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October 16, 2019

Finding purpose after pain

Around Town

St. Charles County Police Department hosts annual open house. Pg. 5

Healthy Living How to evaluate pediatric emergencies. Pg. 3

Business Narwhal’s Crafted celebrates grand opening. Pg. 7

Features

Submitted photo Jocelyn Williams stands in front of a Wings on Wheels van. Wings on Wheels is a mobile expressive therapy and music therapy program for individuals, families and groups affected by illness or loss. Williams has been both a client and a volunteer.

After personal losses, St. Charles County teen founded the Purpose Project to help other kids connect and cope with grief By Brett Auten At 15-years-old, Jocelyn Williams has dealt with the kind of grief few her age have encountered. The Fort Zumwalt West student has channeled the loss of two key figures in her life into something positive. The first blow hit the hardest. Overnight, Jocelyn’s father passed away at the age of 40 from a sudden heart attack. Jocelyn was always treated like a princess, with tiaras, dresses and finding her footing in her mom’s high heels almost as soon as she could walk. But her parents never loved the idea of pageants, with the idea of them being too focused on beauty and not enough on character. But when Jocelyn

came home almost five years ago and found an invitation to open call auditions for National American Miss, she begged to give it a try. “I had to do some research and found that this pageant and many others are as much - or more - about character development than awarding just a pretty face,” Cyndi Williams, Jocelyn’s mother, said. Jocelyn auditioned, got the call back to compete, and has worked hard every year for the past four Missouri National American Miss pageants, improving every year in poise, interview skills, public speaking, writing a resume, volunteering to serve her community and seeking community support. This year, she earned the title of 2019 NAM Missouri Cover Girl in her age group

to recognize the level of financial support she generated from her friends, family and local businesses. The past two years she has worked harder than ever toward this goal, knowing it will help her promote the work of the Purpose Project. The Purpose Project was created after the passing of one of Jocelyn best friends, Jadyn Williams. In the year prior, Jadyn had been in isolation precautions while receiving treatment and was separated from her friends and peers. Jadyn was given the news that she was cancer-free and looked forward to reconnecting with all her friends when suddenly she took a turn for the worst and passed away. See ‘PURPOSE’ page 2

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Around Town

October 16, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘PURPOSE’ from cover

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

Jocelyn organized a prayer vigil with over 50 of her classmates in front of the school where everyone prayed for Jadyn’s recovery and strength for her family and all who love her. At Jadyn’s funeral, her friends were heartbroken and the message was how even though her life was cut short, Jadyn had fulfilled a huge purpose, inspiring others with her strength and joy even in the hard times. It was there when Jocelyn wished Jadyn knew what a huge impact she had made on everyone at school even while separated from them for so long. “Jadyn spread so much positivity through her journey,” Jocelyn said. “There are still a whole bunch of students who still wear her t-shirts.” The Purpose Project was created to help other teens in isolation to feel more connected to their peers through interviews with the teens’ friends and family and creating a book the teen could have to remember. The Purpose Project has had difficulty taking flight due to privacy laws identifying teens to serve in this way, so Jocelyn has used the Purpose Project as her platform to help support teens and pre-teens with grief. Williams working to get the word out about it. Williams has leaned heavily on her faith and her family to not only lift her but also motivate her. “They have been there to encourage and support me through this whole process,” Jocelyn said. “I’m lucky to have such a supportive family.” The Purpose Project can be found on Instagram at @thepurposeproject.

Department of Public Health extends WIC services contract through 2020 The St. Charles County Department of Public Health extended its contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to continue operating the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program through 2020. The WIC program provides specific supplemental foods and nutrition education at no cost to participating families. To qualify, St. Charles County WIC participants must meet income guidelines, be a Missouri resident and be at “nutritional risk” as determined by a health professional. Income eligibility guidelines are based on gross household income. By participating, pregnant or breastfeeding women, postpartum women, infants and children up to age five, receive nutritious foods that are designed to maintain overall

health and aid in development. Services are provided at the WIC offices, located at 1650 Boones Lick Road in St. Charles, by appointment from 8:30 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (except County holidays). Persons interested in applying for WIC services or scheduling an appointment should call 636-949-7402. To learn more about the program and its services, please visit sccmo.org/ WIC.

St. Charles County Executive has concerns about kratom bill; allows passage without his signature St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann has allowed amended Substitute Bill 4721, which approves regulation of the sale of kratom and related products in the county, to pass without his signature. The county council voted to pass the bill at the Aug. 26 council meeting and it has been awaiting final approval from Ehlmann. The county executive informed the council of his decision last month in a memo, stating that while the amended bill made important changes that address his objections to the original bill, he continues to have concerns about kratom use. Kratom is a plant that grows in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea which advocates say offers pain relief.

“My biggest concern,” Ehlmann says, “is that the public may conclude that the county, since it has not banned kratom, has determined that it is safe to use. People need to understand that the bill simply prohibits its sale to those under 18 years of age and provides basic consumer protections for buyers, so they know what they are purchasing, the source of the product, health warnings and that the product lacks regulatory standards for manufacturing and dosing.” Ehlmann cites two press releases from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regarding concern over risks associated with the use of kratom and one with a warning that “the extremely high rates

of contamination of kratom products with salmonella have resulted in numerous illnesses and recalls.” One release also states that disturbingly high levels of heavy metals were found in kratom products. Advertisements for new products or treatments often include the authorization “FDA approved,” Ehlmann says in his council memo. “We need to make it clear to everyone that kratom is not St. Charles County approved by passage of this bill. While amended Substitute Bill 4721 is helpful, I would have preferred going further – as have the five states that have banned kratom – or waiting for more research before taking a position.”

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 16, 2019

Healthy Living

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How to evaluate pediatric emergencies As a parent, it can be scary when your child is sick or hurt. Sometimes it’s difficult to determine what level of care is most appropriate — scheduling an appointment with their pediatrician or heading to the emergency room (ER). Pediatric specialist Lauren Moran, MD, sheds some light on when to take your child to the ER and what to expect when you get there. Is it an emergency? Broken bones or large cuts or wounds that won’t stop bleeding are, of course, emergencies. However, there are several other reasons you should bring your child into the ER right away rather than waiting for a follow-up from your child’s pediatrician. One of these is if your child is acting altered in any way. This could be if they are lethargic, meaning you are unable to wake them; if they are having severe behavioral changes; if they pass out; or if they are acting confused. Another reason to seek immediate medical attention is if your child is having difficulty breathing or if you are

By Dr. Lauren Moran

concerned about their hydration status. Kids can easily get behind in their fluid intake, particularly if they have persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, making fewer tears when crying and only peeing once or twice a day. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, head to the ER. If you have an infant who is less than two months of age, always bring them into the ER for fever equal to or greater than 100.4 degrees, as they are at high risk for a serious bacterial infection. We’re at the ER — now what? Kids are not just little adults and require special care. If you bring your child to the Progress West ER, they will be seen by a pediatric hospitalist, or a doctor that specializes in taking care of kids in the hospital. Many of the ER nurses also have pediatric experience. To begin, the team will need to examine your child and may use distraction techniques like a video on a phone or tablet. Your child might even be given a

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popsicle. Not only is it a fun treat, but if your child is able to tolerate a popsicle, the team then knows they will be able to stay hydrated at home. When it comes to procedures, numbing gels and medications to calm or sedate your child are also available to help make them more comfortable. The ERs at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West Hospitals are open every day, 24 hours a day, to provide

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your child with exceptional emergency care if ever the need arises. Our easy online self-scheduling system, InQuicker, lets you wait at home and head to the ER knowing you are next in line. Access InQuicker at BJC.org/OnlineER. Lauren Moran, MD, is a Washington University pediatric specialist on staff at Progress West Hospital.

Around Town

October 16, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Fleur de Lis Garden Society presents Garden of the Month Award for September Valerie and Mark Patton, 28 N. Weldon Spring Heights in St Charles, are the proud recipients of the Garden of the Month

award for September presented by the Fleur de Lis Garden Society. They have received a gift card for El-Mel Inc. They also

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displayed a garden of the month sign in their garden for the month of September. The Patton’s have lived at their current address for 24 years. Valerie has gardened her whole life. She keeps marigold and zinnia seeds from year to year and plants them in her garden. The original flowers were from her great grandmother. Other flowers in her flower bed include coneflowers, hydrangeas, black- eyed Susans, liriopes, and clematis. Under her birch trees grow over a hundred hostas. The couple battle deer by stringing fishing twine around their flower beds. They love the outdoors, putting colorful flowers together, and “put their heart and soul into their garden.”

Submitted photo

If you are interested in gardening and have or know of a garden in St. Charles County worthy of consideration for this award, please contact Joan, Garden of the Month Chairman,

at joanreed7@att.net or phone 636-373-2756, and leave a message. The garden club meets at McClay library on the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.

O’Fallon ranks No. 24 in 2019 List of America’s Top 100 ‘Best Places to Live’ The city of O’Fallon has been named one of the country’s “Best Places to Live,” according to Money magazine’s list of

America’s 100 best cities. O’Fallon ranked 24th on the 2019 list of cities with a population greater than 50,000.

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Money praised O’Fallon for its rich history, proximity to local outdoor activities and its “quaint, family-friendly feel.” O’Fallon is one of two Missouri cities to be ranked in the Top 100, joining Blue Springs (No. 96). In addition to Money’s previous rankings in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2017, O’Fallon was also named in 2019 as Missouri’s best city to live in by ChamberofCommerce.org, ranked number 52 on the “Top 101 Safest Cities in America” by SafeHome.org, and was included in the list of Safest Large Cities in Missouri by the National Council for Home Safety in both 2018 and 2019. “We are humbled to be listed among America’s best places to live,” said Mayor Bill Hennessy. “Our city is a truly wonderful community in which to live, work and play. This listing is a testament to our residents, our businesses, civic organizations, schools, churches, community volunteers and our elected officials and tremendous city staff.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 16, 2019

St. Charles County Police Department hosts its annual open-house By Kristen Dragotto On Sept. 14, the St. Charles County Police Department hosted its annual open-house welcoming their citizens the opportunity to see what they are all about. The department has been hosting open houses since 2015 and this year had roughly 300 guests attend this year’s open-house. The open-house offered many unique features like tours of the St. Charles County Emergency Operations Center and the crime lab, two areas that are restricted areas at the department. The Chief of Police for the SCCPD, Col. David L. Todd, stated, “We pick one time a year, where we open all this up, (like the crime lab), so people can see what’s going on and we get a chance to explain the difference between television and reality.” Some of the tours even allowed for hands on experience, like the crime lab which had a mock scene set up that participants could look at and also gave them the opportunity to take their Photo by Kristen Dragotto own fingerprints. Other features of the event included: children’s activities, an ap- In attendance at the St. Charles County Police Department Open House were (from left) pearance by the SCCPD helicopter, technology demonstrations, Skylar Huff, David L. Todd Chief of Police, Hayden Huff, Robot K9 Officer Bailey, Rosie Goodioe and Holly Goodioe. K9 appearances, SCCPD vehicle and equipment gallery and MasThe department received a lot of community support through cot special guests by Elsa, Marshall and Super Girl. “(I am excited about) the things for the kids. This year we have sponsorships and donations for this event from: Sysco, Bahama Kona Ice, the library district, it’s not just about the police depart- Bucks, Kona Ice, Warrenton Oil, the St. Charles City-County Liment. We have community partners come in that also serve the brary, McDonald’s-Christian Foods, the SCCPD Citizen Police Academy, Gateway Guardians and Once Upon a Bash. community,” Todd stated. This event was much more than an open-house at a police deThis community partnership from the different sectors of St. Charles County was very evident. Kona Ice had a benefit for partment, it was more than just the gizmos and gadgets there. It Backstoppers, the St. Charles City-County Library district hosted was about a department bringing the community together. The games for children and St. Charles County Ambulance District SCCPD open-house truly makes a statement of its own, which came to the event where guests were able to see an ambulance, seems to be, this is our house and you are welcome in it – and that is more than heartwarming it is priceless. learn about how it works and ask questions.

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Around Town

Fort Zumwalt Park announces traffic closures for Celebration of Lights setup To prepare for the city of O’Fallon’s annual Celebration of Lights display, Fort Zumwalt Park will be closed to vehicles through Jan. 20, 2020, so that crews can safely install holiday lights and scenes throughout the park. The park’s disc golf course, “The Fort,” also will be closed during this period. Walkers and joggers are welcome to enjoy the park during daylight hours, but for safety’s sake all people and pets are required to stay on the paved drive through the park. And everyone is invited to see the Celebration of Lights, which will open the day after Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. on Nov. 29, and continue nightly through Dec. 30, closing only for Dec. 25. Please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/col for the detailed schedule of drive-through nights and specialty rides, plus the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on Dec. 9 and 10.

School

October 16, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Five FHSD seniors selected as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Photo courtesy Francis Howell School Distric (From left) Andrea Lin, Isabella Reed, Brent Harfmann, Logan Nachtrab and Joanna Dohrman

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The Francis Howell School District is proud to announce that five FHSD students have been named semifinalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. These seniors are among 16,000 semifinalists chosen as part of the annual academic competition. The semifinalists, who were selected based on scores on a PSAT qualifying test, will compete for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million, to be awarded in the spring. The FHSD semifinalists are Andrea Lin and Isabella Reed from Francis Howell High School; Brent Harfmann and Logan Nachtrab from Francis How-

ell Central; and Joanna Dohrman from Francis Howell North. “We are very proud of our students who performed well on the PSAT and qualified to be included in this prestigious group,” said Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nathan Hoven. “This is a very rigorous process, and our students still have more work to do in order to be selected as finalists. We also appreciate that the scholarships are based on more than just test scores, and in order to qualify as finalists, these students must be very active in school and the community as well.”

Schools in the Wentzville School district honor first responders on Patriot Day Students across the Wentzville School District participated in Patriot Day celebrations to remember the lives lost on 9/11 and to honor first responders and community service providers. Crossroads Elementary, Discovery Ridge Elementary, Heritage Intermediate, and Wabash Elementary held large-scale events this year, while other schools observed a moment of silence and discussed the historic significance of the events on 9/11. Crossroads and Wabash elementary students visited stations that included presentations by representatives of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well first responders from the St. Charles County Ambulance District, the Wentzville Fire Protection District, Lake Saint Louis Fire Department, and St. Charles County Police Department. Wabash Elementary also invited first responders to stay for lunch with staff and students. Crossroads has held Patriot Day celebrations every year since the one-year anniversary of 9/11, and their event is intended to keep September 11 from being just another day that students read about

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Students across the Wentzville School District participated in Patriot Day celebrations to remember the lives lost on 9/11 and to honor first responders and community service providers.

in a history textbook. “Crossroads holds our Patriot Day event each year to recognize and thank our first responders, and to show them how much we care about those who serve our community,” said Principal Damian Fay. “Patriot Day is a day of reflection, a day of learning, but most importantly, a day that will never be forgotten.” Discovery Ridge Elementary invited students and their family members who are first responders, along with local first responders, to a breakfast held in their honor. Following the breakfast, the entire student

body, staff, and guests gathered at the flagpole to observe a moment of silence and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The Patriot Day celebration at Heritage Intermediate also included activities to honor emergency personnel while remembering those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, students and staff, all dressed in red, white and blue and surrounded by local first responders in uniform, formed the American flag on the school’s parking lot.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 16, 2019

Narwhal’s Crafted celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting celebration

Spotlight

Business

O'Fallon Plaza:

Little Arrow Furnishment

Submitted photo

Co-owners Brandon Holzhueter and Brad Merten celebrated the grand opening of their newest location for Narwhal’s Crafted with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 11. Joining Holzhueter and Merten were Dan Borgmeyer, mayor of the city of St. Charles along with Mike Klinghammer and Susie King with the Economic Development Department, representatives with Cullinan Properties and the Streets of St. Charles, family and friends, ambassadors and board members with the Greater St.

Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Narwhal’s Crafted is located at 1458 Beale Street #300 at the Streets of St. Charles and offers a diverse menu of quality frozen alcoholic beverages using hand crafted ingredients, infusions and purees that are produced in-house and from scratch. For more information on Narwhal’s Crafted, their menu and hours of operation, please visit their website at Narwhalscrafted.com or by phone at 636-395-7315.

Little Arrow Furnishment is a one of a kind shop located at 145 O’Fallon Plaza where you can expect to be warmly welcomed by owners David & Samantha Mohler, or one of their team. A dream that started in the garage in 2012, LAF has turned in to a whole different life for these empty nesters. They are curators, designers and lovers of well appointed furnishings with regard to evolving home interiors. You’ll find an ever changing variety of painted furniture, home furnishings, gifts and more. As stockists of Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan, they offer a variety of workshops to encourage the artist in you...or leave

the creativity to them as they do the custom work for you! Visit Little Arrow Monday thru Saturday 105pm, closed on Sunday.

Little Arrow Furnishment 145 O’Fallon Plaza O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636) 409-1220

What’s Happening

October 16, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Featured Events . . . Oct. 20: BBQ/Bogarts Pig Roast/Cooking Contest

Event takes place from 12-5 p.m. at Grand Opera House, 311 N. Main, St. Charles. Benefits Charity Medical Clinics for Uninsured! $500 Grand Prize BBQ College Cooking Contest!

EVENTS Oct. 18: Food Truck Fright

Head to Dames Park for Food Truck Fright. This Halloween-inspired event will feature live music from JD Hughes as he plays around a campfire. Admission and parking are free. For $5 you can get s’mores and a hayride around the park. Dames Park is located at 389 Dames Park Drive in O’Fallon. Some of the area’s best food trucks will offer a variety of food and beverages for purchase. For the most up-to-date information, check out www.ofallon.mo.us/ food-truck-frenzy. For weather-related event information, call 636-379-5614.

Oct. 18: Trivia night

Trick or Trivia takes place at St. Charles Christian Church in New Town at 3337 Rue Royale in St. Charles. Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. Halloween Theme, prizes for table decorations and costumes (church appropriate please). Bring your own food. Popcorn, tea, soda and water supplied. No alcohol allowed. Tickets cost $20 per person, $160 per table. For ticket information call 636-947-1821.

Oct. 19: Trunk or treat

Trunk or Treat Winghaven takes place from 12:30 – 3 p.m. at Midwest Bank Centre in Winghaven (corner of Winghaven Blvd. and Hwy 40/64). Kids come dressed in costume and trick or treat at the trunks of area businesses. There will be food, drink, snacks and plenty of candy.

Oct. 19-20: Fall festival

Enjoy live music, haunted hayrides, tasty food, games, inflatables, refreshing spirits, 50/50 raffles and plenty of crafts at the annual Assumption Fall Festival from 3 to 11 p.m., Oct. 19, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., , Oct. 20, at Assumption Church in O’Fallon. This exciting picnic features a traditional turkey and sausage dinner with all the trimmings and lots of fall fun for the entire family. Admission is free; all are welcome to attend. Assumption Parish is located at located at 403 North Main St. in O’Fallon. For more information about the Assumption Parish picnic, call Aaron Bruns, festival chair, at 913620-8830 or email assumptionfallfestival2019@gmail.com.

Oct. 20: Arrowhead making workshop

Join flintknapping expert Larry Kinsella from 12 to 5 p.m., for HandsOn Heritage: Flintknapping at the St. Charles County Heritage Museum at 1630 Heritage Landing in St. Peters. In this new hands-on class for beginners in flintknapping, participants will be guided through the process of making spear points, arrow points, knives, and a variety of other stone tools using chert and the traditional methods. Attendees also get to create and take home their very own stone. Cost is $15 per person and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call the museum at 636-2556000 or visit http://bit.ly/2019FlintknappingatHeritageMuseum. Participants are asked to wear long pants to the class.

Oct. 22: Halloween concert

The St. Charles Symphony Orchestra will perform a free, family-friendly Halloween Concert at 7 p.m. in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre’s Performing Arts Theatre. Bring the entire family to enjoy Halloween-themed music, and don’t forget to arrive early to claim a seat. Kids dressed in costume will be able to participate in the trick-or-treat parade for free candy. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located in the west wing of City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. For more information, call 636-397-6903, ext. 1624, or visit www.stpetersmo.net.

Oct. 24: Choral concert

The Music Ministry at Wentzville United Methodist Church will host a concert at 7 p.m. featuring the Mizzou Concert Chorale. Admission to the concert is free and open to public. Wentzville United Methodist is located at 725 Wall Street in Wentzville. For more information call 636-327-6377 or visit www.livelovegrow.org.

Oct. 27: Quilt bingo

quilt bingo takes place at VFW Auxiliary 2866 South Highway 94 at 66 VFW Lane and S. Hwy 94 in St. Charles. Doors open at 11 a.m., Bingo begins at 1 p.m. Plate lunched available. For more information contact Earline at 636-697-8157.

Nov. 2: Trivia night

Alleluia Baskets hosts a trivia night at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Old Monroe. Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $240 for a table of eight, includes bar and snacks. Reserve a table at alleluiabaskets@gmail. com.

Nov. 4: Open house

Enjoy the biggest discounts of the year by attending the Laser Lipo and Vein Center open house 3 – 7 p.m. at 1630 Market Center Blvd. Ste. 201 in O’Fallon. RSVP today by calling 636614-1665.

Nov. 12: Genealogy panel discussion

The St. Charles County Historical Society is offering a free panel discussion

with representatives from local members of lineage societies such as: The Mayflower Society; Colonial Dames; Daughter and Sons of the American Revolution (DAR & SAR); Descendants of Washington’s Army of Valley Forge; The Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Missouri; National Society of the U.S. Daughters of 1812; Daughters of Union Veterans and Sons of Confederate Veterans. This free program will be held at the Kathryn Linemann Library at 2323 Elm St. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Make reservations by calling 636-0232 or go to youranswerplace.org.

Nov. 16: Trivia night

“Thinksgiving” trivia night fundraiser for Tri-County Citizen’s Advisory Board takes place at V.F.W. Post 2866 - St. Charles at 66 VFW Lane in St. Charles (off Old Hwy 94 between Muegge and Pralle Lane). Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia starts at 6:45 p.m. Cost is $20 per person/$160 per table, maximum of eight per table. For more information call Esther Angelos, Treasurer, at 314-477-5096 or Melinda Oliver at 636-940-3333 x240.

ONGOING EVENTS

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

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph St. in St. Charles. For more information contact Joyce at 636-206-5306.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please call Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo.com. BILY is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 16, 2019 need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.

Mondays: 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.

Mondays: practice

Choral Arts Singers

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays: St.Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

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

8:30 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (Treasurer) at 636561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

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

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge

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

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets

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

Mondays: Measurement Mondays:

10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

What’s Happening

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 314-779-6892 for more information.

Tuesdays: Seniors group

Please join us on the third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a gathering for senior adults. There will be lunch (no charge), cards and bingo (no charge), community program referrals, occasional health and wellness presentations and clergy available upon request. The event takes place at Church of the Transfiguration at1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake Saint Louis. For more information call 636-561-8951.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-9493372.

T USO  M Serving veterans and their families www.usomissouri.org

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636-379-1775 — info@mycnews.com

Sports

October 16, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

www.drmarcycooper.com

Indoor soccer players wanted The St. Louis Ambush is a professional indoor soccer team that plays in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with home games at the Family Arena. The team will hold tryouts for the 2019-2020 season on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20. The location will be Vetta-St Charles at 1425 St. Peters Cottleville Rd. in Cottleville. You must register online. The Ambush coaches and staff will evaluate the talent with the owners present as well. The Ambush first home game is Nov 29 against the Milwaukee Wave at 7:05 p.m. Go to www.STLAmbush.com for all the details. *Kick your way into history Indoor football players wanted The St. Louis Stampede is a professional indoor football that plays in the National Gridiron League (NGL) with home games at the Family Arena starting in March. Head Coach Jeff Hunt will be present along with his staff on Nov. 9 to evaluate the players for the upcoming season. The location will be Dellwood Recreational Center at 10266 W. Florissant in St. Louis. For more details go to www.NGLFootball. com, go to ‘Teams’, then click on Stampede, then click on tryout and the form is at the bottom or call 314-869-8686. *Could be the start of a football career. Congrats to the kings of roller derby on their five championships The St. Louis Gatekeepers’ Scott Meyer along with the rest of his teammates won their fifth consecutive Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) flat track championship this past weekend in Denver, Colorado. They beat the Magic City team 154-117. Meyer’s commented to his teammates, “Other

www.pbtc.net

cities have trained with the best like you do, built their squads from scratch like you do, brought in ringers (which you don’t do), but they haven’t been able to knock you off your perch. You had a tough season with big names stepping down or being hurt, and new people stepping up. Get some rest.” Meyer’s wife Dallis was by his side the whole time as one of the biggest cheerleaders. *What an accomplishment Congrats to Stully for being the new media relations guru The St. Louis BattleHawks is a football team that is a member of the XFL owned-and-operated by Vince McMahon of World Wrestling Entertainment. The team will play its home games at The Dome at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis in February. Brian Stull has been appointed to run the communications and media relations for the team. Stull comments, “My sincere appreciation and thanks to all of you who’ve been part of the ride all these years – from covering the World Series to WrestleManias to the Stanley Cup and lots in between. It’s been awesome, but I attended my last game down at the ballpark. I am excited to share that I’ve accepted a position to head up the communications and media relations with the St. Louis BattleHawks and ready to help get football back up and running in the Lou!” *Well deserved Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, and is currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • October 16, 2019

Recipe:

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– SUDOKU –

A festive fall treat

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.

This ultimate fall dessert is filled with caramel sauce, topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting and drizzled with even more caramel sauce. Family and friends can enjoy every morsel of this moist, autumn-themed cake.

Pumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 1 box spice cake mix 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin 1 cup water 1/2 cup canola oil 3 eggs

1 1/2 cups caramel sauce, divided 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese 2 tablespoons milk 1 cup powdered sugar 1 carton whipped topping

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray 9-by-13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In bowl, mix cake mix, pumpkin, water, oil and eggs until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30-33 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle of cake comes out clean. While cake is hot, using end of wooden spoon, poke holes throughout top of cake. In microwave, heat 1 1/4 cups caramel sauce. Pour sauce into holes of cake. Let cool completely. In bowl, mix cream cheese and milk. Gradually add powdered

sugar while mixing. Mix until smooth. Fold whipped topping into mixture. Spread frosting over cake, pressing frosting into holes of cake. Smooth out frosting. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over frosting. SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

‘Joker’ is the latest controversial movie

Movie: By Steve Bryan

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

n the broadest terms, movies are intended as entertainment and escapism, allowing viewers to put their everyday lives aside for a few hours. Some films stir up controversy and concern; however, before they even arrive on screen. Such is the case with “Joker,” a solo film for one of Batman’s greatest foes. In the classic, campy 1960’s “Batman” TV series, the villain was more of a buffoon than anything else. Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in the current film highlights the character’s ultra-violent tendencies, though. Prior to its release, there were concerns about a repeat of the shooting at a showing of “The Dark Knight Rises.” In 2012, an armed James Eagan Holmes went into a Colorado movie theater and shot into the audience, killing 12 patrons and wounding dozens more. Holmes’ actions prompted theaters across the country to increase security. Except for one patron reportedly cheering loudly for the onscreen violence, “Joker” only made headlines thanks to its $96 million opening weekend. Controversial films take many forms. 1978’s “Pretty Baby,” a historical drama, dealt with legal prostitution in New Orleans in 1917. At the age of 12, Brooke Shields played

British comedy troupe Monty Python released “Life of Brian,” a satirical take on the Passion of Christ. Graham Chapman played Brian Cohen, a young man who was born at the same time as Jesus. Many mistakenly through he was the Messiah, with highly comedic results. Though it was pure farce, it was considered blasphemous at the Photo courtesy Warner Bros. time and banned in some countries. In later years, though, it a child prostitute in one of the brothels. The has received accolades. More recently, “Unplanned” caused a stir movie caused a stir due to its subject matdue to its graphic portrayal of an abortion. ter and nude scenes featuring the underage Shields. In some countries, the film was It was based on the life of Abby Johnson, a banned or censored, but the uncut version former abortion clinic manager for Planned Parenthood. The film showed Johnson’s was eventually released on DVD years ago. St. Louis had a small part in the furor sur- change-of-heart about her work and subserounding “The Last Temptation of Christ” in quent transformation into a Pro-Life advo1988. Before he began criticizing the Marvel cate. Distributed by Pure Flix, which focuses Cinematic Universe, Martin Scorsese direct- on faith-based films, “Unplanned” received ed this take on the life of Jesus Christ. As the an “R” rating for content. Reportedly, the title indicated, Jesus, played by Willem Dafoe, movie’s Twitter account also was banned, at struggled with various human temptations least temporarily. These days, more and more things have beincluding lust. The Avalon Theater was one of the few theaters to show the film and reli- come controversial, which means more movgious protestors showed up in force outside ies will likely be scrutinized. Controversy, such as the concerns about “Joker,” can lead the theater during its limited run. A decade before Scorsese’s take on Jesus, the to great box office results, however.

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October 16, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

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PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

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LEGAL NOTICE The City of St. John will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. John Municipal Center, 8944 St. Charles Rock Road, 2nd Floor, St. John, MO. The purpose of the hearing will be to review the following: 1) Request from Ahmad Jabareen, proposed purchaser of 8660 St. Charles Rock Road. Mr. Jabareen has requested a Conditional Land Use Permit for a vehicles sales lot. (Locator #14K240186). This property is zoned Planned Commercial. At this time all interested parties in these matters will be heard.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • October 16, 2019

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October 16, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: World Series

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

Let Sleeping Cats Lie

Ahh, to sleep like a cat. I’m so freakin’ jealous. At any moment during the day, those whiskered lumps of lard can drop like a sack of wet cement into a cramped shoebox or a laundry basket of unwashed socks and undershorts and drift into sweet slumberland like they’ve been injected with elephant tranquilizer. Not me. I have not had a full night’s sleep since 1986. I remember the moment vividly. I awoke from a deep restful snooze. I was confused at first and my mind was full of questions: Where am I? I feel so refreshed; so wide awake and ready to take on the day. Oh crap, I must be dead. This must be heaven because I feel so revitalized and full of energy and...have to go to the bathroom really, really badly! Are there restrooms in the hereafter? I certainly hope so, but maybe I’ve ended up in the opposite direction. Maybe I’m in hell. This could be the punishment. The bad people are cursed for all eternity with the agonizing urge to go to the bathroom, but are forever unable to relieve themselves. I slapped myself and realized I had been semiconscious. I looked around in my darkened bedroom for the clock. There it was on my nightstand, completely obliterated by my fat snoozing feline. What time was it? I wanted to see, but as everyone knows it’s ba-a-ad luck to move a sleeping cat. I once knew a lady who had to stay in the same

position for five hours while her tubby tabby dozed away on her lap. Her leg was bent at an odd angle and she was unable to readjust it for fear of disturbing the snoozing blob. She developed a severe case of sciatica shortly thereafter. “She should have moved,” you say. “Negative,” I say. Better to battle permanent nerve damage than to anger the cat gods. But foolish me, I had to know the time. It was probably 7 a.m. I guessed. I moved the cat. Wrong move. It was 10 at night. The alarm would not go off for another nine hours. I hadn’t slept a wink after all and from that time forward I have not slept through another night. Did I mention, never move a sleeping cat. It’s ba-a-ad luck. 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, he lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder. The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

ACROSS 1. At a great distance 5. *TV network, last aired World Series in 1993 8. Biological blueprint 11. “For” in Spanish 12. Clarified butter 13. Kind of Wrangler 14. Foolish person 15. Capital of Latvia 16. More so than #16 Down 17. *As opposed to #51 Across 19. Grateful Dead’s kind of rock 20. Like Hitler’s ideal 21. Bugling ungulate 22. *2018 World Series winner 25. Like default settings 28. American cuckoo 29. Interstellar cloud 32. Female gamete 34. Noonan in “Caddyshack” 36. Olympic chant 37. Related on mother’s side 38. Narc’s unit 39. Kind of acid 41. MountbattenWindsor ____ Markle 42. Financial deficit 44. Made noise

46. “I ____ You Babe” 47. Next step for juvenile 49. Dylan Thomas, e.g. 51. *League with most World Series victories 54. Miss America’s headgear 55. ____ en scene 56. Successor 58. Picnic invaders 59. Change for a five 60. Marine eagle 61. Unknown power 62. *Formerly known as Stockings 63. Shirt is tied, then ____ DOWN 1. City dwelling, abbr. 2. Babe in the woods 3. Cantatrice’s offering 4. Drum sound 5. Formal dishes 6. Between “begin” and “begun” 7. Notary Public’s mark 8. Cold cuts store 9. Demand 10. Credit card acronym 12. Breakwater 13. *Single series HR record holder 16. Opposite of sunkissed 18. Often-missed humor

21. *Pitching stat 22. Hard place to scratch? 23. Currently broadcasting 24. Sashay 25. Surveyor’s map 26. *1984 winner Darrell or 1986 loser Dwight 27. Tutor’s student 30. *World Series playby-play announcer 31. Take illegal drugs 33. Fitting reward 35. *2018 losing team 37. Cause for food recall 39. Adam of “Stand and Deliver” fame 40. Hardens 43. I, to a Greek 45. Used a backscratcher, e.g. 47. Kind of acid 48. Spay 49. Pub order 50. Solemn promise 51. Singer Tori 52. Bald eagle’s nest 53. *Positions on the field 54. Summer glow 57. *Sock color of the 1918 and 2004 winners SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9