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December 21, 2016

Historic recognition Around Town

Naval Sea cadets awarded

Holiday Guide

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Holiday Survival Guide

Submitted photos (Above) This house sits at 1506 Watson St. in the Lindenwood Neighborhood Historic District in St. Charles. The area was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in October for local significance in the area of architecture. (Below) This house sits at 139 Houston St. in the Lindenwood Neighborhood Historic District in St. Charles.

The Lindenwood Neighborhood Historic District was recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places

RB Manufactuing honored

By Brett Auten Who doesn’t like a little recognition? The Lindenwood Neighborhood Historic District in St. Charles was recently bestowed a national kudos. The area, located near the university, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in October for local significance in the area of architecture. The city of St. Charles was awarded a Historic Preservation Fund Grant in 2015 by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service to conduct an architectural and historical survey of the neighborhood. The Lindenwood Neighborhood Historic District contains 22 acres and is made up of seven blocks bounded by Gamble Street on the west, Elm Street on the north, the alley between Kingshighway and Houston Streets on the east, and Watson Street on the south. This area was annexed into the city in 1894 and is composed of three residential subdivisions that were established during the first five years of the twentieth century: Glosier’s Subdivision (1902), Glosier’s Subdivision No. 2 (1905) and Lindenwood Heights (1905).

A stroll around the picturesque neighborhood will find a collection of residences with various architectural styles and types that were popular during the first half of the twentieth century. You can find examples of the Folk Victorian, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, Tudor Revival and Minimal Traditional styles in the neighborhood. Also, many of the residences reflect the influence of popular styles, with decorative features limited to detailing on the porches or in the gable ends, but 12-percent are vernacular designs that display little or no architectural detailing and can best be described by their plan shape or roof type. The district is also distinguished by its collection of buildings constructed completely of rusticated concrete block, having three houses and one garage built of that material. According to Brenda Rubach, City Planner in the Department of Community Development for the city of St. Charles, these designs are important because they reflect the local building traditions of the community. See HISTORIC page 2

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Around Town Vol. 18 No. 51

In This Issue... 3 Around Town

Mid America TEEN CERT earns statewide recognition and more.

7 Special Section

Holiday Gift & Entertainment Guide

8 School

Wentzville School District students participate in Hour of Code and more.. 9 Business

O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Job Fair set for Dec. 28 and more.

10 Sports

Local sports with Gary B.

11 Learn & Play

Featuring recipe and crossword.

12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Movie

Mainstream studios don’t understand quality filmmaking.

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Published weekly since 1921. Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties. Publisher Robert J. Huneke Editor Mathew DeKinder Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistants Lisa Moran, Melissa Nordmann Staff Writers Brett Auten, Nicholas Elmes Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore Cartoonist John Hanna Staff Photographer Ray Rockwell Social Media Lori North Classified Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Randy Davies, Heather Deatz, Susan Faust, Doug Garbs, Bob Huneke, Norm Merchant, Tony Mooney, Christy Parks, Laurie Simon, Ty Taylor, Christy Weber Circulation: Distributech, Dominion Distribution, Papers Unlimited, Josh Blasingame Community News is a Registered Trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher is responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Huneke Publications, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject all news and advertising copy which in the sole judgement and discretion of the publisher/editor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication. Copyright 2016 Huneke Publica tions, Inc. with all rights reserved. No part of the publications may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher/editor. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Entire Contents Copyrighted

December 21, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

HISTORIC Continued from cover “It is an honor that show that the area is worthy of preservation,” Rubach said. “Being placed on the National Register of Historic Places helps with tourism and with heritage. It lets people who don’t necessarily live in St. Charles or in this region know that this is an area of significance.” The National Register of Historic Places includes districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. The state’s National Register program provides Missouri’s citizens with national recognition of the value of Missouri’s history and historic properties, eligibility for tax incentives and other

preservation assistance, and assistance in cultural resource planning. Listing in the National Register does not mean that limitations will be placed on the properties by the state or federal government. Public visitation rights are not required of owners. Neither the state nor federal government will attach restrictive covenants to the properties or seek to acquire them. For more information, contact the State Historic Preservation Office, located in Jefferson City, at 1-800-361-4827.

Volunteers lay wreaths in holiday tribute to fallen veterans The Caroline Close Stuart and Troy Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will lay holiday wreaths on veterans’ graves in the Lincoln and Warren County area. Each December, on National Wreaths Across America Day, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers lay over 700,000 memorial wreaths at 1,000 locations in the United States and beyond, including ceremonies at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, as well as Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and the sites of the Sept. 11 tragedies. The Caroline Close Stuart and Troy Chapter decided to help expand this tradition and include local cemeteries where veterans from the community are buried. “We are proud of the service of these of Lincoln and Warren County Veterans of the American Revolution Chapter Regent Helene Reece said. “We want to make sure these men and women’s role in our country

Submitted photo (From left) Evan Strasburg, Reed Strasburg, Chapter Regent Helene Reece and Marlana Strasburg stand with Grant Strasburg holding the wreath. All of the boys are Scouts from Pack 873 who helped as a part of the History Project.

6 2016 WINNER

is never forgotten. We can insure this by placing wreaths on the graves during the holidays. I think it’s very important.” 100 years ago the Missouri DAR surveyed the state and marked a number of the Revolutionary War graves. This year the two chapters will mark many of those graves and be adding a cemetery in Troy where veterans from the ensuing wars are buried. “Our goal is to bring this tradition to our community and open it up to all who wish to honor a veteran,” says Venda Folta, regent of the Troy Chapter. “Many of these veterans no longer have family who can do this, so it is a privilege for us to honor their service in this simple way.” The DAR’s mission is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. For more information about the DAR or residents who wish to donate to the wreath project may contact Regent, Helene Reece at 636-284-7535 or Regent Zenda Folta at 636-338-4908.

Winner of Six Awards

Missouri Press Foundation Better Newspaper Contest

Best Columnist – Humorous First Place – Joe Morice

Honorable Mention – Cindy Moore

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Best Education Story First Place – Sara Hardin

Best Magazine/Alternative Publication Second Place – CrossRoads Magazine

Best News/Feature Obituary Third Place – Robert Huneke for Joe Morice Obituary

Best Military Story

Honorable Mention – Sara Hardin

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2016

Around Town

Filing for Fort Zumwalt School Board election now open The Fort Zumwalt School District encourages qualified persons interested in running for a position on the school board to file to be a candidate in the April 4, 2017 election. There are three positions available with three-year terms and one position available with a one-year term. Candidate qualifications are listed on the district’s website: www.fz.k12.mo.us or you may pick up a copy at the district office. Interested persons may file at the superintendent’s

offices located at 555 E. Terra Lane in O’Fallon. Filing will continue during the district’s regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Except for the first and last day of filing, filing will not occur on days that the school district’s central offices are closed due to inclement weather. Filing will also not occur on the following days when the school district’s central offices are closed: Dec. 23, 26-30 and Jan. 2 and 16. Filing will end on Jan. 17, 2017 at 5 p.m.

Mid America TEEN CERT earns statewide recognition

Submitted photo For the sixth year, the Mid America Teen Community Emergency Response Team, based in St. Charles County, was named the top community emergency preparedness and response training program in the state.

For the sixth year, the Mid America Teen Community Emergency Response Team, based in St. Charles County, was named the top community emergency preparedness and response training program in the state. Established under FEMA in 2007, Mid America teaches classes on the average of eight times a year and presently has 1,500 trained graduates. The popular program currently has a backlog of roughly 40 future classes to be scheduled, from Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H, church groups, high schools and other specialty and civic organizations. The program functions entirely without any governmental funding or grants; when volunteer instructors are not purchasing their own training supplies, Mid America TEEN CERT, or MATC, relies on the generosity of the public, groups and organizations to help provide the much needed instruction materials such as bandages, gauze, and medical gloves. More than 15 years after the disaster of Sept. 11, 2001, the nation remains reasonably unprepared for a large-scale disaster involving youth. Despite important advances

in our country’s ability to respond effectively to chemical, biological or nuclear terrorism, there continues to be inadequate development of youth programs that could be implemented by the local, state, and federal agencies charged with preparation and outcome management. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in awareness of the vulnerability of schools and the challenging logistics involved in protecting youth in educational facilities during unexpected emergency events. For years, youth emergency preparedness programs were virtually absent from society. Several training curriculums had been considered, but it wasn’t until shortly after a tornado struck the Missouri Bootheel town of Caruthersville in early April 2006 which damaged or destroyed more than 600 homes and a high school, that the TEEN CERT program was created. Modeled after the adult FEMA course, the teen curriculum focuses more heavily on selfsafety, team-building, disaster psychology and special needs considerations. Whereas adult CERT is geared to teach students age 18 years and older, MATC has the enhanced qualifications

and knowledge to bring the program to a younger audience as well, including adults. In May, Senator Robert F. (Bob) Onder, Jr., recognized the members of the Mid America TEEN CERT program, which was also named for the second year in a row as the No. 1 Emergency Preparedness Program and Child and Youth Emergency Program for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness in America for 2016. The program is heavily involved with giving back to the community through several charitable endeavors, including work with the BackStoppers and Komen STL, and many other organizations to provide medical support and other services for events. The team also participates in the Red Cross “Ready Rating” Program and the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program. In 2012, the organization founded Venturing Crew 2633, which serves as the only emergency preparedness based Venturing Program in the nation. The program performs free training to anyone interested in taking the course.

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December 21, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Recycling natural Christmas trees gives one last gift to community Recycling your natural Christmas tree gives one last holiday gift to our community. When recycled, these evergreens can serve as fish habitat in area park lakes, chipped paths along natural surface walking trails, mulch and much more. To make recycling natural trees more convenient for St. Charles County residents, the Division of Environmental Health and Protection partners with several area agencies to present a free collection at locations throughout our community. Before bringing natural trees to any of the locations below, residents must remove the tree stand, all decorations and any coverings. St. Charles County: Recycle Works Central, 60 Triad South or Recycle Works West, 2110 East Pitman Avenue are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Dec. 26 to Jan. 14. Please note, the Recycle Works facilities accept light strands, cardboard gift boxes and wrapping paper. Various types of electronic items and accessories also may be recycled for a small fee. Photo courtesy St. Charles County Trees may also be brought to Quail Ridge Park The Division of Environmental Health and Protection partners with (Group Picnic Area parking lot) at 560 Interstate several area agencies to present a free collection of natural ChristDrive from 7 a.m. to sunset, daily, Dec. 26 to Jan. mas trees at locations throughout our community. 15. St. Peters O’Fallon Laurel Park (upper parking lot), use McClay Civic Park (upper parking lot) at 400 Civic Park Valley Boulevard entrance, or St. Peters Golf & Drive or O’Fallon Sports Park at 3589 Highway K Recreation Center at 200A Salt Lick Road or St. from dawn to dusk, daily, Dec. 26 to Jan. 15. Peters Earth Centre at115 Ecology Drive from Lake Saint Louis 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Founders Park at 7 Freymuth Road from Dec. 26 to Jan. 14. sunrise to sunset, daily, Dec. 26 to Jan. 14. Wentzville For more information on St. Charles County’s Progress Park (parking lot) at 968 Meyer Road, recycling program or with questions as to what or Heartland Park at 100 William Dierberg Drive types of material may be recycled, please call or Rotary Park at 2577 W. Meyer Road from 7 636-949-1800 or visit http://www.sccmo.org/ a.m. to 4:45 p.m., daily, Dec. 26 to Jan. 20. recycleworks.

Infrastructure priority for County Executive Ehlmann; calls for MoDOT to lead the way One thing St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann and President-Elect Donald Trump see eye-to-eye on is that infrastructure is a priority. Across the United States, for Trump; across St. Charles County, for Ehlmann. The county’s I-70 corridor is the economic engine of St. Charles County, Ehlmann says. Data shows 48 percent of sales tax, 46 percent of jobs and 27 percent of residents are within one mile of I-70 in St. Charles County. “The nation’s interstate system started in St. Charles County in 1956,” says Ehlmann. “It was not designed for the development that has occurred in the last 60 years. The time is now to plan for the future of the I-70 corridor.” But leaders at the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced 18 months ago the intent to devote its annual construction budget entirely for maintenance and rehabilitation of existing and primary roads – not enhancing existing roads or constructing new ones. Long before that decision was made, MoDOT had embarked on a study of the Interstate 270 corridor, and more recently, had begun a study of the Interstate 70 corridor in MoDOT’s St. Louis District. But both studies were shut down, Ehlmann says, to reinforce the fact that no funds were available for highway improvements. Ehlmann disagreed with the decision to halt the studies, and renewed his call for the I-70 study in a recent letter to MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. In it, he cites two examples for continuing to plan for future funding. “When Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), commonly referred to as ‘The Stimulus Bill,’ only two projects in the St. Louis Region were able to fully utilize ARRA funds – the Highway 141 Extension in St. Louis

County and Phase II of the Page Avenue Extension in St. Charles County,” Ehlmann said in the letter. “MoDOT had told local leaders in both counties for years that there was no funding to complete these projects. “Nevertheless,” Ehlmann wrote further, “officials from both jurisdictions continued, sometimes at their own expense, to get these projects through planning, environmental review and design stages. As a result, they were ‘shovel-ready’ when a combined $100 millionplus in federal dollars became available.” Ehlmann is urging McKenna and MoDOT to follow that lead with the I-70 corridor. He wants to be “shovel-ready” when funding becomes available. “The dollars might be coming,” Ehlmann says. “President-Elect Trump has said infrastructure should be a priority in the first 100 days of his administration, and there seems to be bi-partisan support in Congress to bring our 20th century infrastructure up to 21st century standards.” “These project initiatives need to be placed on hyperaccelerated schedules,” Ehlmann told McKenna in the letter. “Those within the Department (MoDOT) who drag their feet should be held responsible if the region is not prepared to spend the funds that could be coming from Washington in the next year.” Interstate 70 is one of the most important transportation corridors in the greater St. Louis region. Planning for the future will not leave Missourians with false expectations that funding is available, but might excite them to know what is in the future when the dollars are there. “We need to get shovelready now,” Ehlmann says. “If this region is to attain the powerhouse status of past years, we must move immediately and more aggressively. MoDOT officials need to lead the way.”

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2016

Around Town

St. Charles County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presents awards to Naval Sea Cadets The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Battleship Missouri Division, held their Annual Awards Banquet at the American Legion Post #312 Hall in St. Charles on Dec. 10. Members of the Sons of the American Revolution, Fernando de Leyba (St. Charles County) Chapter, presented the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal to Cadet Petty Officer Anthony Vasquez and Cadet Petty Officer Sean Rhymes. The Fernando de Leyba Chapter presented Cadet Petty Officer Third Class Kendel Miller a check for $200 for his Academic Achievement. His citation reads: “Petty Officer Miller has attained a 4.1 GPA. Some of his classes include computer science and software engineering design and development and principals of bio-medical science. Petty Officer Miller received academic awards at both his recruit training and his Petty Officer leadership training. Petty Officer Miller was also the Honor Cadet at his Sea Bee training this summer for exemplary overall performance.” The Fernando de Leyba SAR Chapter meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday evening of each month, except July and August, at Culpepper’s in St. Charles. Men interested is joining the SAR are welcome to attend the meetings. Spouses are also invited to attend. Submitted photo Sons of the American Revolution, Fernando de Leyba (St. Charles County) Chapter, presented awards to Naval Sea Cadets at the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Battleship Missouri Division Annual Awards Banquet at the American Legion Post #312 Hall in St. Charles on Dec. 10.

County launches redesigned GIS Mapping Service, new open data portal St. Charles County’s Information Systems Department has launched a redesigned Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping Service and a new Geospatial Open Data Portal to better serve the needs of St. Charles County residents. Both services enable users to access map-based data and research information about the county. “GIS data is a foundation for St. Charles County, or any government, when making decisions,” says Mark Duewell, Manager of GIS Services. “Nearly any service provided by a local government for its citizens can be mapped and analyzed for improvement. We are excited to have these tools available for citizens so they can research information and get to know their community better.” The redesigned GIS Mapping Service is improved in several ways. It is in Javascript, which easily allows for future enhancements. The navigation of the site also is enhanced with better visibility of tools and widgets and increased speed. Coming soon is a mobile application that can be easily accessed on a phone or tablet. “We redesigned this service with improvements suggested by a variety of stakeholders,” says Duewell. “We want to make certain the service is more accessible and friendlier for all users.” The GIS Mapping Service, available at http:// map.sccmo.org, can be used in a variety of ways. • The site automatically opens to a countywide map that has county and municipal boundaries and jurisdictions labeled. This allows users to better understand the layout and landscape of the county. Municipalities are color-coded and unincorporated areas are in a single color. Users can zoom in to see roads and other thoroughfares in detail. • When searching for a home or business property in the area, users can access assessment and parcel data by simply entering the address of a location. The service’s new Google Street View widget

can be used to see the latest photo of an area. • Residents can learn more about the county through various selections available under the “Layers” option on the mapping service. Available data includes voting districts, County Council districts, boundaries for school districts and utility service providers, zoning information, park trails, physical features and topography and more. Maps with the selected data can be printed on a home or office printer. Earlier this fall, Information Systems launched a new GIS site for its Geospatial Open Data Portal: http://gis.sccmo.opendata.arcgis.com/. The portal allows users to access datasets that GIS Services uses to create its online GIS Mapping Service and other maps. Data can be downloaded as a spreadsheet (CSV file) and in computerized mapping files called shapefiles or Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files. This service is free. “This data is being used by an increasingly larger range of everyday professionals and students whose skills allow them to use GIS datasets,” says Duewell. “It saves them a phone call, an email or a visit to our offices for the data. They also can ‘slice and dice’ the information, which leads to new perspectives, new answers and new questions. This opens up more possibilities for government to interact with the community and improve our services.” GIS Services encourages the public and business community to provide feedback about these new and redesigned services. “We are eager to hear about ideas and suggestions for improvement,” says Simon Huang, Director of Information Systems. “The purpose of these sites is to take local, state and federal data and make it easily accessible and usable for our citizens.” For questions or to provide feedback about St. Charles County’s GIS Mapping Service and Open Data Portal, email gisservices@sccmo.org.

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December 21, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Community Toons

John Hanna

John Hanna is a part time, amateur cartoonist taking his first step into the world of print and online comic media. When he isn’t drawing or working at his second job, he can be seen in and around the St. Charles area. If you like his work, that is good. If you don’t like it, that is good too.

Moore On Life

Rec-Plex hosting job fair on Dec. 28 If you’re looking for a good job with flexible hours and a fun atmosphere, don’t miss the St. Peters Rec-Plex Job Fair on Dec. 28. Come to the Rec-Plex any time between 1-5 p.m. to apply for open positions. The Rec-Plex will interview for part-time positions during the job fair, including lifeguards, ice attendants, food service attendants, beverage servers, swim lesson instructors, summer camp counselors, spin instructor, yoga instructor and kettlebell instructor. The Rec-Plex offers its employees flexible hours, quality training, discounted memberships and competitive pay. The city of St. Peters recently increased its salary rates for a number of part-time positions. The job fair is a great opportunity for applicants to meet Rec-Plex staff and make a positive impression. Applicants should be prepared for an on-the-spot interview at the job fair. Applicants will need to provide their job history and references. Completing a city of St. Peters job application ahead of time will speed up the process. Applications are available at the Rec-Plex at 5200 Mexico Road, at City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. as well as online at www.stpetersmo.net. Click on Employment Opportunities on the left side of the website’s home page.

St. Charles County Government receives financial reporting honor The Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting has been awarded to St. Charles County Government by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2015. The Certificate of Achievement was presented to Bob Schnur, who has served as St. Charles County Director of Finance since 2008. The award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. St. Charles County Government has received this honor every fiscal year since 1989. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. “This achievement is an honor for the finance department and for St. Charles County Government as a whole. We take pride in our sound financial planning and controlled spending of taxpayer dollars,” said St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago and Washington D.C.

By Cindy Moore

The Twelve Days of Shopping

n the first day of Christmas shopping I truly gave to me…a parking spot in a fine zone. It was the last one available and it said, “Parking for Mothers with Children.” I have children. The sign didn’t say they had to be small or with me or even in the same state. A little clarification would be helpful. On the second day of shopping I truly got into the holiday dress mode: two purple gloves, an ugly Christmas sweater, bells on my stockings that lit up with every step and a pair of candy-cane-stripped pants. I was handed a citation by the fashion police. On the next day of shopping I drove thirty miles to a super shoe sale and discovered the only things left were three size tens. On the fourth day of shopping I called out four nasty words – to the meter maid for giving me yet another ticket for parking in the Associate of the Month’s spot. Really?! How about labeling a special space for the Distressed Psychotic Shopper Whose Head is Ready to Melt?! On the fifth day of shopping I was emaciated and stopped long enough to grab some mall food; five frozen onion rings and a case of botulism. On the following day of shopping I dealt with six clerks a lying. “Sorry ma’am, this sale ended last month.” “Too bad, that sale doesn’t start till spring.” “So sad, your coupon is only valid on merchandise that is imported from Switzerland.” And, “This one is only good on the weekend after Christmas.” After ranting, the last two called, “Security!” The next day of shopping I dealt with seven swindlers swindling. “Ma’am, your credit has been denied.” “Sorry, your identity has been stolen.” And,

“Your car is being towed away by five meter maids.” The day after I was surrounded by eight meter maids a stalkin’. Ridiculous! They had their entire SWAT team of ticketers attached to my bumper. So I parked in the Expectant Mother’s spot and tucked my purse under the front of my shirt then entered the store to find nine ladies fighting over the last Tumbling Zombie Barbie! I had already been ten stores a searchin’ in pursuit of Snakeman, the glowing action figure that shoots deadly paralyzing venom from his nostrils. I finally located the last one on the planet…in the clutches of some kid in a shopping cart. I slipped him eleven bucks for silence while his mom was busy fighting over the Barbie. She caught me mid-trade off. The gig was up. I ended up with a black eye and no action figure to show for my investment. On the last day of shopping everything was gone! I purchased 12 flu shot gift cards from the pharmacy for the rest of the people on my list plus a little something for myself…a voucher to get my car out of tow! Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2016

Around Town

A holiday survival guide As the classic song goes, the holidays really are “the most wonderful time of the year.” Between the cozy scent and warmth of the fireplace, festive holiday parties and catching up with loved ones – the merriment of the season is endless. Preparing for the holidays, however, can be a different story. From crowded malls to impressing house guests, this holiday survival guide can help you get more out of the season while maneuvering the process with impressive ease. Master the Mall Don’t let the fear of large crowds, retail prices and packed stores stop you from completing your holiday shopping list. If you want to avoid long lines, try visiting the mall when it first opens in the morning and plan which stores to visit first. However, if you are only available during prime shopping hours, the holiday lights and decorations can make the trek to the mall worth your time. Go Digital Embrace technology as your shopping companion and download an app to uncover unbeatable sales to ensure you please your little elves without breaking the bank. Beyond shopping apps, download others that are great on-the-go, like the Clorox myStain App, which shows you how to tackle stains – at home or while out and about – so you can keep your festive clothing as bright as the holiday itself. Prepare for Anything Every savvy holiday host knows to expect the unex pected. Plan a few activities for

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out-of-town guests so your house never feels too cramped. Create a master schedule of everyone’s travel plans so you always know who will be home at any given time. Make a list of what you want your main holiday meal to look like, and give yourself extra time to prep and adjust ahead of time if anyone requires special accommodations. By making sure all of your ducks are in a row before the festivities begin, you will be able to get the most out of the holidays with minimal stress. Don’t Stress the Mess Holiday parties are a great occasion to break out a vibrant red lipstick or festive cocktail, but can also lead to smudges and spills on your clothes. Holiday stains know no bounds, but with Clorox 2 Stain Remover & Color Booster, holiday messes are no match. When paired with your favorite detergent, you can pretreat to remove four times more stains than using detergent alone.

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These four simple steps can help you accomplish everything on your list so you can enjoy a stress and stain-free holiday season. For more tips and tricks to get more out of the holidays, visit clorox.com.

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School

December 21, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Wentzville School District students participate in Hour of Code Students across the Wentzville School District joined millions of other K-12 students learning computer code as part of Computer Science Education Week Dec. 5-11. Hour of Code is a global campaign designed to get students interested in computer science. Hour of Code offers webbased lessons in computer coding that are aimed at every age group. Schools held Hour of Code sessions, had guest speakers and students have also been logging on at home. “This year, the Hour of Code website has some awesome new activities for high school students including a photo booth app development game and tutorial on how to create digital art,” said Kelly Oliva, Liberty High School librarian. “The hope is that more students will realize that coding isn’t just for geniuses and more young people will consider pursuing education in computer science.” Computer science develops students’ computational and

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Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Students across the Wentzville School District joined millions of other K-12 students learning computer code as part of Computer Science Education Week Dec. 5-11.

critical thinking skills and shows them how to create, not simply use, new technologies. “These days there is no greater opportunity than to change the world through technology. Technology is about medicine, about energy, about space research,” said Hadi Partovi, founder and

CEO of Code.org, a Seattlebased national nonprofit that works to expand access to computer science and increase participation by women and minorities. For more information, or to help your child log on, visit Code.org.

The Wentzville School District is moving its Central Office location as a result of growth The Wentzville School District Board of Education has approved the relocation of the District’s Central Office to the former Quail Ridge Early Childhood Center located on Interstate Drive in Wentzville. The WSD continues to be the fastest growing school district in the state, adding over 650 students in the past year. The current Central Office building located on Campus Drive in Wentzville is just under 11,500 square feet and a number of employees are sharing makeshift work areas. “We outgrew this space some time ago,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain. “We are fortunate to have the building available on Interstate Drive which will meet our present needs and allow room for some additional growth as well.” Earlier this year, the board of education approved up to $500,000 for renovations to the Quail Ridge building in order to accommodate office space for Central Office staff members. The project was awarded in November to ICS Construction for $297,500, well below the anticipated cost. The WSD Early Childhood Special Education program moved from the Quail Ridge location in 2015 after the district received a $4 Million Early Childhood Grant to

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The Wentzville School District Board of Education has approved the relocation of the District’s Central Office to the former Quail Ridge Early Childhood Center located on Interstate Drive in Wentzville.

purchase the former United Services Building on Hanley Road in Dardenne Prairie. The facility on Interstate Drive is a 25,000 square-foot space that has served as a transportation headquarters and early childhood center for the WSD in the past and currently houses the District’s Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program. PAT will relocate to the building on Campus Drive, as will the district’s technology department, which is housed presently in the basement of Wentzville Middle School and in the Harris Building on Pearce Boulevard. Additionally, members of the district’s curriculum, instruction and assessment department will also be moving from the Harris

building to the Campus Drive location. “This move optimizes our use of the space we currently own,” said Chief Financial Officer Pam Frazier. “Our continued growth as a district requires additional space not only for students, but for staff to support those students. We are pleased to be in a position to accommodate that growth as a result of the substantial grant we received last year.” Renovations at the new Central Office location are scheduled to begin the end of December and be completed by the end of April. The district’s move to the new location will likely happen in shifts and be completed by the start of the 2017-18 school year.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2016

Business

RB Manufacturing honored for 43 years of global growth and success in St. Charles County In 1973, the population in St. Charles County was less than 100,000, the General Motors Assembly Plant was still making Corvettes in St. Louis City, Mid Rivers Mall didn’t exist, and Airwick built its first plastics extrusion plant off Highway 79 in the sleepy town of St. Peters. Forty-three years later, the company is known as RB Manufacturing, a line of business within the British multinational consumer goods company Reckitt Benckiser. Today, the company’s 30-acre campus in St. Peters is home to a 430,000-squarefoot, highly-automated facility. Some of the products RB Manufacturing owns and packages at this facility include Lysol, Resolve, Woolite, Finish, Lime Away, Old English, Rid-X and Glass Plus. The company employs approximately 450 in St. Peters and plans to expand its workforce to 615 in 2017.

This year, RB Manufacturing added a 27,000-square-foot expansion to its local facility. In nearby Premier 370 Business Park, its parent company soon will open a newly constructed 714,000-square-foot distribution center. RB Manufacturing was honored at the December meeting of the St. Charles County Workforce Development Board for its history of growth and success in the community. “Thanks to global companies like RB Manufacturing, Alpla and Nike IHM, there is a strong and growing plastics manufacturing sector in St. Charles County,” said Scott J. Drachnik, Director of the St. Charles County Department of Workforce & Business Development. “RB’s Submitted photo continued growth and success is another sign RB Manufacturing’s Human Resources Director Cindy Landrum with site director Ryan Richter that manufacturing is alive and well in St. Charles (holding plaque) surrounded by members of the St. Charles County Workforce Development Board Janis Miller, Michael Sommer, Erin Williams, Michael Hurlbert and Mike Gavura. County.”

O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Job Fair for part-time and summertime workers set for Dec. 28 It’s not too early to apply for a part-time summer job. To fill part-time seasonal and parttime, year-round positions, the city of O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Department is holding a Job Fair on Dec. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC). The indoor recreation complex is located in Sports Park at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. In applying for a position, it is recommended that applicants fill out an application at www. ofallon.mo.us/hr before attending the job fair. Applicants also should come prepared for an interview, and in some cases, applicants may be hired the same day. Applicants also will have an

opportunity to complete an online application at the fair. Positions available through the job fair include lifeguards, swimming instructors, concessions sales, camp counselors and pool cashiers. Training is available. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to work a flexible schedule that can include evenings, holidays and weekends. For FAQs about applying with the city and current job opportunities, including those to be offered at the job fair, visit O’Fallon’s Human Resources webpage, www.ofallon.mo.us/hr.

Advertiser Profile: Preventing Identity Theft It’s that time of year when your mailbox starts to fill up with sensitive information: credit card statements from those holiday purchases and tax documents from your bank and employer. That’s why it’s this time of the year that we see an increase in cases of identity theft. Identity theft is a serious crime that happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It can disrupt your finances, credit history, your reputation and take time, money and patience to resolve. The good news is that there are ways to help prevent from becoming a victim and early warning signs that your identity may have been compromised so you can act before the damage has been done. Ways to Prevent Identity Theft • Lock your financial documents and records in a safe place at home. • Limit what you carry. When you go out, take only the identification, credit, and debit cards you need. Leave your Social Security card at home. • Shred receipts, credit offers, credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks, bank statements and expired charge cards. • Promptly remove mail that arrives in your mailbox. If you won’t be home for several days, request a vacation hold on your mail. • When you order new checks, don’t have them mailed to your home, unless you have a secure mailbox with a lock.

Red Flags of Identity Theft • Mistakes on your bank, credit card or other account statements • Bills or collection notices for products or services you never received • Calls from debt collectors about debts that don’t belong to you • A notice from the IRS that someone used your Social Security number • Unwarranted collection notices on your credit report • Businesses turn down your checks If you feel your identity has been compromised, call one of the nationwide credit reporting companies, and ask for a fraud alert on your credit report. The company you call must contact the other two so they can put fraud alerts on your files. An initial fraud alert is good for 90 days. In addition, you will need to request a copy of your credit report to review as well as create an identity theft report. More information on how to contact these agencies and create the report can be found at www.idtheft.gov. BY ROBIN DANIELS

Robin Daniels is Asst VP/ Secondary Market Manager for Peoples Bank & Trust Co. NMLS #408454 (636) 290-7272 | www.pbtc.net www.dpc4u.org

Sports

December 21 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Pro soccer player gets early Christmas present The St. Louis Ambush are a professional indoor soccer team that play in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. The Ambush’ forward Stefan St. Louis was named to the Major Arena Soccer League’s Player of the Week for week seven of the 2016-17 season. St. Louis scored two goals and an assist as the Ambush defeated the Florida Tropics Dec. 9. Although the Tropics built a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter, Stefan never gave up, scoring the first goal of the game and then putting the final nail in the coffin in the fourth quarter. This season marks his sixth in professional indoor soccer and his second stint with the Ambush. He has also played with the Detroit Waza Flo (PASL), Missouri Comets (MISL and MASL) and Milwaukee Wave (MASL). In his previous season with the Ambush (2014-15), Stefan tallied six goals and six assists in nine games played. Thus far this season, St. Louis has posted four goals and two assists in six games played and he leads the team in points. For more information go to www.STLAmbush. com ~~~Leading the way

“Community News hits all areas for all ages.” -Reader ’s comment, 2016

Why do you read the Community News? Pick up your copy at a newsstand today or check us out online, www.mycnews.com

UMSL on a roll early in men’s basketball The University of MissouriSt. Louis team has improved to 7-4 overall and is 2-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). Eight different players have started at least one game, while eight different players have been the top scorer. Junior Steven Davis averages a team-best 10.6 points per game with 79.5 percent of his scoring from beyond the three-point line on a team. That number ranks third in the GLVC and is 34th in NCAA DII. Davis knocked down eight of those three-pointers in a win at Webster coming up one long ball shy of tying the school record. He has made at least one three-pointer in all 11 games. ~~~Leader of the Tritons

www.pbtc.net

Lindenwood football player eyes NFL Connor Harris officially became a three-time All-American when he was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) AllAmerican first team at the linebacker position. Harris is statistically one of the top defensive players in NCAA Division II history, and is now one of the most decorated Lindenwood players in program history. Harris earned his second straight first-team AllAmerican honor, and he was also a second-team All-American as a sophomore. He was a four-time all-MIAA selection, won three first-team all-MIAA honors, and was the 2015 MIAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Besides being an All-American on defense, Harris was a special teams star this past season. He punted 19 times for a 38.8 average, recovered two onside kicks by the opposing teams, and was a perfect 12-of-12 on PAT attempts. He was also a part-time offensive player during his career, averaging 6.8 yards per rush and having seven rushing touchdowns. Besides his on-field accomplishments, Harris was also a five-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. Harris will now set his goals on being selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. One of the first steps towards that is participating in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Jan. 21. For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com ~~~ Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information I 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 21, 2016

Recipe: Create lasting memories with holiday meals From savory starters and sides to a show-stopping main course, there are so many recipes to choose from this season. The secret to creating those hallmark holiday moments – the ones that leave us with delicious memories – is choosing the right dish. Whether you’re looking for the perfect recipe for the special holiday meal, an office potluck or a simple snack to warm up with after ice skating, these recipes are an easy way to elevate any moment with tastes you’ll savor for years to come – and leftovers you’ll devour the next day.

Learn & Play

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

For more holiday recipes, visit PorkBeinspired. com, or try the interactive Pork Be Inspired Facebook bot that provides pork fans with great-tasting recipes. Just visit the Pork Be Inspired Facebook page, open Facebook Messenger and say, “Hi.” The bot will respond by asking questions to help you find the right recipe.

Five-Spice Pork and Apple Salad Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 I ngredients: 1 pound pork tenderloin 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 Fuji apple or other sweet-tart apple 1/4 red onion 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar 2 tablespoons canola oil or other neutral-flavored oil 12 cups mixed greens (about 6 ounces)

See solution on page 13

Directions: Preheat oven to 425 F. Season tenderloin on all sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder, salt and pepper. Place tenderloin in shallow pan and roast about 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches between 145 degrees F (medium-rare) and 160 F (medium). While pork is cooking, core and thinly slice apple. Thinly slice onion.

While pork is resting, in large bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil and remaining five-spice powder. Add greens, apple and onion; toss. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. Arrange salad on plates or platter. Cut pork into thin slices. Arrange on top of salads and serve.

Thyme-Basted Ham with Roasted Grapes Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 2-2 1/2 hours | Servings: 15-20 (4 ounces each)

Ingredients: 1 cooked, bone-in ham (6-8 pounds), trimmed pepper 1/2 cup grape jelly 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into 4-6 pieces 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 3 cups whole grapes (red, green or a combination) 4 shallots, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4inch slices Directions: Preheat oven to 325 F. Position rack in lower third of oven. In large shallow roasting pan, place ham flat-side down and score a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep into any fat. Season with pepper and bake 1 1/2 hours. Meanwhile, in small saucepan over medium heat,

combine jelly, butter and thyme, whisking occasionally until jelly and butter melt together and mixture comes to gentle boil, 1-2 minutes. Cover and set aside. In medium bowl, combine grapes and shallots. Set aside. Baste ham with jelly mixture. Continue baking, basting with jelly mixture and/or pan juices about every 15 minutes. When ham’s internal temperature reaches 120 F, add grapes and shallots to roasting pan, stirring to coat with pan juices. Continue baking and basting until internal temperature reaches 140 F, 15-18 minutes per pound. Remove ham from oven, transfer to cutting board and let rest 15-30 minutes. If grapes and shallots aren’t tender yet, return roasting pan to oven. Slice enough ham to serve and arrange on plates or platter. Season roasted grapes, shallots and pan juice mixture with pepper, and spoon some on top of ham. Serve remaining grape mixture on side.

Crossword Puzzle – Theme: Year in Review ACROSS 1. Minimal in magnitude 6. Club alternative 9. Angelina to Maddox 13. Cattiness 14. “___ the land of the free ...” 15. Permissible 16. 1/100 of a rial 17. Oahu greeting gift 18. Foolish 19. *”Harry Potter and the ____ Child” 21. *UK’s 2016 withdrawal vote 23. Christian minister, abbr. 24. Long, long time 25. Scottish cap 28. Sushi selection 30. African tree 35. Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Rivoli, e.g. 37. Brown seaweed 39. Latin American plain 40. Sky bear 41. Don’t go out for dinner 43. *This Barrymore got divorced in 2016 44. New Zealander 46. Ring-around-the-rosy flower 47. Prima donna’s numbers 48. George Town state, Malaysia 50. Mary’s follower 52. Born, in society pages 53. Fix a horse 55. *Ezekiel Elliott became one in 2016 57. Popular flowering shrub 60. *Cubs, e.g. 63. *Ciara, on her special day 64. Wade opponent 66. Eagerness, pl. 68. Comic book expression for fear 69. Soccer mom’s ride 70. Icy hut 71. Enthusiasm 72. Product of creativity 73. Cut one’s leg off, e.g. DOWN 1. Aldous Huxley’s drug of choice 2. “The Iliad,” e.g. 3. Hokkaido language 4. One Beatle 5. Less verbose 6. “The ____ and the Beautiful” 7. *Harper ____, 1926-2016 8. *A ____ Called Quest issued comeback

album 9. Seductive one 10. Berry high in antioxidants 11. Crème de menthe flavor 12. Absorbed, as a loss 15. Relating to spleen 20. What some smells do to memories 22. *Kardashian brother who became a dad 24. In total 25. *Election winner 26. Sign of a saint, pl. 27. Subatomic particle 29. *Like 2016 31. One of auto pioneers 32. Sacha Cohen’s middle name 33. Anoint 34. *”Major Tom” singer, 1947-2016 36. Mystery writer, ____ Paretsky

38. Site of Leaning Tower 42. Naiad or maenad 45. English in Spain 49. “Fancy that!” 51. *Olympic host 54. Caterpillar precursor 56. Opposite end of alpha 57. Seed coat 58. *Mosquito-borne threat 59. Yemeni port 60. Rapper and actor, 50 ____ 61. Rodeo Drive tree 62. ____ gin 63. Ciao in the U.S. 65. Argo propeller 67. Rolled grass See answers on page 13

What’s Happening

December 21, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Dec. 21 - 30: O’Fallon Celebration of Lights

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

Dec. 22: Healing Christmas service

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

Dec. 30: O’Fallon Celebration of Lights

Dec. 31: Mouse races and dance

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

Dec. 31: Bingo

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

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve fundraiser

Tickets are on sale now for the New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Knights of Columbus Hall in St. Paul. Citizens 21-years-and-older are invited to welcome in 2017 with dinner, dancing, an open bar and champagne toast at midnight, while enjoying this fun holiday party that is being hosted by the St. Dominic High School (SDHS) Project Graduation Fundraising Committee. This exciting fundraising event benefits SDHS Project Graduation, an alcohol-free and safe night of celebrations for students after graduation. Doors open at 7 p.m. and a buffet style pasta dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment is provided by DJ Todd Strothers and party favors will be furnished to guests to help ring in the New Year. To purchase tickets, call celebration coordinator Nancy Gomer at 636-795-1137 or email NancyLg11@ yahoo.com, or call co-coordinator Julie Osvath at 314-303-0134 or email osvath4@yahoo.com. The St. Paul Knights of Columbus Hall is located at 1270 Church Rd. in St. Paul. Please make checks out to St. Dominic High School.

Jan. 10: Country music concert

The Gateway Country Music Association presents their Winter Show at Wentzville Holt High School, C. H. Jones Auditorium Show starting at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at door or reserved seats by calling Beverly at 636-384-0916 or Dean at 636795-2014.

Jan. 13: Bunco bash

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

Jan 14: Theater auditions

Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “Aesop’s Musical Foibles” at 9 a.m. in the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building auditorium on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Auditions will consist of a song that will be taught, cold readings from the script and basic movement. Children auditioning should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and must be accompanied by an adult. Performances will be at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 18, and 2 p.m. Feb. 19. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636-922-8233.

Jan. 25: Community awareness night

An opportunity for parents and residents to learn more about the heroin and opioid prescription crisis in St. Charles County will take place from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Fort Zumwalt East High School Auditorium at 600 First Executive Dr. in St. Peters. Presenters will facilitate break-out discussions after the opening presentation. Presenters include: Detective Juan Wilson, St. Charles City Police Department; Special Agent Tim McDermott, Drug Enforcement Agency; Tim Lohmar, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney; Cassie Morris, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Lisa Cassidy and Kyle Gaines, St. Charles Co. Ambulance District and Beth Sailors, Preferred Family Health. Drug deactivation pouches will be available courtesy Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County. Childcare will be courtesy East High National Honor Society.

Jan. 29: All-you-can-eat breakfast and blood drive

The Knights of Columbus at St. Robert Bellarmine Church (1424 First Capitol Drive South in St. Charles) will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes: made to order omelets, pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee Cost for adults is $7, for children six to 11 is $4 and children five-and-under are free. In addition a blood drive will be held at the same time as the breakfast. Those who donate blood that day will receive a free breakfast. For additional information please call 636-946-6799.

Feb. 4: Scrapbooking day

Scrapbooking Day for Fort Zumwalt East High School Grad Night 2017 takes place at Harvester Church of the Nazarene at 3115 McClay Rd. in St. Peters from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Half-day price is available. Electric is available; bring extension cords. There will be a goodie bag, attendance prizes, games and snacks. Pre-cut FZE items for sale to benefit Grad Night, plus: Creative Memories Advisor Cindy Lawrence will have supplies on hand. A portion of the Creative Memories sales goes to Grad Night. Questions? Contact Laura Wagner at laura.wag1017@gmail.com.

ONGOING EVENTS Sundays and Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

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

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

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

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

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

1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting

6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480.

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

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

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

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

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

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

Every Monday: St. Peters Rotary Club Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Every Monday: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

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

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes

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

Mondays: Chronic pain support group

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

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

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

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

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

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

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

Tuesday and Friday Evenings: Tae Kwon Do Classes

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

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

6:30pm at various locations. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org; Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

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

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

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

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

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club 6:30pm at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930.

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

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

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

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

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

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Toastmasters

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

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

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

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

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

Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

Spotlight

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

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

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

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: 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.

Every Wednesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2016 1st Wednesday: Hope & Healing

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

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

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

Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club 10am Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379.

Every Wednesday: Men’s Golf League 5pm, tee off at 5:30 pm at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. www.lakesaintlouis.com, under the parks and recreation section.

Every Wednesday: Charity Bingo

6:45pm VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Every Wednesday. Kiwanis Club of Harvester monthly meeting.

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

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

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

1st and 3rd Wednesday Each: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

7pm – 9pm. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

2nd Wednesday: Free Financial Education- Money Matters

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

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

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

Thursdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

each month at 7 p.m. at Bank of Old Monroe T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon.

Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

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

3rd Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting

7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters. Those who served in any branch between 1962 and 1975 are welcome.

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 Vickie Young at 636.928.7348, or Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

Thursdays: Rotary Club breakfast

Every Thursday at 7:30 a.m., except the last Thursday of the month, the O’Fallon Rotary Club meets for breakfast at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Gym at 8945 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. We are a fraternal group that does good in the community and worldwide while having fun.

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters 6:30am at IHOP (3851 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy St. Peters). 636.328.4941.

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon

11:45am Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. Info: www.ofkiwanis.com.

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: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 7-7:55pm Any 636.928.1928.

level.

Info:

Every Thursday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10am Free. 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.

3rd Thursday of the month, Ladies Night Out

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

Cottleville Crafts, Etc..., 5335 Highway N in Cottleville. Vinyl design class. For more information, call 636.441.2700 or visit www.cottlevillecrafts.com.

Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings

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

The O’Fallon Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of

2nd & 4th Thursday: Alexander Chapter 242/Eastern Star St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway, St. Charles. 636.577.0056.

St. Charles. New members welcome.

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

What’s Happening

SUDOKU answers from page 11

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd. in St. Peters. Veterans who served in any branch of service between 1962 and 1975 are 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.

Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry

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

Every Friday, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 Charity bingo

6:30pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.

Every Saturday: Chess

8-11am or later in the food court at Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters.

Every Saturday: Veterans Learn guitar for FREE

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

3rd Saturdays: Restore Charles Work Day.

St.

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

6am-1pm, 500 West Main St. in Wentzville. For more information, call 636.357.4328.

2nd Sunday: Moscow Mills Lions Breakfast

Every Saturday: Peaceful Puppy Mill Protest

7am - noon, September - April. Moscow Community Center, Hwy C. $7/ adult, $4/child, under 6 free. www.eclubhouse.org/sites/moscowmills.

Second and Fourth Saturday of the month: Charitable bingo

2nd Sunday: The Wheelers and Dealers Square Dance 7pm. Blanchette Park, 1900 W Randolph St. www.squaredancestcharles. com.

11am - 12:30pm at Petland, 6131 Ronald Reagan Drive, Lake St. Louis. banmo.puppymills@yahoo.com.

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/wentzvillecommunity-club

Saturdays: Bosom Buddies

The St Charles County WIC Clinic is working to become a breastfeeding friendly clinic. As part of this effort, we have formed a breastfeeding support group for our area. What is great about “Bosom Buddies” is that we are not just open to WIC clients! Bosom Buddies 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 introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks. Meetings will be held at the Middenorf-Kredell Branch Library in O’Fallon. We will continue to meet, at the same time and place, on the fourth Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. No registration required. Saturdays: Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV)

Last Saturday of every month Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) meets at 11 a.m. at 2865 Brew House Restaurant in St. Charles on Veteran’s Memorial Parkway across the parking lot from Sam’s Warehouse. 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

6:30pm. 1st United Methodist Church, 801 First Capital Dr. www.squaredancestcharles.com.

Sundays: Meat shoot Wentzville VFW Post 5317 at 1414 Hwy Z in Wentzville hosts shotgun meat shoots every Sunday at noon. Fourteen rounds consist of seven meat rounds and seven money rounds. First Sunday of the month is open shoot. Other Sundays are .680 minimum choke. House gun available and shells supplied. For more information, please call 636-639-1648.

CHURCH

Every Saturday: JAM – Jesus and Men’s Bible Study.

8-9:30am, Dardenne Presbyterian Hearth Room, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie.Bible study, discussion, and upcoming event planning.

Every Sunday: Young Adult Bible Study and Fellowship Group. 11am, Dardenne Presbyterian Church Parlor, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. The Bible and some great YouTube videos will be used.

Northside Church of Christ Free Correspondence Bible Course: Call for more 636.293.5030.

information,

Operation Backpack: United Methodist Church, Wentzville Food to at-risk children over the weekend. 636.327.6377

Every Tuesday: Ministry To Men: Men’s Introductory Bible Discussion Groups

7am at United Methodist Church, 725 N. Wall St., Wentzville. Groups are interdenominational and beginners as well as “old timers” are welcome. 636.698.5598 or 636.625.3447.

3rd Tuesday: Luncheon for Seniors

11am - 2pm at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd., 636.561.8951

2nd Wednesday: Noon Luncheon

Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1515 Hwy T, Foristell, 636.673.2144.

HEALTH Cancer Survivor Fitness Program Free for all cancer patients and survivors. A 12-week program with trained instructors to help participants regain energy and improve stamina. St. Charles County Family YMCA, 636928-1928.

Diabetes Self Management Training (DSMT)

Available with a doctor’s order. 636.949.9600 or Patty Shelton at 636.947.5573.

Medical (MNT)

Nutrition

Therapy

A nutritional diagnostic therapy and counseling service held at SSM St. Joseph Health Center. Available with a doctor’s order only. Registration: 636.949.9600 Info: 636.947.5163.

Free Mammogram Screenings

SSM Health Care offers free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments are available at SSM St. Joseph Health Center, 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis. Info: Karen at 636.947.5617.

Diabetes Prevention Program

Helping those at high risk for type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles to reduce chances of developing the disease. Held at participating YMCA’s throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles areas. This program is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. Contact Joyce Hoth at 314.436.1177.

Crisis Nursery

Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. 24-hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www. crisisnurserykids.org

SUPPORT GROUPS

Daily: 12 Step Recovery Club

204 G West Pittman, O’Fallon. Info: Mike at 636.240.1722 or www.212club. org.

Wednesdays: Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group

Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group (MO/IL) meets the first Wednesday of each month from 10 – 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Medical Park, Education Room at1475 Kisker Rd. (off Hwy. 94) in St. Charles. Interested patients, caregivers, and family members are encouraged to join us. For more information call Carla Bouselli: 636795-4498, or visit group’s website at stcharles@imfsupport.org. Meet other survivors and learn about the latest advances in treatment of myeloma. Every Monday: BILY (Because I Love You) Parent Support Group 7:30pm at First United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Dr., St. Charles. For parents only. Free. Focus on teens/young adults who act out.

December 21, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 21, 2016

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December 21, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

By Steve Bryan

Mainstream studios don’t understand quality filmmaking Skimming through the recent Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award nominees, it’s painfully clear that mainstream Hollywood still doesn’t understand quality filmmaking. Throughout the year, people go to the movies, but their choices at the multiplex are typically limited to the latest action blockbuster or the likes of “Sausage Party” and “Neighbors 2.” Despite this box office exposure, the big award nominations often go to smaller films which play at the so-called “art house theaters.” Eddie Redmayne did amazing Oscarcaliber work in “The Theory of Everything” and “The Danish Girl,” but they didn’t play as wide as “Bad Grandpa,” “London Has Fallen” or “Inferno.” Why can’t a “Manchester by the Sea” play the biggest auditoriums? Why did “Room” and “The Imitation Game” make less during their run than “Suicide Squad” earned in its opening weekend? What happened to the days when “E.T.” could hold court for months instead of low-rent horror or comedy? The big studios and theater chains evidently think audiences only want popcorn fare with crude jokes or cartoonish violence. Granted, Marvel Studios does incredible work with their superhero films, but “Office Christmas Party” is a disgusting morass of unconnected and irrelevant sexual innuendo. Why can’t a simple yet elegant film like “Brooklyn” get as much play as that one? The Walt Disney Companies has the magic formula though. They make big money with Marvel while creating memorable animated pieces such as “Zootopia,”

“Moana” and “Finding Dory.” The House of Mouse will, of course, expand their fortunes with “Rogue One,” which is not a bad thing. That keeps the “Star Wars” franchise alive while funding other notable projects. Disney/Marvel also hit the right notes with “Deadpool,” a diabolically brilliant adaptation of the comic series. It was indeed crude and offensive but also clever and extremely funny. Ryan Reynolds is at his best playing an anti-hero with incredible skills and the power to heal. Reynolds even nabbed a Golden Globe nomination for his work. Fortunately, a few Oscar-quality pieces make it to the multiplexes this year. Though snubbed by the Golden Globes, Tom Hanks did an amazing job in “Sully,” portraying the hero pilot who made a miraculous water landing in the Hudson River. Andrew Garfield earned accolades in Mel Gibson’s “Hacksaw Ridge,” a violent and graphic World War II adventure based on real events. Going forward, everyone needs to get on the same page when making movies. Nudity, crudeness and unnecessary roughness can’t compare to good writing and performers focused on making a great film. 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.

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