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December 19, 2018

Holidays in the park

Around Town

Mid America TEEN CERT gears up for 2019. Pg. 4

Healthy Living

Multiples in pregnancy. Pg.5

Features

The Holiday Toy Train Display runs through Jan. 31 at the Heritage Museum, located at 1630 Heritage Landing.

Submitted photo

Parks in St. Charles County get in the holiday spirit with dazzling displays and fun activities By Brett Auten Are you looking for a close and free way to bask in some holiday glow? St. Charles County Parks has you covered with holiday happenings and events. From a mini Polar Express, to a dazzling light display, there are options aplenty. The Holiday Toy Train Display runs through Jan. 31 at the Heritage Museum, located at 1630 Heritage Landing. Young and old appreciate the museum’s Holiday Toy Train Display that runs through January. This year’s display features extended tracks, a new train and scenes that

highlight landmark buildings in St. Charles County along with the Polar Express and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland. “It is a magical thing to come out and view,” Nancy Gomer, Marketing Coordinator and Public Information Officer with the St. Charles County Parks Department, said. “It is in its fourth year and has really become popular.” The museum will also serve as a donation site for the Toys for Tots, a program created by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, which collects new unwrapped toys and distributes those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. If you’d like to spread

some holiday cheer by donating, bring new unwrapped toys to the museum through Dec. 21. The museum is free and open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday and noon –5 p.m., Sunday and will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Call 636255-6000 for more information. “The atmosphere is very soothing,” Gomer said. “Both kids and adults are almost mesmerized.” 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 See ’Holidays’ page 2

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Around Town

December 19, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘Holidays’ from cover

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Huneke Publications, Inc. 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 PH: 636-379-1775 | FX: 636-379-1632 Published weekly since 1921. Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties. Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/General Manager Robert J. Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistant Melissa Nordmann Copy Editor Donna Huneke Staﬀ Writers Brett Auten, Charlotte Beard Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore, Nick Palisch Cartoonist John Hanna Social Media Lori North Classiied Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Heather Deatz, Susan Faust, Doug Garbs, Bob Huneke, Norm Merchant, Christy Parks, Christy Weber Circulation Dominion Distribution, Papers Unlimited 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/ed itor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication. Copyright 2017 Huneke Publications, 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.

Submitted photos (Left) The Holiday Toy Train Display runs through Jan. 31 at the Heritage Museum, located at 1630 Heritage Landing. (Right) The Celebration of Lights is a holiday light display held at the park where each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches, and businesses.

funded by local organizations, churches, and businesses. Started in 1991, it attracts more than 10,000 vehicles each year. The park is again aglow with thousands of lights shining along one-mile drive, merry holiday scenes and inspiring nativities. This year’s display includes everyone’s favorite, the Tunnel of Lights, and new scenes including a castle with “Beauty & the Beast” characters and a “Christmas Vacation” scene. The Celebration of Lights will continue nightly through Dec. 30 (except on Christmas, Dec.25), offering a variety of ways to tour the park on different days and with varying admission costs.

Sleighrides can be booked in advance on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; the cost is $100 for groups of 20, including children seated on laps. Rides can be booked by calling 636-379-5606 with a credit card, or reserved in-person with cash or check. For more information, email estoll@ofallon.mo.us. Horse-drawn rides, which also must be reserved in advance, can be booked for any evening except on Mondays or on Dec. 25 (Christmas). The cost varies; for reservations contact Brookdale Farms at www.brookdalefarmsinc.com/celebration-of-lights or 636-938-1005. Drive through the park in your own

vehicle with no reservations needed. The drive-through will be open from 6 – 9 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays (except on Dec. 25), Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 6 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $10/car, $15/commercial vans and limousines, and $1/person on tour buses ($25 minimum). The Celebration of Lights is sponsored by the City of O’Fallon with the assistance of local businesses and civic organizations. A portion of the proceeds goes to locally-based charities. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights.

Car clubs donate to the National Children’s Cancer Society Wheels in Motion, a collaborative effort of several area car clubs headed by the First Capitol Classics Auto Club of St. Charles, recently made a $14,000 donation to The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS). The charity provides support in many areas to families with children suffering from cancer. Over the past 20 years, the Wheels in Motion program has raised approximately $176,000 for The NCCS. Funds are raised throughout the year with help from various sponsors, other car clubs and events. The majority of donations come from the Wheels in Motion Car Show, held at Westport Plaza and hosted by First Capitol Classics Club. Other car clubs making substantial contributions to the show include local chapters of the GTO, Model T, Buick, Packard, Mustang, Fords Unlimited and AACA clubs and the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri. The Wheels in Motion Car Show is held each September on the Sunday after Labor Day and features performances donated by St. Louis area entertainers. All profits go to the NCCS. For more information about the car show and the NCCS, visit the First Capitol Classics website https://firstcapitolclassics.wixsite. com/autoclub.

Submitted photo NCCS Special Events Manager Kadie Schuermann (second from left) accepts the $14,000 donation from Wheels in Motion. Also pictured are WIM treasurer Sharon Mercer, car show chairman Elliott Cytron and First Capitol Classics president Bill Brecht.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 19, 2018

Around Town

American Legion Post honors members and first responders Every year in November, the American Legion Post 388 recogize outstanding post members. The post also recognizes outsanding members of the O’Fallon Police and Fire /EMS Department. The award dinner is held at Connerstone Methodist Church at 1151 Tom Ginnever in O’Fallon. The American Legion and thecCitizens of O’Fallon awarded two citizens from American Legion Post 388 the coveted honor of Legionnaire of the Year for outstanding performance and rendered a special salute. James F Griesenauer received special recognition as Legionnaire of the Year for his outstanding leadership and mate-

rial skills in pursuit of a host of improvement projects to enhance the function of the post. Largely on his own initiative he transformed the entire post environment into a significant professional base. Ted Richardson was awarded the Legionnaire of the Year Award for his tireless efforts to the success of virtually every endeavor of American Legion Post 388. Additionally as a member of the Honor Guard he is credited for performing military honors for nearly seven hundred funerals for deceased veterans, and is well deserving of the quote “Always ready to help.” All members of the Honor Guard received certificates of

Inspiration Corner: Everybody loves a feast. Feasting is fantastic. Except when it’s not. Then, feasting is psychological torture. How can this be, you ask? Well, I will tell you. I grew up under the impression that every meal was a feast. The goal was clear; eat as much as humanly possible, then sit back and rub one’s tummy (preferably my own). But food is a fickle friend. One moment it is satisfying ones taste buds and the next it is collecting “I owe you’s” in the form of fat cells. For many years I lived by this very superficial understanding of nutrition; namely, if it was edible, it nourished the body. Henceforth, Doritos and cola is a meal. The holidays only complicated matters. In addition to the traditional turkey or ham, we enjoyed a plethora of savory side dishes and desserts. Every holiday I gained ten pounds (or more). I never once considered watching what I ate because, well, why? It

appreciation in recognition of outstanding service and assistance to perform military honors to our deceased veterans in 2018. A major feature of the evening was recognizing outstanding performance by members of the O’Fallon Police Department and O’Fallon District Fire Protection. Detective Ed Klipfel was awarded the Certificate of Commendation for his outstanding service to the O’Fallon Police Department and to the citizens of O’Fallon. Fire District Protection Officer Michael Knipping was awarded the Certificate of Commendation for his outstanding

Submitted photo (From left) O’Fallon Police Chief Colonel Roy Joachimstaler stands with Detective Ed Klipfel, Fire Chief Tom Vinyard and Fireman Michael Knipping.

service as squad officer, safety officer and rescue officer to a wide range of services to all citizens in danger or disaster. He has been commended for his

frequent participation in search and rescue, hurricane safety, water rescue and the Hawaii Volcano disaster.

idays become a source of serious angst. I will oversimplify; food was never meant to be anything other than nourishment to our bodies, even though it does receive special significance for celebrations. If you struggle, ask

for help. There are many support groups who will help you learn to put food in its proper place. Sometimes the best first step is acknowledging how helpless we really are. For more inspiration, follow me on my blog: www.destinationdiscipline.com.

When feasting is a fallacy

was my belief that one simply did not abstain from Grandma’s cookies. That would be just plain rude, not to mention fundamentally wrong. Then I made a lifestyle change. I did this in the spring, far away from feasting festivities. When my first holiday arrived, I really struggled with how to proceed. I was simply trying to process the awfulness of not eating my favorite foods because I had learned sugar was toxic to my body and also a trigger. To be candid, I became rather boorish to my family, all of whom were thoroughly sick of my lectures on certain “sinister sustenance’s”. I am a compulsive eater; therefore it is very difficult—if not impossible—for me to eat a small amount of any one thing. Vegetables were my consolation prize. I learned how to grill, roast, and sauté my veggies while utilizing spices like garlic, cumin, rosemary, thyme, etc.

The joy of my life was hearing my aunt say, “I never liked broccoli before, but this is amazing!” in response to my olive oil and garlic roasted spears. Some will say, “everything in moderation” and snap their fingers at the morbidly obese individual. They expect someone who is overweight to simply “eat less” not realizing the psychological impact food plays in our lives. For many people— myself included—food is a love language. We use food to comfort, console and celebrate many events in our lives. Thus the hol-

Margaret Wolfinbarger is a wife and mother of three peculiar children. She lives in St. Charles and likes to shine light into dark places.

Around Town

December 19, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Mid America TEEN CERT gears up for 2019 The Mid America Teen Community Emergency Response Team, based in western St. Charles County, has had an exciting previous 15 years. Now in its sixteenth year providing emergency planning and response training to thousands of teen and adult students, the nationally-acclaimed program has added several new attributes to their already robust repertoire. One of the newest features added to Mid America TEEN CERT is the addition of the programs’ hybrid training and response trailer, which has the capability to deploy not only to classes, but also mass casualty incidents and disasters if called upon. The “most-situation” vehicle is equipped with supplies to assist first responders in serious emergency events, and has the sleek appearance to present itself nicely in events and parades. The trailer will eventually have onboard satellite and communications to operate as a mobile command unit as well if needed. Another benefit to the training is the inclusion of several badge requirements for members of the American Heritage Girls (www.americanheritagegirls.org), such as Emergency Preparedness, Fire Safety Building, Survival Search and Rescue, Outdoor Skills, and All God’s Children. Mid America TEEN CERT already includes several Boy Scout merit badges in the curriculum, such as Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Fire Safety, Safety, Disabilities Awareness, Search and Rescue and Wilderness Survival; requirements for Girl Scout and 4H badges are also built in to the training as well. Students that participate in the program are trained to handle all emergency situations. Mid America TEEN CERT (MATC), is intended to teach teens and adults students to assist efficiently and effectively in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, without putting themselves or others in any unnecessary danger. The program teaches an average of 7-8 training classes and 12-15 philanthropic events per year. Each Mid America TEEN CERT class is 22-24 hours and is personally designed to suit the

Submitted photo Mid America TEEN CERT (MATC), is intended to teach teens and adults students to assist efficiently and effectively in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, without putting themselves or others in any unnecessary danger.

individual organizations’ needs. The average size of each class is 25-30 students. One of the unique aspects of Mid America TEEN CERT, is that the program has operated entirely without any outside funding since its beginning and remains one of the most popular youth programs in the nation. With thousands of volunteer participants, Mid America TEEN CERT was selected in 2018 as the No. 1 Emergency Preparedness Program and Youth Program in Missouri for the seventh straight year, and achieved the recognition as No. 1 Emergency Preparedness Training Program and Outstanding Youth Training Program in America for the fourth straight year. 2019 Training Dates and Locations Mid America TEEN CERT training is free of charge and open to anyone who is at least 12 years and older. Trainings are usually held in and around the St. Louis region. There are currently seven upcoming training sessions scheduled for 2019 (with two more being finalized). Dates and locations include: • Ozark Trailblazers District, April 12-14, 2019 at S-F Scout Ranch, 120 US67, Farmington, Missouri • Troop 677, May 3-5, 2019 at Beaumont Scout Reservation, 6480 Beaumont Reservation Drive, High Ridge, Missouri • Troop 853, May 17-19, 2019 at Wentzville FPD Station #3, 1146 Clinton

Prinster Memorial Drive, Foristell • Troop 390, August 2-4, 2019 at Location TBD • MO ARNG CYP (National Guard), Sept. 1315, 2019 at Patriot Center, 2405 Logistics Road, Jefferson City, Missouri • AHG Troop MO1880, Dates TBD at Immaculate Conception Church, 7701 State Highway N, Dardenne Prairie • Chamberlain University School of Nursing, Dates TBD at SIUE Edwardsville, Maryville Campus, 650 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis • Macon County Health Department, Dates TBD at Macon County Health Department, 503 N Missouri Street, Macon, Missouri • Troop 553, November 1-3, 2019 at Location TBD Proper preparation and training can play a crucial role in protecting ourselves and our community. Emergencies can be terrifying, but with the proper preparation and training, even the worst situation can be manageable when responded to confidently and effectively. For further information about Mid America TEEN CERT, classes or events, and donating, contact program director Mark Rosenblum at mark.rosenblum@outlook.com, @TEEN_ CERT, or visit www.facebook. com/groups/MIDAMERICATEENCERT.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 19, 2018

Healthy Living

Multiples in pregnancy By Dr. Roxane Rampersad Are all pregnancies involving multiples considered highrisk? Is bed rest prescribed for every multiples pregnancy? Carrying twins, triplets and quadruplets may come with many unique questions and concerns. The risks of carrying twins, triplets or quadruplets Multiples pregnancies have a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to a singleton pregnancy, or just carrying one baby. These pregnancies also have a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, anemia and blood clots, though many of these complications can be managed through prenatal care.

Identical or fraternal twins When babies share a placenta, or monochorionic pregnancies, this generally indicates identical twins. When the babies don’t share a placenta, or there are two placentas, it’s called dichorionic pregnancies, which often results in fraternal twins. Sometimes a post-delivery DNA test may be completed to determine if the twins are identical or fraternal. The likelihood of bed rest It’s often believed that bed rest reduces the risk of delivering pre-term babies. However, studies of bed rest have not shown to increase the babies’ gestational age at delivery. In fact, bed rest can actually complicate a pregnancy, by increasing the chance of a blood clot. In most cases, your obstetrician or maternal fetal specialist will not recommend bed rest.

Calorie intake and weight gain with multiples In a singleton pregnancy, it’s usually recommended for the mother to increase caloric intake by 300 kilocalories in a day. For twins, this recommendation doubles, and mothers may need to increase their daily caloric intake by 600 kilocalories. It’s likely iron intake and folic acid will also need to be increased. In terms of weight gain, the mother will typically start gaining one and half pounds a week around 20 weeks. Weight gain recommendations are based on the mother’s body mass index, the measure of her weight versus height.

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Roxane Rampersad, MD, is a Washington University maternal-fetal medicine physician, focusing her practice on the care and treatment of high-risk pregnancy and multiple births. To learn more, visit BJCStCharlesCounty.org or schedule an appointment with Dr. Rampersad at 314-454-8181.

While multiples pregnancies present their own risks and challenges, there are simple things you can do to keep you and your babies healthy.

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www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex

School

December 19, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

FHSD to bring school bus transportation in-house for 2019-20

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The Francis Howell School District Board of Education has decided to self-operate student transportation services, beginning with the 2019-20 school year. FHSD has contracted student transportation services through First Student (and its predecessor Laidlaw) since 1999. The current school year is the final year of the most recent two-year contract extension. School bus transportation is typically the second-biggest expenditure for school districts after salary and benefits. In an effort to identify possible cost savings and ensure the best service for students and parents, the district determined that it would issue a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) for student transportation services this year rather than negotiate a contract extension. The district received proposals from Durham, First Student, and North American Central. All three proposals included a cost increase over the current contract, with the lowest bid coming in at more than $10.5 million annually. After careful analysis of the proposals, and following discussions with other school districts that have recently moved to self-operated transportation services, the district determined that it was possible to provide

Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District The Francis Howell School District Board of Education has decided to self-operate student transportation services, beginning with the 2019-20 school year.

a higher level of transportation services and improve the average age of the bus fleet by not contracting out transportation services. FHSD administration made this recommendation to the board of education, and the board voted unanimously to approve the proposal to bring bus transportation in-house at the November board meeting. District administration believes it can accomplish this transition for the amount of the lowest bid, or potentially less. In addition to cost savings, districts that have brought transportation in-house have also generally enjoyed higher levels of customer service, because all of the trans-

portation staff are employees of the district and not a third party contractor. FHSD will now begin the transition process. The first step will be to hire a Director of Transportation Services. This individual will then direct the implementation of the in-house operations. Other staffing needs will include approximately 250 drivers, routers, aides and mechanics. The proposed timeline for implementation of in-house transportation services is modeled after that of other school districts that have made the transition and culminates in a planned “go live” date of July 1, 2019.

Three from St. Charles Community College recognized at 54th Missouri Community College Association The efforts and achievements of two individuals from St. Charles Community College and one state representative were recognized by the Missouri Community College Association at the 54th annual convention in November. The MCCA annual convention ran Nov. 7-9 with a keynote delivered by Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, Classes 4 Classes founder and executive director. Those recognized with awards at the convention were chosen from thousands of peers across the state for their outstanding leadership, innovation and support for their community college campuses. Rep. Bryan Spencer (District 63) received the Distinguished Legislator Award. This award is reserved for community colleges’ biggest advocates in the Missouri Legislature. Rep. Spencer was recognized for his work on expanding access to higher education from SCC to Warren County. Marvin Tobias, St. Charles Community College professor of psychology, earned the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award is

presented annually for outstanding instructors from each community college campus in Missouri for work done during the previous year. Tobias has a well-known and highly regarded teaching style on the SCC campus and is respected by his peers. Lisa Mouser, director of technology support at St. Charles Community College, was awarded the Senior Service Award. This award is presented to a long-serving employee from each of Missouri’s community colleges. Recipients are recommended for the award by their college president or chancellor. Lisa is a student-centered staff member who has served the SCC campus community for many years and helps student workers learn in a hands-on environment. The Missouri Community College Association’s annual convention is the largest professional development opportunity in Missouri solely focused on community colleges. Its award banquets, breakout sessions and peer-to-peer networking attract more than 500 attendees from across the state.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 19, 2018

Syberg’s St. Peters celebrates grand opening

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On Nov. 27, Syberg’s an Eating & Drinking Company opened the doors of their newest restaurant and bar in St. Peters. Syberg’s St. Peters is located at 5856 Suemandy Drive at the Mid Rivers Mall exit on Interstate 70. Syberg’s an Eating & Drinking Company, a family owned business founded by Richard and Sally Syberg in the 1970’s as a catering business and their children have continued the family tradition building additional restaurants throughout the St. Louis area. Over the company’s 30 plus years of existence, Syberg’s has grown to

include nine full-service restaurants and bars. Each location has weekly entertainment and a family friendly, sports bar atmosphere, outdoor seating, spacious dining rooms, private banquet facilities and much more making it its own truly unique destination place The family of restaurants is led by Kirk, Rick and Brett Syberg, each who grew up in the business and have over 100 years of restaurant experience. For more information, please call 636.387.7477 or visit www.sybergs.com.

Local doctor earns RealSelf Hall of Fame Award for high patient ratings Thomas Wright, MD is one of 1,000 board-certified doctors to be inducted into the RealSelf Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing the highest-rated and most active doctors on RealSelf, the leading online marketplace to learn about cosmetic treatments and connect with medical aesthetic providers. For eight years, the annual RealSelf 100 and 500 awards recognized doctors with outstanding records of highpatient ratings who have given back to the RealSelf community by providing credible, valuable insights in response to consumer questions about elective cosmetic treatments ranging from surgical procedures to minimally invasive technologies to cosmetic dentistry. For the first time ever, RealSelf celebrates the Hall of Fame, a culmination of eight years of recognitions made through the RealSelf 100 and 500 awards program.

“The RealSelf Hall of Fame honors the achievements of board-certified aesthetic doctors who consistently put the consumer first,” said Tom Seery, Founder and CEO of RealSelf. “It’s my pleasure to recognize this elite group of doctors for their significant contributions on RealSelf and their high standards in patient satisfaction.” Wright said, “I am honored to be recognized by RealSelf for providing excellent care to my patients. My staff and I are dedicated to providing the best care and clinical experience to our patients and we are grateful to be recognized.” Wright owns and operates Laser Lipo and Vein Center in O’Fallon where he has dedicated his practice to providing state of the art medical procedures for his patients. Wright offers tumescent liposuction and fat transfer procedures for cosmetic patients and also per-

forms a specialized tumescent liposuction technique to treat patients with a fat disorder called Lipedema.

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Citizens of voting age in St. Charles County, pursuant to the provision of Sec. 262-577, R.S. Mo. 69, will have an opportunity to vote and elect members to the University of Missouri Extension Council in January. The elected and appointed members of the Extension Council guide and direct extension programs and services within the County. Six individuals have been nominated for the five elective positions. The nominees are as follows: Fay Aubuchon, Kurt M. Johnson, Tom Nagle, Kristen Sherry, Julie Turner and Roy Zirges Additional nominations may be made by petition of 25 or more qualified voters residing within the district, filed with the Council within 20 days after the publication of this notice of election. Forms for nomination are available in your County Extension Office located at 260 Brown Road, St. Peters, Missouri. Phone: 636-970-3000. The St. Charles County University of Missouri Extension Council Fay Aubuchon, Chairman

What’s Happening

December 19, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Dec. 20: Lunch and bingo

Alexander Chapter #242 Order of Eastern Star will be hosting a lunch and bingo starting at 11:30 am. The cost is $10 and includes lunch followed by bingo. The bingo is held at the St. Charles Masonic Lodge located at 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles (behind Fridays on Hwy 94). Other activities include a silent auction and 50/50 If you will be attending, please send an email to alexander242OES@gmail.com. The Order of Eastern Star works hard to raise funds to support local, regional and national charities. If you would like to learn about becoming a member please visit www.oesmo.org or send an email to alexander242OES@gmail.com.

Parents, you are invited and encouraged to bring your teen drivers with you. First Impact is a 90 – minute evidence-based traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri’s GDL law. The goal of First Impact is to reduce new driver crashes, resulting injuries and fatalities, by increasing parental awareness and enforcement of Missouri’s Graduated Driver License law. The program is delivered by trained GDL Coaches who coach parents by presenting key facts and proven strategies to help parents lower their teens’ crash risk by utilizing the Missouri GDL law. The statewide program is available free of charge. Speakers will be SGT Tom Mozelewski, St. Peters Police Department and Mark Hollander, VISION St. Charles County Leadership.

Dec. 21: Holiday dance

Celebrate the holidays in style with DJ Gary Williams of Juke Box Productions at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre’s Holiday Dance. Doors open at 7 p.m. Individuals, couples and groups are all welcome to join in the holiday fun and celebrate the season by dancing the night away. Tickets are $7 per person at the door. St. Peters residents and Cultural Arts Centre members receive $1 off admission. Feel free to bring your own snacks; soda will also be available for purchase. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters For more information, visit www. stpetersmo.net/arts or call 636-3976908, ext. 1624.

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., 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. Cost is $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. 11: Bunco Bash

Bunco Bash is hosted by K Of C William Pezold #7198 Ladies Auxiliary. Doors open at 6 p.m., bunco begins at 7 p.m. at the Pezold Banquet Center at 5701 Highway N in St. Charles. Cost is $20 per person and includes appetizers, snacks, desserts, soda and tea along with two complimentary drink tickets. There will be prizes, basket raffles and 50/50. Net proceeds donated to local charity. Contact Mary at 636240-6078 for more information.

Jan. 15: Parent speaker series

Parent Speaker Series – First Impact; Preparing Drivers for the Road Ahead takes place from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Francis Howell School District at 4545 Central School Road in St. Charles.

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 St. in St. Charles. For more information contact Joyce at 636-206-5306.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

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

Mondays: Parent support group

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

Mondays: 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.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

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

Mondays: St.Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day)

unless otherwise specified. No meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (Second floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (Treasurer) at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class

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

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge

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

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets

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

Mondays: Measurement Mondays:

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

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.

Tuesdays: Seniors group

Please join us on the third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a gathering for senior adults. There will be lunch (no charge), cards and bingo (no charge), community program referrals, occasional health and well-

ness presentations and clergy available upon request. The event takes place at Church of the Transfiguration at1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake Saint Louis. For more information call 636-5618951.

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 Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Tuesdays: Cottleville Spring Kiwanis Club

Weldon

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. and the third Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. Both meetings are at Rack House Kitchen Wine Whiskey. New club looking for new members who want to better our community. Contact Christy at 314583-0538.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Bogey Hills Country Club 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 636448-4277. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636379-2505.

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

The group meets on third Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at theAlzheimer’s Chapter Office at 9370 Olive Blvd. 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. Registration is requested before the first meeting.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

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

Tuesdays: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

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

Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

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 second Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warrenton Masonic Lodge. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-456-0776 or visit our Facebook page.

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: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America

Meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www.showmestitchers.com.

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Garden Club

Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930. Club does not meet in August or November.

Tuesdays: St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner.

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 19, 2018 Tuesdays and Thursdays: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 10:15-11:15 a.m. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes 9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314369-6521.

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: Talk

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.

Wednesdays: Marine League meeting

Corp

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.

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.

Wednesdays: Crossroads Cribbage Club 12 noon. Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.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.

Wednesdays: Men’s Golf League

Wednesdays, April - October. 5 p.m., tee off at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. For more information, contact the Lake St. Louis Community Association at (636)625-8276.

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m. VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 6-6:55pm Any 636.928.1928.

level.

Info:

Wednesdays: Hope & Healing

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

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

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: meeting

American

Legion

On the first Thursday of each month, American Legion Post 323 meets at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville. For more information call 636327-6060.

Thursdays: Lions Club meeting

Wentzville Outreach Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at Schnucks at 1960 Wentzville Pkwy in Wentzville at 6 p.m. Contact Jimmy Butler at 314-780-5629 or Lisa Alexander at 314-258-1069 for more information.

Thursdays: TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club 661 Wentzville holds meetings every Thursday in room 21 at The United Methodist Church of Wentzville, 725 Wall Street. Weigh ins at 9:30, meetings begin at 10 a.m. For more information call 314-650-1014.

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. For more information, contact CyndySchwab at (636)544-0102.

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 Thursday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

Meets first Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm at the McC;lay Library in St. Charles. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org;

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.

Every Thursday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Quilters

9am-2pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Members do hand quilting to quilts of any size for donation that is given to various church supported charities. No experience is necessary to join the group. For more information, contact Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters

6:30am at IHOP (3851 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy St. Peters).

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon

Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon at 12 noon, except third Thursday the group meets at 6 p.m. Info: www.ofkiwanis.com.

What’s Happening

Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry

3-8pm VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane. Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.

Fridays: Bingo

The American Legion Post 312, located at 2500 Raymond Dr. in St. Charles hosts bingo, every Friday night. This is a non-smoking hall with games starting at 6:15 p.m. and includes two progressive bingo games per night. See more at www.alpost312mo.org

Every Saturday: Chess

9-12 at Middendor-Kredell Library on Hwy K.

Every Saturday: Veterans Learn guitar for FREE

9:30am in Historic St. Charles. Info: Bill Dennis at 314.479.5750.

Every Saturday: Peaceful Puppy Mill Protest 11am - 12:30pm at Petland, 6131 Ronald Reagan Drive, Lake St. Louis. banmo.puppymills@yahoo.com.

Second and Fourth Saturday of the month: Charitable bingo

Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m. at the Wentzville Community Club located at 500 West Main in Wentzville. For more information visit www.wentzvillecommunityclub.com or www.facebook.com/wentzville-community-club

Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting 7:30am, The Rendezvous Café at 217 South Main St. in O’Fallon. We welcome existing and potential members to visit and have breakfast with us. www.ofallonmo.rotary-clubs.org

Every Thursday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

10a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Family Hall. Free for members. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Alexander Chapter #242 Order of the Eastern Star Meetings

7:30pm, St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles.

3rd Thursday of each month: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 meetings

7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

St. Charles County Lions Club meets second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton in St. Charles. New members welcome.

Every Friday: Moms Play Group

10am at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. 314.479.0306, andreacrislip@ gmail.com or www.lslmothersclub. com.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Saturdays: Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV)

Last Saturday of every month Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) meets at 11 a.m. at Bar Louie in St. Charles. Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht Mittagessen), und geniessen ein Gespräch auf deutsch. We’re meeting for a beer (and maybe lunch), and enjoying a conversation in German. April, June and September meetings are held at different locations. See https://www.facebook.com/ groups/472022532983525/

1st & 3rd Saturday: St Peters Square Dance Club Dances

Pre ropund dance fom 7 - 7:30 p.m., dancing from 7:30 - 10 p.m. 1st United Methodist Church, 801 First Capital Dr. www.squaredancemissouri.com/ Missouri/St.Louis

3rd Saturdays: Restore St. Charles Work Day. 8am, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Volunteer labor needed to provide the needy in our community with adequate living accommodations. Continental breakfast, safety instructions, and job assignments provided before work begins.

Every Sunday: Wentzville Community Club Flea Market

5:30 a.m.-1pm, 500 West Main St. in Wentzville. For more information, call 636.357.4328.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports

December 19, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B... Ambush wins home opener in overtime The St. Louis Ambush, your professional soccer team playing in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), play their home games at the Family Arena. Their first regular season game in front of their hometown fans saw the club pull off a dramatic, come-from-behind, overtime victory over the rival Kansas City Comets Sunday afternoon at the Family Arena. The Comets struck early, taking a 4-0 lead into the halftime break. After the break, goals by Clayton Matheus, Mario Marcos, Hewerton Moreira and Zach Reget knotted the score at 4-4 when KC pulled ahead by a goal. Reget scored again to tie the contest with less than a minute to go in regulation. The game went to overtime when Corey Adamson hit the back of the net for the win to delight the 4,750 fans in attendance. Ambush next home game: Saturday, Dec. 29 against the Kansas City Comets at 7:05 p.m. *Nice start at home Indoor football team makes announcement St. Louis Stampede held a press conference on Dec. 13 that their team will start play at the Family Arena on April 6 in the National Gridiron League. The league starts in mid March. Team President Kallie Klein was one of the major speakers at the conference. League President Joe McClendon commented on Klein, “With fifteen plus successful years of executive sales experience and a strong focus on community involvement, we are confident Kallie will guide this team to become worthy of the St. Louis fan base.” Besides Klein, other speakers included: • Bob Schnur, Finance Director-St. Charles County • Sally Faith, Mayor of St. Charles City • Dr. Eric Nepute, Nepute Wellness Center • Tim Maxvill, Marketing St. Louis Stampede

www.midwestbankcentre.com www.midwestbankcentre.com

• Patrick Pimmel, Head Coach Stampede Put the words…St. Louis Stampede…on your Facebook search engine to see the entire press conference with yours truly as the emcee. *A lot of excitement stirring Tryout for the Stampede The team will be looking for some additional talented players. More to follow next week. *Start pumping iron River City Rascals sign two players The O’Fallon based team has been busy right before winter officially starts. They have acquired Jason Agresti, a catcher from the Rockland Boulders as well as outfielder Cody Livesay, who has spent the last four seasons with the Gateway Grizzlies. Agresti, 22, was a four-year starter at Binghamton University. His 50 doubles are the second-most in program history. The Yorktown Heights, New York native played his first professional season in 2018, appearing in 36 games for the Boulders and totaling 20 hits, with 14 RBIs. Livesay is a familiar face for Rascals fans, as the 25-year old has played with the cross town-rival Grizzlies since 2015. He hit .262 with 23 RBIs in 2018, registering 79 hits in 90 games. He hit .306 during the 2015 season. The Jonesboro, IL native was a 42nd round pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2011, and spent three seasons in the team’s farm system, reaching as high as the (A) Rome Braves of the South Atlantic League. *Building the team 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, among many other activities.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 19, 2018

Recipe:

Feature

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– SUDOKU –

Twice-as-nice holiday treats

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.

Peppermint Bars Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 36 Ingredients: Brownies: 1 family-size package fudge brownie mix Peppermint Filling: 5 cups confectioners’ sugar 14 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract 1/8 teaspoon food color & egg dye, red Chocolate Glaze: 12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter crushed peppermint candies (optional) Directions: To make Brownies: Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions. Spread on greased, foil-lined, 15-by-10-by-1inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. To make Peppermint Filling: In large bowl, using electric mixer on medium speed, beat confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, cream, peppermint extract and food coloring until well blended and smooth. Spread evenly over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

To make Chocolate Glaze: In large, microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate and butter on high 2 minutes, until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Spread over top of chilled brownies. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies, if desired. Cut into bars. SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘Aquaman,’ ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ coming to theaters for Christmas

M O V I E

After the presents are opened and dinner is served, many families head to the theater to see a movie. This year, these holiday moviegoers have several options, including a solo film for the Transformer called Bumblebee. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly offer a comedic take on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson while Steve Carell has a potential Oscar nod for “Welcome to Marwen.” Two movies might become blockbusters, though. After the events documented in 2013’s “Saving Mr. Banks,” a sequel to the hit Disney film “Mary Poppins” seemed highly unlikely. Author P.L. Travers reportedly hated the 1964 adaptation of her literary work so much that she turned down offers from the Walt Disney Studios for a follow-up. Decades after her death; however, the studio was more successful pitching a sequel to Ms. Travers’ estate. Flying into theaters on Dec. 19, “Mary Poppins Returns” features Emily Blunt in the title role. In the sequel, Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) and his sister Jane (Emily Mortimer) are now adults. Michael has three children of his own and some personal issues, which triggers the return of Mary Poppins. Rob Marshall directs the sequel, which has a built-in audience that has grown over time. Dick Van Dyke, who played jack-of-all-trades

By Steve Bryan

man in his solo film. The character, born Arthur Curry, is truly a fascinating character with a dual heritage: human and Atlantean. He played a key role in “Justice League” and was one of the heroes who helped bring Superman back. Momoa is the perfect embodiment of an aquatic king. In “Aquaman,” Arthur learns of his true heritage and must find a magic trident to take his rightful place in Atlantis. Aquaman is “Mary Poppins Returns” photo courtesy Walt Disney Pictures incredibly strong, can swim at incredible speeds and can communicate with Bert in the original, appears in “Mary Poppins undersea life. He even has the power Returns,” but Julie Andrews didn’t want to to affect the tides. make a cameo. In interviews, she said more “Mary Poppins Returns” and “Aquaman” are than once that this film belongs to Emily two solid choices for your holiday viewing. Blunt. The early reviews are good, making this No matter which film you choose, have a very a great choice for the entire family. Merry Christmas. Mary Poppins is beloved by multiple generations, but, in contrast, Aquaman has been taking it on the chin for years. “Family Guy” Born and raised in South portrayed the aquatic superhero as somewhat St. Louis, Steve Bryan is useless out of the water. For a New Year’s Eve now based in Anaheim, California, and has been costume contest on “The Big Bang Theory,” allowed access to movie Rajesh (Kunal Nayyar) dressed up as Aqua- and television sets to see man riding an oversized seahorse. Initially actors and directors at work. happy with his outfit, Rajesh starts criticizing Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, the hero as well. Steve is, at heart, still the Based on his prior appearances in the DC same wide-eyed kid who Extended Universe (DCEU), no one will be spent countless hours watching classic movies at laughing at Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aqua- neighborhood theaters.

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Feature

December 19, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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Feature

December 19, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Happy Holidays

‘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

Winter’s here. Whoopity-doo. I’m not one of those people who gets excited about not being able to feel my face for three months out of the year. In fact, I can’t think of anything especially good about the season at all. I don’t get to wear my flip flops anymore. That’s not fun. But then I don’t have to shave my feet either. So there, I’ll count that as the one and only good thing about winter…two things, if you count both feet. Then there’s the onslaught of germs, bacteria and other multiple infectious organisms that crop up around this time of year and plant themselves into our bloodstreams. All summer long they’ve been released into the heavens by bajillions of people breathing in air and breathing out their lung bugs. These air cooties then rise up above the atmosphere where they settle and incubate and breed. Day in and day out they hover around not doing particularly anything of worth, much like Congress, until that first snowfall. And then it happens. The first flakes of the year. And what do we do? We all run outside and spin around with our happy faces up to the sky and our mouths wide opened to ingest those delicious white

Winter’s furry flecks. Little do we know that way up past the clouds the nasty little summer microbes have laid in wait for low these many months until this exact moment. Then, like hoards of commuters piling on the last Uber out of town, squillions of them leap onto a passing snowflake and ride the freeway of infection down into those awaiting open mouths. “But they taste so good,” we tell ourselves. “Like refreshing crisp rainbows mixed with a unicorn’s love.” But all that unicorn love isn’t about to save you when your head’s on fire with a raging temperature of 105 and every bodily orifice is spewing out liquid non-stop. So I’m going to play it safe this year and stay indoors away from the brutal, toxic flurries.

I should be nice and warm, especially my furry feet…since I don’t have to shave them.

C i n d y 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.

ACROSS 1. Snap up 5. Ship pronoun 8. Table scrap 11. Not happening 12. Call to matey 13. Boredom 15. Decant 16. Pilaf grain 17. Charcuterie stores 18. *”A ____ for the rest of us!”- from “Seinfeld” 20. Gwyneth, to friends 21. Thing to bear? 22. Comedian Tina 23. *Warmest or holiday follower 26. Feeling of disinterest 30. Sculptor Hans/Jean ___ 31. Chief 34. Assistant 35. Used in cricket or 301 37. *Feast of the Seven Fishes seafood 38. Tanks and such 39. Purse for a formal affair 40. All together 42. Make a mistake 43. Green bean or peanut 45. Infamous ____ Knoll 47. Charge carrier 48. *____ Navidad!

50. Hindu princess 52. *This theme wouldn’t exist without them 55. Swines, in Old English 56. Dashing style 57. Between a trot and a gallop 59. Corpulent 60. Ding-a-____ 61. Knight’s breastplate 62. “I Thee ____” 63. Pea container 64. Not a word? DOWN 1. Econ. measure 2. *Where Santa’s sleigh lands 3. Malaria symptom 4. Russian soup 5. Prison weapon, pl. 6. Bette Midler’s “____ Pocus” 7. *”Tiny tots with their ____ all aglow” 8. Billy Joel’s “____ the Good Die Young” 9. The Colosseum, e.g. 10. *____ the season! 12. Not aria nor recitative 13. Landscaper’s tool 14. *Welcomed with a count down 19. Weight of refuse and chaff, pl.

22. Driving hazard 23. Does like a crane 24. About to explode 25. Celiac disease, colloquially 26. ____ weevil 27. March of ____ 28. Emanations from incense and frankincense 29. *Christmas predecessor 32. Be undecided 33. Cotillion ball’s main attraction 36. *Good follower 38. Like smell of burning rubber, e.g. 40. Long time 41. Staring amorously 44. Coolness and composure 46. Popular flowering shrub 48. Shakespeare’s “First ____” 49. African antelope 50. RBG’s garb 51. Matured like cheese 52. SOS 53. Quotable Berra 54. What DJs do 55. Reporter’s question 58. Is in Paris SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9