CNSTC: February 10, 2021

February 10, 2021

Digital warriors

Around Town

‘Date Night’ provides unique opportunities to celebrate in St. Charles County Parks. Pg.3 Lake Saint Louis Police Department giving back to the community with Red Cross Blood Drive.

Pg. 5

School Fort Zumwalt Board of Education puts tax levy issue on April 6 ballot. Pg. 7

Features

Submitted photo The Francis Howell Central High School esports team won the inaugural Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation Overwatch state championship over Christian Brothers College High School in January.

Area high schools compete in the Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation which brings video gamers together to battle for school pride

By Brett Auten College scholarships, professional contracts, sold out arenas; what was once limited to ball and stick sports has filtered into video gaming, the bane of most teenage parents.

The fastest growing sport in the world is esports, with millions of players and billions of dollars at stake. At the high school level, interest is growing at fervent clip and St. Charles County boasts the envy of the region.

Francis Howell Central High School captured the inaugural Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation Overwatch state cham-

pionship over Christian Brothers College High School in January. The championship was the culmination of MOSEF’s inaugural season for two separate games, Overwatch and Rocket League. An eight-game regular season was played to seed the top eight teams in the state. Howell Central lost only once all season and CBC esports director Jim Brockman told STLToday.com that Howell Central is the program everyone wants to emulate.

Eports is competitive video game playing and many games, each with its own format and team structure. Overwatch is a game

that puts two teams of six players against each other to complete objectives. Howell Central players included Cooper Raubach (captain), Ethan Mitchell (captain), Ethan Montgomery, Alex Keagy, Josh Green and Zach Buchholz. Subs were Gideon Masters and Caelen Hellmann. Among other games Howell Central has teams for include Smash Bros: Ultimate, League of Legends, Rainbow 6 and Valorant.

MOSEF went from nine high schools in 2019 to 50. Eighty schools are expected See ‘WARRIORS’ page 2

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Around Town

February 10, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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to compete next year. Miller and Howell Central have been around since day one.

Kris Miller is the FHC esports sponsor. Miller brainstormed ways to make a team and the first squad was put together via word of mouth. By the second year, word had spread.

“That first year, we were reluctant to do too much and limited ourselves to two games,” Miller said. “Last year, we played eight games and had 80 kids. This year, we pulled it back to six games and 50 active players. So many wanted to play, but we didn’t have the support.”

This spring, MOSEF will put together another slate of games and tournaments for teams to compete in. In the future, the league is looking forward to building community rivalries and in-person competition with fans in the stands, once COVID-19

restrictions are lifted. In the immediate, Miller and Howell Central are turning its attention to a national competition this month.

“A lot of these kids haven’t played sports for the school before,” Miller said. “This is an engagement they haven’t had before as far as being a proud part of the school.”

With the addition of more competitors, more funding for assistance and as technology continues to expand, you can expect esports to notch its place in the livelihood of future high schoolers.

“I don’t see it slowing down,” Miller said. “With the growth in college and in the pros, I see esports picking up more support and it will gain a foothold as another run of the mill sport on campus alongside volleyball, soccer, and things of that nature.”

SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Lake Saint Louis employees go red for women’s heart health Employees from SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis went red on Feb. 5 for National Wear Red Day, which supports the “Go Red for Women” movement to raise awareness around heart disease and stroke in women.

SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis supports Go Red for Women because heart disease is still the number one cause of death in men and women worldwide. Globally, heart disease takes nearly 18 million lives every year, and nationally, one person dies every 36 seconds from heart disease. 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year—that’s one in every four deaths. Heart disease and stroke kill one in three women, yet they are 80 percent preventable. To see if you are at risk for heart disease or to find a cardiologist, visit https://www. ssmhealth.com/locations/location-details/heart-vascular-lake-saint-louis.

SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis housekeeping staff wear red in support of National Wear Red Day.

Submitted photo

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Around Town

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Travelers Protective Association starts off new year changing name of grant program Travelers Protective Association (TPA) has begun the process of changing the name of its Scholarship Trust program to better reflect their mission of providing financial assistance to families across the country who have deaf and hard of hearing members. As of December 2020, the Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired will officially be known as the TPA Hearing Trust.

The purpose for this name change came about during discussions with members of the St. Louis community while planning for their first virtual event, Sounds of St. Louis, which took place on Nov. 19, 2020. TPA received concern from individuals and organizations that using the term ‘impaired’ did not reflect the positive messaging TPA was working to accomplish.

“The board of trustees of the Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired met to listen to concerns re-

garding the use of potentially offensive language to members in the deaf and hard of hearing community,” said Albert Shoemaker, TPA’s Chief Administrative Officer. “Based on the input we received, our board of trustees voted to change the name to the TPA Hearing Trust and adopted a new logo. We are excited to embrace this new name and to continue our mission to provide aid to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.”

Since 1975, the TPA Hearing Trust program has provided financial assistance for over 5,900 individuals and distributed over $2 million in grants. The mission of the grant program is to provide aid to individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing for resources that will allow them to achieve their full potential.

Recipients of these grants can utilize their funding to obtain hearing aids, hearing aid maintenance, tutor-

ing, cochlear implant upgrades, interpreters, medical services, service dogs and much more.

“With roughly twenty percent of Americans being deaf or hard of hearing, we want to continue making sure they receive the support they need and the respect they deserve,” Shoemaker continued. “The goal of the trust is to aid and assist people. With the help of our generous donors and members of our communities, we know that we will continue increasing the number of individuals we can offer support to.”

An independent 501c3 organization, the TPA Hearing Trust accepts tax deductible donations from TPA members, posts and divisions; nonmembers, businesses, foundations and all other legal entities. To learn more, make a contribution to the TPA Hearing Trust or to apply for aid, please visit www.tpahq.org/ tpa-hearing-trust/.

‘Date Night’ provides unique opportunities to celebrate in St. Charles County Parks

636•947•1100

www.lakestcharlesretirement.com An Independent Living and Assisted Living Community

Now is the opportune time to move to Lake St. Charles Retirement Community and receive your Covid-19 vaccination.

Submitted photo Join the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department for “Date Night in the Park” where two hours of food, fun and a roaring fire will make you fall in love with the outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for a place to celebrate an early Valentine’s Day, or a unique, exciting setting for a date with that special someone this spring, ‘Date Night’ may be just what you’re looking for. Join the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department for “Date Night in the Park” where two hours of food, fun and a roaring fire will make you fall in love with the outdoors.

At each “Date Night in the Park” event, guests will be provided with a candlelit picnic table for two, music, crafts, games and s’mores over a roaring campfire. Participants bring their own dinner, drinks, blanket and flashlight. After dinner, participants will take a scenic walk through the park to watch the beautiful sunset, and with all that open space, there’s plenty of room to stay socially distanced.

Upcoming ‘Date Night’ events are: • 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12, at The Historic Daniel Boone Home at 1868 Highway F in Defiance • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., April 9, at Broemmelsiek Park at 1795 Highway DD in Defiance.

This new evening program is for ages 18 and up. The cost is $2 per person; pre-registration is required. Call the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at 636-949-7535 or register online at stccparks.org.

Top Reasons to Consider a Move to Lake St. Charles Retirement Community •

Residents and staff will receive COVIDvaccines in coming weeks during three scheduled clinics. . . Much earlier than the general public!

•

Lively, yet safe socialization

•

Strict safety protocols in place, including testing, screening and contact tracing for residents, staff and visitors

•

Offering move in specials, call for more details.

636.647.1100

www.lakestcharlesretirement.com

45 Honey Locust Lane | St. Charles, MO 63303

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Around Town

February 10, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

O’Fallon’s Finance Department wins financial reporting award

Sprinkler system saves large warehouse in St. Charles

The city of O’Fallon’s Finance Department has been awarded the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The award was presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), and it is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

“The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award was made possible by the hard work and professionalism of our Assistant Finance Director Rebecca Kovach and her team who put in countless hours to create this document,” said Finance Director Vicki Boschert. “The GFOA commended the city for its ‘constructive spirit of disclosure’ in reporting O’Fallon’s financial story. The award continues to demonstrate O’Fallon’s mission of making city government operations transparent and open.”

This is the 28th consecutive year the city’s finance department has been honored with this award.

At approximately 8:32 p.m. on the evening of Feb. 1, Saint Charles City firefighters responded to a report of a fire in a large warehouse in the Fountain Lakes Industrial Complex north of Highway 370. Upon arrival, crews found the building full of smoke and a fire located in the center of the large distribution facility.

The fire was contained to several pallets of product by the built in fire suppression system.

Firefighters deployed additional fire attack lines to extinguish the flames and ventilated the building to remove the heavy smoke.

Approximately 15 employees were in the building at the time of the fire and all escaped

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unharmed. Investigators with the Saint Charles Fire and Police Departments are currently working to determine the cause of the fire.

“If not for the built-in fire suppression system this building and its entire contents would have been a total loss which is estimated at $15 million,” stated Fire Chief George Sheets.

Saint Charles City firefighters were assisted

by Central County Fire and Rescue, and the St. Charles County Ambulance District.

Please contact the Saint Charles City Fire Department at 636-949-3250 for further information on home fire safety.

Timberland High School musician selected for Missouri All-State Orchestra Timberland High School freshman Kaya McNurlen has been selected to the violin section of the Missouri All-State Orchestra. In January, over 230 string players across the state auditioned virtually for this honor and only 79 were selected. For her performance, McNurlen was appointed 12th violin out of 36 in the ensemble.

McNurlen comes from a family of musicians and started practicing the violin over six years ago. She shares the credit for this accomplishment with her teacher, Kirby Kay. “I have to thank Kirby for being the best teacher and one of my best friends in the time that I’ve known her,” McNurlen said, “I’ve been taking lessons with her for the last three years and we’ve moved very fast. I never would have been able to progress this far in my playing if it weren’t for her constant support.”

Although the All-State Orchestra will not meet to rehearse or perform this year due to the pandemic, this year’s chosen conductor, Sey Ahn, Director of Symphony

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Timberland High School freshman Kaya McNurlen has been selected to the violin section of the Missouri All-State Orchestra.

Orchestra and Wind Ensemble at Illinois Wesleyan University, will provide a virtual session about three pieces of music to the students. This year’s select-

ed musicians were recognized during the annual Missouri Music Educators Association Conference, being held virtually this year, Jan. 27 – Feb. 3.

Knaust Park playground to close for installation of new surface The city of O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Department will be closing the playground at Knaust Park through April 16 so crews can install a new safety surface at the playground. The

remaining features of the park, including the multi-use sport court, will remain open during construction. Knaust Park is located at 114 Sea Side Court in St. Peters.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 10, 2021

Around Town

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Lake Saint Louis Police Department giving back to the community with Red Cross Blood Drive The Lake Saint Louis Police Department will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 1 to 6 p.m., at the Lake Saint Louis Civic Center at 200 Civic Center Drive.

“Hosting a blood drive coincides with the Lake Saint Louis Police Department’s core values of giving back to the community,” said Officer Susie Ochs, Community Resource Officer. “With a simple blood donation, you have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be your loved one, a neighbor or coworker.”

Individuals successfully donating will receive a free COVID-19 antibody test. Blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies could provide con-

valescent plasma for critically ill coronavirus patients.

If you’ve fully recovered from a verified COVID-19 diagnosis, your convalescent plasma donation may help up to four coronavirus patients in need. Donors are critically needed.

The Red Cross is following FDA blood donation eligibility guidance for those who receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and deferral times may vary depending on the type of vaccine an individual receives. But there’s no deferral time if you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

The American Red Cross has extra precautions in place to protect donors, volunteers and staff. In order

to limit the number of people in the room you must make an appointment. No walk-ins will be accepted and we are unable to accommodate guests. A face covering or mask are also required when presenting to donate. You will be asked to please don your mask before entering the building.

To make an appointment go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: LSLPD or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire found at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass is encouraged to help speed up the donation process.

Eastern Missouri Gold Award Girl Scouts awarded scholarships The award of $5,000 higher education scholarships will be given to two regional Gold Award Girl Scouts. Eighteen-year-old Zoe Knight and 16-year-old Shruti Panda will be recognized at the Girl Scout Council’s signature fundraiser, Dessert First, on Feb. 25, with a new virtual format and dinner, wine and a dessert-sampler delivered directly to guests doors.

Tickets are still available for the event and all proceeds benefit the leadership development of eastern Missouri Girl Scouts like Gold Awardees Knight and Panda.

Open only to girls in high school, the Gold Award is the standout achievement of girls who develop meaningful, sustainable solutions to challenges in their communities and beyond. Each young woman who has earned this remarkable accomplishment has dedicated, on average, more than 80 hours, using grit, determination and passion in the pursuit of not just changing the world – but changing it for the better.

For Knight, a lifelong Girl Scout, pursuing the Gold Award was an opportunity to empower girls. Knight decided to tackle an issue she is passionate about, period poverty. To reach her goal, Knight not only earned her Gold Award, but she also started a nonprofit, Project Wallflower. Before Zoe’s project, the only access to period products was in the Kirkwood High School nurse’s office. With the school principal and board member’s approval, Zoe built custom feminine hygiene prod-

Submitted photos (Left) The award of a $5,000 higher education scholarship will be given to regional Gold Award Girl Scout Zoe Knight. (Right) The award of a $5,000 higher education scholarship will be given to regional Gold Award Girl Scout Shruti Panda.

uct dispensers and placed them in five restrooms to provide better access. Zoe then advocated to her school nurse, principal, and school district board members to place higher-quality feminine products in the dispensers. Finally, Zoe shared an outline of her project with other local public schools to improve on their period product system.

“I learned all of these life skills from leadership to sticking with something you are passionate about,” said Knight. “I think it’s taught me so much about how to be a strong woman, but at the same time, it’s taught me all of these skills that I am going to use in my future as well.”

The evening’s second scholarship recipient, Panda, saw earning the Gold Award as a way to combine her passion for advocacy and further develop her leadership skills. As a Girl Scout, Shruti learned that her voice matters but realized many

of her peers and community members were having difficulty getting their voices heard. So, to earn her Gold Award, Shruti created a virtual advocacy workshop. Shruti first began advocating when she joined RESULTS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending poverty. With the past year bringing many hardships, Shruti wanted to share her passion, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.

During the workshop, Shruti covered how to write letters and emails and how advocates can make effective respectful phone calls. She helped them stand up for themselves and their community.

“Earning the Gold Award means so much to me because I did not think I could ever be a public speaker or achieve something so big,” Panda said. “It really helped me believe that I am going to do what I want to do and what I dream about.”

WHERE CAN YOU GET Pick up a at all 35 Dierbergs & Schnucks stores in St. Charles County and North and Northwest St. Louis County

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Business

February 10, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Veterans United Home Loans celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Submitted photo

Veterans United Home Loans celebrated the new location of their St. Louis regional offices with a ribbon cutting on Jan. 29.

Cutting the ribbon was Chief Production Officer Patrick Cox and assisted by Kristen Jones, Senior Recruiter. Also on hand were members of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce board of directors and ambassadors, along with chamber staff.

Veterans United Home Loans is located at 111 Corporate Office Drive, Ste. 150 in Earth City,

and as their name suggests, are instrumental in helping veterans from all branches of the military become homeowners. From assisting with eligibility and loan calculators to helping families figure out no down payment benefits and VA Loan Rates, Veterans United Home Loans are the experts to turn to for trusted, respected, unique and valuable resource for military homebuyers and their families.

For more information, please call 1-800-8845560.

West Community Credit Union scholarships available www.treesbywoodys.net

West Community Credit Union is accepting applications for their annual scholarship program. There are five $1,500 scholarships available to graduating high school seniors. Appli-

cations are available at www.westcommunitycu. org and are due March 12. For more information, visit online or stop by a local branch.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 10, 2021

WSD assistant principal receives military award Marc Tiernan, an assistant principal at Boone Trail Elementary, has been named the 131st Bomb Wing Outstanding Airman of the Year in the Junior Enlisted category for his service in the Missouri Air National Guard. He received the award during unit training on Jan. 30 at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

Senior Airman Tiernan is an air transportation journeyman assigned to the 131st Logistics and Readiness Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, and is based at Whiteman Air Force Base. Prior to being selected as the 131st Bomb Wing Outstanding Airman of the Year, Tiernan first had to clear competition at the squadron and group level. Tiernan will go on to compete at the state level in February.

“It is an honor to be recognized, as this award represents the hard work of the entire 131st Bomb Wing,” shared Tiernan. “Serving our state and country is a true team effort. It is also representative of the support I have received from family, friends, and the Wentzville School District to allow me to pursue my goals with the Missouri Air National Guard.”

Tiernan has worked for the WSD since 2012, serving as a physical education teacher before being hired as an assistant principal at Boone Trail Elementary this year. He enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard in 2017. Tiernan was last deployed to Sheppard Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2019. While there, he supported joint operations (Air Force, Army, and Navy) by loading and unloading military assets to and from aircraft, and was responsible for the inspection of cargo for airworthiness.

Airmen who receive the Outstanding Airman of the Year Award are selected and recognized

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Fort Zumwalt Board of Education puts tax levy issue on April 6 ballot At the regular January meeting, the Fort Zumwalt Board of Education voted to put a question to voters on the April 6 ballot after reviewing the nearly $11 million in revenue lost since the onset of the pandemic.

In the past two fiscal years, the governor has withheld $5 million in foundation formula money. Classroom Trust Fund money is down $2 million as the result of lagging casino and lottery receipts. In addition, the district has spent almost $4 million to ensure effective safety protocols and instruction for in-person and online classrooms.

The board acknowledged that district reserves are below the recommended 12 - 15 percent of the operating budget that is outlined in district policy (DIAA) and are continuing to drop.

Members voted to put Proposition Strong Schools on the April 6 ballot. It will read:

Photo courtesy U.S. Air National Guard by Senior Master Sgt. Marydale Amison Marc Tiernan, an assistant principal at Boone Trail Elementary, has been named the 131st Bomb Wing Outstanding Airman of the Year in the Junior Enlisted category for his service in the Missouri Air National Guard.

for their professional expertise as well as consistently representing the best of the communities served by the Missouri Air National Guard.

“This past year has seen our Airmen go above and beyond for our state and nation every day,” said 131st Bomb Wing Commander Col. Matthew Calhoun. “The men and women we recognize have performed above that high standard to be models of the integrity, service and excellence we aspire to as United States Airmen.”

PROPOSITION STRONG SCHOOLS Shall the Board of Education of Fort Zumwalt School District of St. Charles County, Missouri be authorized to increase the operating tax levy of the district by $0.39 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation for the purposes of maintaining existing educational programs, rebuilding fund balances and paying general operating expenses of the district? If this proposition is approved, the adjusted operating levy of the district is estimated to be $4.5437 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation.

The average levy in St. Charles County is $4.98 per $100 of assessed valuation. Fort Zumwalt’s current levy is $4.84. If approved it would mean an additional $10.6 million in operating revenues and would cost the owner of a $150,000 home approximately $9 per month. Fort Zumwalt School District has served approximately 15,000 students in-person and approximately 3,000 students online since the school year began Aug. 31.

Currently, the majority of online instruction is provided by Fort Zumwalt teachers who are teaching board approved curriculum live five days a week.

For more information at go.FZSD.us/StrongSchools.

Fort Zumwalt Education Foundation names newest Grow Your Own Teacher Fort Zumwalt North High senior Sara Epps recently learned she has been selected as the 2020-2021 Grow Your Own Teacher. Epps, who hopes to become a high school math teacher, will now become a part of the foundation’s Grow Your Own Teacher program, which provides mentorship and financial support to selected Fort Zumwalt seniors interested in becoming teachers in high needs areas.

Epps has taken advantage of Fort Zumwalt School District’s Career Pathway programming, meant to help students explore the potential and the demands of specific careers. Having taken classes in the Pathways to Teaching, Epps soon found herself involved with, and eventually leading, the North High chapter of Educators Rising.

She has also served as a section leader in the Panther Pride Marching Band, a Positive Peer Influence mentor and is a member of the National Honor Society. Beyond her school community, Epps has served younger students at

School

her church in vacation bible school and Sunday school classrooms. She joins 10 Grow Your Own Teachers in college across the state.

The Fort Zumwalt Education Foundation, a 501c3, supports educational efforts in the Fort Zumwalt School District not provided for by traditional school funding. The foundation’s primary work for more than 15 years is the Grow Your Own Teacher program.

Each year Fort Zumwalt seniors interested in teaching careers can apply for $32,000 in forgivable loans to be used at an affiliated Missouri university. For full forgiveness of the loans, students must be willing to return to Fort Zumwalt after graduation to teach in one of the following areas: special education; secondary math, secondary science, speech pathology, or industrial technology.

Since 2005, more than a dozen Fort Zumwalt graduates have returned to teach in Fort Zumwalt classrooms, including the district’s 2019 Educator of the Year, Kelsie Ballmann.

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What’s Happening

February 10, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

Take Notice . . .

The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314560-1868.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph St. in St. Charles. For more information contact Joyce at 636-206-5306.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon.

Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please call Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo.com. BILY is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Con nection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.

Mondays: mous

Alcoholics

Anony-

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help.

Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting

Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome.

For more information visit http:// www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@ charter.net.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm.

For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class

9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-369-6521.

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge

St. Peters Senior Center plays bridge from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Thursdays, and would love to have any player, regardless of skill level, to join in. Call Mary Ann at 636-397-0866 if you are interested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets

Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636-2190553.

Mondays: Measurement Mondays:

10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting.

Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

Candlelighters Women in Recovery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb pre-School, turn left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse.

Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 314-779-6892 for more information.

Tuesdays: Seniors group

Please join us on the third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a gathering for senior adults. There will be lunch (no charge), cards and bingo (no charge), community program referrals, occasional health and wellness presentations and clergy available upon request. The event takes place at Church of the Transfiguration at1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake Saint Louis. For more information call 636-5618951.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant.

For more information contact Jack Ross at 314-287-0569 or jack-ross@ att.net.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments.

ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Tuesdays: Cottleville Spring Kiwanis Club

Weldon

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. and the third Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. Both meetings are at Rack House Kitchen Wine Whiskey. New club looking for new members who want to better our community. Contact Christy at 314583-0538.

Tuesdays: group

Diabetes

support

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December from 6:30 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-625-5447.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for

generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities.

No sewing experience required.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636379-2505.

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

The group meets on third Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Alzheimer’s Chapter Office at 9370 Olive Blvd. 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. Registration is requested before the first meeting.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refreshments and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertainment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month.

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and camaraderie.

Come meet with fellow veterans who served our country and share your experience.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on second Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warrenton Masonic Lodge. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-456-0776 or visit our Facebook page.

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

Cancer Companions Support Group is a support group for any cancer patient in treatment or post treatment, their caregiver and their loved ones that meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie at 7 p.m. in the parlor. Registration is not required.

Tuesdays: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America

Meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Trinity Church.

Info: www.showmestitchers.com.

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Garden Club

Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd.

Info: Barb at 636.978.5930. Club does not meet in August or November.

Tuesdays: St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner.

5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles on the last Tuesday of the month. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636-947-7666.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 10:15-11:15 a.m. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes 9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314-3696521.

Wednesdays: Food pantry

Food pantry open Wednesdays to the public from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Cornerstone UMC at 1151 Tom Ginnever Ave. in O’Fallon. Bread, canned goods other necessities.

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

If you have a family member or friend who is having mental health concerns there is a support group for you. It meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Meetings are held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road in St. Charles. Visitors are always welcome.

For more information visit http:// www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@ charter.net.

Tuesdays: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

Wednesdays: Marine League meeting

8-9:30 p.m., in the Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to high school and adult men.

Corp

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at the American Legion 313 old town St. Peters at 7:30 p.m.

All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome. For more information visit www.stcharlesmarine.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 10, 2021 Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at JJ’s Restaurant at 1215 S. Duchesne Dr. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Wednesdays: Crossroads Cribbage Club Meets at 1380 Boone St., at 12 p.m. in Troy. 636-528-8379.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the United Methodist Church at 725 N. Wall St. in Wentzville. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome.

Wednesdays: Men’s Golf League

Wednesdays, April - October. 5 p.m., tee off at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. For more information, contact the Lake St. Louis Community Association at 636-625-8276.

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m. VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 6-6:55pm Any level. Info: 636-9281928.

Wednesdays: Hope & Healing

5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie on the first Wednesday of the month. Unique service of music, worship, and prayer for those in need of hope and healing.

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the parish hall of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church at 907 Jungermann Rd. in St. Peters. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. Weigh-ins begin at 9 a.m. Contact Judy Bauer at 636-541-2263 for further information.

Thursdays: meeting

American

Legion

On the first Thursday of each month, American Legion Post 323 meets at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall

at 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville. For more information call 636327-6060.

group meets at 6 p.m. Info: www.ofkiwanis.com.

Thursdays: Lions Club meeting

Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting

Thursdays: TOPS meeting

Every Thursday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

Wentzville Outreach Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at Schnucks at 1960 Wentzville Pkwy in Wentzville at 6 p.m. Contact Jimmy Butler at 314-780-5629 or Lisa Alexander at 314-258-1069 for more information.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club 661 Wentzville holds meetings every Thursday in room 21 at The United Methodist Church of Wentzville, 725 Wall Street. Weigh ins at 9:30, meetings begin at 10 a.m. For more information call 314-650-1014.

Thursdays: O’Fallon Rotary Club meetings

O’Fallon Rotary Club meets from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar at 217 S. Main St. in O’Fallon every Thursday. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, call President, Lisa Muncy at 636-240-0912.

Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings

The O’Fallon Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bank of Old Monroe T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon.

For more information, contact CyndySchwab at 636-544-0102.

Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

St. Charles Lions Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton Street in St. Charles. Contact Art for more info at 636-441-1831. New members are welcome.

3rd Thursday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

Meets third Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm at the McClay Library in St. Charles. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org;

3rd 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.

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 Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters

6:30am at IHOP (3851 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy St. Peters).

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon

Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon at 12 noon, except third Thursday the

7:30am, The Rendezvous Café at 217 South Main St. in O’Fallon. We welcome existing and potential members to visit and have breakfast with us. www.ofallonmo.rotary-clubs.org

10a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Family Hall. Free for members. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome.

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.

3rd Thursday of each month: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 meetings 7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Lions Club meetings St. Charles County Lions Club meets second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton in St. Charles. New members welcome.

Every Friday: Moms Play Group

10am at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint 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.

Fridays: Bingo

The American Legion Post 312, located at 2500 Raymond Dr. in St. Charles hosts bingo, every Friday night. This is a non-smoking hall with games starting at 6:15 p.m. and includes two progressive bingo games per night. See more at www.alpost312mo.org

Every Saturday: Chess

9-12 at Middendor-Kredell Library on Hwy K.

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.

Second and Fourth Saturday of the month: Charitable bingo

Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m. at the Wentzville Community Club located at 500 West Main in Wentzville. For more information visit www.wentzvillecommunityclub. com or www.facebook.com/wentzville-community-club

What’s Happening

Saturdays: Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV)

Last Saturday of every month Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) meets at 11 a.m. at Bar Louie in St. Charles. Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht Mittagessen), und geniessen ein Gespräch auf deutsch.

We’re meeting for a beer (and maybe lunch), and enjoying a conversation in German. April, June and September meetings are held at different locations. See https://www.facebook.com/ groups/472022532983525/

9

Hwy Z in Wentzville hosts shotgun meat shoots every Sunday at noon.

Fourteen rounds consist of seven meat rounds and seven money rounds.

First Sunday of the month is open shoot. Other Sundays are .680 minimum choke. House gun available and shells supplied. For more information, please call 636-639-1648.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

1st & 3rd Saturday: St Peters Square Dance Club Dances

Pre ropund dance fom 7 - 7:30 p.m., dancing from 7:30 - 10 p.m. 1st United Methodist Church, 801 First Capital Dr. www.squaredancemissouri.com/ Missouri/St.Louis

3rd Saturdays: Restore St. Charles Work Day.

8am, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Volunteer labor needed to provide the needy in our community with adequate living accommodations.

Continental breakfast, safety instructions, and job assignments provided before work begins.

Every Sunday: Wentzville Community Club Flea Market

5:30 a.m.-1pm, 500 West Main St. in Wentzville. For more information, call 636.357.4328.

Sundays: group

Alzheimer’s support

The group meets the third Sunday of the month (unless it’s a holiday, then they meet the following Sunday) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

This is a Church of the Shepherd support group and meets at the McClay Adult Day Center at 3821 McClay Road in St. Peters (upstairs). For more information, please call Nancy Young at 636-875-3457.

Sundays: Overeaters Anonymous

Do you eat when you’re not hungry?

Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? Contact Overeaters Anonymous. No dues. No fees. No weigh-ins. No diets. There are meetings every day of the week. Please call 314-638-6070 or email bistateoal@ prodigy.net.

2nd Sunday: Moscow Mills Lions Breakfast

7am - noon, September - April. Moscow Community Center, Hwy C. $7/ adult, $4/child, under 6 free. www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/moscowmills.

2nd Sunday: The Wheelers and Dealers Square Dance

7-9:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall at Blanchette Park, 1900 W Randolph St. Participants must have taken dance lessons before attending. For more information, visit www.squaredancestcharles.com or call Lucy at (636)3913822.

Sundays: Meat shoot

Wentzville VFW Post 5317 at 1414

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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Sports

February 10, 2021 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

Hoots add another local player to the roster The O’Fallon Hoots, members of the Prospect League, play their home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon.

The team recently announced the signing of Southeast Missouri State University outfielder Ryan Malzahn for the 2021 summer season.

Malzahn, is a 6’4” freshman and attended O’Fallon Christian High School where he was First-Team All-Conference and All-District in 2018 and 2019.

His senior season saw the outfielder from O’Fallon hit .444 with 32 hits and 22 runs batted in.

Go to www.OFallonHoots.com for more information. ~~~Great addition

Family Arena to host indoor football league The St. Louis Football Bandits play in the American Arena Football League (AAL) in 2021 with home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The players will start training camp shortly with the coaching staff ready to lead with Jeff Hunt as the head coach.

For more details go to www.StLouisBanditsFootball.com ~~~Non stop action Lindenwood wrestling makes history The No. 3 Lindenwood University wrestling team has won seven of there eight meets and all five in the conference.

Recently they won the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Championship on with a 32-8 win over No. 10 UIndy inside Hyland Arena in St. Charles.

The Lions took an early lead, as Cevion Severado set the tone with a 15-6 major decision victory with No. 5 Tanner Hitchcock added a few points to the team total with a 3-2 decision at 133 pounds.

No. 2 Colby Smith stayed tough in his 141-pound bout, as we rolled to a commanding 17-5 major decision as No. 1 Gavin Londoff remained undefeated, as the 149-pound senior picked up three points with a 9-6 decision.

Kyle Dickhaus looked strong in his 197-pund match, as the match was ended with Dickhaus winning by injury default and Michael Kramer capped off the day with a pin at the 1:51 mark to solidify the first GLVC title in program history.

The Lindenwood wrestling team won its first conference championship, since the 2015 MIAA Championship.

“We are excited to bring a conference championship back to Lindenwood,” said head coach Jimmy Rollins. “To win the GLVC title over a great team like UIndy in the toughest conference in the nation, it’s a great feeling.” ~~~What a weekend

Ambush drop two games in a row The St. Louis Ambush plays their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).

Playing with a decimated roster, the St. Louis Ambush fell 10-4 to the Ontario Fury Saturday night at Axius Field at the Family Arena. The loss dropped the Ambush to 4-5 on the season while Ontario improved to 2-0.

With 12 players who were injured, sick or quarantined, the Ambush had only 14 players available as they took the field less than 24 hours after a tough 5-4 loss to the same Ontario team on Friday.

The next home games at Axius Field will be Feb. 26 at 7:35 p.m. and Feb. 28 at 3:05 p.m. when the Ambush host the San Diego Shockers.

Visit www.STLAmbush.com for more details. ~~~Get well soon

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, and is currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 10, 2021

Recipe:

Feature

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– SUDOKU –

The perfect pancake for your valentine

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.

Red Velvet Heart Pancakes Servings: 8-10

Ingredients: 1 cup flour 1/4 cup sugar 3 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus additional for garnish 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 30-40 drops red food coloring nonstick cooking spray syrup, for garnish powdered sugar, for garnish raspberries, for garnish

Directions: In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In medium bowl, whisk egg. Add buttermilk, 2 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract and food coloring; whisk until combined.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine.

Spray heart-shaped cookie cutter with nonstick cooking spray and place in skillet. Add enough batter to fill heart. Cook 2 minutes.

Remove heart cutter. Flip pancake and cook 1 minute.

Serve with butter, syrup, powdered sugar and raspberries.

Note: If mixture is too thick, add water until desired consistency is reached.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Find more breakfast recipes and sweet treat ideas at Culinary.net.

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

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.

In 1989, some friends and I flew from St. Louis to Southern California to see the sights and hopefully get tickets to a taping of “The Tonight Show.” While getting our line tickets at the NBC Studios in Burbank, I saw a notice for a show called “Saved by the Bell.” My colleagues were happy to stand in line to see Carson or Jay Leno, but they didn’t want to waste a moment watching what sounded like a kid’s show.

In retrospect, that was a bad decision because that series became one of the most talked about shows of the 1990s. Although MarkPaul Gosselaar and Tiffany Amber Thiessen became teen idols thanks to the show, the true standout in the cast was Dustin Diamond.

The actor played the brilliant but socially awkward Screech Powers throughout various incarnations of “Saved by the Bell.” Diamond sadly passed away on Feb. 1 at age 44 after a battle with lung cancer.

The series that made Diamond a star actually began as a vehicle for former child star Hayley Mills (“The Parent Trap”). “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” debuted on the Disney Channel in 1988 and focused on an Indianapolis junior high teacher who became a friend and confidant to her students. Diamond, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Lark Voorhies had been part of Miss Bliss’ class and they made the transition to NBC where the retooled show became a

Photo courtesy NBC Productions

Remembering Dustin Diamond

Saturday-morning hit.

On screen, Gosselaar and co-star Mario Lopez typically fought for the affections of Thiessen’s Kelly Kapowski, but Screech was the comedy glue that held things together.

The character even created his own robot companion named Kevin and actually won a beauty contest. Screech and his friends were once on their way to fame and fortune thanks to his grandmother’s spaghetti sauce, but un-

fortunately, grandma had plagiarized it from a published cookbook.

After years at Bayside High School, Diamond and some “Saved by the Bell” cast members transitioned to a spin-off subtitled “The College Years.” However, the humor that made the show a hit on Saturday mornings didn’t quite translate to a Tuesday evening NBC timeslot. Diamond had some good moments in the series, but near the end of its single season, the focus was once again on the on-again, off-again relationship between Zack and Kelly.

When “The College Years” ended, Diamond ‘s character returned to Bayside High in “Saved by the Bell: The New Class.” Serving as the administrative assistant to Principal Richard Belding (Dennis Haskins), Screech was as funny, smart and goofy as he ever was. The two of them ended up in some wild situations, including a heated argument at Space Camp.

When you think of “Saved by the Bell,” Dustin Diamond and his iconic character immediately come to mind. Diamond even appeared in a poker game scene during 2003’s “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” where former child stars Danny Bonaduce from “The Partridge Family” and Barry Williams of “Brady Bunch” fame were in attendance.

Rest in peace, Mr. Diamond, and thanks for all the laughter you gave us.

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Feature

ACTIVE BUYER

February 10, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

SINGERS WANTED

HELP WANTED NOW CONTRACTING CDL CLASS A OR B DRIVERS TO DELIVER TRUCKS ACROSS THE US AND CANADA. NO FREIGHT, NO SLEEPING IN TRUCKS. NO WAITING ON RUNS!

We deliver trucks of all types & sizes from manufacturers and installers to their destinations.

AUCTION

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS are available for both full and part time.

ENDORSEMENTS and a PASSPORT are a plus, BUT NOT REQUIRED! No MANUAL TRANSMISSION RESTRICTION ON CDL. 7+ years of verifiable experience utilizing your CDL Class A or B and possess a clean license are required. Former firemen, OTR drivers, garbage truck drivers, recent retirees are welcome!!!

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

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. D.D.

COLLECTIBLES

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.

HELP WANTED

Thank you, St. Jude. K.B.

SERVICES

PET CEMETERY

over 4,000 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 60 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

www.mycnews.com • Community News • February 10, 2021

Feature

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CLASSIFIEDS

Dannegger Brothers Contracting, Inc • Foundation & Basement Repairs • Waterproofing • Piering • Mudjacking • Stress Bracing • Concrete Flatwork

314-993-1833

www.DanneggerBrothers.com www.danneggerbrothers.com Insured | Experienced | Local | Quality

www.scrubbydutch.com

Heating & Air Conditioning

314-739-1600 2550 Harley Drive Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Published Every Week Since 1921 Family-Owned & Operated www.treesbywoody.net

AREAS OF CIRCULATION Our FREE publications are available in over 700 convenient locations, including every Dierbergs, Schnucks and Shop ’N Save.

www.semopest.com

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Feature

February 10, 2021 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: U.S. PRESIDENTS

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

Moore On Life I just found out people actually throw their cats birthday parties. Silly me; I wonder why I haven’t thrown one before? I told my cats about the idea.

“How long has this been going on?” they hissed.

“I promise, I just found out,” I explained. “It’s apparently really popular.”

“Oh, so you might as well say we’re not important enough to know the latest trends! Is that what you’re saying, Karen?”

“Umm, did you just call me Karen? You know that’s not my name. Besides, Karen is a bit of a slur nowadays. I’m sure you didn’t mean…”

They snickered and walked away with their tails twitching in the air.

“Well,” I thought, “how about a late birthday party to make up for my sins and oversight?”

I ordered salmon-flavored cookies from the local pet bakery. (Come on, doesn’t everyone have a local pet bakery?)

I needed to fly in fresh flounder fillets from Florida. (Try saying that fast. After several attempts, I was finally connected to the ordering agent, but nearly passed out after repeating it so many times.)

The party would be a hit. I called a few neighbors and invited their fellow felines to feast and frolic at the festivity. (I actually did pass out after repeating that five times on the phone.)

The party goers soon arrived to a room filled with fishy-shaped balloons and tasty treats in each bowl. We would begin by playing pin the flea on the doggie as soon as all the neighborhood cats were seated. The guests of honor were then ushered in.

But disaster, my fat cat spied Mr. McFuzzybutt, the scrawny tabby that lives next door and

By Cindy Moore

Herding cats scratches him through the fence. He lunged for its throat. My skinny cat saw that as an invitation for a scuffle. He unhinged his Freddy Krueger claws and zoomed across the table to assist while popping balloons, scattering kibble and flinging goose giblet pate’ onto the visitor’s faces.

Soon the entire party had erupted into one spatting, hissing, clawing barroom brawl. The ferocious felines faced off then fought and fought.

The festival was a fiasco and complete failure.

Why haven’t I thrown one of these before? I wonder no more.

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.

ACROSS 1. Newton’s first name 6. Part of smog 9. Hissy fit 13. Human trunk 14. Form of “to be” 15. Illegal booze 16. Editorial changes 17. Crematorium jar 18. #56 Down, alt. sp.

19. *One of six Presidents named James 21. *First President previously divorced 23. Civil War’s Johnny 24. Manage without help 25. Military procedures 28. Cone-shaped quarters 30. MLB bench 35. Cowboy’s necktie 37. A whole lot 39. *Whig, e.g.

40. Resembling wings 41. Nightly necessity 43. Experience emotion 44. Large ray 46. Glacier’s deposit 47. “Watch out!” on a golf course 48. Traditional sock pattern 50. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 52. Knight’s title 53. Bypass 55. Foot digit 57. *President Chester

____ 60. *He signed legislation to create Medicare 64. Fauna, Merryweather and ____, fairy godmothers 65. Expert 67. Convex molding 68. Bumpkins 69. Café alternative 70. Car ways 71. Trans-Siberian Railroad city 72. Piercing part 73. Slightly drunk DOWN 1. Any thing 2. *Trump had button on desk to order his favorite one 3. Desertlike 4. Up and about 5. Coddle 6. Half-man, half-goat 7. Legendary NHLer 8. Tragedy, or comedy, or satire 9. Cheap form of payment?

10. Before Scotia 11. Clickable picture 12. Olden day “your” 15. Be in charge, two words 20. Newspaper notices 22. What all of #70 Across

do 24. Painting or poetry 25. *He beat McCain and Romney 26. Kind of cap 27. Colloquialisms 29. *First “dark horse” 31. Gamecock’s spur 32. Dessert sandwiches 33. Wombs 34. *#29 Down predecessor 36. Creative 38. 18-wheeler 42. Green pasta sauce 45. Big Island greetings 49. Australian flightless bird 51. Group of people, often in research 54. Extremely angry 56. Concluding stanza in poetry 57. *G. W. Bush to Yale, e.g.

58. Schneider and Lowe, e.g.

59. Major bike maker 60. Audience’s rejection 61. Sold in bars 62. Auto pioneer 63. Like a busybody 64. Back, to a pendulum 66. Latin dance three-step move, once SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9