CNSTC: January 14, 2015

July 13, 2011

Vol 13 No 28

January 14, 2015

The beginning of a new era Recipes

‘Program Friendly’ Chili

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Around Town

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Business

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School

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Healtthy Living

Photo by Brett Auten St. Charles County Police Chief David Todd gets acquainted with his new desk and uniform. St. Charles County went from a sheriff’s department to a police department at the start of 2015.

New St. Charles County Police Department hit the streets on Jan. 1

By Brett Auten Same building, same people. Different patch, different badge.

Though the cars may look a little different, the pledge is still the same.

St. Charles County went from a sheriff ’s department to a police department on the first day of 2015. St. Louis County went through a similar change in the 1970s and with the ever-growing population of St. Charles County, the move seemed to be a logical step and voters agreed, approving of the change in 2012.

The force will remain the same with the sheriff ’s deputies becoming St. Charles County police officers.

Stepping into the role as the county’s first-ever chief is David Todd. Todd worked for the St. Charles County Sheriff ’s Department for 35 years, most recently in the department’s special operations that included bomb, SWAT, aviation, fugitive, homeland security and emergency management.

The voters’ decision to make the change was likely swayed by what qualifications were needed to captain their protective and heavily-financially-invested ship.

In order to be a sheriff in Missouri, the qualifications are rather simple.

“I had been through many sheriff ’s

and many elections and it gets to the point where you hope that there is some type of standard to be a sheriff and it’s very different from being a police chief,” Todd said.

To be a chief of police is a much more involved road just to get in the door for the interview. A minimum of bachelor’s degree, graduation from the FBI Academy and a proven record of administrative/leadership experience are the minimum requirements.

“We have a $21 million budget. We have 200-plus employees,” Todd said.

“When you’re talking about $21 million of the taxpayers’ money, it’s important to have a person who has a business concept, and I’m not referring necessarily to myself, in that position. What corporation would take someone from the ground floor and make them CEO? This is a first-class county with a charter of 400,000 people. It was time for us to take the next step.”

It is not as though the sheriff ’s department has completely dissolved. Sheriff Scott Lewis and a select crew from the old sheriff ’s department will be at the county court house, handling multiple duties including prisoner transport. Tom Neer retired after 30 years with the department and 10 years as the sheriff. It was his idea to put it on the ballot, Todd said.

Donation for armored ambulance

“I support the direction the county is moving into,” Todd said. “We’re moving in a different direction and the police department will move with the county.

Our residence status is changing, we’re larger.”

Aside from a few kinks like working out the phone lines and getting new signs in place, so far it has been smooth sailing.

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Kindergarten registration dates

“Big Eyes” photos courtesy of Silverwood Films

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Around Town Vol. 17 No. 2

January 14, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

POLICE from Cover

County’s new emergency radio communications system launched

In This Issue...

2 Around Town

Dardenne Prairie to host book signing and more.

5 Feature Section Healthy Living 7 Business Setting financial goals for 2015 and more.

9 Movie

Amy Adams breathes life into an unappreciated artist in “Big Eyes.”

10 Sports and Learn & Play

Local with sports Gary B. Also, discover a new book with this week’s Novel Ideas.

11 Recipes

Coletta’s ‘Program Friendly’ Chili and Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies.

12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Over the Fence

Joe Morice brings his unique views to the Community News.

FREE Online Subscription

www. mycnews

New-look logos replaced sheriff logos on officer’s cars.

Todd is ready to push the department forward in terms of social media. Look for the department to be much more active on Facebook, Twitter among others. The goal is to simply have more access to the community and give the citizens another outlet to communicate with the department.

“If people have issues with us, now that we have a Facebook page, they have direct

Photo by Brett Auten

contact to us and I want to hear it both ways. I was monitoring O’Fallon’s (Facebook) and I think they do an awesome job of staying in contact with their citizens. It keeps us in touch with many generations. Our younger generation, they’re not watching television. They’re on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube. We need to be on board with that.

We’re going to be more transparent, more open.”

Build out of St. Charles County’s new emergency radio communications system is complete, and as of Jan. 6 nearly all of the county’s first responders are on the new system.

“The implementation of this project, and the system itself, represents a significant transformation in public safety and demonstrates the power and benefits of cooperation,” said County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “The county and its 20 jurisdictions have worked tirelessly over the last several years to see it to fruition and I would like to thank and recognize everyone for their hard work and dedication.”

The county’s new system is part of a larger system being implemented concurrently in both St. Louis and Jefferson counties, increasing the capability of the entire metropolitan St. Louis area in responding to major disasters. During December 2014 and January 2015, first responders and jurisdictions throughout the county moved onto the new system and are able to communicate with each other for the first time. The new system also provides better coverage and voice clarity, improving the level of service to residents. Before, first responders and municipalities operated their own separate systems, which had coverage gaps, poor voice quality in some areas, were becoming obsolete, and the majority of which could not be modified to meet Federal Communications Commission (FCC) man-

dates that went into effect at the beginning of 2013.

Users on the system include the St. Charles County Police Department, St. Charles, St. Peters, Wentzville, all 11 fire and ambulance districts and St. Charles County Dispatch and Alarm, as well as the St. Charles County Highway Department and County Park Rangers. St. Charles County is the first of the three counties to implement the system, with Jefferson County expected to launch at the end of January.

The radio system and towers, including maintenance, was projected to cost the county $39.5 million and it is coming in at that amount. Funding for the system was provided by a $24.3 million bond issue and increase in the County’s Capital Improvements Sales Tax approved by county voters in August 2009 and down payments from the Capital Improvement Sales Tax and the Dispatch and Alarm Fund. In addition, $9.7 million in federal funding authorized by the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS) program in the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, funded a key component of the multi-county system. The county began work in 2011 with Motorola Solutions to engineer the 12-site tower design for the system.

Testing of the equipment at Motorola’s headquarters from June 24-26, 2013, was successful and all 12 tower sites were completed as of March 2014.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 14, 2015

Dardenne Presbyterian Church to host Financial Peace University Financial Peace University, a class created by New York Times best-selling author and personal finance expert Dave Ramsey, will be offered from 7 – 9 p.m. on nine consecutive Thursday evenings beginning Jan. 29 at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie.

This Biblical-based financial course, which provides practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be, is being offered

by Dardenne Presbyterian Church to the community at large for a discounted price of just $93.

Since its inception, nearly 2.5 million families at more than 46,000 churches and community organizations have positively changed their financial future through Financial Peace University (FPU). The nine-week course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success.

Through common-sense principles and smallgroup accountability, FPU gives people the tools they need to change their behavior and succeed financially. On average, families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days.

Following the class, nearly 94 percent of families budget regularly.

For more information, or to register for the Financial Peace University sessions being offered at Dardenne Presbyterian Church, please visit www. daveramsey.com and click “register now” under the “FPU Classes Near You” heading, or contact class coordinator Carl “Bill” Fader at bfader@centurytel. net, or 636-332-1188.

A free informational meeting about Financial Peace University will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22 in the Myers Conference Room at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie.

Dardenne Prairie to host book signing The city of Dardenne Prairie is honored to be chosen as the site for the first book signing of the historical fiction novel, “The Rattling of the Chains,” by Errol D. Alexander. The signing will take place on Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie City Hall.

“Rattling the Chains” is a term used when slaves’ descendants try to research their roots. Dr. Alexander will discuss his fascinating 30-year quest of research and discovery, spanning five countries, which enabled him to trace his family history from 1777 to the present. He will provide a rare glimpse into the pitfalls, problems, and surprises in

tracing one’s family.

As Dr. Alexander describes in “The Rattling of the Chains,” he is a direct descendant of Archer Alexander, the last fugitive slave recaptured in Missouri, who spent most of his years as a slave in the Dardenne Prairie – Cottleville area, probably working on the owner’s tobacco plantations. Archer’s wife, Louisa, was a slave who worked at the well known Naylor Store in Dardenne Prairie. He escaped in 1862 after walking many miles to inform the Union soldiers that the Rebels had cut the timbers on the Peruque Creek Bridge. There was a train full of Union soldiers

heading for St. Louis from Jefferson City that would have been derailed without his warning.

Archer Alexander was the subject of a book by William Greenleaf Eliot written in 1885 and is the face of the rising slave in the Freedom Memorial statue located on the capitol grounds in Washington D.C. The statue depicts Abraham Lincoln standing next to the rising figure of a slave breaking the chain of slavery.

For questions about the upcoming book signing, please contact Dardenne Prairie City Hall at 636-561-1718 or Gladys Griesnauaser at 636-379-9492.

Mozingo Center for Creative Arts announces schedule Mozingo Center for Creative Arts, a non-profit community performing arts organization, will present Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” the Robinette and Strouse musical, “Charlotte’s Web,” “Aesop’s Fable-ous Barnyard Bash” by Gravois and Badreddine and John Jacobson’s “Go, Fish!”

In addition, the choirs, Mozingo Kidz and Vocal Fusion will prepare programs along with the beginner band, Kinder

Kappella and the MCCA Concert Band.

Wendi Dicken, MCCA Artistic Director, said auditions for shows will be Jan. 20 and 24. People can register for auditions and programs by email through the web site, www.

MozingoCCA.org or by contacting her directly at dermusksaal@aol.com.

“An understanding of the arts gives insight to our culture and its history, and helps us transition

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in the diverse, growing community we have become. On a more personal level, it creates opportunities for growth and making friends,” Dicken said.

“In the performing arts, we learn to work together as a team, support and encourage one another and make everlasting friendships. MCCA’s mission is to enhance education and performance arts, and we invite anyone who is interested to be a part of that family.”

Around Town

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St. Peters Home Improvement Loan Program applications are still available Applications are being accepted for the St. Peters Home Improvement Loan Program, which provides funding for low-income homeowners with home rehabilitation projects such as new windows, furnace and air conditioners, roof replacement, driveway replacement or repair and more. Eligible applicants can receive up to $5,000 through a no-interest,

five-year forgivable loan.

Find more information online at www.stpetersmo.net.

From the home page, click on “Residents” and scroll down to “Community Programs.”

Select “Home Help.” You can also call 636-279-8279 and select option two to request a Home Improvement Loan Program application be mailed to you.

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Around Town

January 14, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Could your hormones be sabotaging your weight goals?

By Drs. Jen and Jason Rhodes 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.

Human beings are a complex system of biological checks and balances. We are literally a chemical stew designed to work harmoniously with our environment. As we evolved into the

Homo sapiens we are today, our bodies adapted to what was going into our mouths and responded in the appropriate chemical way.

Our diets then were made of fresh, healthy ingredients that nourished and fueled us.

That has all changed. Today, we slurp sodas, wolf down foods that have little nutritional value while we drive from one place to the next, overdose on sugar and mindlessly snack while spending hours in front of a television, computer or video game. It’s no wonder there is an epidemic of obesity in our country today!

But it doesn’t end there. We’re also assaulted with environmental toxins, genetically modified foods and xenostrogens, chemicals that

mimic estrogen in both women and men. 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.

Hormone imbalance in men and women can make substantial, lasting fat loss nearly impossible because it sets the stage for a cascade of issues that affect the entire body, not just the ability to lose weight. Below are several hormones that could be causing your body to stumble in your weight loss quest.

Thyroid – The thyroid is known as the “master gland” because it affects every part of our bodies. It probably has the most impact on

your weight because it is in total control of your metabolism. Low thyroid hormone symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight gain and depression. When not enough usable thyroid hormone is produced, your metabolism can slow to a crawl.

Estrogen – A high estrogen level that outpaces its counterbalance hormone progesterone can significantly increase the potential for obesity. Xenostrogens mentioned above are an external contributor to the higher prevalence of the female hormone in contemporary society. These can be found in food sources exposed to herbicides, pesticides or growth hormones, plastics that contain phalates and parabens in some skincare products. Estrogen is also produced in the body by fat cells, so the heavier you are, the more estrogen your body produces. Belly fat is a common result of excess estrogen.

Cortisol – Not all stress is bad, but when it’s chronic and keeps you in a heightened state of fightor-flight, your body is affected at the cellular level. When stress is chronic, cortisol floods the system and disables fat burning hormones. Cortisol can also lower thyroid hormone levels and

make you crave comfort foods.

Stubborn belly fat is also a telltale sign that cortisol is out of control.

Insulin Resistance – When your diet is composed of high amounts of processed carbohydrates, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and highsugar foods, your pancreas goes to work releasing insulin to manage all the ingested sugars. In an optimum diet, the sugars are processed into glycogen and carried to the cells for energy. But a poor diet can cause too much insulin production resulting in sugar being stored in the body (usually in the belly) as well as an inability to use stored fat as energy. Irritability, cravings, constant hunger, foggy thinking and feeling just plain awful are signs your pancreas may be working overtime.

The good news is there are solutions to hormone imbalance.

Join us for a free informational night on “Weight Loss Resistance” on Jan. 20 and Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. 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. Space is limited, so call today at 314-9839355 to reserve your spot or call for more information.

Winning the war on wellness

By Coletta Hakenewerth, Certified Wellness Coach Studies have shown that the American diet is the cause for many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. It’s no wonder that we dread that four letter word, after all it has the word “die” in it and conjures up all sorts of thoughts about deprivation and suffering.

As a top wellness coach in my company, I have the skinny on

how to lose weight once and for all, and keep it off. The secret is it’s not a diet, it’s not an exercise program and it’s not about deprivation or mathematics.

As a wellness coach, I work with many clients who have food addictions, and as hard as it may be to swallow, most of us with a weight problem typically have some degree of food addiction.

In our culture we tend to use food as a reward for a job well done, a victory at work or at play

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or a well-deserved promotion.

Whatever goal we’ve managed to attain, we tend to celebrate with food. Food is really fuel, but we give it a lot of other power.

With my program, there is no special food you have to eat. You can still go to all your favorite restaurants and grocery stores; you can make all your favorite meals and eat with your family. There’s no math involved, nothing to count. I can show the client how to eat smarter to support the detox program which will reset the body chemistry, including the pH balance, metabolism, cravings and more.

Along with this resetting we are also resetting your relationship with food.

I am very open and honest with people. I match your energy and your effort in my client coaching. If you are ready to get healthy then you will get healthy! My biggest challenge is getting my clients to believe they are worth it. I have helped hundreds of people get healthy already.

I encourage you to contact me and get back on the road to wellness! Call 636-357-8389 or email at coletta333@gmail.com.

You have nothing to lose…except maybe those extra pounds!

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 14, 2015

Keep up the good work this winter While the winter may make for a tempting time to curl up on the couch, adapting your routine is essential for yearround well-being, whether you’re a professional athlete or an average person looking to stay on top of your game.

“As an athlete I am just like everyone else – when it’s dark and cold outside it can be harder for me to stay motivated to keep up with my workouts,” said women’s professional basketball star Skylar Diggins. “But hibernating in the off season isn’t an option for me, nor should it be for anyone who wants to stay in shape year-round.”

As the days grow colder, follow this advice from Diggins to stay fit: Power up with protein. It’s important to give your body the proper protein to fuel your workout – both before and after exercise. Protein drinks are one way to reward your muscles and power your body for intense exercise. Made with real milk, Rockin’ Refuel Lean Builder, available in chocolate and vanilla varieties, is the protein drink Diggins prefers.

It’s a delicious low carb, low sugar option that has 20 grams of high quality protein and only 150 calories.

Banish boredom. A great way to change it up is signing up for new gym classes or bringing a buddy for motivation. Add variety by doing short reps of different circuit exercises to make workouts more efficient and fun. By alternating reps of speed ropes with walking lunges with weights overhead and high knees, you can incorporate cardio and strength training into one rewarding, un-boring gym session.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Keep it close to home.

Whether you’re snowed in or stuck inside a hotel room, fight the urge to skip your workout by keeping it quick and simple. Great abs don’t need a gym, just a little bit of floor space. One of Diggins’ favorite ways to keep a toned stomach is alternating reps of sit-ups with bicycle crunches and side planks. You can also incorporate jumping rope and doing an “indoor run” by walking up and down the stairs.

Don’t make excuses. This time of year is busy for everyone. Maximize your time by doing little things when you can, like calf raises in the shower, choosing the stairs, or repeating lunges until you get to the other side of a room. Keep a light set of hand weights under the couch for a quick arm workout during your favorite TV show.

For more tips to keep your routine fresh and fun while

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Around Town

January 14, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

O’Fallon named among the ‘15 Best Small Cities for Singles’ When it comes to finding love, people might assume big city folks have all the luck, but according to DatingAdvice.com, that’s not the case. The dating site has named O’Fallon as one of the 15 Best Small Cities for Singles.

Using “Money’s” annual list of the best places to live, as well as comparing total population numbers and the amount of singles, DatingAdvice.com narrowed down the best of the best, and O’Fallon is #8!

Here’s what they had to say: “The sheer number of singles may draw you to O’Fallon, but it’s the one-of-a-kind attractions that will make you stay. The city holds festivals and events for every time of year, sharing the traditions that give this little city that cozy feel.

From the Food Truck Frenzy to the Celebration of Lights, you’ll be utterly dazzled by all there is to celebrate. Here you won’t just find the love of your life — you’ll find the home you’ve been looking for.”

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By Cindy Moore

Santa Pause Oh joy, it’s after Christmas. I can finally slow down and take a breather. All that hustling and bustling has caused me to migraine. Don’t get me wrong…I love all the celebrating with lights, and music, and singing, and baking, and snacking, and parties, and families, and tree trimming, and wrapping, and shopping, and parking, and… see why I’m migraining?!

Thank goodness for January.

It’s too cold and miserable to go anywhere. All we can do is hunker down and grow another layer of fat as we hibernate though the next frigid months awaiting spring. This will give me some reprieve. Nothing much to do.

My husband has been solidified in front of the TV on his chair in the very same position for the last month watching college football playoffs. He can now un-cramp his body and roll over into a completely new position as he watches the NFL playoffs before the Super Bowl.

As for me, I look forward to

some rest. All I need to do is un-trim the tree; take down the decorations; remove the lights; pawn off mountains of Christmas goodies from neighbors, friends and co-workers (which if we ate would elevate our sugar levels to the point our heads would explode); try and find a place to cram the extra wrapping and bows and bells and tags and bags and boxes and tissue; visit fifteen stores to return unwanted merchandise including: five golden somethings, four ugly sweaters, three French toast makers, two turtle rugs, and some catnip for the kitty (makes him crazy and climb pear trees!).

Afterwards, I’ll need to exchange gifts including one from my husband. I specifically told him to pick me up something yummy smelling, hinting towards some fancy perfume.

Instead, I get a six-pack of leather-scented car fresheners.

I dread standing in those lines that wrap around the store and

cross the intersection— and that’s just to get into their restroom.

When all is completed, I definitely will sit down and relax. Maybe read the mail and catch up on all those catalogs for: after-Christmas-sales, end-of-year-sales, white sales, clearance sales, buy-one-getfree-one sales, close-out sales…

I gotta get going!

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.

DAR chapter logs over 10,000 hours of community service The Caroline Close Stuart Chapter, NSDAR completed 2014 with over 10,000 hours of community service logging the most of all the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapters in the state of Missouri for the second year in a row.

Through an effort to “Celebrate America!” DAR Chapter members all over the country are logging hours of community service. Nationwide DAR Chapters hit the one million mark of logged service hours in early December of 2013 and is nearing another million in 2014.

In 2014 the Caroline Close Stuart Chapter members logged time as tutors in local schools, hospital and clinic volunteers, Boy and Girl Scouts leaders, hostesses at the USO, driving shut-ins to the store and doctors visits, clipping and sending coupons to

www.stygar.com

Photo courtesy The Caroline Close Stuart Chapter, NSDAR (From Left) Marcy Hosty, Jane McFarland, WWll Veteran Chuck Wiet and Mary Jo Anderson greet each other after Weit participated in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. McFarland was his helper on the flight. All three women are Chapter members.

Guam and taking care packages to the Missouri Veterans Home. These are just a few of the many ways chapter members are making an impact in the community.

Even members who live in other states are getting in-

volved as volunteers. Shawn Oehlberg, a chapter member who lives outside of Chicago, volunteers with the Scouts in her area. Elizabeth Kurpius volunteers at the Air Force hospital in Arizona where she lives while Ginger Donahue volunteers with the Historical Society in Hermitage, Missouri where she lives. Near or far, members of the chapter find ways to make a difference in their community.

Karen Wisner, Regent of the Chapter commented, “Logging our hours has shown us how much vibrancy and vitality there is in today’s DAR. We encourage community service by our members on all levels as a means of honoring our heritage. We give back to our communities in thanks for the nation we love.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 14, 2015

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Setting financial goals for 2015 It’s a new year and while many people make resolutions to eat better or get back to the gym, now’s the perfect time to take a look at your spending and saving habits and set some financial goals for 2015.

The best place to start when it comes to evaluating your finances is your budget. Where does your money go each month? Being able to track how you spend your money will make it easier to see where you can cut back or even spend a little more. Don’t have a budget? Create one! The technology of today offers countless downloadable charts, websites and mobile apps all geared at helping you create, track and stick to a household budget.

Once you have a budget set up, evaluate how much money you are saving each month. A general rule of thumb is putting aside 10% of each paycheck into savings as well as having an emergency fund with enough money set aside to cover three months worth of expenses. Saving money isn’t always easy, but making small changes to your daily habits and following a budget can make a world of difference. For example, instead of spending $4 on a morning coffee, brew a pot at home and take a cup with you on the go. That $4 a day calculates into $1,460 a year that could be put into a savings account. Another route is to look into having a percentage of each paycheck directly deposited into a separate savings account. This way the savings is already done for you verses you having to transfer the funds and being tempted to leave the extra money in your spending account.

Along with budgeting and saving, try to incorporate paying off debt into your financial goals for the new year. To tackle credit card debt, first focus on minimizing the balance of

Photo courtesy St. Charles County Ambulance District (From left) Sam’s Membership Team Leader Marie Howard with TEMS Paramedics Steve Scott, Jerry Stinson and Ned Dolan.

Sam’s Club contributes $1,000 for armored ambulance cards that have high interest rates. Whenever possible, pay more than the minimum to cut down on the interest and pay down the principal more quickly. For other forms of debt, such as your house or car loan, review your policies and talk to your loan officer to ensure you’re paying the lowest possible interest rate. Refinancing or even combining loans could mean potential savings in the long run.

By Robin Daniels

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

The St. Charles Sam’s Club started the New Year by giving back to first responders in their community. On Jan. 7, Membership Team Leader Marie Howard presented members of St. Charles County Ambulance District’s [SCCAD] Tactical Emergency Medical Support [TEMS] Unit with a check for $1,000. The contribution will be put toward the future purchase of an armored ambulance – a piece of the equipment that the unit will utilize during dangerous situations in our community and beyond.

The TEMS Unit is a division of the St. Charles County Regional SWAT Team, and is comprised of seven SCCAD paramedics. TEMS paramedics accompany SWAT officers on calls that team leaders believe have the potential to become dangerous. In addition to serving all of St. Charles County, the unit is a regional resource available for situations that occur outside of the county. Last year the team was deployed to Ferguson, where the TEMS unit provided emergency care to injured officers and protestors.

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School

January 14, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Wentzville School District kindergarten registration dates set

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Dates have been set for the Wentzville School District’s kindergarten registration and screening process. This event is for all children who will turn five years of age before Aug. 1, 2015. If your child has not been screened by Parents as Teachers this year, appointments are required and can be made by contacting the Wentzville School District Parents as Teachers office at 636-3273863. Screening appointments are filled on a first come, first served basis and fill up quickly. While every effort will be made to accommodate you at your child’s school, it is possible that your screening may need to be at another elementary school in the district. Registration and screening dates are as follows: • Boone Trail Elementary Tuesday, February 24, 2015 • Crossroads Elementary Thursday, February 19, 2015 • Discovery Ridge Elementary - Tuesday, February 10, 2015 • Duello Elementary - Tuesday, March 10, 2015 • Green Tree Elementary Thursday, February 12, 2015 • Heritage Elementary - Thursday, February 26, 2015 • Lakeview Elementary - Tuesday, February 17, 2015 • Peine Ridge Elementary -

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

Thursday, March 12, 2015 • Prairie View Elementary Tuesday, March 3, 2015 The day of the registration/screening parents should bring: • The child to be screened.

• The child’s most current immunization records.

• Two proofs of residency including your paid real estate tax receipt or current valid lease and a utility bill.

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• Official copy of child’s birth certificate, if possible.

• Parent’s driver’s license or photo identification.

• Parenting plan or custody agreement (if applicable).

• Documentation regarding legal guardianship (must be court-ordered guardianship or limited guardianship, not power of attorney) or foster care placement (required if applicable).

If you do not have a Missouri birth certificate, you may obtain one at a cost of $15 from the St. Charles County Community Health/Environment, Vital Statistics Office, 1650 Boonslick, St. Charles, MO 63301-2245. You can reach their office by calling 636-9497400 or visiting their website at www.scchealth.org for more information.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 14, 2015

Movie

“Big Eyes”

Born Peggy Doris Hawkins, Margaret Keane made an indelible impression on the art world with her paintings of doe-eyed children. Keane’s work became quite popular in the 1960’s, inspiring other artists to follow suit. As “Big Eyes” points out, though, there was real-life sadness behind those large, expressive eyes.

As the film opens, Margaret (Amy Adams) leaves a suffocating marriage for a new life on the West Coast. She struggles to make a good life for her daughter, earning a few extra dollars by doing portraits. After a whirlwind courtship, Margaret marries Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz), a smooth-talking artist who promises to care for her and her little girl.

Walter’s art doesn’t sell very well, but people take an interest in Margaret’s haunting work. A master salesman, Walter creates a demand for “big eyed” paintings, posters, and reproductions. Convincing his wife that the art will sell better, Walter tells everyone that he is the artist responsible for them. Margaret continues to paint in private, but the lie she tells to everyone, including her daughter, torments her.

Tackling a real-life legal battle,

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By Steve Bryan - Rated: PG-13 emotional rollercoaster that Keane was forced to ride through her marriage.

As Walter Keane, Christoph Waltz is as slimy and slippery as his Hans Landa character in “Inglorious Basterds.” It’s hard to tell if the real-life Walter loved the fame or the money more. Waltz also brings Keane’s extreme personality to life on screen. The would-be painter could be charming one moment and hostile the next.

Charming and engaging, “Big Eyes” is an emotional look back at what has been called one of art’s biggest frauds. With Adams and Waltz leading the way, Tim Burton does a fine job exploring this real-life art caper.

It’s not the typical Burton movie,

“Big Eyes” photos courtesy of Silverwood Films

director Tim Burton adds a degree of whimsy to “Big Eyes.” After years of silence, Margaret Keane got her day in court received proper credit for her popular works. As the film shows, however, it took years for the artist to regain her dignity and self-esteem.

Amy Adams does an exceptionally fine job as the beleaguered Margaret Keane. As a single mother in the 1950’s, Keane had limited job prospects.

She agreed to marry Walter because it seemed like the right thing to do. Adams shows the

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but it’s fun just the same.

“Bi g E y e s ,” rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language, 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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January 14, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports Motorcycle racing on ice The Family Arena will sponsor a unique event that is one of the most exciting and fastest sports.

XIIR is a professional racing tour stopping in St, Charles.

The motorcycles go from 0-60 in under three seconds as they circle the course on the ice.

Each bike’s tires have over 2000 metal studs and the most impressive thing is they have no brakes.

This sport is one of the fastest sports on ice and in the world.

Check out the Family Arena’s website to get all the details of the event on Jan. 31. * Fast and wild Lindenwood hard court team takes a win The men’s basketball team used their strong shooting to upend the Pittsburg State Gorillas 69-65 in a recent away game.

The lead in the game went back and forth most of the contest with neither team having an advantage bigger than five points. The Lions had a slim lead 3330 heading into the locker room at halftime.

The last half saw the Lindenwood team maintain their slim lead and eventually a hard fought MIAA conference win 69-65.

Three Lions scored in double figures led by Cory Arentsen who scored 16 with LJ McIntosh and Darris Smith each chipping in 13.

Sam Mader led the way on boards grabbing rebounds.

After the win Lindenwood improved to 7-6 overall and 3-2 in MIAA play. * Moving on up

www.changescapeweb.com/cnewsad

SUDOKU:

Fundraiser Guns N Hoses at Scottrade Center The annual event that raises funds for the Backstoppers will be held at Scottrade Center.

The families of fallen police, fire fighters and first responders are assisted through this annual fundraiser. There will be 15 boxing matches

Ambush search for playoff spot The St. Louis soccer club is trying to capture one of the three-playoff spots in the Central Division of the MASL. Recently the team faced the first place, undefeated soccer juggernaut Missouri Comets at the Family Arena.

The Ambush played hard the first half and was able to match the scoring of visitors 3-3.

However the last part of the contest saw the Ambush only score twice opposed to five notches for the Comets.

Players of the Ambush that provided tallies included Manny Forbes, Jeff DiMaria, Elvir Kafedzic, Kory Dowell and Stefan St. Louis.

The St. Louis club returns home to the Family Arena on Friday, Jan. 23 when they host the Tulsa Revolution and the next night when the B-52s visit St. Charles. * Still a chance for post season 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.

Middle Pick:

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.

“Unce Upon an Alphabet”

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!

See solution on page 13

pitting like size and weight of men and women first responders.

Included in the event will be mixed martial arts display as well to entertain the typically sold-out crowd.

Go to www.ticketmaster.com to get more information on the program. * A great event effecting many deserving individuals

Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company.

Copyright 2014.

From A to Z and back again, there’s plenty to please in “Once Upon an Alphabet, Short Stories for All the Letters,” by upbeat, original Oliver Jeffers, one of Newsbee’s favorite author/illustrators.

This oversize volume dressed in red weds tale to letter, from A to Z. You’ll “B” intrigued by the story of a man who burns his bridge, only to realize he doesn’t have any way to get back to the other side of the chasm, after he sets the structure on fire.

“C” what happens when a cup meets her untimely fate on a slab of concrete, and be entertained to a “T” by the tale of a terrified typist whose end turns tragic.

Every character has its red-letter day in this clever book that introduces a letter and then follows up with a story using words that start with that letter.

“Ingenious” serves “I” well, relating the tale of “…an ingenious inventor who invented many ingenious things . . . like “iguanas in their natural habitat

. . . incognito.”

No one writes quirky better than Jeffers.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 14, 2015

Recipe:

Coletta’s ‘Program Friendly’ Chili

By Coletta Hakenewerth | Lake Sherwood This recipe is a great example of a simple “program friendly” chili that is easy, filling and has my secret ingredient of pumpkin in it. I can assure everyone (the cook), no one will know you added it. It becomes so nutritious.

Coletta’s ‘Program Friendly’ Chili Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef, browned 1 large can of chili beans, undrained 1 can black beans, drained 32 oz can of tomatoes, undrained 1 small can pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) Directions: Place all ingredients in a Crockpot, cook on low for eight-10 hours or high for three-to-four hours.

Recipe:

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Give up gluten, but not all grains

Whether for medical reasons or by choice, consumer interest in gluten-free foods is on the rise.

The U.S. market for gluten-free foods is expected to exceed $6.6 billion by 2017, signaling the practice of cutting consumption of wheat, barley and rye has gone mainstream.

According to research conducted at Texas A&M University, sorghum, a cereal grain grown throughout the world, offers slow digestibility and a lower glycemic index. Foods with a lower glycemic index are believed to increase satiety, which means people feel fuller longer, which can assist with weight management. Thus, the growth of the gluten-free market has led to a renewed interest in sorghum.

Globally, sorghum is used primarily as a human food product, often in the form of thick

porridges, popped sorghum, fermented and unfermented flat breads, cooked and served as a whole grain, malted into both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, hard cookies, tortillas and more.

Domestically, sorghum is proving to be a strong substitute for other grains. White, food-grade sorghum can be milled directly into whole grain flour to produce a wide range of baked goods and flour-based foods such as pizza dough, pastas and cereals.

Giving up gluten doesn’t have to mean giving up the treats you love. The recipe below for Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies proves using sorghum is the smart choice for its many benefits. For more recipes using sorghum, visit www.HealthySorghum.com.

Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies Servings: 48 cookies | Recipe provided by Carol Fenster Ingredients: 20 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips (at least 60 percent cocoa), divided 3 tablespoons butter or buttery spread 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 3 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup sorghum flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup finely chopped walnuts Directions: In medium microwave-safe bowl, heat 8 ounces (1 heaping cup) of chocolate chips, butter and peanut butter on low power in microwave oven 1-2 minutes, or until melted. Stir; set aside to cool.

In large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, flour, baking soda, xanthan gum and salt with electric mixer on low speed until very

well blended. Beat in melted chocolate mixture until no flour streaks remain. Stir in walnuts and remaining chocolate chips. Dough will be soft. Refrigerate, covered, 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 15-by10-inch baking sheet (not nonstick) with parchment paper.

Shape dough into 48 walnutsized balls and place 12 balls, at least 1 1/2 inches apart, on sheet.

Bake just until cookies are shiny and crust starts to crack, about 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake. Cool cookies 2 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Repeat with remaining dough. Or, freeze balls up to 1 month and bake later.

Adapted from “1,000 Gluten Free Recipes,” written by Carol Fenster; reprinted with permission from the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

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What’s Happening

January 14, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS Jan. 15, 2015 Wheelers and Dealers Square Dance Club Come join the fun. Stay active, exercise, meet new people and learn to square dance. Begins at 7:30 p.m at Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park.

For more information call Lucy at 636-391-3822, Joan at 636-9223669, or Maxine at 314-291-4723. www.squaredancestcharles.com Jan. 16: Trivia night Fort Zumwalt South High School is holding its annual Grad Night Trivia at the Elks Lodge located at 1163 Tom Ginnever in O’Fallon. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and play begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $200 per table of 8 and includes beer and soda. Proceeds benefit a safe celebration held the night of graduation full of fun events for the students. For reservations or questions, please call Terri Fischer 636-379-6768.

Jan. 19: King Day of Service 2015 From 10 a.m. – noon at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), the King Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President’s national call to service initiative. Volunteers of all ages are invited to register in advance to participate in fun community service projects. To register for the King Day of Service, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.

Jan. 20-21: Play auditions Centre Stage Theatre will hold open auditions for “The Heiress” at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20-21 in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building Theater on the St. Charles Community College campus. There are opportunities to cast ages 17-60.

Callbacks for roles will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 22, in the FAB Theater at SCC. The college is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville. For more information contact Deborah Phillips, 636-

SPIRITELITE.COM

922-8254 or dphillips@stchas.edu Jan. 21: Lunch and program Tri County Women’s Connection to host lunch and program featuring “Dream a Little Dream in 2015” with Jamie Driemeier, personal fitness coach at Driem Bodies Fitness from 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Christy Banquet Center located at 9000 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. Cost is $14.00. Program will also include music from Traci Morlock of Wentzville and guest speaker Jo Jean Voelkel. Call 636-561-0956 for Joan or Marcia at 636-925-8588 for reservations or email millemmons@sbcglobal.net by Jan. 16.

Jan. 21: St. Charles Crimestoppers Recognition Dinner The St. Charles Crimestoppers would like to invite you to attend their 23rd Annual Community Recognition Dinner. For more information on the dinner or to make your reservation, call Mike Sommer at 636-946-2727.

Crimestoppers is also looking for donations for their silent auction.

If you would like to donate, please contact Scott Tate by calling 636946-0633 or Scott@GSTCCC.com.

Jan. 23: National Volunteer Blood Donor Month Blood Drive From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). Appointments are encouraged to speed the process and ensure adequate staffing; walk-ins also are welcome. Donors must be at least 17, healthy, and show a photo ID. For more information or to schedule a convenient time, call 636-379- 5417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. To inquire about the benefits of blood donation or for eligibility questions, contact Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center at 1-800-747-5401 or visit their website www.bloodcenter.org.

Jan. 24: Tree board applications due Lake Saint Louis residents are being sought to join the Lake Saint Louis Tree Board. The tree board’s responsibility is to counsel and guide staff ’s efforts in developing and implementing plans related to the maintenance of trees in city parks and other areas maintained by the city. The board also provides guidance on city codes related to residential and commercial tree care and preservation. This is an advisory board that meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. If you have an interest in how the city manages its tree inventory and would like to serve on the tree board, please fill out the Notice of Interest to Serve on Board/Committee and return it to city hall. Forms can be found on the city’s webpage www.lakesaintlouis.com under the Committees/ Boards tab or in person at city hall.

Jan. 24-25: Cabin Fever Daze Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at O’Fallon Sports Park at 3589 Highway K in O’Fallon. Admission, parking and activities are free Beat the winter blues! Play games, have fun entering zany competitions, enjoy live entertainment, free!

Vendors will sell food and beverages. Check for updates at www. ofallon.mo.us/cabin-fever-daze.

Jan. 24-25: Dog show St. Charles (Mo.) Kennel Club, Inc. hosts the All Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trial on both dates from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The National Equestrian Center At Lake St. Louis located at 6880 Lake St. Louis Blvd. For more information contact Connie Harrison at 636441-0235 on weekends or after 5:30 p.m. on weekdays or Condeah@aol.com.

Jan 28: Eagle Watching Tour From 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for a cost of $50 this Dardenne Prairie seniors event is a trip to view our winter visitors, the beautiful bald eagle. We will travel by Mid

American coaches with a morning stop at the Audubon Center in West Alton, MO for a short program and river viewing. We will then travel along the Great River Road to Pere Marquette State Park for a family-style chicken lunch.

Depending on time, we may stop at a few eagle viewing spots along the way where you may enjoy from the comfort of the bus or step off if you wish. Bus pick-up and dropoff will take place at the Dardenne Prairie Shop N’ Save. To register for this event, please call the parks office at 636-755-5308.

Feb. 6: Registrations due Registration for the Lake Saint Louis Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance is now open!

Baseball/softball registration will begin Jan. 2. Call 636-561-4620 for visit www.lakesaintlouis.com for more information.

Feb. 6: Trivia night The Child Center, Inc. & Champ Assistance Dogs will host Super Hero Trivia Night. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. at the Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri Banquet Center in St. Peters. The night will include beer, soda, trivia, games, auction items, and raising money for two great causes. For payment and more information go to http://thechildcenter.com/events/trivia-night/ or call Danielle at 636-332-0899.

Feb. 7: Father-daughter dance St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is providing a wonderful opportunity for dads and other father figures of all ages to treat your little girls, ages 5 to 13, to a wonderful evening of music and dancing. The dance will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Centre located at one St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters adjacent to St. Peters City Hall.

Snacks will be served, and a professional photographer will be selling picture packages at the event. Tickets for the dance are $13 per person.

The professional photos will be sold separately. Advance registration is required. Register in person at the

Rec-Plex, online using Rec-Connect, or call 636-939-2386, ext. 1400.

When registering online, print out your receipt and bring it with you for admission to the dance.

Feb. 7: Polar Plunge Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the plunge is at 12 p.m. at the Lake St. Louis Community Association Clubhouse. The Post Plunge Party and Awards will immediately follow on site at the Community Association Clubhouse. The Polar Plunge is sponsored by the O’Fallon and Lake St. Louis Police Departments with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting Special Olympics Missouri.

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Dinner at Innsbrook Make your honey happy by reserving your place at Innsbrook’s Valentine’s Day Dinner (men are required to wear a jacket) at Innsbrook Aspen Center located at Aspen Circle Dr. in Innsbrook at 6 p.m. Overnight packages are also available. See more details at http://www.innsbrook-resort. com/vacations/valentines-day.

Call 636-928-3366 ext. 0 for more information and reservations.

Feb. 16: Deadline to apply for “Arts & Craft” festival Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County invites artists and homebrewers to participate in their first annual “Arts & Craft” festival, a fundraising event on April 18 at 308 Civic Park Drive in O’Fallon, filled with food trucks, a beer garden, and live music by Butch Wax and the Hollywoods. Applications are available online at http://www.stcharlesrestore.org/arts--craft.html or at the Habitat St. Charles ReStore located at 186 Mid Rivers Center, St. Peters, MO, 63376. For more information, contact Andrea Hughes at andrea@habitatstcharles.org Feb. 21: Trivia night 7th Annual Progress South Elementary Trivia Night, doors open at 6:30 p.m. at O’Fallon Elks Lodge. Cash and prizes awarded.

More info at www.psepto.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 14, 2015 March 5: Kindergarten registration Fort Zumwalt School District kindergarten registration for the 20152016 school year takes place from 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the following schools: Fort Zumwalt Dardenne, Emge, Hawthorn, J. L. Mudd, Mid Rivers, Mount Hope, Ostmann, Pheasant Point, Progress South, Rock Creek, St. Peters, Twin Chimneys and Westhoff Elementary Schools. Registrations is for children who will be 5 years of age on or before July 31, 2015.

Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314.369.6521.

March 12: Educational seminar “Understanding Memory Loss” offered by Lutheran Senior Services starts at 10 a.m. The event is free and will be held at Dardenne Prairie City Hall. Coffee and muffins will be served. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Melissa at the parks office at 636-755-5308.

2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America 7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www.showmestitchers.com.

March 26: Educational seminar “Pizza and Preplanning” offered

by Baue Funeral Home starts at 10 a.m. The event is free and will be held at Dardenne Prairie City Hall.

Pizza and drinks will be served.

For more information, or to sign up, please contact Melissa at the parks office at 636-755-5308.

Ongoing Events 1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting 6:30pm.

Location varies.

314.304.7480.

1st Monday: St.Charles County Council of the Blind (SCCCB) meetings Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day ) unless otherwise specified. No meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (2nd floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 9 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (President) at 636-561-6947.

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table 6:30pm, Midwest BankCentre board room, 2299 Technology Dr. O’Fallon. For more informaiton call Mike at 314.276.5018.

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets 6:30 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy.

636.219.0553.

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

Every Monday: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting 9am to noon at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center, 1455 Fairgrounds Rd. in St. Charles. For more information, visit www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com.

Every Monday: Cribbage Club 1pm, Heritage at Hawk Ridge Clubhouse, 235 Pigeon Dr. in Lake St. Louis. For more information, call 636.561.2970.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes 9:30-10:30am, American Legion

Tuesday and Friday Evenings: Tae Kwon Do Classes Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. For more information, call 636.561.4347.

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society 6:30pm at the Kisker Road Library, 1000 Kisker Road. Info: Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

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

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

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

Info: Barb at 636.978.5930.

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles Noon-1pm at Bogey Hills Country Club, 1120 Country Club Rd. in St.Charles.

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

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Every Tuesday: Toastmasters Meeting 7pm at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon.

Info: 636.379.2505.

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

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.

Tuesdays and Fridays: TaeKwonDo Ministry 5:30pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Church 7400 South Outer 364

in Dardenne Prairie. Moses Kim brings Christian teaching into taekwondo. For more information, or to sign up, call 636.561.4347.

Every Wednesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball 8-9:30pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie.

Open to 6th grade and up. Bring a light and dark shirt for different teams.

1st Wednesday of each month: Hope & Healing 5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Unique service of music, worship, and prayer for those in need of hope and healing.

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.

What’s Happening

Every Wednesday. Kiwanis Club of Harvester monthly meeting.

Noon, Fratelli’s Restorante, 2061 Zumbehl Road in St Charles.

For more information, please contact kellenj@ATT.net

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Every Thursday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Quilters 9am-2pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie.

Members do hand quilting to quilts of any size for donation that is given to various church supported charities. No experience is necessary to join the group. For more information, contact Vickie Young at 636.928.7348, or Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

Every Wednesday, Winfield Foley Firefighters Association Bingo.

Doors open at 4:30, bingo at 6:30pm, Bingo hall is next door to County Market in the Winfield Plaza on Highway 47. For more information, call 636.566.6621 or 636.566.8406.

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

636.328.4941.

1st and 3rd Wednesday Each Month: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers St. Charles Area Wood Carvers have moved meeting location on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from the Weldon Spring site to Hollenbeck Middle School, 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com.

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 Breakfast 7:30am at The Holy Cross Lutheran Church (8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, across from Fort Zumwalt Park). Visitors welcome.

636.980.1777.

2nd Wednesday: Free Financial Education- Money Matters 6:30pm at the O’Fallon Family YMCA. PNC Bank and The O’Fallon Family YMCA have partnered to provide monthly free financial education courses for members of the community. Info (including a list of topics): call PNC Bank at 636.272.2449.

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

Third 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: O’Fallon Rotary Club Breakfast 7:30am, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. in O’Fallon. All Rotarians or interested parties are welcome.

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2016: 2/24, 4/20

Home and Garden

It’s all about your most valuable investment – Your Home 2014: 8/27, 9/17, 10/15

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2015: 4/29,

5/20, 6/17, 7/8, 8/26

Careers and Education

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2015: 1/21, 3/4, 6/24, 9/30

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2016: 1/20, 3/2, 6/22

Banking and Finance

Everything from banking to personal finance, investing, taxes and money matters 2014: 10/8

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2015: 1/7, 5/13, 7/22, 10/7

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2016: 1/6, 5/11, 7/20

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Golden Years Devoted to our most treasured asset – our seniors 2014: 11/5

Place your business in a winning position by advertising in Community News’ Special Sections

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2015: 2/18, 6/10, 8/5, 11/4

Wedding Guide

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2015: 2/4, 3/25, 5/6

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2016: 11/9, 2/3, 3/23, 4/6

Vacation Guide

Hotels, admission, travel and everything you need for the perfect Missouri Vacation 2015: 5/27, 7/1, 8/19, 10/14

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Holiday Shopping Guide Be an Expert in Your Field Limited Educational Article Space Available

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2015: 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16

Healthy Living Digest

Focuses on all things health related (Fitness, Doctors, Dentists, Chiropractors, Hospitals, Nutrition and more) Here’s to your health!

2014: 12/31

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2015: 1/14, 1/28, 6/3, 12/30

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2016: 1/13, 1/27, 5/18

The Real Estate Guide

SUDOKU answers from page 10

Everything from home buying and selling, mortgage and title companies and more 2015: 2/11, 3/11, 4/15, 7/15

Limited space Reserve your spot today!

2016: 2/10, 3/9, 4/13, 6/1

Camp and School Guide

Provides our readers with a guide to the best in preschools, daycares, summer camps and other education programs 2015: 3/18, 4/1, 4/22, 7/29

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2016: 3/16, 3/30, 5/4, 7/13

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Annual The 16th Fair Women’s , Fit will be Fun us! and Fabulo

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By Shelly A.

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July 11, 2007

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2011 May/June

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a

Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with

commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

plus online subscribers.

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers.

Community News circulates across a broad geographic region with newstands, home throw and online subscription.

Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of newsstands, home throw, and online subscription.

The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville, plus Troy.

This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the’N fast-growing Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business Our FREE publications are available in over 500 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop Save.

-

Vol 9 No 28

Missouri is home to about mosquitoes.

Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months.

Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so blood meal needed to lay to obtain the viable eggs.

While mosqui more than drive toes usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es d isea may contrac t malaria, yellowses. Humans gue, and encepha fever, denlitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exceptio diseases, with n of canine heartwo human encephalitis and rm, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbrea to borne encepha ks of mosqui litis have periodic occurred in ally Missou “Canine heartwori. rm is an problem, with endemic costs to ers escalatin animal owng each warned. “Effecti year,” health officials measures includinve mosquito control g the elimina swamp areas, tion of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission.”

S LOU

Schneider

C o o li n g It

Shelly A. Schneid

FIT!FUN!

o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have s self-awareness n will find the answer process! Wome health, family, career, ns on the 2007 at to questio , and more image, fashion – Fun, Fit, and FabuSt. Fair Nov. 17, at Women’s ay, for Saturd . lous – set unity College Charles Comm in partnership the college St. Joseph sented by ey and SSM take with JCPenn -Hospital West, will StuHealth Center a.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC ille. dent Center in Cottlev Mall Drive the area Mid Rivers throughout reWomen from day of education, for a will gather and fun, includfood, laxation, prizes,eminars, a fashion show than 50 ing nine mini-s r, and more speake e ts and serand keynot ing produc vendors display vices. a continental seminars and and s exhibit a fashion tickets include urse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-co e in show, keynot Grappa Grill and catered by luncheon st, exhibits, the breakfa consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime seminars. ey will host ages year, JCPenn with styles for all fashion show,

Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes .

Mosquito Sea son By

IN THIS ISSUE

St. Louis

P 636.379.1775 F 636.379.1632

r 14, 2007 Novembe 46 Vol. 86 No.

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January 14, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

Joe Morice Trees & Paperwork 101 I admit being a tree lover in spite of sarcasm from anti-environmentalists with chainsaws and lumber-company stock. I was raised in the country and appreciated the shady woods where the noise of civilization didn’t penetrate. It makes me wonder how many trees are sacrificed for paperwork, newspapers and advertisements.

These days I keep a lawn and leaf bag in my office for incoming ad mail-outs and paperwork. They fill the bag enough to make it almost too heavy to carry within a few months.

I’m not complaining about newspapers and ad mailouts because those are legitimate businesses and I’m all for business. Of course that doesn’t include corporations that pay CEO’s tens of millions of dollars for fleecing America to increase profits. I don’t consider that free enterprise much like organized crime isn’t free enterprise. Now that I think of it there seems to be similarities, but this is about paperwork.

I once worked for a large contractor that hired a specialist to cut down the paperwork that was frustrating the office help. After less than six months, the paperwork tripled. He was summarily fired. The office help celebrated. The unemployed specialist bought a yacht.

The last few years of excessive medical treatment for diseases unbecoming a retired curmudgeon brought on a biweekly flow of paper via the U.S. mail. It included yay-for-us ads, preventative health brochures and bills for what insurance companies didn’t cover after receiving tens of thousands from them. Was somebody over there buying a small country?

I kept all that paperwork in a tray on a shelf and in the last ten years I’ve filled it with medical mail at least six times. I began to wonder how many people it took to create so much paperwork. The insurance companies demand all sorts of information (or should I say excuses for not paying) that produces truckloads of paperwork for their employees and those of the medical industry.

I remember going to a doctor’s office in a strip mall years ago that employed five doctors, as many nurses and more paperwork people than the large strip mall had clerks. That was in the days before medical records were computerized. Now they use a few less paperwork employees and the computer industry makes up the difference…usually in foreign countries. But why am I still receiving so much paperwork?

I think I know.

At the local cancer treatment facility, I watched the staff who seldom get a free moment away from computer screens in between treating patients. They’re very good

at this and I salute them. I also cheer the fact they can’t be replaced by foreigners unless the foreigners move here and get medical degrees. That’s putting aside the foreigners already here along with others who excelled in Computer-Generated Medical Paperwork 101. ‘Nuff said.

In comparison, I remember my doctor in the small town where I was raised who employed one or two nurses who doubled as office help. His waiting room was always full. He stayed as long as it took to treat each case. I doubt he got much sleep.

Much of the paperwork from medical facilities is created to protect against scam artists who would cheat the insurance companies at any given opportunity. I once felt sorry for the insurance wallahs until they invented HMO’s and guffawed all the way to their offshore banks.

I’m still concerned about the number of trees sacrificed for paperwork, newspapers and ad mail-outs. I drove past the rural area I was raised in and my favorite woods were gone.

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 heavy equipment. He has no formal training as a writer, unless a lifetime 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.

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