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December 14, 2016

Growing green spaces Around Town

Eagle Scout awarded

Holiday Guide

Business

Give the gift of donations

Images courtesy St. Charles County This artistic rendering shows the completed playground at the new 120-acre park being developed at the Sammelmann Farm property located between Pitman Hill and Kisker Roads.

New St. Charles County park plants 120 acres in the heart of suburban development By Brett Auten A place of beauty and respite placed near bustling development is edging closer to reality. The St. Charles County Parks Department unveiled plans to move forward with the Sammelmann Farm, which was acquired by St. Charles County in July 2014. The land will be developed into a new park with amenities for all residents. With all eyes on spring of 2018 for the completion date, the 120-acre park – which will join Heritage Park, College Meadows and the Youth Activity Park as facilities in suburban settings – is starting to take shape. Located between Pitman Hill and Kisker Roads (where the entrance to the park will be positioned), the property was purchased through the county’s Park Fund, a local use tax approved by voters in 1997 dedicated to park acquisition, development and operations. In all, ninety acres will be developed, with the remaining 30 acres reserved for future development. Estimated construction cost of the park is $9 million. The project went out for bid on Nov. 18 and construction is expected to start in Feb. 2017. SWT Design of St. Louis, the lead design and engineering firm, gathered public and stake-

holder feedback into the design plan which was presented recently to the St. Charles County Council. “The residents in the area are excited about having a county park so close to their homes, and we are just as excited to get started,” says Bettie Yahn-Kramer, Director of Parks. “It’s in the midst of a highly-developed region and will be tremendous asset for families to enjoy real family time.” A 2014 Parks Department survey of residents, and later a public meeting, helped nail down the amenities. The new park will feature a walking and biking trail system, specifically a 1.6 mile trail on the perimeter of the park with smaller trails inside the perimeter. “That was the number-one response,” Yahn-Kramer said “It was the most valued and highly anticipated in the park. There will also be smaller tails intersecting for shorter loops.” What will surely get plenty of traffic is the destination playground. Designed for children of all abilities, the playground encompasses social/emotional, physical, sensory, cognitive and communication development. The playground will have an interactive water play area with features that are motion-initiated, a music play area, and an adventure climbing play areas with climbing features; as well as inclusive swings and a hillside slide.

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Learn & Play

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Recipes for merry mornings

To spoil or not to spoil . . .

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Around Town

Vol. 18 No. 50

In This Issue... 3

Around Town Eagle Scout Certificate of Recognition awarded to Wentzville teen and more.

School Lakeview Elementary receives grant from author James Patterson and Scholastic for school library.

7 Special Section

Holiday Gift & Entertainment Guide

8 Business

Cuivre River Electric Community Trust awards $24,000 in scholarships and more.

10 Sports

Local sports with Gary B.

11 Learn & Play

Featuring recipe and crossword.

12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Movie

To spoil or not to spoil, that is the question

December 14, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

GREEN SPACES Continued from cover “It’s will be the signature of the park,” Yahn-Kramer said. “It’s over an acre in size and accessible by all abilities.” Another top request will be the two lakes stocked with fish and an off-the-leash dog park that will be divided into small and large dog sections. “A lot of folks have four-footed family members that they like to bring to the park with them,” Yahn-Kramer said. “We’ll have a nice off-leash area for those pets. People love those off-leash areas.” The park will have three open-play fields encompassing six acres and a 100-person signature picnic shelter overlooking a

lake and surrounded by a garden, along with another 50-person picnic shelter. The silo on the property will be integrated into the design. At the top of a hill, a boardwalk from the silo will span out into the park, allowing visitors to have a full scenic view of the property and the playground below. “Through their feedback, the citizens of St. Charles County played a huge part in shaping this project, and each and every one deserves a ‘thank you,’” Yahn-Kramer said. “We worked to include as many features requested as possible and I think citizens are going to be very happy.”

A tale of two stations: Wentzville, St. Charles ambulance bases ready to serve Throughout St. Charles County, construction is booming; from retail to residential, growth is happening in virtually all municipalities and unincorporated areas. With this expansion in the community comes the need for more emergency services – a need that St. Charles County Ambulance District [SCCAD] is tackling head-on with two new ambulance stations. The stations, located at 2304 Hopewell Road in Wentzville and 835 Friedens Road in St. Charles, will be staffed around the clock with two paramedics ready to respond to 911 emergency calls. The quantity of said emergencies

is on the rise in – from 2014 to 2015, requests for service grew nearly eight percent to more than 35,000, and are up another five percent year-todate. The Wentzville station opened Dec. 7, and is a new location for SCCAD. Strategically situated at the corner of Hwy N and Hopewell Road just west of the end of MO-364, the district purchased the property for the station in 2005 recognizing that the area would grow exponentially following the completion of the Page Extension. The St. Charles location opened Nov. 30, and is a rebuild of a structure that

served as an ambulance station since 1978, and prior to that served as the St. Charles County Morgue. In addition to repair issues that accompany aging infrastructure, the old station was capable of housing only one ambulance. The new facility will enable SCCAD to house multiple units and/or other equipment such as allterrain vehicles, trailers and other emergency response apparatus. “The Wentzville and St. Charles stations are the first steps in the district’s 10-year capital improvement plan that will position us to maintain the short response times that residents of our community

regularly tell us are important to them,” said SCCAD Chief Taz Meyer, “That plan will continue in 2017 with a reconfiguration of station locations along and north of the I-70 corridor in O’Fallon.” The infrastructure improvement projects being completed are possible thanks to residents’ approval of Proposition E – an 11-cent tax levy increase that was approved by a wide margin in April 2014. In addition to expanding infrastructure, the measure enabled the ambulance district to increase paramedic staffing and invest in state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2016

Eagle Scout Certificate of Recognition awarded to Wentzville teen The Eagle Scout Certification of Recognition by the Sons of The American Revolution (SAR) was presented to Andrew Mitchell of Wentzville on Nov. 6. Andrew is a senior at Timberland High School in Wentzville. The award was presented by Dr. P. Darrell Ownby, President of the Ozark Patriots Chapter of SAR. Andrew received this award in recognition of his outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership and citizenship evidenced by his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. For many years the SAR has recognized the many common bonds of purpose and principles of the SAR and the Boy Scouts of America. Young men who achieve the rank of the Eagle Scout have demonstrated their belief in these common principles. For this reason, the SAR has created special recognition for their accomplishment and dedication, the SAR Eagle Scout scholarship. In order to be considered for the scholarship, the applicant must submit a completed application of achievements,

(From left) Andrew Mitchell stands with Dr. P. Darrell Ownby.

leadership roles and service work. They also must submit a four generation ancestry chart and an original patriotic themed 500 word or less essay pertaining to the American Revolution. Andrew has completed the first step in the scholarship process by being recognized and sponsored by the Ozark Patriots Chapter. After the state meeting in the spring, he will learn if he will be the state representative for the national

Lindenwood continues ‘A Christmas Carol’ tradition

Photo courtesy Tim Haarmann

Lindenwood University was proud to continue its annual tradition of presenting Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 1-3, in the Lindenwood Theater. The production, which incorporates Lindenwood students, faculty and staff, also welcomes young actors from the community, many of whom are performing for their first time. This particular script was adapted by Theatre Professor Larry Quiggins and Graduate Assistant Jason Flannery. The production was directed by Lindenwood Alumni Phil Gill. For more information regarding Lindenwood’s spring line up visit LUBoxOffice.com.

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contest. National winners can win up to $10,000 in scholarship money. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is an organization of over 32,000 male descendants of those Patriots who served in uniform during the Revolutionary War or who rendered material aid to the founding of the United States of America during the Revolutionary period.

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Around Town

December 14, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce names the 2016 Citizen of the Years

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Since 1957, The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce has recognized local leaders for their dedication to serving the St. Charles County community. This year, the chamber is pleased to announce that Dr. Bernard J. DuBray has been named 2016 Citizen of the Years. Currently in his 32nd year as Superintendent for the Fort Zumwalt School District, DuBray is the longest-serving superintendent in the same K-12 school district in the state of Missouri. He is currently completing 48 years as an educator having served as a teacher, coach, principal and assistant superintendent. He is most proud of directing the school district through a rapid growth period that has seen the district become the sixth largest in the state with nearly 19,000 students. During that time, the district has passed $355 million in bond issues to support the growth and five tax increases for operating expenses. He has been directly involved in designing and constructing nine elementary schools, two middle schools and four high schools. DuBray is responsible for the implementation of numerous programs to address the needs of students at risk of dropping out of school. These programs include: District Night School, (Alternative Classroom Environment), crisis counselors, Alternative High School and Positive Alternative to Suspension. Dr. DuBray is a member of Phi Delta Kappa (Professional Education Fraternity), the Association of School Business Officials – International, the American Association of School Administrators, the Missouri Association of School Business Officials and the Missouri Association of School Administrators. Locally, Dr. DuBray is active in the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis Regional chamber, St. Louis Sports Commission, Missouri United Schools Insurance Council where he serves as Chairman, the Great Rivers Greenway District and is a past member on the Commissioner of Education’s Advisory Board. Along with Dr. DuBray, recipients of the Lifetime Distinguished Service awards will be recognized, which include: • Civic: Phyllis A. Schneider; Phyllis is involved with the ATHENA Leadership Foundation, an organization founded to support, develop and honor women leaders. The program inspires women to reach their full potential and strives to create balance in leadership worldwide. In the past, she has served as Executive

Director for the SCC Foundation and the St. Peters Chamber of Commerce. Phyllis also served as Director of United Services for Children – West campus (US West). • Cultural: Dennis Hahn; a Life Member of the St. Charles County Historical Society, and a member of the Fernando de Leyba Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) since its charter in 1997. He has served as the Chaplain and President of the group. During his membership in SAR Dennis documented the History of Fort San Carlos, St. Louis, Missouri. His research and documentation resulted in the placement of Historical markers at Ball Park Village commemorating the Battle of Fort San Carlos and at Daniel Boone Village in Defiance, Missouri. • Humanitarian: Bruce Sowatsky; First Executive Director for the Community & Children’s Resource Board (CCRB) in 1999. Bruce served on the Family Stress Council when the Child Center was founded and brokered the partnership that built Crisis Nursery in Wentzville. He has also served as fundraising chairman and President for the St. Charles Kiwanis Club and Lt. Governor for Division 6 of MO-ARK Kiwanis International region. • Chamber Champion: Patrick Sweeney; His contribution to the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce during the 2016 year is to be commended. He serves as co-chair for the Ambassadors committee and has volunteered at our annual Sip & Savor St. Charles County and Santa’s North Pole Dash. Patrick was also instrumental in sponsoring our Speaker Series for James Cunningham of the Food Network/ Cooking Channel and our annual golf tournament. All awardees will be honored at the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Annual Meeting and Citizen of the Years Awards, to be held on Feb. 24, 2017 at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. Tickets are $95 per person or $950 for a table of 10. Corporate sponsorships are available upon request. For more information, please contact Wendy Rackovan at the Chamber of Commerce office at 636-946-0633 or electronically at Wendy@GSTCCC.com

SCC and OPO Startups form partnership

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St. Charles Community College has joined forces with OPO Startups as a sponsor to bring its students and alumni access to the co-working center from noon-8 p.m. on Wednesdays. There will be a table with SCC signage for students and alumni to provide a work space for startup companies of their own. “Membership is typically $75 per person per month, but our students and alumni will have free access,” said Rex McKanry, SCC assistant professor of computer science. A space dedication ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Jan. 25, at OPO Startups at 119 South Main St. in St. Charles. “One of my classes required students to complete a major computer science related project which they presented to their peers and

business leaders from our advisory committee at the end of the semester,” McKanry said. “Some students expressed an interest in using their project as a seed for a startup, which is how this sponsorship idea was born.” OPO is a co-working center for digital startups. Its mission is to promote and grow the regional digital startup community in St. Charles. Located in the newly renovated Old Post Office (OPO) building in St. Charles, the 10,000-square-foot facility provides regional startups with affordable workspace and access to mentors, potential investors, programming, educational resources and a community of local entrepreneurs. SCC students will benefit from access to these resources, McKanry said.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2016

Moore On Life

Around Town

By Cindy Moore

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Think outside the box Getting ahead of the Christmas rush is always a good idea, that’s why I put my tree up in November. My husband thinks it’s annoying. “Why are you putting the tree up so soon it’s not even Thanksgiving?” he yammered. “Excuse me,” I said. “But, according to the stores, I’m late. They had their holiday stuff up before Labor Day. They were mailing me Black Friday flyers while it was still Green Monday.” I explained that more importantly, decorating early gave me another full week in the month to do that other important Christmas task – mailing packages. Which is my favorite…not! I should have never allowed any of my kids move out of state. Correction, they could go as far away as they wanted without taking the grandbabies. I should have made them sign a contract while they were young and impressionable. It would state that if they ended up moving away, any future offspring would stay behind with me. Of course, I would have added an addendum that they could visit their children every other month and twice during summer vacation…I’m not a brute! So because of their foolish choices about accepting lucrative jobs and bringing in a stupid paycheck, I am forced to mail their Christmas presents out in bulk. It was easier when it was just them and a spouse, but now the g-babies are being aimed and spit out at me faster than a loaded tennis ball machine. I can’t keep their names straight let alone

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their sizes, ages and sexes…OY! Last year, I spent two days in a mountain of mess separating and wrapping and trying to fit boxes, bags and sacks Jenga-style into mailing containers. (Since then, two more babies have been added to the mix which means more shopping, more sizes and more disremembering.) Amid the clutter and chaos, the cats would jump in the boxes and shred wrapping paper and ribbons as I kept losing scissors and would run out of tape and bows and misplace my pens. I sent my husband out to buy more. He complained until I threatened to box him up and FedEx him overnight to Norway. After Christmas, my kids called to thank us for the gifts. One said, “I think you mailed us the wrong presents. They were all girl things. Remember, we just have boys. But it worked out, they’ve enjoyed pulling off the Barbie heads and chucking them at each other like hand grenades.” From another, “Are you missing some items, because we found four pair of scissors, three rolls of tape, a bag of bows and two pens inside our box? But the kids love the cat you mailed. Fortunately, he survived on that fruitcake you sent along. Wasn’t that the one we sent you last year?” I quickly changed the subject. Of course, it was the one that we have been regifting for the last ten years. Good thing it finally found its purpose. So this year, two cheery words keep crossing my mind…Merry Christmas? Not hardly. Gift cards!

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.

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School

December 14, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Lakeview Elementary receives grant from author James Patterson and Scholastic for school library

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Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Lakeview Elementary has received a $2,000 grant from bestselling author James Patterson to support its school library.

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Lakeview Elementary has received a $2,000 grant from bestselling author James Patterson to support its school li-

ADOPT A PET SPONSORED BY BABY FACES 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 Daniel Hi Everyone, My name is Daniel. I’m originally from Louisiana. I came up to Five Acres Animal Shelter about 4 months ago. I lost my home to the floods. I have to say I really like it here in Missouri. I’ve learned that the people here are very friendly and I have so many fur buddies! We go out everymorning to play. I would really like to find my forever home. Come visit with me!

Meet Pirate Ahoy matey! My name is Pirate! I am approx 1 year old. I had heartworms when I came to Five Acres Animal Shelter but they got me a l l fixed up and I am ready to run around and play again! I am a very strong guy but a lover! I would love to meet you! Why don’t you pop in for a visit??

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brary. First-grade teacher Amy Hoffman applied for the grant and Lakeview was selected from thousands of applicants. “I applied for this grant for our amazing Lakeview students and teachers,” said Hoffman. “Lakeview is still a relatively new school and our library continues to grow. I applied hoping to provide additional resources for guided, shared and independent reading and I was deeply moved when I found out we received it!” In addition, Scholastic Reading Club will match each dollar of Patterson’s donation with “bonus points” that teachers can use to acquire books and other materials for their classrooms. James Patterson and Scholastic Reading Club announced last spring that Patterson would donate $1.75 million to help school libraries nationwide in the second installment of his School Library Campaign. As part of an ongoing effort to keep books and reading a number-one priority in the United States, selected

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school libraries are receiving grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Schools entering were asked to share the story of their school library, including past efforts to make improvements and “great ideas to help create a brighter future.” Patterson personally read and selected the winning recipients of the grants. “I’ve made it my mission to underscore the vital role reading plays in children’s lives, and the need to sustain school libraries is at the heart of that mission,” said Patterson. School libraries across the country have been using this funding to purchase new books, add bookshelves, make improvements to their catalog systems and expand their programing. Since the grant program’s launch in 2015, Patterson has personally donated $3.5 million to school libraries nationwide. The full list of grant recipients is available online at http://www.scholastic.com/pattersonpartnership/ recipients.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2016

Around Town

Give the gift of donations

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With the season of giving in full swing, try turning your attention away from gift giving in the traditional sense and instead focus on a whole different kind of giving. Charitable giving comes in many forms, and there are numerous causes in nearly every community that accept donations of more than just money. In addition to giving back to those in need during one of the most critical times of the year, by donating time, money or material items you may reap positive benefits of your own, such as feeling better about yourself, instilling generosity and a sense of giving in your children or family members, or finding a cause that truly inspires you. These tips can help you find a meaningful way to give this holiday season. Give Money Vivid red kettles and the tinkling of jingle bells are icons of the holiday season. The kettles, which are found outside retail locations throughout communities nationwide and are staffed by both volunteer and paid bell ringers, are part of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, one of the country’s oldest and largest charitable campaigns. Donations to The Salvation Army stay in the local community where the donation is made, and you can feel extra good about how your money is used within the organization; 82 cents of every dollar is used to support social services that fight hunger, provide shelter and ensure Christmas assistance for families in 5,000 communities nationwide.

Give Time During the holiday season and all year long, non-profit organizations thrive on the contributions of volunteers. If you have a special skill or service, check to see if the organization you favor could benefit from

your expertise. Many other agencies offer ongoing training so you can easily learn what you need to know to contribute. Remember that the holiday season brings a spike in volunteering each year, so making a pledge to continue giving your time after the holidays have passed (and your schedule is less hectic) is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Give Food Hunger is a problem that numerous non-profit groups work to answer year-round, but the holiday season is a time when that need is pronounced. Giving non-perishable food items or donating money toward an organization that supplies food to those in need are important gestures. A hearty holiday meal is a special blessing for families of all sizes and circumstances, www.krekeler.com and a relatively meager donation can make a big difference for numerous families in need.

Give Items You may not realize it, but there is actually value to the unwanted items you have laying around. Items like automobiles, furniture, household goods and clothing can be donated and converted into cash to benefit charities. Larger items can be picked up at the curb and are often sold at auction with the proceeds going back to the charitable organization. Smaller items may go directly to retail facilities, such as thrift stores, where sales also go to benefit the charity. Some organizations also allow you to provide new toys and gifts for kids in need specifically during the holidays like The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Find more ways to give back this holiday season and throughout the year at redkettlereason.org.

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Business

December 14, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

pinterest.com/mycnews Vantage Credit Union announces 2016 Ready to Launch Entrepreneurial Contest winner

(From left) Business partners Michael Kelly and Lorenzo Parks stand together at an awards night party.

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Vantage Credit Union announced its Ready to Launch Entrepreneurial Winner, Lorenzo Parks, at a party in his honor Nov. 14 at TRex – St. Louis. Parks received a $1,000 cash prize and a business prize pack from Vantage Credit Union, along with over five hours of mentorship from local partners, co-working space, and a membership to local chambers of commerce. “It still feels surreal,” Parks responded when asked how he felt about winning. “I’m definitely excited. I was hopeful that I’d receive a call.” To participate in the contest, interested applicants had to complete an online entry form at vcu.com/ready-to-launch, include a link to a current or recent crowd-funding project or an existing business website, and create a video demonstrating their vision for their business and explaining why they thought they should win the contest.

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PreVue, the company Parks and Michael Kelly are developing, stemmed from watching Periscope and actively using eCommerce activities to make money while still in college. “My dad is a used car salesmen and I wanted to give people in the marketplace an opportunity to view a product through a 360-degree live video experience before making a purchase. We’re still in the developmental stage creating the app and have run across some challenges. But winning this prize will help us get closer to our goal.” “Lorenzo and Michael are young entrepreneurs who have the knowledge, skill set, work ethic and passion to take their company to the next level and beyond,” commented Kenneth DeShields, Social Media Specialist for Vantage Credit Union. “We’re excited for them and will be cheering them on their journey.”

Cuivre River Electric Community Trust awards $24,000 in scholarships Forty-eight students from Lincoln, Pike, St. Charles and Warren counties received a total of $24,000 in scholarship awards from the Cuivre River Electric Community Trust. Local students receiving scholarships are Colton Bamert, Jonathan Banowetz, Ashley Banze, Taylor Banze, Breanna Belville, Grant Bicker, Cory Boedeker, Geoffrey Boedeker, Julia Chesser, Madison Cleveland, Justine Farrell, Toni Firoved, Grace Gehner, Dalton Gilbert, Arienna Gray, Ally Grote, Erin Higgins, Cailyn Hoelting, Dana Kramer, Cody Kutter, Haley Lindenbusch, Samantha Marre, Brandelyn Martin, Mikayla Mattingly, Caitlynn Metze, Brandon Moesch, Charlie Moesch, Kourtney Mudd, Mary O’Brien, Tara O’Brien, Brandi Peasel, Collin Rethmeier, Kelsey Russell, Kalye Sanders, Ryan Schaper, Darby Schmidt, Delaney Schmidt, Katie St. Pierre, Sarah Stumbaugh, Dylan Sullivan, Madeleine Sutherland, Johnathan Thompson, Allyson Wamhoff, Cassidy Ward, Danielle Wilke, Garrett Wiss, Guy Wiss and Brendan Woodall. Scholarship funds are donated by Cuivre River Electric members who participate in Operation Round Up by rounding up their electric bill

payments each month to the next highest dollar. Since the program began in 1997, more than $980,000 has been awarded to help over 2,000 area students achieve their academic goals. Students are eligible to be considered if they live in the Cuivre River Electric Cooperative service area and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while attending undergraduate courses at an accredited university or technical school. Applicants are also asked to provide an official transcript and two letters of recommendation, write a narrative to highlight their academic achievements and state their career goals, and demonstrate a financial need. The scholarship may also be used for adult continuing education courses in their career fields. In addition to scholarships, Operation Round Up was founded to help address unmet needs in the areas of health, youth, education, home weatherization, community and emergency services that cannot be met with other resources. More than $5 million has been awarded to help individuals, families and organizations in the CREC service area since the programs commencement. The next scholarship deadline is May 1, 2017.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2016

Business

O’Fallon chamber honors outstanding 2016 businesses and leaders By Sara Henderson The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries is proud to announce the 2016 Annual Award winners in the categories of Small Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Community Servant of the Year, and the Sue Proost Person of the Year. Each year the chamber solicits nominations among its members for businesses and people who have gone above and beyond to make O’Fallon and St. Charles County a better place to do business. “Each year during this process, the committee is ‘wowed’ by what our businesses and their leadership is doing to make our economy and community stronger,” said Erin Williams, President/CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries. KSLQ 104.5 is being honored as the 2016 Small Business of the Year. Owner Brad Hildebrand and Sales Representative Shelley Barr allow businesses of all sizes the opportunity to market their products and services on a large scale. Going above and beyond for the community, KSLQ also sponsored a team for the Special Olympics event Over the Top, and raised $11,000 for the charity. The company is also heavily involved in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. Favazza & Associates, the 2016 Business of the Year, has been a leader in the O’Fallon Chamber for the past seven years. Going above and beyond, Favazza & Associates’ owner, Mike Favazza has volunteered his time to the Chamber’s Business Resource Team, to meet with business owners at no charge for three months to overcome challenges. Mike also sits on the BJC St. Peters & Progress West Foundation Board of Directors, O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors, and the Vision St. Charles County Board of Directors. The O’Fallon Chamber is proud to recognize Progress West Hospital -BJC Healthcare as its Large Business of the Year. The 44-bed hospital has been known to see over 23,000 emergency room patients and has more than 2,800 admissions annually; however, through their community activities, they have demonstrated their commitment to seeing those numbers reduced through a healthier community. Through innovative programs like St. Charles County Biggest Winner, the Day of Play family event, and partnering with the St. Charles CityCounty Library District to provide Fitness Kits, Progress West Hospital -BJC Healthcare is making a positive difference in our community. Fort Zumwalt School District has been chosen as the 2016 Community Servant of the Year. The district is being honored for their commitment to educating each child at the highest level, and in

doing so, creating a highly educated workforce. In 2015 the Mike Clemens Center for Adaptive Learning was opened to give students and their families who require an intensive support system for social/emotional, behavioral, autism, and/or academic needs. Slated to open for the 2017-2018 school year is the Fort Zumwalt Early Childhood Center, which will allow more children the opportunity to be prepared for kindergarten and start their educational journey on a strong foundation. Serving over 18,000 students is no easy task, however harnessing what is known as “the Ft. Zumwalt way” the leadership, teachers, and staff have been able to create an environment for each student that is conducive to learning evidenced by their most recent APR score of 99.3 percent. This year’s Ambassador of the Year is Emily Johns, owner of Emily Johns Photography. Emily has been a member of the O’Fallon Chamber since June of 2014 and has served in many ways in that time, including serving on the Golf, Trivia, and Firecracker event committees. Emily was selected by her peer ambassadors for the award for her kindness, support and dedication to the role of ambassador and to the O’Fallon chamber. The Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year is awarded to an O’Fallon Chamber member who has given back to the O’Fallon community and the chamber through their leadership, dedication and volunteerism. Brian Richardson has proven his worth of this honor for many years. Through is work at KFAV 99.9, Brian has served as an O’Fallon Chamber Ambassador and Board Member, as well as on several committees including, Trivia Night, Firecracker Run, Taste of Vegas, Golf, By-Law Review, and Building Maintenance Committeea committee completely made up by Brian since he always has tools on hand and is always willing to help. In the community, Brian can be seen supporting many area non-profits through his volunteerism with their organization including, Habitat for Humanity and Vision St. Charles County Leadership. “These winners are all businesses and people that we can point to and tell other businesses, ‘this is how you do it, this is how you make an impact on your community’; we are proud to have each of these terrific organizations and people as a part of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries,” said Williams of the awardees. The O’Fallon Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Whitmoor Country Club from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For all your graphic design, marketing, and sign needs. (636) 528-7473 www.MooneyMarketing.us www.MooneyMarketing.us Troy, MO 63379

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Sports

December 14, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Check out our

Home & Garden Section in Classifieds page 15

Rascals add familiar faces to club The River City Rascals have expanded their roster with signings at a rapid pace by inking eight more contract extensions in the last month, making it 16 players returning from the 2016 Frontier League Championship runner-up. Manager Steve Brook, in his eighth year, has also added a pair of position players who will be getting their first taste of Frontier League baseball in the name of outfielder Taylor Love and shortstop Ian Yetsko. Others include three-time Frontier League AllStar catcher Josh Ludy returning as he begins his fourth go-around with the club and second as a player-coach. In his Rascals career, Ludy has held a .297 average while smacking 35 home runs and driving in 157 runs during 252 games. The lone player on the Rascals who has played more seasons with the club than Ludy is veteran right-handed pitcher Nick Kennedy. Kennedy has put on a Rascals uniform every summer since 2012 and is coming off a season where he has held an ERA under 3.00 for the third time in his career. Other pitchers that Brook has brought back for the 2017 season include starting right-hander Tim Koons, lefty Dan Ludwig and back end of the bullpen guys Skylar Hunter and Shane Street. The final returning position player Brook has brought back over the past month is second baseman Jason Merjano. The experienced infielder played in 91 games and hit .291 with five home runs and 51 RBI. His 51 RBI is just one of the categories Merjano led the team in along with 354 at-bats, 22 doubles and 33 multi-hit games. *No scorecard needed for these guys

www.nine2fivestl.com

Oﬃ cial Legal Official LegalNotice Notice Nominees Nominees Selected Selected for forUniversity UniversityofofMissouri Missouri Extension Council Members Extension Council Members St. St.Charles CharlesCounty County

Lindenwood gets new football coach Lindenwood University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Brad Wachler announced that Jed Stugart will be the school’s new head football coach. Stugart comes to St. Charles after seven seasons at NCAA Division II University of Sioux Falls. Stugart begins his position at Lindenwood immediately. For more information, go to www.LindenwoodLions.com *Thanks to Andrew P. Morris of Lindenwood Sports Information for the information

Citizens of voting age in St. Charles County, pursuant to the provision of Sec. 262-577, R.S. Mo. 69, will have an opportunity to vote and members to the University of Missouri Extension zens of voting ageelect in St. Charles County, pursuant to the provision of Sec. 262-577, Council January. Thetoelected and elect appointed members of the 9, will have an in opportunity vote and members to the University of Missouri Extension Council guide and direct extension programs and services Council in January. The elected and appointed members of the Extension Council guide within the County. Nine individuals have been nominated for the extension and services within County. Nine individuals have been fiveprograms elective positions. The nominees are asthe follows:

or the five elective positions. The nominees are as follows:

Fay Aubuchon, Fred Banks, Ralph Britton, Dana Delibovi,

Karen Harvey, Thompson, Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano, Fay Aubuchon, FredStephen Banks, Ralph Britton, Dana Delibovi, Karen Harvey, Laurie St. Laurent, and Roy Zirges Thompson, Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano, Laurie St. Laurent, and Roy Zirges Additional nominations may be made by petition of 25 or more

itional nominations be made orthe more qualified voters residing qualified votersmay residing withinby thepetition district, fiof led25 with Council 20 days after the publication thisdays noticeafter of election. Forms district, within filed with the Council withinof20 the publication of this notice of nomination are in your Oﬃce locatedOffice located at 260 orms forfornomination areavailable available inCounty your Extension County Extension at 260 Brown Road, St. Peters, Missouri. Phone: 636-970-3000. d, St. Peters, Missouri. Phone: 636-970-3000. The St. Charles County University of Missouri Extension Council The St. Charles County Donald University Missouri Extension Council Van Jr.,ofChairman

Donald Van Jr., Chairman

EqualOpportunity/ADA Opportunity/ADA Institution Equal Institution

Ambush wins first game of season The St. Louis Ambush are a professional indoor soccer team that play in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles. The Ambush pulled off their first win of the season in dramatic fashion, staging a come-frombehind 8-6 win over the Florida Tropics Friday night at the Family Arena. The contest did not begin the way head coach Tony Glavin drew it up, as the home team was trailing 5-2 at halftime. “Tony had some loud words of wisdom (at halftime),” said goalkeeper Casey Clark, who posted his first professional win in goal. “I wish I could take the credit,” Glavin said, “but I asked the players to believe in themselves and play like I knew they could, and I’m proud of their effort.” The team fought back to start the last period tied 5-5. As the Tropics fought back to cut the Ambush lead to 7-6, Stefan St. Louis scored an empty-netter at 14:36 to give the Ambush an insurance goal that would stick until the clock hit zero and the first win of the season was in the books. For more information go to www.STLAmbush. com *Only the beginning

I will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2016

Learn & Play

Holly, jolly recipes for merry mornings Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Christmas Tree Waffles

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients: 2 cups waffle mix 1 1/3 cups milk 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 15 drops green food color confectioners’ sugar mini candy-coated chocolate pieces

Directions: Preheat round waffle iron. Spray with no stick cooking spray. Mix waffle mix, milk, egg, vegetable oil, vanilla and food coloring until blended. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto center of hot waffle iron. Close lid. Cook about 5 minutes or until no longer steaming. Carefully remove waffle. Repeat with remaining batter.

I ngredients: 12 eggs 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons milk, divided 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, divided 5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided

1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

Directions: Mix eggs, 1 1/2 cups of milk, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 3 teaspoons of vanilla and baking powder in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Add bread cubes; toss to coat well. Pour into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Cover. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

blended. Drizzle over casserole. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator. Mix melted butter, brown sugar and remaining 1 tablespoon cinnamon in small bowl until well

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Meanwhile, mix cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla in small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir in remaining 3 tablespoons milk. Drizzle over casserole before serving.

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.

See solution on page 13

Break each waffle into 4 triangles. Layer 3 triangles on a serving plate to resemble a Christmas tree. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Use candy-coated pieces to decorate tree as ornaments.

Crossword Puzzle – Theme: Winter Fun ACROSS 1. *e.g. “A Winter’s Tale” by Mark Helprin 6. Bag in Paris 9. *Cold-weather lip trouble 13. Speak one’s mind 14. “What?” 15. What phoenix did 16. Used a lot in sports 17. ____ of Aquarius 18. Misrepresent 19. *Troika ride 21. *Has two eyes made of coal 23. Beluga yield 24. Found in a wall 25. Reggae precursor 28. Whiskey without water 30. Mother of Calcutta 35. What little kittens did with their mittens 37. Computer operating system 39. Ascetic holy Hindu 40. Hippocrates’ promise 41. Chemically induced waves, pl. 43. Good obtained illegally 44. Garment fold 46. Sandwich alternative 47. Northern freshwater fish 48. No, they don’t really crawl in one’s ear 50. Substance abuser 52. Neither 53. Type of tide 55. Jamie ____ Curtis 57. *Popular cold weather fabric 61. *Desired winter destination, pl. 64. Don McLean: “Drove my chevy to the ____” 65. *Elf on the Shelf, e.g. 67. *Remove its furniture in winter? 69. Like a Harvard building? 70. Call to Bo-peep 71. Painter Degas 72. Mrs. Lincoln’s maiden name 73. Weary traveler’s destination 74. Lofty homes

DOWN 1. Us, in Mexico 2. Prefers 3. Tiny bottle 4. “C’mon in!” 5. Wound

6. Persian king 7. Precedes Sep. 8. Maiden’s “hope” storage 9. Captain’s team 10. Islet in a river 11. Half-way around the world 12. Part of a hammer 15. Residences 20. “Faster!” to a horse 22. *Roast a chest____ over an open fire 24. Cavalryman’s foot holder 25. #61 Across, sing. 26. Bear Down Under 27. In the Asteraceae family 29. Again 31. Wood file 32. Buzz Aldrin’s first name 33. Plumed military headdress 34. *Ice Angler’s drill

36. *Warm winter day occurrence 38. *Winter Holiday, for short 42. Abracadabra, e.g. 45. Preserved in a can 49. “Fancy that!” 51. Go back into business 54. Cover story 56. Horace’s poem 57. Dart 58. Prefix in levorotary 59. Like a zealous fan 60. Pauper’s permanent state 61. Bridge 62. Units of work 63. Cut and run 66. *Gingerbread creation 68. 60 mins., pl. See answers on page 13

December 14, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Dec. 14 - 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. 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.

Dec. 14-15: 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, Illinois, 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. 14: Blood drive

The Lake Saint Louis Police Department is sponsoring a blood drive in honor of Anna Dennis from 2 until 7 p.m. at the Lake Saint Louis Civic Center Council Chambers at 200 Civic Center Drive. Who is Anna? Anna Dennis is a little cancer survivor who fought Leukemia for over two years. During her treatments, she received numerous blood and platelet transfusions. There is no doubt that Anna would not have survived without these transfusions. Through this battle, the Dennis family has realized the legitimate need for a constant supply of blood in our area. Every day there are kids and adults who owe their lives to blood donors. Blood donations are used by a wide variety of patients and procedures, including surgery and life threatening accidental injuries. Please come and roll up your sleeve at the “Anna Dennis Blood Drive” and help save another life. While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended that donors schedule an appointment. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: AnnaDennis or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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. 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. 30: O’Fallon Celebration of Lights

Dec. 31: Mouse races and dance

The St. Francis of Assisi/Immaculate Conception Parishes are sponsoring The Great Mouse Race/Dance at the St. Francis Memorial Hall in Portage Des Sioux. The doors open at 6 p.m., the Mouse Races start at 7 p.m. and the dance starts at 10:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Waarp-D. Beer and setups are included. Cost is $25 per person, must be 21 to attend. For tickets

scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee Cost for adults is $7, for children six to 11 is $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.

call Gail Dreyer at 314-623-3299, the Parish House at 636-899-0907 or any of the Parish Council Members.

Dec. 31: Bingo

The Men’s Club of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, located at 1424 South First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles, will host a New Year’s Eve Bingo in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 4 p.m., bingo starts at 6:45 p.m. $3,600 in prizes will be given away. Numerous door prizes will be provided to lucky players. The concession stand will be open for food and beverage purchases. (Do not bring crockpots or electric appliances please.)

Feb. 4: Scrapbooking day

Scrapbooking Day for Fort Zumwalt East High School Grad Night 2017 takes place at Harvester Church of the Nazarene at 3115 McClay Rd. in St. Peters from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Half-day price is available. Electric is available; bring extension cords. There will be a goodie bag, attendance prizes, games and snacks. Pre-cut FZE items for sale to benefit Grad Night, plus: Creative Memories Advisor Cindy Lawrence will have supplies on hand. A portion of the Creative Memories sales goes to Grad Night. Questions? Contact Laura Wagner at laura.wag1017@gmail.com.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve fundraiser

Tickets are on sale now for the New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Knights of Columbus Hall in St. Paul. Citizens 21-years-and-older are invited to welcome in 2017 with dinner, dancing, an open bar and champagne toast at midnight, while enjoying this fun holiday party that is being hosted by the St. Dominic High School (SDHS) Project Graduation Fundraising Committee. This exciting fundraising event benefits SDHS Project Graduation, an alcohol-free and safe night of celebrations for students after graduation. Doors open at 7 p.m. and a buffet style pasta dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment is provided by DJ Todd Strothers and party favors will be furnished to guests to help ring in the New Year. To purchase tickets, call celebration coordinator Nancy Gomer at 636-795-1137 or email NancyLg11@ yahoo.com, or call co-coordinator Julie Osvath at 314-303-0134 or email osvath4@yahoo.com. The St. Paul Knights of Columbus Hall is located at 1270 Church Rd. in St. Paul. Please make checks out to St. Dominic High School.

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.

Jan. 13: Bunco bash

The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary 7198 is hosting a Bunco Bash at the Pezold Banquet Center at 5701 Highway N, in Cottleville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Net proceeds to benefit Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service. Contact Mary at 636-240-6078 for more information.

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.

Jan. 29: All-you-can-eat breakfast and blood drive

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,

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2016 1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting

6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480.

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

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

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

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

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

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

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

Every Monday: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

The Seasoned Eye Carvers meet every Monday from 9am to noon at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center, 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes 9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314.369.6521.

Mondays: Chronic pain support group

American Chronic Pain Association is a support group for and by people experiencing chronic pain. Group meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 3 – 5 p.m. at the Spencer Road Library in St Peters. Important: This is an anonymous group (first names only).

3rd Monday of Each Month: Life After Loss support group

Support group for families who have lost a loved one to heroin/opiate addiction. 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital Campus in Room 212 of Professional Building 1. Contact: geevigna@charter.net. No registration required

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.

Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club Every Tuesday: Meeting

7pm at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon. Info: 636.379.2505.

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

7:15-9:45pm at First United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. Info: www.gatewayspotlight. org or 636.256.6823.

Tuesdays: St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association Male Caregiver Experience

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

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www. showmestitchers.com.

Last Tuesday of every month, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner. 5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club

6:30pm at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930.

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

Noon-1 p.m. at Bogey Hills Country Club at 1120 Country Club Rd. in St. Charles. Membership in Kiwanis offers you the opportunity to benefit your community and its youth by serving with like-minded people. If you are interested in making a positive impact for generations to come, please join us. For more information please call 636-448-4277. You can also find us at http://stcharleskiwanis.com

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

Toastmasters

Tuesday and Friday Evenings: Tae Kwon Do Classes

2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America

SUDOKU answers from page 11

Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant.

The group meets on fourth Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Road Library at the Community Commons, 427 Spencer Rd. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male Caregiver Experience, please call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/ stl.

6:30pm at various locations. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org; Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

What’s Happening

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Spotlight

Gateway Spotlight is a women’s a capella chorus that meets at First United Methodist Church at 801 first Capitol Dr. in St. Charles every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. Call 636-2566823 for more details.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the IHOP at 3851 Veterans Memorial Dr. in St. Peters. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Every Tuesday & Thursday: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA

8-9am & 10:15-11:15am. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

9-10am and 5:30-6:30pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314.369.6521.

Wednesdays: Talk

Veterans

Coffee

Veterans from all branches of the service are invited to attend “Coffee Talk” every Wednesday at. 9 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 3601 Ehlmann Rd. in St. Charles (Take I-70 to the Cave Springs exit). We will have applications for VA health care, applications for the honor flight, reports from local American Legion and VFW halls and lots of good comradery. Come join us for free coffee and donuts and enjoy an hour with your fellow veterans.

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www.ofallonchristianchurch.org

December 14, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

CONSIGNMENT

HELP WANTED

NOVENA

WANTED

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

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May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, M.G.T.

SERVICES HELP WANTED

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STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 14, 2016

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December 14, 2016 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Movie

By Steve Bryan

To spoil or not to spoil, that is the question After watching the trailer for “Passengers,” the new Chris Pratt/Jennifer Lawrence sci-fi adventure, I wanted to know more about the plot. Unfortunately, the Internet contains way too much information posted by people who have access to the original script. I read one interesting plot point before I made myself stop reading anything more. “Spoilers” like the ones I encountered are aptly named because they take away from the movie-going experience. In one memorable “Peanuts” strip, Linus was watching the classic “Citizen Kane” for the first time when big sister Lucy walked in and told him exactly what “Rosebud” was. The final panel shows Linus screaming “Augh!” and tearing his hair out. Online film reviewers such as myself are cautious about movie spoilers; half the joy of going to the movies is the shock and surprise. In 1999, some colleagues attended advance screenings of “The Sixth Sense,” telling me that the big reveal at the end is incredible. While watching it, I kept thinking about what the twist could be until it hit me halfway through the film. The rest of the story was rather anticlimactic. Ronnie Roy, my former colleague at the St. Louis Suburban Journals, is an entertaining writer who is careful with details. Still, as he recounted to me, a reader took him to task in 1998 for revealing the boat sank during the epic film “Titanic” (true story). Sometimes, a writer simply can’t win, even when they diligently follow the rules. There also are untold shooting scripts and screenplays available online. Confidentiality agreements on the set and during press screenings don’t always work. Some people seemingly are willing to put their jobs and careers on the line to break these agreements. When I worked the press junket circuit, I signed a few agreements and was always cautioned about putting critical details in any review or feature.

However, what do die-hard movie fans think about spoilers? When “The Force Awakens” came out last December, fans desperately wanted to know the parental history of Rey, the character played by Daisy Ridley. Some theories argue that, with her incredible command of the Force, Luke Skywalker obviously is her father. Other websites say she is the granddaughter of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Arguably, the Internet and rabid fandom fuel this quest for information ahead of time. In the pre-digital world of 1980, “Dallas” fans waited an entire summer to find out who shot J.R. Ewing. No one involved with the TV show would really speak about it, and the excitement grew. These days, with some diligent searching, it is all too easy to find details months before a TV show or film debuts. I still believe a viewer should go into the theater with as little information as possible. Reviewers still need to use good judgement when writing reviews and doing press interviews. Anticipation makes a film that much sweeter.

Submitted photo

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.