July 13, 2011
Vol 13 No 28
December 31, 2014
Grappling with success Recipes
Delightful Ham Dishes
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Around Town
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Feature Section
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Advertiser Profile
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Kiwanis supports community
Photo by Brett Auten
Evey Ann Widger, 7, arm-bars her father, Derick, during a recent night at St. Charles MMA.
Increased interest in Brazilian jiu-jitsu has more people taking up the sport By Brett Auten On a clear December night they are lined up three deep. A collection of different ages, sizes, and genders; the kids Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) class is about to complete its second night of the week. Tucked next to the St. Charles 18 movie theater near Highway 94, St. Charles MMA is home to one of the top combat sports programs in the state. In today’s screen-obsessed world of video games and social media, kids can kill hours upon hours on their computers or phones, shut off and inactive. There are no such sedentary animals in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, at least not for these hour-long classes. They finish up, faces red and hair dabbed in sweat, smiles abound. Amari Smith is one of those smiling faces. Two years into the sport Smith, 11, has not only claimed multiple medals from tournaments but also a stronger sense of self. “I feel more protected,” Smith said. “I got into (BJJ) in order to feel safe when I’m older and all alone. I’m a lot stronger than I used to be. Jiu-jitsu is very good for me.” Ever since Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and established Gracie jiu-jitsu as the name in the sport, increasingly more and more kids are taking up the grappling-based sport as opposed to Asian forms of striking martial arts.
It is widely acknowledged that the beauty of BJJ is its ability to prove how a smaller individual can defeat a larger opponent with the right technique. With nary a punch or kick in its arsenal Brazilian jiu-jitsu has been on a steady climb as the hot, go-to martial art for both adults and kids. Considered the premier mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu school in the region, Mike Rogers opened St. Charles MMA in 2007. “What makes jiu-jitsu special is that don’t have to be an athlete,” Rogers said. “It’s a self defense set up for the smaller and weaker. If you end up on your back, it’s what it’s designed for. Also, it shows you a way where you don’t have to stand and go toe-to-toe in order to be the victor. You can be the victor by surviving.” Walking the thickly-padded room, Tracy Taylor maneuvers around and over mounds of kids jockeying and grappling for possession. Taylor, built like the former D-I linebacker that he was, is the kids coach at St. Charles MMA. Just over 40-years-old with three children who also train in the sport, Taylor plays the role of pal, then teacher, and then confidant, all in a matter of minutes while juggling each situation on the mat. “It’s a laid back atmosphere, not that there isn’t definite discipline to the class,” Rogers said. “But at the same time it’s kids and it has to be comfort-
able and friendly and they have to feel like they can talk to their instructor.” Practitioners like Taylor, who recently earned his black belt after finishing second in the world as a Master’s brown belt, boast that BJJ is probably the most effective martial art for children to learn self-defense. While spinning kicks and breaking boards are exciting to watch, it’s tough to deny the practicality of the ground-based art form and how a child can defend himself in a really bad situation, such as a bully trying to choke or pushing him or her to the ground. See JIU-JITSU on page 2
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Around Town Vol. 16 No. 53
In This Issue... 2 Around Town
Give Kids a Smile receives $25,000 and more.
5 Feature Section Healthy Living 7 Business St. Charles Convention Center renews Global Spectrum contract and more. 9 Movie
Reese Witherspoon takes personal drama to the great outdoors in “Wild.”
10 Sports and Learn & Play
Local with sports Gary B.
11 Recipes
Ham and apple butter biscuit sandwich.
12 What’s Happening 14 Classifieds 16 Over the Fence
Joe Morice brings his unique views to the Community News.
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December 31, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
jiu-jitsu from Cover
“I think a little bit more than the striking arts it teaches a kid more discipline, temper control, and I think the biggest thing is the ability to think outside the box,” Taylor said. “This provides you the opportunity to play human chess and be dynamic in the way we think. With the problem solving is something that they’re going to face in life that can’t be replaced. You couldn’t find a more perfect martial arts for women’s self defense because unfortunately that’s the situation that you can find yourself in and it empowers them, especially young girls.” The journey to jiu-jitsu success is more than well-earned. Due to the complexity of the art, it can take a very long time to attain the higher levels. You will find no 10-year-old black belts in this martial art. Each stripe, each change of belt color is more difficult to earn than the last. “Not everybody is the super athlete or the big hoss and there’s nothing more practical than Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” Taylor said. “With 95 percent of all confrontations ending up on the ground, we can teach you how to move through those situations in a cerebral fashion without panicking.” For more information on Brazilian jiu-jitsu or to talk with Rogers call 314-443-7371 or email mannydogpro@aol.com *** In other martial arts news, O’Fallon’s marital arts program is starting sessions the first full week of January.
Sessions will start at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. Except for the open house, which is free, the cost for each six-week course is $48 for O’Fallon residents and $54 for non-residents. To register, visit www.renaudspiritcenter.com/martial-arts. Tae Kwon Do open house: This free open house will be held from noon – 2 p.m. on Feb. 21. If you are considering a class, here’s your chance to try it out first. You can meet the instructors, watch live demonstrations and participate in an actual class to see what it’s all about. Registration is encouraged but not required. Tyke Kwon Do: In this fiveweek introductory class for ages 3-5, kids will have fun and gain confidence as they learn basic karate skills. Tae Kwon Do for ages 6-9; Tae Kwon Do for ages 10-16: All students begin training at the nobelt level. After learning the eight basics and the first form, students will be invited to test for the white belt. Prior to black belt exams, students will progress through a series of techniques and belts. Because students progress at their own pace, testing will be at the discretion of the instructor. Tae Kwon Do adult/child – Try this class designed to accommodate both adults and children at the same time. Adults may sign up individually or children may participate with their parent or guardian. The cost is $48/$54 for one adult, or $96/$108 for an adult with a child.
Help Room at the Inn clients dress to impress Clearing out your closet this winter? Our clients can help give your old clothes a new life! As part of Room at the Inn’s expanding Employment Readiness Program, we are clearing space and developing a clothing closet as a resource for our clients when they are preparing for a job interview. We want to help clients develop a professional appearance that can help them feel comfortable and confident when going on employment interviews. We have clients from 18 years
to retirement age (and beyond) and all sizes are needed, from junior to plus sizes. Nice blouses, sweaters, jackets, skirts, slacks, shoes and any accessories would be sincerely appreciated by our clients as they dress for their job interviews. Although our target demographic is primarily women, we would also like to have a section for men. To donate, or for more information, please contact Mary Kaminski at mkaminski@lpproom.org or 314-209-9181.
Photo Courtesy St. Charles County Ambulance District Paramedics Andrew Bone (left) and Mike Foristal at St. Charles County Ambulance Station 10 on Nov. 29.
St. Charles County Ambulance District reopens station in Cottleville Paramedics and residents in St. Charles County had cause to give thanks a second time over Thanksgiving weekend. On Nov. 29, St. Charles County Ambulance District reopened its station in Cottleville – a move that will help reduce response times in the core of the county and beyond. The station, located near St. Charles Community College at 130 Weiss Road, had been closed for over a year due to staff shortages caused by budget shortfalls. The re-opening was made possible by voters’ approval of Proposition E in April of this year. “Reopening Station 10 was one of our highest priorities following the community’s overwhelming support of Proposition E,” said Ambulance District Chief Executive Officer Taz Meyer. “This is one of the first steps in our multi-year plan to meet the evolving emergency medical needs of our community.” The ambulance station will be staffed 24 hours a day by two paramedics, but is capable of housing an additional crew if needed in the future. Established in 1974, St. Charles County Ambulance District provides pre-hospital care and transportation for residents in all municipalities and unincorporated areas of St. Charles County. District paramedics respond to in excess of 30,000 calls annually.
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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 31, 2014
Lindenwood University student to compete for title of Miss Missouri Lindenwood University student, Mikaela Carson was recently crowned Miss Route 66, 2015 in St. Louis. Carson will go on to compete for the title of Miss Missouri next June in Mexico, Missouri in the hopes of advancing to the Miss America Pageant. Carson is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma the Gender Studies Honor Society and is a USO and United Way volunteer. She is the founder of a local grassroots program called Dollar Sense, designed to teach young people about the importance of financial literacy and fiscal responsibility.
Submittted photo
Representative Bahr praises recent successes against meth crime in MO Missouri State Representative Kurt Bahr (R-O’Fallon) released the latest 2014 data generated by the state’s realtime, stop-sale pseudoephedrine tracking system, known as the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx). In use in Missouri since 2011, NPLEx is now operational in 30 states across the country and works in real time and across state lines to automatically block unlawful, attempted pseudoephedrine (PSE) purchases at the point of sale. NPLEx also allows pharmacists and retailers to more effectively administer federal law, which requires each PSE sale to be logged and for every purchaser to show his or her photo ID. This sophisticated technology also shares suspicious purchase data with law enforcement, even sending real-time alerts to officers via email. Suspected meth criminals can be placed on a “watch list” to monitor PSE purchase attempts. By stopping these sales, NPLEx prevents the normally safe medicines from being illegally misused in the production of a dangerous drug
and helps catch those responsible. So far in 2014, the NPLEx system in Missouri has helped block the sale of 23,682 boxes of pseudoephedrine, stopping 59,245 grams from potential diversion into methamphetamine. Additionally, smurfing, the criminal practice of recruiting additional buyers of PSE to circumvent existing restrictions, may be dipping. According to the NPLEx data, through the third quarter of 2014 there are 10 percent fewer individuals who have purchased PSE compared to last year. “I am thrilled that the NPLEx system continues to perform in Missouri,” said Rep. Bahr. “Law enforcement and pharmacists are working together to combat a terrible drug. By stopping suspicious sales of pseudoephedrine, we are taking real steps to stop meth production and distribution, while at the same time making sure law-abiding Missourians still have access to the medicines they need. NPLEx is part of a coordinated approach to cracking down on meth crime in our state.”
Around Town
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Give Kids a Smile receives $25,000 to fund free dental clinics Give Kids a Smile announced the receipt of a $25,000 grant from the Orthwein Foundation. The funding will be used to help further the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide local, underserved children with access to quality dental care through its free, bi-annual dental clinics. These clinics are held each February and October for infants, toddlers and school-aged children through eighth grade who are Medicaid-eligible, qualify for a school lunch program or need dental assistance due to other circumstances. All visiting children receive comprehensive services in the form of X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as restorations (fillings), endodontics (root canals) and oral surgery, as needed, by a team of more than 400 dental professional volunteers. Thanks to the financial backing of sponsors and the tireless commitment of the local dental community, the organization has delivered over $6.8 million in free dental care services to more than 13,500 local children through 26 free consecutive dental clinics since its inception in 2002.
Joan Allen, executive director of Give Kids a Smile, commented, “These numbers speak to the prevalence of the issue at hand. It is a healthcare crisis. We are so very thankful to the Orthwein Foundation, the Missouri Foundation for Health, Delta Dental of Missouri, and all of our other key supporters.
Together, we are making progress, one smile at a time.” To learn more about the work of Give Kids a Smile or inquire about registration for the next dental clinic set for Feb. 20 and 21, 2015, call 636-397-6453 or visit www.gkas.org.
LINDENWOOD LOCATIONS ST. CHARLES LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY CULTURAL CENTER (LUCC) 400 North Kingshighway 636-949-4933 NORTH COUNTY 4500 Washington Ave. 636-627-6640 WESTPORT 12000 Building 11960 Westline Industrial Dr. 636-627-6632 SOUTH COUNTY 12224 Tesson Ferry Rd. Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63128 636 627-6610
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December 31, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Kiwanis Club of Harvester supports the community with various projects 1
1: Members of six 2015 Parents Committees coordinating Project Graduation attend the Oct. 15 luncheon meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Harvester. Donations are provided to parents groups from the following high schools: Francis Howell High School, Francis Howell Central, Francis Howell North, Fort Zumwalt East, Orchard Farm R-5, and Lutheran High School of St. Charles County. All night events at Project Graduation are designed to provide alcohol-free, safe fun in enclosed venues on what otherwise would be the most dangerous night in the lives of the newest graduates. 2: Kiwanis Club members painted rooms in a local Crisis Nursery facility. 3: During a presentation by Trained and Certified Community Emergency Response Teams member Larry Jacobs he discussed the importance of preparing for man-made disasters like house fires and gas explosions or, natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and tornados that damage or destroy homes, leaving people in need while facing circumstances that are dangerous to human life.
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Two day old fireplace ashes nearly spark garage fire Something didn’t smell right. This smell of something burning prompted a resident of the Park Charles subdivision in St. Peters to call 911. When Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR) firefighters arrived on the scene they knew the distinctive smell of burning plastic. When they entered the garage a thermal imaging (infrared) camera helped them discover a plastic bucket with smoldering fireplace ashes burning through the bucket. The ashes were more than two days old but were still hot enough to start a fire. “If the homeowner had not called when he did this could have quickly turned in to a major house fire,” said CCFR Chief Russ Mason. “Fireplace ashes can stay hot enough to start a fire for days after they are removed. It is
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critically important to dispose of fireplace, fire pit and barbeque grill ashes in a metal bucket that is stored away from the house.” “During the holidays we see more and more people using their fireplaces. Residents need to remember safety first when starting a fire indoors,” said Mason. The top four ways to prevent a fireplace fire are to: • Check the chimney and flue to ensure it is clear of debris. • Use a fireproof screen in front of the fire. • Dispose of ashes in a metal trash can that is stored at least six-feet away from the house. • Keep all decorations and other items that can catch fire at least three-feet away from the fireplace.
Collector of revenue launches mobile-friendly website Michelle D. McBride, Collector of Revenue for St. Charles County, and her office has launched a dynamic new website to give taxpayers, and those who do business in St. Charles County, easier access to tax information on smartphones and tablet devices, as well as the ability to pay taxes through PayPal and eCheck. The new website is now available at www.stcharlesmocollector.com. While the
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website is optimized for use on mobile devices, it is also accessible from a desktop or laptop PC. “Our new mobile web site allows our citizens to search, view, and pay their real estate and personal property tax bills from the convenience of their smartphone or tablet without pinching, pulling, or scrolling on their screen” said McBride. Citizens can pay online using any one of the four major credit
cards, as well as a PayPal account, PayPal Credit, or eCheck. In addition, the payment checkout process offers users the opportunity to donate to Project CARE, a program that allows residents to make a $1, $5 or $10 donation to help support local nonprofit agencies through the County’s Community Assistance Fund. The Collector of Revenue Office plans to continue to upgrade the technology and services they offer their citizens. “Our office will continue to look for opportunities to make our citizen services more convenient especially as smartphones and tablets continue to increase in popularity,” said McBride. In addition to the new site, citizens can continue to access their tax information and pay taxes online through the online tax information and payment website previously established by the Collector of Revenue’s office at http://mo-stcharlescollector.publicaccessnow.com/.
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Around Town
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SSM St. Joseph Foundation, 300 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301
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Feature Section
December 31, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Winning the war on wellness By Coletta Hakenewerth, certified wellness coach Any good general will tell you that in order to win a war you need to have a strategy and stay one step ahead of the enemy. Coletta Hakenewerth, a certified wellness coach is your secret weapon in the war on weight. Let’s face it, most of us, at some point in our lives, have been engaged in the Battle of the Bulge. We’ve spent so much time measuring portion sizes and counting
calories, carbohydrates and points that by the time we reach 40 we should already have a lifetime membership to Mensa. We’ve tried one diet after another and no matter how much weight we lose it always seems to find us again. This program changed my life and I became a believer when my husband and I lost over 50 pounds and got off all prescription meds, re-gained energy, and felt better than we had in several years. It’s a detox system and it’s about resetting your body’s nat-
www.medicallysupervisedweightloss.com
ural pH level back to normal. The detox resets your body chemistry so that things like energy level, sleep quality, cholesterol and blood pressure return to normal; the weight loss just happens to be a dramatic side benefit. Whether you are looking to lose five pounds or 205 pounds, the weight is going to fall off at a very nice clip. This is about real food and eating with your family in the parameters of real life. I put together a system that fits with your individual lifestyle and scope of your daily living. During your initial consultation I will discuss with the client how they shop, how they eat and details such as whether they travel or spend time in the car or airports. I then determine the best system for the client. Once on the detox program women can typically expect to lose three-tofive pounds a week; men fiveto-seven pounds a week. I can empower you to think differently about your health, and inspire and motivate you on your journey. I encourage you to contact me and get back on the road to wellness! Call 636-357-8389 or email at coletta333@gmail.com. You have nothing to lose…except maybe those extra pounds!
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Snacking Done Right
What makes a healthy and satisfying snack for children? A wellbalanced snack with good nutrition can help kids grow and provide them with the proper support and energy needed for school, sports and other daily activities. Parents have the best intentions when looking for nutritious options for their children, but challenges related to lack of access or knowledge of nutritious foods have contributed to an alarming trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity rates in the U.S. have more than doubled in the past 30 years, with over one-third of children currently overweight or obese. Kids and snacking: A number of factors contribute to obesity rates, with snacking as a major culprit. While parents need to consider what they provide their children for three main meals a day, what they eat in between is equally important. Research by DuPont Nutrition & Health shows that children eat two to three snacks each day. Other studies confirm that American kids are consuming more than 700 calories in afternoon and evening snacks alone. Aside from the fact that these calories make up a substantial part of the total daily recommended caloric intake for children, most of the snacks commonly consumed by kids are high in saturated fats or simple sugars in the form of salty snacks, candy and beverages — such as fruit drinks — according to a University of North Carolina study. Parents face many practical challenges in providing healthful snack options to kids who are on-the-go and may not have access to refrigeration or re-heating capabilities. This often leads to snacks which lack the essential vitamins, minerals and protein a growing body needs. While snacking is essential to give kids the energy they need for the day, it’s important to provide snacks that contribute to daily intake goals of nutrients to support healthy growth and development.
An app a day keeps health problems away By Jamie Tueth, DO (Internal Medicine) As a primary care physician, I know that most of my patients always have their phones nearby, and it adds great value to their visit with me if they can use it to share information about their health. However, there are many “health” apps to choose from so I’ve recommended some favorites: For diabetic management, I recommend Glucose Buddy. This free app allows patients to enter their blood glucose, carb consumption, and the amount of insulin they are using. There is also a place to add notes. For example, a patient might note a high glucose value was due to eating dessert. I also like that you can print out your readings for your physician. I recommend Loseit! for someone that would like assistance in losing weight. Loseit! is a database that allows you to log meals, nutritious values, and exercise. This app makes
it easy to see exactly what you put into your body compared to the number of calories you are burning on a daily basis, promoting awareness and healthier eating habits. For the hypertensive patient aiming for better blood pressure control, there is iBP Blood Pressure. This is an easy-to-use app that lets you log your blood pressure, heart rate and make notes along the way. You can view your results in a graph and forward it to your physician’s email. On the other hand, steer clear of any app that diagnoses a patient based on their symptoms, as it can possibly be harmful. It is always safer to be diagnosed by a physician rather than an app. Jamie Tueth, DO, is a boardcertified physician. She is a member of BJC Medical Group and Progress West Hospital. Please call 1-855-747-5400 or visit bjcmedicalgroup.org for more information. Note: Her recommendations are based on personal opinion.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 31, 2014
Feature Section
Folic acid plays vital role in babies’ health Each year, more than four million women in America give birth and 2,600 infants are born with neural tube defects. While there are simple preventative steps women can take, Americans are generally unaware of the impact that diet, specifically enriched grains, has on pregnancy and infant health. A recent Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) survey with Nielsen uncovered that less than half of Americans are aware that consuming folic acid is a key step a woman can take for a healthy pregnancy. If all women consumed the recommended amount of folic acid, up to 70 percent of neural tube defects could be prevented. Still, over half of Americans (51 percent) are unaware of the positive benefits folic acid provides in preventing birth defects. With an aim to advance the public’s understanding of the important role that folic acid plays in birth defect prevention, GFF has partnered with the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) for the third year running to share educational tools with consumers. Folic acid is needed for spinal cord development in the first three weeks of a pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. While most Americans understand the role that folic acid can play in having a healthy infant, only one quarter (27 percent) actually take folic acid into consideration when choosing what to eat. “All women of reproductive age need to follow a healthy lifestyle, whether or not they’re planning to have a baby,” explains Dr. Bruce Young, M.D., a leader in obstetrics and gynecology and GFF Scientific Advisory Board member. “It is important that women, even at an early age, become vigilant about having folic acid in their diets. Most of the folic acid and B vitamins actually come from enriched grains in our diet, so fortified foods made from enriched white flour are great sources.”
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Because more than half of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, experts advise women of reproductive age to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in folic acid, whether they are planning on having a baby or not. Ensuring your diet contains ample enriched grains, such as white bread, tortillas, pasta and cereal, is the easiest way to up your folic acid intake. Other foods that can reduce one’s risk for having a child with birth defects include leafy green vegetables, dried beans, peas and fruits. Enriched grains, such as white bread, are the No. 1 source of folic acid in the diets of most Americans, and can contain two times as much folic acid as their whole grain counterparts. “Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps cells grow and develop,
“BJC Medical Group” generally refers to BJC Medical Group of Missouri, BJC Medical Group of Illinois and BJC Medical Group of Sullivan, all of which are well-established physician organizations.
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which is why it’s so important for a healthy pregnancy and preventing spina bifida,” says Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, registered dietitian and GFF Scientific Advisory Board member. “The single biggest step women can take to prevent spina bifida from occurring is consuming enough folic acid before getting pregnant.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) credits enriched grains with lowering the rate of neural tube birth defects in the United States by approximately one-third since the Food and Drug Administration began requiring fortification of enriched grains with folic acid in 1998. In fact, the CDC recently named folic acid fortification of enriched grains as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the first decade of the 21st century.
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Business
December 31, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Tiger Docks adds human Byerly RV gearing up for a busy 2015 resources manager Advertiser Profile: By Russ Patton, Owner of Byerly RV This time of year, RVers in the Midwest either hibernate or join the great migration to warmer climates. Meanwhile dealers are winding up the year and planning for 2015. The Midwest Gateway RV Show, Jan. 29-31, promises to be another record breaker. Hundreds of RVs will be on display at Americas Center. Byerly began our holiday season with our annual Light Show Caravan which drew over 400 people. Pat and crew shuttled customers in motorhomes from Byerly up to Jellystone Campground near Six Flags in Eureka. Each year Jellystone decorates the campground with a fantastic array of lights for the holiday season. Special thanks go to Jellystone for permitting the motorhomes to go to the head of the line. Anxious attendees waited in the showroom and enjoyed cocoa, cookies and had photos taken with Santa Claus.
Photo courtesy Byerly RV
What a beautiful way to end another great year. After another bountiful year we enjoy a brief rest. Our lot is filled because we anticipate shortages and long backlogs on orders. Falling gas prices are a factor, but the compelling reason is the appeal of the family centered lifestyle provided by RVs. From $5,000 to
$500,000 Byerly RV has an RV waiting for you. We call Byerly the “Center of the RV World” because customers come hundreds of miles to buy from one of the Midwest’s oldest and most reputable RV Dealers. See you in 2015. Meanwhile visit us at www.byerlyrv.com and watch for our upcoming Facebook page.
Tiger Docks has announced the addition of Chrissy Davis as human resources manager. Davis has experience in management and financial services in both small business and the banking industry. Her new duties at Tiger Docks will include employee compensation oversight and benefits management for the St. Charles C ounty-based waterfront construction company that employees 20 Chrissy Davis people in dock design and fabrication, installation, sales, marketing, and project management. “Chrissy’s financial background, organizational skills, and understanding of our company will serve her well in this new role,” said Marv Davis, CFO. “As our company
continues to grow and move forward, we felt it was important to designate an individual to assist our employees with their important financial decisions and related HR matters.” Headquartered in St. Charles County, Tiger Docks has customers throughout the United States and in several other countries. Their products and services include floating boat docks, boat lifts, PWC Submitted photo (personal watercraft) lifts, wakeboarding water features, dock accessories, seawall projects, modular steel work barges, and marina development, with manufacturing and retail space in O’Fallon, Missouri, and a retail store in Honolulu.
Global Spectrum contract renewed at St. Charles Convention Center The St. Charles County Convention and Sports Facilities Authority and the city of St. Charles extended the management contract with Global Spectrum to continue operating the St. Charles Convention Center for an additional three years and eligible for a two year renewal in 2018. “We are honored by the responsibility and excited by the opportunity to continue to
manage the St. Charles Convention Center on behalf of the city of St. Charles and the St. Charles County Convention and Sports Authority,” said Global Spectrum’s Shura Garnett, General Manager and Regional Vice President at the St. Charles Convention Center. “We will continue to bring a high standard of excellence for the Center and events that meet the many interests of our
community.” “Global Spectrum would like to thank the city of St. Charles on extending our contract for another three years,” said Global Spectrum President John Page. “The St. Charles Convention Center is an important part of our business and one in which we take great pride in providing the ultimate experience for our guests, the show organizers, the meeting planners and the surrounding region. This extension is a true testament to the hard work of our on-site team, led by Shura Garnett. We look forward to many more great successes in St. Charles.” Global Spectrum has managed the St. Charles Convention Center since its doors opened in April 2005. In al-
most ten years of business, the St. Charles Convention Center has held over 3,600 events and hosted nearly two million people. They are accountable for attracting mainstay public events to the St. Charles area such as the Working Women’s Survival Show, the Home and Garden Show, and St. Louis Weapons Collectors. Their partnerships with local businesses include Miller-Coors, Pepsi, Goellner Printing, New Frontier Bank, and Community News. “Global Spectrum’s expertise in the convention center business continues to be a huge asset for our community,” said Mayor Sally Faith. “On behalf of the city of St. Charles it is truly my honor to congratulate Shura Garnett and her entire
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team on this recent contract renewal, as Global Spectrum represents a perfect fit for the St. Charles Convention Center. We are incredibly proud to have Global Spectrum as our partner in ensuring this local facility remains a leader in the convention and meeting industry, and look forward to further developing solid partnerships through the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.” “The success combination in business is: 1. Do what you do better and 2. Do more of what you do,” said Thom Wapelhorst, Chairman of the St. Charles County Convention & Sports Facilities Authority. “We believe this mentality sums up the Global Spectrum team and their management of the St. Charles Convention Center. Their record-setting successes and commitment to be one of the finest full-service conventions venues proves they can do it better. The Authority is pleased to acknowledge Global’s achievements with the renewal of their management agreement for another three year commitment to the future success of the St. Charles Convention Center and Global Spectrum partnership.”
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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 31, 2014
Movie
“Wild”
Performers sometimes reach a point in their careers when they abruptly exceed all expectations and assumptions. Julia Roberts did it, for instance, with “Erin Brockovich” and, years later, Sandra Bullock followed suit with “The Blind Side.” This year, Reese Witherspoon puts romantic comedies far behind her with “Wild,” an outdoor adventure based on the best-selling memoir of the same name. Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed, a 26-year-old putting her life in order by hiking 1,100 miles alone. To say her personal life is a mess would be an understatement. After the death of her mother (Laura Dern), Strayed’s drug abuse and infidelity destroy her marriage. Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is meant to restore order to a very chaotic life. Director Jean-Marc Vallée follows up 2013’s “Dallas Buyers Club” with a raw, honest story of a woman pushing herself to her limits. Lacking elaborate sets or extraneous dialogue, “Wild” is an engaging motion picture and a breakout role for Reese Witherspoon. Although the actress earned an Oscar for the Johnny Cash biopic “Walk the Line,” this role is light years away from anything she has done before. It’s easy to identify with Cheryl Strayed, a smart young woman whose life veered off course. A hiking novice, Strayed buys all kinds of hiking gear, including boots that are too small. When the onscreen Strayed makes it to a rest area,
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By Steve Bryan - Rated: R
the other hikers refer to her massive pack as “The Beast.” Alone with her thoughts on the trail, Strayed is prone to yell and make rude finger gestures at the sky. Through flashbacks, director Vallée explores the events and
decisions that prompted the real-life Strayed to make this trek. Reese Witherspoon rises to the challenge of the role, going solo through much of the story. The actress captures Strayed’s battles with inner demons and painful memories
as she walks with that massive pack. Witherspoon’s character also encounters a variety of people in her months-long journey. Most of them are helpful, friendly types like Greg (Kevin Rankin), who offers hiking
tips and Snapp l e . When Strayed encounters a couple of crude hunters, though, the movie and her trip take on a decidedly malicious flavor. Definitely not a vanity project for Reese Witherspoon, “Wild” is thoroughly engaging and inspiring. Witherspoon and Jean-Marc Vallée always keep it real and identifiable for the audience. This isn’t typical Hollywood fare, and it doesn’t have to be. “Wild,” rated R for sexual content, nudity, drug use, and language, currently is playing in theaters. 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.
“Wild” photos courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures
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December 31, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Sports Start the New Year at a rodeo Get ready for some dirt flying at the Family Arena on Friday and Saturday Jan. 9 - 10. Lone Star Rodeo Company presents fast-paced action, thrilling rides, exhilarating spills, funny jokes, play-byplay commentating, and quality family entertainment in one great place. You will see little cowboys’ dreams come true with fast horses and big bucking bulls waiting to show you what they can do. Cowboys from all over the surrounding states and some hometown favorites try their luck at all the great rodeo contest events including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, cowgirl’s breakaway roping, team roping, cowgirl’s barrel racing, and the much loved bull riding! Go to www.FamilyArena.com to get all the details. *Ye Haaaa Rams ‘throw away’ last game of season The team traveled to Seattle with nothing to lose and trying to be a spoiler to keep the Seahawks from getting home-field advantage in the playoffs. The game started great being on the good side of a 6-0 lead at the half. But, just like most of the season, the St. Louis squad was not able to finish strong and gave up 14 points in the fourth quarter to drop the final game of the season 20-6. Two interceptions allowed the Seahawks to pick up touchdowns on both turnovers to seal the win. A few Rams highlights: • The Rams held the Seahawks scoreless in the first half of play. The last time that happened was in postseason play Jan. 13, 2012 and in regular season play Oct. 23, 2011. • Defensive tackle Aaron Donald has 9.0 sacks this season, most among NFL rookies this season.
FINANCIAL STRATEGIES Focused on your goals and values Kelly L. Brickner
CLTC®, CLU®, FIC Lead Financial Consultant 636-542-4042
Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent Financial, marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc., Minneapolis, MN. Member FINRA and SIPC. Thrivent.com/disclosures.
SUDOKU:
Indoor football team signs Hazelwood East player The St. Louis Attack indoor football team has added a player to the 2015 roster. Signing is 6’5”, 350-pound offensive lineman Anthony Jackson who is born and raised in St. Louis. He attended Hazelwood East High School before going to Arkansas State University. He spent last season in Nashville, where he won a PIFL championship with the Nashville Venom. The 2015 season will be his fifth playing indoor football “I’m looking forward to doing my job. From my alignments to assignments and gelling with my fellow linemen and teammates,” said Jackson. “And playing for the Attack provides me a great opportunity to stay home and play the game I love in front of my family and friends. That makes both my family and me happy.” The Attack open the 2015 season on March 29 when they travel to Texas to take on the Corpus Christi Fury, and open the home season on April 4 when they host the Rio Grande Valley Sol at the Family Arena. For more information go to www.STLAttack.com *More football right around the corner 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.
Crisis Nursery provides a safe haven for children and families
By Val Joyner, MA | Public Relations Manager at Saint Louis Crisis Nursery
Karen K. Wilhelms
Associate 636-542-4047
3006 Winghaven Blvd. • O’Fallon, MO 63368
Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836
• Linebacker James Laurinaitis led the team in tackles with nine (four solo). • The defense closed out the season with three sacks on the Seahawk QB to push their season total to 40 sacks, a great accomplishment • Punter Johnny Hekker punted five times for 247 yards-a 48.0-yard net average, his second highest mark of the season. • Kicker Greg Zuerlein kicked 33 and 52 yard field goals finishing the season converting 24-of-30 field goals. *Great first half…again…better next year?
23607C R3-14
Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.
See solution on page 13
For more than two decades, Crisis Nursery has served as a beacon of hope to families with children (birth through age 12) that find themselves in overwhelming emergency situations. Now operating three Crisis Nurseries in St. Charles County in partnership with the St. Charles County Community and Children’s Resource Board and SSM St. Joseph Health Center, the Nursery is a safe-haven, offering hope for vulnerable children and parents who have nowhere else to turn for support during the most difficult time of their lives. Crisis Nursery is an independent, not-for-profit that offers short-term care for children, birth through age 12, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. While children are safe and protected in the Nursery’s home-styled safe havens, their parents receive abuse/neglect prevention services, including parenting education, confidential counseling and access to much needed basic resources. Each child who stays at the Nursery receives a full range of services necessary for their growth and well-being. In addition to food, formula, clothing and shoes, diapers and medical care, they also receive therapeutic services to encourage positive self-expression. Thanks to donor and community contributions, all services are available at no cost to the parents. Four-year-old twins Maury
and Mason* visited the Nursery one cold winter evening, following their family’s eviction from a one-bedroom apartment that was condemned because of sewage contamination. The twins were ecstatic to freely run around the Nursery in new superhero pajamas and slippers playing with dinosaurs and race cars. When asked how they liked being at the Nursery, Mason replied: “It smells like yummy here, and I get lots of hugs!” Meanwhile, their parents were connected with a Crisis Nursery Family Empowerment Program (FEP) staff that provided one-on-one counseling services, helped them with personal hygiene items and food, and connected them to job and housing referrals. The parents are still active with the Crisis Nursery FEP and they have a secure, stable and clean place to call home. Both parents are employed; and the twins have new friends in their safe community. As the ancient proverb suggests, it takes a village to raise a child. Agency-wide, Crisis Nursery provides cares for close to 7,000 children each year. Dedicated staff and volunteers together deliver approximately 240,000 hours of individualized support to every child in care. Not one child’s needs are unnoticed or unattended. The agency’s flexible volunteer schedule offers an opportunity for more community members to get involved. Interested
volunteers can register to be a member of the “Crisis Nursery Best Friends” to help in the Nursery; shopping for children, family and Nursery needs; and to support fundraising events. Each contribution, whether its volunteer work or donating new or gently used items, helps forward the Nursery’s mission of saving babies’ lives, keeping kids safe, and building strong families. To learn more about Crisis Nursery and the “Best Friends,” visit www.crisisnurserykids.org. To volunteer, email Volunteer Manager MaryPat at marypat@ crisisnurserykids.org. For emergency care, call (636) 9470600. You may also follow the agency on social media at Facebook: Saint Louis Crisis Nursery and Twitter: @STLCrisisKids. *names changed to maintain confidentially
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 31, 2014
Recipes: Delightful ham dishes to warm up winter While winter brings chilly temperatures and longer nights, there’s nothing that can bring a family together like a warm meal. In the hopes that everyone has a meal to share with loved ones, country music star Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, has teamed up with Smithfield, encouraging others to lend a ham to those in need.
This winter, Schlapman is showing how easy it is to give back. Simply tweet your good deeds using the hashtag #LendAHam and Smithfield will make a protein donation to a local food bank, with the goal of donating up to one million servings. For more information, visit www.Smithfield. com/LendAHam.
Ham and Apple Butter Biscuit Sandwich Servings: 6 | Created by Kimberly Schlapman
Ingredients: For the Cheddar Bacon Biscuits: 8 strips Smithfield Thick Cut Bacon 1 cup onion, small dice 2 cups flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon paprika 1 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded For Granny Beck’s Apple Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 pounds assorted apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces 3 cups apple cider Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon allspice For the Sandwich: 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 3 tablespoons maple syrup 6 slices Smithfield Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham, sliced in half Apple butter (store bought or recipe below) 6 cheddar bacon biscuits, sliced in half (recipe below) 10 ounces arugula
Directions: For the Cheddar Bacon Biscuits: Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook bacon until crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper-lined tray. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat and reserve. To remaining bacon fat, add onion and sauté until caramelized, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt and paprika. Mix to blend then make a well in the center of the bowl and add buttermilk, butter, bacon, onions and cheese. Mix gently with a wooden spoon until dough is combined. It will be wet and sticky. Using a 1/2 cup measure portion the batter onto a baking sheet, leaving an inch or so around each biscuit. Brush some of the reserved bacon fat on the top of each biscuit. Bake in oven until biscuits are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes.
For Granny Beck’s Apple Butter: In a dutch oven over medium heat melt butter and add apples. Cook until apples are slightly soft about 5 minutes. Add cider, lemon zest and juice, cloves, cinnamon and allspice. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer. Let simmer, partially covered and stirring occasionally for about 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours until it is reduced and thickened. Mash mixture with a potato masher until uniform. Let cool before serving. For the Sandwich: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium high. In a small pot over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar and maple syrup until sugar dissolves. Brush mixture on ham and grill slices until charred, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Baste the ham with more maple syrup mixture. Spread apple butter on the halved biscuits and top with grilled ham and arugula. Top with other half of biscuit to make a sandwich. Serve with more apple butter on the side.
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www.dpc4u.org
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What’s Happening
December 31, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it! EVENTS Jan. 3, 2015: “Seussical” auditions Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “Seussical” at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 3, in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the SCC campus. Performance dates are March 20-29. For students previously cast in an YPT production, appointments are required. Appointment times will begin at 1 p.m. Email Brisby Andrews at bandrews@stchas.edu for a timeslot. Callbacks for principle roles will be 1-5 p.m. Jan. 4. Auditions will consist of a solo song, which will be taught, a short dance combination and brief readings from the script. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. A parent or guardian must be present. Those who wish to audition for a principle role should prepare 16 to 32 measures of a Broadway repertoire song in their key. Auditioners must bring an accompaniment CD, no a cappella singing. Any student cast must either have had Introductory Theater Workshop I or concurrently enroll in that class in addition to being in the production. Auditions are free, production fee is $175 if cast Jan.11: Auditions for Bill W. and Dr. Bob O’Fallon TheatreWorks to hold open auditions for Bill W. and Dr. Bob at 1 p.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Gym at 100 North Main St. in O’Fallon. The play will be performed March 20–22 and 27–29. The cast of six calls for three males and three females ranging in age from 18 to 45. Crew members also are needed. For more information, contact Darren Granaas at 636-474-2732 or dgranaas@ofallon.mo.us. Jan. 11: Social Dance Classes Winter Session St. Charles Community College in the College Center at 4601 Mid
Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville is offering classes in Ballroom, Imperial Swing Basic, Jitterbug Swing, Line Dance, Texas Two Step and West Coast Swing. The session costs $50 per person. Students, ages 14 and up, should enroll with a partner. For more information call 636-922-8233 or visit stchas. edu/dance Jan. 12: Educational seminar “It’s A Wonderful Life: Aging with Purpose” 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. Jan. 15, 2015 Wheelers and Dealers Square Dance Club Come join the fun. Stay active, exercise, meet new people and learn to square dance. Begins at 7:30 p.m at Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park. For more information call Lucy at 636-391-3822, Joan at 636-9223669, or Maxine at 314-291-4723. www.squaredancestcharles.com Jan. 19: King Day of Service 2015 From 10 a.m. – noon at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), the King Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President’s national call to service initiative. Volunteers of all ages are invited to register in advance to participate in fun community service projects. To register for the King Day of Service, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. Jan. 23: National Volunteer Blood Donor Month Blood Drive From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). Appointments are encouraged to speed the process and ensure adequate staffing; walk-ins
also are welcome. Donors must be at least 17, healthy, and show a photo ID. For more information or to schedule a convenient time, call 636-379- 5417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. To inquire about the benefits of blood donation or for eligibility questions, contact Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center at 1-800-747-5401 or visit their website www.bloodcenter.org. Jan. 24: Tree board applications due Lake Saint Louis residents are being sought to join the Lake Saint Louis Tree Board. The tree board’s responsibility is to counsel and guide staff ’s efforts in developing and implementing plans related to the maintenance of trees in city parks and other areas maintained by the city. The board also provides guidance on city codes related to residential and commercial tree care and preservation. This is an advisory board that meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. If you have an interest in how the city manages its tree inventory and would like to serve on the tree board, please fill out the Notice of Interest to Serve on Board/Committee and return it to city hall. Forms can be found on the city’s webpage www.lakesaintlouis.com under the Committees/ Boards tab or in person at city hall. Jan. 24-25: Cabin Fever Daze Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at O’Fallon Sports Park at 3589 Highway K in O’Fallon. Admission, parking and activities are free Beat the winter blues! Play games, have fun entering zany competitions, enjoy live entertainment, free! Vendors will sell food and beverages. Check for updates at www. ofallon.mo.us/cabin-fever-daze. Jan 28: Eagle Watching Tour From 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for a cost of $50 this Dardenne Prairie seniors event is a trip to view our winter visitors, the beautiful bald eagle. We will travel by Mid
American coaches with a morning stop at the Audubon Center in West Alton, MO for a short program and river viewing. We will then travel along the Great River Road to Pere Marquette State Park for a family-style chicken lunch. Depending on time, we may stop at a few eagle viewing spots along the way where you may enjoy from the comfort of the bus or step off if you wish. Bus pick-up and dropoff will take place at the Dardenne Prairie Shop N’ Save. To register for this event, please call the parks office at 636-755-5308. Feb. 6: Registrations due Registration for the Lake Saint Louis Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance is now open! Baseball/softball registration will begin Jan. 2. Call 636-561-4620 for visit www.lakesaintlouis.com for more information. 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 636755-5308. 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. Ongoing Events 1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting 6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480. 1st Monday: St.Charles County Council of the Blind (SCCCB) meetings Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day ) unless otherwise
International Gourmet Foods With over 100 different fresh roasted gourmet coffees and bag and loose teas, John Figueroa and his knowledgeable staff will surely find something for every taste. The store on Historic Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri also includes teapots, tea accessories, coffee mugs, baking mixes, mustard, olives, dips, soups, cocoa, gourmet and organic spices, and an expanded Hot Sauces Shop with over 2,000 sauces, salsas, BBQ sauces, wing sauces, rubs, hot ketchups, and Bloody Mary Mixes. Or relax in the Espresso Bar that overlooks the Missouri River.
524 South Main Street St. Charles, Missouri 63301 636.947.9847 www.figueros.com www.figueroshotsauces.com
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 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: Cribbage Club 1pm, Heritage at Hawk Ridge Clubhouse, 235 Pigeon Dr. in Lake St. Louis. For more information, call 636.561.2970. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes 9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314.369.6521. 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,
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 31, 2014 Every Monday: Cribbage Club 1pm, Heritage at Hawk Ridge Clubhouse, 235 Pigeon Dr. in Lake St. Louis. For more information, call 636.561.2970. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes 9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314.369.6521. 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. 2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America 7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www.showmestitchers.com. Last Tuesday of every month, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner. 5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. $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 Country 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. 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. 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: 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.
Third Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting 7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters. Those who served in any branch between 1962 and 1975 are welcome.
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.
Every Thursday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Quilters 9am-2pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Members do hand quilting to quilts of any size for donation that is given to various church supported charities. No experience is necessary to join the group. For more information, contact Vickie Young at 636.928.7348, or Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.
Every Wednesday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10am Free. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome. Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club 10am Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379. Every Wednesday: Men’s Golf League 5pm, tee off at 5:30 pm at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. www.lakesaintlouis.com, under the parks and recreation section. Every Wednesday: Charity Bingo 6:45pm VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org. Every Wednesday. Kiwanis Club of Harvester monthly meeting. Noon, Fratelli’s Restorante, 2061 Zumbehl Road in St Charles. For more information, please contact kellenj@ATT.net Every Wednesday, Winfield Foley Firefighters Association Bingo. Doors open at 4:30, bingo at 6:30pm, Bingo hall is next door to County Market in the Winfield Plaza on Highway 47. For more information, call 636.566.6621 or 636.566.8406. 1st and 3rd Wednesday Each Month: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers St. Charles Area Wood Carvers have moved meeting location on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from the Weldon Spring site to Hollenbeck Middle School, 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com. 2nd Wednesday: Free Financial Education- Money Matters 6:30pm at the O’Fallon Family YMCA. PNC Bank and The O’Fallon Family YMCA have partnered to provide monthly free financial education courses for members of the community. Info (including a list of topics): call PNC Bank at 636.272.2449.
Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters 6:30am at IHOP (3851 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy St. Peters). 636.328.4941. Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon 11:45am Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon. Info: www.ofkiwanis.com. Every Thursday: O’Fallon Rotary Club Breakfast 7:30am at The Holy Cross Lutheran Church (8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, across from Fort Zumwalt Park). Visitors welcome. 636.980.1777. Every Thursday: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 7-7:55pm Any level. Info: 636.928.1928.
What’s Happening
Every Thursday: O’Fallon Rotary Club Breakfast 7:30am, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. in O’Fallon. All Rotarians or interested parties are welcome.
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Louis, MO 63367. 314.479.0306, andreacrislip@gmail.com or www. lslmothersclub.com. Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry 3-8pm VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane. Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.
2nd and 4th Thursdays: Alexander Chapter #242 Order of the Eastern Star Meetings 7:30pm, St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles.
Every Friday, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 charity bingo 6:30pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.
Third Thursday of each month: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 meetings 7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters.
Every Saturday: Chess 8-11am or later in the food court at Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters.
Third Thursday of the month, Ladies Night Out Cottleville Crafts, Etc..., 5335 Highway N in Cottleville. Vinyl design class. For more information, call 636.441.2700 or visit www.cottlevillecrafts.com.
Every Saturday: Veterans Learn guitar for FREE 9:30am in Historic St. Charles. Info: Bill Dennis at 314.479.5750. Every Saturday: Peaceful Puppy Mill Protest 11am - 12:30pm at Petland, 6131 Ronald Reagan Drive, Lake St. Louis. banmo.puppymills@yahoo. com.
2nd & 4th Thursday: Alexander Chapter 242/Eastern Star St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway, St. Charles. 636.577.0056.
Every Saturday: Charity Bingo 6:30pm, doors open at 4pm. Wentzville Community Club (500 West Main, Wentzville 63385). www. wentzvillefleamarket.org or www. facebook.com/wentzville-community-club.
Third Thursday of each month: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting 7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd. in St. Peters. Veterans who served in any branch of service between 1962 and 1975 are welcome.
1st & 3rd Saturday: St Peters Square Dance Club Dances 6:30pm. 1st United Methodist Church, 801 First Capital Dr. www. squaredancestcharles.com.
Every Friday: Moms Play Group 10am at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint
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r 14, 2007 Novembe 46 Vol. 86 No.
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Annual The 16th Fair Women’s , Fit will be Fun us! and Fabulo
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July 11, 2007
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Movie Talk
Spor ..... ........ Cheese . . 16 7 . . . . ... ........ 6 ...... St. Peters........... Better You 9 ........ It’s About .. 17 ...... 10 2139 Bryan...................... Movie Review Valley Commer cial23Dr. • O’Fallon .22, , MO 63366 eds ...................... P: 636.379.1775
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COMMUNITY NEWS - St. Charles County
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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.”
S LOU
Schneider
C o o li n g It
Shelly A. Schneid
FIT!FUN!
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 s self-awareness n will find the answer process! Wome health, family, career, ns on the 2007 at to questio , and more image, fashion – Fun, Fit, and FabuSt. Fair Nov. 17, at Women’s ay, for Saturd . lous – set unity College Charles Comm in partnership the college St. Joseph sented by ey and SSM take with JCPenn -Hospital West, will StuHealth Center a.m.-3 p.m. in the 8:30 Campus, 4601 place from on the SCC ille. dent Center in Cottlev Mall Drive the area Mid Rivers throughout reWomen from day of education, for a will gather and fun, includfood, laxation, prizes,eminars, a fashion show than 50 ing nine mini-s r, and more speake e ts and serand keynot ing produc vendors display vices. a continental seminars and and s exhibit a fashion tickets include urse cial $20 VIP speaker, and full-co e in show, keynot Grappa Grill and catered by luncheon st, exhibits, the breakfa consecutive addition to For the fourththe lunchtime seminars. ey will host ages year, JCPenn with styles for all fashion show,
Follow the se tips to kee p your family and pets safe from mosquitoes . Mosquito Sea son By
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December 31, 2014 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Joe Morice
Over the Fence
Things I Miss Once again, it’s New Year’s. It makes us older folks miss things from long ago when we were young and our whole lives were in front of us. It was a simpler time when our population was about half what it is now and expectations were less. Houses were smaller, cars rarely had airconditioning and families usually owned only one. St. Louis had safe public transportation that actually worked well. My list of the things I miss the most from the past hasn’t changed: • Locally owned newspapers sold at intersections. • Front porches where residents sat and gabbed with neighbors and waved at passersby. • Beat cops that knew everybody in the neighborhoods.
• Sports announcers that announced the games instead of reading insignificant player statistics between oodles of commercials. • Movies without car chases, unlikely gun fights, robotic killers, blood and gore and charismachallenged, unshaven stars. • Lakes not overwhelmed with multi-storied condos, boat docks every few feet and multi-engine boats the size of semis. • Drug stores with soda fountains. • Local diners instead of fastfood chains • Locally owned hardware and grocery stores. • Businesses that didn’t sell out or were forced to sell out to corporate monopolies. • Kids that mowed lawns and delivered newspapers from bicycles. • Doctors that made house calls.
• TV news commentators that read the news without pretending they’re at an office party. • News media that exposed crooked politicians and power mongers. Where are the Edward R Murrows and the Woodwards and Bernsteins? • TV without multitudinous advertising that makes viewing intolerable. • Radio music stations that play music without incessant advertising and DJ’s that sound like fawning groupies. • Kids playing ball outdoors instead of texting each other from darkened bedrooms. • The sound of rain on a tin roof. • Family farms before they were swallowed by huge corporations. • The sound of birds chirping and roosters crowing at dawn. • Eggs from hens that scratch about outdoors. • Home-cooked fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and corn-on-the-cob fresh from the garden. • Neighborhoods where children were safe when they walked to
the school bus or visited friends. • The smell and sound of a summer thunderstorm marching across the countryside. • The chirping of crickets on a summer evening. • The unobstructed view of stars after dark. • The smell of fresh mown hay. • Fishing with a cane pole in a nearby stream clean enough to drink from. • Sock hops at high schools without fear of gangs and violence. • Churches without power and money hungry clergy. • Politicians that didn’t sell their votes to fund their campaigns. • Police that weren’t revenue tools of politicians. • Jobs that paid enough to raise families. • Small towns bustling with activity before big box stores invaded. • Sleigh-riding down a nearby hill after a winter snow storm. • Wood stoves with tops glowing red on cold winter days. • Ice skating on a frozen pond or creek. • Going to a single theatre to see
first run movies preceded by news clips and cartoons that were actually funny. • Gasoline for twenty cents per gallon. • A job well done providing better satisfaction than abusing drugs and more important than money and power. • Tolerance of other races, creeds, colors, religions and political views. Some of these, especially the last one, were a problem back in those days as well as now but the ugliness hadn’t overwhelmed the naivety levels yet. I admit that level of naivety gave us Indians riding around circled wagons until they got shot, Old West sixguns that shot fifty times without reloading and good guys who wore white hats. Obviously, there are things we don’t miss…or shouldn’t. Naivety may be one of them. Happy New Year…I hope. 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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