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August 17, 2016

Speaking up from ‘Behind the Badge’ Around Town

New aquarium to open

Feature Section

Golden years

Studens excel at SkillsUSA

School

Scholarship awarded Photo by Ray Rockwell

Voices Behind the Badge founder Emily Brown, with videographer Jim Modglin and contributor Sammi.

Families of police officers go online to tell their stories of what their lives are like at home By Brett Auten Their stories frequently go untold. And when they are, oftentimes it is during a time of great duress, turbulence and strain. A recently-launched Facebook page is on a mission to change that. Voices Behind the Badge is a project that Emily Brown started because she and other family members of police officers oftentimes get the same question over and over; “what’s it like being married (or related to) a police officer?” “The idea came to me to shine a positive light on our police officers,” Brown, who is married to a St. Charles County police officer, said. “We always get a ton of questions.” So far, the response was been a thumbs up. With just a couple of videos posted, the site has generated 12,000-plus views in just over a month. The videos, that feature local families, are professionally done with a helping hand from videographer Jim Modglin from Blue Ocean Media Group.

Brown has also received inquiries from people out-of-state wanting to share their stories as well. With a simple placard that reads “This is My Voice Behind the Badge” the faces, voices and the stories of the people who are behind the badge start to unfurl. “It is scary to post who the actual people are,” Brown said. “We are looking for stories that do not have any political slant or anything of that nature. We want things to be right down the middle.” Each story, while given similar questions, is individually different. “We ask them all the same questions but every story will be different,” she said. “Some are proud, some are scary. There are good moments and there are bad. We just let them talk and tell it how they want to.” Though just in its infant stage, Brown is hoping Voices Behind the Badge will expand from Facebook to a full-fledged website that addresses families’ stories nation and worldwide.

“We want to be everywhere,” Brown said. “I would love to see it expand and take off and help people realize how po-

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Hosting and Toasting

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Movie: Dissapointments at 2016 box office

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Around Town Vol. 18 No. 33

In This Issue... 3 Around Town

New aquarium to be part of Union Station redevelopment and more.

4 Feature Section The Golden Years 8 School

Coldwell Banker scholarship awarded to Fort Zumwalt grad.

9 Business

St. Charles County on target to continue positive housing growth trend and more.

10 Sports

Local with sports Gary B.

11 Learn & Play Featuring recipe and crossword. 12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Movie

Disappointments at the 2016 summer box office.

August 17, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

BADGE Continued from cover lice officers sacrifice so much and that they are not the horrible people that some think that they are.” Brown moved to the region from Kansas City and her husband worked for the Troy Police Department for four years before moving over to St. Charles County. If through the site they are able to change one person’s preconceived notions about police officers, then their job has been done. “We want them to see what it’s like being their wives, their sons,” she said. “And not to judge a whole group of people on just a few who make mistakes. That’s the goal.” You can access Voices Behind

the Badge at www.facebook. com/voicesbehindthebadge. According to St. Charles County Police Department Public Affairs Officer Val Joyner, there are two resources, among others, that available to families of officers injured and killed in the line of duty. C.O.P.S. was organized in 1984 with 110 individual members. Today C.O.P.S. membership is over 37,000 families. Members include spouses, children, parents, siblings, significant others, and affected coworkers of officers killed in the line of duty according to Federal government criteria. C.O.P.S. is governed by a national board of law enforcement survivors. All programs and services are

administered by the National Office in Camdenton, Missouri. Started in 1959, The BackStoppers provides needed financial assistance and support to the spouses and dependent children of all police officers, firefighters and volunteer firefighters, and publicly-funded paramedics and EMTs in our coverage area who have lost their lives or suffered a catastrophic injury performing their duty. The BackStoppers continues to support the surviving spouse unless or until he or she remarries, and supports the surviving children until they reach age 21 or complete their post-secondary education. Deaths from natural causes, illnesses, or injuries are outside

the organization’s scope. The BackStoppers currently supports 78 families with 65 dependent children and has supported 157 families since 1959.

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri receives $225,000 gift to revitalize Camp Fiddlecreek Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri received a generous $225,000 gift from the Earl E. and Myrtle E. Walker Foundation. The money will support renovations and revitalizations at Camp Fiddlecreek in Labadie, Missouri, one of the organization’s three camps. Nestled on 83 wooded acres, Camp Fiddlecreek is the closest of the properties to the St. Louis metropolitan area, and is extremely popular with younger Girl Scouts. More than 11,800 girls participated in a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri camping experience last year. According to a 2014 study by the Girl Scout Research Institute, Girl Scouts build their selfesteem, gain leadership experience and develop a deep appreciation for nature through camp. Girls who attend camp say they learn how to be their best, treat others with respect and learn valuable decisionmaking and team-building skills. Girls also participate in various forms of physical activity, including canoeing, archery,

swimming, hiking and team games. The donation from the Walker Foundation will help girls have an even better experience at camp for generations to come. The Earl and Myrtle Walker family has an extensive history of investing in girls. With three daughters in Girl Scouts, Myrtle was a longtime volunteer, serving as troop leader, cookie manager and member of the organization’s board of directors. Myrtle was well-known for her eponymous 600-pound bronze turtles, which may be seen throughout the St. Louis area; two of Myrtle’s Turtles live near the shore of Camp Fiddlecreek’s Walker Lake, also named for the family. Earl Walker passed away in 2011 and Myrtle died in March of this year at age 95. The transformative gift makes possible numerous renovations and updates at Camp Fiddlecreek, which will include upgrading two lodges, the swimming pool and dining hall, and constructing a day outing shelter

by the newly opened climbing wall and zipline. The donation will also cover the cost of a spider web-like climbing facility and parking lot. The Walker family hopes the generous gift will inspire others to invest in girls. Additionally, the camp will host Camp Keeper Service days, inviting Girl Scouts, their families and community members to assist with painting, repair, trail work and small building projects. “The Walker family has made a tremendous difference in the lives of girls, and this gift will help even more Girl Scouts get in touch with nature, create lasting friendships and build confidence at camp,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO. “We are honored by the entire Walker family’s commitment to developing today’s girls into tomorrow’s leaders through quality outdoor experiences.”

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 17, 2016

Around Town

New aquarium to be part of Union Station redevelopment

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pinterest.com/mycnews Submitted photos This rendering shows part of the completed St. Louis Aquarium.

Something fishy is happening at St. Louis will include the previously announced St Louis Union Station. Lodging Hospitality Management Wheel, a 200-foot-high observation wheel with (LHM) announced the next phase of development 30 fully-enclosed, climate-controlled and ADAat the National Historic Landmark train station compliant gondolas that seat up to six adults each. in downtown St. Louis - the St. Louis Aquarium. Wheel passengers will take three to four rotations Construction is planned to begin in fall 2016 high over the St. Louis skyline during the 10-towith an anticipated completion in fall 2018. 12-minute ride. The St. Louis Wheel will be a new “All of us at LHM are excited to bring this iconic attraction on the St. Louis skyline and will highly anticipated attraction to St. Louis,” says be operational every day of the year. Bob O’Loughlin, Chairman and Chief Executive Other phases of the entertainment complex at Officer, Lodging Hospitality Management and St. Louis Union Station are underway in an area owner of St. Louis Union Station. “The St. Louis beneath the historic train shed that will be known Aquarium will anchor as The Train Park. The the development that Train Park will feature will transform St. food and beverage Louis Union Station concessions served and reposition it as out of train cars and a family attraction shipping containers, destination similar to the Fire & Light Chicago’s Navy Pier.” Show at the Lake, the The 75,000-squareSt. Louis Wheel, the foot St. Louis Hard Rock Café and Aquarium will be Landry’s restaurants, located in the former and new retail and mall area within St. family attractions. Louis Union Station. This rendering shows the St. Louis Aquarium sign and the previously The first phase of The $45 million announced St. Louis Wheel. development - the attraction will feature Fire & Light Show one-of-a-kind exhibits and tanks with one at the Lake - will open by November 2016. The million gallons of water housing thousands of show emanates from nine fire pods submerged in aquatic species. A shark tank holding one of the the watery pool. Tube lights, hung from trees in largest collections of sharks in the Midwest will the Train Park, and a light show projected onto be a highlight of the new attraction. The exhibit the ceiling panels of the train shed above the lake, will feature a Shark Bridge, a unique V-shaped will create a display synchronized to music on rope bridge that will suspend visitors just inches view every 30-minutes on the hour. above the 385,000-gallon shark-filled tank. For A new boardwalk around the lake will allow guests brave enough to walk across, the Shark guests to stroll completely around the water and Bridge will offer a thrilling vantage point above connect to both the Hard Rock Café and Landry’s the sharks, stingrays and hundreds of fish. restaurants. A cantilevered net lounge will be The attraction will be open 365 days a year installed between the restaurants where guests from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. One million visitors are can relax in a hammock-style lounge that hovers expected annually. above the lake to view the Fire & Light Show. The St. Louis Aquarium will be an accredited The Train Park and Fire & Light Show are being member of the Association of Zoos and created by Groundswell Design of Philadelphia. Aquariums which holds members to the highest The company recently completed the popular standards in animal care and exhibition. The Spruce Street Harbor Park in Philadelphia. That facility will employ an animal husbandry team attraction was recently named in the national of marine biologists and aquarists responsible for media as one of the best places to visit in the long-term care of the animals in the exhibit Philadelphia and has become a popular gathering as well as overseeing water chemistry, animal space for locals and visitors alike with floating nutrition, veterinary care, education, staffing and gardens, colorful hammocks and food and drink safety. from local restaurants. The aquarium will be an exceptional Enhancements also are continuing at the St. educational experience for school groups and an Louis Union Station Hotel which will add 32 new entertainment destination for local and out-of- hotel rooms beneath the clock tower section on town visitors. An 8,500-square-foot private event the Market Street side of the building’s northeast space will feature the Shark Tank as a backdrop corner. Construction on the rooms will start in for weddings, social events and corporate parties. January 2017 with completion by fall 2017. The The St. Louis Aquarium will be part of a $70 hotel currently offers 539 rooms and will increase million family entertainment complex located to 571 rooms when the $5.5 million project is at St. Louis Union Station. Other components completed.

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August 17, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Wentzville Green Lantern Senior Center and Sugarfire feed first responders

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On Aug 3. Wentzville Green Lantern hosted an appreciation luncheon for Wentzville’s very own police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders. Sugarfire Smoke House on Winghaven Blvd. donated the lunch. Approximately 50 first responders were served along with the congregate and volunteers from the Green Lantern. Lunch was served from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. to accommodate as many as possible during their lunch time. They were welcomed with their very own Green Lantern reception committee which included lots of

Submitted photo A group of first responders sitting around a table at an appreciation luncheon hosted by Wentzville Green Lantern. Sugarfire Smoke House on Winghaven Blvd. donated the lunch.

hugs and thank yous for their service. Dessert was provided by Green Lantern with so much

left they were able to feed some of the city workers and construction workers on Linn St.

How to deal with rising health care costs Many seniors are finding their medical expenses exceed what they anticipated when planning for retirement. Maximizing the value of available assets can be one of the ways to significantly ease a stressed budget. Whether living a longer, healthier life than anticipated, dealing with a critical illness or paying for ongoing treatment for various ailments, the costs associated with medical care can add up. If you or a loved one is facing this challenge, it may be time to explore alternatives that allow you to continue to cover your expenses while easing the burden on your bank account. Consider this story about a woman who sold her $500,000 term policy to pay her medical bills and cover future treatment costs. After her husband passed away, she was having trouble meeting her life insurance premium payments. Years later,

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she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was struggling to meet the cost of her ongoing treatment. She tried to apply for an accelerated death benefit, but didn’t qualify due to her state’s regulations. That’s when she contacted Coventry Direct to explore the option of selling her policy. She sold her policy for $175,000. Having paid only $9,527 into a policy that had no cash value, she was surprised to learn how much it was worth. With the proceeds from the life settlement, she paid off her debts and no longer had to worry about the cost of her medical treatments. One of these solutions may help manage your assets in a way that allows you to deal with mounting health care costs: Cut costs where you can. Ask your doctor to periodically review your medications to determine whether there are any you can eliminate, either due to improved condition or because other, newer prescriptions make them redundant. Also, talk with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure you are able to fill generic prescriptions when possible for added savings.

Take stock of your financial resources. Obvious assets such as a bank account or home can be leveraged for your financial benefit, but don’t overlook other potential resources, such as a life insurance policy. Many people are not aware that life insurance is personal property, has value and can be sold. Selling your life insurance policy, which is known as a life settlement, may result in an immediate cash payment. A company like Coventry Direct can help you determine whether a life settlement might allow you to sell your policy to help cover immediate needs or relieve the pressure of mounting medical debt. To learn more about your options and whether a life settlement is right for you, visit coventrydirect.com/lifesettlements or call 888-858-9344. Be a smart shopper. Shopping around for the best prices may take time, but it can also help you keep more of your money. For example, when it comes to special treatments and procedures, ask for a detailed explanation of charges ahead of time and compare outpatient facilities to hospitals to find the most affordable option.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 17, 2016

Factors that impact homeowner happiness It is said that as you get older you become wiser, but as homeowners grow older, do they become happier? According to a nationwide homeowner happiness survey conducted by HomeAdvisor, the answer is yes. This was the case of Bob and Joanie Johnson, who dropped their youngest child off at college in August 2015. Although they needed time to adjust to their children no longer living at home, they soon realized they had extra time and money to devote to home projects. Many parents who become empty nesters have this revelation and start focusing on projects that have been placed on the backburner while kids were in the house. “It makes sense that empty nesters have the highest happy home scores,” said Dr. Karen Ruskin, HomeAdvisor’s Happiness Advisor. “They have likely settled in a community they enjoy and plan to stay. This group also generally has the most economic stability and time to make their house a happy home.” The survey shows that individuals in the empty-nester stage have higher happy home scores across the board

compared to all other stages of life. The main factors that contribute to their happiness are their communities, location and features of their homes. Compared to other stages of life, empty-nesters feel the safest in their communities, most connected to their neighbors and are also the happiest with the condition of their homes. Overall homeowner happiness boils down to a combination of three important factors: accessibility to attractions and services, community and dwelling. Interestingly, research shows that accessibility and community play a far bigger role in happiness than dwelling. “A homeowner’s identity and quality of life is much more likely to depend on aspects like weather, for example, as that influences activities accessed in one’s community and affordability over how many bedrooms and bathrooms they have,” Ruskin said. “Homeowner happiness is really about Photo courtesy of Getty Images location, location, location.” This rings true for the Johnsons, who are far happier with the accessibility of services in their community and their neighbors than other life-stage groups.

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Ruskin offers these four tips to make your home a happier place: 1. Upgrade and remodel your home. Update the landscaping or change out cabinet hardware. These modest to moderate changes can transform your home into a place that fits your needs. 2. Make sure you have adequate gathering space. Family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and patios are great areas to focus on to create an entertainment experience for you and your guests. 3. Get to know your neighbors. Research shows that the happiest homeowners enjoy and feel comfortable, as well as safe, with their neighbors and community. To reach this comfortability, try organizing a neighborhood event. 4. Make your home a place you want to stay. The happiest homeowners feel their home is their favorite place and somewhere they want to stay long term. Get comfortable, hang art, put up those family pictures that are sitting in a box, paint the walls or plant a garden. Find more tips for becoming a happier homeowner and further survey information at homeadvisor.com/survey.

Around Town

August 17, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Lake St. Charles Retirement Community celebrates remodeling with ribbon cutting The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce was delighted to celebrate the remodeled lobby and reception area of Lake St. Charles Retirement Community with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 3. Joining Administrator Samantha Davis and Community Coordinator Kasie Seigler were staff, residents and representatives from the board of directors and ambassadors with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Lake St. Charles Retirement Community is located at 45 Honey Locust Lane in St.

Submitted photo

Charles and provides various levels of care – from independent lifestyle, wellness assistance, day care, licensed assisted living to skilled nursing and

rehab. For more information, call 636-947-1100 or visit their website at www.lakestcharlesretirement.com.

Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon residents show random act of kindness to first responders

Submitted photo Residents of Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon delivered cookies, cards and treats to local law enforcement and first responders.

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During a recent “Current Events” group activity session with the residents at Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon Skilled Nursing Center, residents decided they needed to spread some happiness to local neighborhoods and police departments. Becca McClintock, Activity Director at Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon, supported their decision and planned a day of it.

Residents made “thank you” cards in crafts class and cookies were prepared. Eight residents and the activity staff enjoyed a lovely drive through O’Fallon and Cottleville neighborhoods, delivering cookies, cards and treats to local law enforcement and first responders. “It felt good to be able to give the policemen a little bit of joy, for all their dedicated service and hard work,” remarked Julie,

a Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon resident. “It was so neat to see a simple idea that started in our current events group blossom into a great experience that benefited not only the residents but for us as well. We loved seeing the residents’ faces light up when the police and first responders came to thank them personally!” McClintock stated.

Yes, you really do need to do this

www.dschuster.com

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve told people that our law firm specializes in estate planning and their response is “I really need to do that.” We prepare Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Wills and Trusts that once the process is complete, create peace of mind for those who are willing to take the plunge. We understand that nobody wants to talk about death – especially their own! So let’s talk about what happens when you don’t talk about it… If you suddenly become incapacitated and can’t make health care decisions for yourself and

have not designated through a Power of Attorney, who can make those decisions on your behalf, you are leaving those decisions up to the hospital staff. Their hands are tied and they have to do everything in their power to save your life even if you will never fully recover. With a Health Care Power of Attorney, you not only designate someone to make decisions for you, you also document your wishes about how you want to be treated medically. You are doing your loved ones a huge favor by creating these documents because they won’t have to guess what you’d want them to do.

Wills and Trusts keep your assets from being tied up in Probate Court. It is a false assumption that your money, home, car, etc. will automatically be passed on to your spouse or children when you die. If you don’t have the legal work done to designate who gets what, you can be sure that your family will begin a long, expensive relationship with the Probate Court when you die. Trust me, you really do need to do this! Debra K. Schuster & Associates can help. Please visit our website at www.dschuster. com or call 314-991-2602 for more information.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 17, 2016

Community Toons

Around Town

John Hanna

John Hanna is a part time, amateur cartoonist taking his first step into the world of print and online comic media. When he isn’t drawing or working at his second job, he can be seen in and around the St. Charles area. If you like his work, that is good. If you don’t like it, that is good too.

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

Flossing gets the brush-off You know that feeling of vulnerability you get at the dentist? I always carry a load of guilt going in. I feel like I’m being forced into an interrogation for some sort of crime I’ve committed. It’s basically the same thing, beginning with being strapped down in that reclining chair. As it starts to lower, my dentist suddenly hits the bright light. The beam is lasered in on my face and burning so intensely that I can feel my retinas blister. He then dons a medical mask. Not for safety, but to conceal his voice and face so I can’t identify him in a police lineup. Of course, what’s an interrogation without truth serum? Next a 12-inch, steel hypodermic needle is shoved into my quavering gums. It’s jabbed repeatedly until I’ll say anything if he’ll just pull that dag blasted pointy device out of my jawbone. After the serum has been administered, he asks me some specific questions such as, the combination to our safe at home and my cellphone password. Af-

ter I’ve freely given him those as well as everything else good and sacred, including the location of my emergency chocolate stash at home, the real probing begins. He lowers his face down to within an inch of mine and continues, “So Mrs. Moore, you have answered all the prior questions to my satisfaction, but there is one more that I’m curious about. Are you prepared to answer truthfully?” He gives the new jagged instrument of torture in his hand a spin. It looks like something that could debone a giant sea bass with a few jabs. I wag my head up and down in agreement if only he will pull that revolving fish fillet-er away from above my watering eyeballs. “Very good. Now then. Here’s the real question, “Have you been flossing regularly?” He gives the drill another whirl for effect. It could easily chip the curbing away from my driveway with a few rotations. I am at his mercy. Suddenly I remember something. I recite to

him a report all over the news that came out just days ago debunking flossing and its fraudulent effectiveness. His eyes flash open. He knows the gig is up. He snaps off the light, raises the chair then says, “No cavities today!” as he hands me an enormous sugary lollipop to keep my mouth shut. Some days you win, some days you lose. Winning is better… and tastier.

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.

School

Augsut 17, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Coldwell Banker Gundaker scholarship awarded to Fort Zumwalt North grad Coldwell Banker Gundaker awarded its annual educational scholarship to high school graduate Kayla Yuede of St. Charles. Kayla graduated from Fort Zumwalt North High School where she was enrolled in honors classes and achieved a 4.33 GPA. She will attend St. Louis University in the fall and pursue a degree in Biological Sciences. The Coldwell Banker Gundaker Scholarship Award is open to graduating high school seniors who are children of Coldwell Banker Gundaker independent sales associates or employees. The scholarship awards $8,000 to a graduate based on academic history and potential and general recommendations. The student must intend to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution. “I am extremely pleased to honor Kayla with this scholarship for her academic achievements, leadership and volun-

Submitted photo (From left) Jim Dohr, president Coldwell Banker Gundaker with Kayla Yuede, recipient of an $8,000 Coldwell Banker Gundaker Scholarship; Kayla’s father Terry Yuede, and Marsha Yuede, Kayla’s grandmother.

teer contributions to her school and community,” said Jim Dohr, president of Csity cheerleader. Kayla is currently doing research at Washington University as an intern in neurology while working part-time and doing volunteer work at Five Acres Animal Shelter. She is the

daughter of Coldwell Banker Gundaker independent sales associate Terry Yuede, granddaughter of Marsha and Denny Yuede and niece of Keith Yuede, all members of the Yuede Team from the company’s Highway 94 at Mid-Rivers Office.

Adopt a Pet sponsored by Ragan’s Jewelry Five Acres Animal Shelter, the only no-kill animal shelter in St. Charles County, has pets in need of adoption. All animals accepted by Five Acres are evaluated by a licensed veterinarian to determine any medical needs. To adopt call 636-949-9918 or drop by Five Acres Animal Shelter at 1099 Pralle Lane in St. Charles.

Meet Charlie & Samy

Sammy and Charlie are a bonded pair. They are looking for a home to call their own. They walk well on a leash and are potty trained. Come see these adorable fluff balls.

Meet Hocus Pocus Hello, my name is Luigi. I am a male, domestic short hair. I am neutered and updated on all of my shots. Those who know me call me an “absolute sweetheart” who does well with other cats and people. I do well with other cats and am very people oriented.” I am FIV positive. I hope you take the time to learn about this often misunderstood immune virus, and then come on in to meet me.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 17, 2016

Business

Megan Meier Foundation celebrates grand opening of resource center with ribbon cutting

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Submitted photo

The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce were delighted to celebrate the grand opening of the new expanded resource center within the Megan Meier Foundation with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 3. Executive Director Tina Meier cut the ribbon and was joined by staff, clients and representatives from the board of directors and ambassadors with the Greater

St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. The Megan Meier Foundation is located at 515 Jefferson Street in St. Charles and provides an art room, music therapy, group discussions and counseling services. For more information, call 636-757-3501 or visit their website at www. meganmeierfoundation.org.

St. Charles County on target to continue four-year positive housing growth trend With 911 new, single-family housing permits issued the first six months of this year, St. Charles County is on pace to continue a fouryear trend. More than 1,700 new, single-family homes were built in St. Charles County each year from 2013 – 2015. According to mid-year figures released by the county’s Building and Code Enforcement Division, 2016 looks to be equally as positive in the housing market. Mid-year/year-end permit totals were 939/1,706 in 2015, 932/1,704 in 2014 and 894/1,742 in 2013. Wentzville leads St. Charles County municipalities in new home construction, issuing 343 permits since the beginning of 2016. Second was O’Fallon with 200, followed by St. Charles City at 126. From 2010 to 2015, 25,000 people moved into

Submitted image

St. Charles County, making the county first in the state in population growth, according to the Missouri Census Data Center. Since 2010, Wentzville has issued 2,667 new, single-family home permits. In that same period, 2,066 permits were issued by O’Fallon, 1,378 by St. Peters and 1,131 by St. Charles City.

St. Charles County Collector awarded second Chancellor’s Certificate from UMSL Michelle McBride, St. Charles County Collector of Revenue, has earned the Chancellor’s Certificate of Public Administration: Finance Master II from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). The certificate was awarded at the Annual Meeting of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers, and Finance Officers (NACCTFO) in July. To qualify for the certification, McBride attended 150 hours of public administration training through UMSL’s program in public policy administration. In 2013, McBride earned the Chancellor’s Certificate of Public Administration: Finance Master from UMSL. “I believe in lifelong learning and continuous improvement,” McBride said. “Pursuing these certifications enables me to enhance the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective

county collector.” Dr. Deborah Balser, director and associate professor of the public policy administration program at UMSL, said McBride’s completion of the program demonstrates her commitment to public service. “UMSL’s Chancellor’s Certificate Program allows county finance professionals to broaden their knowledge and learn the latest trends in their field,” she said, “which will help them administer the duties of their office more effectively.” McBride started working in the collector of revenue’s office in 2000, and was elected as collector of revenue in 2006. She took office March 1, 2007. Along with this certificate, McBride holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a Master of Science in Administration with a Management

Submitted Photo Michelle McBride, St. Charles County Collector of Revenue.

Focus from Lindenwood University. She serves as president of the Missouri County Collectors’ Association (MCCA) and treasurer of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers (NACCTFO).

Sports

August 17, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

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Local athletes at the Summer Olympics in Rio As you watch the Olympics this year keep the list below handy as several of these elite athletes attended local high schools and universities in the area. These men and women have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make it to the level that few will ever attain. All they can do is “do their best.” Easy to say with all the pressures that surround them. Several that are competing in the games have ties to our area: • Gwen Berry attended McCluer High School and college at SIU Carbondale: Track and Field-Hammer Throw. • Deanna Price attended Troy Buchanan High School and college at SIU Carbondale: Track and Field-Hammer Throw. • Michael Rodgers attended McCluer South/ Berkley High and college at Lindenwood: Track and Field-Sprinter. • Fernando Reis attended Lindenwood University-Weight lifting. • Muhammad Begaliev attended Lindenwood University-Weight lifting. • Fabian Florant attended Lindenwood University-Triple Jump. • Morgan Craft attended Lindenwood University-Shooting. • Donald Thomas attended Lindenwood University-High Jump. • Becky Sauerbrunn attended Ladue High School: Soccer. • Brittany Bowman attended Festus High: She competes in Track and Field-Javelin. * Be proud to wear the Red, White and Blue… Go USA O’Fallon baseball team gaining momentum The River City Rascals play professional baseball in the West Division of the Frontier League at the CarShield Field in O’Fallon. The team has won seven of its last 10 games inching up the standings with just under a month left in the season. Some of the Rascals’ standouts: • Alexi Colon, at 5’8” 175 lbs. ranks tied for third in home runs in the league with 14. • Kyle Gaedele continues his torrid hitting ranking 16th in the league with a .298 average. • Outfielder Robby Enslen is a few slots behind him hitting .293. • On the mound Dan Ludwig has won eight games and lost two.

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www.pbtc.net

• Pitcher Zeb Sned leads the team with a .394 earned run average in his 17 starts. The team has been a hitting machine as it is tied for first place in batting average at .276. NEXT HOME GAMES: • Aug. 17, Aug. 18 against the Evansville Otters (Wednesday’s and Thursday’s game are a double header starting at 5:05 p.m.) • Aug. 19, Aug. 20, Aug. 21 against the Windy City Thunderbolts. All games are at 6:35 p.m. with Sundays at 4:05 p.m. For more information go to www.RiverCityRascals.com * Give it your all NFL left out tribute to St. Louis at hall induction of Pace As I wrote last week, long time football offensive lineman Orlando Pace was inducted to the National Football League (NFL) Hall of Fame. After I wrote this story last week, Joan Ann Beck brought to my attention that the NFL conveniently or accidentally left out his specific tribute to the St. Louis fans. Seriously? * Sad

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 • August 17, 2016

Learn & Play

Pledge to pack a healthier lunchbox If good eating habits have fallen by the wayside during the summer break, you can kick off this school year right by pledging to guide your family toward healthier lunches. “Back to school is a great time for families to make a healthy resolution they can carry on through the duration of the school year,” said Trish James, vice president, Produce for Kids. “As a mom of two boys, I understand

the challenges parents face when packing a healthy, nutritious lunch for their children and for themselves. The Power Your Lunchbox Pledge was designed to help families tackle this universal challenge.” The initiative gives parents tools and tips – such as this time-saving make-ahead pizza pocket recipe – to achieve a great start for back to school, while giving back

to children in need. Every online pledge results in a $1 donation to Feeding America programs that support families and children. Find more creative ideas and join the discussion on Instagram and Twitter using #PowerYourLunchbox, and learn more about the program and its sponsors at poweryourlunchbox.com.

Freezable Pizza Pockets Prep time: 90 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon quick rise yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon, divided 1 cup slightly warm water 3/4 cup uncooked oat bran hot cereal 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour 1/3 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce 1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese 16 slices pepperoni, quartered 4 mushrooms, sliced 4 mini sweet peppers, sliced

sheet with cooking spray.

Directions: In stand mixer with paddle attachment, combine all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar and salt. With motor running, add 2 tablespoons oil and warm water. Switch paddle attachment to dough hook. Add oat bran and mix until combined. Add whole-wheat flour a little at a time and stop when slightly sticky ball forms. Continue to run mixer 1 minute. Brush ball of dough with remaining olive oil, cover with plastic wrap and place somewhere warm to rise 1 hour.

Place pizza pockets on baking sheet and poke top of each with fork.

Heat oven to 450 F. Spray large baking

Punch down dough. Dust counter lightly with flour. Roll out half of dough to 1/4inch thick, dusting with more flour if too sticky. Use 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut rounds. Spoon 1 teaspoon tomato sauce into middle of each round. Add 1/2 tablespoon cheese, 4 quarters of pepperoni, mushroom slice and 2 pepper rings. Moisten edges of dough with water. Fold dough over filling and press to seal. Use fork tines to crimp and further seal edges.

Bake 15 minutes, or until tops are browned (some cheese may leak out). Once cool, freeze in single layer on baking sheet. Once frozen, wrap individually in plastic wrap and transfer to freezer bag. Notes: If placed in lunchbox frozen, even with ice pack, they will defrost by lunchtime. Serve with 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons hummus and a clementine.

Like Us On Facebook facebook.com/mycnews 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.

See solution on page 13

Crossword Puzzle THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL ACROSS 1. It makes waste? 6. Ambulance crew 9. June 6, 1944 13. Amnion, pl. 14. Le ____ Léman, a.k.a. Lake Geneva 15. Sandy color 16. Watts events, 1965 17. Health resort 18. Remove lid 19. *TV chemistry teacher gone bad 21. *Varsity jacket decoration 23. Always, to a poet 24. Toward sunrise 25. Glide in Aspen 28. Fat and flour sauce 30. Kick the bucket 35. “____ Brinker, or The Silver Skates” 37. UPS competitor 39. Saint in Mexico 40. October stone 41. Opposite of heads 43. *High school student 44. Ancient Roman’s garb 46. Half-man, half-goat 47. “All for one, one for all” sword 48. “Don’t you ____ ____ my blue suede shoes” 50. Tow rope alternative 52. Don’t do this at home? 53. Part of air terminal 55. New Zealand parrot 57. *”ABC, It’s easy as 123, as simple as ____” 60. *Mirriam’s wordy counterpart 64. *Begin, began, ____ 65. *The state sets a minimum one to start school 67. Intense 68. Rekindled 69. Marbled bread 70. *Do this in math class 71. End of prayer 72. Basic unit of electric current 73. Plural of #62 Down DOWN 1. Stay out of its way 2. Gulf V.I.P. 3. Mountain cap? 4. One tenth 5. Less taxing 6. Additional 7. *Geography classroom prop 8. Milan’s La ____ 9. Bad impression

10. Vegas cube 11. *Biology lab supply 12. Casual affirmative 15. Monument Valley landforms 20. Rainbow fish 22. Sixth sense, for short 24. Make reparations 25. *American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation 26. On the fritz 27. Absurd 29. Sky defender 31. Assign PG-13 or R, e.g. 32. Incompetent 33. “____ clear” 34. *Miss ____, Matilda’s teacher 36. Woman’s underskirt

38. Lump in yarn 42. Above “Don’t tread on me” 45. Powerfully persuasive 49. Viet____ 51. Sales lure 54. Miss America’s headdress 56. British race track 57. Regard 58. Eye up and down 59. The Colosseum today 60. “Read’em and ____” 61. Desmond ____, apartheid opponent 62. Evening purse 63. Sales force 64. Lingerie staple 66. *PE See answers on page 13

What’s Happening

August 17, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! Aug. 20: Theater auditions

EVENTS Aug. 18: Free concert

Summer Concert at The Meadows, That 80’s Band will perform from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Clocktower Plaza. For more information visit www.themeadowsatLSL.com.

Aug. 20: Triathlon

The Lake Saint Louis Parks and Recreation Department will be holding the 34th annual Lake Saint Louis Triathlon, presented by Melander Sports Medicine. The enormity and success of this event requires the support and assistance of the entire community as the race takes place in the lake and throughout the neighborhoods and streets of Lake Saint Louis. Delays should be expected that morning around the Community Association, along Lake Saint Louis Boulevard, Prospect/ Duello Road, and the surrounding area. In the past many residents have either competed or volunteered to help with the countless number of jobs required to put on such a massive event. Volunteers are still needed for this year. To register visit www.lakesaintlouis.com, for more information about volunteering call 636-561-4620.

Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “Lumberjacks and Weddingbelles” at 8:30 a.m. in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Auditions are open to ages 8 to 18 and will consist of a song that will be taught, cold readings from the script and basic movement. Children auditioning should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and must be accompanied by an adult. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 14; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 15; and 2 p.m. Oct. 16. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636-922-8233.

Aug. 23: Free concert

O’Fallon Jammin’ concert with My Friend Mike, who will play Top 40 hits, from 6:30 – 9 p.m. at Civic Park at 308 Civic Park Drive in O’Fallon. There is free admission and parking. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating around the bandstand and purchase delicious food from food trucks and vendors. An ADA-accessible playground, restrooms and walking path are located nearby. For weather updates call 636-379-5614 and for more information visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ jammin

Aug. 23: Preschool and toddler event The DPC Family Event Committee is hosting a free Preschool and Toddler Movie Morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Christian Life Center at Dardenne Presbyterian Church. Children will enjoy a carnival-themed morning with snacks, games, and a BOZ, the Big Green Bear movie. Children are encouraged to bring a friend and a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. For this event, children must be accompanied by an adult. Please address your questions to Susan Eoff at 314-346-0821.

Aug. 23: Big band concert

The After Hours Community Band presents their free Summer Pops Concert at 7:30 p.m. at Harvest Ridge Elementary School at 1220 Harvest Ridge Drive in St Charles. Listen to the big band sound as they play your favorites. Kids welcome. For more information call Joyce at 636-946-7848.

Aug. 25: Free movie

Summer Movie at The Meadows “Hotel Transylvania 2” begins at dusk at Clocktower Plaza. For more information visit www.themeadowsatLSL. com.

Aug. 27: Theater auditions

Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “We, The People” at 9 a.m. 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. Auditions are open to ages 6 and up and will consist of a song that will be taught, cold readings from the script and basic movement. Children auditioning should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and must be accompanied by an adult. Performances will be at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 1, and 2 p.m. Oct. 2. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636-922-8233.

Aug. 27: Spaghetti dinner

V.F.W. Post 5077 in O’Fallon will be having a spaghetti dinner. All you can eat for $8 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. All proceeds go to the Veterans Crisis Line, For Suicide Awareness at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.

Aug. 28: String concert

At 4 p.m. Dardenne Presbyterian Church will present “Bèl Mizik” string concert. Dardenne Presbyterian Church youth and adult string players with guest musicians from the Landolfi String Quartet will perform “Bèl Mizik” (“Beautiful Music” in Haitian Creole). A love offering to benefit Joy of Haiti will be received during the concert.

Sept. 5: Labor Day concert

A free Labor Day concert takes place at 2 p.m. at Civic Park Bandstand in

Civic Park at 308 Civic Park Drive in O’Fallon. For more information contact 636-474-2732 or dgranaas@ofallon.mo.us

Sept. 9: Patriot Day ceremony

A Patriot Day ceremony honoring first responders and remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 will take place at 8:30 a.m. at the 9/11 Memorial for First Responders at the east parking lot outside the O’Fallon Municipal Centre at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon. For more information contact Conan Stott at 636-379-5550 or cstott@ofallon. mo.us.

Sept. 10: St. Charles County Police Department open house

A community open house takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Charles County Police Department at 101 Sheriff Dierker Court in O’Fallon. Event includes equipment and vehicle displays, K9 visits, safety presentations, giveaways and more. Call 636949-3057 for more information.

Sept. 15: Square dance classes

Free square dance classes beginning Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Windsor Estates at 2150 Randolph St. in St. Charles (next to Blanchette Park). Partner not required. Wear casual dress and comfortable shoes. Check out squaredancestcharles.com for more information or call Jan at 314-878-3428.

Sept. 10: Trivia night

The St. Louis Chordinals, a not for profit Ladies a capella chorus invites you to an evening of trivia at 7 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge #80 at 414 S. Church Street in St. Peters, located off Mexico Road West of Mid-Rivers Mall Drive. There will cash prizes as well as attendance prizes. Ticket prices are $15 with tables of eight. Popcorn and soda will be furnished but you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages (alcoholic beverages are permitted) if you like. For information and reservations call Mary Vitale at 314-428-8307 or e-mail Alice Shofner at alicerobinsshofner@yahoo.com.

Sept. 10: Golf scramble

The fourth annual Jillian Young Memorial Golf Scramble will be held at Lake Forest Country Club at 300 Yard Drive in Lake St. Louis. Registration begins at 12 p.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner and awards will follow the competition. Cost for the four-man scramble is $500 per team or $125 per person. Entry fee includes 18 holes, cart, range balls, box lunch, beverages and dinner. Non-golfers can pay $25 for dinner only. For more information contact Will Young at willyoung30@att.net or 618-334-6635.

Sept. 11: Trap shoot

The Trent Huber and Jill Young Memorial Trap Shoot will take place at Lolar Branch Shooting Sports in Silex, Missouri. Registration starts at 9 a.m., shooting starts at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $20 for 50 rounds of trap shooting. Lunch is being served by Elsberry FFA. For more information contact 573-3846279.

Sept. 12: Golf tournament

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Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service Hosts its 12th Annual Golf Outing to Help Prevent Homelessness and Hunger at Bear Creek Golf Club at 158 Bear Creek Drive in Wentzville. There will be an 11:30 a.m. registration, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, and 6 p.m. awards dinner and silent auction. . The cost to participate is $125 for an individual or $500 for a foursome; $30 per person for dinner-only attendees. Sponsorships are still available. For more information or to register, call 636441-1302, ext. 263, email to kgrant@ jacares.org, or you can visit the Care Service website at http://www.jacares. org/.

Sept. 16: POW MIA ceremony

A POW MIA ceremony dedicated to

the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil, and to the families who are waiting to welcome them home again will take place at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Walk at 800 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. For more information contact Conan Stott at 636-379-5550 or cstott@ofallon.mo.us.

Sept. 17: Citywide yard sale

The Fall Citywide Yard Sale is scheduled for Sept. 17 in Wentzville. Turn your trash to treasure by hosting a yard sale at your home. For $6 you can list your sale in the yard sale booklet. Each sale will receive an official City Yard Sale sign. To list your sale, stop by Progress Park Recreation Center, City Hall or call 636-3329236. The deadline to list your sale is Sept. 12, so register early. Please note: Progress Park’s indoor facilities will be closed Sept. 6-11 for maintenance. Shoppers may purchase booklets beginning Sept. 14 at City Hall, Progress Park or in the Utility Service Center Drive-Thru for only $2. Each booklet comes with a map to help you locate the bargains.

Sept. 22: College fair

The St. Charles Regional College Fair is coming to St. Charles Community College from 6-7:30 p.m. The fair, held in the College Center gym at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, is for current high school students who are interested in speaking with college representatives from throughout the United States to learn more about each college and decide which one is right for them. Parking for attendees will be available in the Yellow and Blue parking lots, which are accessible through the southwest entrance along Cottleville Parkway. All parking is free. For a full list of colleges and universities attending the college fair, visit stchas.edu/collegefair.

Sept. 24: RSC Art & Family Festival

Open house and movie in the parkfrom 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. come try the Renaud Spirit Center facilities at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon for free. Get a 10 percent discount if you sign up for a new membership. From 5 – 8 p.m., enjoy free kids’ activities, local artists selling their work, giveaways and raffles, followed by a free showing of “Hotel Transylvania 2” on a big screen starting at about 8 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for outdoor movie seating. Vendors and concessionaires will have food and beverages for sale. For more information call RSC staff at 636-474-2732.

Sept. 24: Craft fair

Tri County Citizens Advisory Board to Probation and Parole, Probation and Parole District 17, Missouri Department of Correction, invites you to their Fifth Annual Christmas in September Craft Fair at Bogey Hills Baptist Church at 1721 Treetop Drive in St. Charles from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters are needed, please contact at Esther Angelos at marlofan@charter.net or at 636-441-0329 or 314-477-5096. Concessions will be available. Tri-County Advisory Board to Probation and Parole is hosting the event and does not endorse any product sold by the vendors.

Oct. 15: Trivia night

Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 6:45p.m. at the Tri-County Citizens’ Advisory Board Halloween Trivia Night Challenge at V.F.W Post 2866-St. Charles at 66 VFW Lane in St. Charles (off old Hwy 94 between Muegge and Pralle Lane). All proceeds go toward helping keep the community safe by assisting indigent clients with grants to meet daily needs. Cost is $20 per person or $160 a table, maximum of eight to a table. Soda and water will be provided; you may bring your own food. Alcohol must be purchased at the cash bar. For more information call Esther

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 17, 2016 Angelos, Treasurer, at 636-441-0329 or Missy Kruse at 636-940-3333 x269.

Oct. 15: Trivia night

A trivia night will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Wentzville Community Club at 500 W. Main St. in Wentzville. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Wentzville Parks, a501(c)3 that provides scholarships benefiting resident children by providing access to recreation and leisure activities, and Unlimited Play ― Jake’s Field of Dreams Playground. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $160 for a table of eight. This year’s trivia night is Halloween themed. There will be a costume contest (no masks please) and award for best decorated table. Register at: bit.ly/trivia_registration. Questions? Please call 636-332-9236 or email info@friendsofthewentzvilleparks.org.

Oct. 27: Veterans town hall meeting

Veterans, service-members, National Guard, Reservist and family members are invited to participate in a town hall meeting scheduled at 5:30p.m. at Church on the Rock at 900 Birdie Hills Rd in St. Peters. 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. The town hall is open to the public, including 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.

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.

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

6:30 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy. 636.219.0553.

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

Every Monday: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

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.

Every Monday, 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

Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. For more information, call 636.561.4347.

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society 6:30pm at 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

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480.

6:30pm, Midwest BankCentre board room, 2299 Technology Dr. O’Fallon. For more informaiton call Mike at 314.276.5018.

Tuesday and Friday Evenings: Tae Kwon Do Classes

SUDOKU answers from page 11

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.

1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

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.

St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

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.

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.

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

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

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

1st Monday: St.Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.

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What’s Happening

August 17, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

hELP wANTED

Cemetery Plots

Custodial/Dishwasher Site Aide 1

St. Peters, MO

hELP wANTED

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mon-Fri $9.00/hr. Full beneets. Custodial duties include the ability to lift 40 lbs. oor to waist and be able to stand for extended periods of time. Assist wtih meal delivery as needed. High School Diploma or equivalent, basic math and computer skills required. Must have a valid Missouri Driver's License and State’s minimum required auto insurance. Must pass pre-employment drug test bac & background check. For more information, call 636-207-4231 or e-mail lreich@mid-eastaaa.org EOE

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.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, K.B.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 17, 2016

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August 17, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

By Steve Bryan

Disappointments at the 2016 summer box office Summer typically has been the most reliable movie season, a time filled with epic adventures and brain candy. The 1989 season, for instance, began with the epic “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and saw Michael Keaton silence his critics as “Batman.” It also was the same summer that Joe Pesci stole “Lethal Weapon 2” away from Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Twenty-seven years later, things aren’t as good on the cinematic front. 2016 was a great year for Walt Disney Studios, especially with the carryover audience of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” In March, Disney released “Zootopia,” an utterly engaging film about animals, cooperation and profiling in an animated world. Their live-action “Jungle Book” is still playing months after its release. Though critics were not exceptionally kind, “Captain America: Civil War” did break new ground in superhero movies. Marvel Studios wisely took a great comic book story arc and sent their future movies off in new directions. At the recent San Diego Comic-Con, the studio also released its movie slate for the next few years, which looks really promising. Other studios and endeavors have not been as well-

received. Did anyone really think Kevin Spacey in “Nine Lives” was going to pack theater seats? Spacey is a top-of-the-line actor, but even he couldn’t salvage the story of a man turned into a cat to find redemption. Other films, such as “Neighbors 2,” are best relegated to the darkest corner of Netflix. Paul Feig has been quite vocal over his rebooted “Ghostbusters,” and now the blame for its failure is falling on the “Internet trolls” who trashed the film. The nastiness directed at actress Leslie Jones aside, the “trolls” had it right. Unlike its predecessors, this one did not leverage the talents of the four female leads. Kristen Wiig, a brilliant actress and writer, seemed incredibly uncomfortable in her role. DC Entertainment and Warner Brothers bet big on “Suicide Squad,” a huge tentpole film featuring Will Smith and Margot Robbie. Jared Leto adds some color to the story as the Joker, but the screenwriters bungled the adaptation of the comic. Viola Davis takes no prisoners, though, as Amanda Waller, who forms a task force of dangerous and deadly people. Despite a huge opening weekend, this one may still flop. Disney’s continued success is due to great story-

telling, creating characters with depth that audiences care about. When they reboot a property, they do it correctly. Director Paul Feig and DC Entertainment need to spend more money on good screenwriters and less on high-profile stars. The scripts need to focus on characters, not dirty jokes and nudity. Story is what keeps people coming back. That being said, it seems that the most original movie of the summer will be “Sausage Party,” a raunchy look at the secret life of food. Ironically enough, this could be the saving grace for summer 2016 at the movies. “Nine Lives” EuropaCorp USA; “Suicide Squad” photo courtesy of Warner Bros.; “Sausage Party” photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures 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.