CNSTC: February 18, 2015

July 13, 2011

Vol 13 No 28

February 18, 2015

Learning to lend a helping paw Recipes

11

Cookie flavors inspire new desserts

Business

7

Feature Section

4

Community Toons

9

Movie

9

Food pantry receives grant

Photos courtesy Becky Flannagan ABOVE: Poet trains to be a service dog with the purpose of going on to help people with disabilities. BELOW: Faith Flannagan with Poet shortly after he began training to become a service dog.

Liberty High School student helps train future service dog By Brett Auten The journey of Poet has just begun, but he’s primed and prepared thanks to the efforts of a local high school student. In August of 2013, Faith Flannagan welcomed an eight week old golden retriever/black lab puppy into her Wentzville home. Nothing exciting or new there, but this pup was destined for a greater mission. Poet was selectively bred to be trained as an assistance dog for the Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization founded in 1975. Faith’s mother, Becky Flannagan, has been a supporter of Canine Companions since her days in college and is a former advanced trainer. “I wanted to do a service project in high school and wanted to give back to the community,” the Liberty High School sophomore said. “I was driven by the fact that (Poet) was going to help someone.” Canine Companions for Independence is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing a partnership with highly trained assistance dogs. The dogs serve in four roles: assisting adults with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks; alerting hearing-impaired people to important sounds; enhancing independence for children and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities; and working with a professional in a visitation, education or health care setting. “CCI is the first, oldest, biggest service-dog organization in the world and is the leader in service dog training,” Becky said. “We consider ourselves extremely humbled to be part

of the organization. There are currently three multi-million dollar national studies with our dogs (Harvard, UC Berkeley, VA) to study not only the affect that service dogs have on the graduate, but also the cognition of the canines themselves.” Last week, Poet left Wentzville for Dublin, Ohio for advanced training for six months. Once there, Poet will learn to open doors, turn on and off light switches, pick up items as small as a paper clip and even pay for items at a store. But before he was ready to go to Ohio, Faith Flannagan worked with him to learn over 30 commands and socialize him in places like grocery stores, restaurants, sporting events, busy shopping malls, construction sites, pet stores and much more. “Some of the commands were basic but some were very hard,” Faith said. “From day one he had to go to the bathroom on the leash, which meant plenty of walks in the middle of the night up and down our neighborhood.” Faith was especially appreciative of both merchants and citizens of the area who allowed them to do their work. “We just want thank all of the places in the community that were willing to let Poet come into their shops,” Faith said. “We had a sign that said, ‘Please don’t touch,’ and people were very respectful of the training. I wasn’t expecting it.” The bond between a dog and it guardian goes without explanation. It is one of the most cherished relationships in our culture. Faith was able to put her feelings to the side and took a professional approach to it. See SERVICE DOG on page 2

The Golden Years

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Around Town Vol. 17 No. 7

In This Issue... 2 Around Town

Portion of Cappeln Osage Road to close and more.

5 Feature Section The Golden Years 7 Business BJC expanded in St. Charles County and more. 8 School School board elections cancelled and more. 9 Movie

February 18, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

SERVICE DOG from Cover

SCC health clinics update polices

“Will I miss Poet? Of course,” she said. “I was emotionally prepared for this. I told myself not to fall in love with him. He’s going to someone who really needs him and the emotion went away. I’ll do it again. In fact, I’m on the list for another puppy.” Volunteer puppy-raisers are always in need. For informa-

To help prevent the spread of disease in our community, the St. Charles County Division of Public Health operates affordably priced medical clinics for children and adults. Located at the division offices (1650 Boones Lick Road in St. Charles, 63301), an Immunization Clinic and a STD Prevention and Treatment Clinic offer services on an appointment basis. Immunizations play a vital role in helping a community in the fight against disease outbreaks and in maintaining health. Through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Immunization Clinic provides free shots to those participating in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Those eligible to participate in the VFC program are children who: have no health insurance; are covered by Medicaid; are Native American or Alaskan Native; or have health insurance that does not cover immunizations. Additionally, the Children’s Immunization Program (CHIP) and the Adult Immunization Program (AIP) plans provide near-cost vaccinations to those ineligible for the VFC program. The clinic is open weekdays, except Thursday, from 8:30 - 11 a.m. and 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. — with extended hours until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. In addition, an evening clinic is offered from 4:30 - 7 p.m., on the second Tuesday of the month, and 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. All patients 18 and under should bring their immunization record to their visit. The STD Prevention and Treatment Clinic provides confidential testing, educational counseling and care to anyone ages 13 and older. Effective Jan. 1, 2015, visits to the clinic are $20. Most all testing and counseling services are included in this fee, except for a herpes culture test that is $40. Appointments, which may be arranged by calling 636-949-7401, are required for most services. For information on programs offered and to discover ways the division assists the community, please visit http://www.sccmo. org/398/Public-Health-Division or call 636-949-7400.

tion on volunteering, supporting the mission or applying for a dog, see www.cci.org or call 800-572-2275. “I’m hopeful that this may open doors to more individuals interested in puppy raising,” Becky Flannagan said. “There’s an exploding need due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Protect your world Auto • Home • Life • Retirement

“The DUFF” turns out to be a DUD.

10 Sports and Learn & Play

11 Recipes

Cooke flavors inspire new desserts.

12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Over the Fence

Joe Morice brings his unique views to the Community News.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 18, 2015

Duello Elementary students display art work at 6 North Café Art students in Mrs. Menier’s Artstravaganza classroom at Duello Elementary School are learning more than color, design and proportion. They have the opportunity to experience what it is like to have their art professionally displayed in a public area. 6 North Café has partnered with Mrs. Menier to display framed pieces in the tower room at their Wentzville location. “We are thrilled that 6 North Café has given this opportunity to our students,” said Mrs. Menier. “The artwork will change monthly to give more students the opportunity to display their work.”

Portion of Cappeln Osage Road to close

Maria Altrudo, an owner of the café explains, “Since we are a family business we are always looking for opportunities to be a part of the local communities. When Mrs. Menier approached us about the student art display, we were thrilled to work with her.” To celebrate the student’s art display, 6 North Café is hosting an “Opening Night” on Feb. 26 from 5 – 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. There is also a fundraiser that evening and 6 North Café is donating a portion of sales to the art department at Duello Elementary School.

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The St. Charles County Highway Department is announcing the temporary closure of a portion of Cappeln Osage Road, immediately south of Femme Osage Creek Road and 0.7 miles from Highway T, beginning Feb. 18 to allow for construction of a new bridge. The construction of this bridge is expected to take 45 days. No through traffic will be allowed through the closure area. Motorists will be directed to use Highway T and Femme Osage Creek Road to detour around the closure area.

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Win prizes at this year’s Chill Factor Run on Feb. 21 Take home a commemorative beanie and qualify to win a free night’s stay in a camping cabin or small shelter rental when you participate in this year’s Wild in the Woods Broemmelsiek Park Chill Factor Trail Run on Feb. 21. Hosted by the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department, this fun, scenic trail run gives runners a chance to experience the great outdoors during the winter months! Join area supporters of the parks and register before Feb. 6 and receive a discounted rate of $30. Participants can choose from a five or 10 mile run at Broemmelsiek Park, located 1795 Highway DD in Defiance, that winds through sections of new and existing single-track trails in the park. The run begins at 10 a.m. and prizes will

be awarded to top men and women in their age group. Light refreshments and snacks will be also served after the race. “The Wild in the Woods Broemmelsiek Park Chill Factor Trail Run takes participants through wooded hillsides and open fields in the park,” said Parks Director Bettie Yahn-Kramer. “It’s the perfect course for new runners who want to experience the trail run scene.” Pre-register for the race online at www.stccparks.org or contact the St. Charles County Parks reservation desk at 636-949-7535. All participants will get a commemorative beanie and will be entered into the park drawing for a free night’s stay in a camping cabin at Klondike Park near Augusta or small shelter rental at any of our parks.

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Around Town

February 18, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Young at heart How seniors are staying connected through their golden years

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For seniors, keeping in touch with friends, family and caregivers is important to maintain an active social life and remain independent. The number of seniors — and the need to find creative ways to be mindful of their care — is on the rise. With nearly seven million Americans providing support as long-distance caregivers, according to the National Institute on Aging, staying in touch is especially important. Nurture relationships Email, cell phones and texting are some of the ways technology is helping people stay connected today. These tools can be especially useful for seniors living away from friends and family or for those who aren’t able to travel as much as they used to. One affordable option is a complete phone system, such as VTech CareLine, which has no monthly fee. Offering a wearable pendant, one-button or voice-activated dialing, big buttons and volume booster, CareLine has features designed with seniors in mind. For more information about keeping seniors safely connected via a phone system, visit www.vtechphones.com/careline. Going places Seniors today are staying active, spending time with friends and family outside of their home, rekindling old passions and exploring new activities that keep them on the move. Even for seniors who aren’t able to be as active, changes in scenery, like a neighborhood walk or visit to the park, are great ways to get fresh air, uplift spirits and live a healthier life. Since transportation can sometimes be a challenge, especially for seniors who rely on caregivers who work full-time, there are numerous organizations that provide transportation resources for seniors to assist in getting them safely to doctor’s appointments, organized activities at local community centers, shopping excursions and more. Your local Area Agency on Aging is a good resource to begin researching options in your area. Find your local agency at www.n4a.org. Selecting a Senior Phone A phone system can provide valuable security and peace of mind for seniors living alone and the loved ones who are responsible for their care. To get the maximum benefit of

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

a phone system designed for seniors, experts recommend shopping for the following features: Voice amplification Conversations are easier to hear and understand when you can adjust the volume of incoming sound. Look for units that can be adjusted by up to 40 decibels. Caller ID announce Hearing who is calling announced through the speakerphone prevents the risk of falls or other injuries associated with running to catch a ringing phone. Photo dial As memory and or vision fails, it can be difficult to associate names and numbers. A phone that allows you to associate photos with speed dial numbers will help your loved one keep important numbers straight, which is especially important in an emergency or time of need. Help Create Connections Helping an elderly person who lives alone stay connected with others can play a major role in that senior’s quality of life. As a caregiver, you can help foster those connections by: • Coordinating a rotating visitor schedule with friends and family. • Asking others to make regular calls to check in and chat. • Researching local senior programs, such as classes, shopping excursions or fitness programs. • Identifying resources such as transportation services that are available to help seniors get out and about.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 18, 2015

Volunteering benefits both the community and you People volunteer for many reasons, starting with helping others. It’s okay to consider how doing so will help you too. Joan Valdes enjoys many benefits as a volunteer for OASIS CATCH Healthy Habits. Each week she joins a team of volunteers who are fighting obesity by teaching kids the fun of eating healthy foods and playing active games. Being recently retired and new to the community, volunteering helped Joan avoid becoming isolated. “I love being around the kids,” she said. “But I didn’t expect what a great group of people I’d have for support.” A dedicated “foodie,” Joan is also learning how to manage a chronic health condition by eating better, and she loves sharing healthy recipes and tips with the children. Just a few of the ways volunteering can help you: It connects you with people. Working sideby-side with others who care about what you care about is a great way to make friends and get

more connected to your community. It can help you find a job. Volunteering can help you make career connections, explore a new career path, sharpen your skills and show employers that you are proactive and care about the community. Volunteering improves your health. Research shows that it lowers depression rates and increases life expectancy. You can help someone. You know the saying, “to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Appreciation events are fun! While this may not be why you volunteer, most organizations host events where you can meet other people who share your interests. There are lots of ways to get involved in CATCH Healthy Habits – both with the children and behind the scenes. To learn more, contact Shelby Schroeder at 314-653-4092 or sschroeder@oasisnet.org

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Getting along with family after a parent dies What happened to those blissful summer reunions brimming with prized family recipes and boisterous laughter, or listening to your brother’s quirky stories during the holidays? The loss of one or both parents can complicate everything from settling wills to simply talking on the phone. Sometimes the death of Dad or Mom reveals relationship fractures that can widen into frustration, blame, distancing or rage. After a parent passes, how can you adapt to your changing familial relationships now and in the future? How do you reconnect when the family bonds are frayed or already severed? Perhaps the following tips will help: Practice small steps of open communication. Be direct and honest about what you value in the family. Post a fun family photo to Facebook. Pick up the phone and make a quick call. Suggest a time when most of the family can get together during the next six months. A

graduation, wedding, birth of a baby or holidays are all natural reasons to reunite for a shared occasion. Forgive and move on from the past. Some family members struggle to let go of resentment over things from years ago. Own up to your own faults and ask for forgiveness if necessary. Seek counseling to resolve destructive feelings and right your own ship. Otherwise, live in the present and give discontented family members space. Refuse to let another person’s unhealthy behavior ruin enjoyment for the rest of you. Reclaim or reset family traditions. If family reunions or

vacations together have gone by the wayside, initiate at least one of them again. Maybe your family traditions are as simple as baking holiday cookies, grilling in the backyard or attending a sporting event for the kids. Together with your siblings and broader family circle, make a list of the traditions you still want to celebrate and pass on to future generations. How has your family navigated your relationships after the death of a parent? For more information, visit Right at Home of St. Charles at rahstcharles.com, 636-3799955 or email at info@rahstcharles.com.

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Around Town

February 18, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

By Cindy Moore

Let’s get egg-cited! It takes a lot to excite me these days to the point of sheer giddiness. The latest thing to shake my shaker was the fall in gas prices. Yipee skippy! Watching those numbers plummet had me doing an embarrassing happy dance at the gas station, at the post office and even in the produce section of the grocery store. Just thinking about it going below $3 had me dusting off one of my old disco moves and shaking my groove thang till security came. Well brush up my dance moves and call the cops because that time has come around once again. This week, I happened to be browsing my Facebook account and right there on my newsfeed someone had posted a little video. It showed a hardboiled egg in hand. I must have been desperate for mind stimulation because eggs don’t usually capture my attention, but somehow I knew this particular one

was special and was going to be life-changing. I had to look. My life will never be the same! The video showed the egg being put into a jar with about a cup of water. The lid was screwed on tight and the person proceeded to shake the contents vigorously for less than 5 seconds. The lid was then removed and the entire egg’s shell slipped off slicker than your fat Aunt Tilly on a buttered Barcalounger. The egg was left perfectly intact without a dent, dimple or ding. What?! How many years have I been on the planet not knowing about this time-saving wonder? How many bloody finger cuts and hours have passed away as I would gruel over a tedious batch of deviled eggs? Further, how many minutes have I wasted picking away bits of stubborn shell locked tight to an unyielding egg, only to end up with a finished product full

of unsightly divots and gouges--unrecognizable and aesthetically not fit for human c o n sumption? Answer to all: Way freakin’ too many. I demand those hours of my life back! So now’s your chance; try this tonight and be amazed. You’ll be doing a happy dance afterwards. 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.

O’Fallon to host workshop on the future of Main Street Residents, business owners, employees and visitors are needed to participate in a study focusing on preserving and enhancing the city of O’Fallon’s historic core, specifically Main Street, which runs through the heart of downtown O’Fallon. The

study will explore potential concepts for improving the streetscape, aesthetics, functionality and walkability of Main Street, with the goal of providing recommendations to strengthen Main Street as a vibrant corridor and economic driver for the city.

Need care today? Walk right in. Great care for them, convenience for you. A child’s illness or injury is never convenient, but Mercy Kids’ walk-in care is. We’re open nights and weekends – no appointment needed. Just stop by for the medical care your child needs. Our nurse practitioners have extensive pediatric experience. They know how to get kids and parents feeling better right away. Walk-ins welcome for these conditions, up to age 21: • Coughs and colds • Upset stomach • Sinus infections • Urinary tract infections • Sore throat • Other minor health conditions • Rashes • Minor injuries • Pink eye

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The public is invited to attend a Main Street Visioning Workshop on Feb. 19, in the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Multi-Purpose Room. For the convenience of attendees, two sessions covering the same material will be held. The first session will begin at 4 p.m. and the second begins at 7 p.m. Attendees will hear presentations, view exhibits and have the opportunity to discuss concepts for improving the public infrastructure and overall aesthetics of the Main Street corridor with city representatives. Additionally, the public can provide feedback on concepts ahead of the workshop through a survey available on www.ofallon.mo.us. The survey is available on the main page of the site or at www.ofallon.mo.us/o-fallon-connected.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 18, 2015

Calvary Chapel Food Pantry gains Cuivre River grant The Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board has approved a $1,439.76 Operation Round Up grant to the Calvary Chapel Food Pantry in Troy to purchase two freezers. Calvary Chapel Church Assistant Pastor Mike Dallas says, “We are able to receive free food from our distributor, but couldn’t receive it due to lack of freezer space.” Dallas stresses, “We appreciate the donation. It’s a huge blessing to us.” During 2014, the Calvary Chapel Food Pantry assisted nearly 9,000 people. The Calvary Chapel Food Pantry is located adjacent to Calvary Chapel Church, 28 Snyder Road in Troy. Effective Feb. 3, the pantry is open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. Area residents who need to visit the food pantry can call the church at 636528-5223. Grant funds come from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative members who donate to the Community Trust through Operation Round Up. Members voluntarily pay the round up amount on their monthly electric bill. The funds are administered by seven volunteer trustees who represent areas within St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and Pike

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Submitted photo (From left) Fred Statler, Pam Williams, Assistant Pastor Mike Dallas and Ralph Harting of Calvary Chapel Food Pantry celebrate a $1,439.76 Operation Round Up grant from the Cuivre River Electric Community Trust. Funds were used to purchase two new freezers for pantry food storage.

counties where Cuivre River offers electric service. Operation Round Up addresses unmet needs in the areas of community and emergency services, home weatherization, health, youth and education. Grant applications are available at Cuivre River Electric Cooperative offices in Troy and Lake Saint Louis, at www.cuivre.com, or by calling 636-528-8261, 636-695-4700, or 800-392-3709.

BJC Medical Group expanded in St. Charles County BJC Medical Group, the physician organization of BJC HealthCare, expanded significantly in 2014 to meet the growing health care needs of the community. Overall, BJC Medical Group added 59 new providers in 2014. “We are committed to improving the health of the communities and people we serve,” says Carissa Jarrard, director of practice growth and development. “We are constantly listening to our patients and monitoring the environment to discover which doctors or services are needed in a particular area.” With the help of nationally recognized health

care recruitment firm Cejka Search, the organization added four new providers in St. Charles County. These providers are on staff at Progress West Hospital or Barnes-Jewish St. Peters: Gastroenterology: Milton Ochieng’, MD Radiation Oncology: Laura Benack, RN Family Medicine: Lisa Scott, FNP Internal Medicine/Pediatrics: Jennifer Nguyen, MD “As the market grows and changes, we expect to add more highly qualified providers and staff members to our organization in 2015,” says Jarrard.

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School

February 18, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Bella Montessori Preschool offers a unique educational experience for younger children that focuses on social and emotional development alongside academics. “We’re a Montessori school that accepts ages 6 weeks up to 6 years,” says Leslie McGhee, Director and co-owner of Montessori Preschool. “Our vision is to create a school where children, staff, and parents grow in their ability to learn and problem-solve in a supportive environment guided by Montessori philosophy that creates happy, independent, confident, personally responsible and peaceful children.” McGhee explained how the Montessori philosophy helps children develop fundamental skills by catering to their

individual learning styles and learning from peer mentors. “We prepare the environment for them every day so that it’s ready when they walk in. We do a lot of individual lessons and small group lessons. It’s not everybody doing the same thing at the same time. We definitely follow their individual learning styles as well, and we also focus on social and emotional growth; it’s not just the academics. It’s important to be able to know how to solve a conflict with your words, or to help a friend if they need help,” McGhee said. “In a Montessori classroom the ages are mixed, so in our preschool classroom it’s ages 2-6, and we do that so that our older children can learn how to be role models and peer helpers. And then our younger children are getting a lot of observation done

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with the older children on some material that may be more challenging that they may be more interested in working on. The mixed age group really helps the younger children and the older children,” McGhee said. Bella Montessori Preschool is located at 203 Church Street in O’Fallon. For more information, go to www.bellamontessoripreschool.com.

School board elections cancelled due to lack of candidates The City of St. Charles R-VI School District posted notice of Board Candidate Filing for two board seats on Nov. 14, 2014, for the April 7, 2015, election. When filing closed on Jan. 20, at 5 p.m., two candidates had filed. In accordance with 115.124, RSMo., the St. Charles R-VI School District will not hold an election for school board members this year because the number of candi-

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Photo courtesy Bella Montessori Preschool Bella Montessori Preschool offers a unique educational experience for younger children that focuses on social and emotional development alongside academics.

dates who have filed is equal to the number of positions to be filled. Therefore, the St. Charles R-VI School District will not be on the April 7, 2015, ballot to fill board of education seats this year. The following are the candidates who will be sworn into office at the Board of Education’s reorganization meeting: Sheri Bickmeyer and Joshua Kean.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 18, 2015

Movie

“The DUFF” should be sent to teen-comedy detention

The ghost of John Hughes must be shaking his head over “The DUFF,” a contemporary teen comedy that is much crueler than the late filmmaker’s works. Director Ari Sandel takes many pages from Hughes’ playbook, but the results here are far less satisfying. Mae Whitman, so cute 20 years ago as the President’s daughter in “Independence Day,” is all grown up here as Bianca, a rebellious high school student with two beautiful friends. Bianca is happy with herself, but she learns that, in high school parlance, she is a DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). In this role, male classmates are friendly to her, but only to gather information about her cute friends. Desperate to shed this label, Bianca asks Wesley (Robbie Amell), the popular boy next door, for help. Surprisingly, this jock knows quite a bit about and style and fashion. Tomboy Bianca reinvents herself to impress one of her crushes, but she also realizes that she might be chasing after the wrong guy. Decidedly hit-or-miss, “The DUFF” contains moments of brilliant comedy buried under long stretches of boredom. Mae Whitman has the looks and charm to carry the film, but the screenplay is so threadbare that she doesn’t stand a chance. As a starring vehicle, Whitman deserves much better. As the designated villain of the piece, Bella Thorne is more of a parody than a threat. Her turn as Madison, the school’s queen bee, quickly turns sour after a few minutes. Madison is so cruel and obnoxious that it’s a wonder the entire student body doesn’t lock

Community Toons

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Rated PG-13 - By Steve Bryan

her in the janitor’s closet and throw away the key. John Hughes’ films show the nuances of high school life, especially the stereotyped kids in “The Breakfast Club.” But times have changed, and the cruelty and labeling has reached epic proportions. “The DUFF” blames that on the explosion of social media. In one brilliant scene, though, Principal Buchanon (Romany Malco) declares the campus an Internet-free zone to stop the haters from Tweeting and videotaping everything. “The DUFF” also plays into the teen movie trope that no one likes the smart tomboy when there are so many “hot girls” around. Mae Whitman’s Bianca is equally adorable in overalls or a dress. Any guy with half a brain would be lining up to ask her out instead of fawning over someone like Madison. Bianca does, unfortunately, feel invisible to guys. Teen comedies are generally fun, but “The DUFF” isn’t very good. In the vocabulary of the movie, “The DUFF” really is the DUFF when compared to “Sixteen Candles” and “Pretty in Pink.” “The DUFF,” rated PG-13 for crude and sexual material throughout, some language, and teen partying, opens in theaters on Friday, February 20.

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.

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.

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February 18, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports University of MissouriSt. Louis starts season on high note UMSL baseball is ranked 13th and the Tritons tried to move up the rankings with an a victories in their first tournaments accomplishing a 5-1 record at the NFCA Division II Lead Off Classic in Tucson, AZ. They also won the Gold Bracket consolation. And the women’s fast-pitch softball team is also just getting started. Senior Brianna Butler batted .500, recording 10 hits, including three home runs and three doubles, while sophomore Alex Stupek finished with eight hits, six RBIs and seven runs. As a team, UMSL tallied 10 homeruns in the six games. Senior Brittni Chapman went 3-0 in the circle with a save, boasting a 1.68 ERA. * Just getting started

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STL baseball facts We all know the Cardinals have won 11 World Series Titles, correct? They are also right near the top being victorious winning the National League pennants. Can you give the number that they have won since the 1800’s? Pick from these: 1) 14 2) 17 3) 19 4) 21 5) 23 Answer at end of article. Compliments of Viva El Birdos * I’m sure you will nail this one Larry

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River City baseball squad adds talent The O’Fallon team has brought four new position players to the roster for the upcoming season. They include Tyler Qualls, Jackson Slaid, Josh Silver and Brett Thomas. Qualls is a catcher joining the team after graduating from Louisiana Tech in 2014. A Jackson, Missouri native, he started 40 games for the LA Tech Bulldogs while earning a .248 average in 2014. He has caught 36 runners trying to steal and posted a .277 average in his career with the Bulldogs. Slaid is added to the squad after playing baseball for the University of Montevallo. This Louisiana native served as the starting catcher for all of the Falcons games in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He hit at a .332 average and a team-leading 59 RBIs at the same time that he became a Presidential Scholar of the Peach Belt Conference Honor Roll in his final season with the Falcons. Silver is a graduate from Lee University after working on a degree in physical education. The shortstop posted a .263 average after appearing in

56 games for the Flames in 2014. His coach praises him as a great defensive shortstop as he earned a .966 fielding percentage in last year. Thomas is the unique player as he had already signed and has experience playing professional ball. Coming to the Rascals from the Clinton LumberKings, the A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, this outfielder posted a .250 batting average and 33 hits in 2014. A native of California, this University of Oregon graduate has experience at every position in the outfield after being drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2013. Get ready as the club will open the weekend of May 15. * Welcome Wrestling team makes history at Lindenwood The Lindenwood wrestling team made history to win its first ever Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) regular season championship on their home mats when the Lions beat Newman Jets 33-10. The matches had a quick start for Lindenwood when Marco Tamayo won the dual’s opening match 6-5. After that the next two matches were forfeit wins for the Lions that increased their early lead to a commanding 15-0. In the first period Derrick Weller recorded a pin extending the Lindenwood’s lead. Batchka Zuulkhuu also won via a 5-0 decision followed by John McArdle pinning his opponent in the first period. In the final match of the day Jacob Borgmeyer won 10-4. The regular season conference championship was the school’s third overall MIAA title in just two seasons. * Thanks to Lindenwood’s Tyler Scheller-Sports Information Graduate Assistant ANSWER TO CARDINAL TRIVIA: 3) 19 Tune into Your Health Plus Radio Show, Every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KSLQ 104.5 FM For more information go to www.YourHealthPlus.info. One-hundred percent natural products to help focus, reduce stress, more energy, curb your appetite, healthiest coffee, anti-aging serum and more… 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.

Oldest Pick: “Fish in a Tree”

See solution on page 13

Community News is proud to offer our readers “Book Buzz.” This column will feature great books for children in three categories: Youngest Pick: early childhood to the first or second grade, Middle Pick: elementary school children, and Oldest Pick: middle school children. Enjoy!

Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company. Copyright 2015.

“Freak, dumb, loser,” a steady dose of nasty name-calling has Ally in a slump. She has plenty to be down about in “A Fish in a Tree,” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. With her father serving in the Army, and now away in Afghanistan, Ally has attended seven schools in seven years — that’s made her feel like a fish out of water and up a tree. Ally is in the fifth grade, trying to hide the fact that she has trouble reading. It’s not something she wants anyone to know, certainly not Shay and her friends who bully her. But Ally won’t show them they hurt her. Instead she puts on an armor of “I don’t care” and acts out, earning a reputation as a troublemaker. All is not lost. Hope arises when Mr. Daniels takes over the class when Ally’s teacher leaves to have a baby. At first, Ally doesn’t trust him, but he wins her over with strategies that highlight Ally’s strengths, particularly her giftedness in art. Throw in a couple of friends with kind hearts and Ally begins to see the writing on the wall, and is able to read it for the first time ever.

Recipe:

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Cookie flavors inspire new desserts

A hot new dessert trend is here — cookies are getting a makeover. As identified in the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2015, favorite cookie flavors — like snickerdoodles and gingersnaps — are being reimagined in new decadent desserts. From peanut butter mousse tarts to chocolate chip biscotti with a creamy dipping sauce, these desserts redefine “milk and cookies.”

“Here in the kitchens, we looked at the distinctive flavors of popular cookies for inspiration,” said Mary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens. “Cinnamon sugar is the signature flavor in snickerdoodles, so we reimagined that cinnamon sweetness into a peanut butter mousse and peanut crust, resulting in a delicious tart.”

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Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle Tart with Cinnamon Peanut Crust Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 8 minutes | Refrigerate: 1 hour | Servings: 8 (1/2 tart) servings Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups lightly salted roasted peanuts, lightly crushed 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon, divided 3 tablespoons chocolate milk 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract 1/2 cup heavy cream Directions: Mix peanuts, sugar, butter and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon in medium bowl. Remove 1/4 cup and spread on small baking sheet. Divide remaining peanut mixture among 4 (4-inch) tart pans with removable bottoms. Press firmly onto bottom and up sides of each tart pan. Bake tart crusts and peanut crumble mixture together in preheated 350°F oven 8 minutes.

DO YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ANGER AND AGGRESSION? DO YOU HAVE ANGRY OUTBURSTS THAT YOU ARE EMBARRASSED ABOUT LATER? IS IT CREATING TROUBLE AT HOME OR WITH FRIENDS? until soft peaks form. Spread in prepared tart crusts. Spread chocolate mixture over top.

Cool on wire racks. Meanwhile, microwave chocolate milk in medium microwavable bowl on high 45 seconds. Add chocolate; stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth. Set aside. Beat peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add heavy cream; beat

Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until ready to serve. Cut each tart in half. Sprinkle with toasted peanut crumble. Serve immediately.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Servings: 16 servings (2 cookies and 2 1/2 tablespoons sauce each)

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For the dipping sauce, place all ingredients in medium saucepan on medium heat. Simmer 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring constantly. Serve with biscotti.

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Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp and golden, turning biscotti over halfway through cook time. Transfer biscotti to wire racks; cool completely.

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Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a 12-inch long log. Transfer logs to parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Flatten logs to 1-inch thickness.

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Bake in preheated 350°F oven 20 to 25 minutes or until slightly risen and firm to touch. Cool logs on wire rack 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Transfer to cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut logs diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices. Place slices, cut sides down, in single layer on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

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White Chocolate Dipping Sauce: 2 cups half-and-half 8 ounces white chocolate chips 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur 2 teaspoons McCormick Extra Rich Pure Vanilla Extract

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Directions: For the biscotti, mix flour, sugar, dry milk, baking powder and salt in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed until well blended. Mix eggs and vanilla in medium bowl until well blended. Gradually add to flour mixture, beating on low speed until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips.

HAVE YOU GOTTEN INTO FREQUENT VERBAL OR PHYSICAL FIGHTS BECAUSE OF YOUR ANGER?

Note: To crush peanuts, place peanuts in large resealable plastic bag. Pound with a rolling pin, mallet or heavy skillet until lightly crushed.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Biscotti with White Chocolate Dipping Sauce Ingredients: Biscotti: 2 1/2 cups flour 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 cup instant nonfat dry milk 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 eggs 1 teaspoon McCormick Extra Rich Pure Vanilla Extract 1 cup miniature chocolate chips

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 18, 2015

12

What’s Happening

February 18, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Feb. 18: Luncheon Tri County Women’s Connection cordially invites you to lunch and program from 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Christy Banquet Center at 9000 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon. Cost is $14 and is inclusive. There will be music and guest speaker Melanie Golightly. Call 636-561-0956, Joan or Marcia 636-925-8588 for reservations, or E-Mail millemmons@sbcglobal.net by Feb. 13, cancel by Feb. 16. Reservations must be honored. Feb. 19: Nutrition Series Are you setting your body up for weight gain and not loss? Learn simple tips to avoid these traps. This one-hour seminar will help you understand the basics of sound nutrition and how macronutrients work to fuel the body. Class begins at 6:30 p.m. and is $8 for Wentzville residents and $10 for nonresidents. Please call Progress Park Recreation Center at 636-332-9236 for more information. Feb. 20 Fish fry Fairmount General Baptist Church Fish Fry Fri is every Friday from Feb. 20 - Mar. 27, excluding Mar. 6 at 2299 St. Peters Howell Rd. in St. Peters. All you care to eat time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Prices: 5-12 $5, 13-Up $10 Donate two canned goods, receive $1 off an adult meal. Feb. 21: Adult Painting Class Red Hat Ladies! This is for you! Join Calise Thompson for this threehour painting class. You will leave with a painting of a one-of-a-kind hat! This class is scheduled for 9 a.m. Cost is $25 for Wentzville residents and $30 for nonresidents. Registration is required. Please call Progress Park at 636-332-9236 to sign-up. Feb. 21: Trivia night 7th Annual Progress South Elementary Trivia Night, doors open at 6:30 p.m. at O’Fallon Elks Lodge. Cash and prizes awarded. More info at www.psepto.org. Feb. 21: Book signing Local author James K. Lehman will

be signing copies of his new book, “Maneuvering Your Career” from 10 a.m. - noon at 6 North Café at 10 Cliff View Drive in Wentzville. For more information call 636-8568066 or visit www.6northcafe.com. Feb. 21: DAR meeting The Saint Charles chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution would like to invite prospective members to attend the next meeting at the Community Commons (Spencer Road Library) at 427 Spencer Road in Room 243. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www. DAR.org. Missouri Daughters have been serving their communities since 1894. If you are interested in joining, or for more information, please contact Lorna Jones at 636578-0358. Feb 21-22: Snowball tournament “Snowball” tournament will get you back into the swing of things before the season begins. This tournament will follow USSSA rules and all bats must be USSSA approved. The tournament will be held at Progress Park. Cost is $160 per team. All team members must be 16+. You may register by calling 636-3329236. Feb. 22: Youth soccer registration deadline This six-week soccer league is offered for children of all abilities. Children will be placed on co-ed teams based on age. Children ages 3 – 10 are welcome. Participants will receive uniform, socks, soccer ball and an award at the end of the season. Game times vary each week beginning no earlier than 9 a.m. Games will begin March 21. Please register by calling 636-332-9236. Feb. 24: Complete your FAFSA FAFSA Completion Event from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Webster University WingHaven campus. To RSVP and for more information, please call (314) 968-5955 email us at winghaven@webster.edu.

Feb. 24: Speaker event SunRise UMC will host John Costello, former pitcher for the Cardinals as he shares his story and testimony from 6 - 7:30 p.m. John Costello played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1988-1990), Montreal Expos (1990) and the San Diego Padres (1991). This is a free event and open to the community. SunRise UMC is located at 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd in O’Fallon. For more information contact 636-978-2727 or email info@sunrisefamily.org Feb. 24-26: Global Days events St. Charles Community College, at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville, will host a series of events to celebrate Global Days Feb. 24-26. The events are free and open to the public. All activities will take place in the auditorium of the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building unless otherwise noted. Global Days recognizes the diversity on campus and throughout the world in a fun and educational way. For more information contact Mandi Smith, asmith@stchas.edu Feb. 27: Trivia night The St. Charles Community College Employee Sponsored Program will host its annual trivia night to raise funds for scholarships, campus enhancements and employee support initiatives. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m. The event will be held in the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building Auditorium on the St. Charles Community College campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Cost is $25 per person or $200 per table. For more information contact Peggy Schnardthorst at 636-922-8278, pschnardthorst@stchas.edu, or visit stchas.edu/trivia. Feb. 27 – March 8: Musical performance Act Two Theatre presents “Chicago.” Performance dates are Feb. 27, 28, March 1, 6, 7, and 8. Reserved seat tickets are on sale now for $14 seniors and students, $18 adults. Performances are at the St. Peter’s Cultural Arts Centre. For more info visit www.acttwotheatre.com. Feb. 28: Dinner auction St. Theodore Church’s 27th Annual Dinner Auction is dubbed “A Night at the Races.” Viewing of items begins at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. For more information please call Jamie Hammond at 636-332-0494 or email jhammond205@gmail.com. Feb. 28: Book signing Author Becky Lewellen Povich will be signing copies of her book “From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir and More” from 10 a.m. - noon at 6 North Café at 10 Cliff View Drive in Wentzville. For more information call 636-856-8066 or visit www.6northcafe.com. Feb 28: Music concert Area resident, Rebekah Thoelke,

will perform with the Concordia University Chicago Concert Choir, Kapelle, as part of its annual U.S. tour. The concert will be held at Zion Lutheran Church at 3866 Harvester Road in St. Charles at 7:00pm. This event is part of the Music at Zion concert series for 2014-2015. For more information and directions, log on to www.zionharvester.org or contact Mark Thoelke, Director of Worship and Music at 636-4417425. Feb. 28: Celebrate Life, Celebrate Local Held from 5 -8 p.m., this event will give attendees the opportunity to sample a wide range of wines, spirits, and chocolate— all while supporting a wonderful cause, SSM Hospice and Home Care Foundation. The Foundry Art Centre is located at 520 North Main Center in St. Charles. Tickets are $50 each. For more information or to register, please call 314-989-2775, 314-9892310 or visit www.celebratelifecelebratelocal.org. Feb. 28: Scrapbook day Fatima Knights of Columbus and Ladies Aux 4429 host an all-day scrapbook day from 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Join us for a day of cropping, organizing, and preserving all those precious photos and memories. There will be a free gift for all who attend. Cost is $25 and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and drinks. For more information and to register call Mary Logan at 636-939-9383. Feb. 28: Mouse races Mouse races benefits All Paws Rescue & Heartland Humane Society. Event begins at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at VFW Post 2866 at 66 VFW Lane in St. Charles. Ticket prices are $20 in advance or $25 at door, children 12 and under are $10. Ticket includes three beer tickets, unlimited soda and light snacks. Cash bar available- you may bring your own food. For questions or to purchase tickets, please contact: Heartland Humane Society at 314497-1329 or All Paws Rescue at 636-219-1214. Or go to www.allpawsrescue.info or www.hhsrescue. org Feb. 28: Mouse races Mouse races to benefit Joe Dunsworth at Moose Lodge 2705 at Veterans Memorial Parkway in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Cost is $20.00 per person (includes draft beer) by contacting Moose Lodge at 636-7237794 or Dana Ehlmann at 314-9568829 or Voni at 636-474-9300. March 1: Sausage dinner Whole hog sausage dinner at Zion United Church of Christ at 725 S. Main St. in Troy serving buffet style from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Menu includes sausage, kraut, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, applesauce, bread, plus dessert and drink. Carry-outs available. For more in-

formation call 636-528-7550. March 1: African Children’s Choir Concert Join us as the African Children’s Choir performs a free concert at United Methodist Church of the Shepherd at 7 p.m. This choir allows African children, ages 7-10, which have been affected by war, famine, and disease to demonstrate their potential to become strong leaders for a better future in their land. Come early at 6:30p for an art show featuring COS artists. March 4-8: Dramatic play St. Charles Community College’s Center Stage Theatre will present “The Heiress” March 4-8 in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building Theater on the SCC campus. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, March 4-5; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 6-7; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8. 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. For more information or tickets, call 636-922-8233 or visit stchastickets. com. March 5: Kindergarten registration Fort Zumwalt School District kindergarten registration for the 20152016 school year takes place from 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the following schools: Fort Zumwalt Dardenne, Emge, Hawthorn, J. L. Mudd, Mid Rivers, Mount Hope, Ostmann, Pheasant Point, Progress South, Rock Creek, St. Peters, Twin Chimneys and Westhoff Elementary Schools. Registrations is for children who will be 5 years of age on or before July 31, 2015. March 6: Mouse races Join us for a roarin’ good time at the 5th Annual “Great Gatsby” Mouse Race Event hosted by Crider Health Center Young Professionals Board of Directors. The glittering affair requests you come decked out in your best “Gatsby” inspired attire. Ticket price includes beer, soda, water, table set up, photo booth, and a free raffle entry. Tickets are $20 per person or $150 for a table of eight. March 7: Book signing Thistle and Clover invites you to come meet Frank Muhm, author of “Passage to 2838.” Frank will read from his book and sign copies from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thistle and Clover is located at 407 South Main Street, in Saint Charles. March 7: Book signing Author Amy Jo Hawkins will be signing copies of her book “It Doesn’t Have to be That Way” from 10 a.m. - noon at 6 North Café at 10 Cliff View Drive in Wentzville. For more information call 636-8568066 or visit www.6northcafe.com March 8: Quilt social St. Francis of Assisi/Immaculate Conception Parishes Annual Quilt Social doors open at noon, social starts at 1 p.m. Lunch will be served. Pyramid of groceries, special quilt raffle, special raffle, pot of gold, and much, much more. Event is located at St. Francis Parish Hall at 2nd and Washington Streets in Portage Des Sioux. For more information call 636-899-0906.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 18, 2015 March 12: Educational seminar “Understanding Memory Loss” offered by Lutheran Senior Services starts at 10 a.m. The event is free and will be held at Dardenne Prairie City Hall. Coffee and muffins will be served. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Melissa at the parks office at 636-755-5308. March 13: Art show Artists, St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre, located inside St. Peters City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters, invites you to be a part of the About Face all media art show and competition from March 13-May 4. The show is open to youth and adult, amateur and professional artists. Artwork must contain an element of the face. Prizes will be awarded. The cost to enter as an Arts Centre member is $15 for up to four pieces. Nonmembers can submit up to three pieces for $20. The youth entry fee is $5 per piece. Artwork will be received on March 10, from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. The opening reception will take place on March 13, from 6 - 8 p.m. For more information on this show, call 636-397-6903, ext. 1624, or visit us online at www.stpetersmo.net. March 21: Poker tournament The Moscow Mills Lions Club is hosting a Texas hold ‘em poker tournament at the Community Building in Moscow Mills. Doors open at 6 p.m. and play begins at 7 p.m. Entry fee is $30 and includes snacks. Outside food and drinks are also allowed. For more information call 636-366-9897. March 26: Educational seminar “Pizza and Preplanning” offered by Baue Funeral Home starts at 10 a.m. The event is free and will be held at Dardenne Prairie City Hall. Pizza and drinks will be served. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Melissa at the parks office at 636-755-5308. March 27: Trivia night The Center for Autism Education hosts its 13th Annual Trivia Night at the O’Fallon Elks Lodge at 6 p.m. Cost is $160 for a table of eight. For more information about the event, to purchase your tables or to sponsor, please contact Tony Bryan at 636-978-7785 or tbryan@teachautism.org. March 28: The Bunny Run 5k & Cottontail Fun Run Put on your speed enhancing bunny ears and tie up your laces as you race around beautiful Rotary Park after the Easter Eggstravaganza! In addition to the Bunny Run 5k, we will have the Cottontail One Mile Fun Run/Walk. Registration starts at 3 p.m. and the race starts at 4 p.m. Cost is $35 per entrant if you sign up early and $45 on the day of the race. For more information please visit wentzvillemo.org or call Progress Park office at 636-332-9236. March 28: Book signing An Author Rodeo featuring local authors from Rocking Horse Publishing selling autographed copies of their books from 10 a.m. - noon at 6 North Café at 10 Cliff View Drive in Wentzville. In attendance will be Margo Dill, Chris Bostic, Verna Simms, Dacia Wilkinson, Debbie Manber Kupfer, Robin Tidwell, Juanita Nobles and George Sirois. For more information call 636-856-8066 or visit www.6northcafe.com

April 7: Community forum A panel of professionals will respond to questions about transportation needs and options in Franklin, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Charles and Warren Counties from 6 – 8 p.m. at Pitman Reception Center at 1543 Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville. Please RSVP to Deana Tucker Dothage at ddothage@boonslick.org or by phone 636-359-4656. Visit www.morides.org for more information. Space is limited - reservations requested. April 9: Nutrition Series In this one-hour seminar you will determine your percentage of body fat, estimate your individual daily caloric needs and develop a program to help you meet your goals. Class begins at 6:30 p.m. and is $8 for Wentzville residents and $10 for nonresidents. Please call Progress Park Recreation Center at 636-3329236 for more information. May 9: Craft fair Holy Cross Lutheran Church Mother’s Day Craft & Vendor Fair located at 8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. O’Fallon runs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Looking for crafters and vendors. Booths $45 – tables free. For information or application, call Laura Hoffman 636-240-8442. May 30: Motorcycle ride and festival Join Crider Health Center for the 3rd Annual “Cruisin 4’ Crider” Awareness Ride and Community Festival that features an awareness ride for motorcycle enthusiasts from novice to experienced. The beautiful ride signifies supporters helping to “stop stigma in its tracks.” Our Wentzville location will feature a fullscale festival atmosphere complete with vendors, children’s games and activities, food trucks, live music, raffle items, and more.

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 9am to noon at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center, 1455 Fairgrounds Rd. in St. Charles. For more information, visit www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com. 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).

Ongoing Events

Third 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 Wednesday: Cribbage Club 1 – 4 p.m. at Great Location Restaurant at 1799 Mall Pkwy. in Wentzville. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.

Tuesday and Friday Evenings: Tae Kwon Do Classes Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. For more information, call 636.561.4347.

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

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society 6:30pm at various locations. Info: Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

1st Monday: St.Charles County Council of the Blind (SCCCB) 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 636-561-6947.

2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America 7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info:

SUDOKU answers from page 10

LIKE US AT: Troy Dental Care / Dr. Mary Berk

What’s Happening

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. $5 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-1pm at Bogey Hills Coun-

13

try Club, 1120 Country Club Rd. in St.Charles. Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant. Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required. Every Tuesday: Toastmasters Meeting 7pm at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon. Info: 636.379.2505.

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Februa0ry 18, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

ATTORNEY

help wanted

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

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Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude

FOR Rent

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

Thank you, St. Jude

M.B.

SERVICES help wanted

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Our publications use a combination of online subscription, direct mail, home delivery, and voluntary circulation methods. Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community News has developed a network of over 650 convenient locations including every major supermarket chain. Our voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: 1 QUALITY READERS A voluntary reader is an interested reader, actively outside of the home, in stores, seeking out information about the community 2 TOTAL UTILITY 100% pick up assures no wasted papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a full value for the entire print run. 3 EXPANDING SET Every print run reaches a unique group of readers, because the majority of voluntary readers are occasional readers. Over time, these unique groups add up to a readership size about three times greater than the print run.

FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four publications: two weekly newspapers and two news magazines, each covering a unique market segment within St. Louis County and St. Charles County. As a member of the Missouri Press Association, all of our publications feature verified circulation and an earned credibility among our peers.

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Movie Talk

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COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a

Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with

commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.

plus online subscribers.

First published in 1921, Community News is the longest published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has established a large audience of loyal readers. Community News circulates across a broad geographic region with newstands, home throw and online subscription.

Published weekly with a powerful circulation combination of newsstands, home throw, and online subscription. The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville, plus Troy.

This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the’N fast-growing Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business Our FREE publications are available in over 500 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop Save. -

Vol 9 No 28

Missouri is home to about mosquitoes. Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months. Community Health and ment states the Environ it is only the female mosqui that “bites” and she does to so blood meal needed to lay to obtain the viable eggs. While mosqui more than drive toes usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dangerous es d isea may contrac t malaria, yellowses. Humans gue, and encepha fever, denlitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exceptio diseases, with n of canine heartwo human encephalitis and rm, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbrea to borne encepha ks of mosqui litis have periodic occurred in ally Missou “Canine heartwori. rm is an problem, with endemic costs to ers escalatin animal owng each warned. “Effecti year,” health officials measures includinve mosquito control g the elimina swamp areas, tion of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission.”

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Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes . Mosquito Sea son By

IN THIS ISSUE

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r 14, 2007 Novembe 46 Vol. 86 No.

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16

February 18, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Over the Fence

Joe Morice The fifties and now I remember the Western Auto store in my small town. It was run by a local man that spent most of his time there and was well respected and liked by his customers and friends. This was the days of one or two channels on black and white televisions and Edward R. Murrow. Small businesses lined Main Street and thriving was considered making a small profit and folks living in homes they could afford. Those homes might be considered starter homes these days. There were other stores along Main Street; drug stores, barber shops, a small theatre, a hardware store, a department store, a dime store and so on. I remember the ones that were owned by families of my classmates. The drug store included a soda fountain and comic book racks. Fountain cokes were delicious; far better than the bottled stuff. Family cars were usually stick shifts with AM radios and little else. Wives stayed home and raised children while husbands worked. Children went to schools where they all knew each other. There weren’t thousands of them…yet. Misbehaving meant a smack on occasion. Small children that acquired minor injuries while playing were treated by teachers that sometimes kissed their hurts and hugged them. In today’s world

this would have meant dismissal and lawsuits. The town had only one lawyer and he was the county’s district attorney. He often handled legal affairs of victims along with the victimizers. It usually turned out fair and seldom went to court. Parking was diagonal on Main Street. The town sheriff finally had to write parking tickets for locals and farmers that refused to feed the new parking meters. One sometimes saw him in a heated argument with a driver who received one. Saturday night drunks sometimes ended up in jail and were freed the next morning. I’m probably describing Mayberry RFD here. One thing stands out above all else when I compare those days to now. Hate and prejudice were seldom openly demonstrated. We had blacks in town. Although they were sometimes eyed with suspicion or prejudice by whites, they weren’t openly scorned, at least not by the kids. Republicans and Democrats sometimes argued but seldom did it heat up into a conflagration. Both sides often attended barbecues and other events together. Civil discourse usually occurred with dignity and compassion. Rabid hatred seldom reared its ugly head. Businesses weren’t huge and soulless like the present. Profiteering was seldom encountered. Goods were American made. Farms were owned by families

instead of sprawling corporations. There were still middle-men that profiteered between the farmers and the grocery stores but they hadn’t made it to billionaire levels yet. Was life better? Only in some ways. We still had bullies, bigots and violent drunks. People didn’t live as long because medical science was in its infancy compared to now. Kids still got in fights at school. Girls still got pregnant before graduating from high school. Human frailties existed, just as now. I suppose the main difference was expectations. We didn’t expect to get rich overnight. We didn’t expect to get a college education and then a high paying job; although a few of us did. None of us foresaw the hatred, greed and corruption that have divided America in recent years. How did we let that happen? “Today the world changes so quickly that in growing up we take leave not just of youth but of the world we were young in.” -Peter Medawar Joe Morice is Community News’s blue-collar philosopher. He was born and raised in Missouri and spent most of his childhood on a farm and adulthood operating heavy equipment. He has no formal training as a writer, unless a lifetime of writing about any and everything counts. The opinions expressed in this column are Joe Morice’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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