February 8, 2017
A love 75 years in the making Couple marks 75th wedding anniversary by looking back on their lives and love in the St. Louis area
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First mountain lion confirmed in Missouri since 1994. P.2 Mission Clean Stream and GM Earth Day - two great events in one day. P.3
By Brett Auten As we tiptoe closer to Valentine’s Day and thoughts turn toward our relationships of the romantic persuasion, Syl and Amber Otke have it covered when it comes to guidance or words of wisdom in that department. The Otkes recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Syl and Amber were married on Feb. 1, 1942. When the pair were quizzed days after a recent open house celebration held at Park Place Senior Living about the keys to a longlasting relationship, gratitude and cooperation were at the forefront. “I think the main thing is to learn to accept the way they are,” Amber, age 93, said. “Don’t try to change who they are.” Syl, age 95, added that it certainly helps that the two, “thoroughly enjoy our time together.” “You don’t ever think that it is going to last 75 years, but then it hits you,” Syl continued. “We had trouble along the road, ups and downs, but you have to have respect for each other” Making a big to-do out of Valentine’s Day isn’t really their nature. Both were children of the Depression-era and lived pretty frugal lives. “I’d give her money each week to run the house and I would take some to put gas in the car,” Syl said. “That was about it.” But Amber still has her first Valentine given to her by Syl tucked away for safe keeping. The two met on Oct. 10, 1939 attending the Veiled Prophet Parade in St. Louis. They were part of a youth group from Water Tower Baptist church and each were invited by a friend. It was on the walk home when Syl asked for their first date. They became engaged two years later. On Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor made the possibility of Syl entering the Armed Services almost certain. They had planned to be married in June, but changed the date to Feb. 1, 1942. “We gave everyone two-weeks’ notice,” Syl said. “It drove her mom crazy but it all
Contractor selected for new emergency operations facility in St. Charles County. P.3
School Wentzville students participate in Mastercard’s Girls4Tech program. P.9 Francis Howell offers community education programs. P.9 Photo courtesy Daniel Bello Syl and Amber Otke recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Syl and Amber were married on Feb. 1, 1942.
worked out.” Syl served during the war in the Army Air Corp based at Bergstrom Army Airfield in Austin, Texas, servicing aircraft. For a brief time, Amber worked as a riveter at Curtis
“You don’t ever think that it is going to last 75 years, but then it hits you. We had trouble along the road, ups and downs, but you have to have respect for each other” - Syl Otke Wright in St. Louis. Known for its iconic symbol, you could liken Amber’s work to Rosie the Riveter, who represented the
American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. In April, 1946 Syl went to work for McDonnell Aircraft Company as a mechanic in the experimental division. He worked at McDonnell, which later became Boeing, until his retirement in 1978. The Otkes first lived in a two-room apartment in North St. Louis before purchasing a home in Florissant. At 65-years-old, Syl took to building a log home along Highway B in Warren County in 1987 and lived there until 2014 when they moved to their current residence. The two of them embraced traveling and took full advantage of the time retirement offered them. “We traveled all over the states,” Amber said. “Europe and South America. When not on the highways and biways, Syl became engrossed in carpentry, specifically cabinet making during his retirement years and both were heavily involved with their church. See LOVE page 4
Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 19 No. 6 | 636-379-1775
Movie
Did Meryl Streep need to be nominated again? P.16
Weather FRIDAY Sunny 55/44 SATURDAY Chance of Rain 65/46 SUNDAY Chance of Rain 53/33 FirstWarn Weather
prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.
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February 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
DNA tests provide first definitive confirmation of a female mountain lion in Missouri since 1994 The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently received DNA results from a confirmed mountain lion in Shannon County. Those results indicated the mountain lion was a female with a probable origin in the Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota and Northwest Nebraska. This is the first definitive confirmation of a female mountain lion being present in Missouri since 1994. “Mountain lions are still rare in Missouri,” said MDC Wildlife Management Coordinator Alan Leary. “The detection of a female increases the likelihood that breeding could occur within the state, but at this point we don’t have evidence that a breeding population exists in Missouri.” In 1996, the department established its Mountain Lion Response Team (MLRT) with specially-trained staff to investigate reports and evidence of mountain lions. Since then, all mountain lion sightings confirmed by the MLRT have either proven to be males, or have provided
insufficient evidence to determine the animal’s sex. Since 1994, MDC has recorded 68 confirmed mountain lion sightings in the state. On Jan. 21, MDC confirmed a male mountain lion was struck and killed by a vehicle on Interstate 70 in Warren County. Confirmations have become more common in recent years, likely due to a combination of factors, according to MDC Furbearer Biologist Laura Conlee. “We know the mountain lion population has grown in western states, and that could translate to more dispersing mountain lions making their way into Missouri, but we have also gotten better at finding them,” Conlee said. “As technology has advanced, we’ve seen an explosion in the numbers of game cameras across the Missouri landscape. We’ve also established more efficient methods for reporting and investigating mountain lion sightings. These factors all likely play a role in the increased number of confirmed mountain lion sightings in our state.”
Recent results from DNA tests have confirmed a female mountain lion in Shannon County.
The risk of a mountain lion attack in Missouri remains highly unlikely. No mountain lion attack on a human has ever been recorded in the state. People, livestock and pets face a much greater risk from familiar dangers we encounter including automobiles, stray dogs and lightning strikes.
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Published weekly since 1921. Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties. Publisher Robert J. Huneke Editor Mathew DeKinder Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistants Lisa Moran, Melissa Nordmann Staff Writers Brett Auten, Nicholas Elmes Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore Cartoonist John Hanna Staff Photographer Ray Rockwell Social Media Lori North Classified Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Randy Davies, Heather Deatz, Susan Faust, Doug Garbs, Bob Huneke, Norm Merchant, Tony Mooney, Christy Parks, Laurie Simon, Ty Taylor, Christy Weber Circulation: Distributech, Dominion Distribution, Papers Unlimited, Josh Blasingame Community News is a Registered Trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher is responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Huneke Publications, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject all news and advertising copy which in the sole judgement and discretion of the publisher/editor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication. Copyright 2016 Huneke Publica tions, Inc. with all rights reserved. No part of the publications may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher/editor. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Entire Contents Copyrighted
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MDC has never stocked or released mountain lions in Missouri and has no plans to do so. However, the department wants to learn more about these rare animals and encourages all citizens to report sightings, physical evidence, or other incidents so they can be investigated.
Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Anyone with information about a mountain lion can file a report with the Mountain Lion Response Team at mountain. lion@mdc.mo.gov. To learn more about mountain lions, and to view a map of confirmed sightings in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/ mountain-lion.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • Febraury 8, 2017
Free tax preparation available for local low-income households United Way 2-1-1 is partnering with local tax coalitions to provide free tax preparation services to St. Louis-area families with a household income of $54,000 or less in 2016. Last year, the partnership helped more than 20,000 people in our region receive nearly $21 million in tax refunds. “Through free tax preparation services, we hope to again help many working families this year receive all of the tax credits they qualify for,” said Debbie Irwin, community economic development director, United Way of Greater St. Louis. “The partnership between United Way 2-1-1 and these tax coalitions is a great asset to local families and the St. Louis region, as the money saved through the free tax preparation assistance as well as refunds received through tax credits represents additional investments into our region through things like basic needs, transportation, housing and education.” United Way’s tax coalition partners include Friendly Community Tax Coalition, Gateway EITC Community Coalition, National Association of Black Accountants, and St. Louis Tax Assistance Program. In 2016, 765 volunteers worked through the coalitions to provide services for the region, helping local low-income households save approximately $5 million in tax preparation services. Anyone interested in receiving tax preparation help and who is eligible under the $54,000 household income threshold may contact United Way at 2-1-1 or 1-800-4274626, or visit www.211helps.org for information on qualifications, locations, dates and a list of documents required for services. Sites operate
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on an appointment or walk-in basis. The coalitions also focus on bringing awareness to local individuals and families who qualify to receive a refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax credit designed to help people increase their financial stability. The average national EITC refund in 2016 was more than $2,455. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, in 2015, over 26 million families and individuals nationwide received a federal EITC refund, which helped lift approximately 6.5 million people out of the poverty threshold. The following locations, dates and times are available for Saturday walk-in sites. For all other locations and times, individuals may call 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626. United Way provides information and referral to all free income tax sites in the greater St. Louis region through its United Way 2-1-1 call center.
Super Saturday Sites (no appointment necessary) St. Charles County Lewis and Clark Career Center 2400 Zumbehl Rd., St. Charles Saturdays to March 4 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. UM-St. Louis - Spencer Road Library – St. Peters 427 Spencer Road, St. Peters Saturdays to April 8 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
www.midwestbankcentre.com
St. Andrew’s announces call for nominations for 15th Annual Ageless Remarkable St. Louisans Gala Nominations are now being accepted for seniors to be recognized at the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System’s 2017 Ageless Remarkable St. Louisans Gala. Each year, the event honors outstanding St. Louis area older adults, age 75 and up, for their many incredible contributions on the job front, and in areas such as philanthropy and volunteer service. Nominations are being accepted now through March 10 via the St. Andrew’s website at www.standrews1. com. A printable version of the nomination form is also available via the website and may be completed and mailed to the St. Andrew’s offices at: 6633 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130. Seniors from across the entire St. Louis metropolitan area and Metro East are eligible for recognition at the 2017 gala, which will take place Oct. 28. The Ageless Remarkable St. Louisans Gala continues to play a critical role in helping to reshape the face of aging in the region, while also transforming, enhancing and improving the image of older adults. Over the
past 15 years, more than 300 seniors have been recognized for their amazing contributions well past the traditional age of retirement. The annual gala has also raised more than $3.8 million dollars since 2003 to help meet the needs of lowincome and at-risk seniors in the St. Louis area. “We are so excited to celebrate 15 years of recognizing some of the region’s most dynamic older adults,” said Mary Alice Ryan, President and CEO of the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System. “Over the last decade-and-a-half, we’ve had the opportunity to showcase the incredible lives of so many diverse and outstanding area seniors who are demonstrating how truly fulfilling life can be after age 75. And, as we look forward to recognizing our 15th class of amazing honorees, we encourage individuals from across the St. Louis Metro area to nominate the many inspirational philanthropists, volunteers, business people and other notable seniors who continue to make a difference in our community.”
www.CEDARHURSTLIVING.COM
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February 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
LOVE Continued from cover
www.stlrv.net
The Otkes have three children, Judy Otke Mutchler, Sylva Otke Neubauer and Steve Otke and four grandchildren, Dan Mutchler, KC Mutchler Carpenter, Rick Neubauer and Shellie Neubauer. “They’re both sharp as a tack,” Judy Mutchler said. “They remember things I wish they’d forget. They’re a real team. There is a deep respect and appreciation for each other.”
Submitted photo This photo of Syl and Amber Otke was taken early in their marriage in 1943.
O’Fallon’s Junior Renegades Football teams practice at Dames Park New player registration is open for O’Fallon Junior Renegades football, flag football and cheerleading. Programs are available for children ages six to 14. The non-profit organization’s teams meet for practice in Dames Park at 389 Dames Park Drive in O’Fallon. The 59-acre park is owned by the city of O’Fallon and has three
football fields, two playgrounds, three pavilions and other amenities. For more information about the O’Fallon Junior Renegades, including player registration, go to http://ofallonjuniorrenegades.website. siplay.com/
Weather from Nick’s Window
by Nick Palisch
More weather predictors…
www.krekeler.com
www.dschuster.com
Last week I talked about how our cup of coffee can help predict the weather if you want to go back in time before all the fancy and sophisticated forecasting tools. Additionally, many used other means to predict the weather, such as a halo around the moon, a red sky in the morning, the opening and closing of a pinecone and the aches in our joints. These are just a few of the many instances of weather lore that hold some merit. Does a halo around the moon tell of bad weather on the way? Yes, a circle around the moon is known as a halo, which is formed by the light of the moon refracting (or bending) as it passes through ice crystals created by high cirrus clouds. While these clouds are not moisture producing they do signal the arrival of a low-pressure system which is responsible for stormy weather. I remember back when I would sit on my grandpa’s lap and we would watch out the front window and the leaves of the maple tree would turn over and my grandpa would say, “A storm is coming” and sure enough bad weather was on the horizon. The curling of the leaves occurs when the humidity is high and we have strong winds, both of which indicate a storm is on the way. Some mornings the sunrise produces an awesome color scheme of reds, pinks and oranges. The saying, “Red sky in the morning, sailors give warning. Red sky at night, sailors delight.” does have some credibility with weather forecasting. In the United States, our weather patterns generally move west to east, so the arrival of clouds in the morning will turn the morning sky a red, which indicates a storm system could be on the way. When the storms clear and the sky begins to
clear, we see a red glow giving way to calmer weather. The cricket is a great forecaster – especially for temperatures. The faster they chirp, the warmer the weather; the slower they chirp they colder it is. If you count their chirps for fourteen seconds, then add forty you will have the actual air temperature in Fahrenheit. Unbelievably, this is very accurate! A pinecone is also a good indicator of changing weather. A pinecone will open when the weather is dry and humidity is low, but when the humidity is high and weather is wet and stormy; they will close to protect the seeds within the pinecone. Lastly, I hear it all the time, “My joints are hurting…it is going to rain.” Unfortunately, while it cannot be 100 percent verified, the theory is that low pressure causes the tissue in our joints to expand, which can put some pressure on the joints. So, when your knee starts to ache – get ready for some rain in the next day or so. The list of folklore goes on and on; some hold merit and others are just wives’ tales. Just remember our everyday environment can predict the weather and perhaps it is more reliable than all those sophisticated weather models we use today. Nick Palisch is a meteorologist and Missouri native who understands the weather here in our area. He currently resides in Lake Saint Louis and can be reached at nick-wx@sbcglobal.net and you can always get the most up-to-date forecast from the FirstWarn Weather page at www.facebook.com/ nickswx The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 8, 2017
Mission: Clean Stream and GM Earth Day are two great events on one great day
Members of the Dardenne Prairie Community participate in Clean Stream.
Everyone can make a difference when it comes to improving our environment. GM Earth Day is the place to learn how. Mission: Clean Stream is an easy way to do it. April 1 is when it all happens. For GM Earth Day come early to the festival at Rotary Park in Wentzville if you want to see the Mission: Clean Stream workers off. Explore work by local artisans and learn how to get connected to, and preserve nature with activities like making upcycled crafts, exploring a model stream and seeing how pollution moves into our rivers and streams. Also on hand will be vendors and organizations that can help you or your family make a real difference in the world. There will also be plenty of hands-on activities with a particular emphasis on keeping very young children occupied while their older siblings are out on the creek. Kids can earn a very special award by learning about the environment at the festival. Watch artists use recycled materials and salvaged metal pulled from the streams to create new works of eco-art.
Submitted photo
For Mission: Clean Stream volunteers from St. Charles County and the communities of Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St Peters and Wentzville join with Greenway Network and Missouri River Relief to remove trash from local streams and lakes. Mission: Clean Stream started as a joint effort to pick up litter from publicly accessible creek areas. Today, Mission: Clean Stream has evolved into a challenge, or charge, for thousands to do some serious damage to the amount of trash in waterways across the county in just two hours. Families, organizations and individuals can participate by calling the nearest community to register: • Dardenne Prairie 636-7555308, meet at City Hall. • Cottleville 636-498-6565 x203, meet at City Hall. • Wentzville 636-332-9236, meet at Rotary Park. • Lake St Louis 636-695-4221, meet at Jefferson Point. • O’Fallon 636-379-5408, meet at Westhoff Park. • St. Peters www.stpetersmo.
net, meet at Rec-Plex south lot. • St. Charles 636-949-3237, meet at Lewis & Clark Boathouse. • Cora Island 636-498-0772, http://greenwaynetwork.org, meet at Cora Island parking area. • Riverlands 636-498-0772, http://greenwaynetwork.org, meet at Riverlands. • Storm Drain Marking 636498-0772, http://greenwaynetwork.org, meet at Rotary Park The day will start at 8:30 a.m. with registration at one of the eight rendezvous locations listed above. Everyone is asked to dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring gloves. Transportation is not provided. Breakfast or lunch will be served depending upon location. Register early, space is limited. Participants registering by March 15 will receive a free t-shirt. In case of dangerous weather or high water, the event will be rescheduled on a site-by-site basis. Check with your registration site. All participants are encouraged to go to the Earth Day Festivities at GM for lunch. This community-wide event is sponsored by the cities above, General Motors Foundation, Pat Jones, Greenway Network, Inc., Missouri Stream Team, Great Rivers Greenway and Walmart. Financial donations to this worthwhile project are also appreciated for supplies and to defray the cost of tire disposal. Contributions can be made through Greenway Network at http://greenwaynetwork.org, greenwaynetwork@gmail.com or by calling 636-498-0772. For vendor information contact greenwaynetwork@gmail.com.
Be safe when using portable space heaters There are times when a little extra warmth can help you deal with the chill of Old Man Winter. A portable electric space heater is designed to take care of the chill but can potentially cause problems if not used properly. Space heaters can be dangerous because their high wattage can ignite combustible materials nearby. If unintentionally left on for long periods of time and unattended, they could cause a fire. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates space heaters of all types spark nearly 22,000 residential fires annually, leading to about 300 deaths and thousands of burns. Cuivre River Electric Cooperative offers the following safety tips for using space heaters: • Never leave a portable heater running unattended or
while you sleep.\ • Select a heater of the proper size for the room you wish to heat. • Place the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic, children and pets. Keep it at least three feet away from furniture, drapes, flammable items and walls. • Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords are not recommended. • Inspect the heater’s power cord regularly. Don’t use the heater if the cord is damaged. • Do not use the heater in damp, wet areas. • Only buy newer model heaters that have all the current safety features. Make sure the heater has a UL label. Only use portable heaters that
have a tip-over safety shut-off feature.
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www.heydollcakes.com
Diverting THOUSANDS of TONS of waste from local landdlls!
1SDS partners the ReStore with other non-profit organizations so that items get where they need to be to best serve our community. 186 Mid Rivers Center St. Peters, MO 63367 donations@ habitatstcharles.org Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Instead of what we do take, here is what we don’t take: Used carpeting and pad Hazardous chemicals of any kind Unframed glass/mirrors Anything damaged or dirty beyond use Because old TV’s don’t sell, we recycle them and pass the $15 fee onto the donor.
(636)978-5712
www.stcharlesrestore.org www.stcharlesrestore.org
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February 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
2017 St. Charles County Golden Games celebrates 30 years The St. Charles County Golden Games will be held from May 6 through Saturday May 13 promoting healthy lifestyles in adults aged 50 years and older. The Golden Games include individual, doubles and team competition and is open to anyone who will be 50 years old prior to April 30, 2017. Events are held at facilities throughout St. Charles County. Competitions are designed for all age groups and abilities, from walking, running, cycling, swimming and dancing to golf, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, bowling, shooting, bocce ball, horse shoes, pool, card games, miniature golf, Wii competitions and many more. Gold, silver and
bronze medals are awarded to top finishers in each age group. Registration fee is $25 for as many events as can be scheduled without conflict (golfers pay greens fees). Registrants receive a Golden Games T-shirt and invitation to the Kick-Off Banquet at Old Hickory Golf Club in St. Peters on May 8. Registrants can bring a spouse or friend to the banquet for a $5 additional charge. Registration forms and a complete schedule of events and locations for the St. Charles County Golden Games will be available online beginning March 1 at sccgoldengames.org. Registration deadline is April 7.
Check out our
Home & Garden Section in Classifieds page 15
www.ShoesandHope.org
St. Charles County selects contractor to build new emergency operations facility On Jan. 30 the St. Charles C ounty C ouncil approved Brinkmann Contractors of St. Louis as the builder for the county’s new 30,000 square foot emergency operations center (EOC) facility. The EOC will be located on 10 acres of land off TR Hughes Boulevard, behind the existing St. Charles County Police Department building in O’Fallon. After issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in May 2016, the county hired Landmark Contract Management of St. Louis to serve as owner’s consultant. Landmark worked with numerous county department directors and administrators during a six-month process from RFQ to builder selection. Brinkmann was chosen from a field of nine companies that responded to the RFQ posted in August 2016. The county narrowed the field to three and then conducted an eightweek process of interviews and proposal reviews. Numerous internal work sessions to discuss each team’s proposal were held with several county department directors and stakeholders; an evaluation team of five key county personnel scored the companies and their proposals. “Brinkmann had the highest technical score and the lowest cost proposal,” says St. Charles County Construction Manager Cory Bextermueller. “They presented their proposal and design process with a tremendous amount of energy and thought and we look forward to getting started on the project with them.” The new facility will house the day-to-day operations of the Department of Emergency Communications, St. Charles County Police Department’s Division of Emergency Management, and a data center for county information technology operations and the county-wide emergency radio communications system. Currently, the county’s data center and some
Submitted image This artist’s rendering shows what the completed St. Charles County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) facility will look like. The EOC will be located on 10 acres of land off TR Hughes Boulevard, behind the existing St. Charles County Police Department building in O’Fallon.
offices of the Department of Emergency Communications are located in the city of St. Charles. The Department of Emergency Communications also operates dispatching services and 911 operations from an office building in Wentzville. The Police Department Division of Emergency Management is located in the basement of the county’s jail in St. Charles. The project also includes an addition to the adjacent St. Charles County Police Department for an expansion of evidence storage. “We are pleased to be working with Brinkmann Constructors,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “Our team worked diligently to find the right fit for this project. The facility must be secure and resilient for public safety, emergency preparedness and critical response. I am confident our county team and Brinkmann Contractors will produce a 21st century building that provides the technology and space needed to better serve the 370,000 residents of St. Charles County. “As our population continues to grow, demand for these services is rising,” Ehlmann continues. “Now is the time to consolidate these operations into one, mission-critical facility that will sustain 365/24/7 operations during in any type of emergency
event or extreme condition.” This is the first time the county has engaged in the design-build process. The St. Charles County Council passed an ordinance in 2015, establishing the designbuild procedure and, in March 2016, authorized utilization of the process for the facility. All other county buildings have been constructed with the design-bid-build process. “Since the county had never used the design-build process before, we developed the evaluation procedures and the actual scoring sheets for them,” said Brad Hornburg, CEO of Landmark. “They were responsive to the process, and they worked hard to achieve an appropriate selection.” “Benefits of a design-build delivery method include time and cost savings, as well as improved risk management,” says Bextermueller. “Additionally, this process is known to increase creativity and innovation by maximizing the strengths of the contractor. We feel confident it is the best process for the County, given the highly specialized nature of this type of facility.” Work to complete schematic designs will begin immediately with site demolition and grading to start in April. It is anticipated the facility will be operational in late 2018.
Lighthouse for the Blind-St. Louis Earns award from National Industries for the Blind
www.CenterPointeHospital.com
Lighthouse for the Blind-St. Louis has been honored by National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, with the 2016 Employment Growth Award. The award recognizes Lighthouse for the Blind-St. Louis’ efforts to increase employment retention, growth and upward mobility for people who are blind. “We are particularly proud to receive NIB’s 2016 Employment Growth Award because 70 percent of working-age Americans who are blind are not employed,” said John Thompson, president of Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis, also known as LHB Industries, Inc.
“People in the blind community are one of the nation’s greatest untapped labor resources – that is why the Lighthouse and NIB lobby for policy changes to help people who are blind become more independent through job training, education and employment to earn steady income.” Kevin Lynch, NIB president and CEO, said, “It is an honor for me to recognize Lighthouse for the Blind-St. Louis with an Employment Growth Award for 2016. Lighthouse for the Blind-St. Louis continues to lead the way in creating employment and high-growth career opportunities for people who are blind.”
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 8, 2017
Moore On Life
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By Cindy Moore St. Dominic High School sees
record number of college signings
Photo courtesy St. Dominic High School The following St. Dominic High School seniors will continue their athletic endeavors at the collegiate level: (front) Mary Maloney, Megan Rossmann, Sydney Gorman, Madeline Bauer, Cate Sommerhof, (middle) Katanna Kortkamp, Kaylee Imming, Gabi Gevers, Mikah Bange, (back) Sam Pagano, Jacob Jones, Alex Hoff, Cole Birke, Collin Baker, Dominic Demerath, Jacob Larson, Max Messer. Not pictured: Bailey McNamee and Alaina Rothermich.
GAME ON I was recently sent out on an assignment of the utmost importance – to buy enough provisions to feed a small country. After bringing the last bag of groceries into the kitchen, I suddenly spied my husband dressed in military fatigues positioned in front of a gigantic American flag. His hands were behind his back until the last sack hit the counter. He then marched forward crisply, clicked his boots together and stared down his nose at me. “Soldier, have you completed your mission as outlined?” I saluted and barked back, “Sir, yes Sir!” “Then fall in line and report.” “Sir, yes Sir!” “At ease.” He said as he unfolded a list and loudly called out, “Chili cheese dogs!” “Affirmative!” “Buffalo wings with ranch dressing!” “Got ‘em!” “Pizza!” “Yes Sir!” “With extra packages of those little cheesy sprinkles I like so well?” ”Nothing but the best Sir!” “Someone’s bucking for pro-
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motion. Good work! Now then, little wieners and barbecue sauce?” “Ab s o l u t e l y a n d b a c o n wrapped as well, Sir!” He began to giggle then felt embarrassed and clicked his heels loudly again then continued, “Baby back ribs, jalapeno poppers, chips and salsa, cheddar potato skins, beverages?” All were confirmed up until he inquired about the meat and cheese platter. “Sir, no sir”! I said. He got so close our eyeballs touched. “Explain yourself, Soldier!” He growled. “Well,” I began, “I thought since there was enough fatty food to choke the arteries of a small herd of elephants, that it would be prudent to include a tray of carrots, kale and cauliflower.” “What!? This is the Super Bowl we’re talking about. If I want my arteries cleansed, I’ll take a fire hose and stick it down my throat full throttle! This game calls for man food and I expect full compliance when I issue a command and not some tea party snacks for sissified veg-
etable eaters. Are you working with the enemy? Now drop and give me 50 pushups!” “Okay Patton!” I whooped. “That’s it! You have crossed the line. All this is going back and you’re getting spinach SALAD!” He dropped to the ground and grabbed me around the knees whimpering, “Sorry! I got into character too much. How can I make it up to you?” “Alright, I’ll make the snacks, if you make sure and call me in only for the million-dollar commercials.” We reached an agreement. Isn’t this how all nations should achieve peace? 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.
St. Dominic High School celebrated its largest signing class in school history at a National Letter of Intent signing ceremony. As of Feb. 1, 19 St. Dominic students will continue their athletic endeavors at the college level: • Collin Baker – Columbia College – Soccer • Mikah Bange – Culver Stockton – Soccer • Madeline Bauer – Quincy University – Soccer • Cole Birke – Quincy University – Baseball • Dominic Demerath – Missouri Baptist University – Football • Sydney Gorman – Quincy University – Soccer • Alex Hoff – Jefferson College – Baseball • Kaylee Imming – Quincy University – Soccer • Jacob Jones – Truman State University – Football • Katanna Kortkamp – Lindenwood University – Soccer • Jacob Larson – Missouri University of Science and
Technology – Football • Gabrielle Gevers – University of Alabama – Rowing • Mary Maloney – Quincy University – Soccer • Bailey McNamee – Clarke University – Soccer • Max Messer – Quincy University – Football • Sam Pagano – Quincy University – Baseball • Megan Rossmann – Benedictine College – Lacrosse • Alaina Rothermich – Quincy University – Volleyball • Cate Sommerhof – Rockhurst University – Soccer
‘Grey Gardens,’ ‘Follies’ top nominations for Fifth Annual St. Louis Theater Circle Awards Max & Louie Productions’ presentation of “Grey Gardens” and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ production of “Follies,” which kicked off The Rep’s 50th anniversary season, with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively, lead a glittering array of talent nominated for the fifth annual St. Louis Theater Circle Awards. The awards honor outstanding achievement in locally produced professional theater for the calendar year 2016. This year’s ceremony will be held on March 20 at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts on the
campus of Chaminade College Preparatory School at 425 South Lindbergh Blvd. Tickets are $15 apiece and can be obtained by contacting Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com or at the Viragh Center box office on the night of the event. The awards event will include two new categories devoted exclusively to opera productions created by local professional opera companies. Nominees from Opera Theatre Saint Louis, Union Avenue Opera and Winter Opera St. Louis are among the contenders.
The 2017 presentation will feature nominees from six companies being represented for the first time in consideration of St. Louis Theater Circle Awards. Those companies are ACT INC, Equally Represented Arts, Winter Opera St. Louis, Young Liars, the Tennessee Williams Festival and Variety Children’s Theatre. Top contenders for awards besides “Grey Gardens” and “Follies” include “The Drowsy Chaperone” at Stages St. Louis, “42nd Street” at The Muny and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis.
The Rep leads all companies with 24 nominations, followed by 12 nominations for St. Louis Shakespeare. Max & Louie Productions, Stages St. Louis, Stray Dog Theatre and The Muny each had 11 nominations, while Shakespeare Festival St. Louis garnered 10 nominations. In all, 27 local companies received nominations in 33 categories for comedy, drama, musical and opera. There are 119 individuals up for awards, led by local actor Will Bonfiglio, who is nominated in a record four different categories.
With Love Caterin again will cater the event, offering preordered food as well as drinks will be available on a cash basis. Tickets for the pre-ceremony buffet must be reserved and paid for in advance. Menu description and buffet tickets can be obtained at 314-637-7907 or www.withlovecatering.com. Nominations for the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards are divided into categories for musicals, dramas, comedies and opera. More than 120 local professional theatrical productions were presented in the St. Louis area.
8
Around Town
February 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
New housing starts show four-year trend in St. Charles County
w w w. s e n iorshelpings e niors .com/stcharl e s w w w. s e n iorshelping s e niors .com/st l ouis ce nt ra l
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Why do you read the Community News? Pick up your copy at a newsstand today or check us out online, www.mycnews.com
For the fourth consecutive year, single family housing permits totaled just more than 1,700 in St. Charles County according to annual figures from the County’s Department of Community Development. For 2016, the county and municipalities issued 1,718 permits; 1,706 in 2015, 1,704 in 2014, and 1,742 in 2013. Wentzville led the community for the fifth consecutive year with 636 single family housing permits issued in 2016. Second was O’Fallon with 381, followed by St. Charles City with 263 and unincorporated St. Charles County with 128. “St. Charles County continues to lead the St. Louis region with approximately 50 percent of all
new home construction,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “We have all clearly settled into a new, sustainable pattern.” In 2007, prior to the recession, 2,124 permits were issued in St. Charles County. The historic high point was 2002, when there were 5,069. “While most home builders are still focused on storyand-a-half and ranch style family homes, we also are seeing some diversity in the new housing,” says Mike Hurlbert, Director of the St. Charles County Department of Community Development. “Multi-family housing helps to better accommodate the needs of Boomers, Millennials and
entry-level workers.” In 2016, 81 multi-family housing permits for 646 units were issued in St. Charles County. In 2015, there were 68 permits for 482 units, in 2014, 128 permits for 883 units, and in 2013, 74 permits for 333 units. “We need to not only serve the existing population as they move through the stages of life,” County Executive Ehlmann says, “but ensure our community and region build enough diverse housing stock to attract the new residents we need to meet employment demands as the economy continues to grow.”
St. Charles County has winter warm up with controlled park burn
www.treesbywoody.net
The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department conducted its first prescribed burn of the year on Feb. 1, at Klondike Park, Highway 94 South near Augusta. The weather conditions were perfect for managing a prescribed burn, which is essential to the growth of the natural habitat within the St. Charles County Parks system. The department’s Natural Resource team and volunteers, led by Supervisor Nick Dziuba, burned 20 acres of native warm seeded grasses along Highway 94 in the park.
“Controlled park burns promote the growth of many grass, sedge and wildflower species that have become suppressed in the dense shaded areas and are extremely important for wildlife survival,” says Parks Director Bettie YahnKramer. “They also help eliminate invasive and undesirable species, such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) on park property.” Anyone with questions about park prescribed burn activities should contact the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636-949-7535.
The Ambassadors of Harmony chorus opens applications for scholarship
www.wentzville-mo.minutemanpress.com
The Ambassadors of Harmony men’s chorus opened the application period of its 2017 college scholarship. AOH offers an annual $1,000 scholarship to a male high school senior participating in his school’s vocal music program. This year the footprint has been expanded to include not only St. Charles County, but also St. Louis City and St. Louis County. The scholarship is open to male high school seniors. To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant’s school must be in St. Charles County,
St. Louis City or St. Louis County, they must write an essay explaining qualifications for scholarship and provide recommendation letters from current and/or former choral directors in addition to a copy of an acceptance letter from an accredited college or university. Applications must be received by May 15. The presentation of the award will occur at The Ambassadors of Harmony show on June 17. For further details, and an application, visit aoh.org/scholarship.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 8, 2017
Wentzville School District students participate in Mastercard’s Girls4Tech program
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Photo courtesy Wentzville School District These students from Frontier Middle School are participating in a Girls4Tech program sponsored by Mastercard to drive interest and encourage young girls to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related careers.
Middle school girls in the Wentzville School District are participating in a Girls4Tech program sponsored by Mastercard to drive interest and encourage young girls to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related careers. Girls4Tech is a hands-on, inquiry-based program that connects the foundations of Mastercard’s business to STEM principles and shows students that it takes all kinds of interests and skills to pursue a STEM career. The curriculum is based on global science and math standards and was created in conjunction with Mastercard’s top engineers and technologists. “The demand for tech-related skills in the workplace is high and will only continue to grow,” said Dr. Karen Hill, WSD Director of Professional & Program Development. “Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM careers, but with the help of Mastercard and programs like Girls4Tech, we’re working to open the door and share opportunities many young girls may not even know exist.” Twenty-five female students have been selected from each of the WSD middle schools to participate in the half-day educational field trip
where Mastercard employees serve as mentors and role models as they guide participants through various technology exercises. Students are invited to hone their skills at six stations set up at the Mastercard headquarters in O’Fallon: Cryptology, Big Data, Local Intelligence, Digital Convergence, Algorithms and Fraud Detection. “Mastercard believes that workplace diversity is critical in driving our business, and through initiatives like Girls4Tech, we are empowering and cultivating future leaders and technologists,” shares Amanda Gioia, Vice President, Global Communications, MasterCard. “While girls typically outpace boys in math in primary and secondary school levels, this often does not translate into careers in STEM. It’s critical that we share our passion for technology with girls who might not have considered or been exposed to these possibilities. It’s our mission to ensure that women have an equal and fair opportunity to grow and prosper in STEM careers,” she added. Launched in April 2014, more than 12,000 girls have participated in Girls4Tech workshops in thirteen countries, with over than 800 employees acting as mentors and role models.
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Francis Howell offers community education classes The Francis Howell School District launched a Community Education Program at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year. The purpose of the program is to enrich the lives of FHSD citizens by providing quality, affordable educational opportunities and activities for the adults in our community. Last fall, more than 40 community members participated in yoga, the initial class offering. For second semester, the Community Education Program curriculum has been expanded to include five new classes. For more information, or to register for a Community Education class, please visit the district website at www.fhsdschools. org / c om mu n it y / c om mu n it y _ education_program. The Community Education Program is paid for by participant registration fees. If you are interested in teaching a class, please contact the FHSD Communications Department at 636-851-4602.
Internet Safety Feb. 8, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Internet safety is something we should all take seriously to ensure our finances, private information and identity remain protected. Canvas Painting Feb. 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. This course will expose participants to a variety of subject matter, and allow you to experiment with acrylic painting on canvas. Facebook 101 Feb. 22 and March 27 – 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. This course will introduce participants to Facebook and help you create accounts, learn how to navigate the platform and how to find people and groups of interest. Financial Retirement Planning March 7, 6 – 8 p.m. Achieving the dream of a secure, comfortable retirement is much easier when you manage your finances and plan your retirement right! Lifesaver CPR - TBD This course is designed to provide the fundamental skills and confidence to perform CPR on adult, children or infants
www.lwcs.us
10
Sports
February 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Sports you see with Gary B...
www.accents-salon.com
UMSL tallies 19 against top softball rivals The No. 22 ranked University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s softball team scored 19 runs in 10 innings of play recently picking up two victories at the Gulf Coast Invitational in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The Tritons (3-1) defeated Miles College, 9-1, and Barry, 10-1, both in five-inning shortened games. Senior Alex Stupek became the program’s alltime career leader in runs scored in the second game and has now crossed the plate 139 times, passing Jena Boudreau (2012-15) who scored 138 career runs. Go to www.UMSLTritons.com for more details. *One for the record books Be part of Cottleville’s parade by running The ninth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is March 11 and the run will take place prior to the parade, winding down highway N in Cottleville. Run Director Tom Smoot invites you to register online register online to beat the crowd. Go to www.StPatParade.org for all the details. *Buy those running shoes Ambush score ten to no avail The St. Louis Ambush had their highestscoring game of the season recently at the US Cellular Arena in Cedar Rapids, but it still wasn’t enough to post a win. The Ambush dropped the contest 13-10 against the Rampage dropping their record to 1-15 Ambush Head Coach Tony Glavin was happy with the team’s scoring efforts, but disappointed in the outcome. “We fought hard and mounted a good comeback attempt in the second half but we also gave up silly goals and if you give up silly goals, you lose,” Glavin commented. *Back to the drawing board
www.byerlyrv.com
Women at Lindenwood score best for the season – again The Lady Lions gymnastics team collected a team score of 194.125 on Sunday in Denton, Texas, a tenth of a point better than last week’s season-best mark. The team also won four individual titles and defeated Texas Woman’s in a MIC dual. Lindenwood won the vault and beam in the dual meet, while the Pioneers won the bars and floor. The big difference came on the beam where the Lady Lions excelled. Kierstin Sokolowoski had a big afternoon for the Lady Lions, winning the vault and beam competitions. She tied for first on the vault and won on the beam with a fourth finish on the bars. Ryan Henry competed in the all-around for the first time in her career, and won that competition. She participated on the vault, bars, beam, and on the floor. The other individual winner for the Lady Lions was Katey Oswalt who captured the floor title. Her score tied for the best overall score in the event. Other top scores on the day included Aubree Horn on the bars and Breanna Franklin on the beam. Lindenwood has now won three straight competitions, and is 5-4 on the season. The Lady Lions will be in action next Friday at Missouri, in an event that also includes Iowa State and George Washington. *Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information
I will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com 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.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 8, 2017
Love is in the air – every day!
C
hocolates? Roses? Been there, done that. Everyone wants to make sure the special someone in their lives knows how much they care. Here are some easy and fun ways to prove that he or she is number one in your book. Make a Playlist of “Your Songs” Whether it was playing when you first met or is the soundtrack to your favorite movie, every couple has songs that mean something special to them. In the car, leave a CD or MP3 player stocked with your most memorable tunes as a special surprise and a suddenly-better commute. Do the house chores. Seriously. Fix that item you’ve been saying you would fix forever. When they get home, have all the chores done, that way the only thing left to do is enjoy each other’s company. Put Pen to Paper Hide little notes with heartfelt sentiments on the refrigerator, on the nightstand, taped to the computer screen – any place they might stumble upon it throughout a typical day.
Learn & Play
SUDOKU: 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.
Barefoot Bubbly Ruby Red Bliss Makes: 2 servings
Ingredients: 3 ounces cranberry juice 1/2 ounce lime juice 6 ounces Barefoot Red Moscato Champagne 2 skewer cranberries for garnish Directions: Place chilled juices in flutes. Top with Barefoot Bubbly Red Moscato. Garnish with cranberries.
Raise a Glass and Indulge – Together Toast each other with some tasty treats. Pop some bubbly, then enjoy mixing these recipes together. For more romantic wines and recipes, visit www.barefootwines.com.
Sweetheart Dark Chocolate Brownies Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Makes: 10+ servings
Photo courtesy of Getty Images Ingredients: For the brownies: 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped 2 eggs, at room temperature 3/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt For the glaze: 2 ounces semisweet chocolate 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In small pot over low heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter and 4 ounces of dark chocolate together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, and whisk to combine after each addition. Add sugar and vanilla and stir to combine. Add flour, cocoa powder and salt and stir until smooth. Transfer batter into a 9 x 9 aluminum foil lined baking pan and place it into the oven for 25 minutes and bake until done. While brownies are baking, melt together semisweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter for the glaze. Once melted, set aside. When brownies are done, let them cool. Once cooled, drizzle glaze over brownies, and spread it on top using an offset spatula.
See solution on page 13
Crossword Puzzle – Theme: Black History Month ACROSS 1. a.m. slice 6. “____ humbug!” 9. French Sudan, today 13. Opposite of bonjour 14. *Jesse Owens’ team 15. Take exception to 16. Brightest star in Cygnus 17. Snowmobile runner 18. On the rocks 19. Highest level 21. *”Hidden ____,” movie (2016) 23. ____ Luis Obispo 24. Goes with rave 25. Scepter’s partner 28. Heat in a microwave 30. Greek poet from Lesbos 35. Road shoulder 37. Irritate 39. Lively olden-day dance 40. Diva’s delivery 41. *Public ____ hip hop group 43. Wild ox of India 44. Tropical smoothie flavor 46. Charades, e.g. 47. ____ Pound, poet 48. Chest pain 50. Pop group “’N ____” 52. Mary Kay’s last name 53. A long walk 55. To boot 57. *Emancipation Proclamation President 61. *Dodgers’ Rookie of the Year in 1947 64. Perfect 65. Lennon’s wife 67. Hop-drying kilns 69. Facial growth 70. “Is,” no longer 71. Express a thought 72. Fill beyond full 73. Indefinite degree 74. Seventh month of Hebrew calendar DOWN 1. Little bit 2. Lyric poem, pl. 3. Hokkaido native 4. “____ Like Old Times” 5. *Railroad conductor 6. Portrait sculpture 7. Pose a question 8. Israeli port
9. Carte du jour 10. Gulf V.I.P. 11. Playwright Clare Booth ____ 12. Wraths 15. Soldier’s ID 20. Habituate 22. Opposite of outs 24. News announcement to the press 25. *44th President 26. Was rebroadcast 27. Carry something 29. *Espoused civil disobedience 31. 1950s pin-up Bettie 32. Eloise’s residence 33. Meryl Streep’s “The ____”(2002) 34. *Philanthropist Winfrey 36. Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior 38. *Harry Belafonte, first African-Ameri-
can to win one (1960) 42. Gossipmonger 45. Wait on a phone 49. Be unwell 51. Pupa’s shelter 54. “Little ____ fact” 56. Giraffe’s cousin 57. “Mad ____” word game 58. Lightbulb over head? 59. Whiskey without water 60. Nurse’s attention 61. *____ Gibson, “the black Babe Ruth” 62. a.k.a. The Islamic State 63. Europe’s highest volcano 66. *1831 slave rebellion leader 68. *Obama before becoming President See answers on page 13
12
What’s Happening
February 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Feb. 9: Entrepreneurship event
Local community leaders, faculty, staff and students will have an opportunity to attend an informative, engaging event at Lindenwood University in St. Charles called “Left, Right, & Center: Coming Together to Support ReEntry and Entrepreneurship.” The session will feature a wide variety of panel discussions and dinner with Chef Jeff Henderson providing the keynote address at 6:15 p.m. Chef Jeff is creator of the Food Network reality show series, “The Chef Jeff Project.” He is also the exciting host of the new innovative television series “Flip My Food.” The event takes place at Lindenwood University – Anheuser-Busch Leadership Room in the Spellmann Center (209 South Kingshighway in St. Charles). RSVP online at www.Hammond.Institute. This event is free and open to the general public. As indicated, registration is required. For questions or more information, contact Carol Felzien at the Hammond Institute by calling 636-627-2915 or via email at CFelzien@lindenwood.edu.
and carpeting, and what cannot, such as yard waste and tires, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/bulk-waste. Or contact Environmental Services at 636-272-0477 or ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.
Feb. 12: Concert
St. Louisan singer-songwriter Erin Bode is scheduled to perform at Zion Lutheran Church in St. Charles at 3866 S. Old Highway 94 in St. Charles at 3 p.m. Music from her latest album, “Here and Now,” will be featured at this concert. Tickets may be purchased at iTickets.com. Tickets are also available at the church office prior to the concert and at the door on the day of the performance. Ticket prices are $10 general admission, $5 students (grade eight and under). For more information and directions, log on to www.zionharvester.org or contact Mark Thoelke, Minister of Music at 636-441-7425.
Feb. 14: Time for Tea speaker series
Comedians Paul Varghese and Dulcé Sloan will headline St. Charles Community College’s Comedy Night. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. in the theater of the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the SCC campus in Cottleville. The show is rated PG-13. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for SCC students with a valid ID. Purchase tickets online at stchastickets. com or through the SCC box office at 636-922-8050. For more information, including information about group rates, contact Mandi Smith, SCC student activities coordinator, at 636922-8469 or asmith@stchas.edu.
The Time for Tea speaker series returns to the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre from 1-3 p.m. with EmmyAward winning voice talent and professional actor, Mary Saputo. Mary will bring back great memories of a bygone era with a presentation on America’s Sweetheart, Shirley Temple. Those attending are encouraged to bring along any Shirley Temple memorabilia you have to share with the group. The cost is $10 per person and includes dessert, tea and/or coffee. St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre members receive $1 off admission. Register in person at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre or by phone at 636-397-6903, ext. 1624. When registering, be sure to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located inside St. Peters City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.
Feb. 11: Bulk waste drop-off
Feb. 18: Bowling fundraiser
Feb. 11: Comedy night
Open and free to city residents enrolled in O’Fallon’s trash collection service, items that are too large to fit into the city’s curbside trash containers can be brought to the O’Fallon waste transfer station, free, from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. To use the drop-off, customers need a current photo ID with their O’Fallon address and must unload their own items. For directions to the site and information about what can be dropped off, such as furniture
The Tri County Citizens Advisory Board invites you to the 18th Annual Crazy Bowl at O’Fallon Bowling Lane at 420 Sonderen St. in O’Fallon. Registration is at 5:30 p.m., bowling begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per bowler and includes three games of bowling, bowling shoe rental and prizes. Cash bar is available. To reserve your place call Esther Angelos at 636-441-0329 or Melinda Oliver at 636-940-3333 ext. 240. Ninety percent of your con-
tribution is tax deductible as allowed by law.
Feb. 18-19: Theater performance
Young People’s Theatre will perform “Aesop’s Musical Foibles” at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 18, and 2 p.m. Feb. 19, in the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building auditorium on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com, in the Continuing Education office in Humanities Building Room 103 or by calling 636-922-8233.
cluding veterans, family members, or other beneficiaries, as well as, congressional stakeholders, Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), Non-Governmental Organizations and community partners. The Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a concurrent resource fair and will have individuals on site to answer questions about health care eligibility, applying for benefits, information on mental health services, burial benefits and much more.No registration is required and the event is free to attend.
Feb. 24: Trivia night
Friedens Peace UCC is again holding their Special Recipe Fried Chicken Dinner from noon to 6 p.m. at 3560 Mill Street in New Melle. There will be mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, baked beans and slaw as well as corn bread and your choice of dessert. All that for just $11 for adults and carry-outs, kids age 11-6 are $5.50 and those five and under are free. There will also be a country store and raffle of free dinner tickets and a quilt. For more information call 636-828-5980 or email friedenpeace@gmail.com.
Donna Boxx Architects and The Agency Real Estate Reinvented present the Fifth Annual Trivia Night benefiting ShowMe Aquatics and Fitness and individuals with developmental disabilities at Immanuel Lutheran Fellowship Hall at 115 South 6th Street in St. Charles. Doors open at 6 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m. Cost is $160 per team of eight or $20 per person (individuals and teams less than eight will be combined). Beer, soda and water are included. Snacks permitted. Make reservations early, space is limited. For reservations, contact Kathleen at 636896-0999.
Feb. 19: Organ recital
Feb. 24: Trivia night
Feb. 19: Fried chicken dinner
St. John’s own organist, Travis Evans, will present a recital featuring a variety of music on the organ, known as the “king of all instruments” at 3 p.m. at St. John United Church of Christ at 405 S Fifth St. in St. Charles.
Feb. 19: Smoked sausage supper
Don’t miss out on Zion’s annual allyou-can-eat Sausage Supper featuring delicious whole-hog smoked pork sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, applesauce and desserts. Dine-in and carry-out meals are served from 11:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children six through 12; ages five and under are free. Zion Lutheran Church is located at 3866 S. Old Highway 94 in St. Charles, just East of Hwy 364 (Page Extension) at the Woodstone Drive exit. For more information call 636-441-7425.
Feb. 19-20: Theater auditions
Wentzville Christian Church announces auditions for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” on Feb. 19 from 1- 2 p.m. for ages 11-14 and 2 – 6 p.m. for ages 15 and older; and on Feb. 20 from 5 – 6 p.m. for ages 11-14 and 6 – 9 p.m. for ages 15 and older. Those auditioning should come prepared to sing 16-32 measures of a Broadway style song. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring your own sheet music in the correct key. Actors will also be asked to learn and perform a short dance. Please check the church website (www.wentzvillecc.org) for additional information. Production dates are May 5 -7. Wentzville Christian Church is located at 1507 Highway Z in Wentzville. If you have any questions, please call Tammy Rodenbaugh at 636-219-3238.
Feb. 21: Veterans town hall meeting
Veterans, service-members, National Guard, Reservist and family members are invited to participate in a town hall meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. at VFW Post 3944 in the Bingo Hall (top of the hill) at 10815 Midland Blvd. in St. Louis. The town hall will serve as an open forum for all service members and a listening session for VA leadership, with the goal of ensuring veterans, their families, and beneficiaries have the opportunity to be heard, and have their concerns addressed by senior VA officials. Representatives from the St. Louis VA Regional Office will be in attendance to provide information on benefits and offer claims assistance. A representative from Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Administration will also be in attendance to answer questions and offer assistance. The town hall is open to the public, in-
The St. Charles Community College Employee Sponsored Program will host its annual Trivia Night to raise funds for SCC scholarships, campus enhancements and employee support initiatives. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m. The event will be held in the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building auditorium on the St. Charles Community College campus in Cottleville. Tickets cost $25 per person or $200 per table of eight. Beer, wine, soda and water are included, and teams are welcome to bring snacks. The theme is the 1990s and there will be a prize for best decorated table, and costumes are encouraged. For more information and to register, visit stchas.edu/trivia. For accommodations information, email dss@stchas.edu.
Feb. 24: Choral singers
Ladies! Do you enjoy singing? Having fun? Women’s a cappella chorus would love to share their music with new singers! All parts welcome. For more information contact the St. Louis Chordinals at 314-780-2322.
Feb. 24: Art exhibition
St. Charles Community College will display the artwork of regional artists until Feb. 24 at the Beyond the Surface Art Exhibition. Elizabeth Simmons Allen, Jason Hoeing, Joanna Hoge, Cary Horton, Lindsay Obermeyer, Laura Skroska and Elizabeth Willey will be featured in the hallway gallery of the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building (FAB) in combination with a separate collaborative exhibition by Jennifer Colten and Jesse Vogler in FAB, Room 106. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday. The gallery is located in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building. Parking for patrons is free in the campus Blue and Yellow lots.
Feb. 25: Tasting event fundraiser
Celebrate Life, Celebrate Local – a tasting event benefitting SSM Health Hospice and Home Health Foundation takes place from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Foundry Art Centre at 520 N Main Center in St. Charles. Cost is $35 in advance; $45 at the door. Dress is casual/ business casual. This event is sure to please the palette with a combination of some of Missouri’s finest wine, beer and spirit makers, food and sweets. Sip and savor a wide range of wines, spirits and delectable goodies – all while supporting a wonderful cause. For more information or to purchase tickets call Heather Selsor 314-682-1053 or visit: http://www.ssmhealthathome.com/ celebrate-life-celebrate-local.
Feb. 28: Pancake Day
For over 60 years the St. Charles
Kiwanis Club has held their Pancake Day on Fat Tuesday. This year it will be from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Blanchette Memorial Hall. Tickets are $7 for adults in advance and $8 at the door. Children’s tickets are $5. There will be all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage. You can buy tickets in advance by calling John Pallardy at 636-946-7088. All the proceeds go to supporting the St. Charles area youth. These include sponsoring the Duchesne High School Key Club, the St. Charles West and High Key Clubs, in addition to the Sts. Joachim & Ann, St. Cletus, and Hardin Builders Clubs.
March 2: Financial series for women
A Women’s Financial Education Series to be offered this spring is designed to help individuals, especially women, increase their current level of financial knowledge, develop confidence in their decision-making ability, and gain control of their lives through informed money management. This five-session series will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, March 2 through March 30. The location is St. Charles Community College at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. The sessions will focus on financial management, credit, insurance, planning for retirement, investing and estate planning. The cost of the program is $49; scholarships are available. Each participant will receive a financial workbook and many other resources. This financial program is sponsored by University of Missouri Extension, St. Charles Community College and other local coalition members. For information, contact Suzanne Gellman at 636-9703000 or email gellmans@missouri.edu. To register, call 636-922-8233 or register online at www.stchas.edu/coned. Visit http://extension.missouri.edu/ wfes for more information. University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all.
March 3: Trivia night
Fort Zumwalt South marching band will host its annual trivia night at the O’Fallon Elks Lodge 1163 Tom Ginnever Ave. in O’Fallon. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., trivia starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $200 for tables of eight or $25 a person. Cash prizes for first and second place. There will be a basket raffle 50/50 and other games. Outside food allowed; however, no outside beverages allowed. Must be 21 years of age to attend. Any questions call Anna 314-591-1448 or email Annaalles73@ gmail.com.
March 4: Trivia night
United Services for Children invites you to “In Cahoots,” its ninth annual trivia night. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Pezold Banquet Center (KC Hall) in Cottleville, located at 5701 State Highway N. Trivia will begin at 6 p.m. STL Trivia Guy will be back by popular demand, posing the questions in this highly interactive, entertaining event. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winning teams. Create your team identity with costumes and table decorations. Bring your own food and snacks. Draft beer and soda are included in the ticket price. Mixed drinks and wine will be available for a minimal charge. (No outside liquor allowed.) Reservations are required. Tickets available at www. unitedservicesforchildren.org.
March 24: Country music concert
Country artists Leona and Ron Williams will appear at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre Performing Arts Theatre at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets for $13.99 (plus service fee of 3.5 percent) by calling 1-800-838-3006 or online at brownpapertickets.com. Any seats still available will be $20 at the door. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 8, 2017
ONGOING EVENTS Sundays and Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting
The Central Missouri Railroad Association meets at Suite 20 in the Warrenton Outlet Mall. This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more info call 636-2795522 or 636-456-0776.
Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly Take off pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Grace at 636-9464687.
Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly
TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Highway in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please all Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.
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 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 636561-6947.
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.
Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club
Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.
Mondays: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting
The Seasoned Eye Carvers meet every Monday from 9am to noon at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center, 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.
Mondays, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes 9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314.369.6521.
Mondays: Chronic pain support group
American Chronic Pain Association is a support group for and by people experiencing chronic pain. Group meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 3 – 5 p.m. at the Spencer Road Library in St Peters. Important: This is an anonymous group (first names only).
3rd Monday of Each Month: Life After Loss support group Support group for families who have
lost a loved one to heroin/opiate addiction. 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital Campus in Room 212 of Professional Building 1. Contact: geevigna@charter.net. No registration required
zheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/ stl.
Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal
Spotlight
1 – 4 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.
Gateway Spotlight is a women’s a capella chorus that meets at First United Methodist Church at 801 first Capitol Dr. in St. Charles every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. Call 636-2566823 for more details.
Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting
Tuesdays: Cribbage
Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club
St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.
Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee
Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and camaraderie. Come meet with fellow veterans who served our country and share your experience.
1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society
6:30pm at various locations. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org; Jeanne at 314.605.8563.
2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America 7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www. showmestitchers.com.
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. $6 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-1 p.m. at Bogey Hills Country Club at 1120 Country Club Rd. in St. Charles. Membership in Kiwanis offers you the opportunity to benefit your community and its youth by serving with like-minded people. If you are interested in making a positive impact for generations to come, please join us. For more information please call 636-448-4277. You can also find us at http://stcharleskiwanis.com
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: Meeting
Toastmasters
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.
Tuesdays: St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association Male Caregiver Experience
The group meets on fourth Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Road Library at the Community Commons, 427 Spencer Rd. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male Caregiver Experience, please call the Al-
Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the IHOP at 3851 Veterans Memorial Dr. in St. Peters. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.
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.
Wednesdays: Talk
Veterans
Coffee
Veterans from all branches of the service are invited to attend “Coffee Talk” every Wednesday at. 9 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 3601 Ehlmann Rd. in St. Charles (Take I-70 to the Cave Springs exit). We will have applications for VA health care, applications for the honor flight, reports from local American Legion and VFW halls and lots of good comradery. Come join us for free coffee and donuts and enjoy an hour with your fellow veterans.
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: 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.
Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club
Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at Rookies Bar and Grill at 3721 New Town Rd. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.
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.
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
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday: Winfield Foley Firefighters Association Bingo.
What’s Happening
Doors open at 5:00 pm, bingo at 6:30 pm. Bingo hall is next door to County Market in the Winfield Plaza on Hwy 47. For more information, call 636566-6621 or 636-566-8406.
1st and 3rd Wednesday Each: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers
7pm – 9pm. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp.
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.
Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly
Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the parish hall of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church at 907 Jungermann Rd. in St. Peters. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. Weigh-ins begin at 9 a.m. Contact Judy Bauer at 636-541-2263 for further information.
Thursdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)
Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in the United Methodist Church at 725 N. Wall St. in Wentzville. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. For more information call Mary Stassi at 636-357-1387.
Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings
The O’Fallon Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bank of Old Monroe T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon.
Thursdays: Lions Club meetings
St. Charles Lions Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton Street in St. Charles. Contact Art for more info at 636-441-1831. New members are welcome.
3rd 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.
Thursdays: Alzheimer’s caregiver support group
On the first Thursday of each month an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group meets from 6. – 7:30 p.m. at Barathaven Alzheimer’s Special Care Center at 1030 Barathaven Boulevard in Dardenne Prairie.
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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.
Thursdays: Alzheimer’s education nights
Family educational nights take place on the second Thursday of each month from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Barathaven Alzheimer’s Special Care Center at 1030 Barathaven Boulevard in Dardenne Prairie. These events are designed to educate individuals about Alzheimer’s and dementia and best practices when caregiving for a loved one.
Thursdays: Rotary Club breakfast
Every Thursday at 7:30 a.m., except the last Thursday of the month, the O’Fallon Rotary Club meets for breakfast at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Gym at 8945 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. We are a fraternal group that does good in the community and worldwide while having fun.
Thursdays: Yoga series
Join Barathaven Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in 2017 as they launch their Zen to End Alzheimer’s series. There will be monthly, donation-based yoga classes to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. The classes will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 6 – 7 p.m. at Barathaven Alzheimer’s Special Care Center at 1030 Barathaven Boulevard in Dardenne Prairie. These are gentle, all levels classes. Each class will be led by a certified instructor. Don’t forget to bring your yoga mat! RSVP with Sheena Rogers at 636-329-9160 or sheena.rogers@jeaseniorliving.com.
Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters 6:30am at IHOP (3851 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy St. Peters). 636.328.4941.
Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon
11:45am Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. Info: www.ofkiwanis.com.
Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting 7:30am, The Rendezvous Café at 217 South Main St. in O’Fallon. We welcome existing and potential members to visit and have breakfast with us. www.ofallonmo.rotary-clubs.org
Every Thursday: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 7-7:55pm Any 636.928.1928.
level.
Info:
Every Thursday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10am Free. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome.
2nd and 4th Thursdays: Alexander Chapter #242 Order of the Eastern Star Meetings
Every Thursday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Quilters
7:30pm, St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles.
SUDOKU answers from page 11
CROSSWORD answers from page 11
9am-2pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie.
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February 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
HELP WANTED
www.delmargardens.com/careers
STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS
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. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.
SERVICES PET CEMETERY
over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info
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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 8, 2017
LIEN SALE
CLASSIFIEDS
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February 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Movie
“Oscar Watch 2017”
By Steve Bryan
Did Meryl Streep really need to be nominated again? There are some actors and actresses that elevate just about any movie to a new level. For the most part, Meryl Streep falls into that category, turning in memorable performances in the heartbreaking biopic “Silkwood” as well as the amusing “It’s Complicated.” Her work in “The Devil Wears Prada” embodies every horrific boss that ever appeared on screen or in a real-life office. The actress has also been honored with multiple Academy Award nominations, taking home three statues over the years; the Golden Globes have also been appreciative of her talents. Streep’s 20th Oscar nomination this year for “Florence Foster Jenkins,” however, is a huge mistake. While the subject matter is fascinating and Streep does a credible job in the title role, this
is an extremely tedious film. In real life, Jenkins was a wealthy socialite with dreams of becoming a great singer. Though blessed with ambition and desire, her singing voice was, by many accounts, painful to endure. Still, thanks to her generous donations to the arts, Jenkins was able to perform in many venues, including a final concert at Carnegie Hall. To her credit, Streep captures the passion of Florence Foster Jenkins throughout the film. Yet, Hugh Grant, as Jenkins’ long-time companion St. Clair Bayfield, turns in a much more compelling performance than Streep. Bayfield created a fantasy world for Jenkins, allowing her to fulfill her dreams without cold reality creeping in. Whether those actions were kind or cruel is still hard to determine. “Florence Foster Jenkins” might be worth adding to a Netflix queue but, like the title character, it is not Streep’s best work. Unquestionably the actress has abundant talent, making Miranda Priestly an extremely delicious cinematic villain in “The Devil Wears Prada.” As Sister Aloysius Beauvier in “Doubt,” she is positively chilling confronting a priest over his relationship with a young student. To be brutally honest, Streep’s competition in the Best Actress category is far more worthy this year. Coming off several noteworthy performances, Emma Stone is an odds-on favorite for her work in “La La Land.” Stone has worked hard and brought her A-game to this charming musical, which resonates strongly with every Hollywood hopeful. It would be a crime if Streep took
this one away from Stone simply because she is a Hollywood icon. Meryl Streep continues to surprise and amaze movie lovers, but she doesn’t always have to have a turn at bat, especially not for such a disappointment as “Florence Foster Jenkins.” Stone deserves the gold this year; Streep does not. Photos courtesy 20th Century Fox 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.
www.MastersGCR.com
www.westcommunitycu.org
www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex