Issuu

December 7, 2016

Rolling to the rescue Around Town

Youth in Government Day

Submitted photos Wentzville Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain along with Melanie Willis and her daughter Faith Willis were on hand to honor the engineering class of Liberty High School (from left) Jimmy Moore, Bryan Eplett, Wyatt Lake, Hamza Mansoor, Josh Parmentier and teacher Vince Redman (not pictured Nick Beseda and Sam Schuettenberg) for building a wheelchair for Faith.

Special Section

School

Shopping and entertainment guide

High school engineering students build wheelchair for toddler with spina bifida By Brett Auten Colonel John “Hannibal” ahead. Smith would have certainly First the students put toapproved. gether an informal fundraisThe fictitious character er throughout the school. from the 1980s television Then it was a matter of time show “The A-Team” is known of waiting for the blueprints for his catchphrase, “I love it and parts to arrive. when a plan comes together.” “Everything went pretty A group of students at Libquick,” Josh Parmentier, a erty High School in Wentz17-year-old senior, said. ville came through on a proj“While we waited for evect that has bettered the life erything, we had it planned of an area girl. out what we needed to do Just shy of her second whether it as cutting or birthday, Faith Willis was drilling.” diagnosed with spina bifida. Obviously, the most fulFaith Willis tries out her new wheelchair constructed by the engineering students of Melanie Willis, Faith’s moth- Liberty High School. filling part of the project er and an employee of the was when Faith and Melaschool district, responded to nie came to the classroom to an email sent out by Vince Redman, an engineering teach- bring home the final product. er at Liberty High School. Each year Redman’s senior-level “(Faith) came into the class and it was toward the end of class – which is part of Project Lead The Way, a program the day and she was kind of shy,” Redman said. that provides real-world problem-solving in computer sciBut Faith soon warmed up and took immediately to it. ence, engineering, and biomedical sciences – is required to “She learned really quick, like within five minutes,” Bryan choose a project under the criteria of building something Eplett, an 18-year-old senior, said. “It was nice to see somefrom the ground up or innovating or improving an already- thing we built and raise money for make a difference in a established product. little girl’s life.” In the email, Melanie spoke of Faith’s dislike of her walker Eplett said the group would like to finish up plans for a and the family thought about getting her a wheelchair to motorized wheelchair that would have off-road capabilities, help her with longer distances so she would not tire so easy making it possible to traverse on grass and over small bumps. and keep up with her peers. The conundrum came in Faith’s For Redman, it was an opportunity to give his students a size. She was too small in stature for the kind of wheelchair lesson inside and outside of the classroom. the Willis’ were looking for. “I don’t think many of them have had a chance to experiIn stepped seven of Redmen’s students and the team was ence and help someone so young,” Redman said. “But they off and running. In order to speed things up, instead of hav- are smart, gifted kids and they rallied around each other and ing to invent a wheelchair from the ground up, blueprints got it done.” and specs were found online and the crew went full steam

Patron saint’s feast day celebrated

Learn & Play

Movie:

Sweet holiday treats

Oscar frontrunners

FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com

Around Town

Vol. 18 No. 49

In This Issue... Around Town

Fifth Street interchange project met and more. Special Section

Holiday Shopping Guide 8

School Four Liberty students earn Rookie of the Year in WorldQuest Competition and more.

Sports Local sports with Gary B.

Learn & Play Featuring recipe and crossword.

What’s Happening

Classifieds

Movie Where are the Oscar frontrunners?

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 Robert J. Huneke Editor Mathew DeKinder

December 7, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Charles police officer awarded Missouri Medal of Valor St. Charles Police Officer Jeff Haislip was awarded the Missouri Medal of Valor, the state’s highest public safety award, by Governor Jay Nixon. Haislip was recognized for his actions when responding to a structure fire on North Third Street in February of 2015. Upon his arrival, Haislip was informed that there was a person in the home. Haislip immediately forced open the door and entered the structure without any protective gear. He found the 86-yearold resident and carried her to safety. This heroic act saved the woman’s life and was a shining example of Officer Haislip’s dedication to his job and his willingness to

“It’s just one example of the selfless acts performed by officers each and every day. I am grateful for Officer Haislip’s service, and proud that he was honored in this way.” The Mission of the St. Charles Police Department is to provide the finest in full-service law enforcement in order to preserve the peace, protect the innocent, Photo courtesy city of St. Charles and bring to justice the criminal element. (From left) Officer Jeff Haislip pictured with Police Chief Randy “Officer Haislip is a shining example of McKinley and City Administrator Larry Dobrosky. the dedication of our police department,” put himself in harm’s way for the citizens said Mayor of St. Charles Sally Faith. “I congratulate him on this well-deserved he serves. “We are extremely proud of Officer honor and thank him, and all of our Haislip and his heroic actions,” said St. officers, for the service they provide our Charles City Police Chief Randy McKinley. city and its citizens.”

Regional School Assembly celebrates St. Louis region’s commitment to closing the school discipline gap Nearly 600 community members gathered Nov. 13 at the Regional School Assembly: Keeping Our Kids in the Classroom to discuss on-going efforts to eliminate outof-school suspensions for pre-kindergarten through third grade students, a signature call to action of the Ferguson Commission’s report in 2015. “We cannot afford to be silent, complacent, or apathetic when it comes to the nation’s greatest resource, which is our children,” said Reverend Karen Anderson, President of the board of Metropolitan Congregations United. “We as a community must take creative action across the region if we are going to change the trajectory of outcomes and provide a better future for our children.” The event, held at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School, was part of a collective effort by several community organizations, including: FOCUS St. Louis Impact Fellows, Forward Through Ferguson, Metropolitan Congregations United, Ready by 21 St. Louis, West County Community Action Network, and Educators for Social Justice. At the Regional School Assembly, Stacy Clay, Deputy Superintendent of Student Support Services for St. Louis Public Schools

reported on the impact of an April 2016 change in out-of-school suspension policy for their youngest students. “School suspensions this year in Saint Louis Public Schools are only 20 percent of what they were at this time last year,” he shared. Representatives from 20 school districts across St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County were present at the gathering. Superintendents and other leadership announced their support of policy changes that reduce and eliminate out-of-school suspensions, choosing one of three levels of commitments. Maplewood Richmond Heights committed to changing their policy for next school year, 2016-2017. Normandy and Ladue committed to changing their policy for the 2018-2019 school year. Additionally, 17 school districts committed to reducing out-of-school suspensions exploring alternative disciplinary practices. Through meetings with school district officials, advocates heard that it is not enough to change school district policy around this issue. Many superintendents called for additional resources and support

from the community as the districts implement alternative school disciplinary practices that keep child and teacher wellbeing at the center. “We can’t just make demands on our schools without offering to partner with them to help improve things,” said Dr. Jason Purnell, Principal Investigator and Project Director, For the Sake of All. “We are all in this together.” Affirming that changes in school discipline policies and practices will take support from more than just school districts, the event organizers and other key community partners presented their commitments to moving racial and educational equity work forward. The event featured performances from Freedom Arts and Education Center, ALadies A Capella Group from Webster Groves High School, and AfroKuumba dancers with Alicia Sunshine School of Dance. Organizers of the initiative are planning a series of meetings in the coming weeks with funders, districts, and community leaders to continue discussions and build a model for funding school support.

Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistants Lisa Moran, Melissa Nordmann Staff Writers Brett Auten, Nicholas Elmes Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore Cartoonist John Hanna Staff Photographer Ray Rockwell Social Media Lori North Classified Advertising Brooke Tolle

www.mycnews.com

Display Advertising Randy Davies, Heather Deatz, Susan Faust, Doug Garbs, Bob Huneke, Norm Merchant, Tony Mooney, Christy Parks, Laurie Simon, Ty Taylor, Christy Weber Circulation: Distributech, Dominion Distribution, Papers Unlimited, Josh Blasingame Community News is a Registered Trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher is responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Huneke Publications, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject all news and advertising copy which in the sole judgement and discretion of the publisher/editor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication. Copyright 2016 Huneke Publica tions, Inc. with all rights reserved. No part of the publications may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher/editor. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Entire Contents Copyrighted

www.schuster.com

WWW.MIDWESTBANKCENTRE.COM

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 7, 2016

Fifth Street interchange project deadline met It doesn’t have to take “forever” to build a road. That’s the message County Executive Steve Ehlmann wants to convey. Elhmann cites the Fifth Street Interchange Project in St. Charles, a partnership with the city of St. Charles, St. Charles County and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), as proof. “We set expectations from the beginning of this project that certain deadlines had to be met,” said Ehlmann. “We needed to have Fifth Street open and accessible to traffic for the holiday season. Construction didn’t start until March 7, and our deadline was Nov. 23, so it was a very aggressive schedule. But it was met. It can happen.” Ehlmann is referring to a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at the intersection of Fifth Street and Interstate 70 which includes new exit ramps on and off I-70, both east and westbound. The project was initiated to help improve traffic flow, as well as access to and from Interstate 70, to a very busy Fifth Street interchange. Merchants along Main Street in St. Charles, as well as the Streets of St. Charles, Mark Twain Village, and Bass Pro were concerned about the effect construction might have on holiday shopping. City and county officials were concerned as well. “Often, there are numerous delays which cause construction and inconveniences to residents and visitors,” says Ehlmann, “but this project is proof that, by working together, roads can be built on schedule. The partnership

between the city of St. Charles, the county and MODOT worked well, and I am proud of that.” Ehlmann says similar projects have taken two years to complete, but the DDI was completed in nine months. He credits MODOT, along with contractor Millstone Weber, with hard work and diligence that kept the project moving. Traffic already is adjusting to the lane changes and traffic flow and merchants are gearing up for a steady stream of shoppers. The Fifth Street Interchange Project includes components in addition to the DDI at Fifth Street and I-70. They are: • Construction of a new one-way outer road between Fifth Street and Fairgrounds Road. • Replacement of the Fairgrounds Road overpass. • Full interstate access to and from Fairgrounds Road. • A roundabout at the intersection of Fairgrounds Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway. • New sidewalks along Fifth Street, Veterans Memorial Parkway and Fairgrounds Road. • Adding a new eastbound and westbound lane on I-70 under the First Capitol Drive Interchange. • New bike lanes at the Fairgrounds Road overpass. The deadline for completion of the entire project is April 22, 2017.

Around Town

pinterest.com/mycnews

www.treesbywoody.net

$100 or Less Art Show and Sale going on now at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre It’s that time of year and once again you are left with the dilemma of what to give Aunt Susan. Here’s a thought – how about a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork? St. Peters Cultural Art Centre is once again offering a chance for you purchase unique artwork from local artists at our Seventh Annual $100 or Less Art Show and Sale. As the name states, you will not pay more than $100 for any piece of artwork in the $100 or Less Art Show and Sale. Stop by St. Peters Cultural Arts Center and browse the artwork located on

the walls in the Amethyst, Zircon, and Ruby Galleries as well as the Emerald Room and Art Room 2 to find your treasure. Please note, pieces in different art shows located in other galleries at the Centre may be priced higher than $100. St. Peters Cultural Art Centre is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Centre is located in St. Peters City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.

Over $3.3 million donated to Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital from Pedal the Cause Pedal the Cause supporters gathered at Ballpark Village as the organization presented a record-breaking donation of $3,300,029 to Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital at the Pedal the Cause Check Presentation Celebration. 100 percent of this donation was raised by riders, spinners, volunteers, virtual riders and kids participating in the seventh annual Pedal the Cause – a cycling challenge and weekend community celebration with the goal of curing all cancers for everyone. Pedal the Cause 2016 took place on Sept. 24 and 25 at the Chesterfield Amphitheater. “Pedal the Cause supporters have been busy fundraising all year and should be incredibly proud of not only this enormous check, but more importantly of the impact their donations are

having on the state of cancer” stated Jay Indovino, Executive Director of Pedal the Cause. “Funds from Pedal the Cause have kick-started new ideas and projects that would not have received funding otherwise. These projects are producing strong results, new treatments and meriting large federal grants. We are truly changing the course of cancer.” The generous support of sponsors, led by Edward Jones, ensures that 100 percent of donations made to Pedal the Cause directly fund the best and brightest cancer research projects at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. During event weekend in September, Edward Jones announced a renewed commitment of $1 million over the next three years to support

Pedal the Cause’s 100 percent model. Pedal the Cause is St. Louis’ premier cycling event, where 100 percent of all donations fund groundbreaking cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In 2016, over 4,000 riders, spinners and volunteers, with the support of more than 30,000 donors, have made Pedal the Cause the region’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event. In seven years of fundraising, Pedal the Cause participants have donated $15,807,029 to beneficiaries, funding 74 cancer research projects — including 50 adult and 24 pediatric projects. Funds donated by Pedal the Cause in 2016 will be distributed to the most promising research projects in 2017.

www.CenterPointeHospital.com

Help a Neighbor

WHILE ENJOYING SPECIAL BUYS Your purchases help those in need right here at home!

SPECIAL BUYS Watches - $8.88 Throws - $4.88 Candy - $ 1.49

St. Charles Thrift Store 1069 Regency Parkway St. Charles, MO 63303 (314) 881-6000 www.svdpstl.org

www.svdpstl.org

Around Town

December 7, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Four St. Charles-area Girl Scouts go for gold

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stcharles www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

www.byerlyrv.com

Girl Scouts Brianna Birk, Taylor Banze, Jocelyn Sanders and Kara Stahlschmidt were among 42 young women who earned the Girl Scout Gold Award in 2016. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. After volunteering at Sparrow’s Nest Maternity Home, Birk, a senior at Lutheran High School of St. Charles County, saw a need for a fitness program for the teen mothers. She created a fitness program for residents that included videos and a guide book with pre- and post-natal exercises. The exercises incorporated yoga, resistance training, aerobics and Pilates. She also donated yoga balls, DVDs, weights, mats and resistance bands for the girls to use while exercising. “I wanted to focus on helping young teens who come to Sparrow’s Nest during this very difficult time and incorporate something I am passionate about, health and fitness,” Birk said. “The teens were very engaged during the sessions. I led the classes and the girls related to me.” A lifelong Girl Scout, Banze, a graduate of Timberland High School, wanted to find a way to help women in dire situations maintain a healthy diet and utilize fresh vegetables. She planted a vegetable garden at Our Lady’s Inn in Defiance. Banze taught staff and residents the importance of gardening as an inexpensive way to eat nutritious food, and created a recipe book for residents to use that would incorporate fresh vegetables from the garden. Sanders, a 2015 graduate of Francis Howell

Central and current sophomore at University of the South, used her creativity to create a book of events at Fisher House, a temporary residence for families of soldiers recovering at the VA Hospital at Jefferson Barracks. She developed fun events to boost morale for residents, complete with posters, games, coloring pages and treats for approximately 100 holidays. “I learned a lot about my leadership style while speaking with community groups about Fisher House and this project,” Sanders said. “I also learned about creative thinking, and how things can be created with what you have.” Stahlschmidt, a senior at St. Charles High School, established a Teen Chapter for Moose Lodge #1513 to promote community service projects that teens can be involved in. She recruited teens to become members of the group by developing a brochure and membership application that adheres to the lodge guidelines. Stahlschmidt also created a website for the Moose Lodge so community members could easily find information about the organization and stay informed about upcoming community events and fundraisers. The Gold Award is the highest national award a Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador, girls in grade 9-12, can earn. Attaining the Girl Scout Gold Award requires a significant amount of time planning and implementing a challenging, largescale project that is innovative, engages others and has a lasting impact on its targeted community with an emphasis on sustainability.

Collector of Revenue mails 2016 tax bills By Nov. 30, more than 355,000 tax bills for 2016 were scheduled to be mailed by the St. Charles County Collector of Revenue. For the second year, real estate and personal property bills will be combined into one bill in one envelope for the convenience of the taxpayer. “We received feedback from residents that having both bills in one easy-to-recognize envelope last year during the busy holiday mail season was much appreciated,” says Michelle McBride, Collector of Revenue. “We want to continue to make the tax payment process as easy as possible.” Taxpayers should note, however, that they could still receive real estate and personal property tax bills in separate envelopes if there are different name and address variations on their personal property assessment forms and real estate and vehicle titles. To prevent this in the future, residents should make sure the name and address on their 2017 personal property assessment forms and real estate and vehicle title(s) match. Additionally, taxpayers may receive a revised bill in the mail due to clarification or correction of new special assessments, resolution of state tax commission appeals and/or addition or deletion of personal property items. Taxpayers should pay according to the revised statement. In cases of bills that are revised due to clarification or correction of new special assessments, taxpayers can expect to receive a new bill before Dec. 7. Important 2016 tax payment deadline reminder and ways to pay Tax payments are due by Dec. 31. Since the county’s offices will be closed on the weekend, McBride urges taxpayers to plan ahead. “If you plan to make your payment by mail or in person, please allow plenty of time,” says McBride. “Since the office will be closed for the weekend, payments on Dec. 31 can be made at the collector’s outdoor drop box, by phone or through our payment website. However, I encourage citizens not to wait until the last minute to pay by phone or online because technical difficulties do

not extend the statutory deadline to pay without late payment penalties and interest.”

Following are ways to pay:

• In person: From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the St. Charles County Administration Building, 201 N. Second Street, St. Charles, first floor, at the payment windows or in the drop box in the lobby. Additionally, there is a drop box located on N. Second Street in front of the County’s Administration Building. Payments by check, money order, cashier’s check and cash are accepted in person; check, money order and cashier’s check payments can be submitted through the drop boxes. Please note that credit/debit card and eCheck payments must be submitted by phone through the tax payment line, or online. • By mail: Send to Michelle D. McBride, Collector of Revenue, 201 N. Second St., Room 134, St. Charles, MO 63301. Please do not send cash payments by mail. Mailed payments are accepted as of the postmark date. If there is no postmark, payment will be accepted on the date that the Collector of Revenue’s office receives the envelope. • By phone: Call the tax payment line at 1-800-272-9829, enter jurisdiction code 3513, and follow the prompts. • Online: Visit stcharlesmocollector.org. Online payments made on this site are posted based on the online payment transaction date/time. Taxpayers using their own financial institution’s online bill pay system need to initiate payment at least five working days prior to Dec. 31, 2016, to ensure it will be received by the Collector of Revenue on time. Again, technical difficulties on any online payment website do not extend the statutory deadline to pay without late payment interest and penalty.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 7, 2016

Around Town

Route 364, I-70 traffic growth necessitates planning for the future

Keep electric safety in mind this holiday season

Route 364, also known as the Page Extension, recently surpassed Interstate 70 (I-70) to become the busiest Missouri River bridge-crossing between St. Charles County and St. Louis County during morning and afternoon rush hours. According to data from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Monday through Friday, approximately 7,900 vehicles per hour use Route 364 during the morning rush and 8,400 vehicles per hour in the afternoon rush. The higher numbers are the result of the completion of Phase III of the Page Extension in 2014. This phase was accomplished by county and municipal governments working together with MoDOT to provide the funding needed to complete the project, which had been planned for more than 25 years. Travel on Route 364 has steadily increased and continuously surpassed expectations since the opening of Phase III, which extends between Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Interstate 64. Before construction, Phase III was forecasted to carry 2,100 vehicles per hour from just west of Mid Rivers Mall Drive to the river. Shortly after opening, it was carrying more than twice that number. “Even two years later, I continue to hear on a regular basis how residents appreciate the Page Extension and use it for their daily commutes,” said St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “It has been an amazing addition to our transportation infrastructure, especially in connecting the western and eastern parts of the county and alleviating traffic on other thoroughfares.” Although rush hour traffic volumes have decreased on Interstate 70, it still is the county’s most traveled route on a daily basis and an important road for transcontinental traffic and freight. This is one of the many reasons Ehlmann wants to make sure the region does not neglect the interstate.

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative reminds everyone to be safe with electricity during the holidays. Cuivre River Safety Coordinator Doug Bagby says, “A little thoughtful planning and common sense will help everyone enjoy the holidays safely.” This festive season offers some unique potential electrical hazards. “Remember to thoroughly check electrically operated decorations before plugging them into an outlet,” Bagby adds. “Many accidents may be prevented by just following a few simple safety steps.”

“We have been lobbying MoDOT to restart a comprehensive study of the I-70 corridor that was suspended due to a dismal federal and state revenue forecast for transportation,” says Ehlmann. “Our position has been that we need to be ready to build when federal and state funds become available.” With this in mind, the county, the city of St. Charles and MoDOT teamed up to fund the interchange improvements along I-70 at South Fifth Street and Fairgrounds Road, which opened last week. This project will reduce congestion at the Fifth Street Interchange and stimulate redevelopment near Fairgrounds Road due to easy access the interstate. Like Phase III of the Page Extension, this project was funded via a partnership and included funds from the County, City of St. Charles, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and MoDOT. “Our residents understand how important road infrastructure is to the growth and viability of our economy,” says Ehlmann. “Currently, St. Charles County has the third largest economy in Missouri and is one of the top 25 counties for hightech job growth in the nation. Additionally, our manufacturing sector is booming. It is important for us to continue to plan and invest in the road infrastructure needed to reduce congestion and support a growing economy. “Moreover, it is important that we take an indepth look at the corridor to make certain it does not experience the same deterioration we have seen on some previously thriving corridors in the St. Louis region,” Ehlmann continued. “That goal is even more important now, with President-Elect Donald Trump expressing interest in a bipartisan effort to improve the country’s infrastructure.”

St. Charles Optimist Club sponsors Youth in Government Day

https://twitter.com/@mycnews

Submitted photo Marking Youth in Government Day were (front row, from left) Shelby Arnold – St. Charles High, Reid Bayliss – St. Charles High, Julia Angell – St. Charles West High, (back row, from left) Dr. Jeff Marion – President, Jacob Larson – St. Charles West High, Dulcie Coulliard – Event Chairperson, Clayton Cook – Orchard Farm High and Sally Faith – Mayor, city of St. Charles.

The St. Charles Optimist Club recognized five high school students who participated in the Annual Youth in Government Day on Nov. 15. Students were nominated by their high school counselor or classroom teacher to participate in a day-long visit with the city of St. Charles government officials. At city hall, Mayor Sally Faith welcomed the students and department heads from the fire department and police department discussed department operations and then toured the facilities. At the Optimist Club noon luncheon, the students shared experiences they had during the morning visit and their future plans following high school graduation. After the luncheon, the students returned to the city departments to complete the day.

Cuivre River offers these tips to help you have a safe and happy holiday season: • Use waterproof outdoor cords for outdoor lights and decorations. Keep connections above ground and out of water or snow, and remember to use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected outlet. •

Remember to keep indoor lights and decorations inside.

•

Don’t overload electric outlets.

•

Check decorative lights for frayed wiring and loose connections.

•

Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark on decorative lights and other electrical items. The UL mark shows that these models have been tested and meet UL’s rigorous safety requirements.

•

Watch for sharp edges that could cut wiring if attaching lights to gutters. Avoid using staples, nails or tacks to secure lights.

•

Resist connecting multiple extension cords together. If needed, purchase a longer extension cord to prevent a possible fire hazard. Avoid placing extension cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.

•

Unplug decorative lighting when leaving home and before going to bed.

•

Keep Christmas trees away from heating sources and electrical appliances.

•

If decorating outside, remember to always look up for power lines and maintain at least a 10-foot safety zone away from lines.

•

Use ladders safely when installing lights or decorations. Secure the ladder base on solid ground or level in accordance to manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to have a helper hold and secure the ladder.

Around Town

December 7, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Charles County Parks hosts festive holiday programs Citizens of all ages are invited to get into the holiday spirit at December events hosted by the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department: • Step back in time to observe Christmas traditions of the past Dec. 9 – 10 at the annual Christmas Candlelight Tours at the Historic Daniel Boone Home at Lindenwood Park, 1868 Highway F in Defiance. The village, illuminated with thousands of lights, comes to life as guests experience the traditions of different cultures of the early 1800s frontier. Visitors can enjoy hot apple cider, traditional carolers, and more while strolling through the historic park. This year’s musical performances will be held inside the Old Peace Chapel and include selections by Chapel of the Lake Choir, Duchesne High School Royal Impressions Choir, Timberland High School Choir, Holt High School Chamber Choir and St Peters Choral Society. Tickets are limited and pre-registration is suggested by calling 636-798-2005. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children under four are free. • Enjoy free musical performances during Sounds of the Season from 1:30-5 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Heritage Museum at 1630 Heritage Landing in St. Peters. The Greenleaf Singers kick off the event, followed by the St. Charles Community Singers, and the Nicole Jonas Group. Hot apple cider will be served and the first 50 guests receive a complimentary commemorative ornament. • While visiting the museum, guests are invited to take a free tour of the new exhibit, “Our Sporting Heritage.” The exhibit features a Marksman Hunting Simulator, which was donated to the Parks Department by August Busch III. This realistic hunting experience, allows players to participate in a virtual duck hunt. The main exhibit showcases the history of hunting and fishing in St. Charles County and throughout the state. Another featured highlight of the exhibit is the St. Charles County Amateur Sports Hall of Fame; additional displays focus on amateur sports in the county. For more information about the Parks Department’s holiday programs and the “Our Sporting Heritage” exhibit, visit www.stccparks. org or call 636-949-7535.

A guided tour of six Louisiana Churches decorated for the holidays. Listen to beautiful music performed at each location Begins at 3 p.m. at the Bethel AME Church located at 6th and Tennessee.

www.Louisiana-Mo.com Pinterest.com LouisianaMO

888.642.3800 Facebook.com VisitLouisiana

Gracious gift giving Perfect presents for every person on your list A sizzling, tasteful gift A gift true to the occasion is a delicious meal perfect for sharing with family and friends. The Tasteful Gift package ($69.99 with free shipping) from Omaha Steaks, which offers a holiday experience that can be shared with others, features premium steaks – two tender filet mignons and two beefy top sirloins – two boneless pork chops and an Omaha Steaks seasoning packet to emphasize the flavor. Dress up the meal with flavorful potatoes au gratin and caramel apple tartlets for a memorable finale. For more information, visit omahasteaks.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Holiday season means it’s time to start picking out stocking stuffers and gifts that perfectly match every friend and family member – including four-legged ones – on your list. But when that list grows longer and longer and you find that not everyone is so easy to buy for, the right present can be difficult to find. Instead of spending more time head-scratching than giftwrapping, keep everyone jolly by going for one of these great gift ideas. Practical pens and pencils If you’re searching for a present for someone who always seems to be difficult to shop for, give a fun, yet practical gift, such as a Zebra Pen. There’s no doubt that it’s tough to find a gift for dad, which is why the sleek F-701 stainless steel ballpoint pen is perfect. Give the artist on your list a bit of inspiration with Sarasa colored gel pens or help your students take on schoolwork with Cadoozles mechanical pencils. Find more stocking stuffer ideas at zebrapen.com. Luxe accessories sure to delight Give the gift of luxury with brilliant jewelry imbued with lush velvet, the must-have fabric of the season. The I-shaped cuff from I.N.C. International Concepts features velvet detailing as well as clean architectural lines for a sophisticated and elegant, yet modern piece of jewelry that elevates any look and offers an unexpected take on the red-hot velvet trend. Fashionable, opulent and a fantastic value at $30, this cuff can be found exclusively at Macy’s stores and macys.com.

Fit and toned for the New Year Need a gift for someone looking to start a fitness routine or the workout enthusiast who has everything? The Ab Carver Pro from Perfect Fitness has a carbon steel spring engine that provides resistance while rolling out and assistance rolling back, activating more muscles than an ordinary ab roller. Its wide wheel and ergonomic handles deliver a powerful core and arm workout for those of any fitness level. It also comes with kneepads and a variety of downloadable workouts. To see success stories or purchase, visit abcarverpro.com. Enter code HOLIDAY16 for 10 percent off. A holiday treat your dog will love When shopping for your family this holiday season, don’t forget your four-legged friend. Give your pup the gift of Pedigree Dentastix Treats to help combat dog breath and bring the whole family closer with holiday hugs and kisses. The Triple Action formula helps freshen breath, reduce tartar buildup and scrape away plaque to help clean hard-to-reach teeth. Pedigree Dentastix Treats come in various sizes and flavors. Learn more at Pedigree.com/Dentastix. The gift of sight This holiday season, give a gift that changes the way your loved one sees the world – the gift of great vision from VSP Direct. Plans start as low as $17 per month and include a comprehensive eye exam, glasses and/or contacts, and the lowest outof-pocket costs. Plus, with coverage from the No. 1 name in vision care, it’s a gift that keeps giving, even after the holidays are over. Visit givevspdirect.com to learn more.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 7, 2016

Support children this holiday season

Submitted Photos

The holidays are all about spreading generosity and kindness, so when searching for the perfect presents for everyone on your holiday shopping list, look for gifts that also benefit children in need around the world.

Around Town

at ALEX AND ANI stores and authorized retailers. For more than 20 years, Pier 1 Imports and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF have held a children’s greeting card contest to help generate awareness. The winning design will be reproduced as an official UNICEF greeting card and be sold exclusively at Pier 1 Imports stores nationwide and on pier1.com the following holiday season. Additionally, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF is offering a selection of boxed holiday cards that can be purchased online at market. unicefusa.org and through Pier 1 Imports, IKEA and select Hallmark Gold Crown stores with 100 percent of sales for all cards purchased at Pier 1 Imports and IKEA stores going directly to support UNICEF programs. In Malawi, the majority of students struggle to learn while sitting on the floor or ground outdoors. The Kids in Need of Desks (K.I.N.D.) fund provides a desk and bench for two to three students in schools in the

sub-Saharan country with each $55 donation. In addition, the K.I.N.D. fund provides a $177 scholarship for girls in Malawi that delivers one year of education, including tuition, room and board, textbooks, transportation, a school uniform and learning supplies. This holiday season, HSN brought together 24 designers to create a specific design reflecting what UNICEF means to them, creating a one-of-a-kind quilt. Customers can purchase the “HSN Cares Designer Quilt” through Dec. 31. For each quilt sold on HSN, the company will donate $15 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. This year, the IKEA Foundation is launching its new Good Cause campaign, “Let’s Play for Change.” For every toy, children’s book or children’s small furniture piece sold in stores from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24, the IKEA Foundation will donate $1 to help support children’s right to play and develop through UNICEF programs.

Gifts that give back

From jewelry to accessories, home decor and children’s toys, handcrafted products from UNICEF Market not only provide children with basic necessities such as lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more, but also support artists from Asia, Africa and Latin America. UNICEF Market shoppers are invited to curate online gift collections for a chance to win a Smithsonian Journeys 10-day trip for two to Peru. Learn more at smithsonianjourneys.org. Some lifesaving items can be purchased in honor of a loved one and go directly to help children in need in developing countries. Some examples of UNICEF Inspired Gifts include: • Therapeutic Food: A “miracle food,” this peanut-based paste provides quick, lifesaving nourishment to 15 malnourished children for five days. • Measles Vaccinations: Measles is still a leading global cause of vaccine-prevent-

able death and disability in children. For $30, this gift will provide vaccines for 80 children. Additionally, the UNICEF Kid Power Band gives kids the power to get active and save lives. With the world’s first wearable-for-good, kids go on missions to learn about new cultures and earn points. Points unlock funding from partners, parents and fans, and funds are used to deliver lifesaving packets of therapeutic food to severely malnourished children around the world. Families can join the team by purchasing a Kid Power Band – available this holiday season at Target – and downloading the free companion app. The bands are available in blue, orange and two special “Star Wars: Force for Change” editions: black and green.

www.krekeler.com www.krekeler.com

Other ways to support

ALEX AND ANI has partnered with UNICEF to support children affected by conflict and natural disasters, as well as provide funding for programs that help kids have a brighter future through education and play. Twenty percent of the purchase price of the “Kindred Cord World Peace Collection” and “Bright Future Charm Bangles” will be donated to UNICEF’s work through Feb. 28, 2018. Both items are available online,

www.ofallon.mo.us/business-map

Around Town

Why do you read the Community News?

December 7, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

“A good amount of coverage on a multitude of issues.” ~Reader Survey, 2016

Pick up one of our four publications at a newsstand near you, or visit us online. www.mycnews.com

St. Charles County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution receive National Society Honor At the Missouri Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Board Meeting held in Columbia, Missouri, the Fernando de Leyba (St. Charles County) SAR Chapter was presented the National SAR Society’s President General’s Cup Certificate, which is given annually to the chapter presenting evidence of the most complete program of activities in the nation. Missouri SAR Society, President, Dale Schmidt, presented the National Society’s President General’s Cup Certificate to the Fernando de Leyba Chapter Members attending the board meeting. The Fernando de Leyba SAR Chapter meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday evening of each month, except July and August, at Culpepper’s in St. Charles. Men interested is joining the SAR are welcome to attend the meetings. Spouses are also invited to attend.

Submitted photo (From left) Dennis Hahn, Charles Lilly, Missouri SAR Society President Dale Schmidt and Steve Baldwin were present when the Fernando de Leyba (St. Charles County) Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was presented with the National Society’s President General’s Cup Certificate.

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

Black Friday blues

www.mycnews.com | 636-379-1775 info@mycnews.com

And after the day of the Festival of Gluttony, a.k.a., Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims established a season of activity to diminish the multitudes of layers of fat that would accumulate. And on that day, they created Black Friday. And so it was good. Or so they thought… The alarm clock buzzed at 5 a.m. on Black Friday, but I needed a few more minutes to digest my pumpkin pecan caramel pie. I rolled over to push snooze and kept rolling until I fell off the bed. Instead of splatting on the floor I merely bounced a few times. Luckily, I had amassed a thick layer of padding from the Thanksgiving dinner table or it would have ended there. Good thing I passed on the veggie tray and went straight for that third slice of pie. #vegetableskill I waddled over to my closet and tried on several constricting outfits that immediately began shutting off oxygen to crucial organs. Soon I would be out among the fancy dressed folks so I needed something comfortable and functional, yet deserving of the trendy upscale mall goers I would be mingling with. I chose one of my most swanky Snuggies. Before you judge too harshly, it was a fashionable, glittery-gold cheetah print, which should make everyone feel better. All that exertion had burned off a calorie; I felt famished. Fortunately, I snagged the rest of that pumpkin pie before grandma tucked it into her overnight bag along with the uneaten can of cranberries and Ziplock of uncooked turkey giblets…the woman saves everything!

I turned on the TV as I began nibbling at my breakfast pie. Before me stood a reporter giving updates on the growing crowds already at the stores. Tent cities had popped up where people had been camping out in subzero temperatures. The Red Cross was administering lifesaving hot liquids to the frostbitten masses as they stood waiting for their chance to snag a three dollar combination VCR and waffle maker. Meanwhile, battles in a neighboring department store erupted over the new action figure, Combat Zombie Barbie. Medics were seen administering to the poor souls who lost out in the tug-of-war over the discounted Vampire Ken with sparkling skin tones. Such chaos and mayhem I thought had ended with the election. But there it was again. I reconsidered shopping then turned off the TV, grabbed another slice of pie and headed back to bed. #bargainskill Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 7, 2016

School

The Academy of the Sacred Heart and Duchesne High School co-celebrate patron saint’s feast day The celebration of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s Feast Day literally stopped traffic in St. Charles on Nov. 18. A police escort led the way as nearly 350 Duchesne High School students, faculty members, and parents joined in a Eucharistic procession from their school to the Shrine of St. Philippine at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Upon arriving at St. Philippine’s shrine, students venerated the saint’s sacred remains. The Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne is a lasting tribute to the French nun who brought formalized education and a zeal for sharing the love of God to the Missouri frontier in 1818. In addition to founding the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles, St. Philippine is also credited with founding Catholic education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the first education of any kind in St. Charles County. Duchesne High School was named in her honor when it was opened in 1956 as a replacement for St. Peter High School, which was founded in 1924 as St. Charles County’s first Catholic high school. After visiting St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s shrine, the Duchesne students then proceeded to the Academy’s

Submitted photo Duchesne High School’s Eucharistic procession in honor of the Nov. 18 feast day of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne stops traffic. The Blessed Sacrament was carried in a monstrance by Fr. Paul Hoesing, who was attended by members from Kenrick-Glennon seminary and students from Duchesne.

Rauch Memorial gymnasium, where they were joined by nearly 400 additional students and adults from the Sacred Heart community. Holy Mass was co-celebrated for the two schools by Rev. Paul Hoesing and Rev. Zac Povis. “In his homily today, Father Hoesing emphasized that if you want to really know a person, you need only look at what they desire,” reported Shane VanDiest, director of campus ministry at Duchesne. “It is clear when we look at the life of

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne that she had both a deep love of Our Lord and an ardent desire to serve others. At an age when most of us will be settling into retirement, she ventured out into new territory to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At Duchesne High School, we hope to cultivate in our students a deep love for the Lord and a heart oriented toward service. How fitting, then, that we celebrated out patroness by literally bringing Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament out into the

streets of St. Charles and then celebrating in the way that Rose Philippine would have wanted us to: with Holy Mass.” At the conclusion of Mass, faculty and staff members from both schools encircled the congregation to offer a special prayer of dedication. Additionally, as part of the Feast Day celebration, the academy had a boxed food collection organized by its Social Justice Leadership Committee, for the benefit of New Hope Food Pantry.

For all your graphic design, marketing, and sign needs. (636) 528-7473 www.MooneyMarketing.us www.MooneyMarketing.us Troy, MO 63379

Four Liberty students earn Rookie of the Year in WorldQuest Competition

www.heydollcakes.com

Photo courtesy World Affairs Council of STL Liberty High School students Muhammad Alasgarli, Nicholas Raphael, Cameron Dierks and Adrian Przezdziecki competed in the 15th annual WorldQuest Competition held on Nov. 3 at Webster University. The LHS team finished ninth out of 29 schools and was named Rookie of the Year.

Four Liberty High School students in the Wentzville School District competed in the 15th annual WorldQuest Competition held on Nov. 3 at Webster University. Muhammad Alasgarli, Nicholas Raphael, Cameron Dierks and Adrian Przezdziecki made up the LHS team which finished ninth out of 29 schools and was named Rookie of the Year. WorldQuest is a high school knowledge competition where dozens of high schools from the St. Louis and Metro East area compete for a chance to represent the St. Louis region in the national competition next April in Washington D.C. The

competition consisted of seven rounds of 10 questions each and the school that answered the most questions correctly after the seven rounds was declared the winner. “The WorldQuest competition is a great way for students to test their knowledge regarding important global issues,” said Elizabeth Hatfield, Director of Programs and Administration for World Affairs Council of St. Louis. “It’s always great to see kids show interest in these issues as they will be the future leaders responsible for addressing them.”

www.dpc4u.org

Sports

December 7, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Check out our

Sports you see with Gary B...

Home & Garden Section in Classifieds page 15

www.nine2fivestl.com

www.wentzville-mo.minutemanpress.com

Think warm thoughts with baseball The River City Rascals, a member of the Frontier League, will be working with the California Winter League for the third consecutive season this upcoming January. The Midwest-based league has currently committed nine team representatives to act as instructors and coordinators for the showcase league that takes place in Palm Springs, California during the months of January and February. The O’Fallon club is honored to have the team’s hitting coach Josh Ludy as one of the eight others representing the Frontier League. The Frontier League is the longest-running independent professional baseball league in the United States. Since the league’s inception in 1993, 31 players have gone on to play in the major leagues. Over 50 players from the 2015 California Winter League signed with Frontier League clubs and 47 in the 2016 baseball season. Postseason AllStar Catcher Mike Jurgella who wore a Rascals’ uniform, was proud to be a member last year. For more information on the California Winter League or to register for the 2017 season, contact 760-778-4487 or visit them online at www.CaliforniaWinterLeague.com. *If you’re serious about playing major league baseball Student-athlete earns award from Lindenwood Former Lindenwood women’s hockey goaltender Nicole Hensley was chosen as one of the 10 recipients for the NCAA Top 10 award. Hensley becomes the first player from the CHA to win the award, and the fifth recipient all-time from the sport of women’s hockey. The award recognizes former student-athletes for their successes on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Recipients completed their athletics eligibility during the 2015-16 academic year and will be recognized at the honors celebration during the NCAA convention in Nashville. For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com * Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information

www.BANKOFOLDMONROE.COM

Men’s tennis at UMSL moves up in national rankings The University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s tennis team is ranked No. 43 nationally in the Oracle/ITA Collegiate Tennis Division II Fall Rankings, as announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. The Tritons move up two spots in the first national rankings of the year after finishing the 2015-16 year No. 45. UMSL also earned a No. 6 regional ranking earlier this month, while junior Kristoffer Lindal and sophomore Rob White were ranked seventh in doubles, following a fall season in which they posted a 6-5 record, advancing to the quarterfinals of the ITA Midwest Regionals. For more information, go to www.UMSLTritons. com *These are real sports’ mentors

Professional soccer with Ambush this Friday at the Family Arena The St. Louis Ambush are a professional indoor soccer team that play in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. In their recent contest in Milwaukee against the Wave, the team started out great. Ambush midfielder Corey Adamson celebrated his birthday with the first goal of the game to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at 4:32 of the first quarter. After that the Wave poured it on for a 14-6 win, denying coach Tony Glavin his first win of the young season. Coach Glavin didn’t hide his disappointment at the team’s performance. “It wasn’t one of our best efforts,” he said. “I am disappointed overall. I know we can play better. We kept making the same mistakes over and over.” Glavin added that the team will go to work this week on correcting weaknesses and come out strong in their next game against Florida, Friday at the Family Arena. For more information go to www.STLAmbush. com *Hometown fans will help

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

www.TroyDentalCare.com

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

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

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information to editor@mycnews.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 7, 2016

Recipe: Sweet Holiday Treats

Learn & Play

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

Watermelon Cranberry Sauce Servings: 4

Ingredients: 4 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup organic sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract lemon juice (from 1 lemon) lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

1/2 cup maple syrup cinnamon 2 cups minced watermelon

Directions: In 3-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, heat cranberries, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest until simmering. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until cranberries are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Butterscotch Bubble Loaf

Ingredients: 24 yeast dinner rolls, thawed but still cold 1/2 box non-instant butterscotch or vanilla pudding mix 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Cut dinner rolls in half and dip in dry pudding mix. In sprayed Bundt pan, arrange rolls, alternating with pecans. Sprinkle any remaining pudding mix over top. Combine brown sugar and butter. In microwave, heat together about 1 1/2 minutes until butter is melted and syrup is formed. Pour syrup over rolls. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, or even with top of Bundt pan. Carefully remove wrap. Bake 30-35 minutes. Cover with foil for last 15 minutes of baking. Immediately after baking, loosen foil from sides of pan with knife and invert onto serving plate.

Reduce heat to low and add maple syrup and cinnamon to pan. Simmer another few minutes. Remove from heat to rest 10 minutes. Stir in watermelon and serve warm, or chill and serve cold.

See solution on page 13

Crossword Puzzle – Theme: Happy Holidays ACROSS 1. Romans’ cleansing hangout, pl. 6. Bartender’s Triple ____ 9. Legal wrong 13. Be in harmony 14. *”And to ____ a good night” 15. Fraction 16. Big dipper 17. Flying saucer? 18. To stand forth 19. *Hanukkah spinning top 21. *C.C. Moore’s character 23. *”____ the fields we go laughing all the way” 24. Actor Wilder, 1933-2016 25. Fast-food staple 28. Unpleasant road display? 30. *How many days of Christmas? 35. Pinocchio, e.g. 37. *Like Tim Cratchit 39. Iron setting 40. Like Andersen’s duckling 41. Many times 43. World’s longest river 44. Bellhop, technically 46. Fork prong 47. Malaria symptom 48. School supplies staple 50. Pale gray 52. H in HMS 53. “____ there, done that” 55. R in rpm 57. *Tournament of Roses tradition 60. *Burning block 64. Lacy neckwear 65. Poe’s Morgue, e.g. 67. Guanaco’s cousin 68. Mountain ridge 69. Retirement plan 70. Cowboy movie 71. ____ farewell, past tense 72. Ensign, for short 73. Small songbirds

DOWN 1. Shiny on top? 2. Lab culture 3. “Trade” without one vowel 4. Sunny prefix 5. Sowing machine 6. Author Bellow

7. *North Pole worker 8. Bring to an end 9. De Niro’s ride, 1976 10. Relating to ear 11. Classic board game 12. *Marines’ giftee 15. Checks out again at the library 20. Muse of love poetry 22. Blast maker 24. Herbalist’s bitter cure 25. *New Year stemware 26. ____ mortis 27. Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin meeting spot 29. *Stocking stuffer 31. Tallest volcano in Europe 32. “Gone with the Wind” actress 33. Monetary worth 34. Mideast V.I.P.

36. Whiskey grain, pl. 38. Strong desires 42. India’s first Prime Minister 45. Sales lure 49. *Prominent Christmas color 51. Like directory pages 54. Bone-chilling 56. Relating to velum 57. Legal prefix 58. In the sack 59. Learning method 60. Those voting “yes” 61. *A Christmas present given on the 26th 62. Black cat, e.g. 63. Needlefish, pl. 64. Mike Tyson’s punch 66. Big coffee holder See answers on page 13

What’s Happening

December 7, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Dec. 9: Holiday concert

EVENTS Dec. 7 - 30: O’Fallon Celebration of Lights

Get into the heart of the holidays with a tour of the dazzling, nostalgic and inspiring Celebration of Lights display in Fort Zumwalt Park at 1000 Jessup Drive in O’Fallon. The display is open from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 25), open nightly at 6 p.m. Choose your favorite way to see the sights: cruise through the park with friends or family in your own vehicle or bundle up for a city train ride, a tractor-pulled sleigh-hayride or a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or wagon. No reservations are needed to drive through the lights display, but the specialty rides must be booked at least two weeks in advance. To get the date you want, book soon. Visit www. ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights for hours and costs of the drive-through (which is not available on Mondays or Dec. 13), booking information for specialty rides, etc. SUDOKU answers from page 11

Come to the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre Performing Arts Theatre located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters at 7 p.m. for a holiday celebration featuring the cabaret-style music of Tim Schall. Carol Schmidt will direct music. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. The cost is $12.99 each (plus service fee of 3.5 percent). If any tickets remain, tickets will be available at the door at a cost of $18 each.

Dec. 10: A Day of Play

A Day of Play community event takes place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the O’Fallon YMCA.

Dec. 10: Breakfast with Santa:

Peace Lutheran Church in Winghaven invites your whole family to their free Breakfast with Santa from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at 9320 Phoenix Village Pkwy. in O’Fallon. Each child will receive a complimentary picture of themselves with Santa and a goody bag. Additional activities include face painting, story CROSSWORD answers from page 11

time, crafts and singing. Please RSVP by Dec. 4 to 636-561-8282 or kristi@ peacewinghaven.org.

Dec. 10: Pictures with Santa

Santa will be visiting West Community Credit Union’s O’Fallon location from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring your children by for a free picture with Santa and enjoy snacks, crafts, and more.

Dec. 10: Christmas cookie sale

Fourth Annual Christmas Cookie Sale - Fundraiser for Women’s Missions takes place from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church at 6308 Highway N in St. Charles. Cookies are $8 per pound and can be pre-ordered and/or delivered. For more information visit gracepca.net.

Dec. 10: Vietnam Veterans memorial ceremony

A special ceremony to honor and remember local Vietnam Veterans will be held in Wentzville on at 1 p.m. The ceremony will feature guest speaker and Missouri Vietnam Veteran George D. Newell. The hour-long event will be held at the nation’s first Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is located in Wentzville at 209 W. Pearce Blvd. The event is sponsored by the city of Wentzville, VFW Post 5327, American Legion Post 323 and the Wentzville McDonalds.

Dec. 11: Choir performances

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article to editor@mycnews.com.

Choral Arts Singers will present a concert titled “The Glory – The Wonder” that includes Christmas songs such as “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” “I Wonder as I Wander” and “Jazz Gloria” on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Church of Christ at 725 Main St. in Troy; Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. at Assumption Chapel at 403 N. Main in O’Fallon; and Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. at Grace Community Chapel at 7661 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters. The concerts are free, donations are appreciated. Choral Arts Singers is a nonprofit organization that provides high quality music to the residents of Lincoln, St. Charles and Warren Counties and is incorporated as Concert Arts Association. For more information visit www.concertarts.org.

Dec. 11: Christmas musical

Kidz Praize will perform a special Christmas musical entitled, “ The Present is the Future” at Wentzville Christian Church, at 1507 Highway Z, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free and the public is invited to attend. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. For questions or more information, call 636-327-6622 or go to wentzvillecc.org.

Dec. 11: Orchestra concert

St. Charles County Youth Orchestra Winter Concert with special guest vocalist Angel Townsend will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts main stage. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for children ages six18 and five-years-and-under are free. For more information, email sccyo@ sccyo.org, call 636-916-0515 or visit www.sccyo.org.

Dec. 11: Christmas Cantata

Christmas Cantata – Sing We Now of Christmas takes place at St. John UCC at 405 S Fifth St.in St. Charles at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary. St. John Concert Series will present Howard Helvey’s Sing We Now of Christmas. Cantata performed by St. John Chancel Choir, readers, and orchestra. Tasting party to follow. For more information contact 636-946-0961 or visit www.stjohnucc.org.

Dec. 11-15: Parish mission

Sacred Heart Parish, located at 100 Thompson Dr. in Troy, is hosting a renewal program entitled “Face of the Father’s Mercy” beginning Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. It is being conducted by Fr. George Knab, a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate from Belleville, Illinois, the site of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. The mis-

sion continues each evening at 7 p.m., ending Dec. 15 with a Celebration of Mass. For more information call the parish office at 636-528-8219.

Dec. 12-13: The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll

The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll will take place Dec. 12 – 13 from 6 –9 p.m. at Fort Zumwalt Park at 1000 Jessup Drive in O’Fallon. See the sights, hear the music and rediscover the magic of the holidays with your family on two special walk-through nights at the Celebration of Lights. Sparkling lights, unique holiday scenes and fireworks over the lake (at 7:25 p.m.) will add wonder and excitement to the night, and you can stop along the way to visit with Santa and shop for handmade gifts, hot cocoa and treats. Cost is $3 for ages three and older and parking is free. No reservations are needed, but you can avoid the line at the gate by pre-purchasing admission wristbands, which will be available Nov. 14 through Dec. 9 at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 400 Civic Park Drive, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: Holiday concert

Start a great tradition by joining the St. Charles Municipal Band for our fifth annual “Holiday Concert at Scheidegger” at The Lindenwood Theater of the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts, at 2300 West Clay St. in St. Charles, readily accessible from I-70. The cncert begins at 7 p.m. There is free parking and easy handicapped access. St. Nicholas will make a special appearance at this free family friendly event. See www.stcharlesband.com and Facebook for more information, or call 636-949-2590 or 314-878-5296.

Dec. 22: Healing Christmas service

Blue Christmas: A Service of Light Amidst the Darkness takes place at St. John UCC at 405 S Fifth St.in St. Charles at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Not everyone is joyful and cheery for the holiday season. This service will be reflective, accepting where we really are and surrounding each other with healing and hope. For more information contact 636-946-0961 or visit www.stjohnucc.org.

Dec. 14: Blood drive

The Lake Saint Louis Police Department is sponsoring a blood drive in honor of Anna Dennis from 2 until 7 p.m. at the Lake Saint Louis Civic Center Council Chambers at 200 Civic Center Drive. Who is Anna? Anna Dennis is a little cancer survivor who fought Leukemia for over two years. During her treatments, she received numerous blood and platelet transfusions. There is no doubt that Anna would not have survived without these transfusions. Through this battle, the Dennis family has realized the legitimate need for a constant supply of blood in our area. Every day there are kids and adults who owe their lives to blood donors. Blood donations are used by a wide variety of patients and procedures, including surgery and life threatening accidental injuries. Please come and roll up your sleeve at the “Anna Dennis Blood Drive” and help save another life. While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended that donors schedule an appointment. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: AnnaDennis or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Dec. 17: Food drive

Cornucopia of Care Food Drive takes place now through Dec. 17. Donations of nonperishable food and personal care items will help area food pantries support local families in need this holiday season. Drop-off sites include O’Fallon City Hall at 100 N. Main and Renaud Spirit Center at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. Additional locations can be found at www.ofallon. mo.us/volunteer.

Dec. 30: O’Fallon Celebration of Lights

Dec. 31: Mouse races and dance

The St. Francis of Assisi/Immaculate Conception Parishes are sponsoring The Great Mouse Race/Dance at the St. Francis Memorial Hall in Portage Des Sioux. The doors open at 6 p.m., the Mouse Races start at 7 p.m. and the dance starts at 10:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Waarp-D. Beer and setups are included. Cost is $25 per person, must be 21 to attend. For tickets call Gail Dreyer at 314-623-3299, the Parish House at 636-899-0907 or any of the Parish Council Members.

Dec. 31: Bingo

The Men’s Club of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, located at 1424 South First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles, will host a New Year’s Eve Bingo in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 4 p.m., bingo starts at 6:45 p.m. $3,600 in prizes will be given away. Numerous door prizes will be provided to lucky players. The concession stand will be open for food and beverage purchases. (Do not bring crockpots or electric appliances please.)

Jan. 13: Bunco bash

The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary 7198 is hosting a Bunco Bash at the Pezold Banquet Center at 5701 Highway N, in Cottleville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Net proceeds to benefit Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service. Contact Mary at 636-240-6078 for more information.

ONGOING EVENTS Sundays and Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

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

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

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

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 7, 2016 1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting 6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480.

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

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day ) unless otherwise specified. No meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (2nd floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 9 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (President) at 636561-6947.

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

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

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

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

Every Monday: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Every Monday: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

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

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes

9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314.369.6521.

Mondays: Chronic pain support group

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

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

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

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

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

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

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

Tuesday and Friday Evenings: Tae Kwon Do Classes Dardenne

Presbyterian

Church,

7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. For more information, call 636.561.4347.

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society 6:30pm at various locations. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org; Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

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

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

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

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

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club

6:30pm at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930.

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

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

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

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Toastmasters

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

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

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

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

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

Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

Spotlight

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

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

Every Tuesday & Thursday: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 8-9am & 10:15-11:15am. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

What’s Happening

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

Every Wednesday: Men’s Golf League

Wednesdays: Talk

Every Wednesday: Charity Bingo

9-10am and 5:30-6:30pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314.369.6521.

Veterans

Coffee

Veterans from all branches of the service are invited to attend “Coffee Talk” every Wednesday at. 9 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 3601 Ehlmann Rd. in St. Charles (Take I-70 to the Cave Springs exit). We will have applications for VA health care, applications for the honor flight, reports from local American Legion and VFW halls and lots of good comradery. Come join us for free coffee and donuts and enjoy an hour with your fellow veterans.

Every Wednesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

8-9:30pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to 6th grade and up. Bring a light and dark shirt for different teams.

1st Wednesday: Hope & Healing

5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Unique service of music, worship, and prayer for those in need of hope and healing.

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at Rookies Bar and Grill at 3721 New Town Rd. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club

10am Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379.

5pm, tee off at 5:30 pm at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. www.lakesaintlouis.com, under the parks and recreation section. 6:45pm VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Every Wednesday. Kiwanis Club of Harvester monthly meeting.

Noon, Fratelli’s Restorante, 2061 Zumbehl Road in St Charles. For more information, please contact kellenj@ATT.net

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday: Winfield Foley Firefighters Association Bingo.

Doors open at 5:00 pm, bingo at 6:30 pm. Bingo hall is next door to County Market in the Winfield Plaza on Hwy 47. For more information, call 636566-6621 or 636-566-8406.

1st and 3rd Wednesday Each: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers 7pm – 9pm. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

2nd Wednesday: Free Financial Education- Money Matters

6:30pm at the O’Fallon Family YMCA. PNC Bank and The O’Fallon Family YMCA have partnered to provide monthly free financial education courses for members of the community. Info (including a list of topics): call PNC Bank at 636.272.2449.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the parish hall of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church at 907 Jungermann Rd. in St. Peters. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. Weigh-ins begin at 9 a.m. Contact Judy Bauer at 636-541-2263 for further information.

Thursdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in the United Methodist Church at 725 N. Wall St. in Wentzville. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. For more information call Mary Stassi at 636-357-1387.

Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings

The O’Fallon Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bank of Old Monroe T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon.

Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

St. Charles Lions Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton Street in St. Charles. Contact Art for more info at 636-441-1831. New members are welcome.

3rd Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting 7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters. Those who served in any branch between 1962 and 1975 are welcome.

December 7, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

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.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, M.G.T.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, K.B.

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

facebook.com/mycnews STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

“Stuff” Piling Up? Let help advertise YOUR sale! Call Brooke at 636.697.2414

Check it Out! www.MYCNEWS.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 7, 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

www.HomeWashersStl.com www.scrubbydutch.com

www.treesbywoody.net

Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.

December 7, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

By Steve Bryan

Where are the Oscar frontrunners? For movies lovers, December typically is equivalent to the last weeks of the regular baseball season. The top teams have positioned themselves for the big game while a few hopefuls battle it out for a shot at end-of-the-season glory. In the sports world, it’s a highly visible and exciting time. However, in looking over the films released thus far in 2016, only a handful are positioned Photo courtesy Bigstock for any type of awards consideration. Even the summer months, home to blockbusters, were bogged down with the likes of “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” and “Nine Lives.” “Fantastic Beasts,” while charming and creative, isn’t pulling magical “Harry Potter” numbers. Mercifully, Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks delivered “Sully,” the story behind the “Miracle on the Hudson.” A graying Hanks portrayed Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot who made all the right choices, saving the lives of every person on his damaged aircraft. Eastwood delved into the events following the water landing while Hanks positioned himself for Oscar gold once again. 2016 has been a great year for the Walt Disney Studios, especially with “Force Awakens” and the upcoming “Rogue One.” The studio’s strength has been animation, and they delivered the goods with “Zootopia,” an engaging story about anthropomorphic animals living and working together. This one actually was more enjoyable than Pixar’s “Finding Dory,” but both look like shoo-ins for “Best Animated Feature” nods. For special effects, “Deepwater Horizon” does its level best to recreate the events leading up to the BP oil spill. It is a powerful, explosive story with notable performances from Mark Wahlberg and Kurt Russell. Though the actors may get

overlooked, this film should earn a few technical achievement awards. Andrew Garfield does an amazing job in “Hacksaw Ridge,” the story of conscientious objector Desmond Doss. Refusing to compromise his beliefs, Doss refused to carry a gun in battle during World War II. Though branded a coward, Doss braved enemy fire to carry at least 75 injured soldiers to safety. It is a film that rightfully should win some technical and acting awards. Looking ahead, Michael Keaton, who has become an Oscar favorite, returns in “The Founder.” Keaton plays Ray Kroc, the man who bought the McDonald’s restaurant concept from two hard-working brothers and turned it into an empire. Keaton has made regular appearances at the Academy Awards, and this one may see him back on stage again. Other potential contenders include Natalie Portman in “Jackie,” the story of Jackie Kennedy and her years in the White House. The star-studded “Patriots Day” looks back at the 2013 bombing at the Boston Marathon and its aftermath. Will Smith returns in “Collateral Beauty,” the tale of a man who sends letters to the universe and starts receiving replies. 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.