Issuu

December 13, 2017

Lighting up the holidays

Around Town Local girl scouts earn Gold Awards P.3 St. Charles City Council oppose trash transfer station P.4 2017 tax bills mailed P.5

Holiday Guide

DIY holiday home decor P.4

Healthy Living Improving ovarian cancer awareness P.7 Tips for managing diabetes P.7

School The annual Wentzville Holiday Night Lights display at Rotary Park features a mile of lights and a meet-and-greet with Santa.

Photo by Ray Rockwell

Annual light displays in O’Fallon and Wentzville help to make the season bright by hosting thousands of vehicles By Brett Auten When it comes to taking in the Christmas ambiance, area residents and visitors have two locations where the vibe is merry, and the lights are oh so bright. O’Fallon’s Zumwalt Park, located at 1000 Jessup Drive, is home to The Celebration of Lights, a holiday light display held at the park where each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. In Wentzville, the annual Wentzville Holiday Night Lights display is up and running for the holiday season at Rotary Park, 2577 W. Meyer Rd. O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights started in 1991 and it attracts more than 10,000 vehicles each year and more than 5,000 individuals during the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll. Festival Coordinator Jennifer Hoisington said it takes around nine weeks to pull everything together in time for its opening after Thanksgiving. In all, 13 nonprofits help operate the Celebration of Lights. With the help of boom lifts and construction crews consisting of park department employees, both full-time and seasonal, the park turns into a Christmas wonderland. Hoisington comes up with the bulk of the designs, some of which pop into her head in the middle of the night. Hoisington is quick

to credit the two other members of what she calls – in jest – a dangerous triangle, Bill Gardner, and Mark Crews. “I will sketch it out and say, ‘this is what we need to do,’” Hoisington said. “Then they take to a whole new, different level.” Some scenes along the path come and go while others are staples. “We try to keep the scenery on a rotation basis,” Hoisington said. “Some we retire or put to bed for a couple of years.” The upkeep is daily for the Celebration of Lights. Hoisington does an early-morning drive-through to see if the evening’s overnight winter weather has caused any pressing needs. Then, in the late afternoon, all of the lights are flipped, and the troubleshooting begins. Eyes begin to wander, looking for any pockets of burnt out lights. “Thanks to the squirrels, multiple strands need to be replaced every night,” she said. Along with the volunteers, maintenance workers are around once the cars start lining up to make their way through. “We’ve had a breaker go out before and an entire half of the park went black,” Hoisington said. General hours are Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday 6 – 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday: 6–10 p.m. For further information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/celebration-

of-lights. At the Wentzville Holiday Night Lights display, visitors can enjoy a one-mile light show that features large illuminated commercial scenes and tunnels with twinkling, flashing lights. The display is open 5:30-9:30 p.m., from Dec. 14-30 (except for Christmas Day). Drive-thru admission is $8 for vehicles holding up to six passengers; $1 per additional passenger. To see the latest addition to the Wentzville Holiday Night Lights swing by the Kolb Building where Santa Claus is having a meet-and-greet. It is there where visitors will see the walkway of Christmas trees that debuted last year and have returned. “Various businesses have donated and set up their trees,” Christine Eifert, Special Events planner for the city of Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department, said. “It’s not just a cement room like it has been in the past. It has added to the décor and the ambiance. This holiday display is a great way to experience the magic and joy of a winter wonderland close to home.” You can also book a wintertime tractorpulled hayride through beautiful Rotary Park to tour the Holiday Night Lights. EifSee LIGHTS page 2

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 19 No. 50 | 636-379-1775

CAPS students rise to the top P.8 WSD teacher recognized for leadership in engaging students in computer coding P.9

Movie Family drama to dominate ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ P.16

Weather FRIDAY Sunny 43/32 SATURDAY Sunny 56/38 SUNDAY Sunny 53/37 FirstWarn Weather

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

Around Town

December 13, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

LIGHTS Continued from cover ert said the Sleigh Hay Rides are perfect for scouts, church groups, picnics, company parties or family/neighborhood get-togethers. After the ride finishes, folks are encouraged to gather around the bonfire to sip hot chocolate and munch on cookies while enjoying holiday music and the conversation of your group. The hayride will hold a maximum of 25 people, including lap children. Rides are on a first-come, first-served basis. Photo by Ray Rockwell A workers in O’Fallon’s Zumwalt Park have to replace strands of lights on a daily basis for The Celebration of Lights.

You must register ahead of time. A two-week notice is required; no refunds will be given, unless the display is closed. Rides are available on Mondays and Wednesday at 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. The cost is $125 for residents / $140 for non-residents. You can pay an additional $25, ahead of time, for an additional lap around the park with your group. The remaining dates for the hayride are Dec. 13, 18, 20, and 27. For more information, visit the parks and recreation section of www.wentzvillemo.org.

Wentzville Holiday Night Lights HOURS Dec. 14th - 30th 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. (except for Christmas Day) Admission is $8 for vehicles holding up to six passengers; $1 per additional passenger. Hayride Mon. & Wed. 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9 p.m. (advanced registration required) www.wentzvillemo.org

O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights HOURS Sunday - 6 pm- 9pm Tuesday - Thursday 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday - Saturday 6 p.m. –10 p.m. For further information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ celebration-of-lights.

Delta Dental of Missouri launches online system for oral health grants to aid Missouri residents To help meet the dental health needs of adults and children throughout the state, Delta Dental of Missouri has launched its new online grant application system and is welcoming applications. As the state’s dental benefits leader and a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization, Delta Dental of

Missouri provides grants to organizations that focus on reducing dental disease through education, prevention and treatment with an emphasis on assisting underserved children and adults. “We’re excited to launch this new grant application system to expedite requests from organizations that align with our mission to improve oral health in the communities we are proud to serve,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Missouri. “By partnering with organizations we can

have a great impact on dental health through education and access to care, helping people live better lives through improved oral health.” Delta Dental of Missouri awards general operating grants, program/project grants, capacity-building grants and equipment grants for programs that promote the oral health of individuals in Missouri. To be eligible for oral health grants from Delta Dental of Missouri, applicants must first complete a letter of intent through the online application system at https://www.deltadentalmo.com/AboutUs/oralhealth-grant-program, which includes complete program guidelines and application instructions. Organizations meeting the initial criteria will be invited to submit a full proposal for consideration. Applicants must be considered taxexempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public or governmental entity, such as a public school or health department, and serve the people of Missouri. Grant applications are ac-

Submitted photo Delta Dental of Missouri’s chief sales and marketing officer, Ed Pattarozzi (right), presents a grant donation for the Gateway to Oral Health Foundation mobile dental program to president, Byron DuVall, DDS.

cepted at any time during the year, however quarterly deadlines impact which applications will be considered for grants to be awarded during each quarter. Grant decisions are made in March, May, August and October. Grants requests must be a minimum of $5,000 and may be for a single year or multiple years. Organizations with existing active grants from Delta Dental of Missouri are not eligible to receive additional grant funding within the same calendar year.

In 2017, Delta Dental of Missouri awarded oral health program grants to a variety of Missouri organizations, which included: • A $132,617 grant to the Gateway to Oral Health Foundation’s school-based mobile dental program, which provides comprehensive care to children throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. • A $10,000 grant to the Miles of Smiles Free Safety Net Portable Dental Care Program, which gives preventive and restorative care to children in Clay and Platte counties in the Kansas City area. • A $54,820 grant to Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Centers to help launch a health clinic at Jennings Elementary School, which also provides dental care to children and adults throughout the City of Jennings.

www.pbtc.net

In 2016, Delta Dental of Missouri contributed more than $1.67 million in financial support for oral health initiatives, educational programs, community outreach events and charitable causes.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 13, 2017

Around Town

Girl Scouts from Francis Howell School District earn Girl Scout Gold Awards Mariah Skelly, a 2016 Francis Howell Central High School graduate and sophomore at Drury University, Samantha Cary, a junior at Francis Howell North High School, and Michaela Erfling, also a junior at Francis Howell North High School, earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. In earning the Gold Award, Skelly, Cary and Erfling demonstrated outstanding leadership, organizational and networking skills. Skelly, Cary and Erfling were among 48 young women in eastern Missouri honored at a ceremony at Lindenwood University this past summer. Skelly taught a six-week program designed to empower middle school girls, boosting their self-esteem and leadership skills, to earn her Gold Award project. Skelly said she understands middle school can be a rough time for girls so she focused her presentations and activities on building the courage, confidence and character of these young women. During each week of the empowerment program, Skelly said she would ask herself, “What can I do to help these six girls figure out a little more about themselves?” Before the six-week program

concluded, Skelly and her mom took the girls on a camping trip. During this outdoor adventure, Skelly said the girls relaxed and showed their true selves while they cooked outside, participated in archery and created vision boards. At the end of the empowerment program, Skelly shared her PowerPoint presentations, notes and handouts to a nonprofit organization called Preferred Family Healthcare who will continue to distribute Skelly’s positive message. Cary, an elite soccer player, said she knew she wanted to help other athletes when planning her project to earn the Gold Award. She shared her nutrition and injury prevention knowledge with multipleage level soccer teams through presentations, demonstrations and YouTube videos. Cary said she wanted to help those teams missing elite-level leadership or parent-volunteers. “I’ve been around soccer my entire life,” Cary said. “It’s always been a big factor and I’m continuing it through college. I’ve been through those painful games where you hurt your ankle, so I know those feelings. Growing up I didn’t have the coach who knew everything about it so I wanted to help kids avoid those situations.”

(From left to right) Mariah Skelly, Samantha Cary, Michaela Erfling.

Cary said the interactions with the young soccer players was her favorite part of the project. “After a team’s practice, I’d try to make it out to one of their games to reconnect,” Cary said. “One little girl ran up to me and said, ‘I made my mom buy chocolate milk for me every night after practice because of that!’ So, even though she was a second-grader she understood the message.” Erfling, also a Francis Howell North High School student, said her project was inspired by her family’s experiences when her cousin had a kidney transplant at two-years old. When receiving the phone call that a loved one is about to get a new organ,

packing something to pass the time while in the hospital might not be top of mind. Erlfing said she thought it would be nice to ensure recovery is spent with something fun to read or do. Erfling worked with the Mid-America Transplant Family House located in St. Louis, MO to build a lending library filled with books, toys, games, puzzles, DVDs, coloring books, crayons and colored pencils. Even though the project hit close to home Erfling said she initially had a difficult time speaking up and asking for help. “I definitely learned how to be assertive and take charge,” Erfling said. “Before I wasn’t very much of a leader or outspoken.

Submitted photos

Now I can go and speak to people I don’t know. I also had a really hard time asking for donations but I got over that.” The Girl Scout Gold Award requires determination, communication, time management and a desire to make a difference. This distinguished award challenges girls to change the world and solve a community issue. The process requires at least 80 hours of service and often spans months or even years. Less than one percent of all Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award, putting them among an exceptional group of women who have used their knowledge and leadership skills to make a difference in the world.

Around Town

December 13, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Charles City Council votes in opposition of trash transfer station

O’Fallon Boy Scout earns rank of Eagle Scout

On Dec. 5, the St. Charles City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing the conditional use permit application for a trash transfer station at the intersection of Friedens Road and South River Road (Arena Parkway) in Unincorporated St. Charles County. The proposed site, while not in the city of St. Charles, is surrounded by city residents and businesses. “We feel this is not in the best interest of the city or our residents in the area,” said St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith. “The negative impacts that would result from this station being built and operated in this location far outweigh any benefits that have been presented. We stand with our residents who are opposed to this moving

Jack Samuel Robertson, Troop 997 of O’Fallon earned scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout, on Oct. 23. During the month of June 2017, Jack conducted a travel size personal care item collection campaign for the Wright City-based nonprofit organization Patriot Packages, which distributes ditty bags with personal care items to deployed military service members. Jack chose this charity as he has a strong line of family and

forward, and I am happy the city council voiced their official opposition last night.” Faith, Ward 3 Councilman Vince Ratchford and city staff spoke in opposition of the transfer station at the St. Charles County Council meeting held on Dec. 4 when public comment was allowed prior to the first reading of the permit. “I have to support what is best for the city and the residents of my Ward,” said Ratchford. “And this proposal is not taking into account the residents, businesses and visitors to the area. This is not an appropriate use of this site.” The issue could be voted on at the final county council meeting of 2017 on Dec. 18. If it is not ready to be voted on then it will happen next year.

Submitted photo

friends who have and continue to defend the USA.

DIY holiday home decor

www.krekeler.com

The holiday season can get expensive, especially when purchasing thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The last thing you want to spend money on is generic holiday decorations that don’t make your home stand out from the rest. Creating unique, do-it-yourself decorations is an activity that can help you bond with family and friends, but also give your home decor a fun, seasonal twist. The experts at Krazy Glue suggest these festive DIY crafts that can get your home prepped for the holiday season without breaking the bank. Festive Front Door: When guests arrive at your home for the holidays, one of the first things they see is the front door. While it’s easy to go out and buy a pre-made wreath at the store, creating a unique, holiday-themed option is simple, budget-friendly and fun. If you have clothespins lying around the house, repurpose them into something creative

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

and beautiful this year. Create this one of a kind Metallic Clothespin Wreath with metallic spray paint, mini clothespins, a flat wooden wreath form and a strong adhesive. Simply spray-paint the clothespins different metallic shades and glue them to the wooden wreath frame in different layers once dry. To help make the wreath and

other DIY projects shine, it’s important to have a strong adhesive that can withstand the test of time. Just a single drop of Krazy Glue can hold up to 2,000 pounds and only takes 30 seconds to dry. It’s a perfect tool to have in your home for any holiday DIY projects or quick fixes that may arise. Find more holiday DIY projects at krazyglue.com.

Metallic Clothespin Wreath

Proudly Serving the Greater O’Fallon Area Since 1961

Located in the Heart of O’Fallon, 1/4 Mile North of I-70 just off Main Street Dollar General • The Plaza Barbershop • KT Coin Laundry • Grace's Merry-Go-Round Best Teachers Supply • Gulliver’s Travel • Excel Performing Arts • Dance Supply Trigg Banquet Center • Plaza Computer • Elderberry Place • Club Fitness • E-MASS Tranquility Massage • Rauscher Counseling • Partridge Counseling Christine Hendrix’s Hendrix Law Office • Sno-Biz Shaved Ice • Vapor Wize Vince’s Asian Bistro • Jeff's Extreme Cars • Made Today Café Downtown O’Fallon - Close to Everything • Far from Ordinary - And Still on Track

Supplies and Tools: • 350-375mini clothespins • Gold spray paint • Silver spray paint • Flat wood wreath form • Krazy Glue Maximum Bond 1. Divide clothespins into two sections. Spray-paint one section gold and one section silver; let dry. 2. Turn clothespins over and spray-paint other sides. Spray-paint wood wreath form silver; let dry. 3. Beginning in center of wreath form, glue circle of gold clothespins to wood wreath form; let glue dry. 4. Add layer of silver clothespins to inside of wreath. Attach pins by clipping onto first row of gold clothespins. Glue in place and let glue dry. 5. Add another layer of silver clothespins to inside of wreath. Attach pins by clipping onto first row of silver clothespins. Glue in place and let glue dry.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 13, 2017

Around Town

Collector of Revenue mails 2017 tax bills More than 355,000 real estate and personal property tax bills for 2017 have been mailed by the St. Charles County Collector of Revenue. Bills currently are available to view online at stcharlesmocollector.org. The 2018 personal property assessment forms will be mailed by the Assessor’s office at the end of January. Additionally, taxpayers may receive a revised bill in the mail if there was a need for clarification or correction of new special assessments, resolution of state tax commission appeals and/or addition or deletion of personal property items. If a change is made to a bill after Dec. 15, please call the Collector’s Office for the amount due. Visit sccmo.org/SpeakerSeries for more information. Important 2017 Tax Payment Deadline Reminder and Ways to Pay Tax payments are due by Dec. 31. Since the County’s offices are closed on the weekends, McBride urges taxpayers to plan ahead. 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. The last day to get a postmark is Dec. 30. 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. Again, technical difficulties with phones do not extend the statutory deadline to pay without late payment interest and penalty. • 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 should initiate payment at least five working days prior to Dec. 31 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. Additional Tax Bill and Deadline Information If paying the tax bill in full is a financial burden, taxpayers have the option to make a partial payment before Dec. 31 to reduce the overall amount of statutory late payment interest and penalties. Partial payments can be made in person via the Collector’s drop boxes at the County’s Administration Building, and online. The partial payment will be applied to the base, interest and penalty each time a payment is made. A receipt will be issued for each payment. If you have not received a bill by Dec. 15, or have other tax questions, please contact the Collector of Revenue at 636-949-7470.

www.MidwestBankCentre.com

Around Town

December 13, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

FACEBOOK.COM/MYCNEWS

Yeggs

John Hanna

www.byerlyrv.com

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

Keyboard shopper

www.wentzvillemo.org

www.stangelawfirm.com

Cyber Monday came and went. I’m supposed to believe that it was some kind of big deal. Meh! I think it’s just a passing craze; kind of like pet rocks and mullets. Old fashion shopping is an experience which incorporates all of the senses – something a computer can never do. Smell - I need to physically smell the product. I need to wander over to the perfume aisle and squirt various costly scents on little paper strips and inhale deeply, then sniff coffee beans to clear my sinuses, then perfume, coffee beans, perfume, beans, until I have huffed in so many beans and vapors I start hallucinating about Starbucks serving Eau de toilette lattes. Taste – I need to know there is a handy food court in proximity to my stores. After a fourhour stretch of extreme shopping, I must be confident that I can find a six-pack of corn dogs on a stick within walking distance for an immediate energy boost (along with a bad case of the stomach burbles for the next 24 hours). Touch – I love the feel of the shopping cart handle in my

grip. Even though, I usually end up with that noisy wobblewheeled cart. It loves to squeak out and announce I have entered the aisle…just in time for all shoppers to turn and stare as I reach for the hemorrhoid ointment. See - I need to fill up my shopping cart with loads of unnecessary clothing items. I then need to spend a full hour in the fitting room in front of an extra-large, full length mirror which exposes every lumpy defect in my rear end section. Next, I need to complain to management about how their sizing coding is flawed and has gone up again this year as I put all my items back on the takeback rack. Hear – Finally, how can I hear the announcement of a special two-for-one, blue light super sale through a screen? Intercom announcements like these start the adrenaline pumping and the shopping carts racing heading for chaos and combat. There’s nothing like the thrill of the race and the fight to end up buying something I don’t need because I’ve been zombified into the sneaky retailer’s

evil trap. I usually leave with a black eye, but manage to snag the last commemoratory Elvis gravy boat or fish taxidermy kit at rock bottom prices. Why would I want to miss all of that when I could wear my pajamas without brushing my teeth and sit in a chair all day eating donuts ordering things which magically appear on my doorstep? Hmmm? My senses tell me I’ve got to seriously rethink this cyber shopping thing. Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two selfindulgent 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 13, 2017

Improving ovarian cancer awareness By Carolyn McCourt Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest female cancers. This is partly because the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague, making it difficult to diagnose the disease. By knowing the signs and better understanding ovarian cancer, it can be detected earlier and treatment can begin sooner. What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? Bloating, change in bowel or bladder habits, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly can all be symptoms of ovarian cancer. If women are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they occur on a daily basis for two to three weeks, we encourage them to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. How is ovarian cancer diagnosed? If symptoms of ovarian cancer are present, your provider — typically a gynecologist — will likely perform a pelvic exam first. This may be followed by an imaging test such as an ultrasound or CT scan. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer is often made through surgery, after a mass has been removed and studied by a pathologist.

Healthy Living 7

pinterest.com/mycnews

What is the treatment for ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. However, other treatments have recently been discovered through research. These can include immunotherapy or targeted therapies. When a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it’s important a gynecologic oncologist be involved in her care. Gynecologic oncologists specialize in femalespecific cancers and are trained in both surgery and chemotherapy administration. This allows them to care for women throughout their entire treatment journey. Siteman Cancer Center recently added a gynecologic oncology program to its satellite location at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. Referrals to a gynecologic oncologist can be made by a gynecologist, primary care physician or another oncologist. Carolyn McCourt, MD, is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology for the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine. She is also a gynecologic oncologist who sees patients at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. To learn more, visit BJCStCharlesCounty.org or call 314-996-6075.

Tips for managing diabetes Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially for those living with diabetes. From stress to selfcare, life can be up and down when you’re living with diabetes. These seven tips from Dr. Natalie Strand, the winner of season 17 of “The Amazing Race” who lives with diabetes herself, can help you stay healthy and lead a balanced life while managing your diabetes. • Communicate with your care team. Make sure you connect with your nurse educator, endocrinologist and dietician. Reach out to them with your questions as they can often help you implement subtle changes to avoid completely overhauling your lifestyle and routine because of diabetes. • Get involved. Get a local group together to fundraise, vent or just understand each other. Groups such as Diabetes Sisters, JDRF, TuDiabetes and BeyondType1 offer ways to connect with others living with diabetes in person or on social media. • Keep doing what you love. Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up doing what you love. Make efforts to continue sports, travel and other hobbies, even if there is a learning curve to adapting with diabetes at first. • Maintain good oral health. People living with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Colgate Total toothpaste is FDA-approved to help re-

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

verse and prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. • Get into a routine. Find a routine that works and stick with it. This way you don’t have to make new decisions each day. • Make self-care a priority. It can be hard to keep diabetes care in the forefront. Remind yourself that one of the best things you can do for yourself, and for your loved ones, is stay healthy. • Manage stress. Diabetes can be a big stressor. Add jobs, kids, relationships and it can become overwhelming. Find an easy and effective tool for stress relief and do it often. Even 5-10 minutes of guided meditation daily can have a big impact on stress management. For more information and ways to lead a balanced life with diabetes, visit OralHealthandDiabetes.com.

www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex

School

December 13, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

OFSD earns perfect score from state The Orchard Farm School District (OFSD) earned a 100 percent perfect score on the state’s Annual Performance Report (APR). OFSD was one of only two public school districts serving students K-12 in the St. Louis region to earn this distinction. The Annual Performance Report is part of state’s accreditation system. Based on a school district’s performance in five areas, the state designates districts as accredited, provisionally accredited or unaccredited. The standards measured are: • Academic achievement - overall district per-

formance on state standardized tests. • Subgroup achievement - the achievement of subgroups of students which includes African-American students, Hispanic students, students eligible for free/reduced lunch, students with limited English proficiency and students with special education needs. • College and Career Readiness. • Attendance rate. • Graduation rate. Orchard Farm received the maximum points allowed each of the five performance areas.

CAPS students rise to the top

www.shoesandhope.org

www.treesbywoody.net

St. Charles Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) students Blake McFarlane, Payton Dill and Taylor Payne competed on Dec. 3 in a unique contest for young entrepreneurs. Saint Louis University hosts an annual entrepreneurship competition called the Teen Elevator Pitch Contest. Real students give pitches to dozens of real investors on a series elevators in downtown St. Louis. Dill walked away with second place and $250 for her proposal of a safe house for survivors of human trafficking. Students pitched their ideas in one of two tracks: For-Profit and Social Impact (nonprofit/for-profit for cause). All three Orchard Farm com-

Photo courtesy Orchard Farm School District (From left) CAPS teacher Cheryl Graber, stands with Taylor Payne, Payton Dill and Blake McFarlane.

petitors agreed entering and competing built confidence in their communication abilities. The CAPS program is a joint venture between the City of St. Charles School District and the Orchard Farm School District

that began in August 2017. The nationally recognized program provides juniors and seniors real world business experience in a professional atmosphere that fosters student-driven learning and growth.

Holt High School students win World Affairs Council of St. Louis WorldQuest Competition

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District A team of four students from Holt High School, seniors Christian Hunn, Noah Cella, Jonathan Gutierrez and junior Palmer Soberg, won the World Affairs Council of St. Louis WorldQuest competition.

www.sunrisefamily.org

A team of four students from Holt High School in the Wentzville School District won the World Affairs Council of St. Louis WorldQuest competition and has qualified to compete at the 20172018 Academic WorldQuest competition in Washington, D.C. Seniors Christian Hunn, Noah Cella, Jonathan Gutierrez and junior Palmer Soberg competed against over 120 students from 38 schools from across the region, as well as one team of international students. The three-hour competition includes seven rounds of questions about world affairs, foreign policy, geography and current events. Following the seven rounds, the Holt team was in a tie for first with a team from Duchesne High School, but won by answering the first question correctly. The Holt team won an all-expense paid trip to the national competi-

tion in Washington, D.C. on April 28, 2018. The national competition is attended by more than 225 of the nation’s most promising high school students, along with their parents, teachers, and chaperones. The Academic WorldQuest (AWQ) competition is a unique opportunity for many students to visit the nation’s capital for the first time. Academic WorldQuest is a flagship program of the World Affairs Councils of America that engages more than 4,000 high school students annually across the U.S. to test their knowledge of global issues and foreign policy. The World Affairs Councils of America is the largest nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to educating and engaging the American public on global issues.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 13, 2017

Timberland Student named third chair bass clarinet in the Missouri All-State Band JD Estlund, a senior at Timberland High School, has been selected as third in the state on bass clarinet in the Missouri All-State Band. On Dec. 2, over 1,400 students from across Missouri met at Hickman High School in Columbia to audition for the honor of participating in the top honor band in the state. Only 109 students are accepted into this elite ensemble. For the second year consecutive year, a Timberland student has been selected to the Missouri All-State Band. “I am honored to be selected. I have working towards this since the beginning of my freshman year and it all paid off my senior year,” said Estlund. “I couldn’t be more excited to perform with 108 other students that have the same passion for music that I do.” Three additional WSD musicians received honorable mentions at the state level. Timberland senior Renae Beasley is second chair honorable mention on euphonium, and freshman Ben Turley was named third chair honorable mention on bass clarinet in the All-State Band. Holt senior Paige Eller is fourth chair honorable mention on flute in the All-State Band. The band will meet, rehearse, and perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference on Jan. 27, 2018 at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach. The conductor and clinician for the 2017-2018 Missouri All-State Band is Col. Thomas Palmatier, retired director of the

FACEBOOK.COM/MYCNEWS

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

www.ashfordmotors.net Photo courtesy Wentzville School District JD Estlund, a senior at Timberland High School, has been selected as third in the state on bass clarinet in the Missouri All-State Band.

United States Army Band in Washington, D.C. JD is the son of Patrick and Linda Estlund of Wentzville and plans to major in computer science with a minor in music at Missouri State University following graduation.

WSD teacher recognized for leadership in engaging young students in computer coding Heritage Primary Computer Teacher Amy Robb, who also serves as the Wentzville School District K-8 Lead Computer Teacher, was presented with a proclamation on Nov. 27 at the St. Charles County Council meeting for being “a role model for helping prepare the workforce of tomorrow.” Robb was accompanied by Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain and Heritage Primary Principal Geri Buss when she was presented with the proclamation from County Executive Steve Ehlmann and Director of Workforce Development Scott Drachnik. Robb was recognized in honor of Computer Science Education Week and Hour of Code, which encourages students to learn more about computer science and aims to demystify coding. Robb has been with the WSD since 2006 where she was a second grade teacher before serving as a building technology assistant and then a computer teacher beginning in 2010. She begins introducing coding to her youngest learners in kindergarten and each year her students participate in Hour of Code activities. “I am honored to be nominated for this proclamation,” said Robb. “There are many teachers in Wentzville who have implemented coding over the last several years and I am proud to be able to work with them. Allow-

School

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Heritage Primary Computer Teacher Amy Robb, who also serves as the Wentzville School District K-8 Lead Computer Teacher, was presented with a proclamation on Nov. 27 at the St. Charles County Council meeting for being “a role model for helping prepare the workforce of tomorrow.”

ing students to code at a young age will help them conquer the fear of trying something new and enable them to persevere in solving problems. These are 21st century skills employers are looking for.” The Wentzville School District has been emphasizing the importance of STEM (science, technology engineering and math) for over a decade by offering Project Lead the Way (PLTW) classes for students, which involves hands-on, rigorous coursework in engineering, biomedical and computer science. The district had the honor of hosting the PLTW state conference in 2015 and 2016 at Timberland High School. Through grants from MasterCard, the

WSD offers Girls Who Code clubs at the middle schools and a Telementor program at district high schools. The district also started offering seniors the opportunity to engage in real-world learning experiences at SSM and BJC hospitals as part of the WSD’s Ignite program. “Amy is an exemplary teacher and exactly who we want encouraging our youngest students to experiment with coding,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain. Robb has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Southeast Missouri State University and a Masters in School Administration from Lindenwood University.

www.aarp.org./stlouis

Sports

December 13, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

– 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.

Sports you see with Gary B... Hazelwood Central High School retires the jersey of former player who went on to play professionally

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

See solution on page 13

Florissant’s Hazelwood Central High School retired the jersey of former pro basketball player and Hazelwood Central High Alumnus, Demetrius Alexander. At a recent varsity basketball game he was presented an award and his basketball jersey was retired at a ceremony prior to the game. The athletic director at Central High Josh Martin made the presentation to Alexander. “Demetrius was one of the best players to ever grace Hazelwood Central High School basketball court,” said Martin. He was a leader on the team and in the class. We were honored to commemorate his accomplishments on and off the court by retiring his jersey.” After high school, Alexander played basketball at the University of Alabama before playing for several pro teams. He finished his pro career with an overseas basketball club in Israel. *Thanks to Christopher Erbs Digital Communications Specialist II and Master of all Things Digital Communications and Marketing Department at Hazelwood School District Baseball Rascal’s hire VP of ticket sales The River City Rascals, your professional baseball team located in O’Fallon, welcomed David Schmoll as the new Vice President of Ticket Sales. David comes to the Rascals from the Mississippi RiverKings where he most recently served as their general manager. David graduated from Murray State University with a degree in political science and is a native of Fenton, Missouri. He interned with the St. Louis Blues and Indiana Ice before moving to Southhaven, Mississippi. “We are very excited to welcome David to the Rascals family” said Lisa Ferreira, General Manager. “David has a strong background in sales

www.cedarhurstliving.com

and leadership that will be instrumental to the organization as we prepare for our 20th anniversary season.” *New guy on the block Lindenwood hockey team wins last game before 2018 second half Lindenwood University’s women’s hockey team survived a barrage of shots early in the game by the Minnesota State club in Mankato, Minnesota. The Lady Lions then took control of the second part of the game in a 4-1 non-conference victory over the Mavericks. State took 20 shots in the first 20 minutes, with eight of those shots going on goal. Goalkeep Jolene deBruyn turned away all eight shots and Lindenwood’s defense played a big role with eight blocks in the first period. Surviving the period with no score, Minnesota gained a five-on-three power play for 80 seconds early in the second period. The Mavericks attempted five shots in that span, but deBruyn made three saves and defense Ally Larson blocked two shots. Finally after many shot-on-goal by State, Lindenwood took control with back-to-back goals in less than a minute. Sierra Burt scored first and Britannia Gillanders put the Lady Lions up by two and by the end of the second period they had a 2-1 lead going into the final period. In the final period, the Lady Lions received two insurance goals from Kirsten Martin. Minnesota State finished the game with 69 shots, including 36 on goal. The lady’s hockey team will head to Anaheim, California after the first of the year to continue the season. *Looking to keep it going

Gary B. will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 13, 2017

A very versatile holiday

hen planning this year’s holiday menu, consider building meals around a versatile main course that you can dress up or down and then integrate into easy leftover dishes. A ham is a perfect solution because it works equally well as the centerpiece of an elegant meal or as savory sliders to serve with chutney or hot mustard. Beyond versatile ingredients, a winning holiday menu relies on proper preparation, and that’s why quality cookware is essential. An option

Learn & Play

THEME : HAPPY HOLIDAYS like Anolon Gourmet Cookware is designed for superior performance that can help bring joy to cooking and features heavy-duty pan bodies and comfort-grip handles for safe and secure lifting and leverage. The aesthetically pleasing cookware’s premium-quality, nonstick surface provides lasting durability, effortless food release and easy clean up – perfect for the busy holiday season. Explore more cookware options to serve up your holiday best at anolon.com.

Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe courtesy of Anolon Gourmet Cookware

Servings: 14-16

I ngredients: 11-12 pounds shank half bone-in cooked ham 4 cups cola, divided 2 cups orange juice, divided 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup Dijon mustard Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Trim skin and excess fat off ham. With sharp knife, score ham all over in diamond pattern. Place ham in roasting pan then pour 1 cup cola and 1 cup orange juice over it. Cover pan with aluminum foil and roast 1 hour and 15 minutes. While ham roasts, in medium saucepan, combine remaining cola, orange juice, brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat and cook about 45-48 minutes, until reduced to 1 cup and mixture is slightly syrupy.

After ham roasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, remove foil and baste with glaze. Continue roasting and basting ham every 15 minutes with glaze until it is glossy and instant

read thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 145 F, about 1 hour and 15-30 minutes longer. Remove from oven and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Country Ham and Cheddar on Biscuits Recipe courtesy of Anolon Gourmet Cookware

Servings: 24

Chutney: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced 3/4 teaspoon curry powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup dried currants 3 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup apple jelly 1 tablespoon country Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt Biscuits: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk, plus 2 tablespoons 1 large egg yolk, beaten 12 ounces country ham, thinly sliced 6 slices (about 6 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese Directions: To make chutney: heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and ginger; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 3-4 minutes. Add curry powder and cinnamon; cook,

stirring, 30 seconds. Stir in currants and cook until slightly softened, 2 minutes. Add water and vinegar and cook until currants plump slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in sugar and cook 1 minute.

biscuit cutter, start at outside edge of dough and cut out biscuits and set on baking sheet. Gently press dough scraps together and roll again to 1/2-inch thickness. Repeat to cut out 24 biscuits total. Brush tops of biscuits with egg yolk.

Remove from heat and let cool 10 minutes. Stir in jelly, mustard and salt; refrigerate until ready to serve.

Bake biscuits in center of oven until puffed and tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and cool 15 minutes.

To make biscuits: Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pepper, baking soda and salt. Using pastry blender, cut butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until mixture is moistened.

Split biscuits in half and set aside. Lay ham slices on cutting board in single layer. Using 2-inch fluted biscuit cutter, punch out 24 ham circles and place each on bottom half of biscuit. Lay cheese slices on cutting board and punch out 24 circles to place each on top of ham. Spoon chutney evenly on top of each biscuit then replace top half of each biscuit.

In bowl, knead dough 3-4 times to bring together. Press dough into disk and wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate 20-30 minutes. On lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/2-inch thickness. Using 2-inch fluted

Note: Biscuits can be assembled several hours ahead of serving and kept in refrigerator.

ACROSS 1. Oscar, e.g. 6. Debate position 9. Judicial document 13. Hawaiian veranda 14. Deadeye’s forte 15. Capital of Egypt 16. Lumps of something soft 17. Beluga yield 18. Ar on table of elements 19. *First state to officially recognize Christmas 21. *Country which produced first artificial Christmas trees 23. Boiling emotion 24. Grain in “The House That Jack Built” 25. Equinox mo. 28. *On Christmas it often includes ham or goose 30. In style 35. Twelfth month of Jewish year 37. *Max and Santa’s Little Helper 39. Jack Black’s Libre 40. Saturnalia’s place of origin 41. Rat’s world 43. Movie spool 44. Actress ____ Perlman, pl. 46. Angler’s decoy 47. Partner of “void” 48. “A Connecticut ____ in King Arthur’s Court” 50. Speed of object divided by speed of sound 52. A layer in plywood 53. Please do not delay 55. *”____ the season to be jolly...” 57. *Beloved Montgomery Ward creation 61. *”Christmas Carol” author 65. Avoid, as in taxes 66. ENT’s first concern? 68. Alfred Hitchcock in his own movie, e.g 69. What tailor did 70. #19 Across abbreviation 71. Driver’s 180 72. Sin over cos, pl. 73. Blade drops

74. Mexican coins DOWN 1. Aquarium dweller 2. Room border 3. Dwarf buffalo 4. Torah teacher 5. Divest one of a gun 6. “For” in Spanish 7. Orinoco or Grande 8. Opposite of alpha 9. *Like holiday memories? 10. Capital of Latvia 11. Wedge in a golfer’s bag, e.g. 12. Broadway recognition 15. Dairy aisle package 20. Bribes of rewards, in the olden days 22. Liberty Tree, e.g. 24. “Naked Lunch” creatures 25. *Like Christmas 26. Greeting in the land of “Mele Kalikimaka” 27. Part of cow’s stomach 29. *Yuletide 31. Repair, as in socks 32. Freeze over 33. Conch, e.g. 34. *Poisonous Christmas berry 36. Plumbing problem 38. Red Cross supplies 42. Abdominal muscles 45. *Like a letter mailed to Santa 49. Sixth sense 51. Diaphragm spasm 54. Best way to shop? 56. *The kids do it in openng of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” 57. Catch your breath 58. Iris holder 59. Dracula’s bane 60. Words from Wordsworth 61. Big attraction 62. Outback birds 63. Infamous emperor of #40 Across 64. Daughters’ brothers 67. Belgian brew

See solution on page 13

What’s Happening

December 13, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Dec. 13: Fundraising event

Avon shopping during Happy Hour at Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center in St. Peters proceeds will benefit veterans with PTSD (Sgt. Bam Foundation). Come to the bar area from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bartender specials including the BAM BAM Drink and BAM Beer. For information visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/avon-fundraising-shopand-happy-hour-event-to-benefit-sgtbam-foundation-tickets-40805025931.

Dec. 13: Blood drive

lehem Project” at Wentzville Christian Church at 6 p.m. The presentation is free and the public is invited to attend. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Join 36 elementary students in their portrayal of two very different groups of kids in Bethlehem, who don’t get along, and the amazing event that brings them together. Wentzville Christian Church is located at 1507 Highway Z. For questions or further information, visit the website at wentzvillecc.org or call 636327-6622.

Dec. 19: Safe driving presentation

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. 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 (1-800-7332767).

First Impact parent presentation takes place from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Timberland High School at 559 East Highway N in Wentzville. Learn how to keep your teen safe while driving. First Impact is a traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) law. The goal of First Impact is to reduce the number of motor vehicle fatalities, injuries and crashes among teen drivers by increasing parental awareness and enforcement of Missouri’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) law. First Impact will help parents understand teen driving risks, enforcement and monitoring of GDL law, and serving as a positive role model. GDL coaches at this event will be Sgt. Tom Mozelewski with the St. Peters Police Department and Allyn Workman. Register at https://firstimpact.missouri.edu/ events. The event is supported by federal funds from MoDOT Highway Safety & Traffic Division.

Dec. 15-17: Theater performance

Dec. 22: Santa visit

Young People’s Theatre will perform “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Dec. 15, and Dec. 16; and 2 p.m. Dec. 16, and Dec. 17, in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at stchastickets.universitytickets.com or by calling 636-922-8233.

Dec. 17: Christmas musical

Kidz Praize will perform a special Christmas musical entitled, “The Beth-

Santa Claus is coming to 1st Advantage Bank at 240 Salt Lick Rd. in St. Peters. This will be a free community event for the entire family. Santa will be available for pictures from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be kid-friendly crafts and gingerbread houses to decorate.

Dec. 27: Job fair

You could find a part-time job now, or look ahead and get a great summer job, at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. Check out what the Rec-Plex has to offer at their job fair from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Open positions at the Rec-Plex include life-

guard, summer camp counselor, front desk (evening and weekend shifts), food court, beverage server, swim instructor and swim team coach. The Rec-Plex offers competitive pay and flexible hours. Lifeguards receive free classes and free uniforms – a $200 savings normally charged elsewhere – and also start at a higher pay ($8.20/hour) with pay increases based on hours worked. St. Peters’ lifeguards also have a chance to work indoor and outdoor for potential year-round employment. New outdoor positions are opening in 2018 for the city of St. Peters’ new water park, The Cove at St. Peters, near the Rec-Plex. St. Peters Rec-Plex is located at 5200 Mexico Rd. To apply for a job or find additional employment opportunities with the City of St. Peters, visit www.stpetersmo.net/jobs.

Dec. 30: German club meeting

Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) meets the last Saturday of every month. Attendees are predominantly German born/raised people who get together at 11 a.m. in St. Charles to speak German, eat a late breakfast or early lunch and sip a cool drink or two. Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht Mittagessen), und geniessen ein Gespräch auf deutsch. Over 50 percent of attendees were born or raised in Germany and over 50 percent live in St Charles County. Meeting location is Culpepper’s Restaurant at 3010 W Clay St. in St. Charles (North side of I-70 at Zumbehl Road in St Charles).

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve bingo

The St. Robert Bellarmine Men’s Club is hosting a New Year’s Eve bingo event at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish at 1424 S. First Capitol Dr. at the intersection of Sherman Dr. and S. First Capitol Dr. Doors open at 4 p.m. and bingo starts at 6:45 p.m. $3,600 in prizes will be given away, plus attendance prizes. Concession stand will be open for food and beverage purchases. Players may bring own food. (Please no crockpots or electric appliances.) For reservations, contact Rich at 636-441-2395. $10 per reservation. This $10 is applied to purchase price of your bingo sheets. No advanced reservations after Dec. 30. For more information, contact Fred Kuhn at 636-925-1316.

Jan 6: Theater auditions

Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “The Wizard of Oz” at 8:30 a.m. in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Callbacks for principle roles will be held at 1 p.m., Jan. 7. Auditions are open for youth ages eight to 18, and will consist of solo singing, a dance routine which will be taught and brief readings from the script. Students auditioning should bring dance shoes (jazz, ballet, tap or all) and wear clothes in which they can dance comfortably. They should also prepare 16 to 32 measures of a Broadway repertoire song in their key and bring an accompaniment CD, no a cappella or singing over lyrics.Those auditioning must be accompanied by an adult. To be cast, students must either have had Introductory Theatre Workshop I or concurrently enroll in that class in addition to being in the production. Performances will be at 7 p.m. March 16, March 17, March 22, March 23 and March 24; and 2 p.m. March 18, March 24, and March 25. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636922-8233. For more information, call the SCC Continuing Education Department at 636-922-8233.

Feb. 16: Bowling fundraiser

The Tri County Advisory Board invites you to the 19th Annual Crazy Bowl at O’Fallon Bowling Lane at 420 Sonderen St. in O’Fallon. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. and bowling begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per bowler and includes three games of bowling, bowling shoe rental and prizes. Cash

bar available. 16 lanes have been reserved so R.S.V.P. early. 90 percent of your contribution is tax deductible as allowed by law.

Feb. 24: Trivia night

Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Division annual trivia night takes place at St. Robert Bellermine church hall at 1424 First Capital Drive in St. Charles. Please call 636544-7418 or pat1288@aol.com for reservations or questions. Cost is $200 for a table of eight. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., trivia starts at 7 p.m.

ONGOING EVENTS 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 636561-6947.

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

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).

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.

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

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.

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: 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.

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

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

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

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 13, 2017 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

for coffee, pastries and camaraderie. Come meet with fellow veterans who served our country and share your experience.

Every Tuesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

8-9:30pm, in the Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to high school and adult men.

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

2nd Tuesday: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

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.

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 Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.; locations posted on our website www.angelfire. com and on our Facebook page. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636456-0776.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

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

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refreshments and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertainment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month.

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.

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

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club

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

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

Every Tuesday & Thursday: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA

What’s Happening

SUDOKU answers from page10

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

8-9am & 10:15-11:15am. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes 9-10am and 5:30-6:30pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314.369.6521.

Wednesdays: Food pantry

Food pantry open Wednesdays to the public from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Cornerstone UMC at 1151 Tom Ginnever Ave. in O’Fallon. Bread, canned goods other necessities.

Wednesdays: Veterans Coffee Talk

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.

Wednesdays: Marine Corp League meeting

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at the American Legion 313 old town St. Peters at 7:30 p.m. All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome. For more information visit www. stcharlesmarine.org.

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.

www.dpc4u.org

www.stcharleschristmas.com

December 13, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

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

SINGERS WANTED

HELP WANTED

www.dawcstl.com NOVENA 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, R.H.

Do you have lots of unwanted “Stuff?”

Let help advertise your sale!

Call Brooke at 636.697.2414 STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED SPECIAL! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items.

$15.00

CALL 636-697-2414

Check us Out! www.MYCNEWS.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 13, 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

Dannegger Brothers Contracting, Inc

www.HomeWashersStl.com www.scrubbydutch.com

• Foundation & Basement Repairs • Waterproofing • Piering • Mudjacking • Stress Bracing • Concrete Flatwork

314-993-1833

www.DanneggerBrothers.com www.danneggerbrothers.com Insured | Experienced | Local | Quality

www.treesbywoody.net

www.elinorcross.com

www.cozyhomecleaners.org

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

December 13, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Family drama to dominate ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

M O V I E

Though it has its critics, Walt Disney Studios has been exceptionally good to the “Star Wars” crowd. Within the last two years, it gave fans Christmas gifts in the form of “The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One.” Each one did exceptionally well at the box office, with the oneshot “Rogue One” reportedly taking in over a billion dollars in gross revenues. Even the much-maligned “Han Solo” movie should do well now that Ron Howard is leading the effort. Therefore, it’s safe to say that “The Last Jedi” will become another license to print money for Disney. Fans have been picking apart the trailers, including the last official one, for a long time. Based on the footage, Mark Hamill, who didn’t appear until the final moments of “Force Awakens,” has a lot more to do here, including training Force-sensitive Rey (Daisy Ridley). She even demonstrates power levels that frighten the seasoned Jedi Knight. Once again, family drama may dominate the storyline. In 1980, “The Empire Strikes Back” revealed that Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker was Luke’s father (he didn’t learn Leia was his sister until “The Return of the Jedi”). Ben Kenobi kept all those details secret from his young friend. It took until the third episode, “Revenge of the Sith,” for audiences to witness the birth of Luke and Leia and how they were separated for their protection. It’s not surprising, then, that Rey’s bloodline has come under scrutiny. While holding the lightsaber that belonged to Luke and his father, Rey remembered being left behind on Jakku as a ship flies off, but audiences didn’t see who was flying the craft. Some believe Luke is her father, others believe she is Obi Wan Kenobi reincarnated.

Another popular theory, supported in part by the trailers, is that Rey is the sibling of Ben Solo (Adam Driver), who goes by the name Kylo Ren. Ben tried to resolve his own inner turmoil by killing Han Solo (Harrison Ford), his father. The final trailer shows him preparing to attack a ship containing Leia (the late Carrie Fisher), his mother. One released scene shows Rey apparently reaching out to Kylo Ren for guidance. So how does Finn (John Boyega), the renegade Storm Trooper turned hero, fit into all this? Finn did a credible job defending and protecting Rey until Kylo Ren cut him down during their fight. Finn’s use of the lightsaber made many wonder if he is “Force sensitive” and related to Rey in some way. A few scenes in the final trailer indicate he may now be work-

By Steve Bryan

ing with the First Order, though. There will hopefully be some answers and inevitably more questions provided when “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” opens wide on Dec. 15. “Star Wars The Last Jedi” photo courtesy Lucasfilm 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.

www.healyourwounds.org 370

Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital

364

64 Progress West Hospital