Issuu

July 13, 2011

January 1, 2014

Vol 13 No 28

Expert Tips for Fitness Resolutions

Recipe

Make Baby’s Birthday a Smash

Around Town

Grant Helps Youth In Need

Business Linda Rueschhoff (front left) lost 20 pounds after she found Zumba, one of the group aerobics classes free to Rec-Plex members. Photo courtesy of the City of St. Peters

A New Year, a fresh start. Did you resolve to get fit in 2014? You’re not alone. Getting fit and losing weight are some of the most common New Year’s resolutions—and they’re among the first to “fall by the wayside.” We’ve got “too much to do;” “healthy foods don’t taste as good.” All the excuses pile up. Before we know it, the year is halfway over and our good intentions are long forgotten. So how do you make 2014 the year to make your fitness resolution happen? The fitness and nutrition experts at the St. Peters Rec-Plex have helped plenty of people make their resolutions a reality. “Start slow and be patient,” says RecPlex personal trainer and registered dietician Rebecca Levine. “Make appointments for 30 minutes of exercise per day…even if you have to split it into 10 minutes here and there.” Be accountable. Rec-Plex personal trainers say that this will really help you keep that resolution. Start by having a “buddy system.” Work out with a friend, a personal trainer, or join group fitness classes. You’ll be more likely to work out if other people are expecting you to show up. Accountability works for your diet, too. Levine says that when people track every calorie they eat, they’re likely to

Chamber Gives Back

By Lisa Bedian, director of communications for the City of St. Peters

make changes on their own. “Every bite can add up,” Levine said. Another key to keeping that fitness resolution is finding exercise you enjoy. Rec-Plex member Linda Rueschhoff lost 20 pounds after she found Zumba, one of their free group aerobics classes. “Zumba is like no other exercise class I’ve done. It doesn’t feel like exercise, but you’re sweating like crazy by the time you’re finished,” Linda said. For some people, one-on-one assistance from a personal trainer makes the difference. Carey Suellentrop lost 40 pounds in one year and she says, “I never thought I’d enjoy looking forward to working out, but it’s easier to keep going back when you’re making progress and seeing results.” Personal trainers say that it’s also a good idea to vary your workout. It’s better for your body, makes exercise more fun and helps you avoid “overuse injuries.” For example, walking on the treadmill every day works the same muscles over and over. The Rec-Plex has a lot of different cardio machines and weight training equipment in its fitness areas plus swimming, skating, an indoor track, volleyball, basketball and more. The Personal Trainer on Duty can help Rec-Plex cus-

tomers figure out how to use all of the equipment at no extra charge. The public is invited to check out the St. Peters Rec-Plex for free during Fitness Fest on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9am-3pm. New annual members who join the Rec-Plex in January can choose from one of three freebies: 1. moisturewicking Rec-Plex T-shirt, 2. multi-function pedometer/heart rate monitor or 3. yoga mat.

School

SOARS Class Tackles Poverty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Movie

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January 1, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Vol. 16 No. 1

In This Issue... 2

Around Town Local news and events like O’Fallon’s DaddyDaughter Sweetheart Dance

Lincoln County Life Cuivre River ringing in the New Year without a rate increase

Business Mid-Western LLC is honored and the Western St. Charles County Chamber gives back

School SCC New Year’s Resolutions and a 3rd grade class tackles poverty

Movie The Secret life of Walter Mitty lets the viewer slip into a Mitty-esque fantasy world

Sports and Learn & Play Local sport authority Gary B fills you in on the weekend’s sporting events. Also, play Sudoku and read a review of a new novel.

Recipes Make Baby’s Birthday a Smash

What’s Happening the only events calendar you need to stay entertained all week long

Classifieds

Over the Fence Joe Morice is to Community News readers what Wilson was to Tim Taylor: enjoy a fresh perspective from our in-house blue-collar philosopher.

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Cuivre River Grant Helps Youth In Need homeless and runaway teens, Youth In Need has evolved to provide services that focus on crisis prevention, intervention and recovery for children, youth and families. In 2012, Youth In Need served more than 23,000 children, teens and family members at more than 40 locations in six counties in eastern Missouri, including St. Charles, Lincoln, Montgomery, Warren counties, St. Louis City and St. Louis. Youth In Need’s Head (L-R) Youth In Need received a $2,500 Operation Round Up grant from the Cuivre River Electric Com- Start and Early Head munity Trust to support the agency’s early childhood education and family development program in Start programs provide St. Charles County, Lincoln and Warren Counties. comprehensive early Youth In Need received a $2,500 grant from childhood education and the Cuivre River Electric Community Trust to family development services to economically support the agency’s early childhood education disadvantaged children and their families. Acand family development program in St. Charles tivities are created to help infants and toddlers County, Lincoln and Warren Counties. develop gross and fine motor skills, and encour“Funds will be used for Early Head Start and age cognitive, social and emotional growth. Head Start programs,” said Pat HoltermanHead Start programs operate throughout the Hommes, Youth In Need’s president and CEO. year and are designed to reinforce and respond “These are comprehensive child and family de- to the unique strengths and needs of each child velopmental programs that serve income-eligi- and family. Services are provided in-home, at ble families with children living in poverty, as Youth In Need facilities, and through commuwell as expectant parents.” nity childcare partners. Participants in the Head Founded 39 years ago to provide shelter for Start programs are offered encouragement, information and training through such means as personal counseling, discussion groups, courses, films, brochures, books and parent-child interaction activities. For more information on Operation Round Up and Cuivre River Electric Cooperative, www.millarlawfirm.com please visit www.cuivre.com or call 800.392.3709.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 1, 2014

Audition for the O’FallonTheatreWorks’ “Twelve Angry Jurors” Actors who are good at developing dramatic characters are invited to audition for the O’FallonTheatreWorks production of Twelve Angry Jurors. Open auditions will begin at noon on Sunday, Jan. 12, at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre, with roles for men and women between the ages of 18 and 70. Of the 13 roles to be cast, three are for men and 10 can be either male or female. Auditioners are asked to bring a one-minute monologue and to be prepared for cold readings from the script. Volunteers also are needed to help stage the production, which will be performed on the stage at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre on March 21-23 and 28-30. For more information, please contact Darren Granaas, O’Fallon’s Cultural Arts Coordinator, at 636.474.8150 or dgranaas@ofallon. mo.us.

New Home by Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County (HFHSCC) donors, sponsors, volunteers, family members and staff welcomed Tedra Martin and her daughter to their new home on Sunday, December 8, as the 63rd HFHSCC home completed and as another addition to the Enclaves of Eisenhower in the city of St. Peters. Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County has built 63 homes since beginning in 1996. We believe that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. We build and repair houses in St. Charles County using volunteer labor and donations. Our partner families purchase these homes through no-profit, no-interest mortgage loans, and complete a minimum of 350 sweat equity hours. There is a continuing need for financial and construction support from local businesses, organizations, churches and individuals. There is also a critical need for building sites. Interested parties should contact the Habitat St. Charles office at 636.978.5712 or visit our website at www.habitatstcharles.org.

Support Dogs, Inc. Receives Grants Support Dogs, Inc. recently received grants totally $68,512 that include: • Psychiatric service dogs program grants from Boeing ($15,000); Amvets Post 48 Ladies Auxiliary ($800); American Legion Auxiliary ($461); anonymous donors ($490), and; Eagle Bank & Trust ($366). • Service dogs program grant from Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis ($7,000); Boeing St. Louis - Employees Community Fund ($5,000); Scottrade ($5,000), and; Sunnen Foundation ($5,000). • Paws For Reading program grant from The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog ($7,545); Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation ($5,000); The Saigh Foundation, ($5,000); Vatterott Foundation ($2,000); St. Louis Cardinals’ Care ($1,000), and; Suburban Journals - Old News Boy Day ($500). • TOUCH program grant from Herman T. & Phenie R. Pott Foundation ($5,000) and Fischer, Bauer, & Knirps ($1,500). • General funding grant from Wells Fargo Foundation ($1,000); FHC Institutional Investments, ($500); Mary Noel George Charitable Fund ($250), and; McDowell Charitable Fund ($100). Support Dogs, Inc. is a national non-for-profit organization that offers dignity, hope and independence by providing highly skilled service dogs to individuals with disabilities and uniquely trained dogs to serve the community. Founded in 1983, the organization provides many services including an Assistance Dog program which matches people with various disabilities with a canine partner, a pet visitation therapy dog program called TOUCH (Therapy of Unique Canine Helpers), and a Paws For Reading program that places dogs in classrooms. Support Dogs is a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. For more information, call 314.997.2325 or visit the organization’s website at www.supportdogs.org.

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January 1, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Dress up and Have Fun at the Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance Bring your special little girl (ages 12 and under) to a lovely evening filled with games, music, dinner and dancing at the DaddyDaughter Sweetheart Dance. The event will be held from 6:30-9:30 pm on Saturday, February 1, at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre. A bouquet will be presented to each young lady. Formal attire is required. No tickets will be available at the gate; tickets will be sold through Thursday, January 23, or until the dance is full, whichever comes first. The cost per couple is $40 for O’Fallon residents and $45 for non-residents, plus $20 for an additional child. A professional photographer will be available to take photos for an additional fee. Register for the Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance in one of three ways: • Online at www.ofallon.mo.us/Parks&Rec; enter course number 38845 • Call 636.474.2732 or 636.379.5606 • Register in person at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Civic Park Drive or the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle For more information, please contact Paula Creech at pcreech@ ofallon.mo.us. Or, call 636.474.8121. Volunteers are needed to assist with the event. To help, please call the Volunteer Services Department at 636.379.5417, or send an e-mail to volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. For more information, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.

St. Charles County Free Recycling of Natural Christmas Trees After the Yuletide celebration, give the environment a gift by recycling your natural Christmas tree so that it may be turned into mulch or fish habitat. The St. Charles County Division of Environmental Health and Protection partners with area municipalities to offer residents this free service at various sites throughout our community, including the County’s Recycle Works locations in St. Charles and Wentzville. Before bringing natural trees to one of the locations below, residents must be sure to remove the tree stand, all decorations and any plastic bags or coverings. St. Peters: Laurel Park (upper parking lot), off McClay Road; St. Peters Golf & Recreation Center, 200A Salt Lick Road; St. Peters Earth Centre, 115 Ecology Drive. Open 7:30am-4:45pm, December 28 to January 18. Wentzville: Progress Park (parking lot), 968 Meyer Road. Open 7am - 3:30pm, from December 26 to January 18. O’Fallon: Civic Park (upper parking lot), 400 Civic Park Drive; O’Fallon Sports Park, 3589 Highway K. Locations open from dawn to dusk, December 26 to 1 January 13. Lake Saint Louis: Founders Park, 7 Freymuth Road. Open during daylight hours, December 26 to January 13. St. Charles County: Recycle Works Central, 60 Triad South (St. Charles); Recycle Works West, 2110 East Pitman Avenue (Wentzville). Open 8:30am - 4:30pm, December 26 to January 22. Quail Ridge Park (Group Picnic Area), 5501 Quail Ridge Parkway (Wentzville); Open 7am - sunset, December 26 to January 22 To further assist the community this season, the Recycle Works West and Recycle Works Central locations offer free recycling of non-foil gift boxes, wrapping paper and unwanted Christmas tree lights for St. Charles County residents. For more information on recycling efforts within St. Charles County, please call 636.949.1800 or visit www.health.sccmo.org.

Free Open Ice Skate Nights at the Family Arena

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To celebrate the New Year, the St. Charles Chill and St. Charles County invite the public to free Open Ice Skate Nights at the Family Arena in St. Charles on Jan. 5 from 7-11pm, and Jan.10 from 9pm-1am. Entry into the Family Arena for the open ice skates will take place at Gates 1 and 2 a halfhour before the open ice skate start times. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees must bring their own ice skates. Ice hockey and other sports equipment will not allowed on the ice. Attendees can meet St. Charles Chill hockey players and Shiver the mascot during the Jan. 10 skates. A concession stand featuring hot chocolate, pretzels and more will be open during each open ice skate. For questions, please call Tom O’Keefe, Marketing Manager for the Family Arena, at 636.896.4289.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 1, 2014

Around Town

St. Charles County Parks Banquet Facility Reservations O’Fallon’s Free Christmas Tree The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is now taking banquet facility reserva- and Holiday Lights Recycling tions for the 2015 calendar year. Anyone interested in reserving the Lodge at Quail Ridge Park or the Curt Loupe Conference Center at Klondike Park may do so by contacting the reservation desk by for Residents phone. Beginning Sunday, January 5, guests may also book these facilities online. Voted Best Wedding Destination by area brides, the Lodge banquet facility and gazebo at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville has become a popular place for many couples to tie the knot. The smokefree, 3,600 square foot Lodge accommodates up to 180 guests and is appropriate for wedding receptions, banquets, family and business parties and other events. Located in Missouri’s wine country, the Curt Loupe Conference Center at Klondike Park in Augusta provides the perfect setting for a formal or informal event, corporate retreat, presentation, meeting or family gathering. This modern conference center along the bluffs of Klondike Park accommodates up to 85 guests with seating arranged throughout the multi-level facility. For more information or to make a reservation please call the St. Charles County Parks Department reservation desk at 636.949.7535 or visit www.stccparks.org.

STD Clinic Introduces Trial Period for Walk-In Hours The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 19 million new sexually transmitted disease infections occur each year. The best way to confirm a diagnosis and to receive treatment is through testing, which is important because complications from these diseases can impact a life forever. To help St. Charles County residents with testing, treatment and prevention education, the Division of Public Health’s STD clinic offers services throughout the week. Clinic staff typically provides these services on an appointment basis, but a trial program will now assist qualifying individuals on a walk-in basis. On selected dates, up to seven patients per session can visit the facility (located at the Department of Community Health and the Environment offices - 1650 Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles) with no appointment necessary. The special walk-in clinic sessions are: • Tuesday, Jan. 7 (1:15 - 4 pm) • Tuesday, Jan. 21 (1:15 - 4 pm) • Tuesday, Feb. 4 (1:15 - 4pm) • Tuesday, Feb. 18 (1:15 - 4pm) For those who are unable to attend these walk-in clinics, ap-

pointments are the preferred method for scheduling services. These appointments are arranged on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:20 to 11:20am and from 1:20 - 4:20pm. Clinic policy requires that individuals bring a photo ID with them, and that payment is expected at the time of the visit (cash and checks payable to St. Charles County Government are accepted). The visit fee is $10 for testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV, while testing for genital herpes (open to those with present, viable lesions only) requires an additional $40 laboratory fee. For additional visit preparation requirements, to schedule an appointment or for more information on the STD Clinic, please call 636.949.7401.

From December 26 to January 13, O’Fallon residents will be able to drop off holiday trees and unwanted light strands in Civic Park and O’Fallon Sports Park parking lots. The service is free and the lots will be open dawn to dusk. Light strands can also be dropped off for recycling at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), located at 100 North Main Street, 63366, or at the Renaud Spirit Center recreation complex, located at 2650 Tri Sports Circle, 63368. Guidelines for holiday or Christmas tree drop-off: Only live or natural trees without decorations will be accepted. Please remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, string or wire, and do not put the tree in a bag. No wreaths, shrubs or yard waste should be dropped off. Curbside option: For a $10 fee, O’Fallon trash customers can call Environmental Services at 636.272.0477 to have their tree picked up at the curb. Only live or natural trees without decorations can be accepted and only trees that have been scheduled for disposal will be picked up. The cost will be added to the trash bill. Guidelines for light strand recycling: • Miniature light strands can be recycled “as is,” with bulbs intact. • Strands with larger light bulbs should be removed before recycling. • Simply drop the loose light strands into the receptacle without string, wire, bags or packaging

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Fewer things are more frustrating than a motivated person who wants to, but can’t seem to lose weight. Motivation, and the desire to work at losing weight, quickly dries up when the scale refuses to budge. But the problem might not be in the number of calories eaten or the amount of energy expended in exercising. Instead, the culprit could be a sluggish metabolism caused by hormone imbalance. Add to this the stresses we live with every day, and it would appear that our bodies don’t stand a chance of being able to lose excess weight. Often, people will blame their “metabolism” for the inability to shed pounds – and they are usually right. Our metabolism is affected by what we put into and around our bodies. It’s also affected by our quality of sleep, the type of exercise (if any) we do and our general attitude about life. Underlying our metabolism are the chemical processes that keep our bodies running, which includes hormone production. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to lose weight, it could be that your hormones are keeping you fat. The good news is there are solutions to hormone imbalance. Join us for a free seminar on Stress Hormones and Health – The True Cause of Belly Fat. In it, you’ll learn how hormone imbalances affect every aspect of your life AND how you can achieve permanent weight loss in a healthful and safe way. Reservations are required, so call today at (314) 983-9355 to save your spot.

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January 1, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Cuivre River: No Rate Increase in 2014 General Manager/CEO Dan L. Brown announces Cuivre River Electric Cooperative will ring in the New Year without a rate increase. The year 2014 marks the fifth consecutive year for consistent electric rates. The 2014 budget was approved in December without a rate

adjustment. Locally, they continue working to manage operating costs to distribute energy to memberowners in St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, southern Pike and eastern Montgomery counties. “We know slowgrowing family wages and business revenues face ris-

ing costs on many fronts,” Brown says. “We want to make certain our members receive great value from every penny they spend for electricity.” With average residential energy rates of 8¢ per kilowatt-hour, Cuivre River’s rates are among the lowest in Missouri and the country. Brown credits cooperative-owned power suppliers for keeping energy affordable, and credits employees striving for maximum efficiencies dayto-day. Brown anticipates an increase in 2015, but expects it to be modest. For more information, visit www.cuivre.com.

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Business Rhino Fitness Now Offering Silver Sneakers Rhino Fitness of Wentzville, Missouri is now offering a no cost membership plan to people enrolled in the SilverSneakers program. SilverSneakers is offered by several health insurance companies to their members age 65 and over, eligible for Medicare. Interested parties should contact Rhino Fitness staff at 636.448.6300 or stop in to 1231 Wentzville Parkway to sign up.

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Pay It Forward The Pay It Forward Holiday Raffle was a success for the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Each one has been sold, and the chamber is donating $1,000 to Operation Food Search and $1,000 is going to its Chamber Scholarship Fund. The two winners were Jeff Vogelsang and Jamie Reinhardt.

Cuivre River Tree Grant

The Willow Lake HOA of Weldon Spring received a $1,000 Green Tree Partnership grant from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative to help replace trees damaged by a tornado earlier this year. Celebrating the grant are, from left, Scott Luecal of Willow Lake HOA and Chris Ryan of Cuivre River Electric Cooperative.

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative and its power supplier, Central Electric Power Cooperative of Jefferson City, team up each year to offer Green Tree Partnership grants to help area communities and organizations plant trees. The latest $1,000 grant was awarded to Willow Lake Home Owners Association in Weldon Spring to help replant several trees on common ground that were extensively damaged during the May 31, 2013 tornado which rolled through the area. A qualified community organization can apply for up to $1,000 to help purchase trees for parks, school grounds, historic sites, roadside areas, public buildings and other public locations. A tree planting plan must be submitted with a Green Tree Partnership grant application. “Be sure that planted trees are clear of utility lines,” says Chris Ryan, who coordinates Cuivre River’s portion of the program. “Include a map or drawing of planting locations, tree type and proximity to utility lines.” Grants may also be used to match funds for other programs, such as the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance program and the Department of Highway and Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement program. To obtain a Green Tree Partnership grant application, contact Cuivre River’s Chris Ryan at 800.392.3709, ext. 4732, or print an application at www.cuivre. com under the community tab.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 1, 2014

Business

Mid-Western LLC Honored

Chamber Gives Back to Community

Drachnik, senior vice president of business development and marketing for the Economic Development Center (EDC) of St. Charles County. “Thanks to their new investment in Wentzville, and their exciting growth plans, Mid-Western is poised for new levels of success for years to come.” Each month a different business in St. Charles County is selected for the Business (Center with plaque) Mid-Western LLC’s Managing Principal Bob Bristow and Ryan Bristow, Sales and Spotlight Award by Marketing Manager, Wentzville City Alderman Chris Gard with members of the Economic Development the Economic DevelRoundtable and Workforce Investment Board of St. Charles County. opment Roundtable (EDR) based on criteFor over 65 years of being an international leader in manufacturing quality pneumatic and ria such as entrepreneurial success, economic hydraulic drilling equipment for mining and impact, job growth and civic involvement. The minerals, and for recently opening their world EDR is a standing committee of the Economic headquarters in Wentzville, Mid-Western LLC Development Center (EDC) of St. Charles County with the local cities, has received the Business Spotlight Award for December from the Economic Development St. Charles County Government, and the St. Charles County Department of Workforce DeRoundtable of St. Charles County. With company roots dating back to the 1940s velopment. For more information about Mid-Western in Joplin, Mo., Mid-Western LLC have earned LLC, please visit www.mwdrill.com or call a solid reputation as an American manufacturer of high-powered, pneumatic and hydrau- 800.693.7455. For more information about the lic drills and replacement parts. The company’s EDC’s Economic Development Roundtable, call products are extensively used on mining op- 636.441.6880 or visit www.edcscc.com. erations in North and South America, South Africa, Australia, Europe, and Russia. One of their newest products is a compact hydraulic rotary drilling rig capable of drilling up to 300 feet deep from a minimal footprint. With almost 20 employees at their new Wentzville headquarters, the company expects to nearly double in the next few years. “The Jackleg Drills and hydraulic rotary drills built by Mid-Western LLC are world-renowned and industry standards across the globe,” said Scott J.

The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is able to donate $1,000 to Operation Food Search and $1,000 to the Chamber Scholarship Fund after their successful Pay It Forward Holiday Raffle. The Chamber sold-out 300 raffle tickets to be able to make the donation! With each raffle ticket sold the chamber donated 100 percent of the proceeds to help Operation Food Search in their effort to feed local children and families and to provide scholarships to local high school students. “I put a challenge out during the last month of the raffle sales that if we sold out I would dress up like an elf. I have never been happier than to put on a costume, because I knew it meant that our organization was helping the community,” said Tony Mathews, President/CEO of the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. “On behalf of the Chamber I want to thank each person who purchased a raffle ticket. Their purchase will help Operation Food Search and provide scholarships for local students.” The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce covers Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis and Wentzville. They are comprised of 600 local businesses and organizations. For more information, call 636.327.6914 or visit www.westernstcharlescountychamber.com.

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January 1, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

SCC Vice President Hopes Enrolling for College is a New Year’s Resolution For community members looking to pursue their educational dreams and goals, who have hopes of transferring to a four-year institution, finding a good career, moving up in a current job or cultivating a hobby or an interest, St. Charles Community College offers several options for degrees and classes. SCC currently is enrolling for the spring 2014 semester, admission is open to all students, and students may begin taking classes in January. SCC has a number of offerings for first-time college students, transfer students, returning learners, high school juniors and seniors who want to dual-enroll and high school students graduating in December who want to get an early start on taking college classes. “Many jobs require a college education and the New Year is a great time to get started on educational goals,” said Chris Breitmeyer, vice president for academic and student affairs. Breitmeyer offered his top 10 reasons to attend SCC: 1. Academic excellence: dedicated and experienced faculty and staff are focused on teaching and learning 2. Quality programs: college transfer programs and career technical programs 3. Access: open enrollment/admission 4. Cost: tuition is one-third the cost of nearby universities, and financial aid and scholarship options are available 5. Small class sizes: average class size is 22 6. Supportive environment: counseling, advising, tutoring, career services, veterans services 7. Developmental coursework: classes are available for students who are unprepared or underprepared for college-level work 8. Graduates are well prepared for the workforce 9. Student involvement: clubs, activities, athletic, cultural and educational events offer ways to connect with other students 10. Close to home Spring registration will continue through Friday, January 17. New students should visit www.stchas.edu/DiscoverSCC or call 636.922.8000. Current students should log on to www.stchas. edu/connect.

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3rd Grade SOARS Class Tackles Poverty Through Education By Chris Bennett, Communications Coordinator The City of St. Charles School District For many children in America, the morning routine is so mundane that it is taken for granted. Wake up, clean up, eat breakfast, go to school, repeat. The belief that everyone should have the opportunity to get an education is so ingrained into our culture that many of us never give it a second thought. Yet, for millions of children around the world, they are not afforded this Akhila Swarna is showing her handcrafted jewelry made from paper beads. luxury. Schooling is something that costs money and, unfortunately, money is all too often in short supply. This is the lesson being taught by Janet Stahlschmidt to her 3rd grade Seeking Opportunity in Accelerated Resources class. For the past few weeks, the class has been engaged in a unit called “People, Poverty and Hope” in which the students learn about the rampant poverty in third world countries and what they can do to help contribute. Throughout this unit, various lessons, such as geography, economics and social activism, are incorporated to give the students a better understanding of the causes of poverty and what they can Maya Southard showing Abhiram Kudaravalli how to roll beads from paper strips do contribute to those in need. Along with the lessons, Stahlschmidt teams of paper. Once the jewelry is created, it is sold up with organizations such as Bead for Life, a online at beadforlife.org or at “Bead Parties” nonprofit company whose goal is to provide a hosted at individual’s homes. sustainable source of income for families in imAfter the students learn about the organizapoverished countries. tion, they get to try their hand in creating rolled “I think the most important aspect of the unit paper jewelry by using paper strips, toothpicks, is not just teaching the kids about people in pov- plastic wire and polyurethane. Once the jewelry erty but educating them on ways they can help,” is completed, the students show off their creStahlschmidt said. “By learning about Bead for ations to staff, family and community members Life, the kids realize the best way we can help to encourage them to purchase products from is by supporting organizations that help educate Bead for Life to raise money for the organizapeople in third world countries so they learn to tion. support themselves and their families.” “We’ve raised over $2,000 in the last two years,” For the students, one of the more interactive Stahlschmidt said. “The kids making beads on segments of the unit was the Bead for Life craft- their own from paper is an important aspect. In ing and fundraising lesson. This lesson teaches doing so, they realize how hard it is and how talthe students about Ugandan women who create ented the Ugandan women are.” beaded jewelry by delicately hand rolling strips With these skills learned and the money earned from organizations like Bead for Life, families are able to create a steady income, many of which use to send their children to school. The importance of this is not lost on the students. “Making the beads was a lot of fun,” Akhila Swarna said. “But best part is the program helps give money to Uganda for education. That’s really neat.”

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 1, 2014

Movie

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Seventy-five years ago, journalist and artist James Thurber created Walter Mitty, a mild-mannered guy who escapes his daily existence through heroic fantasies. Mitty is the quintessential everyman who dreams of doing something that’s truly exciting and worldchanging. While watching Ben Stiller’s live action adaptation of Thurber’s work, it is all too easy to slip into a Mittyesque fantasy world to escape the tediousness of the film. As director and star, Stiller has the best of intentions here, but his efforts do nothing to honor the American writer and illustrator who created the character. Stiller’s version has Walter Mitty working at Life magazine as its negative asset manager. For 16 years, Walter has careful-

By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG

ly managed the film shot by such great photojournalists as Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn). Unfortunately, an O’Connell negative slated for the cover of the final issue of Life goes missing. Encouraged by Cheryl Melhoff (Kristen Wiig), his office crush, Walter goes out into the world to track down the elusive O’Connell. In the process, he finds that real life can be more exhilarating than his fantasy world. Even with its glacial pacing, there’s a lot to like about The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Stiller’s Walter Mitty possesses plenty of talent, especially on a skateboard. The whole subplot about Walter giving up his dreams after his father’s death sounds too much like It’s a Wonderful Life, though. Walter’s relationship with Cheryl Melhoff is somewhat confusing as well. Kristen Wiig is perfectly cast as the sweet and lovable co-worker, and Walter has no trouble talking with her or her young son. Yet, instead

of simply asking her out on a date, he slips into his “zone” to indulge in over-the-top romantic fantasies. In truth, the fantasy sequences featuring actor Adam Scott are the best parts of the story. Scott plays Ted Hendricks, a corporate hatchet man who takes pleasure in announcing the restructuring of Life and the inevitable layoffs. Hendricks also enjoys tormenting Walter, but Mitty gets sweet revenge, at least in his own mind. Nobody can do James Thurber like James Thurber, but the great American humorist passed away 50 years ago. Ben Stiller gives it a noble try, but anyone who wants the best version of Walter Mitty can find him alive and well in Thurber’s words. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, rated PG for some crude comments, language, and action violence, currently is playing in theaters. Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

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This Weeks Shelter: All Paws Rescue • PO Box 1274, O’Fallon, MO 63366 PAWS Line: 636-288-2999• Email: adopt@allpawsrescue.info If you’ve adopted a new family member that you saw in Community News, send us a picture of you and your new pal. Also include a brief story about your pet’s background and how they’re doing now. We’d love to share your happy story with other readers! Community News, 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 or editor@ mycnews.com.

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The U.S. Humane Society estimates 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year, and 3 to 4 million are euthanized. Please do your part to control overpopulation and to limit the number of unwanted animals. SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!

January 1, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports

Gary Baute Ambush Takes Down First Place Team The St. Louis Ambush professional soccer team won in over time on the last Sunday of 2013 against the Syracuse Silver Knights 14-12 at the Family Arena. The Ambush won their third game out of five attempts. Forward Corey Adamson sent the 6,000 plus hometown fans home with the winner. Go to www.StLouisAmbush.com for all the details. *Great way to heat up a cold night End of Year and Season Not Totally Disappointing for Rams The St. Louis football Rams played their final game of the 2013 campaign in a lackluster fashion with a loss against probably the best team in their conference, the Seattle Seahawks, by a score of 27-9. After impressive wins two weeks in a row, the team could get very little going with just a few noteworthy mentions. Running back Zack Stacy was looking to gain 1000-yards in his abbreviated season only needing 42 going into Sunday’s game. Stacy was able to pick up only 15-yards. Tight end Jared Cook set two all-time single season franchise records with 51-receptions and 671-yards; replacing records from 1988 and ’83 respectively. *Close the books A Couple of Rams Heading to Hawaii The Rams organization is proud to announce two of the 53-man squad will be heading to the Pro Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 26 at Aloha Stadium on the Big Island of Hawaii. Defensive end Robert Quinn along with punter Johnny Hekker will represent the St. Louis Rams in their respective positions. Quinn is officially the all-time sack leader of the Rams, adding another sack this past week in Seattle and Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making taking over sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box the lead in the includes all the digits 1 through 9. NFL with 19

SUDOKU:

on the season. He also is on the short-list of candidates for Defensive Player of the Year. Hekker, in just his second year in the National Football League (NFL), has demonstrated himself as the ‘real deal’. His 44.2-net yards average set an NFL record. *Two class guys to represent the Rams At the Top of Her Class St. Peters resident Rachel Marie LaFiore earned a prestigious degree from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO. She has already landed a position with a major organization in the St. Louis area. *Great accomplishment Chill Looking For Answers The St. Charles Chill professional hockey team play their home games at the Family Arena and are in their inaugural season in the Central Hockey League. Recently the Chill have hit a wall trying to get the group together to keep the momentum going once they have a lead. That happened Sunday night as the squad took a 2-1 lead into the third period against the Wichita Thunder. Unfortunately the defense was unable to keep the Thunder under control and dropped the game 5-2. Forward, 6’4” 200-pound Andrew Conboy and defensive man, 6’6” 250-pound, Anthony Perdicaro, supplied the goals for the Chill. At the conclusion of Sunday’s game the St. Charles Chill had a record of 7-19-4. Go to www.StCharlesChill.com for all the details. *A New Year may help Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities. Currently he broadcasts a radio show on 590 ‘The Man’ and 1380 ‘The Woman.’

Youngest Pick: “Henri’s Scissors”

Community News is proud to offer our readers “Book Buzz.” This column will feature great books for children in three categories: Youngest Pick: early childhood to the first or second grade, Middle Pick: elementary school children, and Oldest Pick: middle school children. Enjoy!

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“You can’t keep a good man down,” is an apt theme for Henri’s Scissors, beautifully written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter, a past Book Buzz favorite. From little on, Henri Matisse, a Frenchman relished art. He was continually creating, even drawing pictures in his law book. Soon his passion took front seat. He ditched law and set off to Paris to become an artist. “He painted pictures year after year. He was happy, and his paintings made people happy.” Sadly, old age brought an end to Matisse’s ability to paint. Afflicted with illness, Matisse was wheelchair bound, yet pictures continued to come to him in dreams. On a trip to the seaside to recover, Matisse made a discovery. He began scissoring colorful shapes out of paper. His creations became a cut above and remain one of the calling cards for which Matisse is remembered.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 1, 2014

Recipes:

Make Baby’s Birthday a Smash

For many parents, a baby’s first birthday celebration wouldn’t be complete without a messy, hands-on cake tasting. According to a recent Betty Crocker survey conducted by KRC Research, 58 percent of moms think watching the birthday baby scoop, smear and smash their first cake is the most memorable moment of the party.

To make baby’s birthday festivities extra special, Betty Crocker has created a collection of pint-sized, first birthday smash cake recipes designed to catch baby’s eyes—and hands—on their big day. Baking up these adorable cakes for your little one is simple, visit www.bettycrocker.com/smashcakes for more recipe ideas and smash cake inspiration.

No. 1 Cutout Cake

Peas & Carrots Smash Cake

Makes 20 servings

Makes 24 servings Ingredients: 1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist yellow cake mix 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (2 medium) 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup water 3 eggs 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 container (6 ounces) Yoplait Original 99% Fat Free French vanilla yogurt 3 tablespoons strained carrots baby food 1/4 cup Green Giant frozen sweet peas, cooked, cooled

Ingredients: 1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist cake mix (any flavor) Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box 1 container Betty Crocker Whipped fluffy white frosting Green food color

Directions: Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease bottom only of 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with shortening or cooking spray, and place paper baking cup in each of 18 regularsize muffin cups.

Directions: Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease bottom only of 8-by-4inch loaf pan with shortening or cooking spray, and place paper baking cup in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, bananas, oil, water and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until smooth. Place 1 3/4 cups batter into loaf pan. Spoon remaining batter into muffin cups.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until smooth. Place 1 3/4 cups batter into loaf pan. Spoon remaining batter into muffin cups. Bake loaf cake 35 to 40 minutes and cupcakes 18 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. For easier handling, refrigerate or freeze loaf cake 30 to 60 minutes or until firm.

Bake loaf cake 35 to 40 minutes and cupcakes 18 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out

clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. For easier handling, refrigerate or freeze loaf cake 30 to 60 minutes or until firm. In small bowl, beat cream cheese and yogurt with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Stir in baby food until well blended. Trim rounded top off loaf cake. Using 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut 2 rounds from loaf cake. Place one round cake cut side up on plate. Spread cut side with cream cheese frosting. Top with remaining round cake, cut side down. Frost sides and top of cake with cream cheese frosting. Decorate with peas. Use remaining frosting to frost cupcakes, if desired. Store cake and cupcakes loosely covered in refrigerator.

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Stir together 1/2 cup frosting and green food color to de sired color. Spoon green frosting into decorating bag fitted with small round tip; set aside. Trim rounded top off loaf cake. Place loaf cake cut side down on plate. Trim cake into number one shape using template as guide. Frost sides and top of cake with white frosting. Pipe green frosting into stripes on cake. Use remaining frosting to frost cupcakes.

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What’s Happening

January 1, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS January 6: Registration for Lake Saint Louis Youth Baseball and Softball league www.lakesaintlouis.com; click on Parks and Recreation, Youth Baseball/Softball or call 636.561.4620. $73/Resident, $94/Non-resident. $10 multi-child discount. January 6: Lake Saint Louis Tball 6 week program for 4-year-olds. Meets every Saturday morning beginning May 3. Register at www. lakesaintlouis.com; click on Parks and Recreation, Youth Baseball and Softball or call 636.561.4620. $42/Resident, $47/Non-resident. January 15: 2014 Regional Investors Summit.Technology Leadership. 8-10am at Lindenwood University, Spellmann Center, 209 S. Kingshighway Street, St. Charles. Program is complimentary, seating is limited. February 7: Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance 6:30-8:30pm at Lake Saint Louis Banquet Center. For dads with daughters ages 3-10. Dinner, DJ, balloon artist and a complimentary picture. $44/couple for Residents, $55/couple for Non-residents, $12.50 for each additional child. Register at www.lakesaintlouis.com, click on Parks and Rec-

reation, Father/Daughter Dance or call 636.561.4620. Ongoing Events 1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting 6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480. 4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets 6:30 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy. 636.219.0553. Every Monday: St. Peters Rotary Club Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes 9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314.369.6521. 1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society 6:30pm at the Kisker Road Library, 1000 Kisker Road. Info: Jeanne at 314.605.8563. 2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America 7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www.showmestitchers.com. 4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club.

6:30pm at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930. Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles Noon - 1 pm at the Columns Banquet Center in St. Charles. Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required. Every Tuesday: Toastmasters Meeting 7 pm at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon. Info: 636.379.2505. Every Tuesday & Thursday: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 8-9am & 10:15-11:15am. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928. Tuesdays & Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes 9-10am and 5:30-6:30pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314.369.6521. Every Wednesday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10am Free. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome. Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club 10am Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379. Every Wednesday: Men’s Golf League 5pm, tee off at 5:30 pm at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. www.lakesaintlouis.com, under the parks and recreation section. Every Wednesday: Charity Bingo 6:45pm VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem.

Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org. 1st & 3rd Wednesday: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers 7pm at Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project, 7295 Hwy. 94 South, St. Charles. Visitors welcome! Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters 6:30am at IHOP (3851 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy St. Peters). 636.328.4941. Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon 11:45am Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. Info: www.ofkiwanis. com. Every Thursday: O’Fallon Rotary Club Lunch Noon at The Holy Cross Lutheran Church (8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, across from Fort Zumwalt Park). Visitors welcome. 636.980.1777. Every Thursday: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 7-7:55pm Any level. Info: 636.928.1928. 2nd & 4th Thursday: Alexander Chapter 242/Eastern Star St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway, St. Charles. 636.577.0056. Every Friday: Moms Play Group 10am at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. 314.479.0306, andreacrislip@gmail.com or www. lslmothersclub.com. Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry 3-8pm VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane. Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612. Every Saturday: Chess 8-11am or later in the food court at

Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters. Every Saturday: Veterans Learn guitar for FREE 9:30am in Historic St. Charles. Info: Bill Dennis at 314.479.5750. Every Saturday: Peaceful Puppy Mill Protest 11am - 12:30pm at Petland, 6131 Ronald Reagan Drive, Lake St. Louis. banmo.puppymills@yahoo. com. Every Saturday: Charity Bingo 6:30pm, doors open at 4pm. Wentzville Community Club (500 West Main, Wentzville 63385). www. wentzvillefleamarket.org or www. facebook.com/wentzville-community-club. 1st & 3rd Saturday: St Peters Square Dance Club Dances 6:30pm. 1st United Methodist Church, 801 First Capital Dr. www. squaredancestcharles.com. 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 7pm. Blanchette Park, 1900 W Randolph St. www.squaredancestcharles.com. CHURCH January 3: Scripture Reading at Hackmann Road Church of Christ 7pm. 2460 Hackmann Road, St. Charles, MO 63303. www.hackmannchurch.com. Northside Church of Christ Free Correspondence Bible Course: Call for more information, 636.293.5030. Operation Backpack: United Methodist Church, Wentzville Food to at-risk children over the weekend. 636.327.6377 Every Tuesday: Ministry To Men: Men’s Introductory Bible Discussion Groups 7am at United Methodist Church, 725 N. Wall St., Wentzville. Groups are interdenominational and beginners as well as “old timers” are welcome. 636.698.5598 or 636.625.3447.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 1, 2014 3rd Tuesday: Luncheon for Seniors 11am - 2pm at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd., 636.561.8951 2nd Wednesday: Noon Luncheon Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1515 Hwy T, Foristell, 636.673.2144. HEALTH January 9: Every Step of the Way - The First Step 5-6pm at Progress West Hospital, large conference room. Get answers about joint replacement surgery. 636.928.9355 or www. bjcstcharlescounty.org. Cancer Survivor Fitness Program Free for all cancer patients and survivors. A 12-week program with trained instructors to help participants regain energy and improve stamina. St. Charles County Family YMCA, 636-9281928. Diabetes Self Management Training (DSMT) Available with a doctor’s order. 636.949.9600 or Patty Shelton at 636.947.5573. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) A nutritional diagnostic therapy and counseling service held at SSM St. Joseph Health Center. Available with a doctor’s order only. Registration: 636.949.9600 Info: 636.947.5163. Free Mammogram Screenings SSM Health Care offers free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance. Appointments are available at SSM St. Joseph Health Center, 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles and SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis.

Info: Karen at 636.947.5617. Diabetes Prevention Program Helping those at high risk for type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles to reduce chances of developing the disease. Held at participating YMCA’s throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles areas. This program is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. Contact Joyce Hoth at 314-436-1177. Crisis Nursery Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the Crisis Nursery provides short-term, safe havens to children, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. 24hour helpline: 314.768.3201. Or 636.947.0600, www.crisisnurserykids.org Support Groups Daily: 12 Step Recovery Club 204 G West Pittman, O’Fallon. Info: Mike at 636.240.1722 or www.212club.org. Every Monday: BILY (Because I Love You) Parent Support Group 7:30pm at First United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Dr., St. Charles. For parents only. Free. Focus on teens/young adults who act out. Help Line 314.993.7550. 1st & 3rd Mondays: Sharing Losses Through Bereavement 1-2:30pm. at SSM Home Care & Hospice, 1187 Corporate Lake Drive. Registration: 314.776.3627. Every Mon.: Tobacco Free for Life Want to Quit Smoking? For support, call Ellen, register nurse

at SSM St. Joseph Hospital, 636.947.5304. 1st Mon.: Better Breathers Club Those w/chronic lung disease. St. Joseph Health Cntr., 300 1st Capitol Dr., St. Charles. Free lunch. 636.947.5684. 3rd Monday: Walking for Wellness-STOP HEROIN Life After Loss Support Group 7-8:30pm at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, Medical Office Building, 6 Jungermann Circle, Ste. 212, St. Peters. Discuss loss of your loved one and heal. 314.630.9222 or geevigna@charter.net. 12 Step Support Group for Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Meets in 4 locations in the metro St Louis area. metrostlouissia@ gmail.com. • 1st and 3rd Monday: 9:30-11am 500 Medical Dr in Wentzville; doctors dining room of St Joseph Hospital; contact 636.561.0389. • 2nd and 4th Tuesday: 6:30-8pm 2 Progress Point Parkway in O’Fallon, MO; 4th floor conference room of Progress West Hospital; contact 636.561.0389.

What’s Happening

Meeting 8pm, 2800 Elm St., St. Charles. Separate brick house behind church complex. Contact Julie at 636.397.8676. This meeting is for women only. 1st Wed: Missouri/Illinois Multiple Myeloma Support Group 10-11am at St. Joseph Medical Park: Education Room, 1475 Kisker Road, St. Charles. RSVP is appreciated at 636.447.9006 or hoss4twa@sbcglobal.net. 3rd Wed. 6:30–8 pm KidsCan! Siteman Cancer Center, BarnesJewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. Support children 4–12 w/parent/significant caregiver w/cancer. 1st Thursday: Nurses & Company Parkinson’s Support Group 1-2pm at Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe (228 Savannah Terrace, Wentzville) for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Questions: Alicia Wildhaber with Nurses & Company at 636.926.3722. 1st Thurs: Conquer

6:30–7:30pm. Support Group for adults w/cancer. Siteman Cancer Cntr, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way, St. Peters. 636.916.9920. 2nd Thurs: Support Group for Alzheimer’s 4pm. Delmar Gardens, 7068 S. Outer 364, O’Fallon. Call: Jennifer Krpan, Ralph Covinsky 636.240.6100. 4th Thurs: Breast Cancer Support Group 6:30–8pm. Siteman Cancer Cntr, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hosp., 150 Entrance Way. 636.928.WELL (9355) or 800.392.0936. www.siteman.bjsph.org. 3rd Sun: Alzheimer’s Meeting 12:45-1:45pm. Morning Star Church, 1600 Feise Rd., O’Fallon. Faith-based for caregivers, family of those w/memory loss. 1.800.272.3900. Gateway to Hope Program Helps uninsured or underinsured breast cancer patients who reside in Missouri. 314.569.1113 or www.gthstl.org.

1st Tuesday: Parkinson’s Support Group 1-2pm at the Community Commons in Spencer Road Library. Info: Alicia Wildhaber at 636.926.3722. 4th Tues: Diabetes Support Group 6:30-7:30pm At HW Koenig Med Bldg, St Joseph Hosp. West. 636.625.5447 Every Wednesday: Co-Dependents (CODA) Anonymous

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January 1, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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January 1, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

Joe Morice I Write Like I Talk A friend complained, “You write like you talk.” I said, “You think?” He said, “If you had to write a college thesis, you would fail miserably.” I said, “So what’s your point?” He was right, of course. I took a lesson from, among others, the late Robert B. Parker who wrote all the famous tongue-in-cheek Spencer who-done-it books. Instead of writing or saying, “I assume I made a mistake,” his would say, “Guess I goofed.” It’s how I talk and it endeared me to Parker’s style of not wasting words. I’m unsure if the TV adaptation, Spencer For Hire, had the same speech patterns. It was too badly cast and low budget to hold my interest longer than the first ten-commercial break. If I were to complain about the idiosyncrasies of speech, it would be about the length of political speeches. Presidents throughout history have made the mistake of losing their audience’s attention with over-long harangues on various subjects. An exception was Abe Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which may be one of the most famous speeches in US history with only 243 words. Ironically, Lincoln was probably the most quoted man in the world. Yet according to some experts, if

he said everything he was quoted on, he would’ve had to speak 24/7 for over a hundred years. President Obama is famous for being a great speaker. Yet in my opinion, he doesn’t seem to know when to quit…thus losing his audience who get bored and go forage for nibbles in the kitchen. I seldom listened to presidential speeches since Lyndon Johnson was president. Besides being a real let-down after hearing the late John F. Kennedy, Johnson bored me to tears. Perhaps I was suffering a short attention span but so were the majority of his listeners. I suppose this trait made him good at filibustering when he was a senator but then, so might teenage girls jabbering on cell phones about boys. Another acquaintance wrote several books but unfortunately, none were ever published. I read part of one and found it almost as boring as a fifties World History school book. She was an English teacher and the book was so grammatically correct, it sounded like an instruction manual on how to change a tire. I admit not having the correct degree for my vocation and I suppose it’s why I’m not adept at writing like a Harvard law professor but I never wanted to. I often wonder if those presidents and second runner-ups understood that when their speeches become longer than a few minutes, it creates suspicion among

their listeners. It reminds me of a comment in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks,” spoken by Hamlet’s mother. In other words, like that protest, over-long speeches would be much more believable if they weren’t so vocally longwinded on the subject matter. By keeping it short, the readers and listeners are more prone to like it and remember it. If I were to say, “When I walked down the basement steps this morning, I came upon a number of insects crawling about the floor as if they expected to find food.” you might think I majored in Pomposity 101 and looked at your watch. “If I were to say, “When I was in the basement this morning, I saw some bugs crawling around looking for crumbs.” You might give me a tip on which insecticide works best or ask who the heck was eating sandwiches in the basement? Kept your attention. Thanks for reading. Joe Morice is Community News’s blue-collar philosopher. He was born and raised in Missouri and spent most of his childhood on a farm and adulthood operating big machines. He has no formal training as a writer, unless 60 years of writing about any and everything counts. The opinions expressed in this column are Joe Morice’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.