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December 25, 2019

A holiday helping hand Turning Point Advocacy Services offers support services and emergency shelter to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence

St. Charles County Parks to host indoor putting league for disc golfers. Pg. 2 Christmas tree recycling available in St. Charles County. Pg.3

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Lindenwood announces 2019 Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Pg. 6

By Brett Auten Warrenton’s Turning Point Advocacy Services is wanting to make sure that its clients have the best holiday season possible. And with a little help from you, 2019 will end in celebration. Turning Point provides support services and emergency shelter to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Each month the 30-bed shelter is near capacity as it serves as a safe harbor to about 20 adults and 15 children. The shelter (where the average stay per guest is 48 days) has a kitchen, community spaces and beds. It is asking for people to add a few things to their holiday shopping lists to help clients staying in the shelter during the holiday season. “We can’t offer a warm, safe place for our families to stay without help from our communities,” Jolynn Houchins, executive director of Turning Point, said. “These donations are vital to our existence and the very security of the people we help.” Turning Point serves individuals and families in Franklin, Gasconade, Lincoln, Montgomery, Warren and St. Charles counties. Its goal is to help survivors and their children overcome the cycle of abuse. Turning Point provides a variety of services that embrace the complex needs that survivors of domestic violence face in the wake of abuse, violence, destruction and the resulting homelessness. No individual is ever charged for any service received at Turning Point. All staff and volunteers protect privacy and confidentiality to the fullest extent of the law.

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Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 Photo courtesy Turning Point Advocacy Services Some of the children at Turning Point Advocacy Services put together this Hand Christmas Tree for the holidays. Turning Point has a wish list throughout the holiday season to help provide support to its clients who are victims of domestic abuse.

Houchins said the shelter has a continuous need for personal and household items along with gift cards for gas and groceries. “We have needs for all the very basic things we all need to get through our days and nights,” she said. “We have a particular wish list for the holidays, for items that will provide comfort for months and years to come.” The big ticket items include two industrial size freezers and one industrial size refrigerator; twin size blankets, comforters and sheets; standard pillows and pillowcases, and 66-quart plastic storage totes.

“We get a lot of use from everything we receive,” Houchins said. “We love receiving new items, but we also welcome and appreciate gently used items.” While this is the shelter’s Christmas wish list, it is always in need of toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, shaving razors, body wash, bath and wash cloths and household cleaning products. Donations can be mailed to: Turning Point; PO Box 426; Warrenton, MO 63383. See ‘HELPING HAND’ page 2

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December 25, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘HELPING HAND’ from cover “We see a lot of clients who are seeking a rural setting to get away from their abuser,” Rosie Jones, Programs Manager of Turning Point said. “They do not want to us the same public transport or shop at the same stores.” Even if it’s past the holiday on the calendar Jones said Turning Point can always use a hand. “You never know, we may get a family on Christmas night,” she said.

Please include a note with your name and contact information so the shelter knows who to thank for the donation. For more information, or to arrange transportation for large-sized and bulk donations, call 636-456-1186. You can also visit turningpointdvs.com, or find Turningpointwmo on Facebook. Turning Point provides a 24-hour/seven-day-a-week hotline, emergency shelter, court advocacy, safety planning, econom-

ic empowerment, counseling and resource education to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Each year it provides services to about 450 women and children and answers about 600 hotline calls. Turning Point’s vision is to help create a just culture of nonviolence, where people are equally valued, and where healthy relationships and self-worth flourish. For help, call the hotline at 888-873-7233.

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Calling all disc golfers: St. Charles County Parks to host indoor putting league Keep your disc golf skills sharp this winter by joining the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department’s winter indoor disc golf putting league every Tuesday night in January and February. This new program is part of the Dynamic Discs Winter Marksman League and will be held inside the National Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame Building, located at Quail Ridge Park, 560 Interstate Drive in Wentzville.

purchase from the concession stand; no outside food or drinks are allowed. The cost is $10 (cash only) per week, per player; children ages 12 and under free. Registration for each event is from 5 – 8 p.m. with putting time extending through 9 p.m. For more information about the indoor disc golf winter putting league, call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535.

Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon donates playground to O’Fallon Salvation Army Recently the Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon held a ribbon cutting to dedicate the new playground donated to the O’Fallon Salvation Army. Several years ago, Kiwanis members saw that the children’s playground at the O’Fallon Salvation Army was worn and might eventually become unsafe. As a result, the club started fundraising to replace the playground by flipping pancakes, hosting trivia nights and golf

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Participants of all disc golfing abilities will have the opportunity to putt five times at each basket and take part in three rounds at each station with the opportunity to earn points toward Smokin Aces vouchers and cash prizes. Points for each station will be determined by distance and difficulty. Divisions include Pro (cash prize), AM (voucher), Women (voucher), and JR (voucher). Food and beverages will be available for

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tournaments. Those present at the ribbon cutting were Kiwanis members, one of the Salvation Army Board Members, Fort Zumwalt West Middle School Builder’s Club faculty advisor and a Builder’s Club student. The O’Fallon Kiwanis Club regularly meets at noon on Thursdays at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. Submitted photo

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 25, 2019

Recycling of natural Christmas trees available at various St. Charles County locations

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Photo courtesy St. Charles County Rather than tossing away a natural Christmas tree after the Yuletide celebration, residents should consider recycling them. Evergreen trees can serve as fish habitat in area lakes, chipped wood paths along natural surface walking trails, mulch and more. The St. Charles County Division of Environmental Health and Protection leads the natural tree recycling collection in the county, partnering with several local municipalities to provide convenient drop-off locations. To recycle natural Christmas trees in St. Charles County, residents must remove the stand, all decorations, lights and any packaging. Trees can be taken to any of these locations: • St. Charles County Recycle Works • Recycle Works Central in St. Charles, 60 Triad South • Recycle Works West in Wentzville, 2110 East Pitman Avenue Both are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 26 to Jan. 11 — except Dec. 29, Jan. 1 and Jan. 5. Please Note: Holiday light strands, cardboard boxes and wrapping paper and electronics may be recycled at the facilities. Additional tree collection locations in St. Charles County • Laurel Park in St. Peters (upper parking lot), use McClay Valley Boulevard entrance Open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 26 to Jan. 12. • St. Peters Earth Centre, 115 Ecology Drive Open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 26 to Jan. 11. Please Note: St. Peters Earth Centre is not open on Sundays. • Founders Park in Lake Saint Louis, #7 Freymuth Road Open Dec 26 to Jan. 12 during posted park hours. • Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville (Group Picnic Area parking lot), 560 Interstate Drive Open 7 a.m. to sunset, daily, Dec. 26 to Jan. 12 • Progress Park in Wentzville (parking lot), 968 Meyer Road Open Jan. 2 to Jan. 18 during posted park hours. • Heartland Park in Wentzville, 100 William Dierberg Drive Open Jan. 2 to Jan. 18 during posted park hours. • Rotary Park in Wentzville, 2577 W. Meyer Road Open Jan. 4 to Jan. 18 during posted park hours. For more information on St. Charles County’s recycling program or materials that may be recycled through these facilities, please call 636-949-1800 or visit sccmo.org/RecycleWorks.

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December 25, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Lutheran St. Charles wraps up successful football season Cougars football could be captivating come next year. Arlen Harris, the head football coach of the Lutheran St. Charles High Cougars, probably took longer than usual with his post-game speech on the field before the players went to the locker rooms at St. Louis University High back on Nov. 23. This was understandable, given that it would be the coach’s final time his players would be assembled in uniform for the 2019 season. A 26-0 loss to the Trinity Catholic High Titans in a Missouri Class 3 state quarterfinal contest ended the Cougars season. (The Titans would get eliminated the following week in the state semifinals to end their quest for a repeat.) “They’ve got a stout defen-

sive line and that was a big key,” said Harris. “They’re big, they’re fast, they’re violent and they will tell you that. They put their defensive ends up on the edge and that shuts off the outside for a back. Speed and power kills.” While Harris’ speech did make references to the defeat at the hands of the Titans, who won the Class 3 state championship last season, most of his remarks praised the efforts of his players all season, the rise of the program and the unconditional support of the devoted fan base. Then, as if on cue, when the players finally did jog off the field into the locker rooms, they were greeted by fans with bells on-literally. They were showered with jingles and cheers on a job well

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done and a breakthrough 10-3 record. “I couldn’t be more proud of the players and the fans,” said Harris afterwards. “We lost today but we are building something great.” Indeed with a roster loaded with a bevy of standout underclassmen, the future looks immensely bright for the Cougars: Prior to the Trinity game, the Cougars statistics were sensational: super sophomore running back Arlen Harris Jr, the coach’s son, had rushed for 1,763 yards and 32 touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Aaron Coffey had thrown for 1,885 yards and 18 touchdowns. Defensively, junior linebacker Joseph Mechlin, had 160 tackles and six sacks while junior lineman Gabriel Rubio had 117 tackles and a prolific 17 sacks. For their efforts, Harris Jr. (5-11, 185 pounds) and Rubio (6-5, 290 pounds) were also voted Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year in the Archdiocese Athletic Association (AAA) Conference. Coffey and Mechlin were voted first team all-conference at their respective positions along with Harris and Rubio. Joining those four players on the first team units from Lutheran St. Charles were: junior defensive

By Lonnel Cole

Photo courtesy Lutheran St. Charles High School Lutheran St. Charles High School running back Arlen Harris Jr.(left) and defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio (right) were voted Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year in the small-school division of the Archdiocesan Athletic Association (AAA) conference.

back Keith Jackson and sophomore defensive back Kyle Taylor and two sophomore linemen Ashtin Rustemeyer and Jaydon Wannstedt on the defense and senior lineman Jack Grzeskowiak , freshman receiver Michael Parr Jr. from the offense. Parr snagged 29 passes for 671 yards and six touchdowns. But the Cougars did enjoy one of their best seasons ever,

in achieving the school’s first 10-victory season and winning a district championship for the first time since 2004. Two seasons ago they were 6-5, last season 8-3 and next season another 10-victory total or beyond seems conceivable, given the wealth of underclass talent. “I feel great about what we’re building here,” reiterated Coach Harris.

‘Songbird’ opens 2020 series of art shows at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre will host six art shows and competitions in 2020. Amateur and professional artists are welcome to enter their work in an upcoming show. People do not have to be a Cultural Arts Centre member or a resident of St. Peters to enter in a show or competition. The first art show of the new year will be “Songbird,” which will be on display Jan. 9-March 1, 2020. Artists should submit work that is inspired by a favorite song, instrument or bird. Receiving for “Songbird” will be from 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Jan. 6, at the Cultural Arts Centre. A reception will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 9, at the Cultural Arts Centre. Cultural Arts Centre members can submit up to four pieces of artwork for $15. Non-members can submit up to three pieces for $20. Cash prizes are awarded in each category (drawing/painting, photography and mixed media), including Best of Show ($100), first

place ($50), second place ($25) and third place ($15), as well as honorable mention ribbons. All artists are also encouraged to sell their artwork while it’s on display (the Cultural Arts Centre retains a 25 percent commission). Here are the rest of the 2020 art shows and competitions: • Made In The Shade: March 5-April 26, 2020 • Flower Power: April 30-June 21, 2020 • Star Light Star Bright: June 25-Aug. 16, 2020 • End of the Road: Aug. 20-Oct. 18, 2020 • $100 or Less Art Show and Sale: Oct. 22-Dec. 13, 2020 For more information on Cultural Arts Centre art shows and competitions, call 636-397-6903, ext. 1624, or visit www.stpetersmo.net/arts. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located inside St. Peters City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 25, 2019

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December 25, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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By Lonnel Cole

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 25, 2019

Business

Greater St. Charles County Chamber names 2019 Citizen of the Years Since 1957, The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce has recognized local leaders for their dedication to serving the St. Charles County community. This year, the chamber has named Chuck Gross as 2019 Citizen of the Years. Gross is a 1976 graduate of St. Charles High School and received his BS (’81) and Masters (’82) in Public Administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia. In 1992, Gross was first elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1994, 1996 and 1998 and served on the Budget, Appropriations – General Administration and Transportation; Tourism, Recreation and Cultural Affairs; and Utilities Regulation Committees. From 2001-2007, he was an elected member of the Missouri Senate for Missouri’s 23rd District and rose to the position of Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also served on the following committees: Gubernator Appointments and Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics. He served on the Joint Security; the Joint Committee on Capital Improvements and Leasing Oversight; the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement and the Joint Committee on Court Automation. Senator Gross was a member of the Missouri Tourism Commission and the Commission for the Missouri Senior RX Program. In 2010, Governor Nixon appointed Gross to be co-chair of the governor’s Tax Credit Review Commission, where his appointment was extended in 2012 & 2013. Today, Gross is the Executive Director of Duckett Creek Sanitary District and serves his community as Chair of the Emmaus Homes, Inc., on the Board of Directors and the Vice Chairman of the Barnes – Jewish St. Peters and Progress West Foundation. He is currently serving on the Board of the St. Charles Kiwanis, on the Alumni Advisory Board of the Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and the Advisory Board of St. Charles County Board of Realtors Commercial Division. Along with Gross, the chamber will also be recognizing recipients of the Lifetime Distinguished Service awards which include: • Civic: Jerry Hurlbert; Retired from GBA, a civil engineering / design firm. Integral in the successful passage of Proposition P (2016) which is currently funding 23 stormwater improvements across the city of St. Charles. He was Chairman of the Board for the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer for the Harvester / Mid-Rivers Optimist Club, served as the Board of Trustees Chair for Duckett Creek Sanitary District, was on the Deacon Council for the Archdiocese of St. Louis and was an Ordained Deacon at Assumption Parish, board member for the O’Fallon Community Foundation and is a Stephen Ministry Leader. • Cultural: Sandra Riley Swift; Initiated the formation of the Irish Chapter of St. Charles Sister Cities. She arranges classes in Irish Language, Irish History, Irish Literature and

www.sunnydalemhc.com

Submitted photo Chuck Gross has been named as The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce 2019 Citizen of the Years.

Ceili dancing. She co-hosts the St. Louis Civil War Ball and Regency Ball, held each spring, the National Civil War Military Ball in Gettysburg on Remembrance Day Weekend and thee National Victorian Tea where she speaks on the life of Varina Davis, the First Lady of the Confederacy. • Humanitarian: Chris Hoffman; A founding member of Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, co-chair for the Celebration of Trees and currently still resides on their board of directors. State Representative Chrissy Sommer prepared a resolution making November 29th Chris Hoffman Day in the State of Missouri. She is also a very active member of the Rotary Club of St. Charles. In 2019, Community Council of St. Charles County awarded Chris with the Frank Martinez Legacy Award, which recognizes volunteers who have made a positive impact on their community through many years of service or service to multiple organizations. Chamber Champion: Cathleen Lenihan; Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and Volunteer Extraordinaire. This year, you could find Cathy at any one of the chamber’s 50-plus ribbon cuttings or groundbreakings. She contributed many volunteer hours at the chamber’s annual golf tournament, Sip & Savor St. Charles County and Santa’s North Pole Dash. When speaking to potential clients for her own business, Cathy is the first to ask the business owner about chamber membership and touts the benefits she herself has received by being a member. You can join in recognizing the efforts of all of the recipients at the 2019 Year End Celebration honoring Citizen of the Years, to be held on Jan. 31 at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. Tickets are $95 per person or $950 for a table of 10. Corporate sponsorships are available upon request. For more information, please contact Wendy Rackovan at the Chamber of Commerce office at 636946-0633 or electronically at Wendy@GSTCCC. com.

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What’s Happening

December 25, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Dec. 31: 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. For reservations, contact Rich at 636-441-2395. $10 per reservation. This $10 is applied to purchase price of your bingo sheets. No advanced reservations after Dec. 30. For more information, contact Mr. Fred Kuhn at 636-9251316.

Jan. 10: O’Fallon State of the City Address

O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy will deliver his annual “State of the City” address at 10 a.m. in the City Council chambers at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon. The public is welcome to attend the event, which also will be broadcast live on O’FallonTV and live and on demand on the city’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us.

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville Schnuck’s meeting room located on Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314560-1868.

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: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.

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: Seasoned eye carvers meeting

Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http://www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

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 636-3970866 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, 636-219-0553.

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: Women’s AA weekly meeting

Candlelighters Women in Recovery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb preSchool, turn left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.

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 314-779-6892 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 wellness 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 636-561-8951.

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 636256-6823 for more details.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant. For more information contact Jack Ross at 314-287-0569 or jack-ross@ 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 636-2338032.

Tuesdays: Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club

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 636-

448-4277. 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: 636-379-2505.

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 the Alzheimer’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: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

If you have a family member or friend who is having mental health concerns there is a support group for you. It meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 25, 2019

What’s Happening

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! 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.

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: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

Meetings are held from 6:30 – 8:30

p.m. at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road in St. Charles. Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http:// www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@ charter.net.

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 JJ’s Restaurant at 1215 S. Duchesne Dr. 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: O’Fallon Rotary Club meetings

O’Fallon Rotary Club meets from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar at 217 S. Main St. in O’Fallon every Thursday. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, call President, Lisa Muncy at 636-240-0912.

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 third Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm at the McClay 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.

Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting

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.

7:30am, The Rendezvous Café at 217

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports

December 25, 2019 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

www.mycnews.com WWW.MYCNEWS.COM

www.drmarcycooper.com

Sports you see with Gary B... New baseball team in O’Fallon gets name There will be baseball in O’Fallon thanks to the members of the Prospect League with the team known as the O’Fallon Hoots when the team takes the field in May 2020. The Hoots name follows the Prospect League franchise from Hannibal, which relocated to O’Fallon in October. “I am excited to bring the Hoots team name and logo to O’Fallon,” owner Rick DeStefane said. “This logo is part of building a product that the city of O’Fallon and surrounding communities can be proud to support.” The city of O’Fallon echoed DeStefane’s sentiments. “We are extremely proud to welcome the O’Fallon Hoots and Prospect League to our beautiful CarShield Field,” said Bill Hennessy, Mayor of O’Fallon. “This organization is committed to becoming an integral member of our city, and we think by choosing to put O’Fallon in their name, they are showing our region that they will make this city home for many years to come.” The team will host a “Name The Mascot” contest beginning immediately on their website, www. OFallonHoots.com. Fans may submit possible names for the team’s owl mascot with a final vote coming after the first of the year. Promotional schedules and other events will be announced at a later date. For all ticket information and to stay up to date on all O’Fallon Hoots developments at the website. On the site, fans can sign up for group, season and mini plan ticket information. Some sections for games have already sold out. *And it begins Women’s basketball team has an impressive ranking in the division Lindenwood University basketball club is ranked 25th in the latest WBCA Division II Coaches Poll. It is the first time since Jan. 15 when they reached 24th in the poll. Additionally, the Lions are receiving votes in the D2SIDA poll. D2SIDA has Lindenwood as the fifth-ranked team in the Midwest Region. Lindenwood is 5-0 this season with victories over 2018-19 NCAA Tournament participants Pittsburg State and Walsh. As a team, the Li-

ons boast the second-best perimeter defense in NCAA DII, holding opponents to a 21.1 shooting percentage from three. Additionally, Lindenwood has the second-fewest fouls (82) and turnovers (83), and ranks sixth in the country in rebounding margin (14.4). The Lions are one of 12 remaining undefeated teams in NCAA DII. ~~~No pressure

Ambush add talented player to roster The St. Louis Ambush play in the South Central division of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with home games at the Family Arena. The St. Louis Ambush has added Nigerian forward Qudus Lawal, Jr. to their roster, the team announced. Lawal came to the United States from Nigeria in 2011 as a high school senior. He played at Mather High School in Chicago, helping his team win the first state championship for a Chicago public high school team in 37 years. Qudus has several years of outdoor soccer experience, having played for the Seattle Sounders FC 2, Wilmington Hammerheads, Chicago FC United, RWB Adria and Fresno FC. Ambush CEO Shelly Clark said, “In our first week with our new ownership group we’ve been able to identify areas of focus for the organization; this signing is a direct result of those efforts.” The Ambush continue their home stand when they welcome the Tacoma Stars Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:35 p.m. Go to www.STLAmbush.com for all the details. ~~~Good fit 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, and is currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

Get your event or good news published in Community News:

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email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 25, 2019

Recipe: Sweet, festive fun

oliday celebrations call for recipes of all kinds, but perhaps the most popular area at many parties is the dessert table. Add flavor to your get-togethers with a festive treat like these

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies, which call for the seasonal taste of peppermint and the versatility of dairy for a sweet bite after a holiday meal.

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 Shortbread Cookies Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of “Rachel Cooks” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes freeze time Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 40

Ingredients: 2-2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup powdered sugar

3/4 cup peppermint crunch baking chips

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

Directions: In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Gradually add flour and mix on low until combined. Add baking chips and continue mixing on low until fully combined. On wax paper or parchment paper, form dough into 12-14-inch log and freeze at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Heat oven to 350° F.

Cut shortbread dough into 1/4-inch slices; bake 13-15 minutes on parchment-lined baking sheets. SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Find more recipes for the holidays at milkmeansmore.org

2020 Golden Globes nominees feature real life stories

Movie: By Steve Bryan

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.

t the 91st Academy Awards ceremony earlier this year, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a biopic of Queen front man Freddie Mercury, took home the most awards of the evening. The talented Rami Malek accepted the Best Actor Oscar for his nuanced portrayal of the legendary performer. The story focused on Mercury’s musical passion and his complicated personal life, especially his relationship with his father This year, the Golden Globe nominations highlight other real-life heroes and characters. Tom Hanks received a supporting actor nomination for his portrayal of Fred Rogers in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Rogers was a genial, kind-hearted TV host who inspired his young audience. The story is, however, based more on the life of journalist Tom Junod and how Rogers helped him. Hanks turned in a solid performance and rightfully earned a Golden Globe nomination. No stranger to awards shows, Eddie Murphy took home a Supporting Actor Golden Globe years ago for his work in the big screen adaptation of “Dreamgirls.” This year, the Hollywood Foreign Press nominated Murphy for “Dolemite” the story of Rudy Ray Moore, a comedian and musician who created an outrageous and hilarious screen alter ego. Murphy’s performance in this piece may earn him another Golden Globe in 2020.

The versatile Christian Bale is another one to watch during the upcoming awards season. In “Ford v Ferrari, Bale played Ken Miles, the brilliant, outspoken race car driver that helped Ford win “24 Hours of Le Mans,” one of the most challenging endurance races in the world. Supported by Matt Damon, Bale captured Miles on film and showed how instrumental he was to Ford’s success. Like Miles

was on the racetrack, Bales poses serious competition for the other nominees. A few years ago, Taron Egerton took the lead in “Eddie the Eagle,” a film about Michael “Eddie” Edwards, a real-life British ski-jumper who became a sensation. This year, Egerton received a Golden Globe nod for “Rocketman,” a biopic about the legendary singer/ songwriter/performer Elton John. The film explores his life and how he became a musical icon. Egerton could conceivably follow Rami Malek’s footsteps throughout awards season. Clint Eastwood is a respected actor and director who was determined to make “Richard Jewell.” The subject of the film was a security guard on duty at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Jewell found a backpack containing pipe bombs and helped clear the park before the backpack exploded. He initially was hailed as a hero and then became a prime suspect in the bombing. Eastwood wanted to tell Jewell’s story and how he was tried and convicted in the media before the truth came out. Kathy Bates, who played Jewell’s mother Bobi, earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. Biopics and real-life characters are prominent in the 2020 Golden Globes nominations. These films and their casts could be the big winners during the ceremony.

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Feature

COLLECTIBLES

December 25, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

SCHOOL

RECORDS WANTED Cash paid for 78, 33 & 45 RPM records

House calls made Call Bob 636-296-5240

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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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Feature

December 25, 2019 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: Year-In-Review

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

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

He said, she shed

You would think because it’s that festive time of year that everything would be holly and jolly around my house. Not so. My husband has burrowed himself in his man cave for lo these past weeks refusing to surface. Now I typically give him plenty of “man space” when he needs to watch his sports games, but this is Christmas. There are things going on constantly at a rapid pace. I need help. He finally dragged the tree out of the basement. I won’t do it myself ever again. Last time I wrestled that huge prickly mass to the top of the staircase, my body was sliced and diced and covered in so many bloody poke marks I ran out of BandAids and had to cover my remaining wounds with Christmas stickers. I got him to put the outside decorations up after nagging until I was blue as a Smurf, but that was a mistake. He dashed up at halftime during one of his “all important” games and did a sloppy job. He shoved the strings of lights into his leaf blower and aimed them at the bushes and turned it on high. I still need him to be my delivery boy and distribute the neighbor gifts. They know I can’t bake or cook. He can deal with them. I can’t handle their snarky reactions when they see they’re getting leftover Halloween candy corn in a Santa jar – a mighty fine looking Santa jar, I might add!

Now he’s just announced that we won’t be going to the Pilkinson’s annual fruitcake and games night because it’s at the same time as another big playoff. I was planning on wearing my favorite Christmas sweater too; the one with the blinking flying cats carrying Santa’s sleigh. Well now it’s time to even things up. He’s been calling my name and searching for me for hours. He keeps asking what’s for dinner. He sounds like a wounded animal in the final death throes of starvation, but I’m not answering. Two can play this game. I’m burrowed away in the furthest corner of my she shed watching a marathon of Hallmark Christmas movies. I’ll see him around the first of the year. Until then, he better figure out how to use DoorDash food delivery. 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.

ACROSS 1. Pin location 6. BBQ sauce alternative 9. *Volodymyr Zelensky’s capital 13. 0103 food poison 14. Between sea and shining sea, abbr. 15. Native of American Great Plains 16. Famous fabulist 17. Band performance 18. Prefix with national and pol 19. *The Mueller ____ 21. *European country declared to be no longer free 23. Ostrich-like bird 24. Fix a horse 25. Old Spice: “Smell Like a Man, ____” 28. Diva’s delivery 30. Opposite of underdog 35. Seed covering 37. Share a boundary 39. Miller’s product 40. Leave behind 41. *Flute playing rapper 43. Pot contribution 44. Make corrections 46. Days in Havana 47. Nomad’s round house 48. Caesar derivative 50. “Fifteen Miles on the ____ Canal” 52. Mad Hatter’s drink

53. Hofbräuhaus offering 55. Bard’s before 57. *He got life plus 30 61. *Eurosceptics vs. pro-Europeanists point of debate 64. Sweeney Todd’s weapon 65. Seek damages 67. *Archie was one before he was born 69. *Bran, Lord of the Six Kingdoms, e.g. 70. “____ Now or Never” 71. *What Jeffrey Epstein had in store 72. Seaside bird 73. Volleyball divider 74. Set in motion DOWN 1. Grazing ground 2. Maple tree or laptop brand 3. Downward dog, e.g. 4. Skip the big wedding 5. Benign fatty tumor 6. Pipe problem 7. *Europe voted to ban single-____ plastics 8. Take a tubby 9. *Best Actress in Supporting Role Oscarwinner 10. Tiny bit 11. Pitcher 12. Subject to change

15. To some extent, two words 20. Not urban 22. Final, abbr. 24. More gossamer 25. *Actor in Leading Role Oscar-winner 26. Wafting pleasantness 27. One born to Japanese immigrants 29. Footnote acronym 31. Performance with acts 32. Holey confection 33. Grossly unconventional 34. *Swedish environmentalist 36. Eye contact 38. Nicholas II was the last one 42. Willow twig 45. Go ashore 49. Tombstone acronym 51. Builds 54. Fluorescent red dye 56. Make an effort 57. Formerly, formerly 58. Better than never 59. #38 Down, alt. sp. 60. Some blow their own 61. *”Green Book,” winner of ____ Picture 62. Hip bones 63. Salty drop 66. Shoshonean 68. Summer sandwich? SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9