CNSTC: December 30, 2020

December 30, 2020

Helping heal hunger

Around Town

First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in St. Charles County. Pg. 3 Natural Christmas tree recycling available. Pg.3

School

WS D selects Teacher of the Year. Pg. 5

Features

Submitted photo St. Charles County senior citizens overcame many obstacles this year to Fill the Ambulance with over 7,000-pounds of food for the 11th annual St. Charles County Ambulance District and Operation Food Search initiative that looks to help in hunger in the community.

Local seniors a force behind St. Charles County Ambulance District and Operation Food Search’s Fill the Ambulance with Food initiative

By Brett Auten The shelves were stocked. The racks were filled with tasty side dishes and desserts.

This was not your typical grocery store or corner market.

At Fairwinds Rivers Edge Senior Living facility in St. Charles they take the yearly Fill the Ambulance with Food pretty seriously. For the past 11 years, the St. Charles County Ambulance District has teamed with Operation Food Search for the Fill the Ambulance with Food initiative. It has become something of a hallmark of the holiday season for St. Charles County seniors, who were determined not to let the COVID-19 pandemic stop them from helping heal hunger in the community.

So, instead of risking exposure and taking its seniors to the store, Fairwind Rivers Edge brought the store to its seniors. Fairwinds Rivers Edge established a small-scale store in the building to enable residents to select items for those in need.

“The innovation and determination demonstrated by these St. Charles County seniors is awe-inspiring, Kristen Wild, Operation Food Search Executive Director, said.

“At a time of heightened need, they are a true testament to the ability of a community to heal hunger in the region.”

Communities participating in Fill the Ambulance with Food included: Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe, Twin Oaks at Stone Ridge, Lakeridge Senior Apartments, Park Place Se-

nior Living, Garden Villas of O’Fallon, Breeze Park, Lake St. Charles, Fairwinds River’s Edge, Clarendale of St. Peters and Brookdale St. Peters. Freedom Fitness locations in Wentzville and Cottleville also participated in this year’s event.

Placed among the poinsettias, Christmas trees, and menorahs throughout these retirement communities, were blue, 40-gallon trash barrels stickered with the Operation Food Search (OFS) tomato logo, these containers aren’t meant for garbage, but for nonperishable food donations for This year’s event looked to be in question due to COVID-19.

Seniors typically take advantage of multiple See ‘HUNGER’ page 2

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Around Town

December 30, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Area business women collect nine thousand toys for local children

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Submitted photo St. Charles County senior citizens overcame many obstacles this year to Fill the Ambulance with over 7,000-pounds of food for the 11th annual St. Charles County Ambulance District and Operation Food Search initiative that looks to help in hunger in the community.

‘HUNGER’ from cover shopping trips organized by facilities to purchase items like canned vegetables, beans, cereal, and other items highly sought by food pantries. But to limit exposure to those most vulnerable, retirement communities had to pump the brakes on shopping.

St. Charles County seniors were determined to make it work.

“Canceling Fill the Ambulance was not an option,” Debbie Coval, Executive Director of Park Place Senior Living in Winghaven, said.

“Seniors across our county have taken ownership of this program, and feel strongly about helping those suffering from food insecurity during the holiday season.”

Retirement community leadership employed an array of tactics to make sure everyone who wanted to donate was safely able to do so.

Some utilized online ordering services to have their donations delivered, while others asked staff or family members to do the shopping for them.

Though the name suggests that donations were loaded into a single ambulance, seniors’ support of this initiative outgrew that years ago. Thankfully, partner pantries are armed with a box truck that paramedics loaded with 7,128-pounds of donated food and over $1,000 in cash donations were also collected for Operation Food Search.

“The amount this year was right on par for a normal year,” Kyle Gaines, Director of Community Relations for SCCAD, said. “We were about a 1,000-pounds away from our record, but we were down four senior facilities who just couldn’t make it work this year.

We take all donations to the Salvation Army in O’Fallon. We want to make sure it stays local. And they said that the food could not have come at a better time.”

The annual BrrrBASH toy drive organized and executed by Little Black Book donated 9,000 toys to the Toys for Tots Foundation.

Founded by Little Black Book: Women in Business in 2013, BrrrBASH has grown into a large-scale collaborative toy collection to benefit Toys for Tots. The 2020 LBB BrrrBASH to Benefit Toys for Tots kicked off its eighth annual toy drive on Nov.1 and concluded on Dec. 13 with a virtual celebration viewed by more than 300 people.

Little Black Book partners with over 100 local businesses spanning across four counties to actively collect toys for the charity. Since 2013, Little Black Book has donated over 38,500 toys to the Toys for Tots Foundation with support provided by the cities of Wentzville, Lake St Louis, O’Fallon and St. Peters, and numerous Fire Protection Districts in St Charles County.

For the past three years, the LBB BrrrBASH to Benefit Toys for Tots has accounted for 20 percent of the total number of toys distributed by the U.S. Marines to happy children at Christmas. Little Black Book is the largest donor to Toys for Tots in the greater St. Louis region, and St. Louis is the third largest collection in the United States. 2020 set a record for most toys collected by the Little Black Book organization in a single holiday season. All of the toys donated will be distributed in the Greater St. Louis area.

The public is invited to make a monetary donation at www.ToysforTots.org to help the women of Little Black Book bring Christmas to children in need.

Little Black Book: Women in Business is a community of female professionals. The organization provides purposeful networking events, self-development educational workshops, and promotional opportunities Members strive to grow their networks, businesses, and communities through service and charity. Little Black Book provides a collaborative, non-competitive community to connect, empower, inspire and support women who work as they develop the skills necessary for professional and personal growth.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 30, 2020

Around Town

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First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in St. Charles County

Submitted photos

Last week about 300 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was administered to frontline health care workers at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles. The availability of the vaccine is truly

is a momentous occasion for St. Charles County, a sign of hope and a positive step toward the end of this pandemic.

Natural Christmas tree recycling available in St. Charles County The St. Charles County Division of Environmental Health and Protection invites residents to recycle natural Christmas trees after the holiday.

The division partners with several local organizations to provide convenient drop-off locations.

When recycled, natural trees can be used as fish habitat in area lakes, chipped wood paths along natural surface walking trails, mulch and more.

Residents must remove the tree stand, all decorations, lights and any packaging before bringing trees to any of the following locations for recycling: St. Charles County Recycle Works • Recycle Works Central, 60 Triad South in St. Charles • Recycle Works West, 2110 East Pitman Avenue in Wentzville Both locations are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 28 to Jan. 9 — closed Jan. 1–3 Please Note: Holiday light strands, cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, electronics and other materials can be recycled at Recycle Works facilities. For information on all materials accepted at these facilities, please call 636-949-1800 or visit sccmo. org/RecycleWorks.

Additional Tree Collection Locations in St. Charles County • Founders Park, #7 Freymuth Road in Lake Saint Louis Open Dec. 26 – Jan. 11 during posted park hours.

• Quail Ridge Park, 560 Interstate Drive (Group Picnic Area parking lot) in Wentzville

WHERE CAN YOU GET Open 7 a.m. to sunset, daily, Dec. 26 – Jan. 12 • Progress Park, 968 Meyer Road (parking lot) in Wentzville Open Dec. 26 – Jan. 15 during posted park hours.

• Heartland Park, 100 William Dierberg Drive in Wentzville Open Dec. 26 – Jan. 15 during posted park hours.

• Rotary Park, 2577 W. Meyer Road in Wentzville Open Jan 9-15 during posted park hours.

Pick up a at all 35 Dierbergs & Schnucks stores in St. Charles County and North and Northwest St. Louis County

OR READ US ONLINE AT MYCNEWS.COM

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Around Town

December 30, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Charles County Public Health begins implementing COVID-19 vaccination plan The St. Charles County Department of Public Health received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the State of Missouri on Dec. 22 and has begun implementing its distribution plan. The vaccine is provided at no cost to recipients through the federal government.

“With cases of COVID-19 continuing to spread in St. Charles County and around the globe, the Department of Public Health is extremely fortunate to have been selected as one of only a few local health departments in Missouri to receive this initial shipment of vaccine,” Department of Public Health Director Demetrius Cianci-Chapman says. “We have been preparing for this distribution since the early days of the pandemic and are ready to deliver the vaccine to protect members of our community.”

Who Can Receive the Vaccine?

With the supply of this initial shipment of vaccine limited, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and State of Missouri recommend that direct patient-facing healthcare workers and individuals who live or work in long-term care facilities receive it during what is termed Phase 1A. St. Charles County organizations with employees or residents in a Phase 1A category and that do not have access to the vaccine through another means should call the Department of Public Health’s Immunization Clinic at 636-949-1857 to make arrangements for the vaccination. Individual employees and long-term care residents should not call the department directly.

The Department of Public Health will share further information on its distribution process when additional vaccine becomes available.

Benefits of Vaccination The Moderna product has received authorization from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and a recommendation from ACIP for vaccination of individuals ages 18 and older. The vaccine has undergone clinical trials and completed review by U.S. vaccine safety administrators to ensure its safety. These trials have shown that the vaccine will help: • Prevent COVID-19 infection.

• Lessen the risk for severe complications and hospitalization if the person does become infected.

• Reduce further spread of the virus to others in the community.

The Moderna product is an mRNA vaccine, which is a new type of vaccine that does not contain a live or inactivated germ to protect the body. An mRNA vaccine enables cells to make a protein that remains on the surface of the virus, which then triggers the body’s immune response to make antibodies that protect against infection.

Because it does not contain live virus, the vaccine cannot give a recipient COVID-19. For more information on this type of vaccine, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines. html.

Preparing for Your Vaccination Individuals are asked to arrive promptly at their scheduled appointment time and follow prevention recommendations when interacting with vaccine administrators. Those being vaccinated will complete consent registration and receive information about the process

Submitted photo The St. Charles County Department of Public Health received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the State of Missouri on Dec. 22 and has begun implementing its distribution plan.

before the vaccination. It is recommended that the individual remain at the location for at least 15 minutes following the vaccination, so staff can monitor for any adverse reactions.

Two doses of the vaccine, both injected in the upper arm, are necessary for maximum protection and should be issued four weeks apart. There have been reports of common side effects similar to those some experience with other vaccinations — including pain and/or swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, fatigue and/or headache. The presence of these common side effects is a sign the body is building its protection against the virus.

In most cases, these side effects disappear soon after the vaccine is given. However, to speed the process, recipients can apply a cool, wet washcloth to the injection site; exercise or move their arm to increase blood flow; and drink fluids. Vaccine recipients who have concerns about side effects or have side effects that last more than a few days should contact their medical provider or call the St. Charles County COVID-19 Information Hotline at 636-949-1899.

Distributing Vaccine in Phases As demand for the COVID-19 vaccines is expected to exceed the supply in the initial period following authorization, the ACIP COVID-19 Vaccines Work Group developed a phased plan for allocating doses that the Department of Public Health is following. As production of the vaccine increases, the ACIP will recommend transition into additional phases. The categories are: PHASE 1A • All patient-facing healthcare personnel.

• Long-term care facility staff members and residents.

• Skilled nursing facility staff members and residents.

• Intermediate care facility staff members and residents.

PHASE 1B • First responders and frontline essential employees supporting critical infrastructure operations.

• Residential care facility residents.

• Assisted living facility residents.

• Individuals ages 75 and older.

PHASE 1C • Individuals ages 65-74.

• Individuals ages 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions.

• Additional essential employees.

PHASE 2 • All individuals ages 18 and older.

Continuing to Protect St. Charles County The Department of Public Health appreciates the cooperation of St. Charles County residents and businesses in efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Following recommended precautions continues to help reduce the spread of this contagious illness.

“While the Moderna vaccine has shown 95 percent effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 during its clinical trial, we need to remember that this is just one part of a combination of tools available to stop the pandemic,” says Cianci-Chapman. “Even after being vaccinated, we all must continue to wear masks, social distance, limit contacts and stay home when sick.”

For additional information on St. Charles County’s efforts to reduce the spread of illness, visit sccmo.org/ COVID. For questions about symptoms or testing, call the St. Charles County COVID-19 Information Hotline at 636-949-1899 or speak with a medical provider.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 30, 2020

School

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Three Timberland students elected as Presiding Officers at Youth and Government Conference Three Timberland High School students have been elected as Presiding Officers after their participation in the 72nd annual Youth and Government Conference held virtually Dec. 2 - 5. Junior Lucas Lowry was elected Youth Governor, junior Nora Pryor was elected Lieutenant Governor and junior Kamden Hill was elected Speaker of the House.

Students will develop these positions throughout the year, culminating as they serve as Presiding Officers at the 2021 Youth and Government (YAG) Clark Convention next December.

Noteworthy performances were made by senior Abby McCallum and junior Kamden Hill who were each named Outstanding Statesperson

following their speeches and ability to speak both for and against bills, and ask informed questions. Additionally, freshman Daniel Wilson’s bill, entitled “An Act to Ensure Salary Equality in Missouri,” was named Outstanding Bill.

“I am so proud of what my students have achieved,” said Ida Hoffman, Youth and Government Sponsor of Timberland High School, “To have grown from being a fledgling program, to having a delegate elected governor in just six years is truly astounding.

Even more so, I am proud of what every single student has contributed and achieved this year. Through a pandemic, they managed to connect with students all around the state and express their polit-

Photos courtesy Wentzville School District (From left) Timberland High School juniors Lucas Lowry, Nora Pryor and Kamden Hill were elected as Youth Governor in the 72nd annual Youth and Government Conference held virtually Dec. 2 - 5.

ical ideas in a passionate and respectful manner. They advocated for what they believed in and grew in amazing ways.”

Youth and Government is a YMCA sponsored program based on the motto, “Democ-

Wentzville School District selects Teacher of the Year Constance Hallemeier, a math teacher at Liberty High School, has been selected as the 2020-2021 Wentzville School District Teacher of the Year. This year’s winner is presented by WSD marketing partner Allstate agent John Larson. Candidates are judged on their ability to inspire and educate students of all backgrounds and abilities, as well as their ability to lead and inspire their colleagues. The surprise announcement was made during the Board of Education meeting on Dec. 17.

This is the second time in Hallemeier’s career that she has been selected as the District Teacher of the Year. She has worked for the WSD since 2003 and held the honor previously in 2006-2007.

“I am so honored to be selected from all the amazing teachers represented from around the district who engage our students each and every day,” said Hallemeier following the announcement. “It’s truly a blessing to work in a district that has such dedicated teachers.”

racy Must Be Learned by Each Generation” which involves approximately 1,200 Missouri youth in grades 8-12 in two student-driven conventions traditionally held in Jefferson City. Student participants em-

ulate the roles of house representatives and senators, as well as fill the roles of reporters, lawyers, judges and members of the executive branch. For more information, visit www. moYAG.org.

facebook.com/mycnews

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Constance Hallemeier, a math teacher at Liberty High School, has been selected as the 20202021 Wentzville School District Teacher of the Year.

As the winner of the District Teacher of the Year, Hallemeier is now eligible to compete at the regional and state level in the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, which is conducted annually by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year program.

During the District Teacher of the Year process, each school selected their Teacher of the Year and announced it during American Education Week, Nov. 16-20, and those teachers then went through an application and interview process to be considered for District Teacher of the Year.

www.proacriveprintservices.com

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Business

December 30, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West Hospitals announce new president BJC HealthCare has named a new president for its St. Charles County hospitals. Gina Calder, MPH, FACHE, will join Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West hospitals on Feb. 8, 2021.

Calder comes from Bridgeport Hospital, a 489bed community, teaching hospital with one urban and one suburban campus. Bridgeport Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health, Connecticut’s leading health care system.

Currently the hospital campus administrator and vice president of the hospital’s leadership team, Calder has held several leadership positions since joining Bridgeport hospital in 2009, including vice president of Ambulatory Services, executive director of Clinical Services, and administrative director of Geriatric Services and Patient Relations.

Calder has been recognized with several professional and leadership awards including CT State Conference of NAACP Branches, 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut; The Greater Bridgeport

Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., Professional Award; Connecticut Association of Healthcare Executives, Leadership Award; and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Fairfield County Alumnae Chapter, Dorothy I. Height Community Service Award.

She will bring an impressive commitment to community service, with a wide portfolio of memberships in many regional organizations, including Yale New Haven Health, National Association of Health Services Executives Connecticut Chapter, founding member; American College of Healthcare Executives, fellow; Bridgeport Regional Business Council, women’s leadership council board member; and Connecticut Association of Healthcare Executives, member.

Calder holds a master’s degree in public health, health policy and administration and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

Submitted photo BJC HealthCare has named a new president for its St. Charles County hospitals. Gina Calder, MPH, FACHE, will join Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West hospitals on Feb. 8, 2021.

Jack in the Box celebrates grand re-opening with ribbon cutting

Submitted photo

Missouri Jack LLC celebrated the grand re-opening of their Jack in the Box location at 299 Salt Lick Road in St. Peters with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 18.

Cutting the ribbon was Franchise Marketing Director, Trish Skorcz. Also on hand were Jamie Needham, Area Director of Operations, Restaurant Manager David Gilbert and Erin No, Corporate Regional Marketing Manager.

Also joining the celebration was Len Pagano, mayor with the city of St. Peters and aldermen Rocky Reitmeyer, Nick Trupiano, and Gregg Sartorius, members of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce board of directors and ambassadors, along with chamber staff.

Make sure to check out their delicious menu – with all items offered all day and all night. If you want breakfast at 10 p.m. or tacos and a chocolate shake at 6 a.m., Jack in the Box can serve you with fast, friendly service.

For more information, please call Jack in the Box at 636-279-6053 or visit their 299 Salt Lick Road location.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 30, 2020

Streets of St. Charles continues to grow despite challenging times St. Louis-based Sauce on the Side will open at Streets of St. Charles next spring, joining recently announced tenants, Napoli III, Buff City Soap and Loaded Nachos. Sauce on the Side will locate adjacent to First Watch Breakfast Café.

Sauce on the Side, opening its seventh metro St. Louis location at Streets of St. Charles, is a fast-casual concept specializing in calzones and salads.

Unique flavor profiles with their calzones and salads, fresh ingredients, homemade sauces and salad dressings, and a friendly atmosphere will create another exciting option for restaurant-goers at the St. Charles development. Sauce on the Side will offer dining, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering services.

“We are truly ecstatic to be expanding our business to Streets of St. Charles,” Sauce on the Side franchisee, Brian Slater stated. “Having grown up in Saint Charles and watching it develop over the last few years, this location was at the top of our list when we decided to join the Sauce on the Side family. We feel we’ll add great food, service, and atmosphere to a very unique area that is already diverse in dining and shopping options. We cannot wait to begin operations in spring, 2021!” stated Slater.

Submitted photo St. Louis-based Sauce on the Side will open at Streets of St. Charles next spring, joining recently announced tenants, Napoli III, Buff City Soap and Loaded Nachos.

Sauce on the Side will locate adjacent to First Watch Breakfast Café.

Sr. Leasing Representative for Cullinan Properties, Patty Kueneke, stated, “Sauce on the Side’s announcement is a terrific way to end 2020 at Streets of St. Charles! With Napoli III now open, Loaded Elevated Nachos opening in early 2021, and Buff City Soap coming in the spring, visitors to Streets of St. Charles will have more options than ever for shopping and dining.”

Streets of St. Charles is home to many diverse dining options, as well as shopping, entertainment, luxury multi-family living and office space.

Business

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J. Roberts Heating & Cooling and its customers are helping provide families with warm wishes this holiday season

Submitted photo J. Roberts Heating & Cooling team members (from left) Megan Marston, Financial Coordinator; Krista Miller, Operations Manager; Jeremy Roberts, Owner and Rhett Ehling, Technician deliver donations to Mike Wraspir (far right), OASIS Executive Director at OASIS Food Pantry.

Located in O’Fallon, J. Roberts Heating & Cooling and its team have been collecting non-perishable food items during service calls since the end of October.

The outpour of support from customers to give back was tremendous, collecting well over 500 items through mid-December (536, to be exact)! On Dec. 21, they delivered these donations to benefit OASIS Food Pantry, serving St. Charles County residents. OASIS also operates a Thrift Store, with all proceeds benefiting the Food Pantry.

“As a local small business, all of us at J. Roberts Heating & Cooling wanted to find a way to give back locally and involve others. We look forward to providing great service to our customers and to our community,” said Krista Miller, Operations Manager at J. Roberts Heating & Cooling.

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Sports

December 30. 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Take Notice . . .

The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.

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 IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. 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 Con nection 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

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

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.

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.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

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.

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

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: 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: group

Diabetes

support

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-625-5447.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles 12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Pla-

za Drive, 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 636-206-2483.

You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.

Tuesdays: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

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

Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities.

No sewing experience required.

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 636456-0776 or visit our Facebook page.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

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.

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 636-9477666.

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: 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 30, 2020 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 Meets at 1380 Boone St., at 12 p.m. in Troy. 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.

636-272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077. org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA

6-6:55pm Any level. Info: 636-9281928.

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.

to various church supported charities.

No experience is necessary to join the group. For more information, contact Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

Thursdays: meeting

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

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

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of 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.

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.

Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting

Thursdays: TOPS meeting

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

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

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

10a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Family Hall.

Free for members. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome.

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

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

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

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

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

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

Every Friday: Moms Play Group

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.

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

3rd Thursday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

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

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

Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry

Fridays: Bingo

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

See more at www.alpost312mo.org

Every Saturday: Chess

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

Every Saturday: Veterans Learn guitar for FREE

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

What’s Happening

Every Saturday: Peaceful Puppy Mill Protest

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

Second and Fourth Saturday of the month: Charitable bingo

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

2nd Sunday: Moscow Mills Lions Breakfast

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

2nd Sunday: The Wheelers and Dealers Square Dance 7-9:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall at Blanchette Park, 1900 W Randolph CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Saturdays: Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV)

Last Saturday of every month Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) meets at 11 a.m. at Bar Louie in St. Charles. Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht Mittagessen), und geniessen ein Gespräch auf deutsch.

We’re meeting for a beer (and maybe lunch), and enjoying a conversation in German. April, June and September meetings are held at different locations. See https://www.facebook. com/groups/472022532983525/

1st & 3rd Saturday: St Peters Square Dance Club Dances Pre ropund dance fom 7 - 7:30 p.m., dancing from 7:30 - 10 p.m. 1st United Methodist Church, 801 First Capital Dr. www.squaredancemissouri. com/Missouri/St.Louis

3rd Saturdays: Restore 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

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

Sundays: group

Alzheimer’s support

Sundays: mous

Overeaters

The group meets the third Sunday of the month (unless it’s a holiday, then they meet the following Sunday) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

This is a Church of the Shepherd support group and meets at the McClay Adult Day Center at 3821 McClay Road in St. Peters (upstairs). For more information, please call Nancy Young at 636-875-3457.

Anony-

Do you eat when you’re not hungry?

Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? Contact Overeaters Anonymous. No dues. No fees. No weigh-ins. No diets. There are meetings every day of the week.

Please call 314-638-6070 or email bistateoal@prodigy.net.

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Sports

Decembe30, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

UMSL women put up big numbers in basketball victory The University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s basketball team has a winning streak early in the season as they picked up an impressive win recently over McKendree.

Senior Alex LaPorta scored a game-high 21 points to go with 13 rebounds and seven assists, while junior Kiara Stewart recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds to help the Tritons team to an 80-70 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) road win.

The duo helped UMSL to a 43-24 rebounding advantage, including a 16-6 edge on the offensive end, outscoring the Bearcats, 20-4, in second chance points. UMSL was playing on the road for the first time after opening the season with four straight home games.

LaPorta moves her career points total to 990, needing just 10 more to become the 16th member of the program’s 1,000-point club.

UMSL made six-of-seven free throws in the final 1:22 to help seal the victory. The Tritons, which entered the game second in the league at the free throw line (76.6 percent), made 16-of19.

Other notable players included Freshman Azaria Hulbert was three-for-three and scored five of her 11 points in the final 27 seconds along with Junior Faye Meissner adding seven points and seven rebounds. ~~~On a roll

www.treesbywoodys.net

Professional indoor soccer to start in January with the Ambush The St. Louis Ambush play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles and have announced the start of their 2021 Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) regular season. The Ambush will host four games at the Family Arena and play three on the road during the month of January.

Due to a fluid situation involving the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel restrictions, arena availability, and fan safety, long-term scheduling for the 2021 season was nearly impossible, stated Shelly Clark, Ambush CEO and

co-owner. The league announced earlier today that they anticipate announcing schedules on a month-to-month basis going forward with the goal of releasing an extended schedule further into the season if circumstances permit.

The Ambush will open the season on the road when they visit the Florida Tropics for a pair of games on Saturday, Jan. 2 and Sunday, Jan. 3.

They continue on the road with a trip to Dallas to face the Sidekicks on Saturday, January 9. The team returns to the Family Arena when they host the Kanas City Comets in the Ambush home opener on Jan. 16. The next weekend, the Ambush host the Tacoma Stars on Jan. 24. They close out the month at home with games against Florida on Jan. 29 and Jan. 31.

Go to www.STLAmbush.com to get all the updates ~~~Kicking off the New Year Indoor football tickets available for the Bandits The St. Louis Bandits are scheduled to take the field in early spring playing at the Family Arena and will be a part of the Mid West Division of the American Arena Football league (www.AmericanArenaLeague.com).

Special seating is available before the season starts.

Also, cheerleading tryouts will be held mid January.

Go to www.BanditsInfo.com/PSL for more details. ~~~Many options 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 30, 2020

Recipe:

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Smoked salmon for holiday soirees Smoked Salmon Cucumber Boats

A Seafood Superfood Smoked salmon is a nutritional powerhouse full of antioxidants, omega-3s and protein. A 2-ounce serving of Blue Circle smoked salmon contains 1,000 mg of health-boosting omega-3s, which meets the daily requirements recommended by the FDA’s 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To make the most of a healthy choice, look for smoked salmon that does not contain sugar or added preservatives.

Feature

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.

Recipe courtesy of chef Nora Pouillon

Ingredients: 1 English cucumber (about 1 1/2 inches thick and 10 inches long) 1 medium tomato, seeded and cut into tiny pieces 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon dill sprigs, finely chopped, plus additional for serving (optional), divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice 4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped or pulsed salt, to taste pepper, to taste

Directions: Slice cucumber in half lengthwise and use spoon to scoop out seeds. If cucumber skin is too thick, peel before slicing.

Gently mix tomato, scallions, 1 tablespoon dill, lemon juice and smoked salmon until combined.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Fill cucumber halves with smoked salmon mixture.

Slice cucumber boats into 1/2-3/4-inch pieces crosswise.

To serve, place pieces on platter and garnish with additional dill, if desired.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

To access more recipes and tips, visit bluecirclefoods.com.

A movie lover’s resolution for 2021

I

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.

n March of this year, I bought a ticket for “Onward,” a solid Pixar comedy about two brothers trying to reconnect with their deceased father. Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) lives in a magical realm where technology has replaced spells and charms. On Ian’s 16th birthday, however, he and his older brother Barley (Chris Pratt) receive a “visitation spell” that could bring their dad back for one day. Things don’t go as planned, however, and only the bottom half of their father returns from beyond.

“Onward” was the last movie I attended before the lockdowns happened in cities across the country. I passed up an opportunity to see another film thinking that theaters wouldn’t shut down, but my assessment of the situation was decidedly wrong. After many chains went dark, some highly anticipated films became available on streaming services. Some theaters reopened, closed and then reopened again in an effort to stay in business.

As the multiplexes shut their doors, I felt like

the rest of the world and lose myself in the latest offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or watch Tom Hanks channel Fred Rogers in the heart-tugging “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

Although I understand the desire and necessity of some movies debuting on streaming services, for me there has never been anything like sitting in an auditorium with hundreds of strangers enjoying the same film. I also would gladly stand in line at the box office for tickets and wait patiently to buy popcorn and soda just to do that again.

I’d even smile as people pushed by me on their way to the bathroom.

2020 has been a game-changer in many ways and I’ve learned the hard lesson of never taking anyone or anything for granted. In the past, there were times I thought I was too busy to head to the movies, but I won’t make that mistake again. We should spend time with the people we love and do the things that bring us joy and never take anything for granted. That’s my resolution for 2021.

Photo courtesy Walt Disney Pictures

I lost a lifelong friend, one that had been with me ever since I was a child. My parents took me to see great Disney movies and the whole family went to see “Patton” with George C. Scott. When I was old enough to head to the Avalon or the Granada, my choices were as diverse as “Grey Lady Down” with Charlton Heston and Kurt Russell starring in “The Strongest Man in the World.”

Like Ian and Barley from “Onward,” I have been trying to recapture something I lost in 2020. Movies have always been my escape from the pressures of school and work. For the price of a ticket, I could take time away from

Have a Happy New Year!

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December 30, 2020 • Community News • 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.

COLLECTIBLES

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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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December 30, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: BOARD GAMES

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life Can you believe it?!

This crumby year is almost over. Let’s take a look at it in the rearview mirror because 2020, you were nothing but a giant rear!

January: Things started heating up… literally.

Someone let their guard down and then… whoompf! Australia and later California incinerated. Reminder: Do not let 2021 anywhere near the matches!

February: Corona came creeping around. We all poo pooed it. How harmful could a disease be that sounded like a silly beer?

March: Pandemic pandemonium began. We learned how valuable a roll of TP could be. The stock market also went down the toilet. A coincidence? I think not.

April: UFO videos were released by the Pentagon. Aha! There really are extraterrestrials out there after all. Little known fact: In the same month we had an actual alien invasion. No one noticed. We were all quarantined inside our bunkers watching “Tiger King.” Talk about strange lifeforms!

May: Two words – murder hornets!

June – I don’t remember what happened this month, because…YES, Carole Baskin, we know you totally killed your husband and…sorry, still watching “Tiger King.” There’s really nothing else to do; everything’s closed and besides who wants to go outside and get stung in the face by giant bees!

July – All the summer weddings were done speedily and without fanfare. And then the riots broke out. Hmm, marriage and riots. Is there a correlation? Asking for a friend.

August – Everyone is masked. First time in bank history they demand you put on a mask before you rob the place.

September – The body is next to Jimmy Hoffa’s! Look there!

Carole is sooo guilty!

October – My snooty neighbors, the Pilkinson’s gave out king-sized candy bars for Halloween. They were mad-jealous because my line eclipsed theirs around the block. There were only three goblins on their doorstep demanding the big candy bars. Then they brought them over to trade for the TP rolls I was handing out.

November: Election mayhem. The end is near.

December: YAY! Hallmark is making a new Christmas movie called “Christmas Carole.” The true meaning of Christmas is realized when Carole Baskin visits her enemy, the Tiger King, in prison and smuggles him a cake. It all ends in cheer and merriment when we realize her long lost husband is actually…the cake.

The end is here!

Hindsight is

2020

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. Dealer’s hand, in cribbage 5. Wade’s opponent 8. Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____” 12. Nevada city 13. Prima donna 14. Weasel’s cousin 15. Makes collar for RBG 16. Between the id and super-ego, pl.

17. Can be hot or cold, meteorologically speaking 18. *Real estate-related board game 20. Elvis Presley’s “____ and Fortune” 21. Preface, e.g.

22. *A top one is a game piece in #18 Across 23. Open carriage 26. Having a malignant influence 30. “Wheel of Fortune” request 31. Stay clear of 34. Knife wound 35. Touch of color 37. Computer network acronym 38. Awaken 39. Wet nurse 40. Castrated man 42. Yale-____ College, Singapore

43. Aircraft’s additional equipment holder 45. They’re denoted in red 47. Eric Stonestreet on “Modern Family” 48. Allergic reaction to bee sting 50. Amusing 52. *Word game 55. Don McLean: “Drove my chevy to the ____” 56. Joie de vivre 57. Charlie Parker’s nickname 59. Bake an egg 60. Knocks on the door, e.g.

61. 1970s hairdo 62. Milk ____, candy 63. Swallowed 64. Reason to cram DOWN 1. Tube in old TV 2. Paper unit 3. “He’s Just Not That ____ You” 4. Herzegovina’s partner 5. Excessive sternness 6. Convex molding 7. *Candy Land difficulty level 8. *Napoleon-themed game of strategy 9. Niels Bohr’s study object 10. Autry or Wilder 11. Simon’s former partner

13. Performed comprehensively or in____, pl.

14. Butcher’s refuse 19. Beginning of sickness 22. TV classic “Hee ___” 23. *Board game island ready for settlers 24. True inner self 25. Linear particle accelerator, for short 26. Take-out handout 27. Half human-half goat, pl.

28. February “People,” e.g.

29. *Game with rooks 32. *Game involving Mr. Boddy’s murderer 33. Chewbacca’s sidekick 36. *a.k.a. draughts 38. Type of parallelogram 40. Liberty Tree, e.g.

41. Vacuums, e.g.

44. Extra shirt, e.g.

46. Sabbath, alt. sp.

48. Audience’s approval 49. Window treatment 50. Bloody king of Israel 51. “Metamorphoses” poet 52. Serum, pl.

53. *The Game of ____ 54. Makes mistakes 55. Acid drug 58. Part of URL SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9