CNSTC: June 30, 2021

June 30, 2021

The Fourth awakens

Around Town Missouri officials call for support and protection of elders . Pg 3 O’Fallon Police Chief announces resignation.

Pg. 5 MoDOT resumes I-70 Cave Springs to Fairgrounds Design-Build project. Pg. 5

Business

Westlake Ace Hardware celebrates grand opening with board cutting. Pg. 7 4th of July. Pg. 6

Features

Saint Charles Riverfest returns in 2021 as a three-day celebration including live music, carnival, food and craft vendors and fireworks over the river.

Submitted photos

After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Fourth of July celebrations return to St. Charles County in spectacular fashion

By Brett Auten The celebration of America’s independence will be on full display throughout St. Charles County this weekend.

Saint Charles Riverfest returns in 2021 as a three-day celebration including live music, carnival, food and craft vendors and fireworks over the river.

Traditionally located in Frontier Park near Main Street, the festival is a longtime favorite of locals and visitors. This year is chalked full of popular local bands like Steve Ewing and the St. Charles Municipal Band. On every day of the festival, the Foundry Art Center Children’s Tent, the

Bubble Bus, Ashley Aerialists and a carnival will be up and running.

“The Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau is excited to welcome back RIVERFEST 2021,” Event director Dan Krankeola said. “Our July Fourth celebration returns with all your favorites culminating with a spectacular fireworks display on the Fourth. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.”

On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Riverfest Parade will take place. The parade begins at Bales Park, N. Main Street turns right and becomes Tecumseh Street, slightly left onto N. Second Street, left on Clark, right onto N. Main Street, left onto Boone’s

Lick Rd., left onto Riverside Dr. The parade sponsored by the St. Charles Jaycees.

Also on Saturday, the St. Charles Municipal Band performs from noon-1:30 p.m., with the Steve Ewing Band following from 2-4 p.m. Fleetwood Mac Tribute band, Big Love, performs from 4:30-7 p.m. and Naked Karate Girls close the show.

On Sunday, fireworks will begin at 9:20 p.m.

For more detailed information, including a complete entertainment lineup, visit DiscoverStCharles.com.

O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest is alSee ‘FOURTH’ page 2

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Around Town

June 30, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Saint Charles Riverfest returns in 2021 as a three-day celebration including live music, carnival, food and craft vendors and fireworks over the river.

Submitted photos

‘FOURTH’ from cover ways a big-time event and it will run July 2, 3 and 4. Admission to the festival grounds at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex is free.

Free parking also will be available, with free shuttle service provided on July 3–4.

The O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade officially kicks off the city’s Independence Day celebration at 9:30 a.m. on July 3. The parade route starts at the corner of Main Street and Civic Park Drive, continuing north on Main Street to Tom Ginnever Avenue, where it turns east, ending at T.R. Hughes Boulevard near the entrance to the festival grounds. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic closures and find a spot along the route.

The carnival and midway are the focus on Family Night on July 2 from 4-10 pm. Stroll the midway and play games, eat cotton candy and carnival-style food and beverages all while enjoying carnival rides. Only carnival rides, the midway, and food and beverage vendors will be open on Friday.

The excitement builds on Saturday and Sunday with fireworks spectaculars, free concerts by nationally-recognized musicians, like classic rock kingpins Styx.

“We are so excited to bring our residents back together for this year’s Heritage and Freedom Fest,” Tom Drabelle, Communications Director for the city of O’Fallo, said “The last 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of us, and we hope that this event will be a part of our community returning to normal. With great music, fantastic rides and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the fun, it should be a great opportunity for our residents and guests from all over the region to come out and celebrate our great nation.”

Saturday is country music night with rock taking over on Sunday, July 4, headlined by Styx. For more detailed information, visit www.heritageandfreedomfest. com The Wentzville Liberty Fest will offer plenty of free activities on the Fourth of July.

A free swim will be held from noon-5 p.m. at Progress Park Pool. This will be available to residents only and pre-registration will be required. You can register by calling Progress Park at 636-332-9236 or online.

The annual Fourth of July Parade starts

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at 1 p.m. at the Wentzville Ice Arena, travels South on Luetkenhaus Boulevard, turns right (West) onto Pearce Boulevard and ends at the old City Hall by Pearce and Allen.

A special public skate session will take place on July 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Admission is $6 and skate rental is $3. By coming to this session you will receive preferential parking in the Wentzville Ice Arena parking lot with a great view of the fireworks at 9:05 p.m. If you cannot attend the skate but would like to experience the fireworks from a great vantage point, you can still park there for $10.

The fireworks show will be held at 9:05 pm. at Progress Park.

Weldon Spring will have its Independence Day celebration on Friday. The city will host a fireworks show from 6-10 p.m. at the city park, located at the aptly named 5401 Independence Road. Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will not be bounce houses and other inflatables, a balloon twister, magician or face painter. Free parking is available on the main lawn and along Independence Road. The regular lot is reserved for elderly concert-goers and individuals with disabilities.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 30, 2021

Around Town

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Missouri officials call for support and protection of elders Each year, an estimated five million older adults are abused, neglected, bullied or exploited. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, to unite communities around the world to raise awareness about elder abuse. Each June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders.

“Elder abuse affects older people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures and races, and can occur any-

where when they are disconnected from social supports: in a person’s home, in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other institutional settings, or in hospitals,” said Melanie Highland, Director of the Division of Senior and Disability Services for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

In Missouri, DHSS receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, bullying and exploitation of the elderly and disabled. Last year, DHSS received and investigated 40,714 reports, an average of about 111 each day. That number is on the rise, though the crimes are vastly underreported.

“The victim is often in a situation of dependency and

relies on the perpetrator for care or transportation, and feels too fearful or embarrassed to report the abuse.

They may be in denial that the abuse is occurring, or unaware that what they are experiencing is abuse or neglect,” said Highland.

Anyone who suspects that a senior or disabled Missourian is being abused, neglected, bullied or exploited, should call the toll-free Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210 or report online at health.mo.gov/abuse. The hotline is operational from 7 a.m. through midnight, 365 days a year. Online reporting is available 24/7.

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Around Town

June 30, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Stay safe and cool in dangerous heat with cooling tips from Ameren Missouri As temperatures soar into triple digits, Ameren Missouri is sharing resources to keep cool and safe.

“With the forecast calling for temperatures to reach 100 degrees, we want to make sure our customers are staying safe during the dangerous heat by utilizing their air conditioners,” said Marty Lyons, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. “We also encourage everyone to check on their neighbors and loved ones, and take advantage of available resources to safely navigate the summer heat.”

Customers and their families are encouraged to visit AmerenMissouri.com/HealthAndSafety for information on the following resources that can serve

as safeguards during the hot summer months.

• Keeping Cool Program – Helps make summer energy bills more affordable for seniors, people with disabilities, the chronically ill or households with young children. It includes up to three monthly electric bill credits in the summer months to keep customers cool and safe.

• The Caring Contact Program – Eligible customers may designate a person or agency for Ameren Missouri to contact prior to disconnection for nonpayment.

Caring Contact helps protect the health and

safety of older adults and people with disabilities who may need additional support in handling potential disconnection of service.

• Medical Equipment Registry – Allows customers to register electrically operated life-sustaining medical equipment so Ameren Missouri can notify them about planned maintenance outages.

Easy adjustments to increase energy efficiency at home can save money on energy costs, reduce stress on HVAC systems and help keep you and your family cool.

“Simple tips like closing the curtains and adjusting your

thermostat a couple degrees higher take only a few minutes and can keep your family comfortable while helping you control your energy use during the heat wave and all summer long,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri.

Ameren Missouri’s CoolDown Tips: 1. Stay in the shade. Use curtains and blinds to block out direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon. Keeping curtains and drapes closed can help reduce the heat indoors by 33%.

2. Feel the breeze. Use ceiling or other fans in addition to the air condition-

er to help keep cool air circulating. Remember to set the ceiling fan’s blades to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. Supplementing the air conditioner with a ceiling fan enables you to set the thermostat about four degrees higher without affecting your comfort.

3. Take your meal prep outside. Limit the use of ovens and stove tops for indoor cooking. Grilling outdoors can reduce excess heat produced in the kitchen from large appliances.

4. Clean out air conditioner filters. Well-maintained HVAC units are less likely to fail during months of hard use in the summer. Cleaning out ducts and changing air filters can keep your HVAC system running efficiently.

5. Reduce hot water use.

Take shorter showers and use bathroom exhaust fans to remove the heat and humidity.

Make sure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are vented to the outside, not the attic, to keep the warm air out.

6. Upgrade your thermostat. Lower your cooling costs and keep your home comfortable by upgrading to a smart thermostat.

Ameren Missouri customers are currently eligible for a $0 Sensi smart thermostat, thanks to instant discounts and participation in the Peak Time Savings program. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/ SaveSmart to get yours today.

Ameren Missouri customers can find rebates on many energy-efficient products that help keep your home more comfortable and reduce energy costs. Rebates and savings opportunities for smart thermostats and high-efficiency air conditioners are available for customers at Amerenmissourisavings.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 30, 2021

Around Town

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O’Fallon Police Chief announces resignation O’Fallon Police Chief Philip Dupuis announced his resignation from the department effective June 18. City Administrator Mike Snowden accepted Dupuis’ resignation and named Major John Neske as the acting chief.

“We are sorry to see Chief Dupuis leave, but we understand why he has made this decision,” said Mayor Hennessy.

“In his short time here, Chief Dupuis has made a tremendous impact on our police department. I am grateful to him and wish him the best, and I am confident that the brave men and women of the department will continue to provide the highest levels of service to our community under the leadership of Acting Chief Neske.”

Dupuis expressed concern over the poor wording and future unintended consequences of House Bill 85, citing that as the main reason for his sudden departure from the department. House Bill 85 was designed to protect the Second Amendment right to bear

arms of Missouri citizens and was recently signed into law by Governor Mike Parson. It creates a civil cause of action for when any law enforcement or municipal officer acts in a way that infringes on those rights.

This provision is what concerns Dupuis.

“I completely understand the motivation behind Missouri legislators’ desire to protect the gun rights of their citizenry,” said Dupuis. “I’m a strong proponent of the Second Amendment and have always respected those rights during my four decades in law enforcement.

The problem with this statute is the poorly worded language that removes sovereign immunity and appears to allow law enforcement agencies and individual police officers to be sued for even good faith justified seizures of firearms in emergency circumstances.

“Every police department in the country seizes weapons during arrests for criminal activity or when they feel it is immediately necessary to protect someone who may be

suicidal or threatening to harm others. This statute allows that officer to be sued if the individual believes that seizure ‘infringed upon their second amendment rights.’ This vague language will create a flood of weaponized litigation that will chill the legitimate peace keeping duties of police. This will decrease public safety and increase frivolous lawsuits designed to harass and penalize good hard working law enforcement agencies. Highly effective partnerships between local and federal law enforcement agencies will have to be reevaluated.

“I’m not willing to risk my family’s financial future on a poorly written piece of legislation that opens me and my fellow officers up to being sued even when they act lawfully and appropriately. In the current national environment of hostility towards law enforcement, the legislature appears to have handed anti-police activists a powerful weapon to abuse and torment law enforcement across the state of Mis-

MoDOT resumes I-70 Cave Springs to Fairgrounds Design-Build project after incorporating the public’s input After reviewing the public’s input, The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will resume the I-70 Cave Springs to Fairgrounds Design-Build Project. MoDOT and St. Charles County officials reviewed the feedback of more than 3,000 comments. The responses were received during a public comment period from December 2020 to June 2021.

The procurement process will begin shortly and MoDOT will present the final design by February 2022 and construction is anticipated to begin spring of 2022.

“We heard the public’s concerns about a potential one-way conversion of the outer roads to improve the safety and congestion issues.

We went back to the drawing board to see if we could improve the interchanges while keeping a two-way outer road system,” said Stacey Smith, MoDOT Project Director.

MoDOT has evaluated how improvements to the interchanges will work with both one-way and two-way options and both designs have benefits.

“Based on this, we have decided that leaving all options on the table will give the public the best possible project.” Smith said, “Our team

listened to the public, and we’ve dramatically changed the priorities of this project. Connectivity is now the number one goal.”

Better connectivity will make access to local businesses and homes easier. The current roadway design and inefficient traffic flow have restricted connectivity for over a decade. In addition, this project is a regional priority due to the high crash rate.

This section of I-70 was built in the 1950s and 1960s, making it one of the oldest sections of interstate in the country and one of the busiest in Missouri. The congestion at the interchanges often causes traffic to back down the off-ramps to I-70 during rush hours. To improve connectivity, safety, and efficiency, MoDOT is looking at both the entire corridor and local system and is open to all solutions for the interstate, outer roads, interchanges, and side street access.

The project is a joint project with St. Charles County, who has contributed $10 million of the $62 million cost of the reconstruction.

For more information, visit www.i70csfg.com for project updates. To contact the project team, please send an email to i70csfg@modot.mo.gov.

souri. They need to recognize their mistake and immediately go back to the drawing board.

Unfortunately, until they do, I am going to have to step away from a job I truly love.”

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Business

June 30, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Gitzell FairTrade International celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Westlake Ace Hardware celebrates grand opening with board cutting

Submitted photo

Zellipah Githui, President of Gitzell FairTrade International celebrated the grand opening of her new business venture with a ribbon cutting on June 17.

Joining Githui was her husband and son along with extended family, business associates, employees – and making a special presentation from Washington D.C. was Robert Ng’ong’a, Trade / Commercial Attache to the Ambassador of Kenya. Also on hand was Molly Dempsey from St. Charles County Government and members of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, ambassadors and chamber staff.

Gitzell FairTrade International works with individuals from the Island of Bali and Sub-Sahara Africa to produce an assortment of natural handmade art and craft goods. Gitzell FairTrade International brings these items to the U.S. as a wholesaler and helps these artisians earn a decent living by selling their products at a fair and sustainable market price.

Gitzell FairTrade International is located at 2099 Exchange Drive in St. Charles. Gitzell FairTrade International is holding an open house where the public can come and shop her selection of handmade products at retail prices in her warehouse. For more information, please call 314-378-6452 or visit their website at gitzellimports.com.

Submitted photo

General Manager Rena Payne celebrated the grand opening of Westlake Ace Hardware with a board cutting on June 18.

Joining Payne were her corporate partners, assistant managers and employees. Also on hand was Molly Dempsey from St. Charles County Government and members of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and chamber staff.

Westlake Ace Hardware is located at 915 Jungermann Road and is your neighborhood hardware store. Selling everything from Traeger pellets and accessories to paint and power tools, for personalized service from small business owners in your community, Westlake Ace Hardware is where to shop for all your home improvement needs.

For more information on Westlake Ace Hardware, please call 636-239-6761 or visit their website at https://www.westlakehardware.com/store/westlake-acehardware-st-peters.

O’Fallon welcomes the Remembering Our Fallen traveling memorial to Heritage & Freedom Fest Happy 4th of July from all of us at

In partnership with Lowe’s Home Improvement, a highly emotional exhibit Remembering Our Fallen will be displayed at the Heritage & Freedom Fest on July 2-4 in O’Fallon. This touring memorial reminds visitors of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who died from wounds suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan while wearing our country’s uniform.

On July 2, O’Fallon will be hosting a procession in honor of the Remembering Our Fallen memorial as it travels to its final stop during the Fourth of July weekend. The community is invited to attend this procession, which includes a police escort followed

by National American Veteran (AMVETS) Riders, a Lowe’s truck and the Remembering Our Fallen truck with a wrapped trailer containing the memorial.

The procession begins at 8:15 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Walk and will proceed down Belleau Creek Road. It will then turn onto Mexico Road and travel past the O’Fallon Lowe’s. From there, the procession will turn onto Highway K, continue down Main

Street, and turn right onto Tom Ginnever, ending up at the Heritage & Freedom Fest grounds. The public is encouraged to stand anywhere along the route leading up to the festival grounds and welcome this memorial to O’Fallon.

“We hope everyone in the community is able to come out and see Remembering Our Fallen,” said Jennifer Hoisington, Tourism & Festivals Manager. “It’s such a moving experience to see this touring monument, which contains military and personal photos of more than 5,000 members of the U.S. armed forces.

It’s important, as we celebrate our country’s birth, to recognize those who sacrificed their lives in defense of America.”

Remembering Our Fallen will be located near the entrance to the festival grounds on T.R. Hughes Boulevard, in front of Entertainment Alley. It will be available for viewing at the Heritage & Freedom Fest on July 2 from 4–10 p.m., July 3 from 12–11 p.m., and July 4 from 4–11 p.m.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 30, 2021

School

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Three St. Charles County teachers receive grants from WGU Missouri Three St. Charles County K-12 teachers in the Francis Howell and Orchard Farm school districts were recently awarded grants, totaling $2,913, through WGU Missouri’s “Fund My Classroom” initiative. Two teachers at Fairmount Elementary School in St. Peters - Emily Brunton, a fourth-grade teacher, and Mandy Jorn, a fifth-grade teacher - were awarded grants for $250 and $300, respectively. Erin Shepard, a fourthgrade teacher at Discovery Elementary in the Orchard Farm School District in St. Charles, received a $2,363 grant. The grants will be used to fund innovative classroom projects that foster learning in new, unique ways.

Brunton will use the $250 grant she received to purchase sets of books that are of high interest to her students - many of whom are reading below grade level - and range in reading levels to support their needs. The curriculum she uses features two units of book clubs in which groups read the same fiction or historical fiction and meet to discuss the books. Unfortunately, there are not enough engaging book sets available at various reading levels to keep her students engaged.

In order to meet their needs, Brunton plans on purchasing books that represent her students and are relevant to their lives to keep them interested in reading.

Jorn will use the $300 grant to purchase a variety of books that are written by the same author as part of an author study unit. In this unit, students choose an author they want to study, and read books by the same author to compare the characters, plots, settings, and themes the author used. The school library has always helped supply books for this unit, but students do not always have a wide variety of books and authors from which to choose. Jorn plans on purchasing books by multiple authors so that students have a choice in what books

they read. She believes having a better variety of authors and books will help with engagement and learning of the ELA standards that are aligned with this unit.

Shepard is using the $2,363 grant she received to purchase iPads and other accessories to incorporate creative filmmaking across the curriculum in her classroom. She also plans on launching a film appreciation afterschool club where she will have students write and direct their own short movies – encouraging writing, teamwork and leadership skills. Because kids today are growing up in a world where videos are all around them, Shepard believes giving her students the opportunity to communicate through this hands-on, creative media will allow them to grow their academic and leadership skills.

Through the items purchased with the grant funds she received, her students will be encouraged to create a variety of videos – with content including correct classroom procedures, video book reviews, book commercials, quick-start guides for new students, learning concepts for younger grades, science experiments and findings and more.

The innovative classroom projects were among 52 in Missouri chosen by WGU Missouri to receive funding. The nonprofit university issued a call in March for K-12 teachers across the area to nominate proposed classroom projects for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding through its “Fund My Classroom” initiative. More than 400 nominations were received. Most grants were awarded during Teacher Appreciation Week, which ran from May 3 – 7.

“We were happy to read about all the amazing projects our teachers have planned and are excited we can bring so many to life through our ‘Fund My Classroom’ initiative,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU

Missouri. “This past year has been a challenging one for both teachers and students as they were forced to adapt to new styles of teaching and learning. This initiative is an opportunity for WGU to celebrate teachers and thank them for their dedication to educating and positively impacting their students, while enhancing learning for students – both in and out of the classroom.”

To learn more about the “Fund My Classroom” initiative and the work WGU Missouri is doing to help teachers advance their careers, visit missouri.wgu.edu.

Submitted photo Two teachers at Fairmount Elementary School in St. Peters - Emily Brunton, a fourth-grade teacher, and Mandy Jorn, a fifth-grade teacher - were awarded grants for $250 and $300, respectively through WGU Missouri’s “Fund My Classroom” initiative.

www.gwrymca.org/ofallonmo

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What’s Happening

June 30, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com not required. See www.concertarts. org.

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.

EVENTS July 21: Public speaker

In 1984, Darryl Burton was wrongly convicted of a murder in St. Louis. He was proven innocent and exonerated after serving over 24 years in prison.

Darryl travels the globe to share his story and powerful message of hope and forgiveness and will be speaking at SunRise Church (7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd. in O’Fallon) at 7 p.m. This is a free event but RSVP’s are required at sunrisefamily.org/life.

July 24: Race to Remember

Race to Remember takes place at 7 a.m. at 370 Lakeside Park in St Peters.

Register at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/60934.

July 31: Outdoor concert and food truck festival

The Hulapoppers Outdoor Concert and Food Truck Festival takes place from 5 – 8 p.m. at SunRise Church at 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd in O’Fallon. Free admission, food trucks cost extra.

Aug. 7-8: Youth orchestra auditions

The St. Charles County Youth Orchestra will audition music students on Aug. 7 and Aug 8 to be placed in one of three ensembles. The orchestra accepts all levels of string, wind, brass, and percussion. Audition requirements and excerpts are on the website. The orchestra rehearses on Saturdays starting in September and has a program that will allow students to participate in both school marching band and orchestra. For more information, please email sccyomusic@ gmail.com or visit www.sccyo.org.

Sept. 25: Craft fair

Tri County Citizens Advisory Board to Probation and Parole, Probation and Parole District 17, Missouri Department of Correction invites you to their eighth annual Christmas in September Craft Fair at Calvary Church at 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters are needed for more information please contact Esther Angelos at marlofan@charter. net or 636-441-0329 or 314-477-5096.

Sept. 25 Walk To End Alzheimer’s St Charles County

Walk To End Alzheimer’s St Charles County registration begins at 8 a.m. at St Charles Community College. Register earlier at alz.org/sccwalk.

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

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden 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

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.

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: Parent support group

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets

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 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

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: 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 Plaza 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: 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.

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 636456-0776 or visit our Facebook page.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 30, 2021 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: 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: 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

Corps

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at Pezold Banquet Center, 5701 Hwy N, in Cottleville at 7:00 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. 636272-1945 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.

What’s Happening

ery Thursday. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, call President, Lisa Muncy at 636-240-0912.

Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings SUDOKU answers from page F-1

9

group. For more information, contact Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

1st and 2nd Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon

Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon at 12 noon Info: www.ofkiwanis.com.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Thursdays: St. Charles Rotary Club Meeting

St. Charles Rotary Club meets at noon at The Moose Lodge at 2705 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. In St Charles. Members and guests are welcome for lunch, leadership development and to gain a better insight into our community. www.stcharlesrotary.org.

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 ev-

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

Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting

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

Every Thursday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Family Hall. Free for members. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Alexander Chapter #242 Order of the Eastern Star Meetings 7:30pm, St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles.

3rd Thursday of each month: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 meetings 7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

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

Fridays: Frühschoppen Stam-

10

Sports

June 30, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

UMSL students excel in the classroom and in their sport The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) has identified 14 University of Missouri-St. Louis student-athletes who have earned the GLVC Council of Presidents’ Academic Excellence Award.

The recipients of this award exemplify the outstanding student-athletes in the GLVC. Each honoree has exhausted his or her eligibility in the intercollegiate sport in which they participated and maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average throughout their academic career.

In addition, to be eligible for the award, the student-athlete must have competed in the GLVC for a minimum of two years and completed 96 credit hours. A student-athlete can only earn the distinguished honor one time in his or her career. *Need more stories like this LU graduate pitching for Pittsburgh Pirates Former Lindendwood University baseball player pitched against the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend.

As a relief pitcher, Jeff Hartlieb found himself on the mound at Busch Stadium and set the Cards down 1-2-3.

He got two batters out with fly balls and an infield ground out. *Welcome back to the Lou

www.treesbywoodys.net

Ambush holding soccer tryouts The St. Louis Ambush is a professional soccer team that plays in the MASL east division with home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles starting in the fall.

Here is an opportunity to be part of an exciting sport and play in one of the nicest arenas in the area in front of all your family and friends.

The Ambush will hold open tryouts for the upcoming MASL soccer season.

The dates will be Aug. 7 and Aug. 8.

The location will be the Vetta St Charles facility at 1425 St. Peters Cottleville Rd. in Cottleville.

Ambush owners, coaches, and staff will be pres-

ent for the tryouts both days.

For more information go to www.STLAmbush. com *Show your talent

Baseball Hoots holding on to first place The O’Fallon Hoots are members of the Prospect Baseball League, playing in the West-Prairie Land division and began play in O’Fallon at their home field CarShield in May 2020 after relocating from Hannibal, Missouri following the 2019 season.

The Hoots have a slim one-half game lead over the Cape Cat Fish just about half way through the season.

Several players are consistently playing great baseball to lead the team: Infielder Nick Hofmann has played 20 of 26 games leading the team in hitting at .352 average ranking 18th in the league.

Outfielder Brett Johnson follows with an average of .327 after playing 17 games.

Right-handed Masen Palmie has displayed impressive pitching performances as he has won four out of five starts with a 2.03 earned run average that ranks him fourth in the league.

Right-hander Anthony Klein has pitched 18 innings and has won four games with no losses and has not allowed a run yet this season.

Go to www.OfallonHoots.com for more information. *Leaders of the pack

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time.

He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, among many other activities. I am 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 • June 30, 2021

Recipe:

Servings: 6-8

F-1

– SUDOKU –

The Perfect Summertime Pie

Coconut Key Lime Cream Pie

Feature

Ingredients: 1 package (11 ounces) vanilla wafers 1/3 cup butter, melted 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup Key lime juice, divided 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon coconut extract 1 cup shredded coconut 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut lime zest maraschino cherries

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.

Directions: • In blender, pulse vanilla wafers into crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse until combined. Press crumbs into bottom and up sides of greased 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie plate. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

• In large bowl, beat whipping cream until it thickens. Add confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon lime juice; beat until stiff peaks form. Remove 1 cup; set aside.

• In separate large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and coconut extract; beat until blended. Add remaining lime juice and shredded coconut; stir until combined. Add reserved whipped cream. Stir until combined. Pour into crust.

• Refrigerate 4 hours.

• Before serving, garnish with toasted coconut, lime zest and maraschino cherries.

Find more summer recipes at Culinary.net

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Heartwarming ‘12 Mighty Orphans’ tells a real-life story

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.

From “Rudy” to “Remember the Titans” and “The Replacements,” football movies are almost a dime-a-dozen. There is, however, something inherently likeable about “12 Mighty Orphans,” a new sports drama with engaging characters and performances. Based on the book of the same name by author Jim Dent, the story contains many real-life football players and coaches, but some pertinent details are altered to fit the framework of the movie.

Luke Wilson (“Legally Blonde”, “Stargirl”) plays Harvey Nual “Rusty” Russell, a successful football coach who takes a position at the Fort Worth Masonic Home for orphans in Texas. Russell uses football as a way to teach the young men in his care about life and their own self-worth. Christened the Mighty Mites, the team gains confidence as they shock the competition with their growing skill and determination. Not everyone who works at the Masonic home wants the boys to succeed on the field, however.

Though the plot was reworked somewhat for the big screen, “12 Mighty Orphans” is sincere in the story it tells. Director Ty Roberts works hard to make sure this real-life tale doesn’t get completely lost in a Hollywood fantasy. Some children at the Masonic Home had been abandoned by one or both of their parents for one reason or another. When Coach Russell gets

them on the field for the first time, they have no actual football equipment and only one actual football.

Luke Wilson is impressive as Harvey Russell, a man who helps build the team’s abilities and confidence. Russell had served as medic in World War I but was blinded by mustard gas that also affected his lungs. The future coach was hospitalized for six months and later defied the odds to become an outstanding college football player. He gave up a position at one school and spent 16 years at the Masonic Home, helping the Mighty Mites reach the State playoffs multiple times.

Like his real-life counterpart, it’s impossible to ignore Jake Austin Walker, who portrays real-life football player Hardy Brown. In the film, Brown had witnessed the brutal death of his father after which his mother abandons him. Brown channeled his anger and frustrations into football and was known for knocking out opponents on the field. One anecdote said that the Rams offered a $500 reward to any player who could knock Hardy out.

Director Roberts doesn’t quite know what to do with some characters. Wayne Knight of “Seinfeld” and “3rd Rock from the Sun” fame turns in a cartoonish performance as Frank Wynn, the dean of the orphanage’s school.

Knight turns Wynn into a stereotypical bad guy who makes the orphans do unpaid labor

“12 Mighty Orphans” photo courtesy Santa Rita Film Co.

and beats them for minor infractions. Martin Sheen plays Doc Hall, the school physician and defensive coach, but the story focuses more on his alcoholism than his accomplishments.

For the most part, “12 Mighty Orphans” is a great sports story with engaging characters.

Although the football scenes are necessarily rough and violent, there’s a lot to like about this film and the messages it contains.

“12 Mighty Orphans,” rated PG-13, currently is playing in theaters.

F-2

Feature

June 30, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

ACTIVE BUYER

HELP WANTED

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

House calls made Call Bob 636-296-5240

COLLECTIBLES

HELP WANTED www.marygrovechildren.org

www.dawcstl.com SINGERS WANTED

Let help advertise your sale!

Call Brooke at 636-379-1775

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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per run

2x2 c w/color Call Brooke 636-379-1775

www.mycnews.com • Community News • June 30, 2021

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Feature

F-3

F-4

Feature

June 30, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD

‘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

NUTTY PUTTERS Summer is the best time to get outside and do some hardcore puttering. Putterers everywhere look forward to the chance to get those things done that can be put off indefinitely, but occasionally get done unexpectedly.

Puttering can be defined as having no real job in mind but bobbing from one unimportant task to the next without any time constraints and without really accomplishing much of anything.

I opted to putter in the yard while my husband puttered in the garage.

On this particular day I decided to drag the hose around and water some lifeless spots. I just needed to find the sprinkler. As I made my way to the garage I glanced at my favorite rose bush. What the cootie?! The tips were teeming with vermin – green devil aphids! The watering would have to wait, this was crisis numero uno.

Off to the shed I traipsed for bug spray. It was there that I almost plunged into a doodie pile of astonishing proportions! I recognized this icky scat at once—masked devil raccoon!

Back to the garage I rushed to inform the putterer-in-chief of my discovery.

“Hey! It’s back!” I yelled.

“What, your kidney stone?!”

“No, dingle-berry, the raccoon! He’s left his nasty calling card by the shed again.”

My husband immediately dropped mid-puttering to find the raccoon trap. “Where’d I leave that thing? Have you moved stuff around in here?”

“No I haven’t. If I started rummaging around in your junk I’d need Search and Rescue to get me back out.”

Then I noticed my good garden scissors on his workbench. “Hey! Just what the holy heck do you

think you’re doing with those?”

“I was just about to cut some sandpaper for a project.”

“Oh no you’re not! I’ve been looking for those everywhere.”

“What’s the big deal? They’re just scissors.”

I snatched them up before he destroyed the blade and said, “Just remember that when I use your favorite screwdriver to dig weeds out of the garden.”

I headed back to start cutting off dead marigold heads when I got a text from my annoying Aunt Fiona wanting to do lunch.

Think of an excuse fast: “Can’t today. There’s been a death.”

“Who died?” She demanded.

I texted: “Mr. Lawn. Dead and dry as a bone and already in the ground.”

She was horrified. I doubt she’ll be bothering me anytime soon, which leaves plenty of time for puttering.

Hello.

I’m back.

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. *____ Code, or selfcensorship guidelines for movies 5. Ship pronoun 8. ____ vera plant 12. Tiny piece of anything 13. Dateless one 14. Twist and distort 15. “Animal House” party garb 16. Cantatrice’s offering 17. Frost-covered 18. *Mary ____, star of 52 films and recipient of 1976 Academy Honorary Award 20. Rounded protuberance 21. Breaks off 22. Crime scene acronym 23. One who insists on implementing #1 Across 26. Anxiety, pl.

30. U.N. working-conditions agency 31. A-one 34. Do like exhaust pipe 35. Students’ dwellings 37. Between sol and ti 38. Parkinson’s disease drug 39. Larger-than-life 40. For the most part 42. ____ Aviv 43. Allow to rejoin 45. Between Paleocene and Oligocene 47. FEMA provisions, e.g.

48. *Instrument central

to 1945’s “A Song to Remember” 50. Manage without help 52. *Marx Brothers’ 1933 classic 55. Florentine iris 56. Fourth largest Great Lake 57. *Hitchcock’s “The Man Who ____ Too Much” 59. Make children, biblical 60. Malicious look 61. Highest volcano in Europe 62. Object of worship 63. Always, in verse 64. Like happy people’s glasses DOWN 1. *Humphrey Bogart’s Fedora, e.g.

2. At the summit 3. Hanna-Barbera anthropomorphic bear 4. Kellogg’s Sugar ____ 5. Leather razor sharpener 6. Often used to pull #22 Across 7. Archaic expression of surprise 8. *Like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” 9. Mary’s pet 10. Nabisco sandwich 11. Former times 13. *”The Snows of Kilimanjaro” type of

adventure 14. Straining sound 19. Nautical measures 22. Party bowlful 23. Pressed beverage 24. Skip the big wedding 25. Waterwheel 26. *Drew Barrymore’s grandfather 27. What actors do 28. Mature, as in fruit 29. Like an expired cracker 32. Surveyor’s map 33. “Mai” follower 36. *Hattie ____, first African-American to win an Oscar 38. City in France 40. Prefix for central 41. Deep throat, e.g.

44. Middle 46. Slow ____ or pressure ____ 48. Baby food, e.g.

49. More unfriendly 50. *Ginger’s dance and movie partner 51. Therefore or consequently 52. Mark for omission 53. Archaic “to” 54. Back-to-school purchase, pl.

55. ____-Wan Kenobi 58. *Bing Crosby’s 1944 movie “Going My ____” SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9