Issuu

October 26, 2016

Battling cybercrime 3

Around Town Collector receives award

Moore on life

School

Run for the hills

Photo by Bigstock

Local experts tout the importance of vigilance during National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Discovery Days celebrated

By Brett Auten Today’s crooks, thieves, and con men come in all forms and shapes, and can strike from all corners of the globe. We have all seen the emails by now. By the thousands, over the course of the year they come across with warnings of our vital accounts beings closed, or mounds of Scrooge-McDuck-riches awaiting us. There are the sob stories of people in desperate circumstances who just need a charitable soul to help them with a money transfer. Tricking people to fork over pertinent financial information is one of the many ways criminals scam people online. October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and most of us believe we have a leg up on these scams and could sniff one out from a mile away, but it’s not necessarily that easy. Across the world, cybercrime is booming and millions are victimized by online scams, whether it’s blocking access to a website, stealing medical or credit card information, or attempting to extort money by remotely holding the contents of a personal computer hostage, it is happening on an hourly basis. In St. Charles County, Val Joyner, Public Affairs Officer with the St. Charles

County Police Department, said that credit card fraud is the most common cybercrime reported in the area. According to Joyner, the St. Charles County Cybercrime team advises citizens that if your credit card or identity is used to compromise your bank account, the first thing you do as a victim is notify your banking institution. Second, you should notify the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which you live and let them know of the crime committed against you. Bring any documentation of loss and banking records when you file your report. The information gathered from the report will be used to determine crime trends, and the prosecution will be determined based on the outcome of the investigation. The term cybercrime is a broad umbrella and can be perpetrated from computer experts looking to outdo each other, to businesses trying to gain an advantage by hacking a competitor’s website, or criminal rings looking to snag your personal information and then sell it on black markets. St. Charles’ Barry Herring, with CMIT Solutions, has seen them all. “Every day it changes,” said Herring,

who has over 20-years’ experience in the field. “Cybercrimes have been around from the start.” The current hot-button trend in cybercrime is ransomware. Local governments, school districts, hospitals businesses small and large have felt the impact of ransomware, a type of virus that encrypts, or locks ups

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Raising Cane’s grand opening

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Movie: Loving and hating bad movies

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Around Town

Vol. 18 No. 43

In This Issue... 3

Around Town Work begins at Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Ohmes Road and more.

Special Section Healthy Living

School Discovery Ridge Elementary celebrates seventh annual Discovery Days and more.

Business Wallis Companies acquires additional stores and more.

11 Sports

Local sports with Gary B.

October 26, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

CYBER Continued from cover valuable digital files and demands a “ransom” to release them. Home computers are just as susceptible to ransomware with the loss of personal items (family photos, videos, medical histories, and other data) can be heartbreaking. In a ransomware attack, once a victim eyes an e-mail addressed to them, opens and clicks on an attachment that by appearances seem legitimate, like an invoice or an electronic fax, but inside is a ransomware code. Or an e-mail might contain a legitimate-looking URL, but when clicked

on, directed to a website that infects their computer with malicious software. Once the infection takes hold, the malware begins encrypting files and folders and users not aware they have been infected until they can no longer access data or are sent computer messages advising them of the attack and demands for a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption key. These messages include instructions on how to pay the ransom, usually with bitcoins because of the anonymity this virtual currency provides. The FBI doesn’t support paying a ransom in response to a ransomware attack. Herring also warns of spoof domains

and/or spoof email accounts that look familiar but may have one letter or a number askew. “If you are not paying attention it can become tricky,” Herring said. “If you find yourself or a friend or a loved one who has gotten themselves caught up in a potential credit card fraud, we encourage our clients to start off with refusing all charges and to have the company cancel and re-issue a new card. Through social media, email, they’ve figured it out. Be aware and don’t click on a file if you’re not 100-percent certain where it came from.”

Volunteers needed for appreciation event for police and firefighters Thrivent Financial and area schools in St. Charles County are working together to show police and firefighters how much their work is appreciated. The event will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 12 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon.

During the event, volunteers will have the opportunity to write a letter expressing their gratitude that will be included in packages to be delivered to select police and fire stations in the St. Charles county area. The goal is to provide 650 appreciation packs for police and firefighters. More volunteers are needed and all are

welcome. You do not have to be a member of Thrivent to volunteer. Thrivent asks that volunteers contact Jill B. Gehner at 636493-9220 or jill.gehner@thrivent.com no later than Nov. 10 to RSVP. This event is led by Brent Stewart and Brian Wegener, Thrivent financial representatives.

12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Movie

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 26, 2016

Around Town

Vaccination, simple precautions provide protection against influenza A vaccination and other simple precautions provide the best protection against the spread of the influenza virus (the flu). To help safeguard our community against this contagious respiratory illness, the Division of Health Services’ Immunization Clinic, located at 1650 Boones Lick Road in St. Charles, now offers flu shots for adults and children. Flu vaccines have a long track record of safety and effectiveness. Several studies indicate that vaccinations reduce the risk of doctor visits due to flu complications by more than 50 percent. It takes approximately two weeks for vaccine antibodies to develop, so a shot received this month will protect you before the onset of the “season,” which typically runs from November through March. Flu shots through the Immunization Clinic are $35 for the quadrivalent vaccine, $40 for the pediatric vaccine and $55 for the “high-dose” vaccine. These costs are covered by most insurance policies and are

waived for children participating in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program or those eligible for the Adult 317 program. For more information about the vaccines or the VFC and 317 programs, please visit www.sccmo. org/immunizations. Immunization Clinic nurses provide vaccinations every weekday except Thursday. Hours are 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours until 5:30 p.m., on Tuesdays. In addition, the facility’s hours are extended until 7 p.m., on the second Tuesday of each month. Patients are asked to schedule an appointment for their visit, but walk-in customers are accepted on a space-available basis from 8:30 to 11 a.m., on Fridays. To schedule an appointment, please call 636-949-1857. “Annual vaccination and other prevention activities deliver the best protection against the flu,” Division of Health Services Director Sara Evers said. “For most who become sick, the flu causes symptoms such as fever, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, vomiting

Collector of revenue receives Thomson Reuters Public Sector Champion Award St. Charles County Collector of Revenue Michelle McBride has received the 2016 Thomson Reuters Public Sector Champion Award for Office Holder of the Year. McBride received the award Sept. 21. Public Sector Champion Awards recognize government jurisdictions and officials that have achieved excellence in planning, leadership and service. McBride was recognized as Office Holder of the Year for

establishing a program to allow citizens to make partial or advanced payments on future tax bills to make the process more manageable. “I am very honored and humbled to receive this award,” says McBride. “I have an incredible staff that supports and encourages me in making changes like this that have a positive impact on our citizens.” McBride has served as St. Charles County’s Collector of Revenue since March 1,

2007. She currently serves as President of the Missouri County Collectors’ Association (MCCA) and as Treasurer of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers (NACCTFO).

Photo courtesy St. Charles County St. Charles County Collector of Revenue Michelle McBride.

or general fatigue, but for others — especially young children and those 65 or older — the illness can be lifethreatening. Getting vaccinated now and continuing with preventative actions throughout the flu season will minimize opportunities for the flu to spread and improve the well-being of all within our community.” While the best way to prevent the spread of influenza is the flu shot, there are other steps you and your family can take: • The first step is to regularly wash hands with warm, soapy water. • Additionally, covering your mouth whenever you sneeze or cough and throwing away soiled tissues will minimize opportunities for germs to spread. • Finally, those who do become sick should limit close contact with others and stay home until at least 24 hours after a fever subsides.

Work begins at Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Ohmes Road Improvements to the intersection at Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Ohmes Road are underway to add dual left turn lanes onto westbound Ohmes Road, add right turn lanes onto east and westbound Ohmes Road, drainage improvements, signal improvements and ADA improvements. To complete these improvements, existing pavement markings will be adjusted. Drivers can expect slightly narrower lanes and

lanes slightly shifted in the east and westbound directions of Mid Rivers Mall Drive. All lanes will remain open; however, daily single lane closures may occur during normal business hours. Please plan for delays in this area. The project is expected to be complete on or around Feb. 2, 2017. Drivers are asked to use caution when traveling through the construction zone.

Around Town

October 26, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

Run for the hills

1:00 - 3:00 PM

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There’s nothing better than getting away to a ski resort…in the off season. My husband and I are so-o-o non-athletic. Oh sure, we do occasionally run the 20-yard dash in under 10 seconds, but that’s only at the all-you-can-eat buffet when the last bacon fritter is up for grabs. Neither of us are Olympians, although we have participated in the discus throw, but that involved rupturing the L-5 vertebrae in the cervical area of the spinal column after getting up too quickly from bed to push the snooze button. Believe me, it’s agony to throw your discus out of whack. We also have a strong aversion to anything that involves pulling hamstrings; however, we do enjoy a good pulled pork, so we’ve got that going for us. When we decided to go on a little getaway the logical choice was early October when all the noisy kids were in school and the destination was a swanky ski lodge since there would be no snow. This of course meant no pesky skiers to hog the hot tubs or annoying snowboarders to share the fireplaces with. We wouldn’t even need a fake cast to put on our leg to sit around the lodge all day. There would be no snow bums to compete with. Just to humor ourselves we wandered over to the vacant ski lifts. The sun was out and the grass was still green. The lift chairs dangled above like unused hangers in a closet. We ventured over to a

large map the size of a wall and studied the various ski runs that people with functioning brain cells actually navigated. Each was named depending on its skill level. The black diamond runs instilled fear and challenge, such as: Thrasher, Twister, Super Fury, Vertigo and Free Fall. Then there were the double black diamonds for the extreme sportsman who possessed no functioning brain cells whatsoever. Their names included: Massacre, Widowmaker, Black Hole, Devil’s Drop, and Ripsaw. They certainly instilled fear in us. If we even attempted the bunny hill runs they would have to be renamed: Spine Twister, Permanent Paralyses Drop, Concussion Alley, Femur Snapper, Internal Hemorrhage Hill and Full Body Cast Abyss. This is why we go during ghost-town season and much prefer runs like: Flat Sidewalk, Elevator To Buffet, Escalator Down, and Poolside With A View. We have triumphed these precarious runs and come out victorious. Even the black diamonds are no challenge. My husband has mastered the treacherous, Couch Near TV while I dominate the ever tricky, Room Service Please. So far, we have not ended up with staples in our scapulas or metal plates in our coccyx.

Local Author Spotlight: Stephen Walker Stephen Walker’s new book, “Ghosts Among Us: True Stories of the Paranormal,” was inspired by the success of his first book, “Lemp: The Haunting History.” It was the haunted aspect of the Lemp Mansion that first awakened his interest in ghost stories. During book signings and lectures, many people shared with him their own paranormal accounts and the current book represents the best of Walker’s collection, assembled over a timespan of more than 25 years. Most all of the stories in the new book originated in the St. Louis area, and all come to him directly from the people who experienced them. Mr. Walker is a St. Louis native, and currently resides in O’Fallon with his wife, Carole, daughter, Janna and son, Matthew. When he’s not haunthunting, he works as a graphic designer for St. Anthony’s Medical Center in south St. Louis County. And he’s already building a collection of new stories, with an eye toward a second volume of his book. Send yours to Stephen@ghostsamongus.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 26, 2016

BJC creates scholarship fund to support Ferguson Commission findings In response to regional community needs identified by the Ferguson Commission, BJC HealthCare is creating a new scholarship opportunity for college-bound high school seniors who plan to pursue a two- or four-year degree. The BJC Scholars Fund will be funded by BJC and administered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis. Scholarships will be awarded annually to up to 14 students in communities served by BJC hospitals: St. Louis City; St. Louis County; St. Charles County; Columbia, Farmington/Bonne Terre and Sullivan, Missouri; and the Metro East. Scholarships will be renewable through graduation or a maximum of 10 semesters, resulting in 50-60 BJC Scholars being funded each year when the program reaches full implementation. Each scholarship will be a needs-based award of up to $10,000 per academic year at a public Missouri or Illinois state college or university in the state where the student resides. The annually renewable scholarship will be applicable toward tuition, fees, room and board, transportation and incidental costs. The Scholarship Foundation will support students and parents in taking full advantage of other state, federal and

institutional funds to which students are entitled, to ensure that the BJC scholarship award completes the funding required for full year attendance. BJC is funding the scholarship program to help take community action on the findings of “For the Sake of All” and “Forward through Ferguson.” The scholarship fund also aligns with BJC’s strong advocacy for education, in recognition of the connection between education and improved health and longevity. “BJC is at heart a health care organization. We are also the area’s largest employer and are actively engaged with our community,” says Steve Lipstein, BJC president and CEO. “We want to take meaningful action, beyond our role as a health care provider, in helping move forward in the wake of events that shook our community two years ago. “One need identified in the Ferguson Commission report is to increase college access and affordability. We also know statistics and studies show there is a very strong connection between higher education levels and better health outcomes. By creating this new scholarship fund, BJC hopes to make an impact in helping young people attain their educational goals and

create new opportunities for a brighter and healthier future.” The Scholarship Foundation will provide outreach services to promote the scholarship opportunity and will administer all aspects of the application and selection process, as well as ongoing support that includes advising, workshops, financial aid counseling, participation in paid internship programs and additional funding opportunities if relevant. “We are excited to see this new opportunity for scholarship funding,” says Faith Sandler, executive director of The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis. “Education and – just as important – affordable access to education are critical to set the stage for future success. We are pleased to be able to bring this opportunity to high school students in every region where BJC HealthCare has a hospital presence.” The application process for the BJC Scholars Fund will open Jan. 1, 2017, with a deadline submission of April 15. Recipients will be announced in July 2017 for the 2017-2018 academic year. The Scholarship Foundation will begin communications and visits to high schools in eligible communities next month.

Medicare Open Enrollment 101 To ensure you get the most from Medicare in 2017, you should research your Medicare plan options during Medicare open enrollment. Open enrollment closes Dec. 7. Changes made during this time will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017. During open enrollment, you can: • Adjust Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage. • Change from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa). • Switch between Medicare Advantage plans. • Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. • Switch existing drug plans or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you’re unsure where to start, your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help. Don’t wait until the last minute. Take care of your health now and find your SHIP at shiptacenter.org, or contact Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 or Medicare.gov.

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October 26, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Discovery Ridge Elementary celebrates seventh annual Discovery Days

www.iwacademy.org

JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Students at Discovery Ridge Elementary received a visit from the ARCH helicopter during the seventh annual Discovery Days.

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Students at Discovery Ridge Elementary participated in the seventh annual Discovery Days during the week of Oct. 3-7. The event, conceived by faculty members in 2010 before construction of the new elementary school was even completed, focuses on discovery in the physical world. “Discovery Days is an opportunity for our students to learn, explore, discover and imagine about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), with a special focus on space and flight,” said Discovery Ridge Principal Laura Bates.” On Oct. 7, the week culminated with activities that included students climbing in the cockpit of an F4 Phantom jet built by McDonnell Douglas.

Other activities included Monsanto’s Marshmallow Challenge, Washington University’s MySci truck, science demonstrations by Mad Science, and solar scope viewing with the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri. “During Discovery Days you learn about the planets in a very fun way,” said fifth grader Deo Reji. “I love Discovery Days every year.” Additional events included a visit from the ARCH helicopter, Dino Odell’s science songs and the St. Louis Science Center Unisphere - a portable, inflatable mini-planetarium. The celebration concluded Friday night with the St. Louis Science Center’s Family Science Night and a pizza dinner.

SCC Foundation 20th annual Presidents Classic Golf Scramble raises more than $46,000 The St. Charles Community College Foundation raised more than $46,000 at its 20th annual Presidents Classic Golf Scramble on Sept 26. Proceeds will support scholarships as well as academic and program enhancements for the college. “The support we receive helps our students to get a high quality, affordable education,” said Betsy Schneider, SCC director of development. Richard Jensen, CEO of Rx Systems, Inc. and Chuck Pilliod, CFO of Krey Distributing Company, were co-chairs of the planning committee for this year’s golf scramble. “We are so thankful to our generous community members who came together for this event to raise much-needed funds,” said Jensen.

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Photo courtesy SCC A foursome of (from left) Derek Jensen, Kevin Nentwig, Richard Jensen and Bob Tippett from RX Systems, Inc., participates in the SCC Foundation’s 20th annual Presidents Classic Golf Scramble on Sept. 26, at Old Hickory Golf Club.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 26, 2016

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Business

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Submitted photo

General Manager Shaun Johnson celebrated the grand opening of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers at University Commons with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 4. On hand was St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith, employees, family, friends and board members and ambassadors of the Greater St. Charles County

Chamber of Commerce. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is located at 1840 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. For more information on hours of operation and catering options, please call 636-925-0132 or visit their website at www.raisingcanes.com.

Wallis Companies acquires additional stores Wallis Companies announced the acquisition of convenience stores in the greater St. Louis area. This acquisition consists of 13 Dirt Cheap locations, 19 U-Gas convenience stores, one commissary operation and one undeveloped parcel for future store development. This acquisition strengthens Wallis’s existing convenience store network throughout Missouri. “With entrepreneurial roots, our company has always focused on growth. We are excited about

the new customers and new markets this acquisition allows us to serve. Our team has worked hard to make the transition smooth for customers,” said Lynn Wallis, President and CEO of Wallis Companies. Customers will continue to receive the same service, as most of the existing staff joined Wallis Companies. There are no immediate changes planned for store operations.

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Around Town

October 26, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 26, 2016

Around Town

October 26, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 26, 2016

Sports you see with Gary B...

UMSL swimmers win a dozen events at Jewell The University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s and women’s swimming teams combined to win 12 events in a tri-meet with host William Jewell and Maryville on Saturday. The Triton men defeated Maryville, 170-36, and on the women’s side The Tritons defeated Maryville, 138-75. For the men, freshman Gabriel Jimenez (50 free and 100 butterfly) and sophomore Radoslaw Chupka (100 and 200 backstrokes) each won two individual events and swam on the winning 200yard medley relay to highlight action for the Tritons. Other wins went to Patryk Golinski (800 free), Mike Trefler (200 breaststroke). Trefler and senior Mladen Senicar also swam on the winning relay, while Senicar gave UMSL a one-two finish in the 50 free. For the women, freshman Merel Visser won three individual titles (200 free, 200 butterfly and 400 free) and swam the opening leg of the 400 free relay along with Amber Visser, Sofia Pilarska and Agnieszka Blocka. Blocka also won the 100 butterfly. Go to www.UMSLTritons.com for more information. * Tread that water Indoor football team giving away tickets The River City Raiders play in the Northeast Champions Indoor Football League consisting of 16 teams with home games at the Family Arena in

St. Charles. Here is an opportunity to see the exciting indoor football when the season starts March 11. Go to www.IndoorRaiders.com to get all the details. * Can’t beat the price

Soccer team has ninegame winning streak at Lindenwood The Lindenwood field hockey team collected two victories over the weekend to improve their overall record to 12-3 which is the best in school history. The Lady Lions avenged a loss against Limestone on Saturday with a 2-0 shutout then dominated Newberry by a final score of 6-1. Tara Robben leads the ECAC with 15 goals and

Sports

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34 total points. Head Coach Sarah Johnson has led her team to an impressive season thus far in her sixth year in the position for the Lady Lions. She has great help from Assistant Coaches Sara Nagel who is in her sixth year of coaching, Lyndsey Porter in her fourth year as a volunteer coach and Samantha Brown. For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com * Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information River City Rascals release schedule for 2017 The River City Rascals play professional baseball in the West Division of the Frontier League at the CarShield Field in O’Fallon. The team ended the 2016 campaign just short of the championship, Moving forward, baseball is less than seven months away and you can pick the best seats in the house. For more information go to www.RiverCityRascals.com * Get close to the field

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Indoor professional soccer starting soon The St. Louis Ambush play in the MASL (Major Arena Soccer League) and will start the season on Nov. 19 against the Tacoma Stars at their home field the Family Arena. New Head coach and part owner Tony Glavin will lead the team for the 2016-17 campaign. * The place to be

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.

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What’s Happening

October 26, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS Oct. 26: Childbirth class

Preparation for childbirth community class at Progress West Hospital Campus in Conference Room B from 7 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 27: Bone density screening

Bone density screening at Corporate Parkway Library from 4 – 6 p.m.

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.

Oct. 27: Theological class

Special Theological library class presented by Northside Church of Christ will take place at the MiddendorfKredell Branch Library at 2750 Hwy K in O’Fallon at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome.

Oct. 28: Flu shot clinic

Community flu shot clinic from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. at Progress West Hospital Campus in Conference Room B.

Oct. 28: Mouse races

Veterans Return to Vietnam is a 501c3 tax deductible organization dedicated to paying all expenses for any former combat veteran to return to Vietnam in order to gain closure from their combat experience as wells as release from stress and trauma issue. In order to meet the financial needs of the trip this year, they will be having their second mouse races fundraiser at Knights of Columbus at 7198 5701 Highway N in St. Charles. Doors open at 6 p.m.

and silent auction begins. Mouse races begin at 7 p.m Cost is $20 per person or $150 for a table of eight. There is a 10 percent discount if tickets are purchased prior to event. For tickets please call Mike Snider at 314-9528753 or Kevin or Carey Hudnutt at 636-978-3639.

Oct. 29: Fall festival

Oct. 28-30: Missouri River Ren dezvous

The Seventh Annual Fort Zumwalt East Grad Night Craft Fair takes place from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Fort Zumwalt East High School at 600 1st Executive Ave. in St. Peters. More information available at https://www.facebook. com/FortZumwaltEastCraftFair/.

The first annual Missouri River Rendezvous will be held at Klondike Park at 4600 S. Highway 94 in the river hills and wine country of Augusta. The three-day event will focus on river related resources, art, education, recreation, research, stewardship and commerce along the Missouri River. The purpose of the event is to connect different citizens and groups working or interested in the Missouri River to leverage their passion and knowledge for a more connected river community. Participants will have the opportunity to attend Missouri River presentations and activities in the park, take a boat ride on the Missouri River, participate in a guided hike through Klondike Park and tour nearby Augusta. In the evening, participants can make s’mores around the campfire and listen to tunes by local musicians, Gloria Attoun and Michael Bauermeister. A Halloween-themed river social will be held Saturday night. The full campground is reserved for Rendezvous participants. A mini river cleanup will be held Sunday morning. Full registration costs $75 and covers all meals and Rendezvous workshops and activities. A minimal camping fee ($8 per night) or your choice of nearby lodging is extra. You can also purchase at ticket for $30 for half day on Saturday - you choose - attend the morning workshop sessions with lunch or the evening social with dinner. Kids under 12 will receive a reduced cost of $30 for the weekend. Activities and demonstrations in the park on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. are free and open to the public. Deadline to register is Oct. 21. Details can be found online at www. bit.ly/2016rendezvous.

Oct. 29: Community festival

Halo-Wing in the Park will take place at Blvd. Park in Lake St. Louis from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Light up your world at this free community event. Enjoy games, prizes, four-by-six photo for the kids, popcorn, cocoa and live gospel music Also drawing for one girl’s and one boy’s razor bike. There will also be an audience “Candle Lighting” (candles provided). For more information visit Facebook.com/halowinginthepark.

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A fall festival takes place at 2 - 6 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church at 2310 Muegge Rd. in St. Charles. There will be a costume contest, games, prizes, bounce houses, candy, treats, free hot dogs and drinks.

Oct. 29: Craft fair

Oct. 29: WWII Warbirds and open house

The Commemorative Air Force - Missouri Wing in connection with St. Charles Airport will be participating in the Annual Pumpkin Drop at St. Charles County Airport 6390 Grafton Ferry Rd. in Portage Des Sioux from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Come see WWII Warbirds, vehicles, as well as the Ford Unlimited Car Club. Warbird rides are available at a cost in a 1944 B-25 Bomber, 1945 TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber and PT-13 Stearman. The WWII warbirds Pumpkin Bomb Mission will be between 12 – 1 p.m. For ride information please see www.cafmo.org and click on the banner.

Oct. 30: All-you-can-eat breakfast

The Knights of Columbus at St. Robert Bellarmine Church (1424 First Capitol Drive South in St. Charles) will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes: made to order omelets, pancakes, sausages, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee. Cost for adults is $7, children six to 11 are $4 and children five-and-under are free. In addition a blood drive will be held at the same time as the breakfast. Those who donate blood that day will receive a free breakfast. For additional information please call 636-946-6799.

Nov. 1: Bone density screening

Bone density screening at Middendorf-Kredell Library from 4 – 6 p.m.

Nov. 2: Childbirth class

Preparation for childbirth community class at Progress West Hospital Campus in Conference Room B from 7 9:30 p.m.

Nov. 2: Pancake & Sausage Day

The O’Fallon Kiwanis Club will host their 54th Annual Pancake & Sausage Day. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Vet-

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • October 26, 2016 ans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. Pancakes will be served until 6 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults (12 years and older), $6 for seniors, $5 for children (ages six-11) and kids under age 6 and over 100 are free! One hundred percent of the money raised from Pancakes & Sausages will be used to support children and our community. For tickets or information call Don at 636-724-8408.

Nov. 2-5: Theater production

Francis Howell High School’s Limelight Theatre presents “You Can’t Take it With You,” a play by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman on Nov. 2, Nov. 4 and Nov. 5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m. at Francis Howell High School Auditorium at 7001 South Highway 94 in St. Charles. Tickets are $5.

Nov. 4: Trivia night

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries will host its seventh annual trivia night at Trigg Banquet Center located at 300 O’Fallon Plaza in O’Fallon. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m. Everyone, including the public, is invited to attend the O’Fallon Chamber’s Trivia Night presented by Country Side Flooring America. The early bird price of $175 is for a table of eight people and is available until Sept. 30, after that the price increases to $100 per table. Tables include 10 rounds of trivia, two mulligans, beer and soda; you may also bring in your favorite snacks. For more information or to register your table visit www.OFallonChamber.org/ trivia or call 636-240-1818 to reserve your spot.

Nov. 4: Community Dodgeball tournament

A community dodgeball tournament will take place from 6 - 10 p.m. at Lutheran High School of St. Charles County. Teams are from ninth grade to adult. Cost is $100 per adult team, $50 per high school youth team. There will be prizes, t-shirt, concessions, awards, etc. Proceeds to benefit Grad Night 2017 and LHS Booster Club. Teams

must preregister by Oct. 24 at http:// lutheranhighstcharles.com/athletics/ booster-club/events/.

Nov. 4: Trivia night

The Warren County Health Partnership will host a trivia night fundraiser. Proceeds go to support the Warren County Community Fitness Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m. Table of eight is $120 or $15 per person if paid before Oct. 4, after Oct. 4 $160 table of eight or $20 per person. There will be cash prizes, mulligans, silent auction, raffle items, 50/50, soft drinks, popcorn, and more. Prize given for best decorated table with the theme of “Your Favorite Holiday!” Outside food and drinks (BYOB) are permitted. Location is the Fitness Center at 1000 Outlet Center #2 in Warrenton. To donate an item or to sign up contact Peggy Privett at 636456-7474 or e-mail pprivett@warrencountymo.org.

Nov. 4: Fundraiser luncheon

The Crisis Nurseries of St. Charles & Wentzville invite you to fall into the holidays at the Annual Over the Top for Tots luncheon. Shop local boutiques; and enjoy an assortment of fabulous raffle and auction items from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ameristar Conference Center. This year, the Crisis Nurseries of St. Charles & Wentzville are honoring community advocates for their dedication to child abuse prevention, and supporting their work throughout the year through in-kind and monetary donations. Over the Top for Tots benefits Crisis Nursery Healing Hearts Art Therapy Program. For more information, please contact Bonnie Define at Bonnie@crisisnurserykids.org or 314-292-5770 ex. 106.

Nov. 4-6 and 11-13: Theater production

O’FallonTheatreWorks presents “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Curtain times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (city hall) at 100 North Main St. in O’Fallon. For tickets and information call 636-474-2732.

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Reserved tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors (ages 55 and up) and $8 for students ages six – 17. Tickets at the box office cost an additional $2 each; the box office opens an hour before each show. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Nov. 5: Alzheimer’s education

Care and Conquer Alzheimer’s Education at Spencer Road Library from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Nov. 5: HollyBerry Fair

St. Johns United Church of Christ will hold their annual HollyBerry Fair from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fair includes handmade crafts, silent auction, etc. Located on Wolfrum Road at Highway 94 in Weldon Spring. Bring the family for cake walk, face painting, etc. For more information call 636-926-8995 or visit www.stjohnsweldonspring.org.

Nov. 6: Square dance open house

This is a free event to introduce nondancers to the world of square dancing. Come with a partner, come with a group, or come alone from 2 - 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. Call 636-978-6857 for more information or visit www.stpeterssquares.com.

Nov. 7: Bone density screening

Bone density screening at Spencer Road Library from 4 – 6 p.m.

Nov. 9: Childbirth class

Preparation for childbirth community class at Progress West Hospital Campus in Conference Room B from 7 9:30 p.m.

Nov. 10: Seminar

Community education with Dr. Quigley questions about knee pain at Middendorf-Kredell Library from 2 - 3:30 p.m.

What’s Happening

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

October 26, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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October 26, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

“Max Steel”

By Steve Bryan

Loving and hating bad movies As I watched “Max Steel” last weekend, I wondered if the director and stars knew they were making a really bad piece of cinema. Based on the Mattel line of action figures, this adventure capitalizes on the popularity of other toy lines like “Transformers,” but fails miserably. The awkward battles and muddy soundtrack make this film unwatchable. A few years ago, the folks responsible for this debacle were promoting their work at the San Diego Comic-Con. They made it sound like “Max Steel” was slated to be released soon, but it appears to have been lost in development. I assume that they needed a week-long theatrical release to get it on streaming services and DVD and Blu-ray. Do bad films like this one start out as noble efforts or are they bad to the bone? Coming off two popular movies (“The Color Purple” and “Jumping Jack Flash”), Whoopi Goldberg starred in “The Telephone,” a bizarre 1988 film featuring the actress chatting on a desktop telephone. Goldberg spent most of her screen time on the phone as people came and went. The ending was shocking, unexpected and the most interesting part of a dreary movie. Many critics trashed “Ace Ventura:

‘Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders’ photo courtesy Warner Bros. Animation

Pet Detective” when it arrived in theaters, but Jim Carrey’s fans gave him a $70 million opening weekend. The low-budget production featured Carrey doing what he does best: physical comedy and impressions. It’s a bad movie to some, but has since become a cult classic that spawned sequels. One can’t always equate a box office flop with low quality, though. ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” did not do well when it first came out in

1971. It gained a worldwide following, however, when it was shown on television. Gene Wilder is fondly remembered for his performance as Willy Wonka, especially while singing the classic “Pure Imagination.” The same thing happened with “Eddie and the Cruisers,” a 1983 effort that was largely ignored for over a year. During those 12 months, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band released “On the Dark Side,” their single from

the film. It became hugely popular as did “Eddie and the Cruisers” when it hit cable TV stations. It really identified the important link between home video and Hollywood. If you see the name “Alan Smithee” during the opening credits, run for your life. That is the pseudonym used by directors when they wish to disavow any ownership of their own film. On the other hand, Ed Wood, considered to be the worst director of all time, has actually been honored for his bad work. He is, of course, the man responsible for the legendary “Plan 9 From Outer Space” starring wrestler Tor Johnson and a guy in a gorilla suit. Sometimes, bad can be good, but “Max Steel” is really, really bad. I guess even Alan Smithee didn’t want his name in the credits on this one. 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.