’s posse 21. *Kevin, Stuart or Bob 23. *”Mr. ____body & Sherman” 24. Fodder holder 25. Dawber of “Mork & Mindy” 28. Maastricht Treaty (1992) currency 30. Goldfinger’s henchman 35. They’re hidden up a sleeve? 37. TV’s ____ at Night 39. *”____ Got a Friend in Me” from “Toy Story” 40. Lymph ____ 41. *E.T., e.g. 43. Arctic jaeger 44. Dismal 46. Muffin Man’s Drury ____ 47. Unagi, pl. 48. Not digital 50. Word-of-mouth story 52. Actor’s domain 53. Back talk 55. “____ populi,” or “voice of the people” 57. *Mr. Miyagi’s forte 60. *”____ Life of Pets” 63. Type of renewable energy 64. Parental involvement org. 66. Have dinner at home 68. Type of sweatshirt 69. H+, e.g. 70. Spiral-horned antelope 71. Augments 72. *Jack Sparrow’s “yes” 73. Ruhr’s industrial center

combine juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, granola and yogurt. Stir to blend well.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Total time: 3 hours Servings: 12-14

I ngredients: 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple 2 cans (6 ounces) pineapple juice 1 package (6 ounces) cherry gelatin 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup frozen dark sweet cherries 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Drain pineapple, reserve juice. Bring reserved juice plus canned pineapple juice to boil. Add gelatin; stir at least 2 minutes to completely dissolve. Chill until mixture thickens slightly. Fold in pineapple, nutmeg, cherries and pecans. Spoon into 12-14 foil-lined muffin cups, lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Chill until firm. Store leftover gelatin in refrigerator.

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.

5. Dinner’s main attraction 6. Decomposes 7. Big fuss 8. Manhattan Project physicist 9. Locus, pl. 10. On top of 11. “____ there, done that” 12. Mel ____, Giant Hall-of-Famer 15. Accompanied solo song 20. The animals of a region 22. International Labor Organization 24. Parties 25. *Kung Fu-practicing animated mammal 26. Squirrel’s stash 27. Mythological princess of Colchis 29. Small stream 31. 2 aspirin, e.g. 32. Football move, pl. 33. Immature ovum

34. *Beauty’s true love 36. Finned mammal 38. Bingo-like game 42. Impulse transmitter 45. Prayer beads 49. Gangster’s pistol 51. Between Paleocene and Oligocene 54. Old photo color 56. Röntgen beams 57. Crazy one 58. Medicinal succulent 59. Unit of angular measure, pl. 60. Like spirit in sane body 61. Estimated arrivals 62. Bathroom flooring 63. Female pronoun 65. *Buzz or Woody 67. A Bobbsey twin See answers on page 13

See solution on page 13

What’s Happening

August 31, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Sept. 5: Labor Day concert

A free Labor Day concert takes place at 2 p.m. at Civic Park Bandstand in Civic Park at 308 Civic Park Drive in O’Fallon. For more information contact 636-474-2732 or dgranaas@ofallon.mo.us

Sept. 9: Patriot Day ceremony

A Patriot Day ceremony honoring first responders and remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 will take place at 8:30 a.m. at the 9/11 Memorial for First Responders at the east parking lot outside the O’Fallon Municipal Centre at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon. For more information contact Conan Stott at 636-379-5550 or cstott@ofallon. mo.us.

Sept. 10: St. Charles County Police Department open house

A community open house takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Charles County Police Department at 101 Sheriff Dierker Court in O’Fallon. Event includes equipment and vehicle displays, K9 visits, safety presentations, giveaways and more. Call 636949-3057 for more information.

Sept. 10: Mattress fundraiser

Come get a better night’s sleep support the Francis Howell High Vikings Swim and Dive Team’s first annual mattress fundraiser from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Francis Howell High School at 7001 Hwy 94 in St. Charles. There are over 20 styles of quality name-brand mattresses like Simmons Beautyrest. There will also be mattress pads and toppers, foundations and pillows available for purchase. Prices up to 50 percent off factory retail. Profits go directly to the swim and dive program. Military, police, fire, EMT, nurses, and Francis Howell faculty and staff receive a 10 percent discount.

Sept. 10: Trivia night

The St. Louis Chordinals, a not for profit Ladies a capella chorus invites you to an evening of trivia at 7 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge #80 at 414 S. Church Street in St. Peters, located off Mexico Road West of Mid-Rivers Mall Drive. There will cash prizes as well as attendance prizes. Ticket prices are $15 with tables of eight. Popcorn

and soda will be furnished but you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages (alcoholic beverages are permitted) if you like. For information and reservations call Mary Vitale at 314-428-8307 or e-mail Alice Shofner at alicerobinsshofner@yahoo.com.

Sept. 10: Golf scramble

The fourth annual Jillian Young Memorial Golf Scramble will be held at Lake Forest Country Club at 300 Yard Drive in Lake St. Louis. Registration begins at 12 p.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner and awards will follow the competition. Cost for the four-man scramble is $500 per team or $125 per person. Entry fee includes 18 holes, cart, range balls, box lunch, beverages and dinner. Non-golfers can pay $25 for dinner only. For more information contact Will Young at willyoung30@att.net or 618-334-6635.

Sept. 11: Trap shoot

The Trent Huber and Jill Young Memorial Trap Shoot will take place at Lolar Branch Shooting Sports in Silex, Missouri. Registration starts at 9 a.m., shooting starts at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $20 for 50 rounds of trap shooting. Lunch is being served by Elsberry FFA. For more information contact 573-3846279.

Sept. 11: Concert

John Denver tribute concert takes place from 3 – 5:30 p.m. at Sisters of the Most Precious Blood St. Joseph Chapel at 204 North Main Street in O’Fallon. Free will offerings will be accepted to benefit St. Charles Outreach Coalition Against Human Trafficking. For more information email ehogan@ccps-ofallon.org.

Sept. 11: Car show

The SCC Cougar Car Show is now accepting registrations for the event. Space is limited, so registering early is recommended. Pre-registration is open through Aug. 26, and costs $15. Registration after Aug. 26 is $20. The event is free to spectators. The event will be held from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Red Parking Lot at St. Charles Community College, located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. A rainout date is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18. SCC Cougar Car Show categories include Camaro/Firebird (custom), Camaro/Firebird (stock), Corvettes (custom), Corvettes (stock),

IT’S ALL ABOUT HOME, LLC Lori Jones, is the owner of It’s All About Home, LLC, which is a Premier Home Care agency located in Chesterfield, Missouri. Lori’s journey with Home Care began about 10 years ago when she was faced with the daunting task of finding suitable care for her ailing mother. She sought quality care, and found a system that fell short. Her personal experiences with the Home Care industry, challenged her to raise the bar, and to set a new standard. Lori and her team of experienced caregivers are committed to providing excellent, safe, and reliable care to their clients. Call us today!

Foreign (custom), Foreign (stock), Mustangs (custom), Mustangs (stock), Mopars, Rat Rods, Special Interest, Show Room (2006-present), Street Rods, Trucks (custom), Trucks (stock), Under Construction, VW, Unrestored (pre-1973), Restored ((pre-1973), Unrestored (1974-present) and Restored (1974-present). Medals will be awarded to the first 50 participants who preregister, and trophies will be awarded for each category. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go toward performance-based scholarships at SCC. For more information and to register, visit facebook.com/cougarcarshow or contact Wendy Brown at 636-922-8233 or wbrown@stchas.edu.

Sept. 12: Golf tournament

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service Hosts its 12th Annual Golf Outing to Help Prevent Homelessness and Hunger at Bear Creek Golf Club at 158 Bear Creek Drive in Wentzville. There will be an 11:30 a.m. registration, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, and 6 p.m. awards dinner and silent auction. The cost to participate is $125 for an individual or $500 for a foursome; $30 per person for dinner-only attendees. Sponsorships are still available. For more information or to register, call 636-441-1302, ext. 263, email to kgrant@jacares.org, or you can visit the Care Service website at http:// www.jacares.org/.

Sept. 15: Square dance classes

Free square dance classes beginning Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Windsor Estates at 2150 Randolph St. in St. Charles (next to Blanchette Park). Partner not required. Wear casual dress and comfortable shoes. Check out squaredancestcharles.com for more information or call Jan at 314-878-3428.

Sept. 16: POW MIA ceremony

A POW MIA ceremony dedicated to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil, and to the families who are waiting to welcome them home again will take place at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Walk at 800 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. For more information contact Conan Stott at 636-379-5550 or cstott@ofallon.mo.us.

Sept. 16: Art exhibition

St. Charles Community College is pleased to announce the SCC Invitational Exhibition curated by Christine Holtz. The exhibition will be on display in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the SCC campus, located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. The SCC Invitational will include works from nine local artists working in a variety of mediums and processes. Artists include John Blair, Blake Carroll, Eric Hoefer, Andrew Leicht, Jordan McGirk, Thomas Jackson Park, Sarah Paulsen, Bob Sullivan and Kelsey Viola Wiskirchen. The opening reception is from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31. The exhibition

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is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. MondayThursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Parking for patrons is free in the campus Blue and Yellow lots. For more information, contact Christine Holtz, choltz@stchas.edu or 636-922-8556.

Sept. 17: Citywide yard sale

The Fall Citywide Yard Sale is scheduled for Sept. 17 in Wentzville. Turn your trash to treasure by hosting a yard sale at your home. For $6 you can list your sale in the yard sale booklet. Each sale will receive an official City Yard Sale sign. To list your sale, stop by Progress Park Recreation Center, City Hall or call 636-332-9236. The deadline to list your sale is Sept. 12, so register early. Please note: Progress Park’s indoor facilities will be closed Sept. 6-11 for maintenance. Shoppers may purchase booklets beginning Sept. 14 at City Hall, Progress Park or in the Utility Service Center Drive-Thru for only $2. Each booklet comes with a map to help you locate the bargains.

Sept. 18: Benefit dinner

St Louis Parrot Head Club and Sugar Creek Winery proudly present a benefit for The Backstoppers at Sugar Creek Winery at 125 Boone Country Lane in Defiance. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live entertainment from 1 to 5 p.m. and food served from 12:30 to 2 p.m. A $25 ticket includes lunch by Fuddruckers (.5 lb burger or chicken breast, all the fixin’s, chips and cookie) and two drinks (beer or wine) from Sugar Creek Winery. $5 of this ticket is a non-deductible donation. Purchase tickets by Sept. 15 indicating your lunch preference. Tickets will not be sold at the event. To purchase your tickets, mail check payable to STLPHC, c/o 247 Wynstay Avenue, Valley Park Missouri 63088 or go to https://goo.gl/KYpJIC. For more information contact Jane Ellen at 636225-1059.

Sept. 22: College fair

The St. Charles Regional College Fair is coming to St. Charles Community College from 6-7:30 p.m. The fair, held in the College Center gym at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, is for current high school students who are interested in speaking with college representatives from throughout the United States to learn more about each college and decide which one is right for them. Parking for attendees will be available in the Yellow and Blue parking lots, which are accessible through the southwest entrance along Cottleville Parkway. All parking is free. For a full list of colleges and universities attending the college fair, visit stchas.edu/collegefair.

Sept. 24: RSC Art & Family Festival

Open house and movie in the parkfrom 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. come try the Renaud Spirit Center facilities at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon for free. Get a 10 percent discount if you sign up for a new membership. From 5 – 8 p.m., enjoy free kids’ activities, local artists selling their work, giveaways and raffles, followed by a free showing of “Hotel Transylvania 2” on a big screen starting at about 8 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for outdoor movie seating. Vendors and concessionaires will have food and beverages for sale. For more information call RSC staff at 636-474-2732.

Sept. 24: Craft fair

Tri County Citizens 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 Bogey Hills Baptist Church at 1721 Treetop Drive in St. Charles from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters are needed, please contact at Esther Angelos at marlofan@charter.net or at 636-441-0329 or 314-477-5096. Concessions will be available. Tri-County

Advisory Board to Probation and Parole is hosting the event and does not endorse any product sold by the vendors.

Sept. 30: Guest speaker

180 will host guest speaker Timothy A. Lohmar, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney, to discuss issues facing St. Charles County and the prosecuting attorney’s office at Spencer Road Library in the Community Council Commons Area at 427 Spencer Road in St. Peters from 9 – 11 a.m.

Oct. 1: Chili cook-off

St. Robert Bellarmine Parish is hosting a Chili Cook-Off from 6 - 9 p.m. Activities include: chili tasting/judging, kids’ corner, entertainment by “Let’s Groove” and all-u-can-eat chili, hot dogs and desserts. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children (six to 11) and children five-and-under are free. ($1 discount if purchased by Sept. 25). Ticket orders before Sept. 25 call Fran at 636-922-9161 and after Sept. 25 purchase the day of the cook-off. St. Robert Bellarmine is located at 1424 South First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles.

Oct. 1: Trivia night

The 4th Annual Wentzville Firefighters’ Coats for Kids Trivia Night takes place at the Wentzville UAW Hall at 1395 E. Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Cost is $200 for a table of eight, entry fee includes drinks, soda and mulligans. To register contact Nick Box at 636-3276239 or nickbox80@yahoo.com.

October 1: Stroll for a Goal

Stroll for a Goal one mile or 5K walk takes place at Cottleville Legacy Park, Pavilion A from 8 a.m. – noon. Ticket cost is $20 per individual and $25 per family. There will be a pre-walk yoga stretch and post-walk refreshments and raffle. Event registration and additional information about HavenHouse can be found on their website at www.havenhousestl.org. All proceeds to benefit HavenHouse.

Oct. 6: Mercy Hospice new volunteer training

Mercy Hospice is currently seeking volunteers to offer support and comfort to patients and families in your community. Volunteers are matched with opportunities to serve according to their schedules, skills, comfort levels, and geographic areas. Volunteer opportunities include: caregiver relief, companionship, bereavement support, administrative assistance, and other opportunities. The next free four week training at the St. Louis office will be Thursdays – Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 1 - 4:30 p.m. To register or ask any questions please contact Mercy Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Paula Minogue, at 314-729-4415 or Paula. Minogue@mercy.net.

Oct. 15: Trivia night

Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 6:45p.m. at the Tri-County Citizens’ Advisory Board Halloween Trivia Night Challenge at V.F.W Post 2866-St. Charles at 66 VFW Lane in St. Charles (off old Hwy 94 between Muegge and Pralle Lane). All proceeds go toward helping keep the community safe by assisting indigent clients with grants to meet daily needs. Cost is $20 per person or $160 a table, maximum of eight to a table. Soda and water will be provided; you may bring your own food. Alcohol must be purchased at the cash bar. For more information call Esther Angelos, Treasurer, at 636-441-0329 or Missy Kruse at 636-940-3333 x269.

Oct. 15: Trivia night

A trivia night will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Wentzville Community Club at 500 W. Main St. in Wentzville. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Wentzville Parks, a501(c)3 that provides scholarships benefiting resident children by providing access to recreation and leisure activities, and Unlimited Play

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 31, 2016 Jake’s Field of Dreams Playground. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $160 for a table of eight. This year’s trivia night is Halloween themed. There will be a costume contest (no masks please) and award for best decorated table. Register at: bit.ly/trivia_registration. Questions? Please call 636-332-9236 or email info@friendsofthewentzvilleparks.org.

Oct. 18: Mercy Hospice new volunteer training

Mercy Hospice is currently seeking volunteers to offer support and comfort to patients and families in your community. Volunteers are matched with opportunities to serve according to their schedules, skills, comfort levels, and geographic areas. Volunteer opportunities include: caregiver relief, companionship, bereavement support, administrative assistance, and other opportunities. The next free three week training at the Washington office will be Tuesdays – Oct. 18, 25, and Nov. 1, 1 – 5 p.m. To register or ask any questions please contact Mercy Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Paula Minogue, at 314-729-4415 or Paula. Minogue@mercy.net.

Oct. 27: Veterans town hall meeting

Veterans, service-members, National Guard, Reservist and family members are invited to participate in a town hall meeting scheduled at 5:30p.m. at Church on the Rock at 900 Birdie Hills Rd in St. Peters. The town hall will serve as an open forum for all service members and a listening session for VA leadership, with the goal of ensuring veterans, their families, and beneficiaries have the opportunity to be heard, and have their concerns addressed by senior VA officials. The town hall is open to the public, including veterans, family members, or other beneficiaries, as well as, congressional stakeholders, Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), Non-Governmental Organizations, and community partners. The Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a concurrent resource fair and will have individuals on site to answer questions about health care eligibility, applying for benefits, information on mental health services, burial benefits and much more. No registration is required and the event is free to attend.

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.

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 - 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.

Every Monday: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Every Monday: 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.

Every Monday, 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. SUDOKU answers from page 11

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

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

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

6:30pm at various locations. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org; Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

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2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America

7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www. showmestitchers.com.

Last Tuesday of every month, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner.

5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club 6:30pm at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930.

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

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Noon-1 p.m. at Bogey Hills Country Club at 1120 Country Club Rd. in St. Charles. Membership in Kiwanis offers you the opportunity to benefit your community and its youth by serving with like-minded people. If you are interested in making a positive impact for generations to come, please join us. For more information please call 636-448-4277. You can also find us at http://stcharleskiwanis.com

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

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

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

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Toastmasters

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

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

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

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

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

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly TOPS meets every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, at8945 Veterans Memorial Highway in O’Fallon. Meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. Everyone is invited. For more information please contact Linda at 536-447-9056.

www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex

August 31, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Movie

By Steve Bryan

Hollywood goes fishing for ‘Oscar Bait’ In “Pokémon Go,” that insanely popular game, players drop lures to attract rare and needed “pocket monsters” to their area. At this time of year, Hollywood does the same thing by releasing films classified as “Oscar Bait.” These movies, as well as their directors and stars, are highly likely to garner Academy Awardconsideration. Through the end of the year, you are likely to see films similar to “Boyhood,” “Interstellar” and “Gravity” displacing rude and crude fare from Seth Rogen and his contemporaries. Delightful efforts such as 2011’s “The Help” make their way to theaters in the late summer and early fall. In 2009, “Avatar” came late to the table and stunned everyone with its story and motion-captured performances. In 2016, that bait is especially important because the pickings have been slim thus far. The Walt Disney Studios has several potential Oscar contenders, though. “Finding Dory,” the popular sequel to “Finding Nemo,” charmed audiences while “Zootopia” knocked out the late-winter competition. The live-action “Jungle Book” looks like a shoo-in for a Best Picture nomination. It isn’t Oscar season without Michael Keaton, however. The venerable actor made an incredible breakthrough with his performance in 2014’s “Birdman.” This inventive tale of an actor haunted by his most famous role mirrored Keaton’s struggles with “Batman.” He turned in another nuanced performance last year in “Spotlight,” a look at how the priest abuse scandal came to light. The actor has a starring role this year in “The Found-

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which unofficially kicks off awards season, hosts plenty of Oscar bait. Films that do well in Toronto are generally are on the short list for top honors. “Arrival,” a TIFF contender about a linguist hired to communicate with alien visitors, seems intriguing enough for consideration this year. Star Amy Adams also could also earn a nod with her leading actress performance. Nate Parker’s “Birth of Nation,” another TIFF presentation, seemed destined for Oscar gold after the Sundance Film Festival. The trailer, which shows the Nat Turner slave revolt, is exceptionally powerful. Director Parker, though, has been taking some hits over the details of his 2001 rape trial, which prompted the postponement of an American Film Institute (AFI) screening. Oscar season starts soon and it will be an interesting, controversial and very bumpy ride this year. It’s hard to tell if the best picture contenders will show up at the multiplex or the local art houses. In any event, the race is about to begin. Photo courtesy Bigstock

er,” the story behind McDonald’s fast food empire. Keaton plays Ray Kroc, the man many call the founder of the chain. The movie points out, though, that the concept originally came from two brothers who built a hamburger stand serving quality food at fair prices.

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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.