December 2, 2015
From St. Charles County to the world Holiday Guide
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100 or Less Art Show and Sale
Schools
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Wentzville teacher honored
Submitted photo Children from the Honduran orphanage wearing clothes from United Volunteers thrift store in O’Fallon. There are 18 orphans at House of Joy in Santa Ana Altantida in Honduras with some stricken with downs syndrome, HIV, and homelessness. Pictured with the children is Rina Santos.
Recipe
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Smart holiday indulgence
Donations from United Volunteers help clothe children in Honduras By Brett Auten Daniel Lockett referred to them as, ‘angels’. For Angie Arnold, it was just another busy week. Lockett, a recent transplant to O’Fallon, was prepping for one of his two trips a year to Honduras, where he volunteers at an orphanage. Lockett was making repeated stops at United Volunteers, located at 210 Sondren Street in O’Fallon, to plow through summer clothes for the youths at the House of Joy orphanage. Lockett was buying clothes at United Volunteers so often the question finally came up. “They finally asked, just how many kids do you have,” Lockett said. “I told them I do, but there’s 18 of them and they live in Honduras.” As soon as the words fell out of his mouth, Lockett was bestowed ample selections from the store, all free of charge. “I bet they gave me 150-pounds in summer clothes,” Lockett said. “For a hot country, it is great to be able to
bring summer clothing that is in beautiful shape.” There are 18 orphans at House of Joy in Santa Ana Altantida in Honduras with some stricken with downs syndrome, HIV, and homelessness. “They are throwaway children,” Lockett said. “They have survived drug addiction, starvation and thanks to places like United Volunteers, their struggle is a little bit easier.” Arnold is the store manager at United Volunteers and has been at the O’Fallon location for 15 years. Donations like the one made to Lockett are all part of the process. “We donated several items last week,” Arnold said. “They were doing a dinner for the homeless and we provided some hats, scarfs and blankets. We have several charities that come in.” United Volunteers accepts donations from all across the St. Louis area. They pride their stores on containing the best second-hand merchandise in the city. In addition to a wide selection of clothing items, they carry all sorts of
household goods from decorations to major appliances, DVDs to entertainment centers. “These clothes are treasured coming from the U.S. Thanks to the people from St. Charles County for making See HONDURAS on page 2
Over the Fence It boggles the mind
Movie: The Night Before
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Around Town Vol. 17 No. 36
In This Issue... 3 Around Town
WSD hosts leadership forum and more.
4 Feature Section Holiday Shopping Guide 7 Business
St. Peters dentist receives honor from Missouri Dental Association and more.
8 School
Three from SCC recognized by Missouri Community College Association and more.
9 Movie
“The Night Before” is an unwelcome Christmas present you’ll want to return
10 Sports
Local with sports Gary B.
11 Recipes
Smart holiday indulgence.
12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Over the Fence
Joe Morice brings his unique views to the Community News.
Huneke Publications, Inc. 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 PH: 636-379-1775 FX: 636-379-1632
Published weekly since 1921. Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties. Publisher Robert J. Huneke
December 2, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
HONDURAS Continued from cover this a most memorable Christmas,” Lockett said. United Volunteers offers free pick-up for all items, just call 314-241-4242. They also offer a Garage Sale Clean Up Service. If your subdivision is having a neighbor-
hood-wide garage sale, please call and they will arrange as many trucks as needed to go door to door and pick up all of the leftover items. “People are starting to know about us,” Arnold said. “We have long been support-
St. Charles County Ambulance District achieves highest credit rating The St. Charles County Ambulance District has received a triple-A rating, the highest rating possible, from Moody’s Investors Service. The district applied for a bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service, a leading global credit rating, research and risk analysis firm, in connection with a proposed bond refunding. The district received a rating upgrade from “Aa1” to “Aaa”. The bond refunding is expected to save the district approximately $200,000. In connection with the rating, Moody’s released a report that stated “Moody’s highest rating of Aaa reflects the district’s large and diverse tax base, as well as historically strong financial operations and ample reserves that received a boost, from a recently approved tax rate increase. The rating also reflects the district’s manageable debt profile and no pension liability.”
Joy Howard, the district’s financial advisor, noted that in addition to the State of Missouri, the district is now one of only three other governmental units in the State to have a Moody’s triple-A rating. Howard said “Just as individuals benefit by having excellent credit scores, the district will obtain the lowest possible interest cost on bonds it issues in the future.” Taz Meyer, the district’s chief executive officer, said “Moody’s noted that the district’s historically strong financial performance, coupled with management’s focus on maintaining a healthy financial position contributed to the high rating. The district is proud to be among the small group of Missouri governments to achieve a triple-A rating and we expect management to continue achieving strong results going forward.”
LocalAuthor Spotlight: Michael Bird Michael Bird works as a local contractor in Wentzville. Three years ago he went back to his native state of New Jersey to help with Hurricane Sandy recovery while his family stayed in Missouri. During that time he decided to write his first novel called “The Nation’s Murder” off of a whim of an idea. He had never read a novel. “Personally I didn’t like to read,” Bird said. So why write a novel? “I have an active imagination and had a great story to tell. So I had to teach myself how to write a book. After a lot of research and multiple drafts I came up with the first of three volumes of ‘The Nation’s Murder.’” Bird continued, “I want to show people how when the impossible is sitting in front of you, and people don’t understand why you are trying something like this, that anyone can do their own impossible. With all the hurdles I had to go through, I defeated my impossible. I’m sure you can defeat yours.” In “The Nation’s Murder” Agent Mick Francis takes command of a mass murder case named The Nation’s Murder that flares up through the United States; only to find that he has to deal with the realization that his deceased wife might be the one behind the plan to balance the insurance company’s earnings, by having the elder members taken out of the equation. Agent Francis leads his team to try to solve this mass murder case which spreads through the country. He finds himself not knowing who to trust when everyone around him gives him a reason not to trust them. Can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Editor Mathew DeKinder Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistant Melissa Nordmann, Lisa Moran Staff Writers Brett Auten, Sara Hardin Columnists Gary Baute, Joe Morice Steve Bryan Staff Photographer Ray Rockwell Classified Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Catherine Armbruster, Randy Davies, Heather Deatz, Susan Faust, Doug Garbs, Bob Huneke, Earl Link, Norm Merchant, Tony Mooney, Lori North, Christy Parks, Laurie Simon Circulation: Distributech, Dominion Distribution, Papers Unlimited, Josh Blasingame Community News is a Registered Trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher is responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Huneke Publications, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject all news and advertising copy which in the sole judgement and discretion of the publisher/editor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication. Copyright 2015 Huneke Publica tions, Inc. with all rights reserved. No part of the publications may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher/editor. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Entire Contents Copyrighted
ers of the homeless, offering $30 worth of store credit and a box full of household items to help get them started.” For more information, visit www.unitedvolunteers.net or call 636-272-4110.
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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2015
Around Town
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St. Charles County Chamber selects 2015 Citizen of the Years 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 Don Boschert, Jr. has been named our 2015 Citizen of the Years. A life-long resident of St. Charles County, Don has been an Investment Representative with Edward Jones in St. Charles since 1978, after receiving his Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance Banking from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Edward Jones has recognized Don’s great capacity for leadership by naming him Regional Leader of St. Charles and Lincoln Counties from 1998-2004 and also making him a General Partner for Edward Jones from 2001- 2004. Under his leadership, Edward Jones expanded from 19 branch offices to 50 branch offices in the St. Charles County area. Currently, Don serves as a limited Partner and works with his son Greg in
an office on 5th Street in the heart of St. Charles. Don has a hands-on approach to any cause he’s associated with that makes the organization that much stronger and it’s reflected in the organizations he’s involved with and the fact that he has served in a leadership position with most. He served as the President of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce in 1991 and for 3 years as Chairman of the St. Charles County Convention Center and Sports Facilities. Don has also served as President of the St. Charles Rotary, St. Peters Rotary and United Services and has served on the board of Crime Stoppers and on the Academy of the Sacred Heart Golf Outing Committee. He currently serves as a board member for the Boys & Girls Club of St. Charles and the Child Welfare Allocation Panel for the United Way. Along with Don, the Chamber will also be recognizing our recipients of the Lifetime Distinguished Service awards which include:
• Civic : Randy Schilling; has renovated several historic buildings on Main Street, most recently finishing a huge renovation on the Old Post Office, a 10,000 square foot facility, located on Main Street in the heart of Historic St. Charles. His company, OPO Startups, provides regional startups with affordable workspace and access to mentors, potential investors, programming, educational resources and a community of local entrepreneurs. He is also active with Partners for Progress on the Education Committee and focusing on STEAM efforts. • Cultural: Dan Foust Sr.; In 2001, Dan chartered the First Capitol Lions Club (which currently have over 100 members). They raise countless dollars each year which, in turn, is funneled right back into the community for different outreach programs. Lions Club International has awarded Dan the Melvin Jones Fellowship award for outstanding services and dedication to Lionism. It is the highest honor one can receive as
a Lions member. Dan is also Chairman of the Saint Charles Oktoberfest festival which raised over $150,000 annually for various civic clubs in our community. • Humanitarian: Merle Schneider; Volunteers his time and efforts for a list of charities longer than your arm. He’s pedaled for cancer, walked for Alzheimer’s, he’s the Santa who rides around town on the back of the red Corvette convertible and appears at numerous events for the US Marines and Toys for Tots and Crisis Nursery. He’s a self-taught auctioneer and has emceed countless charitable dinners and trivia nights raising over $1 million with his live auction service. Please join us in recognizing the selfless work that Don Boschert, Jr. has done for our community at our 2015 Annual Meeting and Citizen of the Years Awards, to be held on Feb. 19, 2016 at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. Tickets are $85 per person or $850 for a table of 10. Corporate sponsorships are available upon request.
WSD hosts leadership forum The Wentzville School District (WSD) hosted St. Charles County and Wright City superintendents, board of education members, and educational leaders, along with local legislators for the St. Charles County Leadership Forum on Nov. 6. The group met to discuss some of the pressing educational issues facing Missouri school districts. This is the second time the newly-formed group has met since February of this year. These local leaders spent the morning collaborating
to identify concerns related to public education. The main discussion topic was Missouri House Bill 1490, which changes the laws regarding learning standards in elementary and secondary education. The group also discussed district and legislative priorities, which will help sharpen the focus on possible topics for future meetings. The Leadership Forum is a cooperative effort initiated by St. Charles County and Wright City area su-
perintendents. “This Leadership Forum is a great opportunity to collaborate with educational and community leaders about pressing educational issues in our area,” said Dr. Curtis Cain, Superintendent of the Wentzville School District. “It is my hope this sharing of ideas leads to a better understanding and ultimately a shared vision for all members when it comes to serving the needs of local students.”
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Around Town
December 2, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Welcome to Saint Charles Christmas Traditions Take in the scent of roasting chestnuts. Capture in your mind a time in America when life was simpler and Christmas was elegant and magical. Welcome to a place where Christmas past and present becomes one. A place where storybook characters come to life before your very eyes. A place where the typical hustle and bustle of the holiday season meltsaway, and allows you to enjoy the yuletide sights, sounds, and magic of yesteryear. This annual month-long Saint Charles Christmas Traditions runs until Dec. 24 on historic Main Street and celebrates the best of the holiday season. From the boisterous cheer of our legendary Christmas
figures and joyful singing of our harmonious carolers, to the unique shopping and dining opportunities found along the festively decorated brick lined streets,
Christmas Traditions offers something special for everyone. Whether this is your first visit to our magical festival, or this is a longstanding family tradition, we look forward to celebrating with you and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Christmas Traditions offers something special for everyone.
Give your family the gift of good health As colder months approach, many families enjoy spending time together on the couch watching football, indulging in delicious family recipes and preparing for the holiday season. Many of us look forward to this time of year when we can spend quality time with loved ones, relax, reflect on the year and look forward to the new year ahead. This can also be a challenging time to stay healthy, as people tend to stay bundled up indoors and the food seems to pile up on the dinner table. Learning how to eat well and stay active ahead of the holiday season may mean the difference between staying healthy or packing on a few extra pounds and creating habits that could lead to serious health issues down the road. That is one reason the Aetna Foundation is working to make nutritious foods and exercise programs readily available for families year-round. “Poor nutrition poses a challenge to America’s
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health, especially for vulnerable populations whose access to healthy food is often limited,” said Garth Graham, M.D., MPH, president of the Aetna Foundation. “We’re excited to support programs that help make healthy food and exercise programs more affordable and accessible to people nationwide.” There is a great need to increase access to nutritious foods in vulnerable communities and to make healthy food available, accessible and affordable for more people across the country. Millions living in underserved communities struggle to maintain healthy habits during the holiday season without the help of school-provided meals and activities. That is why the Aetna Foundation is working with nonprofit organizations across the country to provide healthy foods and exercise options and tools to more people year-round.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2015
Around Town
Keep electric safety in mind this holiday season Cuivre River Electric Cooperative reminds everyone to be safe with electricity during the holidays. Cuivre River Safety Coordinator Doug Bagby says, “A little thoughtful planning and common sense will help everyone enjoy the holidays safely.” This festive season offers some unique potential electrical hazards. “Remember to thoroughly check electrically operated decorations before plugging them into an outlet,” Bagby adds. “Many accidents may be prevented by just following a few simple safety steps.” Cuivre River offers these tips to help you have a safe and happy holiday season: • Use waterproof outdoor cords for outdoor lights and decorations. Keep connections above ground and out of water or snow, and remember to use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected outlet. • Remember to keep indoor lights and decorations inside. • Don’t overload electric outlets. • Check decorative lights for frayed wiring and loose connections. • Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark on decorative lights and other electrical items. The UL mark shows that these models have been tested and meet UL’s rigorous safety requirements. • Watch for sharp edges that could cut wiring if attaching lights to gutters. Avoid using staples, nails or tacks to secure lights. • Resist connecting multiple extension cords together. If needed, purchase a longer extension cord to prevent a possible fire hazard. Avoid placing extension cords under rugs or in high traffic areas. • Unplug decorative lighting when leaving home and before going to bed. • Keep Christmas trees away from heating sources and electrical appliances. • If decorating outside, remember to always look up for power lines and maintain at least a 10-foot safety zone away from lines. • Use ladders safely when installing lights or decorations. Secure the ladder base on solid ground or level in accordance to manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to have a helper hold and secure the ladder. Call 800-392-3709, ext. 4868 or visit www.cuivre.com if you have questions or concerns about electric safety during the holidays.
O’Fallon Rotary Club holds Thanksgiving luncheon
Submitted photo
The O’Fallon Rotary Club had their annual Thanksgiving Luncheon in the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Gym. 120 seniors from the O’Fallon Senior Center were the invited guest. The fifth grade class from Heritage Intermediate School sang a beautiful variety of Christmas songs. The Ladies
Auxiliary from the church are the cooks each year and they prepared a wonderful meal. The event ended with attendance prizes being distributed to many lucky participates. Conan Stott, the President of the O’Fallon Rotary was the MC.
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$100 or Less Art Show and Sale going on now at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre It’s that time of year and once again you are left with the dilemma of what to give Aunt Susan. Here’s a thought––how about a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork? St. Peters Cultural Art Centre is once again offering a chance for you purchase unique artwork from local artists at our Fifth Annual $100 or Less Art Show and Sale. As the name states, you will not pay more than $100 for any piece of artwork in the $100 or Less Art Show and Sale. Stop by St. Peters Cultural Arts Center and browse the artwork located in the Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Garnet and Topaz galleries to find your treasure. Please note, pieces in different art shows located in other galleries at the Centre may be priced higher than $100. St. Peters Cultural Art Centre is open Monday-Thursday,
9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Centre is located
in St. Peters City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.
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Around Town
December 2, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
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Moore on Life
By Cindy Moore
Holiday leftover The Turkey Bird Day has flown the coop. Thanksgiving, that poor little “thankless” holiday, is just a memory. It’s so unfortunate that it had the rotten luck to be in the middle of Halloween and Christmas. Being sandwiched in between those two mega holidays causes it to be steamrolled over before there’s even time to make a leftover turkey snack out of the sandwich that it’s in between. One reason is that Christmas buying is being pushed on us sooner every year. The store decorations are up in August; the holiday flyers come out in September; Halloween hits long enough to give buyers that sugar rush needed to sustain their stamina for extreme shopping, then before Turkey Day hits, the catalogs and coupons arrive. The mailbox is overflowing with not only Black Friday ads, but pre-Black Friday ads, which I understand to mean; Green Monday, Blue Tuesday and Fuchsia Wednesday. And worse, now many stores have the sass to open their doors on the very holiday, even before the gravy turns lumpy or the bird can baste. I suppose that makes it Brown Thursday, which leaves no time to stuff my face before stuffing myself into the car to make it to the sales before the turkey timer pops out. But who can resist with tempting deals offered on things such as, the Wafflopper? It’s the biggest rage and latest innovation—a combina-
tion waffle maker and floor mopper. Two amazing products in one and all for the low price of $4.99 – with store coupon – and after sending in the five-page rebate form accompanied with fingerprints, a current blood sample and purchased between the hours of noon and 12:15 p.m. I’ll need at least a half dozen for Christmas gifts! So for me, there was little time to cook or eat before mapping out strategies according to store locations, shopping hours and timing my door buster deals. I made it home just in time to see my angryfaced family all in a tiff just because I forgot to turn on the oven before I left. The cold, uncooked bird sat on the counter mocking me. Holding up my new purchases I cheerily asked, “Waffles anyone?” 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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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2015
Business
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St. Peters dentist receives honor from Missouri Dental Association
Submitted photo Dr. Mark Zust, a general dentist in St. Peters, received the 2015 Missouri Dental Association (MDA) Dentist of the Year Award
Dr. Mark Zust, a general dentist in St. Peters, received the 2015 Missouri Dental Association (MDA) Dentist of the Year Award at the Association’s House of Delegates 150th Celebration hosted Nov. 13 in Jefferson City. Dr. Zust received this award jointly with two other MDA dentists, Dr. Matt Niewald, a general dentist in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. and Dr. Douglas Wyckoff, a general dentist in Cameron, Missouri The Dentist of the Year Award recognizes a member
dentist who has demonstrated outstanding service to the association, to the profession of dentistry and/or to the community in the past year. This year, it was requested these three candidates for the Dentist of the Year Award be considered as a joint entry. This year, Missouri dentists faced a challenge with a large, Missouri-based dental insurance company. The challenges dealt with election processes and bylaws operations, and if the company was acting in
West Community Credit Union announces new president/CEO West Community Credit Union has announced the appointment of Jason Peach as the credit union’s new president/ CEO, replacing Gary Hinrichs, who is retiring af-
ter serving 41 years. Jason Peach is currently the SVP/CFO of West Community Credit Union and has been with the credit union since 2005. Peach started his credit union career in 1997 while earning his degree in Business Administration from the Uni-
versity of Missouri-Columbia. He later went on to receive his Masters in Business from Georgia State University. “I liked the credit union core philosophy of “people helping people” and the cooperative business model that allows us to work in our members’ best interest at all times,” stated Peach. The credit union management team and board of directors are currently working together for a January 2016 transition. “It’s a complete honor to be selected to lead West Community Credit Union,” said Peach. “We will continue our dedication to enhancing the financial lives of our members, businesses and communities we serve.”
compliance with these. After many weeks with no resolution, these three dentists filed suit to bring about a fair and transparent process, which did occur as a result of their initial efforts. These dentists demonstrated outstanding service to the association, the profession and the community, proving to members that organized dentistry and its leaders are willing to take action when necessary to ensure that third party payers provide transparency in
Sugar Bot Sweet Shop celebrates grand opening Jackie Lynch, owner of Sugar Bot Sweet Shop, celebrated the grand opening of her new bakery with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 19. On hand was St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith, representatives with the City of St. Charles, Board Members and Ambassadors with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Sugar Bot Sweet Shop is located at 433 Jackson Street, at the corner of Jackson and Fifth Street - across from St. John United Church of Christ and features fresh, baked goods - cookies, muffins, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, tarts and lots more. For more information on Sugar Bot Sweet Shop, please call 314-961-9104 or visit their website at www.sugarbotsweetshop.com.
their processes and that providers are treated fairly and communicated with honestly. Drs. Zust, Niewald and Wyckoff are no strangers to demonstrating leadership in their dental association. They have served their local societies extensively, are past presidents of the MDA and all three have served in various, national leadership positions with the American Dental Association.
The Clock is Ticking
C
an you believe Thanksgiving is already over! This of course means there are only a few weeks left in the year. Obviously this is one of the busiest times of the year and people everywhere will be
scrambling trying to get things done. You probably do not need anything else added to your plate right now, but unfortunately the clock is also ticking on a few financial planning moves that you have to and/or may need to make before it is too late. If you miss these deadlines, the consequences can be very costly and there is no way to turn back the clock and correct the miscue. Here are just a few areas of planning that have year-end deadlines. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) – If you fail to meet the required amount by the right time, there are stiff penalties. Roth Conversions – This popular tax savings move is different than Roth contributions and has to be done by year end. Retirement Plan Contributions – In most company sponsored retirement savings plans, you only have until year end to contribute and max out your contributions. Gifts and Charitable Contributions – These have to be done by the end of the year in order to get a deduction or tax credit for the year 2015. Remember, the clock is ticking on these and several other planning moves that you have to do, or very well may need to do, before the end of the year. For detailed information on these and other year-end planning moves and strategies, give us a call at 360 IRA. You can contact our office in St. Charles at 636-896-4052 or by email at info@360ira.com. Investment Advisory Services offered through Brookstone Capital Management LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Investments and/ or investment strategies involve risk including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Content is provided by third parties for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any products mentioned. Paid Advertisement
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December 2, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
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Three from SCC recognized by Missouri Community College Association Three faculty and staff members from St. Charles Community College were recognized for their achievements by the Missouri Community College Association in November. Those recognized were chosen from thousands of peers across the state for their outstanding leadership, innovation and support of their community college campuses. Student Muhammad Farhan Ullah Babar was honored with the Student Leadership Award. Farhan, an active member of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), placed first in Desktop Publishing and second in Computer Concepts at the Missouri PBL Leadership Conference in 2015. He went on to the national conference in
Chicago where he placed third alongside his partner in Desktop Publishing. He designed and currently maintains the SCC PBL chapter website and has taken on leadership of the organization. He also serves as Student Senate President at SCC and is helping start a new computer programming club at the college. Tina Sieker, SCC associate dean of continuing education, received the Senior Service Award. Sieker began working at SCC in 1993 in the Adult Education and Literacy Program. In continuing education, she was instrumental in the purchase of Lumens software, allowing students to register and pay online for non-credit classes.
Karen Jones, SCC dean of arts, humanities and social sciences, received the Global Educator Award. Jones created the Canterbury exchange program at SCC. For more than 20 years, both students and faculty have the opportunity to study in Canterbury, England, thanks to her efforts. The Missouri Community College Association’s annual convention is the largest professional development opportunity in Missouri solely focused on community colleges. Its four award banquets, nearly 50 breakout session and countless opportunities for peer to peer networking attract more than 500 attendees from across the state.
Wentzville Middle School teacher recognized for outstanding contributions to the community
Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Wentzville Middle School sixth grade teacher Kim Eckelkamp (left) has received recognition from the city of Wentzville and the Wentzville Board of Aldermen for her outstanding contributions to the community.
Wentzville Middle School (WMS) sixth grade teacher Kim Eckelkamp has received recognition from the city of Wentzville and the Wentzville Board of Aldermen for her outstanding contributions to the community. Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione and Alderman Linda Wright surprised Eckelkamp on Oct. 21 and presented her with a Certificate of Recognition for her contributions to the community over the last decade. Eckelkamp, who teaches science at WMS, has been a partner in the GM Global Rivers Environmental Education Network with General Motors Wentzville Assembly and the city of Wentzville since 2003. She has
been instrumental in coordinating stream investigations and her students have led civic action projects that increase understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of our natural resources. “Mrs. Eckelkamp’s students have been inspired and challenged to become active citizens by tackling real-world water quality issues in our community,” shared Mayor Guccione in the proclamation. The Certificate of Recognition was presented in honor of “Make a Difference Day,” the largest national day of community service, which is celebrated the fourth Saturday of October each year.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2015
Movie
“The Night Before”
By Steve Bryan
‘The Night Before’ is an unwelcome Christmas present you’ll want to return
“The Night Before” is the type of holiday film that might make you say “Bah! Humbug!” A Christmas comedy that’s too naughty to be nice, the plot focuses more on debauchery and drugs than the true meaning of the season. Though there are positive messages in the story, the foul language and substance abuse take away from the good elements. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Ethan, a young man who lost his parents on Christmas Eve in 2001. In the ensuing years, his buddies Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) made a tradition out of spending that night with him. They typically celebrate Christmas by drinking and partying, but Isaac and Chris do have adult responsibilities these days. The three male leads are all fine actors, but even they cannot rise completely above the drug-fueled humor of “The Night Before.” Jonathan Levine, who directed GordonLevitt and Rogen in the engaging dark comedy “50/50,” steps behind the camera again, but this film lacks real focus and cohesiveness. As a dad-to-be Isaac, Rogen embodies the fear and confusion that comes with parenthood. Given a care package of hallucinogens and narcotics by his wife, Rogen becomes a poster boy for every anti-drug campaign ever mounted. He consumes mushrooms and snorts cocaine with fearless abandon, hallucinating his way through Christmas Eve. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has some fun moments as Ethan, especially during the karaoke scenes. It’s hard to believe, though, that his more suc-
cessful friends would let him flounder through 14 years of his life. Lizzy Caplan works well opposite GordonLevitt as Diana, Ethan’s former girlfriend who runs into him on Christmas Eve. Caplan and the other women in “The Night Before” fare better than their male counterparts. The delight-
ful Jillian Bell plays Betsy, Isaac’s very pregnant wife who gives him a free pass for the evening. Bell, so delightful in the recent “Goosebumps” movie, plays it straight against Rogen’s madness and adds some rare quality to the piece. As the mysterious Mr. Green, Michael Shannon ties all the story threads together. Playing a character inspired by “A Christmas Carol,” Shannon imparts rare wisdom and unity in an unstructured story. Playing himself, James Franco makes a raucous appearance that, while funny, adds little to the overall plot. With so much talent in the cast, “The Night Before” should have been something unique and special for the holiday season. In reality, it’s like opening up a beautifully-wrapped package on Christmas morning and finding a lump of coal inside. “The Night Before,” rated R for drug use, language throughout, some strong sexual content and graphic nudity, currently is playing in theaters. “The Night Before” photos courtesy of Columbia Pictures Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.
December 5th HWY 40 Brews 909 Main Plaza Dr. Wentzville, MO 633385
6:00 pm BrrrBASH Toy Drop Locations 63301
Kathryn-Linnemann Branch Streetscape Magazine Integrity Mortgage St. Charles Lanes Main Street Vapor Worx John Hoppin, DDS, PC Bella Vino Great Clips-University Commons LU April’s on Main Red Poise Cool Touch Graphics Buse’s Flower & Gift Shop Main Street Salon Bogey Hills Country Club Midtowne Market Marie Angelique Bra & Lingerie Abigail’s Apparel Framations Art Gallery Active Family Chiropractic
63303
McClay Road Branch Leopard Boutique La Jewel Hair Studio Sidepockets Sports Bar Premium Crossfit
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63304
Bisco Music Kisker Road Branch Deaf Dog Ink Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers The Rack House West Winery SE7EN Cupcakes & Martini’s Learning Safari Day Care Center
63366
Deer Run Branch Farmers Insurance-Megan Durso I-Quit Vapor Lounge Made Today Cafe The Wharf Pharmacy
63385
Corporate Road Branch Color Room Pizza Pro Crickett Wireless Reliance Bank Poage Chevrolet The UPS Store
Fridley Chiropractic Parkway Family Dentistry Old Friends Vintage Guitars Dunn’s Florist Ultimate Art Form Sunny Street Cafe Unkorked Wine Garden Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce Fairfield Inn 6 North Cafe Bulldogs Crossfit 70 ActOn Dentistry Juicy Tan Rhino Fitness Hwy 40 Brewery City of Wentzville Hometown Cleaners City of Wentzville Law Enforcement Head Sullivan Jewelry
63367
US Bank
63376
Spencer Road Branch Re/Max Stars Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Diamond Shoppe Jewelers KSLQ FM 104.5 Schaible Dental Group Cardinal Dental
63368
Julius Monroe Salon & Spa Dynamic Life Chiropractic Middendorf-Kendell Branch The Barrell Bar Dynamic Life Chiropractic
63390
Shelter Insurance -Kelly Hill Cedar Lake Cellars
Lake St. Louis Police Dept. Village Cafe Lake Forest Country Club Detail Driven Smilepros
www.BrrrBASH.com Little Black Book: Connect. Promote. Share. Give. Become.
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December 2, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Sports
w w w. v i p e r r o c k s . c o m
www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex
Silent a u c tion for student athlete awards The 4th Annual Junior National Elite Student Athlete Awards (JNE) Banquet and Auction will take place on Sunday, December 6 at Orlando Gardens Banquet Center in Maryland Heights from 5 to 9 p.m. The mission is to develop well-rounded athletes both inside the classroom and on the football field and to provide an experience that enhances their lives and the lives of their family members. Sponsoring or supporting the JNE Banquet and Auction is a great way for you to share your business or branding while helping this fundraising event to be a blockbuster. The JNE banquet honors the top football players/student scholar athlete’s finalists from sixth, seventh and eighth grade as well as the top high school players. *Making a brighter future for some outstanding individuals Guns ‘N Hoses a big hit The event Thanksgiving Eve saw celebrities and common
people sharing the same goal to assist first responders who have given their lives in the line of duty. Backstoppers directs the funds to the families of these fallen heroes. With 15 boxing matches and
Photo courtesy John Sanders David Freese (left) and John Sanders at Guns ‘N Hoses.
two mixed-martial-arts bouts, the police won the majority of the events. Much thanks go out to the volunteers who orchestrate the event. Part of this group includes former third baseman of the Cardinals David Freese and John Sanders pictured. *First class event 168 days to the 2016 season of the River City Rascals The team will be starting their 17th season in the Frontier League in O’Fallon playing at Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, TR Hughes. The naming rights to the stadium will be changing shortly, more to follow on that story. Congratulations to Stadium Tim McConkey who has been promoted to Sr. Director of Ticket Operations of the team. He is excited for the upcoming season and cannot wait to bring fans new promotion nights and fresh exciting ingame promotions. Tim enjoys selling group tickets the most, “It’s rewarding when I go check on the fans that buy group tickets and they are enjoying themselves at a Rascals game.” Go to www.RiverCityRascals. com for more information. *Have fun
Indoor football team Raiders add local coach to staff Head coach Corey Bethany of the River City Raiders has strengthened his group by adding a local coach to the squad. Greg Purdum is the head football and track coach of Troy Buchanan High School. The Raiders play in the American Indoor Football league and will start the season around February in their home field the Family Arena. The team is in the Northern Division of the league along with 10 other teams. The Southern Division also has 10 teams. The league has been in existence going on four years. For more information go to www.IndoorRaiders.com *Great addition UMSL Announces 2016 Sports Hall of Fame Class The University of MissouriSt. Louis class features four student-athletes, one team and one coach. The inductees include: • Allyson DeFosset (softball) • Josh Morgan (baseball) • Dennis Spitzer (baseball) • Dale Westerholt (baseball) • The 1968-69 men’s basketball team • Denise Silvester (former volleyball coach) *Not easy to do
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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, antiaging 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.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2015
Recipe:
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Smart holiday Comfort foodsindulgence get a boost with mangos
W
ith all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, great tasting foods that feature healthy ingredients, such as whole fruits and vegetables prepared in unique and interesting ways, can help deliver healthful indulgence fit for a celebration. Grapes from California are naturally beautiful and
come in three vibrant colors that add a pleasing crunch and light touch of sweetness to main dishes, sides, salads and desserts. The recipes included here showcase the unique way in which fresh grapes can help create palate-pleasing dishes. Heart-healthy grapes are also an ideal snack on their own and a refreshing break from
Healthy Holiday Snacking Tips • Take a practical approach to your holiday munching to keep over-indulging in check. • Focus on people first, food second. • Have a healthy snack before the party, so you don’t arrive hungry. Fresh grapes and cheese, or hummus are tried and true options. • Be picky. Choose only the indulgences that are truly worth it or special to you. • Contribute a simple, but healthy item to the holiday table. Fresh grapes are an easy choice: they are lovely to look at and sweetly satisfying.
Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Grape-Port Sauce Servings: 4
the indulgent holiday fare present at many celebrations. California grapes are available throughout the holiday season and into January. For more delicious grape recipes, visit GrapesfromCalifornia.com.
Roasted Squash and Grape Salad with Tahini Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons sesame tahini 1 small clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 1/2 tablespoons hot water pinch of cayenne pepper 1 cup halved red California grapes 1/2 teaspoon za’atar spice blend
Directions: Heat oven to 475 F. Toss squash with oil and spread on baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer to platter. In small bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic, lemon, water, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle grapes over squash and drizzle with tahini sauce. Sprinkle with za’atar and serve. Nutrition information per serving: 225 calories (44% calories from fat); 11 g total fat (1.6 g saturated fat); 4 g protein; 31 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 238 mg sodium.
Fresh Fruit Pizza Tart Servings: 10
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each) 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided 1 cup thinly sliced onion 2 cups red California grapes 1/4 cup port wine 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary Directions: Make pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally from thickest side almost to opposite side. Spoon cheese into each pocket. Secure pockets with wooden skewers, if desired. Brush chicken pieces on both sides with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes. In large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of remaining oil over medium heat. Add chicken. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes, turning once. Carefully add 1/4 cup chicken broth to skillet. Cook covered for 3-5 minutes more or until chicken is no longer
pink. Remove chicken from skillet. Cover chicken to keep warm. If any liquid remains in skillet, gently boil until liquid evaporates. Carefully add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to skillet. Stir in onion. Cook uncovered over medium-high heat until onion is soft. Add grapes. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes or until grapes begin to split. Remove and set aside about 3/4 of grape-onion solids, leaving liquid and remaining grape-onion mixture in skillet. Stir remaining 1/4 cup chicken broth, port wine and vinegar into grape mixture in skillet. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered 3-5 minutes or until liquid portion is reduced to about 1/3 cup. Stir in reserved grape-onion solids. To serve, remove wooden skewers from chicken, if using. Place chicken on serving plates and spoon grape mixture over chicken. Garnish with rosemary. Nutrition information per serving: 368 calories (28% calories from fat); 11 g total fat (3 g saturated fat); 42 g protein; 20 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 108 mg cholesterol; 378 mg sodium.
Ingredients: 16.5 ounces sugar cookie dough, prepared 4 ounces nonfat cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 1/4 cups black California grapes 1/2 cup red California grapes 2 kiwifruit, pared and sliced
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Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Pat cookie dough into bottom of greased 10-inch tart pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely. In electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sour cream. Gradually add sugar; beat until completely mixed and fluffy. Spread mixture over entire surface of each pan of baked cookie dough. Arrange grapes and other fruit as desired, covering entire surface with fruit; press gently. Refrigerate until chilled. Nutrition information per serving: 275 calories (35% calories from fat); 11 g total fat (3 g saturated fat); 4 g protein; 41 g carbohydrate; < 1 g fiber; 20 mg cholesterol; 214 mg sodium.
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What’s Happening
December 2, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it!
EVENTS Dec. 4: Holiday concert A tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be at the St. Peter’s Cultural Arts Center at 8 p.m. A tribute to TransSiberian Orchestra performs some of your favorite music including songs from “Christmas Eve & Other Stories,” as well as “The Lost Christmas Eve.” All seats are just $15 reserved and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com or 1-800-838-3006. Dec. 4: Choir Concert “The Stories of Christmas” presented by Choral Arts Singers at Zion UCC, 725 Main St., Troy at 7:30 p.m.
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Dec. 5: Santa visit Santa Claus and his elves are coming to the Youth Activity Park in Dardenne Prairie. Children of all ages are invited to take pictures with Santa, make a snowman ornament, decorate a holiday treat, drink hot chocolate and play festive games during this event hosted by the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by Renewal by Andersen. Registration is required. There are two session to choose from; 9-10:30 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m. Call us at 636-949-7535 or sign up online at www.stccparks.org. The Youth Activity Park is conveniently located in St. Charles County at 7801 Highway N in Dardenne Prairie. Santa Party festivities will take place inside the park complex and parents should bring a camera to take photos with Santa. Dec. 5: Santa workshop The Lake St. Louis Mothers Club is hosting Santa’s Workshop at the LSL CA 100 Cognac Ct in Lake St Louis from 11a.m. - 1 p.m. Bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Free photo with Santa. Free games and crafts. Dec. 5: A Christmas event for families Join SunRise Church from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. for an unforgettable family experience. You and your family will get to experience a live petting zoo, interact with shop keepers at the Market Place Shops and have a hand’s-on experience making crafts. This is event is hosted at the SunRise O’Fallon Campus at 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd in O’Fallon. For more information call 636-978-2727. Dec. 5: Candy cane hunt Candy Cane Hunt takes place from 9 – 10:30 a.m. at Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. Cost is $8 for residents, $10
Siteman Cancer Center
Siteman Cancer Center is expanding to better serve patients seeking specialized cancer care in St. Charles County. The project at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital broke ground in October. The expansion will allow: • Six medical oncologists to serve patients, up from three. •Two radiation oncologists to treat patients, up from one full-time and one part-time radiation oncologist. • An increase in exam rooms to 20, from eight. • An increase in chemotherapy infusion chairs to 32, from 11. To allow for uninterrupted service during construction, Siteman-St. Peters will use the adjoining outpatient surgery center and medical office space.
915 Jungermann Road St. Peters (Just South of Willot Rd.) M-Sat 8-8, Sun 9-6 636-477-7799
Visit www.siteman.wustl.edu/stpeters.aspx or call 1-800-600-3606 to learn more about services offered at Siteman-St. Peters.
for non-residents. Register in advance for a wacky good time hunting candy canes hidden outside the Renaud Spirit Center recreation complex. After all the candy canes have been corralled, come inside for hot chocolate, visiting with Santa, holiday songs and other activities for “good” children. For more information contact 636-4742732 or visit https://econnect.ofallon. mo.us/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch. asp. Center recreation complex. Dec. 6: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony A free Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) at 100 North Main St. in O’Fallon. Everyone is welcome to attend this ceremony marking the 74th anniversary of the attack on the American fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. For more information contact Conan Stott at 636-379-5550 or cstott@ofallon.mo.us or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ veterans-memorial-walk. Dec. 6: Choir service Zion Lutheran Church and School at 3866 S. Old Highway 94 in St. Charles invites the public to the 20th Annual Service of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with scripture and song as performed by Zion’s own children and adult choirs, handbell ensembles, and instrumentalists. Pre-service music begins at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 6: Christmas house tour Visit beautifully decorated New Town homes at the New Town at St. Charles Residents’ Christmas House Tour from 1 – 5 p.m. Tickets ($10 cash only) may be purchased in advance at Marsala’s Market in New Town or the day of the tour at the Town Hall located at 3300 Rue Royale Street. All proceeds benefit local food pantries. Dec. 8: Christmas concert Free Christmas concert by the 50 piece After Hours Community Band at 7:30 p.m. at Harvest Ridge Elementary School at 1220 Harvest Ridge Drive in St Charles. Children are Welcome. For more information call 636-294-9710. Dec. 8: Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll Carolers will fill the air with music as you and your family walk through the Celebration of Lights display from 6 – 9 p.m. at Fort Zumwalt Park at 1000 Jessup Drive in O’Fallon. Cost is $3 for ages 3 and older. This year, avoid waiting in line by purchasing admission wristbands in advance for each member of your party. Wristbands
will be sold Monday – Friday, Nov.16 – Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 400 Civic Park Drive (across the street from Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center). Santa will be receiving young visitors, vendors will be selling hot chocolate, cookies and holiday gifts, and, at 7:25 p.m., fireworks will burst over Lake Whetzel. No vehicles or horse-drawn rides will be allowed in the park on this special night for pedestrians, only. Free parking and shuttle service will be available at the First Baptist Church, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway, and O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway. For more information contact 636-379-5614 or visit www. ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights. Dec. 10: Holiday house tour The Rotary Club of Cottleville/Weldon Spring hosts its 12th annual Holiday House Tour from 6 – 9 p.m. Four exclusive, beautifully decorated homes located in the Weldon Spring, Cottleville, and St. Charles area will be on this year’s tour. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at two locations: Commerce Bank at 94 Crossing and Cottleville City Hall. On the evening of the tour, ticket holders drive themselves from home to home and are free to tour each house at their leisure. Information about each home will be available to highlight special features and areas of particular interest to decorating and architecture enthusiasts. Photographs are not permitted. The Rotary Club uses proceeds of the event to fund their charitable activities throughout the year. The Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at Bemo’s Grill in Cottleville from noon – 1 p.m. For more information about the Holiday House Tour or to learn more about Rotary, call 636-447-8446. Dec. 11: Christmas concert Return to Vegas in its heyday when Dean Christopher will pay tribute to those performers while bringing a unique holiday twist to St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre located in the west wing of St. Peters City Hall at 1 St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters. The show begins at 7 p.m. at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre. Tickets are $13 in advance and $18 at the door. To order tickets, or for more information, call 636-397-6903, ext. 1624. Dec. 11: Parent’s Night Out Life Church of St. Peters at 8134 Mexico Road is hosting a free Parents’ Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. This event is for children ages 3 (potty trained) to 11 and includes crafts, cookie decorating, snacks, games, a birthday party for Jesus and movie time. Reservations are appreciated but not required. Please RSVP to kidslifechurchstpeters@gmail.com or text 636-497-6469. Dec. 12: Free electronics and appliance recycling event Not just for residents – everyone is welcome to bring just about any item with an electric cord or that uses a battery to this free electronics and appliance recycling event from 8 a.m. to noon at T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot (off Tom Ginnever Avenue) at 900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard in O’Fallon. Acceptable items for the drop-off include household appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, microwaves, kitchen appliances, computers, computer monitors (including CRT monitors), printers, keyboards, laptops, hard drives, scanners, DVDs, cell phones, pagers, fax machines, answering machines, radios, stereos, speakers, VCRs, power tools, lawn and garden equipment (which must have gas and oil removed) and LED/LCD TVs. One CRT-TV (cathode ray tube) per vehicle can be dropped off at no charge. Please do not bring smoke detectors, glass lamps, light bulbs, VHS tapes or alkaline batteries. This free service is provided by the city of O’Fallon in partnership with Midwest Recycling Center. For more information contact: 636-272-0477 or ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ bulk-waste. Dec. 12: Breakfast with Santa Peace Lutheran Church in Winghaven invites your whole family to their free Breakfast with Santa from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at 9320 Phoenix Village Pkwy. in
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2015 O’Fallon. Santa will be there to talk with the children about the true meaning of Christmas. Each child will receive a complimentary picture of themselves with Santa and a goody bag. Additional activities include story time, crafts, letters to Santa, and singing. Please RSVP by Dec. 6 to 636-5618282 or kristi@peacewinghaven.org. Dec. 12: Santa’s Workshop Santa is bringing his workshop to town to help kids make a special holiday craft. Register with your credit card by calling staff at 636-474-2732 or in person at the Renaud Spirit Center in the Civic Annex at 410 East Elm Street (off Sonderen) in O’Fallon. Choose one of three half-hour sessions at Santa’s Workshop: 9 – 9:30 a.m. - program number 45073; 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. - program number 45074; or 10:30 – 11 a.m. - program number 45075. Cost is $10 for residents, $12 for non-residents. For more information contact 636-474-2732 or visit https://econnect.ofallon.mo.us/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp. Dec. 12-13: Christmas resale and cookie walk St. Robert Ladies Council hosts a Christmas Resale and Cookie Walk on Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Dec. 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. featuring used Christmas items, homemade cookies, candy and breads at 1424 South First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles (at intersection of S. Hwy. 94 and Sherman Drive). For more information contact Martha at 636-441-4609 or Cathy at 636-723-0436. Dec. 17: Charity event Spectra by Comcast Spectacor, providers of Venue Management to the St. Charles Convention Center, is now accepting donations for distribution at their Helping Hands for the Holidays charity event hosted at the St. Charles Convention Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Requested items include personal care items and winter clothing. Donations can be dropped off at the St. Charles Convention Center administration office on the upper level Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Dec. 14. A holiday dinner buffet, carolers, photos with Santa, children’s activity area, personal care packets, winter clothing giveaway, and more are available to in-need attendees. This year, the St. Charles Convention Center is preparing to serve 1,800 people in need. Donations collected will be distributed at the Helping Hands for the Holidays event on a first come, first served basis. An RSVP is not required to attend. For questions, please call 633-669-3000. Dec. 18-20: Theater performance Young People’s Theatre will perform “Scrooge!” Dec. 18-20 in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building at St. Charles Community College at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville. Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 18-19, and 2 p.m. Dec. 19-20. For more information or tickets, call 636922-8233, or visit stchastickets.com. Jan. 5: Art competition call for entries Artists, St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre invites you to be a part of the “Things Bright and Beautiful” all-media art show and competition from Jan. 8 – Feb. 29, 2015. The show is open to youth and adult, amateur and professional artists. Artwork must contain an element of light (sun, moon, etc.) and be something of beauty to its creator. Prizes will be awarded. The cost to enter as an Arts Centre member is $15 for up to four pieces. Non-members can submit up to three pieces for $20. The youth entry fee is $5 per piece. Artwork will be received on Jan. 5, from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. The opening reception will take place on Jan. 8, from 6 - 8 p.m. For more information on this show, call 636-397-6903 or visit us online at www.stpetersmo.net. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located inside St. Peters City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.
6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480. 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 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). 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 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 Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society 6:30pm at the Kisker Road Library, 1000 Kisker Road. Info: Jeanne at 314.605.8563.
What’s Happening
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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 Country Club, 1120 Country Club Rd. in St.Charles. Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant.
www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stcharles
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. 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 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. Tuesdays: Gateway Spotlight Chorus Rehearsal 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. 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. Tuesdays and Fridays: TaeKwonDo Ministry 5:30pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Church 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Moses Kim brings Christian teaching into taekwondo. For more information, or to sign up, call 636.561.4347. 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.
2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America 7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www. showmestitchers.com.
Every Wednesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball 8-9:30pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to 6th grade and up. Bring a light and dark shirt for different teams.
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.
1st Wednesday of each month: Hope & Healing 5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Unique service of music, worship, and prayer for those in need of hope and healing.
mscwired.org
1:00 - 3:00 PM
VETERINARY
MOBILE CLINIC Rabies (1 Year) .....................................$10 Rabies (3 Year) .....................................$20 St. Charles Co. License ...............$6 (Not Neutered or Spayed) ..........$12 DHLPP (Dog Vacc) .................................$18 RCP (Cat Vacc) ......................................$18 Heartworm Test ...................................$28
Mobile “On the Run” Hwy. N & Z Wentzville Thu, Dec. 10
Fastlane 3166 Vet Mem Pkwy Foristell Fri, Dec. 11
Charlies Farm & Home 1583 W Pearce Blvd. Wentzville Sat, Dec. 12
Pete Pratte DVM - Lake St. Louis Animal Care - 636.625.4647
Ongoing Events 1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting
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December 2, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
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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
R.H.
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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2015
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Follow thes e tips to keep your family and pets safe from mosquitoes.
for 86 Years 1921 - Weekly d Established s & Operate Family Owned & St. Charles Countie Louis Serving St.
news.com www.myc
C o o li n g It
July 11, 2007
Vol 9 No 28
Mosquito Seas on
Annual The 16th Fair Women’s , Fit will be Fun ! lous and Fabu
!
By Shelly A.
Schneider
FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS
Missouri is home to about mosquitoes. Some live less 50 species of while others than may live several a week, months.
FofIT online cnews@centurytel.net Our publications use a combination FUN!subscription, Fair Women’s ofcnews@centurytel.net Combined
Community Health and ment states the Environit is only the female mosquito that “bites” and she does so to obtain blood meal the needed While mosquito to lay viable eggs. more than drive es usually do little the family from doors to the the outindoors, they carriers of are sometim dang es may contract erous diseases. Hum ans malaria, yellow gue, and encephal fever, denitis; and dogs heartworm. may get Most of these the exception diseases, with of canine heartwor human encephalitis and m, have been eliminated fairly well from Health officials the entire United States. said outbreak to borne encephal s of mosquiitis have periodica occurred in lly Missouri “Canine heartwor . m is an problem, with endemic ers escalating costs to animal owneach warned. “Effective year,” health officials measures including mosquito control the eliminati swamp areas, on of to keep road and maintenance efforts ditches clear have done and much to control water free mosquito for disease transmission. ” toes: floodwat er and permane If you believe mosquitoes. nt water Floodwater ing problem you have a mosquito breedmosquitoes their eggs on on your property, lay sure, damp soil where but are not please call will occur flooding the Departm or, in some munity Hea ent of Comcases, above water line lth and the the in tree holes, Environme tainers, or nt. Ofartificial con- ficials will make an inspectio other small n and evaluabodies of water. tion appointment, When rain and then recomme fills these areas (ARA) and floods the possible solution. nd a - National St. Charles in the larval County residents Friendship stages, broods greatest can upload have the prevention of mosquito Day is Aumethods right es fingertips a two-mintoes are mainly at their . gust 5 and - property Proper maintenance of the pest variety, ute video the first to and are preventio is the first step toward of the in light of emerge in the describi ng mosquito spring months. Many of these n. All trash a recent and refuse that mosquitoes how a close ers and may are strong flycould survey that range up to property should friend lights ten miles or be adequate more drained, i n d i c ate s ly graded and up their life a blood meal to prevent any women ................3 to lay eggs. pools or puddles water that may to www.rastory.................. of last ten days place high Cover .6 or County diancer longer. their eggs directly mosquito control ibv a l u e er....................... McCauley lists bons.com. officer Barry Shelly Schneid on the water surface, several things 9 on their may do to cies in this Florissant ..........8, keep mosquito homeowners friendships, group do es from ruining test closes Old Olay is offering venture0,far theirTown 11from their summer: breeding sites. not...........1 a chance to Aug. treat themselv women Charles 31, trip to New es with a Explore St. York City. in October. ...............12 See MOSQUIT No Olay is hosting City . . . . .............. O page 3 Town sary. For official purchase is neces........ a summer On the . .......414 called “Light School . . Up Your Life. contest www.radianceribbcontest rules, visit Chamber. . . . . .Baute... ...... ........ ” Women s with Gary ons.com. Religion. 5 ... Sport
Huneke Publications, Inc. offers fo publications: two weekly newspape direct mail, home delivery, and voluntary circulation S! methods. LOU U B and two news magazines, eac Voluntary refers to a circulation method where readers www.mycnews.com FA covering a unique market segme “voluntarily” choose to pick up a publication to read. This within St. Louis County and S method is powerful because locations are carefully chosen Charles County. As a member and newsstands are monitored for 100% pick up. Community FOUR GREAT PUBLICATIONS the Missouri Press Association, News has developed a network of over 650 convenient Huneke Publications, Inc. offers four of our publications feature verifie locations including every major supermarket chain. Our publications: two weekly newspapers circulation and an earned credibili voluntary method is powerful for three reasons: Movie Talk and two news magazines, each among our peers. St. Charles Combined 1 segment QUALITY READERS A voluntary reader is an interested covering a unique market reader, within St. Louis County andactively St. outside of the home, in stores, seeking out Charles County. As a information member ofabout the community 2 TOTAL the Missouri Press Association, all UTILITY 100% pick up assures no wasted COMMUNITY NEWS papers. Every paper reaches an interested reader, yielding a of our publications feature verified First published in 1921, Community Ne circulation and an earned fullcredibility value for the entire print run. published weekly newspaper in the St. L among our peers. 3 EXPANDING SET Every print run reaches a unique area and has established a large audien group of readers, Community News circulates across a br because the majority with newstands, home throw and online of voluntary readers are occasional readers. COMMUNITY NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County Over time,weekly these unique First published in 1921, Community News is the longest Published with a powerful circulation combination of OUR TOWN MAGAZINE published weekly newspaper in the St. Louis metropolitan newsstands, throw, subscription. groups addhome up to a and onlinePublished bi-monthly, Our Town is dire area and has established a large audience of loyal readers. The St. Charles County edition features countywide coverage addresses in its service area, plus onlin readership size about Community News circulates across a broad geographic region including the cities of: St. Charles, St. Peters, Cottleville, unique business-to-business magazine three times greater with newstands, home throw and online subscription. Weldon Spring, O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lakenews St. Louis, commerce plus articles on the eco than the print run. and Wentzville, plus Troy. human resources, and marketing. St. Charles
By Shelly A.
Schneider
o busy, e it gets to to dies, befor is the time corner. La for you. Now ovement and take a day impr se for selffun in the set a cour and to have self-awareness will find the answers process! Women health, family, career, s on at the 2007 to question and more image, fashion, – Fun, Fit, and FabuFair at St. Women’s , Nov. 17, for Saturday lous – set nity College. Commu Charles hip in partners the college St. Joseph sented by y and SSM take with JCPenne ospital West, will StuHealth Center-Ha.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC lle. dent Center in Cottlevi Mall Drive out the area Mid Rivers through reWomen from day of education, for a fun, includwill gather food, and laxation, prizes, inars, a fashion show 50 ing nine mini-sem and more than speaker, s and serand keynote g product vendors displayin vices. tal a continen seminars and and exhibits a fashion tickets include rse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-cou in show, keynote Grappa Grill and catered by t, exhibits, luncheon the breakfas consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime seminars. y will host ages year, JCPenne with styles for all show, fashion
‘Light Up Your invites Wom Life’ Contest en to Hono r Friendship
s
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IN THIS ISSU
a grand ic entry into l beauty basas well as automat – a persona prize drawing JCPenney. of ket courtesy iants nine mini-sem fair gives participfrom including inforcare, nars to choose tness, breast exercise, fi plastic surmation on ence, and and urinary incontin l improvement persona and bra fitting gery. Other topics include for holiday awareness “dos” “ups” and and the “spirit wardrobe, made easy, hair, makeup
IN THIS ISSUE
St. Louis
P 636.379.1775 F 636.379.1632
14, 2007 November 46 Vol. 86 No.
It’s About
........ . . 6 16 Peters...............
St.
2139 Bryan........................
17
.... Cheese . . 7 ........ ...... Better You 9 ........ ...... 10
Movie Review Valley Commercia l Dr. • O’Fallon, ..........22, 23 MO 63366 fieds .............
Classi cial Dr. topics to the spirit. Valley Commer sessions (threetime frame) 2139 Bryan Seminar MO 63366 during each O’Fallon, a.m., and 1:30 choose from 636-379-1632 s a.m., 10:40 -1775 • FX: begin at 9:30 P: 636-379 centurytel.net 1:15 p.m. E-Mail: cnews@ and runs until - 2007 at 11:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. page 17 Wonderland at Christmas in AINMENT the lunDoors open Film Group’s See ENTERT feature duringigh-energy Electra in Yari and Carmen A special ill b e a h Chris Kattan w r a n. e y s i cheon th Dan Coughli by author 3 presentation ’S FAIR page See WOMEN
Movie . . . ........ ...... Sports . . . 12 ........ . . . . . . 14 Real Estate/A utomotive . . . . 15
P: 636.379.17 75 F: 636.379.16 32 E: ofcnews@ centurytel.net
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Our FREE publications are available in over 500 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.
because the majority of voluntary readers are occasional readers. Over time, these unique 58206_CirMap.indd 2 groups add up to a readership size about three times greater than the print run.
CROSSROADS MAGAZINE MAGAZINE Or, signOUR upTOWN for a FREE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION at Published bi-monthly, Our Town is direct mailed to all business This monthly lifestyle magazine covers the fast-growing Wentzville and Lake St. Louis areas. It is direct mailed with addresses in its service area, plus online subscribers. It is a www.mycnews.com additional copies available in newsstands, unique business-to-business magazine featuring chamber of commerce news plus articles on the economy, technology, human resources, and marketing.
plus online subscribers.
7/5/11 3:30 PM
16
December 9, 2015 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
By Joe Morice
Over the Fence
It boggles the mind If you draw a such things agree the odds against all of A small child who totters across a meadow and line straight across the aforementioned happening become a graph the length of greater as they advance their understanddiscovers a butterfly landing on a wildflower looks a city block and then ing of the process. It might compare to on in round-eyed curiosity. mark one inch of it at the the odds against finding a needle in a end, it’s a good comparison of how long haystack the size of Jupiter. The events our civilization has been on Earth; one that brought all this about are so cominch worth. Staggering, right? Try this: If plex, perhaps there really was a supreme we fit that one inch of time into the entire being to bring it about as many believe... universe, it might compare to an atomic or as some of my more skeptical acquainparticle among all the uncountable numtances believe, aliens from a different bers in our solar system. It boggles the world made it all happen. Who knows? mind. Perhaps Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock Given all this mind-boggling, I can’t cruised by in the Starship Enterprise and understand what makes us underestimate seeded our planet. the kazillion-to-one odds against the deliYet this is the fun of it! It’s not knowcate, unimaginable process that took place ing and searching for the truth with open to create our fragile planet and its conseminds. When I see a person or a group of quent civilization. people proclaiming their concept of life is It’s said that five million, million (whatthe end all, be all of existence, I feel sorry ever that is) atoms can fit on the head of a for them. They’ve closed their minds to pin. The number that makes up the huthe great wonders of the world and often man body would most likely consist of too many zeros to fit on this page. Yet all those live in fear and intolerance of those who haven’t. By asking no questions and refusing ka-zillions of atoms came together to become a functional, incredibly complicated their own curiosity, they’re missing all the fun. machine called a human being. In fact, billions of them were created. They can walk, A small child who totters across a meadow and discovers a butterfly landing on talk, think and do just about anything including building extremely complicated ma- a wildflower looks on in round-eyed curiosity. Our existence relies on this openchines to help them survive and advance society...or destroy it. minded curiosity and the ability to learn…and we’ve only just begun. Oddly, in the last 100 years or so, our society has advanced far more than the previ“Satisfaction of one’s curiosity is one of the greatest sources of happiness in life.” ous hundreds of centuries since man huddled in caves in fear of the night. Even more -Linus Pauling extraordinary, human beings are pound for pound, the weakest of all Earth’s creatures Joe Morice is Community News’s blue-collar philosopher. He was born and raised in Misyet they are perhaps the most successful because they have the ability to reason. I said souri and spent most of his childhood on a farm and adulthood operating heavy equipment. He ‘perhaps’ because I once watched a Jerry Springer TV show for a few minutes. Human beings share many of the instincts of animals, such as the herd instinct, 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 survival instinct and so on. But we’ve been gifted with the ability to reason that would overcome the base instincts of animals that would kill one another to control their of the owners or staff of Community News. groups, or kill other groups of similar species to steal their food or territories. Of course, admittedly, some of our species doesn’t always overcome those base instincts Editor’s note: Joe Morice is currently recovering from illness and has taken some time as proven by terrorists and dictators most foul. off. Until his return we will run some of Joe’s favorite columns. There is another incredibly large number to consider; many scientists who study
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