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November 1, 2017

Battling drug abuse

Around Town

Funds help local veterans take Honor Flight P.3 St. Charles County Parks hosts fall events through November P.4

School

Discovery Ridge Elementary celebrates Discovery Days P.6

Business Primrose School of St. Charles celebrates new location with ground breaking P.7

Photos by Ray Rockwell/BIGSTOCK

Police departments across St. Charles County host drug take-back events to help fight prescription drug abuse By Brett Auten It’s all about having an impact on access. Over the past weekend, the Lake Saint Louis Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) gave the public its 14th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of what could be dangerously expired, unused and unneeded prescription drugs. One by one, citizens brought pills - the DEA couldn’t accept liquids and needles - to the Lake Saint Louis Civic Center for the anonymous, no-questions-asked, free service. While the tallies from the past weekend weren’t available, a similar day in April netted 72 pounds while the fall session in 2016 brought in 127 pounds. Susie Ochs, the Lake St. Louis Community Resource Officer, said these twice-a-year events have come to be good reminders for the community to dispose of the medicines. “When we first started, I thought after a year, or so it might die down,” Ochs said. “But it has been very consistent. We have collected a lot because it’s out there.” This initiative addresses what Ochs calls a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that sit in cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. In St. Charles County, paramedics responded to 426 overdose calls in 2016 which was double the amount in 2008. And unfortunately this year, the numbers have increased 20 percent year-todate compared to 2016.

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Studies have shown that a fair amount of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. Also, the old-school method for disposing of unused medicines - flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash - pose potential hazards which make Prescription Drug Takebacks more important. “These events are much needed and very successful,” Val Joyner, Public Affairs Officer for the St. Charles County Police Department, said. “Each time our agency participates, the community gave back a significant amount of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medication.” During the St. Charles County Police Department’s Take Back event this past April, a total of 234 pounds of medication was collected. “That success gave us confidence that the community is learning the importance of properly disposing of medical waste to help prevent prescription drug abuse,” Joyner added. In return, the department also provides community members with educational materials on prescription drug abuse, candy confusion, TestMyTeen vouchers for complimentary youth drug testing and other beneficial resources. The St. Charles County Police Department did not participate in this month’s Take Back event because its station is under construction. However, once construction’s completed, community members will once again have access to the 24-hour medication disposal kiosk which accepts a variety of prescription medications. Last April, Americans turned in 450 tons (over 900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and See BATTLE page 2

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Movie ‘Geostorm’ is not the perfect storm P.16

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Around Town

November 1, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

BATTLE Continued from cover more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds – more than 4,050 tons – of pills. The following locations will accept your old over-the-counter and prescription drugs. We encourage you to call before you intend to visit to ensure they are still taking old medications. The city of St. Charles Police Dept. 1781 Zumbehl Rd. (636) 949-3378 Lake Saint Louis Police Dept. 200 Civic Center Dr. (636) 625-8018

O’Fallon Police Dept. 100 N. Main St. (636) 240-3200 St. Charles County Police Dept. 101 Sheriff Dierker Ct. in O’Fallon (636) 949-3000

Wentzville Police Dept. 1019 Schroeder Creek Blvd. (636) 327-5101

Local Author Spotlight: Andrea Scott Andrea Scott is the author of “Smile Big Dream Bigger (Sonrisa Grande Sueña en Grande)” and “The Bigger the Fro, the More I Know.” She is also known as Ms. Impactor, and she was born and raised in St. Louis. She is a Spanish teacher and an adjunct professor at Harris Stowe State University. Andrea believes it is her mission to educationally support children and young people who grow up in high-risk communities. Andrea herself grew up in a single-parent home located in one of St. Louis most vulnerable neighborhoods. However, she is a living example that dreams can come true when you are focused and motivated. In “Smile Big Dream Bigger (Sonrisa Grande Sueña en Grande)” growing up in the inner city of St. Louis, Samantha is surrounded by violence and despair. However, Samantha and her family use a particular gesture, a smile that helps them to get through hard times. When Samantha smiles she dreams of a better future for her community, her family and herself. Samantha has made a promise to live up to her dream, while always wearing a smile.

Center Stage Theatre to perform ‘The Penelopiad’ By Maddie Mitchell Center Stage Theatre at St. Charles Community College is getting ready to take on Margaret Atwood’s “The Penelopiad.” The production will be featured on the main stage in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building from Nov. 15 - 19. “This is not a typical play,”

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said Lynne Snyder, Associate Professor of Theatre and the play’s director. “It is a narrative and is full of memory. It’s also a combination of ancient Greek theatre practices and modern staging, so I’m very excited to tell this story in an inventive and unconventional manner.” “The Penelopiad” is based on Homer’s “The Odyssey” and “The Iliad.” In contrast with Homer’s original poem, which follows the famed Greek hero Odysseus, Atwood’s story follows Penelope, Odysseus’s wife. Penelope reflects upon her life as a “model” wife as she waits twenty years for him to return home from the Trojan War. “This play takes on a feminist perspective and allows us to see

the world of Odysseus through [a woman’s] eyes and experiences, particularly through the character of the long-suffering and faithful wife,” Snyder wrote in her director’s notes. “[Penelope is] the narrator and exists neither in the world she lived in nor in ours, but in limbo...the ideal place from which to tell a story.” SCC’s English Department chose this play. “In order to perform a play on campus like this, you have to secure the rights and that was perhaps the most challenging part,” explained English Department Chair, Jacqueline Gray. English Professor Lindsay Brand added, “I like how [At-

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wood] play[s] around with the points of view. Instead of hearing about Greek heroes who are going off on their quests, we’re hearing from the long-suffering wife who’s been stuck behind and she is inundated with men who are trying to win her hand so they can take her kingdom from her.” Atwood, a Canadian author, is one of the most celebrated female writers, critics, and feminists of the 20th and 21st centuries. She is well known for her novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” For show times and ticket prices, please visit www.stchas. edu/events. This article is presented as part of a project between the Community News and St. Charles Com-

munity College. This article was not submitted on behalf of St. Charles Community College nor does it express the views and opinions of SCC.

SCC to hold insurance sign-up events in November St. Charles Community College will be offering events providing information on health insurance, as well as letting individuals sign up for healthcare plans. The events will be held Thursday, Nov. 2; Tuesday, Nov. 7; and Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 14-15, at SCC located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville. “The Affordable Care Act requires Americans to sign up for health insurance, but the process can be very confusing,” said Paul Roesler, professor of social sciences at SCC. “The open enrollment period begins Nov. 1, yet many people have questions about the process. This is why I’m excited to have these experts come to SCC for these events. This is an important service to our community.” The first event, Health Insurance 101, is an informational presentation by Grace Chen, ACA navigator, at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, in the auditorium of the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building. Chen

will explain the ins and outs of Missouri’s health insurance exchanges, including how to sign up for insurance on the exchange. ACA Enrollment Days will be the following weeks, Tuesday, Nov. 7, and TuesdayWednesday, Nov. 14-15, at SCC. These sign-up days are by appointment only. At these full-day events Grace and other navigators will help students and community members individually sign up for healthcare plans. Students and other community members can sign up for available time slots here: https://grace-chen-aca.youcanbook.me/. If time slots fill up, SCC will consider adding more ACA Enrollment Days, or people can schedule times directly with the navigators. For more information, contact Paul Roesler at proesler@ stchas.edu or 636-922-8265 or Grace Chen at grace.chen@ ppslr.org or 650-815-8492.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 1, 2017

Around Town

Funds help local veterans take Honor Flight The Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board has awarded a $2,100 Operation Round Up grant to Veterans Coffee Talk in Troy to help the group send three local veterans on the Central Missouri Honor Flight. The Honor Flight Program is directed by a nonprofit group of volunteers who transport local veterans to Washington, D.C. on a day-long journey to visit memorials that honor their sacrifices. Honor Flights are fully funded by donations from individuals, corporations and groups like Coffee Talk to honor our heroes. The average cost per veteran is about $700. Operation Round Up has provided more than $14,000 since 2014 to support this effort locally. The recent donation helped Veterans Coffee Talk volunteers reach their fund raising goal of $10,000 for the year. The Central Missouri Honor Flight has taken 179 local veterans on their Honor Flights in the last seven years. Honor Flight volunteers perform a variety of tasks, from departure to arrival logistics, to administering travel details and communication with veterans as the

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VETERINARY Submitted photo Veterans Coffee Talk volunteers Roger Kiesey and Mike Creech accept an Operation Round Up grant to send three local veterans on an upcoming Honor Flight.

trip approaches. Guardians play an important role during the trip. Each veteran is appointed a guardian who is trained and responsible for physically assisting the veteran with a walker or wheelchair, stairs, medication and ensuring the veteran has a safe and memorable experience. Guardians receive no financial assistance and are responsible for their own Honor Flight costs. To learn more about Honor Flight visit www.mvhp.net. Contact Roger Kiesey at 636528-7935 for additional information or to schedule a veteran

interview. Donations can be mailed to 1380 Boone St. Troy, MO 63379. All donations are tax deductible. To learn more about Veterans Coffee Talk in Troy stop by the group’s social gathering each Thursday from 9-10 a.m. at the Lincoln County Council on Aging at 1380 Boone Street in Troy. Operation Round Up funds come from Cuivre River members who donate from 1¢ to 99¢, the pennies that round up their monthly payments to an even dollar amount.

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FHSD student recognized for saving the day Francis Howell Union High School student Connor Bequette tries to do what is right every day. Bequette was recently honored by the city of St. Peters for saving his neighbor’s life. “Connor is just that kid,” FHU Principal Rob Gaugh said fondly. “He is pleasant, does not make excuses and gets along with everyone. He is someone that makes others want to be better every day.” That means a lot coming from his principal, but Bequette’s actions speak louder than words. It was rush hour on a busy residential street. Bequette was at home, working on his car in the driveway. It was just another night for the FHU senior until he heard the scream. When he looked up, he saw a stroller rolling rapidly down the hill. Bequette immediately knew something was wrong. “OK,” he said, “there’s a kid in (the runaway stroller). I got up as quickly as I could and started running after it. I happened to stop it right before it hit a patch in the concrete.” Bequette found another gear within himself to catch up with the stroller before it took a spill. “Obviously,” he said with a laugh, “I’m not the most fit person, but something sparked in me. I didn’t think much of it. I was raised to just do your job; to do what’s right, really. At school, too, they teach you to do what’s right.” The child’s mother was initially in shock but managed to give Bequette a hug at the scene. That was enough for Bequette, but not enough for the mother. The next day, the grateful family appeared on his doorstep. “They gave me this card,” he said, beaming with pride, “and a picture of the little girl. Her older sister broke into her piggy bank and gave me a few coins. She thought it was the best thing ever, that I saved her sister.” The child’s mother also messaged Bequette’s parents, extending her appreciation, and told them that she would be nominating him for the St. Peters Random Acts of Kindness, which he

Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District Francis Howell Union High School student Connor Bequette received the St. Peters Random Acts of Kindness for saving a child by stopping a runaway stroller.

later received. He went to the St. Peters Justice Center for the proclamation ceremony and had the opportunity to meet the mayor and other city dignitaries. “That’s where it all started setting in,” Bequette said. “Where I started feeling like a real hero.” Even so, Bequette says he was merely doing the right thing. “I believe that everyone is here for a reason,” he said, “and maybe I happened to be in the right place at the right time. And I got to save a little girl and make a new friend.” That type of thinking is something Bequette says he has learned from many people. “I’m actually a Boy Scout (Troop 72), too, and I was always taught to do what’s right.” Bequette, who’s working on his Eagle badge, offers this advice to others – both young and old. “Step up and be a leader, rather than a follower,” he said. “Make your own path, or you’ll end up having to follow everyone else. Take action when it’s right, and do a good turn daily.”

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Around Town

November 1, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Veterans Day program set for Nov. 11 at St. Charles County Historic Courthouse

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The St. Charles County Veterans Committee and St. Charles City Veterans Commission will host their annual Veterans Day Program at 1 p.m. on Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the St. Charles County Executive Office Building/Historic Courthouse at 100 N. Third St., St. Charles. The event is free and open to the public. Master of ceremonies Jerry Bradley of Marine Corps League Detachment 725 will lead the program, which includes music by the St. Charles Municipal Band and welcome addresses from Steve Ehlmann, St. Charles County Executive, and Sally Faith, Mayor of the city of St. Charles.

This year’s guest speaker is George D. Newell of the St. Charles County Veterans Committee. Local veterans’ organizations will participate in the presentation of colors and wreath-laying ceremonies during the program. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held at the St. Charles County Administration Building at 201 N. Second St., Room 115/116, St. Charles. For more information, contact Tom Stephenson of American Legion Post 312 and Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 6 at 636-9462038.

St. Charles Optimist Club begins new year with new officers

Submitted photo

The Optimist Club of St. Charles recently installed officers for the new “Optimistic Year” beginning on Oct. 1. The Optimist Club focuses on being “A Friend of Youth” and plans events, activities and fund raisers to support the youth of the

St. Charles region. This year’s officers were installed at the Annual Installation Banquet at Pio’s Restaurant on Oct. 11. Pictured (Front row, from left) areDave Borgmeyer – Treasurer, Shelly Reuther – Vice President, Jack Ross – Presi-

dent, Larry Kraft – Pres-elect, Ellen Parker – Secretary, Dr. Jeff Marion – Past President, (back row, from left) board members Mark Cook, Paul Hauser, Bob Beckman, Mary Krogmeier and Joe Gegg.

St. Charles County Parks hosts fall events through November www.ofallonfamilyeyecare.com

Learn the art of home brewing, gourd crafting and disc golf turkey tossing this season in your favorite St. Charles County park during the month of November. The Parks Department offers a variety of programs and activities for all ages and interests. • Bring the family out for our Friday Night Public Stargazing at Broemmelsiek Park near Defiance and discover constellations and stars through complex telescopes. The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM) hosts these educational stargazing programs in the park’s Astronomy Viewing Area. For more information about program times, visit www. asemonline.org. • Preschoolers learn through the lens of nature at the Little Explorer Nature Program scheduled the first Thursday of each month through December. Bring your adventurous tots to Broemmelsiek Park near Defiance from 10-11 a.m. for a short hike, fun activities, story time and snack. Cost of the program is $3 and preregistration is suggested. To make a reservation, all 636-949-7535 or visit www.stccparks. org. • Learn the art of home brewing during Learn to Home Brew Day from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nov. 4, at the Heritage Museum near St. Charles. Little Hills Home Brewers and park staff teach methods of making beer at home through demos and tastings. The event is free. To register, call 636-949-7535 or visit www.stccparks.org.

• Grab your bike, a light and hit the trails at night! Join Gateway Off-Road Cyclists (GORC) and St. Louis Area Mountain Bikers (SLAMB) for a free Friday Night Mountain Bike Ride at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10, at Indian Camp Creek Park near Wentzville. Riders must wear a helmet and have a 600 lumen light to experience park trails after hours. Register online at www.stccparks.org or call 636-949-7535. • The parks department is seeking volunteers to assist with trail building during Trail Work Day from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Nov. 11, at Matson Hill Park in Defiance. Bring a set of gloves, a pair of sturdy boots and some safety glasses and do your part to grow our parks. Lunch will be provided to all who lend a hand. Call 636-949-7535 to register. • Compete for cash prizes, trophies, and a Thanksgiving turkey at the annual Disc Golf Blind Turkey Toss Nov. 18, at Indian Camp Creek Park near Wentzville. Trophies will be awarded for first, second, and third-place finishers in the tournament. The competitor closest to the pin of one of the glowing baskets wins a Thanksgiving turkey! Cost is $10 per person. Registration begins at 4 p.m. on the day of the event; the tournament begins at 5 p.m. Call 636-949-7535 for more information. For more information on these and other events, contact the St. Charles County Parks & Recreation Department at 636-949-7535 or visit www.stccparks.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 1, 2017

Yeggs

Around Town

John Hanna

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

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

SOMETHING’S FISHY Sudden cravings aren’t usually a problem with me. Whenever one hits, I simply grab a soup ladle, march over to the freezer and grab the closest tub of ice cream – problem solved. However, sometimes the need may not be satisfied with ice cream alone. On some occasions my cravings call for a more specific requirement. And, like a pregnant lady insisting on a deep-fried tuna, peanut butter and pickle sandwich covered in cream cheese frosting, it must be satisfied or else. So it happened to be one of those nights when I didn’t feel like cooking, which only occurs on days that end in “Y.” My husband softly jogged my memory that it was past dinnertime with a gentle reminder, “Hey! Are we eating tonight or am I gonna have to fry up one of the cats?!” I glanced at the clock. Eight o’clock? How’d that happen? It was much too late to be cooking, but we were both hungry. I knew I better come up with

something quick because my husband had just grabbed some BBQ sauce from the pantry while he whispered, “Here kitty, kitty, kitty.” Think! What could I pick up fast which also sounded good? Mmmm…sushi! The craving hit and I had to obey. But where to get sushi at such an hour? Perhaps at the all-night gas station vending machine? Maybe for the average barbarian, but being much more refined than that, I headed over to the local grocery store deli. Unfortunately, they were cleaned and closed up for the night. But lucky me, the leftovers from the day’s production awaited me in a nearby cooler. Three pre-packaged sushi rolls were there and dinner was served. Word to the wise. There are a few things in life that can only be learned the hard way, one: never drink orange juice after gargling with a powerful minty mouthwash. Two: always do a

tooth check after eating Oreo cookies before speaking with people you want to impress. And three: never buy questionable fish products even if the craving hits, unless of course, a colonoscopy is scheduled for early the next morning and a rapid and thorough cleansing is required. 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.

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School

November 1, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Discovery Ridge Elementary celebrates discovery days Students at Discovery Ridge Elementary participated in “Discovery Days” during the week of Oct. 2-6. The event, conceived by faculty members in 2010 before construction of the new elementary school was even completed, focuses on discovery in the physical world. “Discovery Days is an exciting time of year during which our Discovery Ridge community celebrates flight, space and related STEM topics,” said Discovery Ridge Principal Laura Bates. The week culminated with activities that included students climbing in the cockpit of an F4 Phantom jet built by McDonnell Douglas and an OH-58 Kiowa Army helicopter. Other activities included Monsanto’s STEM Challenge, science demonstrations by Mad Science, and solar scope viewing with the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri.

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VETERAN’ S DAY

PANCAKE BREAKFAST VETERANS EAT FREE

Saturday, November 11th | 8 am - 12 noon Morning Star Church - Cabana/Hut Ages 10 and under - $5 | Ages 11 and Up - $7 | Veterans eat FREE

Hosted by Boy Scout Troop 968

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Students at Discovery Ridge Elementary participated in “Discovery Days”.

“Discovery Days is educational because you get to learn and have fun at the same time,” said third grader Cameron Davis. Additional events included a visit from the ARCH helicopter, presentations by the Wentzville Fire Department, Dino Odell’s science songs and the St.

Louis Science Center Unisphere - a portable, inflatable miniplanetarium. The celebration concluded Friday night with Washington University’s MySci Investigation Station, food trucks and hands-on STEM stations.

WSD student elected to Missouri State Thespian Board Holt High School junior Dominic Barbosa has been elected to the 2017-2018 Missouri State Thespian Board. This marks the first time a Wentzville School District student has been elected to the board. Board members were elected during the Missouri State Thespian Leadership Conference held Sept. 9 at the Capitol Plaza in Jefferson City, Missouri. The annual leadership conference was attended by more than 300 high school thespians and their teachers. The newly elected board members were determined on the basis of their application, recommendations and committee interview, as well as the number of ballots cast by the student

officers after a speech during the leadership conference. The responsibilities of a state board member include planning the state conference, overseeing thespian troupes, and representing theatre for the state of Missouri. Dominic is the president of Holt Thespian Troupe 4334 and serves as a class officer in DECA, as well as performing as a cast member in Holt Theater productions. Missouri State Thespians is affiliated with the International Thespian Society, and its purpose is to aid the advancement and improvement of theatre arts in schools in the State of Missouri. There are 140 Missouri

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Holt High School junior Dominic Barbosa.

Thespian troupes statewide. For more information, please visit the Missouri State Thespians website at www.mo-thespians. com.

Boone Trail Elementary celebrates Boone Trail Days What was life like in the 1800s when St. Charles County was the frontier? Students at Boone Trail Elementary found out as classroom lessons came to life and students and staff celebrated the 27th annual “Boone Trail Days” on Oct. 12 and 13. Students took part in handson activities like making rope, churning butter, and spinning wool. They also enjoyed demonstrations on blacksmithing and frontier life. The annual tradition is a celebration of early American life that starts in the classroom, where teachers incorporate lessons about Native Americans and pioneer life into the curriculum. Friday night was the culmination of the week with games, a petting zoo, and hay-

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Students at Boone Trail Elementary students learn about life on the frontier.

rides. The event brings families together to celebrate a fall tradition that dates back to the opening of the school. “Boone Trail Days is a tradition at Boone Trail Elementary that many families and com-

munity members look forward to visiting each year,” said Principal Michelle Cleve. “Students are able to learn about early pioneer life through hands on learning activities.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 1, 2017

Primrose School of St. Charles celebrates new location with ground breaking

Business

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Owners Jamie and Vincent Ovlia marked the beginning of construction on their new business, Primrose School of St. Charles, with a ground breaking on Oct. 17. Joining Jamie and Vincent were city of St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano and members of the city of St. Peters Board of Aldermen, St. Charles County representative Molly Dempsey,

architects and general contractors from Arco and ambassadors with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Primrose School of St. Charles is under construction at the corner of Heritage Crossing and Highway 364 in St. Peters. Their future address will be 1001 Heritage Crossing. Primrose School of St. Charles

is part of a national system of accredited private preschools that provides a premier early education and child care experience for children and families. For more information on Primrose School of St. Charles, please visit their website at www.primrosestcharles.com or call 636-317-6200.

$400 million 260-acre mixed use project to be built in O’Fallon Payne Family Homes, an award-winning residential construction company, is launching a new commercial real estate division with a 260-acre mixed-use project in O’Fallon. Tentatively called The Streets of Caledonia, this $400 million commercial development will encompass 260 acres in O’Fallon at Highway 64/40 and Route DD, next to the future 55-acre O’Day Park to open next year. With nearly 4,000 feet of highway frontage, the project will have approximately 25 acres of neighborhood retail and approximately 80 acres of mixed-use office space such as office, medical, hospitality, and senior housing. “Retailers and commercial tenants are looking for populated areas with an existing pool of customers,” said Ken Kruse, President. “Payne has built beautiful neighborhoods for ten years now, full of people who want convenient access to work, grocery, shopping and other amenities. Bringing commercial into our portfolio makes sense as commercial and homes go hand-in-hand.” Plans for The Streets of Caledonia include an anchor grocery store with surrounding neighborhood retail, gas convenience store, a pharmacy, an urgent care center, an independent living facility, highend multi-family housing and more. Payne is working with

the city of O’Fallon to increase road access and improve traffic flow in the area, in anticipation of greater traffic volumes. The current interchange at Winghaven Boulevard and I-64/40 is similar in size to the existing Boone Crossing interchange in Chesterfield Valley, which is able to smoothly move considerable traffic volume. About 400 homes from every Payne portfolio price point will surround the shopping on the west and south side of the project, as site challenges will only allow residential on those sides. “We are extremely optimistic about the potential for this development in the heart of our high-tech district,” said O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy. “With the proximity to businesses like MasterCard and Citi as well as the tremendous access to the I-64 corridor, we’ve long believed that this property could host a transformational development on O’Fallon’s south side. Knowing the strength of the partners we have on board, our city is confident that this mixed-use development will be of the highest quality and provide a new anchor for the entire region.” Payne plans to break ground in 2018. This project should take at least five years to develop and should exceed $400 million in value. O’Fallon is set to begin construction on O’Day Park next

month, with plans calling for an activity and conference center, a camping area, trails, an amphitheater, and an adventure playground area. The Streets of Caledonia will also be adjacent to the under-construction Caledonia Soccer Park, Regal O’Fallon Stadium 14 movie theater, and the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. 25 acres of retail space is listed with commercial real estate broker NAI DESCO and 60 acres of mixed use space along the highway is listed with Gershman Commercial.

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Sports

November 1, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B... SPECIAL!

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Coach inducted into Wrestling Hall of Fame Coach Craig Martin, St. Charles West High School teacher and former wrestling coach, was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame by its Missouri chapter in Columbia, Missouri recently. Martin coached the St. Charles West wrestling team for 19 years, where he led the team to three consecutive state championships from 19951997 and another in 1999. During his tenure, Martin produced 13 top-10 state team finishes, nine district titles, five GAC conference titles, 22 state champion wrestlers and 87 state medalists. Martin was the Missouri state high school class 3 Coach of the Year all four years in which his team won the state title and was named the USA Wrestling Magazine’s runner-up coach of the year in 1999. “It’s a great honor to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame,” Martin said. “I’m still trying to take it all in. It’s a nice ‘thank you’ from people recognizing the work put in and time spent away from your family as you go through your coaching career.” For Martin, wrestling and coaching ran in the family. His father, Francis Martin, also a National Wrestling Hall of Famer, started the wrestling program at Christian Brothers College High School in 1964 and the elder Martin let his son spend many hours with the program, which developed Craig’s love for wrestling. That love went on to spur a successful high school and college wrestling career at De Smet Jesuit High School and the University of Missouri, respectively. “Being able to take boys when they start, pointing them into the right direction and turning them into young men when they leave the program. I’m happy and proud to be able to say that’s something I was able to accomplish,” Martin said. “Seeing the successes of my former wrestlers makes it all worth it.” * Hall Of Fame Football team at Lindenwood wins on blocked punt Lindenwood University’s team got a late blocked punt by A.J. Dudley and a seven-yard touchdown run by Calen Campbell, which led the Lions to a 35-31 victory over Nebraska-Kear-

www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex

ney on Saturday in Hunter Stadium. The big play of the game for the Lions happened when they were trailing 31-28 late in the game, but it forced the Lopers to punt on a fourth-andone play at the Lopers 30-yard line. Dudley, one of Lindenwood’s top special teams performers this year, blocked the punt that gave Lindenwood the ball at the 16-yard line. Two plays later, the Lions had the lead after a Campbell touchdown run with 1:33 remaining. Defensive back Bakari Triggs set a career record with two interceptions, giving him 10. He is just the fourth Lion with double-figure interceptions in a career. Also adding to the career stats was running back Calen Campbell who moved up one spot to ninth in the school’s career rushing list with 1,124 yards. He finished with 107 rushing yards, his third career game over 100 yards, and he also scored two rushing touchdowns. Lindenwood only committed three penalties for 25 yards compared to six for 75 yards for Nebraska-Kearney. On defense, tackle Ace Rogers had a careerhigh with 19 tackles and had 1.5 tackles for loss. Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated

I will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com 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 cohosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 1, 2017

Simple sheet pan suppers At times, spending hours in the kitchen can be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. However, even for avid home cooks, a busy weeknight isn’t one of those times. Fortunately, solutions like sheet pan suppers make it easy to create dishes with exceptional flavor depth that come together quickly and clean up just as fast. Keeping a variety of vegetables on hand makes

Learn & Play

Crossword: TV FAMILIES it simple to pull together a family meal. Onions, for example, are versatile, flavorful, easy to store, have a long shelf-life and are available year-round from U.S. growers. An added benefit when cooking with onions is that you’re serving up a good source of fiber. For more tasty recipes to make supper a cinch, visit onions-usa.org and usaonions.com.

Spicy Sheet Pan Roasted Jambalaya Recipe courtesy of the National Onion Association and Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee Servings: 4-6

I ngredients: 1 large yellow onion, diced 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced 1/2 large yellow bell pepper, diced 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced 3 stalks celery, sliced or diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1-2 jalapenos, seeded and diced 1 pint cherry tomatoes 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 link (13.5 ounces) Andouille sausage, sliced 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend linguine noodles, cooked according to package directions 1-2 lemons, sliced in thin wedges 2 green onions, sliced fresh chopped parsley Directions: Heat oven to 400 F.

In large bowl, combine onion, bell peppers, celery, garlic, jalapenos, tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper until evenly combined. Spread out evenly on pan in single layer. Add slices of Andouille sausage. Roast 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and start to brown.

Line 13-by-18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.

Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and prepare linguine noodles.

When ready, remove baking sheet from oven. Place shrimp on top of vegetable and sausage mixture in single layer. Top with half the lemon wedges. Return to oven and cook about 5-8 minutes, or until shrimp is no longer pink. Serve over linguine garnished with green onions and parsley with remaining fresh lemon wedges on side.

Sheet Pan-Style Buddha Bowls Recipe courtesy of the National Onion Association and Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee Servings: 4-6

I ngredients: 2 yellow onions, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges 1/2 head of red or purple cabbage, cut into wedges 2 red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch wedges 1 small butternut squash, peeled and 1/2-inch diced 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved extra-virgin olive oil salt, to taste black pepper, to taste 1 1/2 cups quinoa, cooked according to package directions

Tahini sauce: 1 tablespoon tahini 1/2 lemon, juiced 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2-1 teaspoon maple syrup 2 avocados, peeled and sliced fresh parsley Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Line 13-by-18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper. Place onion, cabbage, potatoes, squash and Brussels sprouts in single layer on pan.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables 40 minutes, or until tender. Add more salt and pepper if needed. While vegetables roast, cook quinoa. To make tahini sauce: In small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, mustard and syrup until smooth. To assemble Buddha bowls: Spoon quinoa into bowls. Add roasted veggies and garnish with avocado and parsley. Drizzle tahini sauce over each bowl and serve.

ACROSS 1. *Stars of “The Waltons” and “Roseanne,” e.g. 6. Equinox mo. 9. Don’t do this to the messenger 13. Whitman’s dooryard bloomer 14. *Logo of “All in the Family” network 15. Beyond normal limits 16. *Where to hear Frasier Crane 17. Workout segment 18. Nary a soul 19. *TV’s largest family 21. *Flintstones’ best friends 23. Before now 24. Catch some Z’s 25. Car nut 28. “Brave New World” drug 30. “Can’t stop! I’m ____ a ____!” 35. Big Bang’s original matter 37. Sheep’s milk cheese 39. “So You Think You Can ____” 40. Knowing about 41. *Sansa, Arya, or Robb 43. Narcotics agent 44. Nymph of lakes and springs 46. Most populous continent 47. Major bike maker 48. “____ ____ the Clowns,” past tense 50. “Me and ____ and the Dying Girl” 52. “Da” to a Russian 53. Source of protein 55. More, in Madrid 57. *”Blackish” family 61. *”Fuller House” family 65. “So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, ____...” 66. Skeleton in a lock 68. Part of gastro-intestinal system 69. Modulator-demodulator, for short 70. Proper place for a napkin 71. Inspiration for poets and musicians 72. Born and ____ 73. Before of yore

74. Sign up again DOWN 1. Simpleton 2. Hokkaido native 3. Smeltery refuse 4. a.k.a. boreal forest 5. Scrawny ones 6. Army ____ hall 7. Pirate’s affirmative 8. Old but in 9. Door opener 10. Adored one 11. Half-moon shaped object 12. Tommy and Spike, e.g. 15. Straighten a paperclip, e.g. 20. Abode toppers 22. Israeli submachine gun 24. Computer program input 25. *Lucious and Cookie 26. Arm bones 27. “___ __ on the ground floor” 29. Of higher order 31. Deliver a tirade 32. Opposite of binary 33. Rocks at mountain base 34. *Family in “The Middle” 36. Castle’s line of defense 38. “Mi chiamano Mimi,” e.g. 42. Deserved consequence 45. Chinese tapas 49. What’s old is new again, prefix 51. Jousting match participant 54. Bracelet-wearing part 56. Sleep sound 57. Doorframe part 58. Airy emanation 59. Sweep under the rug 60. Financial aid criterion 61. Done on a Smith Corona 62. Joie de vivre 63. One way to memorize 64. *”Game of Thrones” bastard 67. Inner, middle or outer, on one’s head See solution on page 13

What’s Happening

November 1, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Nov. 2: Banner unveiling

Donor recognition banner unveiling will take place at the St. Charles County Family YMCA at 8 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

Nov. 3: Photography exhibit

St. Charles Community College will hold the Photography Invitational. The exhibition will be on display until Nov. 3, in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building, on the SCC campus, located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. The Photography Invitational will feature photographs of six uniquely-talented regional artists: Stan Feldman, Mark Appling Fisher, Jeff Hirsch, Caroline Philippone, Joshua Rowan and Kathie Thomas. The opening reception is from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 18. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The gallery hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The gallery is located in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building. Parking for patrons is free in the campus Blue and Yellow lots.

Nov. 4: 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. Popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided; alcohol must be purchased at the cash bar; you may bring your own food. For more information call Esther Angelos, Treasurer, at 314-4775096 or Melinda Oliver at 636-9403333 x240. To reserve a table, full payment must be received by Oct. 25. All proceeds go toward helping keep the community safe by assisting indigent clients with grants to meet daily needs.

Nov. 4: Holiday fair

Holly Berry Fair, Church Bazaar at St. Johns UCC takes place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 945 Wolfrum Road in Weldon Spring. There will be an all-day café and silent auction. Kids’ activities will take place from 10 a.m. - noon including Santa Claus, face painting and a

photo booth. With questions contact Barbara at 636-244-0385.

Nov. 4: Fair trade market

Holiday shop at a fair trade market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cornerstone UMC at 1151 Tom Ginnever Avenue in O’Fallon. The fair trade market provides under- and unemployed artisans with an opportunity to earn vital income and improve their quality of life by establishing a sustainable market for their handcrafted products. This allows the artisans and their families to pursue better homes, education and healthy lives of dignity. The unique products are skillfully made from artisans around the world.

Nov. 4: Men’s fashion show

Women Of The Moose-St.Charles are selling tickets for the Men’s Fashion Show. Tickets are $10 each. For more information contact Kim at 314-8005292 or the Moose Lodge at 636-7237794.

Nov. 4: 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. All proceeds go toward helping keep the community safe by assisting indigent clients with grants to meet daily needs. Popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided; alcohol must be purchased at the cash bar; you may bring your own food. For more information call Esther Angelos, Treasurer, at 314477-5096 or Melinda Oliver at 636940-3333 x240. To reserve a table, full payment must be received by Oct. 25.

Nov. 4: Recycling event

St. Peters and Cottleville residents will have an opportunity to securely destroy unneeded documents for free at the “Shred It and Forget It” recycling event from 9 a.m. - noon. Mobile shredders will be at St. Peters’ Health and Environmental Operations Building located behind Recycle City at 135 Ecology Drive in St. Peters. Simply place the documents you want to destroy in cardboard boxes and bring them to the Health and Environmen-

tal Operations Building. Please make sure that the banker-size boxes are not too heavy to lift. There is a limit of five banker-size boxes per vehicle. All of the shredded material will be recycled, including the cardboard boxes if they are not needed back. Do not bring computer discs or hanging file rods. If you can tear it, then you can shred it using this service. The documents may contain staples or paper clips. This service is free for St. Peters and Cottleville resident households only. You must show a current Resident Privilege Card, which can be obtained at city hall, the Rec-Plex or Recycle City. Non-residents can participate; however, there will be a fee of $5 per box, cash only. The five-box limit applies. For more information, visit www.stpetersmo.net or call 636-970-1456.

Nov. 4: Craft and vendor fair

A craft and vendor fair takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wentzville Christian Church at 1507 Highway Z in Wentzville. There will be 80-plus vendors, food trucks and free admission with gift bags to the first 250 guests. For more information visit wentzvillecc.org or call 636-327-6622.

Nov. 5: Hayrides at Broemmelsiek Park

Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride with family and friends at Broemmelsiek Park at 1615 Schwede Rd., off Highway DD (Winghaven Blvd.) near Wentzville, weekends through Nov. 5. Groups of all ages are welcome to enjoy the fun of a hayride without traveling miles from home. Two tractor pulled wagons take guests on a 45-minute ride through tree-lined fields of the park. Afterwards, participants can enjoy sitting around a glowing bonfire for an hour to roast their own treats. Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages, but glass containers are prohibited on the wagons or at the campfire site. Advanced reservations are required by contacting the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636-949-7535. The cost is $125 a wagon with a maximum of 20 people per wagon for 6, 7, and 8 p.m. on Fridays and 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to the group hayrides, individual families and small groups can also join in the fun of a Hayride Hoedown at Broemmelsiek Park on Oct. 21. Guests will experience a 45-minute wagon ride through the park, along with a light dinner, s’mores, and the foot-stomping, knee-slapping performance of Babaloo, a one-man musical comedy act suitable for all ages. Cost for this special event is $10.50 per person, and advanced reservations before Oct. 18 are required. Sessions are offered at 6, 6:45 and 7:30 pm, and are limited to 40 participants per session. To register for the Hayride Hoedown, contact the Parks Department at 636-949-7535 or visit www.stccparks.org.

Nov. 8-11: Theater performance

The Francis Howell High School’s award-winning Limelight Theatre proudly presents their Fall Production of the 2009 play “Kill Me, Deadly,” by Bill Robens. Performances will take place Nov. 8, Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 beginning at 7 p.m. nightly in the Auditorium of Francis Howell High School at 7001 Highway 94 South in St. Charles. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person for all shows and are available at the door.

Nov. 9: Lipedema educational seminar

A Lipedema educational seminar takes place in the Meeting Room at Staybridge Suites O’Fallon at 1155 Technology Drive in O’Fallon at 9:30 a.m. This casual, educational seminar will discuss what Lipedema is, how it is diagnosed and the stages of Lipedema. Conservative and surgical treatments will also be discussed. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet Dr. Thomas Wright MD RVT FACP, and meet rep-

resentatives of Tactile Medical, makers of the Flexitouch Compression Pump. A light lunch will be provided following the seminar. Attendees will have the opportunity to be evaluated for Lipedema after lunch. The cost of the seminar is free, however insurance will be billed for the cost of the evaluation. Patients who wish to pay cash for their evaluation are also welcome to do so. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Staybridge Suites at a discounted rate for this event. You must mention the Laser Lipo and Vein Center block when reserving your hotel room in order to receive the discounted rate. Call 636-300-0999 or visit www.staybridge. com. Call 636-397-4012to RSVP for this event by Nov. 2. Space is limited to 30 attendants.

Nov. 9-11: Theater production

Timberland High School Theatre will present “Monty Python’s Spamalot” on Nov. 9, 10 and 11. This musical comedy will be performed by an all-school cast and crew each evening beginning at 7 p.m. The performance will be held at the Carl E. Reininger Theatre. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for students and tickets will available at the door.

Nov. 11: Veterans Day Ceremony

America has an estimated 20,000,000 veterans, and we owe each of them a “thank you” for our country’s freedom. Please join in honoring our veterans at this ceremony that will take place at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Walk at 800 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon.

Nov. 11: Pancake breakfast

Boy Scout Troop 968 will be hosting a Veteran’s Day pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. – 12 noon. The event will be held in the Venue at Morning Star Church at 1600 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. Veterans eat free, ages 10 and under are $5, ages 11 and up are $7. For more information, please call 636-544-7517.

Nov. 15-19: Theater performance

St. Charles Community College’s Center Stage Theatre will present “The Penelopiad” Nov. 15-19, in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the SCC campus. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-18; 10 a.m. Nov. 16; and 2 p.m. Nov. 19. Tickets are free to SCC students with ID, or $8 general admission and $6 seniors, veterans and students. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. For more information, contact Jean Deimund at jdeimund@ stchas.edu or 636-922-8050. To purchase tickets, visit stchastickets.com.

Nov. 17: Holiday bazaar and bake sale

Immanuel Lutheran Women in Mission is hosting their holiday bazaar and bake sale at 623 E. Hwy N in Wentzville from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be homemade crafts and baked goods. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring roast beef, chili, hot dogs, German potato salad, slaw and homemade pies. A handmade quilt will be raffled. For more information call 636-327-4416.

Nov. 17: Free photography exhibit and chili cook-off

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service will host “Food for Thought: A Free Chili Cook-Off and Photography Exhibit” from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in conjunction with National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week. Stop by the Care Service at 4116 McClay Road in St. Charles to view the travelling photography exhibit “In Plain Sight-Homelessness Exposed” while taste-testing a variety of homemade chili made by Care Service staff. Visitors can vote for their favorite chili while listening to music performed live by the band Jalapeno Poppers. The event will also include free face painting, door prizes and a chance to win two tickets to “Rodgers and Hammer-

stein’s Cinderella” at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Vicki at 636-441-1302, ext. 267.

Nov. 17: Salvation Army Tree of Lights

In honor of the Salvation Army’s continued support of St. Charles County residents in need, the city of Dardenne Prairie will host their eighth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in City Hall Park at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include musical entertainment by area schools, holiday crafts, refreshments and other activities. Santa will be available for pictures, please bring your own camera. Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to the Salvation Army Toy Town. Donated toys will benefit children in the western St. Charles County area. For more information, please contact Dardenne Prairie Parks & Recreation at 636-755-5308.

Nov. 17: Tree lighting ceremony

Beautiful holiday lights, musical performances by local groups, photos with Santa Claus and our community’s lighting of the tree; it’s all free at the city of St. Peters’ 28th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year’s event begins at 6:30 p.m. at St. Peters City Hall. Don’t miss holiday-themed musical performances starting with Joshua Barclay on the piano, followed by the kids of The Childbloom Guitar Program of St. Charles County, students from the Fort Zumwalt East High School Orchestra, singers from The St. Peters Choral Society, and a unique a cappella choir, Lindenwood University’s Voices Only. The countdown to the lighting of the tree happens right outside city hall under the stars following the last musical performance. Following the ceremony, kids and families have lots of fun activities to choose from. Santa Claus himself makes a special visit to take photos with kids and families. Musician Ceara Thierry will lead kids in a fun holiday sing-along show. Abra-Kid-Abra also returns this year, making one-of-akind holiday balloons kids can take home for free. Tasty treats will also be provided. St. Peters City Hall is located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters. For more information on the Tree Lighting Ceremony, go online to www.stpetersmo.net.

Nov. 17: Art show

Lillian Yahn Gallery and Francis Howell Central High School presents “Perception,” an exhibition in augmented reality that is on display now through Nov. 17 at St. Charles County Arts Council at 7443 Village Center Drive in O’Fallon. There will be a reception Nov. 17 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. All artworks produced by 2016 and 2017 AP Studio Art students.

Nov. 18: 16th Annual National Family Volunteer Day

Families are invited to spend the morning working together to box and deliver food and personal care items donated through the Cornucopia of Care Food Drive from 9 – 11 a.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) at 100 North Main St. in O’Fallon. Families also can decorate Thanksgiving-themed placemats for citizens living in residential care facilities and Meals on Wheels recipients. To register for this event or for more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ volunteer or call 636-379-5417.

Nov.18: Quilt social

St. Robert Bellarmine Ladies Council is hosting a quilt social at 1424 South First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles (at the intersection of S. Hwy. 94 and Sherman Dr.). Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with lunch available for purchase. Bingo begins at 12 p.m. There will be 24 regular bingo games, a quilt given away every fourth game, plus four special “Dizzy Games” wins cash. For more information call Martha at 636441-4609.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 1, 2017 Nov. 30-Dec.2: Christmas dinner theater Wentzville Christian Church presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas” dinner theater Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., and Dec. 2 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information and to purchase tickets go to wentzvillecc. org/charliebrown.

Dec. 1-2: Holiday vendor and craft fair

A holiday vendor and craft fair takes place Dec. 1 from 4 - 7 p.m. and Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Community Fitness Center at Warrenton Outlet Mall (Old Nike Store) at 1000 Outlet Mall, Ste. #2 in Warrenton. For more information contact Peggy Privett at 636-456-7474 or email pprivett@ warrencountymo.org.

Dec. 3: Christmas house tour

The residents of New Town at St. Charles are inviting you to visit their homes at the eighth annual New Town at St. Charles Residents’ Christmas House Tour. Mark your calendars to attend from 1 - 5 p.m. The tour will begin at the town hall at 3300 Rue Royale, where you will have an opportunity to register for a door prize as well as obtain a map directing you to the houses on tour. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Marsala’s Market beginning Nov. 15 or at the town hall the day of the tour Proceeds benefit St. Charles City/County charities.

Dec. 3: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony

Everyone is welcome at this ceremony hosted by the O’Fallon Veterans Commission in memory of the victims and survivors of the bombing of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 that will take place at 1 p.m.at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) at 100 North Main St. in O’Fallon.

Dec. 4: Arts and crafts fair

Francis Howell Marching Band Arts and Craft Fair will take place from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Booth space still available. For more information visit http://www.bit.ly/marchingVikings.

Dec. 11-12: The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll

On this Celebration of Lights walkthrough, you’ll hear holiday music, and follow an illuminated drive past holiday scenes that are merry and bright on Dec. 11–12 from 6–8:30 p.m. at Fort Zumwalt Park at 1000 Jessup Drive in O’Fallon. Admission is $3 for ages three and older; free parking. At 7:25 p.m., fireworks bursting over the lake will add wonder and excitement to this magical walk-through. Along the way you can stop to visit Santa, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Sorry, no pets are allowed and there will be no carriage rides on these two special nights for pedestrians, only. Rain or shine. Park free at the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon at 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway and the O’Fallon Christian Church at 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway. No reservations are needed for the Holiday Stroll. But you can avoid the line at the gate by pre-purchasing admission wristbands at $3 each for ages 3 and older. Starting Nov. 13 through Dec. 8, wristbands will be sold at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 400 Civic Park Drive, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sorry, wristbands are non-refundable.

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 636-279-5522 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 Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Joyce at 636-206-5306.

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

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

Mondays: Parent support group

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

Mondays: mous

Alcoholics

Anony-

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

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 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Mondays: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

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

Mondays, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes

9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-369-6521.

Mondays: Chronic pain support group

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).

1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting 6:30pm. Location varies. 314-3047480.

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.

What’s Happening

St. Charles

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

Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club

the O’Fallon Family YMCA

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

Every Tuesday: Meeting

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.

Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant.

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at

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

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

6:30 pm at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.219.0553.

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

1 – 4 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

Cancer Companions Support Group is a support group for any cancer patient in treatment or post treatment, their caregiver and their loved ones that meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie at 7 p.m. in the parlor. Registration is not required.

Spotlight

Gateway Spotlight is a women’s a capella chorus that meets at First United Methodist Church at 801 first Capitol Dr. in St. Charles every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. Call 636256-6823 for more details.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

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

American Chronic Pain Association is

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of

SUDOKU answers from page 2

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

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

Toastmasters

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

3rd Monday of Each Month: Life After Loss support group

Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

www.edwardjones.com

November 1, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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P.S. Thank you St. Jude, R.H..

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SERVICES PET CEMETERY

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 1, 2017

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November 1, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

“Geostorm”

‘Geostorm’ is not the perfect storm

M O V I E

On the surface, “Geostorm,” a new technological thriller, had everything going for it, including a popular male lead and a timely environmental plot. When the smoke cleared after its opening weekend; however, the seasonal comedy “Boo 2! A Madea Halloween” topped the box office while Gerard Butler’s outer space adventure crashed and burned with a $14 million debut. Based on all the trailers and previews, “Geostorm” looked like a good movie option. After countless hurricanes, storms and floods ravage the planet, Jake Lawson, played by Butler, leads an international team of scientists and engineers to create weather-controlling satellites. The project, nicknamed “Dutch Boy,” is wildly successful after it goes online, and Lawson is hailed a hero. Unfortunately, after years of service, Dutch Boy seems to have fatal flaws. The life-saving technology is now freezing people in the middle of the desert and triggering fatal tidal waves.

Lawson, who had been removed from the project for insubordination, must return to space to find out why his life’s work has gone haywire. So how did Tyler Perry wearing a dress and makeup take down this rather expensive popcorn movie? The extremely predictable screenplay, which was written by director Dean Devlin and Paul Guyot, is one reason. The story borrows many themes from Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar,” including the abandonment issues surrounding Lawson’s daughter Hannah (Talitha Bateman). It’s also way too easy to tell who the villains are in this piece. There’s also family conflict between Jake and his brother, Max (Jim Sturgess). After Jake talks back to a Senate sub-committee about Dutch Boy, he learns that Max has been tasked to replace him. When the project evidently malfunctions, Max must mend fences with his brother to prevent the “Geostorm” that could destroy the world. At this point, the whole plot collapses under

By Steve Bryan the weight of bad acting and implausibility. Max is lucky enough to be involved with Secret Service Agent Sarah Wilson (Abbie Cornish), who violates her code of conduct to help him. A very bored Andy Garcia plays the blandest President of the United States in recent memory (where is Morgan Freeman when you really need him?) Zazie Beetz gets some good moments, though, as Dana, Max’s friend and technical wizard. “Geostorm” also shows how incredibly hard it is to kill off one of Gerard Butler’s characters. In “Olympus Has Fallen,” his Mike Banning character kept the POTUS safe as terrorists attacked the White House. Three years later, Butler reprised the character in “London Has Fallen,” taking everything terrorists could throw at him and returning fire. Suffice it to say, Jake Lawson is as hard to kill as Banning. As of this writing, “Geostorm” is slated to lose approximately $100 million, an amount that could have been a good down payment on an actual weather control system instead of wasting it on a bad movie. “Geostorm” photo courtesy of Warner Brothers 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.