CNSTC: Mar. 21. 2012

March 21, 2012

Vol 14

July 13, 2011

No 12

Vol 13 No 28

Bring the whole family to the Baby Kid Expo on Saturday, March 24.

Baby Kid Expo

By Shelly A. Schneider

IN this Issue

The Sixth Annual Baby Kid Expo is happening this Saturday and it’s the perfect event for parents, caregivers and children. The Baby Kid Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 24 at the St. Charles Convention Center. It’s free family fun!

Heather Deatz, the show’s promoter, said exhibitors include hospitals, daycare facilities, photographers, dance groups, sports groups, camp information, home improvement, safety equipment and, of course, shopping!

Along with vendors, the Baby Kid Expo features entertainment and fun for all ages. Bring your children to see Dora and Diego at 9 a.m. A cooking demo featuring healthy breakfast ideas for the kids is at 9:30 a.m. Learn how to get your kids involved in the kitchen.

Samples included! The Diaper Derby is always an exciting event. Watch your crawler race across the stage for great prizes. Sign up on the Baby Kid Expo website; the race begins at 10 a.m.

The Main Stage is loaded with fun performances all day, including: the Muny Kids, local dance groups, puppets, magic, and two fashion shows.

Wal-Mart and My Red Thread will both be showcasing their spring lines.

Belleza Salon will offer fun hair designs all day long, and there’s even a free photo booth. Face painting, mascots, inflatables, caricature artists, the Easter Bunny and a rock climbing wall are also at the Baby Kid Expo, and it’s all free.

Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day and visitors will have a chance to win a new SUV from Zeiser Kia. Come check out the 2012 models! Raffle tickets for more than $3000 worth of great prizes will be sold for $1, and proceeds will benefit Au-

Photo by Rhonda Jean Photos

tism Speaks.

MOCHIP will be at the 2012 event, providing free child ID badges and a personal information CD for families.

Deatz said she is excited to offer free speakers at the event.

“At 10 a.m. we’ll have Dr. Thomas from MIND,” she said. “He will share the latest information about ADD/ ADHD. Experts from BJC will be offering classes on birthing options and bringing home baby which begin at noon. We’ll also have an interactive story time event and talk about how to encourage reluctant readers. For a full list of speakers, check out our website and pre-register to hold your spot.”

Become a fan on Facebook for the latest news and for a chance to win great prizes before the show, www.facebook. com/babykidexpo The 2012 Baby Kid Expo is sponsored by: Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital, Progress West HealthCare Center , Wal-Mart, Ameren UE, I Go Cheap, My Red Thread, Zeiser Kia, Community News, St. Louis Kids Directory,

Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Lincoln County Life . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Sprout and About, The Bump, Macaroni Kid, St. Louis Kids Magazine, Charter, Women’s Journal, Promotions Pronto and Carriage Printing.

For more information, check out the full schedule at www.babykidexpo.com or call 1.866.654.EXPO (3976). Don’t miss it!

MOVIE PEEK

School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Shelly Schneider / Recipe . . . . . . . 10 Joe Morice / Sports . . . . . . . . . . . 11

See MOVIE page 7

“Silent House” - Photo courtesy of Open Road Films

What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Pet Adoptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. • O’Fallon, MO 63366 P: 636.379.1775 F: 636.379.1632 E: ofcnews@centurytel.net

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2 • March 21, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County

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Awards Given to O’Fallon Councilman Bill Gardner and Non-profit Unlimited Play, Inc. An O’Fallon, Mo. councilman and an O’Fallon non-profit organization were recently honored by the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA) with citations for their dedication to making parks and recreation accessible to everyone.

Councilman Bill Gardner was recognized by the MPRA for his extraordinary volunteer efforts for O’Fallon, including extreme fundraising – jumping into icy water, climbing thousands of stairs, and running across the state. From 2005 to 2011, Gardner logged at least 17,000 volunteer hours. He is a member of the city’s Parks Board, and remains an active community volunteer.

In nominating Gardner for the award, O’Fallon Director of Parks and Recreation Cindy Springer said, “To Bill, volunteering is a way of life. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to provide ways for people to experience parks and recreation.”

The other honoree, Unlimited Play, Inc., of O’Fallon, was the organizational winner of a citation for tireless efforts in providing fully-accessible playgrounds for children with physical limitations, so that all children can play together.

Founded by Todd and Natalie Blakemore in 2003, the organization successfully partnered with the city of O’Fallon to design, raise funds and build the city’s first universally-accessible playground, Brendan’s Playground, which opened in 2011.

MPRA, a 501 (c) (3) organization headquartered in Jefferson City, provides education and advocacy for parks and recreation. www.mopark.org. www.paws-relax.com

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Join us for the 6th Annual

Baby Kid Expo Saturday March 24, 2012 9:00 am - 4:00 pm St. Charles Convention Center

100 Family Friendly Exhibitors!

Dora and Diego!

Muny Kids Perform!

Rock Wall!

Clowns!

Rock Star Hair-dos!

Chance to Win a Zeiser Kia and Family Vacation!

Pre-register for our FREE Speakers on ADHD and Bringing Home Baby at: www.babykidexpo.com Help us www.babykidexpo.com Support Autism Speaks with our $1 Raffle!

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

Community News - St. Charles County • March 21, 2012 • 3

Mouse Races The O’Fallon Firefighters Community Outreach ( OFCO) will host a Mouse Race fundraiser on Friday March 30 at the O’Fallon Senior Center, 106 North Main Street. The event will raise money to purchase new fitness equipment at the Senior Center. Most of the equipment they have is outdated, in need of repair, or is not suited for the needs of our seniors.

The O’Fallon Firefighters Community Outreach , an organization committed to providing fundraising, donations and manpower to citizens and organizations in need within our District boundaries, wants to help raise the funds to make this happen.

Tickets are $15 per person and $100 for a table of 8. It’s $10 to name a mouse, and $100 to sponsor a race. Admission prices include snacks and soft drinks. Beer and alcohol will not be provided but, you may bring your own. There will be door prizes and raffles including 50/50 and a basket of booze. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the races begin at 7 p.m.

To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, call at 636.272.4180, email ofallonfirefighters@gmail.com, or visit the O’Fallon Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Antique Cordless Hand Tools

Community Grows with Interfaith Garden

By Lorraine M. Cummings A group of neighboring churches teamed up last spring to construct and nurture a community garden. The churches include St. John’s AME, Refuge Church, St. Charles Presbyterian and Trinity Episcopal Church, just to name a few.

A portion of the crop is donated to local food pantries like FISH and The Salvation Army. The project was made possible by a grant from BJC HealthCare and the guidance of HopeBUILD, a St. Louis organization dedicated to nutrition education. The parishes united to form The St. Charles Ministerial Alliance. It comprises 20 area churches and together, they pool resources, serve the larger community and create new ways to connect.

Late last spring, the alliance planted seeds in six raised beds. The vegetables include basil, cucumbers, zucchini, okra, green peppers and eggplant. By early fall, the group of clergy, staff, parishioners and families were still harvesting some new additions.

“We planted turnips and radishes at the end of September,” said Iris Wright, a Trinity Church member and garden volunteer. “They grew within a week, so we had to get out there pretty promptly to collect them. This year, in April, we are going to begin another round of planting, starting with lettuce.”

The volunteer team has all levels of garden-

The Frenchtown Heritage Museum located at 1121 North Second St., St. Charles, Mo., has opened a new exhibit for March. This exhibit is geared more to the male population. Some of the antique cordless hand tools on display date to the early 20th century, before tools had an electric cord or a battery. See the tools used to make shake shingles for homes and barns, drills used to make a hole for the peg to hold logs or boards together, and the saw used to make the boards. Most men had these tools to do daily jobs or “honey do” jobs around the house.

The First Missouri State Capitol has loaned the museum an unusual collection of tools that would have been used to make furniture. There are various tools in the exhibit including a collection of mechanic tools for working on the old Model As and Model Ts. Visit the museum from 12 to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.

For more information, call 636.724.2106 or email info@ www.something-printed.com facebook.com/somethingprinted frenchtownmuseum.net.

ing experience, from lifelong green thumbs to first-timers. The garden, totaling 40 square feet, sits on Trinity Church property, next to a Celtic Cross Labyrinth, made of brick and laid into the ground. Trinity Church is located at 318 South Duchesne Drive in St. Charles.

The community garden is truly a group effort, adding a multi-use space and accommodating teams of all ages and abilities. Youth and children actively participate in tending the garden.

Young people in particular have much to gain from garden work. They develop their large motor skills by digging, watering and mulching the garden beds. Planting, weeding and pruning develop fine motor skills. These abilities assist later in such tasks as tying shoes and handwriting. Children gain confidence and self-esteem by performing independent, purposeful, challenging tasks. Garden work also helps children develop confidence as they work hard to complete sequential garden projects. And, of course, children love to get dirty and messy outside! Since the early days of the project, volunteers from all churches have generously given up evenings and weekends to fill the garden beds with soil, spread fertilizer and water the plants regularly.

To learn more about HopeBUILD, including how to create a community garden in your area, call 314.367.1100 or visit www.hopebuild.org.

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4 • March 21, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County

Annual Home and Garden Show The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual Home and Garden Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 at St. Peters City Centre. Due to limited space, categories may be limited so there are not more than two businesses in a category. Register today for best availability. Call the Greater St. Charles Chamber at 636.946.633

County Hosts Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Youth Activity Park The Easter Bunny will be visiting with children at the 7th Annual St. Charles County Easter Egg Hunt, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, at the Youth Activity Park, located at 7801 Highway N, in Dardenne Prairie.

Thousands of candy-filled eggs will be hidden throughout the park’s 25-acre facility for children to find. One child, in each age group, will also win a basket full of goodies, after finding the “prize egg” with a message inside. Hunts for toddlers 3 and under begin at 10 a.m.; kids ages 4-6 at 10:30 a.m.; and those 7-12 at 11 a.m. There are more

than 1,300 eggs to hunt for in each age group.

For just $5 per child, each participant will get to enjoy the outside egg hunt, as well as a variety of fun egg-themed activities to play inside the park complex. The Easter Bunny will also be available to pose for photos with children throughout the event.

Advanced registration is required. To register online, visit www.stccparks.org or contact the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636.949.7535 to sign a child up today.

Fairytale Music Class for Little Princes and Princesses If you’re a parent or grandparent of a little prince or princess between the ages of one and a half and five years old, you’ll want to check out the Music for Me class, Once Upon a Time at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre from 10:15 - 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, March 27 April 17.

Engage with your kids in a course designed to get kids active and teach them childhood basics. Together you’ll dance and sing songs about enchanted castles, fairy tales and nursery rhyme characters and wave castle flags, learn the Dragon Dance and attend the royal ball. The cost is $45 and includes materials and decorated canvas bag.

For more information or to register for this class, please contact instructor Laurie Strickland at 636.928.2004.

East-West Gateway Regional Plan to Include Input from Area Citizens

The city of O’Fallon is partnering with the cities of Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis to coordinate region-wide planning for housing, transportation, environmental and economic development across the St. Louis metropolitan area.

O’Fallon residents are invited to share their hopes, concerns, and expectations for the community by taking a brief online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/STL_RPSD_Baseline.

For more information about the project, visit www.ewgateway.org/ RPSD.

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Community News - St. Charles County • March 21, 2012 • 5

Ms. Brie’s Boutique Shannon Follwell, owner of Ms. Brie’s Boutique in O’Fallon, said she never expected to be the owner and operator of a fashion boutique. As a former cardiac critical care nurse, her focus was on caring for patients, not fashion. That all changed when Follwell’s daughter was tragically killed in a car accident. While grieving for her own loss, Follwell met another woman who had lost her son and her business – a store specializing in contemporary fashion.

As a tribute to her daughter, who loved fashion, Follwell decided to purchase the boutique herself.

Follwell may be a novice business owner, but even with only two years under her belt, her natural business savvy is paying off.

Ms. Brie’s Boutique is a hit among local shoppers, which can only be attributed to Follwell’s innovative business techniques. The boutique caters to men and women of all ages and specializes in West Coast fashions, carrying brands that embody the California style, like Rock Revival and Miss Me. What sets this boutique apart from the average department store is that the inventory updates constantly, giving new and repeat customers alike plenty of fresh fashion from which to choose.

Follwell said updating inventory is the best way to get, and keep, customers.

“We only order a limited amount when we buy new products – typically only two of each size,” she said. “I only reorder if an item is in very high demand.”

Rapidly turning over the available items means shoppers don’t have to expect to see a dozen other people wearing the same outfit, and there’s always something new to check out.

Ms. Brie’s is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, offering a personal and exciting shopping environment and unique opportunities like after hours, catered shopping parties.

“We close down the shop for the host or hostess and their friends,” Follwell said. “It’s great for birthdays and bachelorettes.

They can shop, get makeovers or tans, and the hostess even shares in a percentage of the sales.”

Located at 2307 Hwy K in O’Fallon, Ms. Brie’s is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information and a taste of the inventory, visit msbriesboutique.com.

Rocky Reitmeyer

St. Peters Alderman

Once again this spring and summer, we will bring to you our concerts and movies in the park. We’re starting it off on May 17 with a Beatles tribute band called A Ticket to the Beatles.

Other concerts will include a Johnny Cash tribute band called Tennssee Two and the Bluegrass band Curreykorn. And of, course, the St. Charles County Symphony will be back again with their fun Halloween Concert in October.

This year we will try something different with our movies in the park. We will host each movie at a different City park. We’ll be showing The Muppets, Hugo, The Adventures of Tintin and I heard something about a Wizard of Oz singalong movie. This interactive theatrical film experience should be loads of fun for families.

Check our City website, www.stpetersmo.net, for more information.

We will once again honor our veterans on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and host a Pearl Harbor Remembrance on Dec. 7. I hope you are able to come out to these moving ceremonies.

On Sept. 14-15, we will host our annual Celebrate St. Peters event at 370 Lakeside Park. We’ve listened to your comments and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better. Let’s just hope that Mother Nature cooperates this year.

We will host an arts festival on Oct. 13 called the Bella Arts Fest. You will be hearing a lot about it in the coming months. Soon we’ll have infor-

mation available on our website at www.stpetersmo. net.

We have a lot going on in St. Peters this year. Come on out and enjoy.

I want to remind everyone to come out to the polls and let your voice be heard on April 3. Years ago, St. Peters voters passed a ballot measure that set up a Sewer Lateral Repair Program – a type of insurance on the lateral sewer line that leads to your home. As a result, now everybody pays a nominal annual fee and if your sewer lateral pipe breaks, you don’t have to pay thousands of dollars out of your pocket all at once for the repair.

On April 3, 2012, you’ll have the opportunity to vote on a similar issue. This time, we’re looking to set up a water line insurance program that would assess a nominal annual fee in return for protection from a huge bill of as much as $4,000 if the water line on your property breaks.

If the issue passes, an annual fee of $12 will be assessed on your property tax bill in St. Peters to set up the water line repair program. It just makes sense to me to pay $1 per month rather than take the chance of paying $4,000 or more all at once.

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6 • March 21, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County

School Board Candidates u Four candidates are vying for two open positions on the Troy RIII school board. Ron Mills said, “I have only one goal and that goal is to help the Lincoln County R-III School District in the pursuit and achievement of their elite status.” Dr. Mary Sue Thompson said, “My primary goal is to provide the educational programs and instruction which will allow each student in the district to achieve their highest level of achievement academically.”

Neil Pikulski stated, “I will do whatever is necessary to ensure that all students have a quality education in our local schools.”

Matthew Trader said, “I offer personal strengths as well as a “team” mentality and I have passion for strengthening our educational values for our children.”

Voters will make their choices on Tuesday, April 3. Detailed survey responses from these four candidates may be read online at www.troy.k12.mo.us.

PALS Easter Bake Sale will Raise Money for Shelter Animals Don’t feel like baking treats this Easter season? No worries, PALS (Pets Alone Sanctuary) will be hosting their annual Easter Bake Sale on Saturday, April 7. Anyone interested in assisting the shelter, or simply avoiding work in the kitchen, can stop by Kroger from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for delicious homemade desserts.

All proceeds will be used for the care of the animals at the PALS shelter. For further information, please call 636.338.1818 or visit www.pals-pets.com.

PALS is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue organization and certified charity licensed by the State of Missouri.

Cannon Elementary Principal Toni Wankel Honored at Statewide Banquet

By Kim Jones

Toni Wankel, principal at Clarence Cannon Elementary in Elsberry, Mo., will be recognized as Exemplary New Principal from the Northeast District of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP).

Each of the 12 MAESP districts in the state may choose one principal with more than one and less than four years of experience for recognition. Toni Wankel was recognized March 12 at Left to Right: Ron Mills, Mary Sue Thomp- the MAESP Annual Officers Reception and Awards Banquet at son, Neil Pikulski, Matthew Trader Tan-Tar-A Resort at Osage Beach. The event was held in conjunction with the annual MAESP Spring Conference.

Toni Wankel has been principal at Clarence Cannon Elementary for three years, before which she taught sixth grade for her first three years in education and then served as the middle school guidance counselor for seven years all at Elsberry Schools. Wankel has her master’s degree in Administration and her educational specialist’s degree in Administration from William Woods University and her master’s degree in Education in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University.

Her parents are Ernie and Sue Giroux of Hannibal and Daryl and Ramona Kuntz of Bowling Green. Toni and her husband, Jason, make their home in rural Bowling Green. www.troydentalcare.com “I am honored and humbled to be recognized,” Mrs. Wankel said when asked about the recognition. “I absolutely love working with our students and I credit the outstanding staff and supportive parents and community for my success and recognition.”

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Community News - St. Charles County • March 21, 2012 • 7

By Steve Bryan Rated: R

“Silent House”

Photo courtesy of Open Road Films

been slowly stepping away from the spotlight, Elizabeth Olsen has emerged as a dynamic young actress in Hollywood. Making her debut in last year’s “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” Olsen is outstanding as the heroine in “Silent House.” Operating under the stress of an unseen attacker, Sarah keeps trying to find a way out of the house instead of simply giving in to her fear.

Directors Chris Kentis and Laura Lau are behind the camera for this, one of a new breed of intelligent horror films. Like the upcoming “Cabin in the Woods,” “Silent House”

With “Silent House,” Elizabeth Olsen has firmly established herself as the most talented member of her famous acting family. The star of this innovative thriller, Olsen easily carries the demands of the movie virtually by herself, even though the script is incredibly light on dialogue.

Olsen plays Sarah, a young woman who is helping prepare her family’s lake house for sale.

Along with her father John (Adam Trese) and her uncle Peter (Eric Sheffer Stevens), Sarah has to clean out closets filled with childhood clothing, toys and memories. This task Dramatically great results, is made even more difficult besignificantly lower cost. cause the electricity isn’t fully Call today. hooked up to the house, forcing them to use generators and car www.stlouislipo.com Free consultation - Financing available batteries for power.

While Sarah works, someone breaks into the upper level of the house and attacks her father. Panicked, Sarah has to find a way outside, but most of the windows have been boarded up and the doors are all secured with padlocks. To make matters worse, no cell phones work properly inside the lake house.

While her famous sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley have

has more going on below the surface than the typical thriller in which young people are threatened by a hulking attacker in a remote location.

Kentis and Lau use the camera to follow Sarah around the house, allowing the audience to become part of the action. At times, the shakiness of the camera shots becomes a little disconcerting, especially when Sarah is on the run from the house. It almost seems as if Kentis and Lau can’t keep pace with their frightened heroine.

Overall, “Silent House” is an interesting experiment in filmmaking highlighted by a notable performance from Elizabeth Olsen. Although the movie breaks some new ground in the horror genre, audiences will be talking more about Olsen instead of the plot once they leave the theater.

“Silent House,” rated R for disturbing violent content and terror, currently is playing in theaters.

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School

8 • March 21, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County

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1. The Fort Zumwalt North High School Jazz Band recently attended a clinic with Doc Severinsen in Omaha, Nebraska. This group of students was chosen to be the

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featured group during a clinic conducted by Doc Severinsen. Pictured is Rob Babel, NHS band director, conversing with Doc Severinsen during this workshop.

2. Ashley Oberdieck, Fort Zumwalt North High School senior, has signed a letter of intent for track with the University of Central Missouri. Pictured standing behind Ashley from L-R: NHS principal, Joe Sutton; Ashley’s mother, Diann Oberdieck; Ashley’s father, Wayne Oberdieck; NHS coach, Jeannine Nesslage; and NHS Activities Director, Ted Hickey.

3. Lauren Rodewald, Fort Zumwalt South High School senior, has signed with William Woods University to play volleyball. Lauren is flanked by her parents, Bill and Pam Rodewald. Standing behind Lauren is SHS principal, Dr. Kevin Keltner; William Woods University coach, Monica Renfrow; Williams Woods University coach, Dianna Meyer; SHS coach, Matt Whitmore; and SHS Athletic Di-

rector, Mike O’Brien.

4. Fort Zumwalt South High School senior, Gerrion Grim, has signed a letter of intent to play baseball for the University of Missouri-Columbia. Pictured with Gerrion are his parents, Gerrion Sr. and Cassondra Grim. Standing behind Gerrion is SHS coach, Bill Friedel; SHS Athletic Director, Mike O’Brien; and Gerrion’s summer select coach, Nick Pearson.

5. Tanner Curvey, Fort Zumwalt South High School senior, signed a letter of intent to swim for Lindenwood University. Pictured with Tanner are his parents Bart and Marta Blessing. Standing behind Tanner is SHS principal, Dr. Kevin Keltner; SHS coach, Kristi Gannon; and SHS Athletic Director, Mike O’Brien.

6. Fort Zumwalt South High School senior, Christine Byrd, has signed to play golf for Missouri Baptist University. Pictured with Christine is her mother, Beverly Byrd.

Standing behind Christine is SHS principal, Dr. Kevin Keltner; SHS coach, Tom Hale; and SHS Athletic Director, Mike O’Brien.

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School

Community News - St. Charles County • March 21, 2012 • 9

Fort Zumwalt Robotics Study Robby the Robot, C3PO, Wall-E, and Atom. Movie robots have captured our imagination for decades.

However, recent advances in robotic science are transforming science fiction into reality. Many researchers are convinced that personal robots will soon be as commonplace as computers. Career opportunities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) are also on the rise. Sadly, student interest in STEM degrees has not kept pace with demand.

According to industry experts, the United States currently graduates only 50 percent of the engineers needed to sustain our economy. The shortage of female STEM graduates is even more pronounced.

However, the Fort Zumwalt School District is doing its part to help fill those vacancies. The 276 students who participate in Fort Zumwalt’s elementary gifted education program (JET) recently completed a 10week Robotics study.

Michael Neill, Fort Zumwalt Secondary Mathematics Curriculum coordinator, said robotics affords a great opportunity to introduce concepts of problem-

solving, engineering, logic, computer programming, math, physics and science in a fun and challenging environment.

“Through engineering and programming robots, students learn that there are many ways to solve a problem,” Neill said. “Students also learn to accomplish complex task by breaking the task into simpler parts. Through robotics, students learn that problem-solving can be fun and rewarding, and hopefully a good number of these students will go on to pursue STEM related careers.”

The cooperation of community members helped to make Fort Zumwalt’s robotics unit a success. General Motors’ Wentzville Plant created specialized tours which allowed the students to view industrial robots at work. Experts were available at three robotic stations to answer students’ questions about the robots, and how they work. At the end of the tours, GM executives showed their support of student efforts by donating five, state-of-the- art, Mindstorms Robotics Kits to Fort Zumwalt’s JET program.

“I was very impressed and happy to see the level of interest from the students about robotics; how they

work and the capabilities that robots have,” said Mike Dunston, GM Predictive Maintenance technician.

To cap off the unit, students had an opportunity to demonstrate their skills at a series of evening events.

During the Open House events, older students built and programmed Lego Mindstorms robots which could navigate a “Robo-golf ” obstacle course. Primary students used Lego WeDo kits to design and program robotic vehicles that could travel forward, sense an obstacle, and then back up. Parents and administrators alike were impressed with the students’ level of proficiency.

“I am proud of what the students accomplished,” said Dr. Jackie Floyd, assistant superintendent. “Watching them work through their trials and errors with such focus and commitment gave me goose bumps.”

“My husband is a software engineer at Boeing, and he told my son that he was doing just what he did at work,” said parent Jacque Myers. “I think that this unit of study went a long way in encouraging some future computer programmers and software engineers.”

“All kids should try robotics. It’s so much fun, that once you try it, you’ll want to keep doing it,” said Brandon White, a second grade student.

“The Robotics unit changed my life,” said fourth grade student. “I used to want to be a mechanic. Now, I want to work with robots.”

FHNToday.com to Host Meet the Board Candidate Night On March 29, the Francis Howell North High School Journalism Program will host a “Meet the Board Candidate Night.” The event will be held from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Administration Building located at 4545 Central School Road in St. Charles.

The Meet the Board Candidate Night is meant to be a public forum to introduce the candidates running for the three vacant positions on the Francis Howell Board of Education and allow voters to become better acquainted with the candidates prior to the April 3 election. The candidates running for the school board are: Marty Hodits (incumbent), Stephen Johnson (incumbent), Eric Seider, and Marie Haupt.

The event will be broadcast live by FHNtodayLive on www. fhntoday.com/live. The public

welcome to attend the event, but seating is limited so people are encouraged to arrive early.

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Sports

10 • March 21, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County

Sports You See... With Gary B. Holt High Cross Country Stars Sign Letters Of Intent Named to All-Academic Team Also Indian runner Kara Lough has committed to compete for Park University in Parkville, MO next year. With her mother Kimberly and her father Darryl by her side, the crosscountry star signed her National Letter of Intent at Holt High School. This past season Kara qualified to compete at the state meet and is now looking forward to competing at the collegiate level.

“I really liked the size and feel of the campus,” said Kara. “I’m excited to go there.” Kara has a 3.3 GPA and has been named to the AllAcademic team for the last three years. She plans to study Elementary Education.

Indian runner Peter Franck has committed to compete for Park University in Parkville, MO next year. With his mother Donna, his father John and his sister Grace all by his side, the track and cross-country standout signed his National Letter of Intent at Holt High School.

This past season Franck finished 15th at the Class 4 Sectionals and qualified for the state meet. He received this year’s All-Conference Sportsmanship award, has been named to the All-Conference team the last two years and the All-Academic team for the last three years. Peter is a member of the National Honor Society, has a 3.8 GPA and plans to study Elementary Education. ~~~Good running Women’s Football Team on Radio Show St. Louis Slam On Thursday, March 29 from 6-7 p.m., the St. Louis Slam, the area’s first full contact women’s football team, will be a guest on Sports Radio STL. You can hear all the interviews on 590 The Fan KFNS or on the internet at www.KFNS.com.

Better yet, why not watch the interviews LIVE in Westport plaza. For show and location information, go to www.SportsRadioSTL.com The team originated on April 12, 2003, in front of a crowd close to 1,000 fans,

when owner and then head coach Nancy Simonds led St. Louis’ first women’s full contact football team onto the field at Gateway Tech to take on NWFA opponent the Kansas City Krunch. Simonds was the first female head coach in the history of the NWFA. Myrt Davis caught a pass on the SLAM’s first possession and went the distance for a touchdown, but the SLAM lost a heartbreaker that inaugural game in overtime. The SLAM Photo by Gary B. struggled that first season matching up against seasoned and NWFA southern powerhouses such as the Oklahoma City Lightning and the Nashville Dream. The SLAM finished the season 3-5. To date, the 03’ season is the only SLAM losing season.

In 2009 the team went undefeated in the regular season with eight wins and three more victories in the playoffs.

They celebrated by winning the Women’s Football Alliance (WFL).

The team is always looking for new players. ~~~The real deal Rascal Baseball Coming Soon Less than Two Months Friday night May 18 at T.R. Hughes ballpark, the ‘boys of the summer’ will take the field agasinst the River Hawks to begin the 2012 Frontier League season.

The River City Rascals have made changes on the field and in the front office to make this season the best they possibly can for their fans. ~~~Can’t wait to hear the crack of the bat against the ball

Editorial

“Over the Fence” Schools: Yesterday vs Today I went into my “I remember” mode again after observing several teenagers texting on cell phones while waiting for a school bus. After the bus stopped, they continued texting as they scrambled up the bus’ steps. “Great coordination,” I thought. “Only one of them stumbled and fell.”

This made me think of what we did to pass idle time in our rural school days back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, as my offspring refers to it. We didn’t have cell phones. In grade school, we had recess and played various games or capered on playground equipment.

Screaming, shouting and giggling at each other were the popular means of communication. This was besides passing notes to each other when the teacher wasn’t looking. Shooting spit wads and related mischief was optional.

High school didn‘t allow recess…probably because

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lieve we have more trouble with bullies in today’s schools because expelling them is almost impossible.

I also remember something called, “Reform School.”

This is where the chronic troublemakers sometimes ended up. I’m not sure how they operated but I assume it included corporal punishment. Today, this would send the politically correct crowd into frenzied apoplexy.

Today’s public schools put ’slow learners’ in class with the smartest students. As cruel as some children can be towards others at times, I can’t imagine putting a ‘slow learner’ in class with normal students. I’m sure there are pros and cons to this policy. However, I’ve yet to meet a teacher that agrees with it.

If students failed, they were held back. Our high school graduating class had several graduates who were older than we were. I remember one in particular who later became a millionaire. We had dropouts, too. I’m told one did two to five for trashing stores. They were closed at the time.

If a teacher passed a student who couldn’t read, it would have shocked the entire town.

There were some flaws in the system back then. Nothing is ever perfect. Some of the teachers weren’t very good. www.jeffowens-insurance.com Rural schools often couldn’t afford the best. On the other hand, some of them were great.

I wonder what they would think of today’s schools where a student can cuss out a teacher without fear of a solid left hook. I’ll bet I know.

“We expect our teachers to handle teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and the failings of the family. Then we expect them to educate our children.”

-John Sculley (1939-present) Past Presidents of Pepsico and Apple computer.

“Teachers are educators.

Babysitting is a parental obligation.” Joe Morice- (Mesozoic-Present) Columnist, Dumbfounded.

mischief became more creative with puberty. Personal computers weren’t around yet, so we explored the school library to find information for homework assignments or hid behind shelves to avoid the librarian’s evil eye and dollar-a-gallon perfume. During breaks to change classrooms, we did the usual teasing, yelling and shoving in the halls along with slamming locker doors and gobbling sweets if we could get them, which was seldom.

When we rode the school bus, the driver was in charge.

If we misbehaved, he would stop and straighten us out… physically, if necessary. Teachers and principals had the same option. Some used a device called “The Whistling Canoe Paddle.”

We communicated face-to-face. If you smarted off to someone, chances were, they retaliated. Bullies and gangs were just as prevalent then as now. Thankfully, I could run fast. Yet it was all part of growing up and learning to survive in the real world, such as it was. I be-

Editorial

Community News - St. Charles County • March 21, 2012 • 11

Buzz Off! Editor’s Note: My kids are in mourning. Their absolute favorite restaurant, Home Town Buffett, recently closed its doors. In honor of my children, here is the column I wrote a few years ago after a trip to HTB with my family.

Mascots. You know, those adorable creatures that rally the crowd at sporting events. They’re not just for high school football games anymore. In fact, some stores or eating establishments have their own mascot.

I was really here nor there when it came to mascots. I never really gave it a lot of thought…until a few years ago.

My brother, Tucker, his wife, Kristin, and their two boys came to visit for a week. It was a wonderful week, and we decided to spend our last evening together at the kids’ favorite restaurant. It’s a buffet-style restaurant where the kids can go wild and choose anything their hearts desire.

On that night, Carter, my gorgeous nephew, spotted the restaurant’s mascot – a bee – hanging outside and sitting on the bench. He ran up to the bee, hi-fived it and gave it a hug. How cute!

Once inside we sat down at a table for 10 (there were eight of us that night because Jim was working on a friend’s carburetor), and joined the other nice folks in line for buffet food. Five minutes into our meal the bee found us and decided to sit down. The 5’3” insect sat between Michael and Samantha. Sam, of course,

Recipe:

turned her attention from her dinner to the bee. Michael ignored the green and yellow mascot, picked up the steak knife and began to chow down.

Two minutes later and the bee was still there. The food on Sam’s plate was going cold, and the bee had its back to Michael, so the wings on the bee kept brushing against Michael’s arm as he attempted to eat his steak.

(Food, you have to understand, is serious business to Michael. We really get our money’s worth when he visits this particular restaurant, because for Michael it’s a six-course meal.)

After another two minutes Kristin and I shoot less than friendly looks at the bee and across the table to one another. Michael finally lost his patience.

“Excuse me, bee?” he asked, just as politely as he possibly could. “Would you please back off?”

I about snorted my diet soda out of my nose. This is where the parenting dilemma comes into play. Should he have asked the bee to back off, even politely? No (he should asked the bee to “buzz off!”). But was it funny?

Heck yes! Still, I took a minute to explain to Michael that it isn’t polite to ask a person (or bee) to back off, even politely.

The bee just sat there with its head propped up on its hands, watching me with Michael and taking the family moment all in.

Christopher, during this whole process, decided to take advantage of the situation and head to the ice

cream area. He came back, I suppose thinking that Mom forgot about making him eat green beans before dessert.

“Christopher, you have to eat some green beans before you eat the dessert,” I said. And again, the bee just kind of stared at this little exchange between mother and son.

A little weirded out, I got up and found the manager.

“Excuse me,” I said. “Your bee has taken up residence at my table.”

“What?” he asked, slightly confused.

“Your bee,” I said. “It sat down at my family’s table nearly 8 minutes ago, and it won’t leave. Please, make the bee fly away.”

So the manager corralled our waitress, who bluntly told the bee that it could visit, but not spend the night.

Well, I could have been rude to the bee…but I wanted to make it leave without causing the insect any embarrassment. The waitress’ harsh words kind of…stung.

So here’s a bit of advice to restaurant mascots. Most of us think you’re cute, and if you’re walking around patting small children on the head, that’s wonderful.

But please don’t insert yourself into a family’s mealtime if you’re not invited. Unless, of course, there’s another mascot dressed as bug spray or a fly swatter and it takes requests.

Tantalizing Tomato Tidbits - Appetizers to get the party started (Family Features) Great appetizers are full of flavor to stimulate the appetite, but not so rich that they spoil it. To get that balance, look to fresh, flavorful ingredients like Florida tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes add beautiful color, great taste, and a host of healthy nutrients - like vitamin C to any appetizer. To get more appetizer and party-ready recipes, as well as sign up for a free newsletter, visit www.floridatomatoes.org.

Don’t Refrigerate For the best tomato flavor, never refrigerate them.

A chilled tomato will not finish ripening because cold halts the ripening process. Cold also kills the flavor of tomatoes, so even when the tomatoes are fully ripe, keep them out of the refrigerator.

How Much?

1 medium tomato, seeded = approximately 3/4 cup chopped.

1 large tomato, seeded = 1 cup chopped.

1 pound of tomatoes = approximately 2 1/2 cups chopped, or 2 cups puréed.

Hot Artichoke Dip Stuffed Tomatoes Makes 4 servings Ingredients: - 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas - 6 tablespoons prepared blue cheese dressing - 8 ounces sliced cooked turkey breast - 3 medium, fully ripened fresh Florida tomatoes (about 1 pound), cut into thin slices - 4 leaves Boston, iceberg or leaf lettuce - 1 ripe Hass avocado, peeled and cut into thin slices - 4 strips cooked bacon

3. To serve, stand both halves of each sandwich on cut ends. Garnish with tomato wedges, green onions and avocado. www.wellnessconnection-ofallon.com

Directions: 1. Spread each tortilla with 1 1/2 tablespoons of dressing.

2. Top with layers of turkey, tomato, lettuce, avocado and bacon, dividing evenly.

Roll up tortillas. If desired, tie each wrap with chives, or secure with long toothpicks, and cut each sandwich in half.

Tomato Cobb Salad Wrap

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Makes 4 servings Ingredients: - 1 package (8 ounces) low-fat cream cheese, softened - 2 large fresh Florida tomatoes, seeds removed and diced - 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise - 1/2 cup Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh basil - 1 can low-sodium artichoke hearts, drained and chopped fine - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 lemon, juiced - Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste - 4 large fresh Florida tomatoes - 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. In medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, Par-

mesan cheese, garlic and fresh basil. Stir in chopped artichoke hearts and spinach. Taste mixture and adjust seasoning with lemon juice, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Set stuffing mixture aside.

3. Rinse whole tomatoes under cold running water and pat dry with clean paper towels. Slice off top of each tomato with a serrated knife; cut in half.

Squeeze each half to loosen seeds. Using a spoon, scoop out 1/3 of the insides of tomato. Fill tomatoes with stuffing mixture.

Top each stuffed tomato with shredded mozzarella.

4. Place stuffed tomatoes in baking dish and put into preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly and

golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crisp flatbreads, or sliced vegetables.

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12 • March 21, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County

CHURCH March 23: Spring Fling Craft Fair 5-9 p.m. at Morning Star Church. $5/person. Children free. Hosted by MOPS. Info: www.mscwired.org/springfling.

March 24: Gospel Singing 6 p.m. at New Beginnings Worship Center, 108 Birdie Hills Rd., St. Peters. Performance by the Redemptions. Info: 636.544.2030 or 636.397.2959.

March 29: MOMSNext 7 p.m. at Morning Star Church, 1600 Feise Road, Dardenne Prairie, Mo. For mothers of school-aged children. Info: www.mscwired.org/momsnext.

March 30: New Life Student Ministries Trivia Night

7 p.m. at New Life Church (1083 Cool Springs Industrial Dr., O’Fallon 63366). Team trivia, silent auction, prizes, popcorn & soda. No alcohol. $15/person before March 25, $20 at the door. Info/registration: Mona Downs, 636.240.3567 or www. nlchurch.org.

April 1: Palm Sunday Parade and Worship 9 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Wentzville. Maundy Thursday Seder Meal, Easter services and more. All are welcome and childcare is available.

Info: Donna at 636.327.6377 or church@wentzville-umc.net.

EVENTS Now: Lake Saint Louis Triathlon Registration Registration is now open for August 25 event. Enter early, as

this event fills up quickly. Info: www.lakesaintlouis.com or 636.625.7944.

March 21 & 31: Open House at The Meadowlands 1-4 p.m. 135 Meadowland Estates Lane, O’Fallon, Mo. 63366.

Join us for our open house and learn more about what Assisted Living at the Meadowlands has to offer! Info: 636.978.3600 March 21: Donkey Basketball 6:30 p.m. at Ft. Zumwalt North.

Advanced Admission is $6 or $8 at the door. Info: 636.272.4447.

March 21: Community Garden The O’Fallon Family YMCA will offer a collaborative community garden. Plots are $40, and each raised bed is 4 x 10 feet. Info: O’Fallon Family YMCA, 3451 Pheasant Meadow Drive. Plots on first-come, first-served basis.

March 22: Mom’s Afternoon Out at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4 p.m. for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. $10/child. Registrations must be received by noon on Wednesday before the scheduled date. Info: 636.379.0092.

March 22: Teen Leader’s Club at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Free for members. Ages 13-18. The club meets every other Thursday to plan social events and fun volunteer opportunities. No Y membership required.

March 22 and 23: ITNStCharles Volunteer Training 6 – 7:30 p.m. (3/22) or 10 – 11:30 a.m. (3/23). Volunteer to drive for ITNStCharles (Independent Transportation Network), and make a difference by making room for one more.

Info: 636.329.0888 or info@itnstcharles.org.

March 24: Tot’s Night Out at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 7-10 p.m. $15/child in advance.

Registrations must be received by 5 p.m. the Friday before the event to ensure a spot.

Ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Info: 636.379.0092.

March 24: Kid’s Night Out at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 7-10 p.m. For ages 6+. Obstacle Course. $10/child in advance, $15/child at the door. Swimming, crafts, rock wall, bingo & more. Concessions available for purchase. Info: 636.379.0092.

Other dates: April 14 - Gymnastics, April 28 - Rock Wall, May 12 - End of School Bash March 24: Support Dogs, Inc. 7th Annual “Tacky Ball”

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6:30 - 11 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront (315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis).

“Happily Ever After…Furry Tails Can Come True” theme.

Includes dinner, a live auction, raffle & dancing to music by The Fabulous Motown Revue. Reservations required. Must be 21+. $100/person. Info: 314.997.2325 or www.supportdogs.org.

March 24: Therapeutic Horsemanship Trivia Night 6 p.m. doors open and 7 p.m. trivia at Knights of Columbus Pezold Center, 5701 Highway N, St. Charles, MO 63304. $200/ table of 8. Proceeds benefit TH Summer Camps for individuals with disabilities. Free beer, soda and popcorn. Info: 636.332.4940.

March 24: St. Charles County Youth Orchestra Spring Concert 2 p.m., Lindenwood Cultural Center. The concert will feature the SCCYO Mike Russo concerto competition winners Aleksis Martin (clarinet) and Regan Farney (violin) accompanied by the SCCYO Symphony orchestra. A variety of musical selections will also be performed by Primo Strings and Cadenza Orchestra. Tickets available at the door: $4/adult, $2/child, 5yrs & under are free. Info: sccyo@sccyo.org or 636.916.0515.

March 24: World Water Day 2012 Katy Trail 5K 8-11 a.m. at Blanchette Landing, 100 Olive Street, St. Charles, Mo. $25/person by March 7.

Info: www.edgeoutreach.com.

March 30: 180 General Assembly Meeting 9:30 a.m. at Calvary Church, 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Mo. Guest Speakers are

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Community News - St. Charles County • March 21, 2012 • 13

Dr. Diane J. Schroeder, Associate Dean of Extended Learning and Mandy Rose, AEL Program Coordinator. Topic: GED. Info: Karleen Rogers 636.949.7900, ext. 3587 or krogers@sccmo. org.

March 31: The St. Charles City-County Library Foundation’s 11th Annual Trivia Challenge Doors open at 6:15 p.m., trivia at 7 p.m. At the American Legion Post 312 in St. Charles.

Cash prizes, 50/50s and special raffles, silent auction, attendance prizes & more. Teams may choose a theme and participate in a table decorating fun-filled facts. Individuals may register for $20/person and be placed with other participants.

Register and pay online at www. stchlibraryfoundation.org or download the registration form and send with check payable to St Charles City-County Library Foundation to 77 Boone Hills Dr, St Peters MO 63376. Info: foundation@stchlibrary.org or 441.2300, ext.1582.

April 2: PALS Night at IMOS in Troy 4 p.m. - 8 pm. Enjoy a great dinner and help our furry friends at the same time! All proceeds will be used for animal care.

Info: 636.338.1818 or www. pals-pets.com.

shrimp, hush puppies, french fries, creamy coleslaw & baked beans.

April 7: PALS Annual Easter Bake Sale At Kroger in Troy from 9 a.m.

- 2 p.m. Stop in and get some wonderful homemade desserts.

All proceeds will be used for animal care. Info: 636.338.1818 or www. pals-pets.com.

4th Mon.: 6:30 p.m. American Legion Post 388 Meets At Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy.

636.219.0553.

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

Every Tues: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4 p.m. Free. Join us every week to work on quilts “One Stitch at a Time” for local charities. Anybody welcome, no sewing experience required.

4th Tues.: 6:30 p.m. O’Fallon Garden Club.

Meets at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney

Blvd. More info call Barb at 636.978.5930.

Every Tues.: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles Noon - 1 p.m. at the Columns Banquet Center in St. Charles.

Every Wed: at 12 p.m. Crossroads Cribbage Club Meets at Rizzo’s Bar & Grill, Wentzville, MO. 1st and 3rd Wed: 7 p.m. St. Charles Area Wood Carvers Diverse group of people has a wide variety of carving skills ranging from novice to professional. Meetings include brief business mtg. followed by carving session. At Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project, 7295 Hwy. 94 South, St. Charles.

Visitors always welcome!

Every Wed. 6:45 p.m. Charity Bingo VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. Cash prizes awarded. Support Vets & other worthwhile charities.

Now a non-smoking facility. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org for more info.

er Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10 a.m - 2 p.m. Free. Join us every week to play your favorite board games, cards or dominos.

Bring a snack and your favorite stories to share. Contact Diana Kannady at 636.379.0092 x230.

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. Info: Darryl Sandweg, 636.980.1777.

and share while in a welcoming environment. Info: Andrea Crislip at 314.479.0306 or andreacrislip@gmail.com, or visit www.lslmothersclub.com.

Every Fri.: 3–8 p.m. VFW Fish Fry VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane.

Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.

Every Thurs., 11:45 a.m., Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon.

Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. More info at www. ofkiwanis.com.

Every Saturday: Charity Bingo 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Wentzville Community Club (500 West Main, Wentzville 63385). Every Sat. except Easter weekend & Christmas. $3,600 in cash prizes each week. Progressive game, Derby tickets, pull-tabs, 505/50, bar & food.

Info: www.wentzvillefleamarket.org, www.facebook.com/ wentzville-community-club.

Every Friday: Moms Play Group 10 a.m. at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. Playgroup is a great opportunity to teach our children how to play

Every Weekend: Orchard Farm Radio Controlled Flying Club Bring your family to watch flying model airplanes. Directions: www.orchardfarm.com, Info: 636.300.1480.

Every Thurs: Active Old-

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April 5: Teen Leader’s Club 7-8 p.m. at O’ Fallon Family YMCA. Free to join. For ages 13-18. Club meets once a month to plan social events and fun volunteer opportunities. No Y membership required.

Now - April 6: Wentzville American Legion Fish Fry 4:30-6:30 p.m. $8 per plate, $4 sandwiches. Menu: catfish, Answers from page 16

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14 • March 21, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County

Pet Tip:

How to Apply Topical Medication Administration of topical medication is quite simple but it requires your dog to remain still for a brief time. The medication needs to be placed in an area that the dog cannot lick.

Hold the applicator upright and snap off the tip to allow the medication to flow out of the applicator.

Hold your dog still. Your dog can be standing, lying down or even sitting.

Just make sure you have access to the necessary area.

For flea and tick products, read the instructions on the medication to determine if the manufacturers recommend applying in one area or multiple areas.

Place the tip of the applicator through the hair and place directly against the skin or against the wound.

Squeeze the applicator until all of the medication has flowed out of the applicator. Try to avoid application of the medication on the hair.

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!

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Community News - St. Charles County • March 21, 2012 • 15

Holiday Services

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NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us.

St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us.

St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

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Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

FOR SALE

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16 • March 21, 2012 • Community News - St. Charles County

Statepoint Crossword Theme: March Madness

Oldest Pick:

“The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman” “The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman,” by Meg Wolitzer will have you dragging the old Scrabble game down from the top of the closet.

This smile-awhile novel is about a bunch of creative school kids who hone their skills with Scrabble and then gather at a competition to duke it out across the boards.

Hot in the lead is Duncan Dorfman. Ol’ Duncan doesn’t have it easy. His mother, a single mom, recently lost her job in Michigan and she and Duncan move back to her hometown in Pennsylvania.

Adjusting to new friends and surroundings is hard on Duncan, but he finds a place to fit in when he pals up with the Scrabble crowd.

Duncan has a secret weapon that might help him cinch the championship. The fingertips on one of his hands are able to decipher one Scrabble tile from another. When the school bully hears about this, suddenly Duncan isn’t the brunt of his jokes, he’s Carl’s ticket to a sure-fire win, even if it does involve cheating.

There are plenty of high-jinks in this engaging book, but more serious undertones about honesty as well. It’s your move! Read it now.

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!

Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company. Copright 2012.

ACROSS 1. Frosting on a cake, e.g.

6. Heat or energy unit 9. *School with most championships 13. Love intensely 14. Dr. Cornelius in sci-fi movie classic, e.g.

15. Like dragon after knight's conquest 16. Copperfield's domain 17. Eating of forbidden fruit, e.g.

18. Total amount 19. *Game tracker 21. In an open way 23. Not vertical, abbr.

24. Be sick 25. Emergency responders 28. Home to Stags Leap and Wild Horse

30. Superlative of "yare" 35. Reluctant, usually followed by "to" 37. A tall one is not true 39. The present occasion 40. U.N. civil aviation agency 41. Rossini's opus, e.g.

43. It travels through air 44. Pulsating pain 46. At a great distance 47. *Final ____ 48. Some give this when upset 50. Drug abuser 52. Dry, as in humor 53. Eagerness 55. Clinton ___ Rodham 57. Famous for its coffee 60. *Goes with March

64. NBC's "The _____" 65. "___ to Joy" by Friedrich Schiller 67. Become one 68. On the move 69. Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music" 70. Holy See's administering body 71. *Ranking 72. Apollo to ancient Greeks 73. Levels DOWN 1. Its fleece was white as snow?

2. Sixth month of civil year 3. Downward and upward dogs are part of this 4. _____ Maria Remarque

5. Suppose 6. *Georgetown's conference, "The Big ____" 7. *Ranking based on strength of schedule 8. Major Italian seaport 9. ____ Bator, Mongolia 10. Collect telephone ____ 11. Monet's water flower 12. "___ day now" 15. Novelist ______ Zweig 20. Muse of love poetry 22. Be nosey 24. Deadly or sinister 25. *Like last eight 26. Sweet coffee drink

27. A Beatle 29. Daddy 31. Over your head?

32. To give an income or property 33. Scrub or purge 34. Towel cloth 36. Ungulate's foot 38. Victorian or Elizabethan ones, e.g.

42. *Kentucky's Rupp _____ 45. *______ beater 49. "Big Island" flower necklace 51. Simplify 54. Movie "_____ Came Polly"

56. Boredom 57. Speaker type 58. Baptism, e.g.

59. Important battery component 60. "Cobbler, cobbler, ____ my shoe" 61. Republic of Ireland 62. Done in a pot 63. Ligurian one and Adriatic one 64. Military hospitals 66. Simon & Garfunkel, e.g.

See answers page 13

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