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November 16, 2016

Staying ahead of the flu 4

Around Town New director of Humane Service

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Holiday shopping guide

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St. Charles County health officials encourage vaccinations to protect against upcoming flu season By Brett Auten Local health officials are getting the word out early. Annual vaccinations deliver the best protection against the flu. For most who become sick, the flu causes symptoms such as fever, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, vomiting or general fatigue, but for others — especially young children and those 65 or older — the illness can be life-threatening. 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. “You don’t think of the flu as causing more than a couple of days in bed feeling miserable,” Doug Bolnick, Public Information Officer said. “But if you have other issues or fall into that age range it can be a potentially deadly disease.” St. Charles County health officials are encouraging children and adults to prepare for the upcoming flu season by getting an annual flu shot. The Division of Health Services’ Immunization Clinic, located at 1650 Boones Lick Road in St. Charles, now offers flu shots for adults

and children. According to the clinic, 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. Analysis from multiple sources, including the Center of Disease Control and the World Health Organization to formulate the composition of the vaccine and this analysis determined: • That the quadrivalent vaccine be designed to protect against four different flu viruses (an H1N1 virus, an H3N2 virus, and two influenza B viruses) and be appropriate for all individuals ages six months or older. • “You never know what (virus) can come along and start to circulate,” Bolnick said. • That a pediatric influenza vaccine be offered with a smaller dosage of the quadrivalent vaccine, so that it may be appropriate for children ages six months to 35 months. • That a high-dose vaccine be made available for those 65 years of age or older. This type of vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen in

a regular flu shot to boost the body’s ability to create antibodies against influenza virus. • That the nasal spray method has not been as effective in protecting individuals against influenza as the traditional shot method. As a result, the nasal spray will not be offered by the Immunization Clinic this year. Flu shots through the Immunization Clinic are $35 for the quadrivalent vaccine, $40 for the pediatric vaccine and $55 for the high-dose vaccine. Bolnick said 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. “It’s an unnecessary risk,” Bolnick said of not getting a flu shot. “It’s two-tothree minutes of discomfort. Annual flu vaccinations are the best way to prevent the spread of the flu illness. Also, wash your hands regularly with warm, soapy water to minimize the spread of the virus and stay home when sick. The flu is highly contagious and is spread through direct contact.” See FLU page 2

Moore on life

School

Cereal offender

Project Lead the Way

Learn & Play

Give thanks for the slow cooker

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Around Town Vol. 18 No. 46

In This Issue... 3 Around Town

O’Fallon’s Disabled Transportation Program and more.

6 Special Section

Holiday Shopping Guide

November 16, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

FLU Continued from cover 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. The Division of Health Services compiles incidents of positive cases and issues a weekly report on the number of diagnosed cases.

This report is available for viewing online at www.sccmo.org/407/ Public-Health-Reports or on social media through the Department of Public Health’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. The St. Charles County Department of Public Health provides a wide range of services that enhance the well-being of the community. To learn how the department assists this region or to find out about volunteer opportunities with any of the divisions, visit www. sccmo.org/PublicHealth or call 636-949-7400. For more information about the vaccines or the VFC and 317 programs, please visit www.sccmo.org/immunizations.

8 School

Financial website ranks O’Fallon as one of America’s ‘50 Best Cities to Live’

9 Business

The financial website 247WallSt.com has ranked the city of O’Fallon eighth on its “2016 Best Cities to Live” list, citing a multitude of factors such as low crime, affordable housing, employment, median income, recreational resources, student achievements and opportunities for higher education. The only other Missouri municipality to make the list was Lee’s Summit. Thomas C. Frohlich, Evan Comen, Samuel Stebbins and Michael B. Sauter – co-authors of the article for 247WallSt.com, – detailed their methodology: “To determine America’s 50 best cities to live in, 247WallSt. com.considered the roughly 550 U.S. cities that the U.S. Census Bureau reported as having

Wentzville School District scores 97.1 percent on state report card and more. Ameren Missouri helps United Services provide therapy for children and more.

10 Sports

Local sports with Gary B.

11 Learn & Play

Featuring recipe and crossword.

12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Movie

Voting the cinematic party.

populations of more than 65,000 residents in 2015... Data was collected in nine major categories: crime, demography, economy, education, environment, health, housing, infrastructure and leisure.” In explaining why O’Fallon was near the top of the list, the article noted that O’Fallon’s violent crime rate is one of the lowest in the country. O’Fallon also has a low cost of living and high median household income. The full article can be read at http://247wallst.com/ special-report/2016/10/26/ americas-50-best-cities-to-livein. In addition, each category, such as “economy,” was considered in relation to multiple subcategories. For

example, to assess O’Fallon’s economic picture, the authors looked at median household incomes adjusted for cost of living, the ratio between the city’s median income as compared to the state of Missouri’s median income, the city’s low poverty level and unemployment rates, and the city’s three-year employment growth. In comparing statistics from a variety of sources, the authors noted, “Our goal was to identify cities that were livable for everyone.” “The accolades our city receives each year from a variety of sources, and now including 247WallSt.com, give our city national recognition that is becoming a standard for other

cities,” said O’Fallon’s Mayor, Bill Hennessy. “For that, we can thank our dedicated citizens who volunteer their time and energy to help move our city forward. We have committed businesses and non-profits which use their resources to give back to the community, and a foundation of educational institutions public and private, from preschool to postgraduate, that provide tools for building great lives. “We also are grateful to our dedicated first responders who keep this community safe, and our concerned residents who take the time to look out for each other. It truly takes the entirety of our community to make O’Fallon one of America’s ‘Top 10’ cities.”

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 16, 2016

Around Town

O’Fallon’s Disabled Transportation Program offers free rides for residents with disabilities O’Fallon residents with a disability who cannot drive may be eligible for a limited number of free rides to medical appointments, banks and shopping through the city’s Disabled Transportation Program. To assist as many residents as program funds will allow, the rides are limited to two round trips per person per month. Pick-up sites must originate in O’Fallon city limits and destinations must be in St. Charles County. To schedule a ride, residents should contact the service provider, ZipCare Transportation, at least 48 hours in advance by calling 314-292-

7302 ext. 102. Or, a request can be submitted online through the company’s website, www. zipcaretransportation.com. To qualify for the ride program, residents will need: proof of Social Security disability such as a copy of the award letter, and/or Medicare part A and B cards; photo identification showing their O’Fallon address, and a copy of a current utility bill such as a bill for phone, gas, electric, water or trash collection. For more information, visit www.ofallon. mo.us/grants-assistance or contact Ms. Jaegers at 636-379-5411, or ajaegers@ofallon.mo.us.

Young People’s Theatre to perform ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ Young People’s Theatre will perform “A Christmas Story: The Musical” at 7 p.m., Dec. 16-17; and 2 p.m. Dec. 17-18, 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. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com, in the Continuing Education office in Humanities Building Room 103 or by calling 636-922-8233. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Ind., the musical follows nine-yearold Ralphie Parker and his quest for the ultimate Christmas gift – an official Red Ryder carbine-

action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. The music ranges from gentle ballads to show-stopping fullensemble numbers, such as “Ralphie to the Rescue!,” “A Major Award,” “Stick Situation,” “Up on Santa’s Lap,” “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana” and the inevitable “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” “A Christmas Story, The Musical” will bring an exciting new dimension to those who have seen the movie and will certainly stand on its own for those who haven’t. For more information, call SCC Continuing Education Department at 636-922-8233. www.midwestbankcentre.com

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Around Town

November 16, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Loan Program assists qualifying low-income homeowners with home maintenance If you are a low-income O’Fallon homeowner, you may be eligible for help with home repairs through O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Loan Program. The program provides forgivable, zerointerest loans of up to $5,000 on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who qualify. If the homeowner continues to live in the house for five years without selling, the loans will be forgiven. The 2016 income limits for homeowners are based on total gross incomes of no more than: $39,400 for a one-person household, $45,000 for a two-person household, $50,650 for a household of three, $56,250 for a household of four, $60,750 for a five-person household, $65,250 for a sixperson household, $69,750 for a seven-person household and $74,250 for an eight-person

household. In general, the program’s funds can be used for repairing or replacing HVAC units, windows, roofs, siding, sump pumps, water heaters and much more. Funds can only be used for home maintenance and to address code violations. In addition to HUD income limits, applicants must meet other standards to qualify for the program, including owning and occupying the house to be improved for at least one year, and be up-to-date on mortgage payments and real estate taxes. For an application or more information about applying for the program, visit www. ofallon.mo.us/grants-assistance. Or, contact Ms. Jaegers at 636-379-5411 or ajaegers@ofallon. mo.us.

St. Charles County selects new Director of Humane Services St. Charles County Department of Public Health Director Hope Woodson announced that she has named Katie Willis as the Director of the Division of Humane Services. In this position, Willis will oversee operations of the County’s Pet Adoption Center and Animal Control officers. A graduate of Francis Howell High School and a life-long St. Charles County resident, Willis has worked with the Division of Humane Services since 2000. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, she joined St. Charles County as its Veterinary Technician, a position she held until this promotion to director. Through additional studies, she became fully registered as a veterinary technician in the State of Missouri in 2012. “I enjoy helping people and their animals,” Willis said. “The great staff in the Division of Humane Services has implemented a number of programs — including the

flourishing pet foster program, a low-cost spay/neuter service and a food pantry for pets in need — that have enhanced

Photo courtesy St. Charles County Katie Willis has been named as the St. Charles County Director of the Division of Humane Services.

the lives of pets and their owners in St. Charles County. I am honored to have this opportunity to continue these programs and to lead our staff in more ways to help the people and animals within this area.” In addition to working to enhance the lives of animals and

learning about their behaviors, Willis and her husband enjoy being active in the community. She is a Stephens Minister for Church of the Shepherd and serves in the Program Advisory Group for United Methodist Women. Since opening in 1999, the St. Charles County’s Pet Adoption Center has placed more than 35,000 animals in loving homes. Adopting a pet through the Division of Humane Services offers an outstanding value, as the $60 adoption fee includes a thorough health examination, initial vaccinations, spay or neuter service, microchipping and owner education. To view pets now available for adoption or to learn more about the services provided through the Division of Humane Services, please visit www.sccmo.org/ humane or stop by the Pet Adoption Center at 4850 Mid Rivers Mall Drive (across from St. Charles Community College). For questions regarding Humane Services programs, please call 636-9497387.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 16, 2016

Seventh Annual Lake Saint Louis Police Officer’s Association Holiday Charity Drive kicks off The Lake St. Louis Police Officer’s Association is going to deliver food to less fortunate families again this Thanksgiving. The food items will include a turkey as well as all of the trimmings. They will also be sponsoring local school children again this Christmas. The 2015 Thanksgiving charity drive was very successful and the tradition continues. The Holiday Charity Drive began Nov. 7 and will continue until Dec. 24. Please do not send food items or clothing as there is not a storage facility. If you would like to make a tax deductible

donation to go toward this mission you can send a donation to: Lake St. Louis Police Officer’s Association, 6311 Ronald Reagan Dr. Suite 229, Lake St. Louis, Mo. 63367, Attn: Butch Crowley. Anyone who makes a donation will receive a thank you letter with the amount on it for tax purposes. Please be sure to write “Holiday Drive” on the memo line of your check. Please contact Butch Crowley with any questions at 636-262-4235. Visit and “Like” the Lake St. Louis Police Officer’s Association on Facebook for current information.

Around Town

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St. Charles woman receives Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis, a volunteer organization for business and professional women, presented its Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women to Nancy Schoonover of St. Charles, at their annual Fashion Show Fundraiser held Nov. 5. The Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women honors ordinary women, who through their professional or personal activities, make extraordinary efforts on behalf of women and girls. Schoonover has been a community volunteer for more than eighteen years. Most recently she started a project she calls “Operation Warm &

Cozy.” She was inspired to begin this project on a trip when she saw homeless struggling to stay warm in the bitter cold. Schoonover collected old jeans and flannel shirts and made her first Warm & Cozy quilt. In addition to the quilt she includes several other items to help make life a little brighter for the homeless. To date Schoonover has made 35 quilt kits that she has given to several homeless shelters and has recently been asked to donate her quilts to the O’Fallon Police Department. Her goal is to reach 100 quilt kits. Schoonover said she has been so blessed with warmth and comfort all her life that it is her pleasure to give back.

www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex

Francis Howell voters fail to approve Proposition Howell On Election Day, Nov. 8, voters in the Francis Howell School District failed to approve Proposition Howell, a 60-cent operating levy. The increased funding would have allowed the district to maintain high student academic achievement by reducing class sizes, improving safety, increasing technology, restoring tutoring, attracting and retaining high quality teachers, maintaining district facilities and maintaining existing bus transportation. The last time that district voters approved a tax increase was in 2004. “I felt it was the responsibility and the duty of the entire board of education to let our stakeholders know we needed additional revenue to provide the quality education our community expects and our students deserve,” said Board President Mark Lafata. “The majority of voters in the district did not support the measure, so the board of education will be meeting later this month to determine our next steps.” Because of increasing costs and stagnant revenues, FHSD has had to reduce staff by the equivalent of 190 full-time positions since 2008. In fiscal year 2016, FHSD cut $8.2 million from the

budget and reduced the equivalent of 62 full-time positions. The district also cut an additional $4 million for this school year, which includes the equivalent of 36 full-time positions. “I’m certainly disappointed with the results, and I worry about the long-term effect on our student learning,” said Superintendent Dr. Mary HendricksHarris. “We will continue to make reductions and at the same time try to minimize the negative impact on the classroom and our students moving forward. I want to thank all of our volunteers who worked so hard to try to get this ballot initiative passed. It has been heartwarming to see people come together to support our students and our schools.”

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November 16, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Make gifts personal with DIY labels After spending hours scouring stores for the perfect gift for each person on your list, the last thing you want to do is bury your thoughtful gesture in generic wrapping. Fortunately, with the right tools and a little creativity, you can make your gift boxes just as personal as the gifts they contain. When you opt to create your own handmade gift labels, the options are nearly endless. If there are a large number of kids in your group, try making labels with photos

instead of names so even the little ones who can’t read can get in on the fun when it’s time to hand out gifts. Or for a more crafty approach, look to one of these ideas from the crafting experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, which will make your presents so pretty it almost seems a shame to open them. Find more ideas for DIY projects to put a personal touch on your presents this holiday season at joann.com.

DIY Gift Toppers

Crafting time: 1-2 hours | Skill level: Beginner Supplies and Tools: • 12-inch paper trimmer with aluminum cut rail • Cardstock • Adhesive • Twine • Fiskars Label/Simple Double Tag Maker with Built-in Eyelet Setter • Fiskars Banner Thick Materials Shape Punch

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Rosette Gift Topper Use paper trimmer to cut two 3-by-6-inch pieces of cardstock. Fold each piece accordion style then fold in half to form fan. Adhere two pieces together to create rosette, and secure at center with twine. Using label maker punch, cut simple label. After punching tag, punch hang hole using hole punch at front of tool. Glue rosette to top of gift and attach simple label with twine.

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Wooden Banner Gift Topper Use the punch for thick materials to cut banner pieces from wood veneer. Tie thick piece of ribbon around gift box, and adhere wooden banner pieces to top. Apply alphabet stickers to banner pieces to spell a festive word or gift recipient’s name. Wrap twine around ribbon and banner to complete.

• • • • •

Wood veneer Ribbon Alphabet stickers Fiskars Banner/Artisan Double Tag Maker with Built-in Eyelet Setter 8-inch scissors

Bow Gift Topper Cut two simple labels out of cardstock using label punch and four banners out of cardstock using banner punch. Gently roll two simple labels in half, avoiding putting a crease in cardstock. Use scissors to trim flat end to match angled end. Align simple label on top of two banner labels, and trim flat end of banners to match angle of simple label. Adhere trimmed banner shapes to untrimmed banner shapes. Check that untrimmed banners extend beyond end of trimmed banners. Curl up points by wrapping cardstock around scissor blades or a pencil. Adhere two ends of simple labels together and glue to banner pieces to create bow loops. Use paper trimmer to cut small piece of cardstock for bow center. Gently roll in half and adhere. Adhere bow sections together and attach to top of gift box.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 16, 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

Cereal offender My husband and I never fight. Oh we may have the occasional eensy-beensy disagreement. But we handle it with poise and dignity and are far too mature to let it erupt into anything unpleasant. Say, for instance, if he left his dirty cereal bowl in the sink and to help out, filled it with water to let it “soak” for a few days. Even though I may have explained a gazillion times or more that cereal bowls do not require any amount of “soakage” and clarified that they needed to be put in the dishwasher immediately after use. So let’s just suppose that situation took place. I would then softly remind him that I had told him about this rule repeatedly, and in comparison to the average thinking adult his lug nuts must not be screwed on tightly enough. Of course, he would come back and say a little less softly that perhaps my pantyhose must be shutting off all circulation to my brain. Angered by such a crass insult, I would then respond sassily by throwing out the old hurtful comparison by saying, “Oh ya, well your lawn isn’t nearly as green as Mr. Pilkinson’s. I’ll just bet he fertilizes with the good stuff while you’re using that crappy buy-one-get-one-free junk. No wonder it’s browning around the edges!” After hitting a raw nerve right in the old neighborhood-grasscompetition soft spot, his face

would inflame like a red hot chili pepper, leaving him no choice but to go below the belt and hotly retort with, “Well at least Mrs. Pilkinson isn’t two felines past being a crazy cat lady!” Oh, no he didn’t! After daring to compare me to the younger, fashionable Mrs. Pilkinson, I would be steaming like a cooked clam and throw back in his face, “Oh Ya! Well… why don’t you just go marry ugly, Mrs. Pilkinson! See if she’ll put up with your stupid soaking cereal bowls in the sink!” After which I would burst into tears and throw fragile items against the wall, such as breakfast bowls including an unwashed one then storm out of the room slamming the door off of its hinges. Now I’m not saying this actually happened. Far be it from me to air my dirty laundry in public, but I will say that my sink has been a lot cleaner lately and for some reason I just received some roses and a new set of cereal bowls. 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.

By Cindy Moore

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School

November 16, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Wentzville School District hosts Project Lead the Way State Conference The Wentzville School District hosted over 1,000 educators for the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) State Conference on Oct. 28-29 at Timberland High School for the second consecutive year. The conference included a Friday evening Banquet at Old Hickory Golf Club in St. Peters that included guest speakers Governor Jay Nixon and Education Commissioner Dr. Margie Vandeven. Teachers, administrators and counselors from across Missouri and surrounding states attended sessions on PLTW teaching fundamentals and collaborated on ways to engage more students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). In addition, educators learned strategic ways to promote PLTW and create corporate partnerships within their communities to ultimately benefit students. “This was a tremendous opportunity for the WSD to showcase our facilities and our commitment to STEM initiatives,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain. “PLTW programs provide our students with career exposure and preparation in high demanding global fields as well as connections with corporate mentors and community members. It’s vital that our

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District WSD Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain stands with Education Commissioner Dr. Margie Vandeven and PLTW President and CEO Dr. Vince Bertram at the Project Lead the Way State Conference on Oct. 28-29 at Timberland High School.

students have access to PLTW classes so they can develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that will enable them to be tomorrow’s leaders.” Dr. Vandeven spoke Saturday morning at the conference, sharing how proud she is of Missouri’s advances in STEM initiatives, yet conceding there is still more work to be done to reach the State’s “Top 10 by 20” goal. Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW, gave the keynote address at the conference. Dr. Bertram is a highly sought-after speaker and has addressed national and international audiences on the issues of STEM education, workforce, and the economy. In 2014, he was appointed by

the U.S. Department of State to serve as the education expert for its United States Speaker and Specialist Program. Dr. Bertram spoke to the critical need for problem-solving skills at all grade levels, regardless of a child’s career path. The Wentzville School District has offered PLTW courses since 2007 and currently offers all three strands (engineering, biomedical and computer science). The WSD high schools have all received PLTW National Certification and two master teachers, Meghan Aydelott and Ashley Gregory, have been recognized as Outstanding PLTW teachers at the state level.

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The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released the Annual Performance Report (APR) data for school districts around the state. The Wentzville School District scored 97.1 percnet in the evaluation system, up from 95.4 percnet last year and the highest the cistrict has scored since the state started using the evaluation tool four years ago. The APR is part of the Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP 5), a rigorous evaluation tool for rating the performance of Missouri school districts. The standard of MSIP 5 measures five areas: Academic Achievement, Subgroup Achievement, College and Career Readiness, Attendance, and Graduation Rate. MSIP 5 is used to distinguish the performance of schools and districts in valid, accurate and meaningful ways so that districts in need of improvement can receive appropriate support and interventions, and high‐performing districts can be recognized as models of excellence. The district scored a perfect 100 percent in¬ Academic Achievement, Graduation Rate and College and Career Readiness, but did not receive all possible points in the Subgroup Achievement and Attendance categories. “These results are further evidence that we have strategically implemented quality curricular programs, and we have a phenomenal staff working with our students to increase achievement,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain. “While this is wonderful news, it is also a reminder to our students and their parents about the importance of good attendance. Studies show that children with better attendance have higher achievement, which is why DESE emphasizes this important

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The Wentzville School District scored 97.1 percent in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Annual Performance Report

metric when evaluating school districts.” Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) scores were released in September, and for the seventh consecutive year, the Wentzville School District has scored in the top 10 percnet of all school districts in the state of Missouri. At the same time, the WSD’s Average Daily Attendance spending remains the lowest in St. Charles County at $9,488 and below the state average, providing a high quality education at a low cost.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 16, 2016

Business

McDonald’s celebrates remodeled location with ribbon cutting

Submitted photo

Owner Chris Giarla, celebrated the grand reopening of his newly remodeled McDonald’s with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 3. On hand was St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano and aldermen with the city of St. Peters, employees, family, friends and board members and ambassadors of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

The newly remodeled McDonald’s is located at 6251 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters. For more information on hours of operation and the special events happening at their restaurant during the month of November, please call 636-2444870 or visit their website at mcdonalds.com.

Ameren Missouri helps United Services provide therapy for children

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ADOPT A PET SPONSORED BY BABY FACES

A $2,000 grant from Ameren Missouri will help United Services for Children provide pediatric therapy services to hundreds of children. Ameren Missouri provided the grant through its sponsorship of United Services’ “Field of Dreams” annual dinner auction in August. United Services used the money to support its Uncommon Grace Pediatric Therapy program, which provides physical, occupational and speech therapy for children. United Services for Children operates a pediatric therapy and developmental learning center in St. Peters. Founded in 1975, the agency is a leader in preparing children of all abilities to reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.unitedservicesforchildren.org.

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 Elsa

Hello, my name is Elsa. I am the newest Feline Leukemia positive kitty. I am very sweet and will happily settle into a new home quickly. I am 2 years old, spayed and up to date on all of my shots. Five Acres is one of the rare shelters that provides shelter for and adopts out these wonderful cats. Adoption fee is by donation. Would you consider giving one of our felv + cats a home?

www.dpc4u.org

Meet Suzzie Hi my name is Suzzie. I was a momma to 4 puppies. They have all been adopted and now I’m just waiting for my home to come along. My new friends here at Five Acres asked me to join a playgroup with other dogs. I wasn’t too sure I wanted to play with other dogs. I prefer the company of people. I found out that I want to be a single lady with my new family or the princess. Come see me and you won’t be disappointed. My adoption fee is $150.

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Sports

November 16, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stcharles www.Seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

Thanksgiving eve a must to be at Scottrade Center for Guns ‘N Hoses The BackStoppers always are there to support our fallen first responders so it’s our turn to give back as the event will be held Nov. 23 at Scottrade Center. Guns ‘N Hoses will feature 15 three-round bouts of boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) matches between police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel from Missouri and Illinois. Both male and female fighters are scheduled. Go to www.STLGunsnHoses.com for all the details. * A great way to say thank you

Football team at Lindenwood makes history The Lions’ football team had one of the best rushing days in program history recently as it defeated Missouri Southern by a 42-28 score at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles. The offense rushed for 314 yards, their best rushing day since the 2010 season, and it was the seventh-most yards in program history. The Lions averaged 5.3 yards a carry, their second-best mark this season. Half back Aaron Daniels finished the contest with a career-high 180 rushing yards, tying for the 15th-highest in school history. He averaged 6.7 yards per carry. Other backs who contributed to the attack included Connor Faddoul rushing for 78 yards, and Shakeem Wharton and Calen Campbell each had 34 yards. Lindenwood celebrated the efforts of the 19 seniors on the roster before its final home game of the year, with nine on offense, nine on defense, and one special teams player. For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com * Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information

Six UMSL soccer players earn GLVC honors The University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s soccer team had six players earn All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honors, announced on the eve of the GLVC Championship Tournament. Senior back Kayla Delgado was a second team selection, while senior midfielder Kirsten Crabtree, sophomore forward McKayla Harder, junior back Emily Mosier, senior forward Miriam Taylor and senior midfielder Taylor Tosovsky were all named to the third team. Delgado is repeat selection to the second team who was honored as a forward last season. This year, in her move to the backfield, she helped the defense to a goals-against average of 0.73 with three shutouts. Crabtree in her lone season with the Tritons, started 13 of the 16 games scoring goals in two of UMSL’s last three games. Harder also a repeat selection to the AllGLVC Third Team, scoring a team-high seven goals and added two assists for 16 points. She scored six goals in GLVC games, tying for thirdmost in the league. Mosier a mainstay at center back, also helped the defense to a low goals-against average. Taylor was a First Team All-GLVC honoree a year ago who netted six goals, including five game-winners, and has also recorded four assists for 16 points. Tosovsky has started all 16 games in the midfield, where she is the co-team leader with four assists and also has two goals for eight points. UMSL, which is currently 12-3-1 overall, finished GLVC play with an 11-3-1 record to garner the No. 3 seed in the postseason tournament. * Kickin’ good time 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.

For all your graphic design, marketing, and sign needs. (636) 528-7473 WWW.MOONEYMARKETING.US www.MooneyMarketing.us

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 16, 2016

Give thanks for the slow cooker Want to spend more time with loved ones this Thanksgiving? Ditch the perfectly timed oven schedule and put your slow cooker to work. It’ll deliver the familiar flavors of your favorite holiday stuffing, sauces and desserts in a new, more convenient way. “Take advantage of the hassle-free slow cooker for sides and desserts and leave the oven free for your turkey,” said McCormick Kitchens Executive Chef Kevan Vetter. “Top a mixture of apples, brown sugar and cinnamon with seasoned oat crumbles for a warm Oatmeal Apple Cobbler – an ooey gooey dessert that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible, sweet and spicy aroma while it slow cooks.” For more time-saving tips and recipes for your Thanksgiving feast, check out McCormick.com and visit McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Learn & Play

SUDOKU: Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Sauce Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 3 hours, 35 minutes | Servings: 16 Ingredients: Pumpkin Cake: 1 package (2-layer size) yellow cake mix 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted 1/4 cup milk 2 eggs 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 cup chocolate chips Caramel Sauce: 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice Directions: Spray inside of 6-quart slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. For the Cake, mix all ingredients in large bowl. Pour into greased slow cooker. Place towel over slow cooker and cover with lid. Cook 3 1/2 hours on low or until cake is almost set.

Meanwhile, for the Caramel Sauce, cook and stir all ingredients in small saucepan on medium-high heat 5 minutes or until sauce is smooth. Carefully remove slow cooker insert and place on wire rack. Pour 1/2 of the Caramel Sauce over the cake. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes to cool slightly. Serve cake with remaining sauce and ice cream or

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 3 hours, 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients: 1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries 2/3 cup sugar 1 seedless orange, peeled and sectioned 2 bay leaves 1 cinnamon stick

Directions: Place all ingredients in 4-quart slow cooker. Cover. Cook 3 hours on high, stirring every hour. Uncover. Stir well. Cook, uncovered, 30 to 45 minutes longer on high or until slightly thickened.

Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour, 25 minutes | Servings: 12 (2/3-cup servings)

Ingredients: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 2 cups chopped celery 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 pound mild (sweet) Italian sausage, casing removed 1 cup chicken stock 2 teaspoons rubbed sage 1 teaspoon crushed rosemary 10 cups cubed French bread (1-inch pieces)

Directions: Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add celery and onion; cook and stir until softened, about 5 minutes. Add sausage; cook and stir until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Spray inside of slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. Add stock and herbs; stir to blend. Stir in bread cubes and sausage-vegetable mixture. Cover. Cook 45 minutes on high. Uncover and stir. Cook, uncovered, 30 minutes longer.

whipped cream, if desired.

See solution on page 13

Substitution: Use 1 cup chopped candy bars in place of the chocolate chips.

Crossword Puzzle – Theme: Thanksgiving ACROSS 1. Take a base 6. Comic book expression for alarm 9. Locus, pl. 13. L on clothes 14. Grazing spot 15. Chose between competitors 16. Pseudonym 17. Matterhorn, e.g. 18. Opposite of cathode 19. *Wampanoag Thanksgiving feast contribution 21. *Original Plymouth resident 23. Flanders of “The Simpsons” 24. Sunrise on compass 25. Part of tennis match 28. Like happy people’s glasses 30. River in Asia 35. Saintly glow 37. Actress Perlman 39. Aqua-Lung user 40. Europe/Asia mountain divide 41. Do-reh-mi-fa-so-la-ti 43. ____ Scotia 44. Same as comae 46. Leopard or such 47. Capital of Ukraine 48. Sprightliness 50. Sold in bars 52. *Like an overcooked turkey 53. Whip strike 55. Pump offering 57. *Thanksgiving pie filling 61. Courage or valor 65. Accustom 66. Intersects blvd.? 68. “A Confederacy of ____,” sing. 69. Climber’s spike 70. Shiny wheel part 71. Grouchy Muppet 72. Old flames 73. Mouth piece 74. India’s first P.M. DOWN 1. Eastern European 2. Tall one is a lie 3. Poetic name of Ireland 4. “Encore!” 5. “Children of a ____ God” (1986) 6. Panache 7. Unagi

8. Fraternity K 9. Ding-a-____ 10. Either fragrance or stench 11. Ghana monetary unit 12. Footnote word 15. *Preserved the old-fashioned way 20. Plural of #10 Down 22. School of thought suffix 24. Blinking cilia 25. *Cranberry ____ 26. Continental money 27. Charlie Chaplin’s character 29. *What to do on Friday 31. Hose problem 32. Egg-shaped 33. Never say what? 34. *Boat contents 36. Winglike

38. 1970s hairdo 42. “Time is money,” e.g. 45. Smooth and shiny 49. Chi precursor 51. *Presidential Thanksgiving act 54. Angry growl 56. Drink excessively 57. Dream sucker? 58. Type of operating system 59. No volume 60. Major-leaguers 61. Cannabis plant 62. Mark of a ruler 63. “The Lion King” villain 64. Himalayan peak 67. Roman numeral 7 See answers on page 13

What’s Happening

November 16, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Nov. 16: Tree lighting ceremony

Gather your family for the Countdown to the Lighting of the Great Tree in the O’Fallon Municipal Centre Rotunda at 100 North Main St. in O’Fallon with Mayor Bill Hennessy from 6 – 8 p.m., and officially welcome Santa and the holiday season to O’Fallon. Enjoy holiday games, craft-making, choir music by local school children, visits with Santa and rides on the “O’Fallon Express” City Train (weather permitting). Vendors’ booths will be stocked with holiday gifts, decorations and tasty treats for sale. Admission is free, but in the spirit of giving, please bring donations of canned and boxed groceries and personal care items for distribution to local food pantries. For more information call 636-379-5614.

Nov. 16-20: Theater production

St. Charles Community College’s Center Stage Theatre will present “Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike” Nov. 1620, in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts

Building theater on the SCC campus. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 1619; 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. Tickets are free to SCC students with ID, or $8 general admission and $6 seniors, veterans and students. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. To purchase tickets, visit stchastickets.com.

Nov. 17: Theater production for seniors

The Fort Zumwalt North High Student Council would like to invite local senior citizens for a free night of dinner and theater at Fort Zumwalt North High School at 1230 Tom Ginnever Ave. in O’Fallon. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. with dinner in the commons, the evening continues at 7 p.m. with “You Can’t Take it With You.” To make a reservation, please call 636-542-7022, space is limited.

Nov 17-19: Theater production

Holt Theater will present Stephen Schwartz’s “Godspell” on Nov. 17, 18

and 19. Performances begin each evening at 7 p.m. in the C.H. Jones Auditorium. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students.

Nov. 18: Holiday bazaar

Immanuel Lutheran Church Wentzville, at 632 E. Hwy. N in Wentzville will host Immanuel’s Women in Mission Holiday Bazaar from 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. featuring homemade baked goods and lots of crafts. They are raffling a handmade quilt, need not be present to win. A lunch is served from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. consisting of roast beef, hot dogs, homemade chili, German potato salad, slaw and homemade pies.

Nov. 18: Benefit dinner

Wishes, Wags and Whiskers benefit dinner and auction for Five Acres Animal Shelter takes place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in the Heart of St. Charles Ballroom at 1410 South 5th Street in Saint Charles. For more information and to purchase your tickets visit http:// www.wisheswagsandwhiskers.com/

Nov. 19: National Family Volunteer Day

O’Fallon families are invited to spend the morning from 10 a.m. - noon working together to strengthen our community and bring joy to others this holiday season. Registration is required and two impact projects are offered at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (city hall) at 100 North Main St. in O’Fallon. They are: sort and box food donated to the Cornucopia of Care for delivery to local pantries in time for holiday meals or decorate Thanksgiving-themed placements for citizens living in residential care facilities and homebound seniors. For more information or to register contact: 636-3795417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.

Nov. 19: Choral concert

The St Louis Chordinals present “Group Therapy,” a musical extravaganza to make you feel better with special guests Banjos And Brass at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre Performing Arts Theatre at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters (at city hall, near Rec-Plex). Tickets are $15.

Nov 19: Quilt bingo

St. Robert Bellarmine Ladies Council will host their annual Quilt Bingo at 1424 South First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles (at intersection S. Hwy 94 and Sherman Dr.) Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with lunch available for purchase. Bingo begins at 12 p.m. with 24 regular games for $15 with a quilt given away every fourth game. For more information call Martha at 636-441-4609.

Nov. 19: Bingo luncheon

A bingo luncheon hosted by Order of the Eastern Star takes place at Masonic Lodge at 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. and lunch will run from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. You will receive two cards to play bingo. Sandwiches and chips provided. Bring your own drinks (no alcohol allowed) and pre-register for $6 a person or $10 at door the door (please pay and let us know by Nov. 10 if you will be there, need to prepare food). Mail pre-registrations to: Lana Jones 3306 Hannibal Drive St. Charles, Mo 63301. Checks should be made payable to Alexander Chapter 242. Funds and donations raised will go to support Shriners Hospital and veterans in 2016-2017 term.

Nov 25: O’Fallon Celebration of Lights

with friends or family in your own vehicle or bundle up for a city train ride, a tractor-pulled sleigh-hayride or a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or wagon. No reservations are needed to drive through the lights display, but the specialty rides must be booked at least two weeks in advance. To get the date you want, book soon. Visit www. ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights for hours and costs of the drive-through (which is not available on Mondays or Dec. 13), booking information for specialty rides, etc.

Nov. 27: Intergenerational Advent celebration

An intergenerational Advent celebration takes place at St. John UCC at 405 S Fifth St. in Saint Charles from11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. After enjoying a light lunch, adults and children will travel between stations: storytelling, Christmas ornament making, Christmas cookie decorating, and making a “Good Deeds” Family Calendar. Everyone will go home with something special to kick-off the Advent season. The event will conclude with old-fashioned Christmas carol singing. For more information contact 636-946-0961 or visit www.stjohnucc. org.

Dec. 2, 4 and 11: Choir performances

Choral Arts Singers will present a concert titled “The Glory – The Wonder” that includes Christmas songs such as “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” “I Wonder as I Wander” and “Jazz Gloria” on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Church of Christ at 725 Main St. in Troy; Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. at Assumption Chapel at 403 N. Main in O’Fallon; and Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. at Grace Community Chapel at 7661 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters. The concerts are free, donations are appreciated. Choral Arts Singers is a nonprofit organization that provides high quality music to the residents of Lincoln, St. Charles and Warren Counties and is incorporated as Concert Arts Association. For more information visit www.concertarts.org.

Dec. 3: Free electronics and appliance recycling event

A free electronics and appliance recycling event takes place from 8 a.m. – noon in the west parking lot at CarShield Field (formerly T.R. Hughes Ballpark) at 900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard in O’Fallon. The drop-off is free and available to all including schools, churches and businesses. Bring almost any item that has an electrical cord or takes a battery, such as household appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, microwaves, kitchen appliances, computers, computer monitors (including CRTs), printers, keyboards, laptops, hard drives, scanners, DVDs, cell phones, pagers, fax machines, answering machines, radios, stereos, speakers, VCRs, power tools, lawn and garden equipment (all yard equipment must have gas and oil removed). Please do not bring: smoke detectors, glass lamps, light bulbs, VHS tapes or alkaline batteries. LED/ LCD TVs can be dropped off, free; however, a fee will be charged for each cathode ray tube (CRT) television set.

Dec. 3: Santa party

Santa Claus is scheduled to visit with children across the region during an exclusive Santa party from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Youth Activity Park located at 7801 Highway N in Dardenne Prairie. Children of all ages are invited to join Santa for holiday fun inside the park complex. Guests can bring their own camera to get their photo with Santa, make a festive ornament, decorate a yummy treat, drink hot chocolate and play festive games at the event. Space is limited for this holiday event that cost $10 per child. To make a reservation, visit the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department online at www.stccparks.org or call 636949-7535.

Dec. 4: Lessons and carols service Zion Lutheran Church and School at 3866 S. Old Highway 94 in St. Charles, invite the public to the 21st Annual Service of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with scripture and song as performed by over 125 of Zion’s own children and adult choirs, handbell ensembles and instrumentalists. Pre-service music begins at 6:45 p.m. The Service of Lessons and Carols is a format of Christian worship that celebrates the birth of Jesus. For more information and directions, log on to www.zionharvester. org or contact Mark Thoelke, Minister of Music at 636-441-7425.

Dec. 4: Choir performance

The Chancel Choir, Children’s Choirs, and Instrumentalists of Dardenne Presbyterian Church will present Pepper Choplin’s “I Hear the Prophet Callin’ – The Christmas Story from Prophecy to Fulfillment” at 4:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Dardenne Presbyterian Church, located at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. A dinner will be served after the Cantata for a minimal fee to all those with a reservation. Visit the church office to make your reservations by Nov. 18.

Dec. 4: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony

A Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Walk at 800 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. For more information visit www.ofallon.mo.us/veterans-memorial-walk.

Dec. 4: Christmas House tour

The residents of New Town at St. Charles invite you to tour their homes at the seventh annual New Town at St. Charles Residents’ Christmas House Tour from 1 – 5 p.m. The tour begins at the Town Hall at 3300 Rue Royale where you will have an opportunity to register for a door prize as well as obtain a map directing you to the houses on tour. Tickets, cash only, are $10 and may be purchased at Marsala’s Market in New Town beginning Nov. 14, or at the Town Hall on the day of the tour. Proceeds benefit a local food bank.

Dec. 6: Bone density screening

Bone density screening at Deer Run Library from 4 – 6 p.m.

Dec. 9: Holiday concert

Come to the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre Performing Arts Theatre located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters at 7 p.m. for a holiday celebration featuring the cabaret-style music of Tim Schall. Carol Schmidt will direct music. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. The cost is $12.99 each (plus service fee of 3.5 percent). If any tickets remain, tickets will be available at the door at a cost of $18 each.

Dec. 10: A Day of Play

A Day of Play community event takes place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the O’Fallon YMCA.

Dec. 11: Christmas Cantata

Christmas Cantata – Sing We Now of Christmas takes place at St. John UCC at 405 S Fifth St.in St. Charles at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary. St. John Concert Series will present Howard Helvey’s Sing We Now of Christmas. Cantata performed by St. John Chancel Choir, readers, and orchestra. Tasting party to follow. For more information contact 636-946-0961 or visit www.stjohnucc.org.

Dec. 11-15: Parish mission

Sacred Heart Parish, located at 100 Thompson Dr. in Troy, is hosting a renewal program entitled “Face of the Father’s Mercy” beginning Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. It is being conducted by Fr. George Knab, a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate from Belleville, Il-

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 16, 2016 linois, the site of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. The mission continues each evening at 7 p.m., ending Dec. 15 with a Celebration of Mass. For more information call the parish office at 636-528-8219.

Dec. 12-13: The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll

The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll will take place Dec. 12 – 13 from 6 –9 p.m. at Fort Zumwalt Park at 1000 Jessup Drive in O’Fallon. See the sights, hear the music and rediscover the magic of the holidays with your family on two special walk-through nights at the Celebration of Lights. Sparkling lights, unique holiday scenes and fireworks over the lake (at 7:25 p.m.) will add wonder and excitement to the night, and you can stop along the way to visit with Santa and shop for handmade gifts, hot cocoa and treats. Cost is $3 for ages three and older and parking is free. No reservations are needed, but you can avoid the line at the gate by pre-purchasing admission wristbands, which will be available Nov. 14 through Dec. 9 at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 400 Civic Park Drive, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: Holiday concert

Start a great tradition by joining the St. Charles Municipal Band for our fifth annual “Holiday Concert at Scheidegger” at The Lindenwood Theater of the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts, at 2300 West Clay St. in St. Charles, readily accessible from I-70. There is free parking and easy handicapped access. St. Nicholas will make a special appearance at this free family friendly event. See www.stcharlesband.com and Facebook for more information, or call 636-949-2590 or 314-878-5296. Dec. 22: Healing Christmas service Blue Christmas: A Service of Light Amidst the Darkness takes place at St. John UCC at 405 S Fifth St.in St. Charles at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Not everyone is joyful and cheery for the holiday season. This service will be reflective, accepting where we really are and surrounding each other with healing and hope. For more information contact 636-946-0961 or visit www.stjohnucc.org.

Dec. 17: Food drive

Cornucopia of Care Food Drive takes place now through Dec. 17. Donations of nonperishable food and personal care items will help area food pantries support local families in need this holiday season. Drop-off sites include O’Fallon City Hall at 100 N. Main and Renaud Spirit Center at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. Additional locations can be found at www.ofallon. mo.us/volunteer.

Dec. 30: O’Fallon Celebration of Lights

Get into the heart of the holidays with a tour of the dazzling, nostalgic and inspiring Celebration of Lights display in Fort Zumwalt Park at 1000 Jessup Drive in O’Fallon. The display is open from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 25), open nightly at 6 p.m. Choose your favorite way to see the sights: cruise through the park with friends or family in your own vehicle or bundle up for a city train ride, a tractor-pulled sleigh-hayride or a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or wagon. SUDOKU answers from page 11

No reservations are needed to drive through the lights display, but the specialty rides must be booked at least two weeks in advance. To get the date you want, book soon. Visit www.ofallon. mo.us/celebration-of-lights for hours and costs of the drive-through (which is not available on Mondays or Dec. 13), booking information for specialty rides, etc.

ONGOING EVENTS Sundays and Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

The Central Missouri Railroad Association meets at Suite 20 in the Warrenton Outlet Mall. This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more info call 636-2795522 or 636-456-0776.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

Take off pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Grace at 636-9464687.

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Highway in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please all Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting 6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480.

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

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day ) unless otherwise specified. No meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (2nd floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 9 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (President) at 636561-6947.

What’s Happening

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

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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

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

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.

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and camaraderie. Come meet with fellow veterans who served our country and share your experience.

www.wentzville-mo.minutemanpress.com

Tuesday and Friday Evenings:

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

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

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

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

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

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

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November 16, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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November 16, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

By Steve Bryan

Voting the cinematic party

Here in California, people have taken to the streets to protest Donald Trump’s unexpected victory in the presidential election. In a hotly contested race, the businessman and television star won the Electoral College while Hillary Clinton received more actual votes. In January, despite the protests, the Trump presidency will begin. Popular culture has produced even better presidents, ones who can dictate foreign policy while kicking butt. In 1997, Harrison Ford starred as President James Marshall in “Air Force One,” a satisfying action adventure film. After terrorists take over his plane, Marshall, a combat veteran, takes on the attackers. Glenn Close has some great scenes as Kathryn Bennett, the vice president who refuses to give up on him. When aliens attack, America needs a leader like Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), the commander in chief during “Independence Day.” Whitmore, a Gulf War veteran, had been criticized for not being an aggressive leader, but he stepped up after extraterrestrial invaders arrived. During the final battle, he climbed into the cockpit of his own fighter jet to defend humanity. Many times, the POTUS makes tough decisions, but none quite as difficult as those in “2012.” Upon learning of an upcoming extinction-level event, President Thomas F. Wilson (Danny Glover) leads an effort to build giant arks for humanity. As earthquakes and tsunamis destroy civilization, Wilson stays in D.C. helping survivors until the end finally comes.

As some newscasters have said, Donald Trump’s victory proves anyone can become president. It helps, though, if you actually look like the POTUS. In 1993, Kevin Kline played a dual role in “Dave,” a clever political comedy. The actor portrays philandering President Bill Mitchell as well as Dave Kovic, the owner of a Washington D.C. temp agency who wants everyone to have a job. The impersonation goes to the next level after the POTUS has a stroke and Dave ends up in charge. He brings common sense and compassion to the job, even asking an accounting friend to go over the budget. Power doesn’t corrupt him, though, and he steps aside to the let the vice president take over. If a comet heads towards Earth, Morgan Freeman is the person we need in the White House. In “Deep Impact,” Freeman plays President Tom Beck, who prepares the world for potential annihilation. Beck authorizes a shuttle mission to destroy the comet as well as bunkers to ensure humanity’s future. If Donald Trump’s presidency doesn’t work out, maybe Ford, Close, Pullman, Kline or Freeman would take the job. Photos courtesy Columbia Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, and Warner Brothers. 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 wideeyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

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