CNSTC: July 19, 2017

July 19, 2017

Ready for wild rescues

Around Town

Our Lady of the Way shrine a labor of love. P.3 Reduced speed limit during Mexico Road resurfacing project. P.6

Business

The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis at St. Peters begins providing services. P.9

Learn & Play

Photo by Ray Rockwell Presentation of the new UTV from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to St. Charles County Ambulance District took place at Firehouse Subs at 1365 Bass Pro Drive in St. Charles on July 13. Among those in attendance were (standing at the left of the vehicle) Michael Domico, Area Representative with Firehouse Subs and cutting the ribbon were (left) David A. Lewis Assistant Chief St Charles County Area Ambulance District and (right) Larry Webb Firehouse Subs franchise owner.

St. Charles County Ambulance District adds UTV to fleet to help access patients in off-road areas

By Brett Auten Nature is glorious and profound. But it can also be treacherous and life-threateningly dangerous.

In those later cases, the St. Charles County Ambulance District is trained and ready to handle the situation.

When emergencies, accidents or illnesses occur where there are no paved pathways or people within miles, SCCAD paramedics are now better equipped to respond thanks to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The group recently awarded SCCAD a grant for a utility terrain vehicale (or UTV), which will be used to reach patients who suffer medical emergencies in areas difficult to access with traditional ambulances.

“Since April alone, we’ve been sent out nine times to various calls,” Kyle Gaines, Director of Community Relations, said.

“Over the years there has been quite a variety (of calls). There have been some rough

bicycle wrecks because there are some spots on the Katy Trail that drop off pretty quick. Or it has been that someone gets stung by as wasp or a bee and don’t have their EpiPen. Or it could be heat exhaustion or stroke. Just a little bit of everything.”

“This will help us get to the patients that we generally have a hard time getting to. There are a lot of areas in the county that we can’t get a conventional vehicle to.”

- Battalion Chief Brian Schnelle

The new UTV is decked out to hold a stretcher and other lifesaving medical equipment used on emergency calls. The UTV will be the second in the fleet. Having the additional UTV will enable the district

to position units at multiple stations along the trail network.

Battalion Chief Brian Schnelle, who is not only stationed at the district’s south zone - where most of the trail calls occur was also involved in the planning and procurement of the UTV that is was donated.

“This will help us get to the patients that we generally have a hard time getting to,” he said. “There are a lot of areas in the county that we can’t get a conventional vehicle to.”

Schnelle has been front and center on many dire calls.

“Just last year we had a man fall off a steep embankment and broke his hip,” Schnelle said. “It took about an hour-anda-half just to find him. And when you are in a situation like that you have to take a lot of equipment with you. You’re so far out you can’t just walk back to your truck to get something.”

In total, the equipment is valued at nearly See RESCUE page 2

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 19 No. 29 | 636-379-1775

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Movie

Music, moms drive plots of ‘Baby Driver’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’.

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Weather FRIDAY Sun/Hot/Humid 102/78 SATURDAY Sun/Hot/Humid 102/78 SUNDAY Sunny; Spot Storms 98/77 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.

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July 19, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

RESCUE Continued from cover Wilderness Checklist Kyle Gaines of the St. Charles County Ambulance District offers these tips when you are planning to head into the many miles of forest and wilderness that surrounds the county • • • Photos by Ray Rockwell The new UTV will help SCCAD paramedics respond when emergencies, accidents or illnesses occur where there are no paved pathways or people within miles.

$25,000. The UTV was officially presented to the district last week at the Firehouse Subs restaurant in St. Charles.

“Between the Katy Trail, Great Rivers Greenway and an expansive network of paths located within numerous St. Charles County Parks, there are many miles of off-road areas within our community where medical emergencies occur with some regularity,” said SCCAD Chief Taz Meyer, SCCAD Chief, said. “These areas are being used with increasing frequency by runners, bicyclists and others, and the equipment donated by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will undoubtedly result in reduced response times to medical emergencies.”

In addition to emergency calls in hard-to-access areas, UTVs are also utilized by paramedics with large-scale events such as the County Fair and O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest.

Plug it in. Take the extra time to make sure you have a fully-charged cell phone with an emergency battery charger just in case.

Drink it up. Make sure you have plenty of water.

Dehydration is one of the more typical calls the district receives.

Tell a friend. Riding and exploring with a buddy is always more fun, but if you choose to go at it alone, make sure you tell a friend or a loved one an estimated time on when you will return.

“It feels great to be able to give back to those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us,” said Larry Webb of the Firehouse Subs Franchisee.

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to firstresponders and public safety organizations. Through the nonprofit, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $25 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $778,000 in Missouri.

“Firehouse Subs has a long-standing commitment to giving back to the community that it has stores are in,” Gaines said. “This was on our wish list.”

Weather from Nick’s Window

by Nick Palisch

Lightning! An electrifying and dangerous show in the sky Lightning is one of the most impressive shows Mother Nature provides during thunderstorms – and also one of the most deadly elements of a thunderstorm.

While severe storms produce large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes – all thunderstorms produce lightning that increases the dangers to life and property.

Lightning occurs within a thunderstorm during a sudden electrostatic discharge.

This discharge can occur between a cloud, which is called cloud-to-cloud lightning, between electrically charged regions of the cloud, and is referred to as intra-cloud lightning. Another type of lightning is cloud to ground.

When charged regions of the atmosphere temporarily equalize themselves we will witness a strike to an object on the ground and a flash if it occurs within the clouds.

This creates plasma, and the sound of thunder. It is possible to see lightning, but not hear thunder due to the distance from the storm.

Lightning is hotter than the surface of the sun reaching a temperature around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit and in the United States we have about 25 million lightning strikes a year. Lightning related deaths kill around 46 people each year and injuring hun-

dreds more. Between 2007 and 2016 13 people died in Missouri making the state in the top 10 for lightning-related deaths.

The odds of being struck by lightning are about 1:13,500 in your lifetime, with 1: 1,083,000 odds of being struck in a given year. It is important to understand that when you see lightning and hear thunder – you are putting yourself at risk.

There are five ways lightning strikes people. The first is a direct strike when the person struck becomes the main lightning discharge channel. This type of strike often happens in open areas.

While not the most common, they are the most deadly of the type of lightning strikes.

Side flash or side splash strikes occur when lightning strikes a taller object near the victim and a portion of the current jumps from the taller object to the victim. In essence, the person becomes the “short-circuit” for some of the energy that is discharged by the lightning. Side flash lightning strikes generally occur within a foot of a person and occur when a person seeks shelter under a tree.

A third type of lightning strike is the ground current strike. This occurs when lightning strikes a tree or other object and much of

the energy travels outward from the strike in and along the ground current. Anyone who is outside near a lightning strike is potentially a victim to the strike. This type often kills livestock and other animals because of the charge and the way the energy/ charge travels it is often fatal. This type of strike is also deadly for humans.

Conduction is another type of strike that can occur. Because lightning can travel long distances in wires and other metal surfaces it can create a path for lightning to travel. While metal doesn’t attract lightning – it provides the necessary path for the lightning to travel and electrocute people.

Anything that is connected to wires or metal can serve as a conductor for lightning charge – this includes any electrical items, pipes, water faucets and wires. Most of the causalities that occur with conduction happen indoors.

One of the uncommon lightning strikes is referred to as a streamer. A streamer develops as the downward moving leader approaches the ground. Typically, only one of the streamers will make contact with the leader as it approaches the ground and provides the path for the bright return stroke where the main channel discharg-

es. People who are caught in these streamers are at risk to injury or death.

Lightning can provide an awesome light show in the sky, but the risk to human life and property is great. When you hear thunder – you should seek shelter. No one is immune from a lightning strike and if you start to feel a tingle on your skin and your hair stands up – you are a target to be struck by lightning.

Head indoors and avoid using electrical items, avoid taking showers/baths and stay away from windows. If outdoors, you want to head into a safe place and get out water.

Don’t seek shelter under trees because they serve as a target for lightning strikes.

N i c k Palisch is a meteorologist and Missouri native who understands t h e weather h e r e in our area. He currently resides in Lake Saint Louis and can be reached at nick-wx@sbcglobal.net and you can always get the most up-to-date forecast from the FirstWarn Weather page at www.facebook.com/nickswx The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • July 19, 2017

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Our Lady of the Way shrine a labor of love for St. Peters mayor

By Mark McFarland Mayor Len Pagano has always had one project on his mind since he took office in 1983, to make sure the Our Lady of the Way shrine just off Interstate 70 was maintained and in good condition.

The shrine no longer sits in its original position, but was moved by Pagano and a team of volunteers to its new location on Suemandy Dr. beginning in 1988. The land was donated by the May Company for the sole purpose of the shrine and it took Pagano and his team three years to move the shrine.

Pagano said this project was one of the first projects he ever worked on as mayor. He wanted to make sure he did everything he could for the project of moving the shrine.

When the group was moving the shrine, they had to stop for a little bit because they hit solid ground. Pagano said they had no idea what they could’ve hit, but made sure they were allowed to keep digging.

“What I though was cool when we were moving the shrine we struck something solid,” Pagano said. “Later we found out it was the old Gatty road which was before Interstate 70 came through.”

Photo by Ray Rockwell Our Lady of the Way shrine sits on Suemandy Dr. just off of Interstate 70 in St. Peters.

Pagano said in order to figure out what road it was, they had to bust out the old record books for the city.

The shrine was kept maintained by the local members of the All Saints church until about three or four years ago.

Pagano said a lot of the original helpers are either too old to help or have since passed away.

Since then the Knights of Columbus and other local clubs and groups have helped make sure the shrine stays in great condition.

Pagano said the original shrine was built in 1959 to

honor the death of a young boy.

The shrine has become a landmark for the city of St. Peters and has been since after it was moved to its current location.

Pagano said it is interesting because not a lot of people know it is here.

“There aren’t a lot of roadside shrines in Missouri and I think it is interesting we have one and not a lot of people know it is even here.”

Pagano encourages anyone who is interested to go visit the shrine.

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Masons lay cornerstone for O’Fallon’s new Justice Center The public was invited to watch the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Missouri perform their ceremonial laying of the cornerstone at O’Fallon’s new Justice Center on July 21. The new Justice Center, which is scheduled to open in the fall, is located on Bryan Road in O’Fallon, Missouri, one-quarter mile south of Veterans Memorial Parkway.

The traditional cornerstone ceremony dates back hundreds of years and has been performed

on countless buildings, including the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C., and the Missouri State Capitol building in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Various Grand Lodge Officers of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Missouri, led by Most Worshipful Brother Richard L. Smith, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, conducted the ceremony which lasted approximately 20 minutes.

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July 19, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

NBF and TGIF hosting CFA Cat Show at Purina Farms Calling all cat lovers within driving distance of the St. Louis Metro area. The National Birman Fanciers and TGIF Cat Clubs are hosting a two-day, 12-ring CFA Cat Show at Purina Farms in Gray’s Summit, Missouri.

This event is in conjunction with Purina Farms popular “Back to School Fun Fair” on Aug. 5‐6. Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Whether you love cuddly domestic short/long haired cats or have a favorite purebred cat you’d like to meet, the “Cat Show Extravaganza” will be the place to be for cat lovers. Over two days, 12 judges will judge multiple classes and pick their Top 10 finalists in four different divisions; including the popular Household Pet division. There could be up to 40 different breeds of purebred cats including: Abyssinians, Birmans, Burmese, Exotics,

Maine Coons, Persians, Orientals, Siamese, Siberians, Tonkinese and possibly many more.

In addition to the featured purebreds, private individuals as well as Franklin County Humane Society, Open Door Animal Sanctuary, Sangamon County Animal Control and Stray Haven Rescue will have adoptable kittens/cats on site for you to meet – and plan to have cats competing in the Household Pet (HHP) division.

The Household Pet division is open to kittens/cats over four months of age who are spayed/ neutered (if over eight months of age) and have all their claws.

HHP’s are judged on Their cleanliness and personality, whereas the purebreds are judged against a breed standard particular to their individual breed.

This cat show will feature cats from all over the United

Photo courtesy Bigstock

States and have vendors of catoriented gifts, toys, clothing and furniture for spectators to purchase. Distinguished feline researcher Dr. Leslie Lyons of the University of Missouri

plans to be on site as part of a genetic screening offered to exhibitors.

Additionally, there should be a few “pet me” cats on site for spectators to meet and pet

as well as a six-foot cardboard cutout of a Birman cat named “Hermoine” with whom spectators can get their photos taken. Admission may be charged.

Electric safety tips while working outdoors

www.wentzville-mo.minutemanpress.com

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative reminds area residents to be aware of the dangers of electricity while working outdoors. Cuivre River offers these important tips to work safely outdoors: • Never attempt to move or raise a power line. Since electricity can’t be seen, always assume a line is live with power.

• After a storm, only cut down trees and limbs not tangled in power lines. Never be tempted to move any power or communication lines that are down or low hanging. Even if the main power is off, a neighbor could start a generator and create a potentially fatal back-feed of power through a transformer to an entire area.

• Missouri law requires that your electric utility company be notified when you work within 10 feet of a power line.

OSHA expands that zone for cranes and construction crews to notify the utility if the work is to be done at 20 feet or closer to a power line. Cuivre River Electric Cooperative will assist with your underground and overhead power line safety requests and concerns.

•

Be alert and watch for power lines when operating tall machinery or equipment outdoors. Adjust machinery or equipment to the lowest position before moving.

• Before starting a digging project, Missouri law requires you to submit a utility locate request by contacting Missouri One Call by calling 8-1-1 or visiting www.mo1call.com. As a free service, an underground utility locator will mark power lines and other utilities that are buried at the work site. Use extreme caution when using a shovel or other digging tool. By calling to find out where underground utilities are buried, you avoid hazards and keep vital services (electricity, telephone, water and sewer) from being disrupted.

• Always carry a ladder horizontally. Before setting it up, check to see if power lines are located overhead or nearby.

To learn more about electric safety, visit www. safeelectricity.org, www.cuivre.com, or contact Cuivre River Electric Cooperative at 636-5288261, 636-695-4700, or 800-392-3709.

Saturday, August 5th From 6 - 10pm Gametime Sports 4160 Ehlmann Rd. St. Peters $160 - Team of 8

Must choose a team captain to register your team and pay in full at time of registration.

Registration Deadline: July 22nd

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • July 19, 2017

Officer’s quick thinking saves a life

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Photo courtesy St. Charles County Police Department School Resource Officer Michael Stock (center left) receives the St. Charles County Police Department Life Saving award from St. Charles County Police Chief David Todd (center right) while standing with St. Charles County Police Lt. Dewitte (left) and Sgt. Clay (right).

By Mark McFarland A School Resource Officer (SRO) is supposed to make sure the students, staff and faculty of the school they work at are safe and protected. A SRO at Barnwell Middle went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure everyone was accounted for at school.

Officer Mike Stock earned the St. Charles County Police Department Life Saving award for his heroism and effort to ensure everyone at Barnwell Middle was safe and protected.

Stock came to school on a normal Monday morning. He knew they would be short cafeteria staff because of new teacher interviews, Stock said.

“First lunch came and I was in there and I looked around and I didn’t see Doug,” Stock said. “I’m like, ‘well this is weird because I told him Friday we would be shorthanded and now he’s not here.’”

Stock then went and asked the Administrative Assistant Cherryl Dillion if Doug Patton had called in and said if he was not going to be at school. When she said no, Stock asked her to call his cell phone and it went straight to voicemail. Stock said this is when he knew something was not right.

“I said, ‘go ahead and get me his address,’” Stock said. “They

gave me his address, I left the principals and went to go check on Doug.”

When Stock and another officer arrived at Patton’s house the garage door was open looking like he was getting ready to leave for work, Stock said.

Stock entered the house and began looking for Patton, but when Stock found him Doug was unconscious on the bathroom floor.

“He was breathing, but just barely,” Stock said. “Looking at him I thought, ‘I’m surprised he’s breathing.’ His appearance, to me being a 30 year police veteran, I thought he had died, but he was breathing. We did a sternum rub and he responded to that.”

Stock and the other officer waited for the Cottleville Fire Department and the EMS team to get there. Stock said EMS had to move Patton out of bathroom so they could have more room to work. Stock said they had to preform CPR two different times to save Patton’s life.

“We lost him, his heart quit,” Stock said.

Stock said he was not sure if he should contact Patton’s son Austin right-a-way because he did not have all the information. Stock let Austin know what was going on when he found out what was going on.

Stock kept in contact with

Austin to find out how Patton was doing. Stock waited a couple days to go visit him in the hospital. When he did he brought a card signed by all the teachers and staff of Barnwell.

“When I visited him, I asked him if he remembered anything and he said all he remembers is falling down,” Stock said.

Stock also said Patton will be coming back to school in August as a lunch monitor and working for Barnwell again.

Because of the Stock’s awareness and friendship with Patton, Stock is one of the reason’s Patton will make it back to school.

Stock has been working as a SRO at Barnwell for 16 years and continues to make the school as safe as it possibly can be.

Matt Deichmann, Chief Communications and Community Relations Officer for the Francis Howell School district, said SRO’s are very important to the district.

“These brave men and women go above and beyond the call of duty for the FHSD community, and the life-saving efforts of Officer Mike Stock are a great example of their work.”

The district has a total of eight SRO’s working for them with five of the officers from St. Charles County Police Department, two from Cottleville and one from St. Peters.

We Love St. Charles hosting backpack and pool party On July 29 from 6 – 9 p.m., at Blanchette Park in St. Charles, We Love St. Charles will give out over 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to help students in need start their school year off right and ready to learn. Collaborating with the city of St. Charles, OASIS Food Pantry, First Capitol Lions Club, Calvary Church St. Charles, and many other organizations, businesses, and individuals the We Love St. Charles Backpack & Pool Party has grown to be a whole-community effort.

Over 700 individuals will be served a barbeque dinner, enjoy free swimming, fireworks, games, and music all at no cost. Making memo-

ries for families who struggle to provide is one of the added goals for this year’s event. A free Clothing Closet packed with all sizes will be on site for families to shop for school and beyond.

We Love St. Charles is a nonprofit organization that serves the city of St. Charles by mentoring impoverished families, individuals, and at-risk youth through family support and intervention, homelessness, prevention and job training.

For more information, to volunteer or register for the event; please visit www.welovestcharles. com.

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July 19, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Missouri Veterans Home resident talks war

By Charlotte Beard June 25 and July 27 mark a monumental period in our American and world history.

The Korean War, which began June 25, 1950 and ended July 27, 1953, will never be forgotten in the mind of Missouri Veterans Home resident, William J. “Doc” Anderson.

Anderson was drafted into the army for the war at the age of 21 in 1951. His service was under the 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

Though William J. Anderson is fondly referred to as “Coach” today by those who know him for his post war involvement in sports, “Doc” is the name he was given as a combat medic by the men he served.

Anderson, who served soldiers on the front line, wants young people to know about the pain, suffering, and casualties of war.

“I do talks in all the schools and universities, [and for the] American Legion,” he stated.

“Schools – they don’t even know there was a second World War…they heard about Vietnam – some of them.”

Anderson has the privilege of addressing what he calls “Hell on Earth” from the van-

tage point of saving lives, unlike most war stories that focus on the killing. He has told of the first time he ever had to take someone’s life – ironically it was while he was giving care to a wounded soldier.

“Doc you’ve got company,” he reminisced of his care receiver who warned him of his adversary. He told of the adrenaline and reflexes that quickly kicked in allowing him to fire his weapon with one hand while still in position to care for the soldier. That quick action and the kickback of the gun caused him shoulder pain for two days.

Unfortunately, this war that was fought along the 38th parallel, the boundary between Korea to the north and Korea to the south, backed by the United States, involved casualties well under 18 years old.

“I had a 14 and 15-year-old,” Anderson told of two soldiers for whom he cared. “They lied about their age…their parents would sign for them.”

Explaining the logic of a lot of the youth that voluntarily enlisted, “Boys will be boys.

They would say ‘I’m gonna go over there and kill them all mom.’ [The mother would say] ‘alright son. Boys will be

boys.’ They looked 18 to me…I thought they were Italians… they shaved…”

Anderson stated the 14 and 15-year-old died a year later. His voice trailed off as he ended this topic stating “war’s hell.”

In addition to Anderson sharing how the military life of a combat medic was spent on the front line with soldiers, being prepared at any minute to give care to a wounded soldier and trusting surrounding armed soldiers to cover him while he provided care, he spoke of his job extending beyond the front line.

“My job was 24 hours a day – medics don’t sleep. At night, I had fifty-something…I had to go in their bunkers, take their shoes and socks off and dry their feet and put powder on them. They couldn’t even do that. Outside I had a helmet on and a big thick rubber band [that secured medicine].”

Anderson motioned to the areas around his head that were secured by the rubber band, “I had penicillin here, and tetanus here and morphine in the back and I could give them a shot. [I gave] them a tetanus shot [in the case of] shrapnel…”

Anderson returned home to Kansas City, Missouri in the spring of 1953.

“I didn’t come home with a chest full of medals for bravery, but I did come home with a chest full of pride for what I had done in saving lives,” states Anderson.

He not only returned with pride but he returned with what he calls the “last words” of many soldiers which he passed on to their loved ones.

“I had 75 of these,” referring to the list of last words from soldiers, “when I got home…I picked what I thought would be the closest [to what was said]. All these guys…I [knew] each one of them. They asked me if when I got home to Kansas City – Kansas City was my home – if I would see their parents…they lived in Iowa, Kansas City or close to me.

All of them – I either wrote, called them or visited them personally – all these 25,” Doc referenced the “Last Words” page in his book – “Battlefield Doc: Memoirs of a Korean War Combat Medic.”

“It took me a year because I had to get all their phone numbers… [These words] are what they said when I was burying them. I’d tell them you’ve got one minute to live…I knew their guts were out where I could not sew them and I would give them morphine for their pain. If I knew they were dying I would give them

Photo by Charlotte Beard Missouri Veterans Home resident, William J. “Doc” Anderson served as a medic in the Korean War.

a double shot—that way they’d be relaxed….”

Some of the one liner—last words that can be read in the book are: “Tell my wife I love her,” “Tell my mom she’s the best,” “I hope I didn’t let the troops down,” I don’t want to die alone” and “Tell my Dad I’m not coming home.”

Anderson’s book, “Battlefield Doc: Memoirs of a Korean War Combat Medic,” serves as part of his mission to not let the Korean War become “The Forgotten War.” His editor and publisher, Linda Austin, did her due diligence in researching Korean War history to verify notes and accounts Doc shared with her in writing the book.

If you wish to purchase a copy of the book visit Amazon.com.

The book can be purchased for $12.95.

Work zone speed limit reduced during Mexico Road resurfacing project Effective immediately, the city of St. Peters has lowered the speed limit from 40 mph to 25 mph in the construction zone on Mexico Road between West Sunny Hill Boulevard and Mid Rivers Mall Drive. Concerns about construction worker and driver safety led to the need for lowering the speed limit while construction continues. The project is expected to last through the summer.

The contractor making improvements to Mexico Road in the area from West Sunny Hill Boulevard to Mid Rivers Mall Drive requested the reduction in the posted speed limit. St. Peters City Code allows the traffic engineer to temporarily establish traffic regulations, including reduced speed zones, in construction work zones. Signage has been changed to reflect the new speed limit and give drivers advance warning of the reduced speed zone. Police will enforce the posted 25 mph speed limit during the project.

As always, please use caution when traveling through work zones throughout the area. Work on Mexico Road in this area requires daily lane closures in both westbound and eastbound directions, while leaving at least one lane open for traffic each way.

The Mexico Road Resurfacing Phase II project includes replacement of the existing asphalt pavement surface, removal and replacement of defective concrete pavement, and concrete diamond grinding to improve pavement smoothness. Sidewalks also will be repaired where necessary and improved to meet current ADA standards, and traffic signals will be upgraded.

For the latest news about city of St. Peters street projects, go online to www.stpetersmo.net/streets.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • July 19, 2017

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Community Toons

By John M Hanna ‘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

By Cindy Moore

Photo courtesy Bigstock

Poor, poor pitiful me For many people, camping is either something you really, really love or really, really hate. Much like the situation poor Mr. President finds himself in nowadays.

Back in the day when my husband and I were first married, we were young and poor with a couple of kids and camping was the cheapest form of entertainment we could afford.

The young’uns thought it was the best thing since Xbox. They got to romp through the forest; play in the mud; roast meat on sticks over an open fire; sleep on the ground and best of all, not bathe for days at a time. It was just like playing “caveman” and they caught on in no time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of our more affluent friends considered it slightly barbaric and instead, believed we were playing “homeless.”

Years later, after we were able to get on our feet and could afford the finer things in life (like real butter, instead of that greasy, carcinogen-in-atub stuff our budget allowed), I also discovered a thing called Marriot.

“What? You mean someone comes in and makes my bed and scrubs my toilet bowl PLUS leaves me tiny bottles of free shampoo and conditioner?!”

Goodbye ticks embedded in my nether regions; hello room service!

Along with this discovery came our youngest child who got to experience luxury camping.

One day the waffle batter at the breakfast bar ran out and she had to settle for a toasted bagel with cream cheese instead. That was a great teaching

moment. She learned survival skills and just what extreme limits of roughing it one’s body could endure. She came through with only a mediumsized tantrum.

Later, when the kids were grown, they discussed their formative years. The older two insisted that they were severely deprived when it came to vacations. They exclaimed to the younger one, “You got a heated swimming pool and a pillow with a mint on it! We had to sleep on rocks!”

At the same time, the younger one claimed punishing abuse, “Well you didn’t have to change your underwear for a week and got to play in bear scat! You don’t know suffering. Once, we had to check out at 11 a.m. sharp right in the middle of my favorite SpongeBob episode!”

They looked at me accusingly. I suggested they take it up with the President. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind one more item to debate.

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Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings.

Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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Around Town

July 19, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Holt student wins at National SkillsUSA Competition Casey Morgan, a senior this fall at Holt High School in the Wentzville School District, took 11th place in the HVAC Sheet Metal competition at the SkillsUSA 53rd annual National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky June 19-24.

The competition is the largest showcase of skilled trades and skill competitions in the world and more than 15,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from 600 national corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions participated in the event. Morgan represented Lewis & Clark Career Center at the invitation-only national competition after earning a first place gold medal at the SkillsUSA Missouri State Leadership and Skills Conference in April.

Career and technical students from across the country competed in over 100 categories over the six-day event in a variety of technical, hands-on, written, and oral competitions that related directly to their program of study. Morgan recently completed his first of two years in the HVAC program at Lewis & Clark.

“I think Missouri can be very proud of Casey’s efforts at nationals,” said Dr. Andrew M. Stewart, director of the Lewis & Clark Career Center. “As a first-year student, he performed exceptionally well. He has a great future ahead of him.”

SkillsUSA is an applied method for preparing America’s high performance workers in career and technical programs. It provides quality educational experiences for its members in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development. It builds self-confidence, work attitudes, and communication skills. It emphasizes total quality at work: high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Casey Morgan, a senior this fall at Holt High School, took 11th place in the HVAC Sheet Metal competition at the SkillsUSA 53rd annual National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky June 19-24.

promotes understanding of the free enterprise system and involvement in community service activities. More than 1,000 trade associations and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA through financial aid, in-kind contributions, and involvement of their members in SkillsUSA activities.

The Lewis & Clark Career Center provides career and technical education for St. Charles County juniors and seniors from all five school districts in St. Charles County. Students attend half the day at their respective high school, and half the day at Lewis & Clark.

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Two children from the St. Louis region to represent Missouri at JDRF 2017 Children’s Congress

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Two children from the St. Louis region were chosen by JDRF, the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, to join a delegation of children and celebrity advocates in Washington, D.C. this summer at JDRF 2017 Children’s Congress from July 24-26. Ashley Whipple, age 16 and Demi King, age 16 will join nearly 160 other children with type 1 diabetes from around the U.S. to lobby their Members of Congress and remind them of the vital need to support T1D research that could reduce the burden of this disease and ultimately find a cure.

These children—ages four to 17, and representing all 50 states— will participate in a number of activities on the Hill, including a Congressional Committee hearing to share personal testimonies that highlight the daily struggles of living with T1D and the need for continued funding for research projects such as the Special Diabetes Program (SDP).

Joining the U.S. Delegates will be six international Delegates traveling from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Israel, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Together, the Delegates will convey a clear message to the Federal Government that T1D is a global problem that requires a global effort.

“These children and their parents face the burden of type one diabetes every day, and by sharing their stories, they become the most powerful advocates we have in fighting type one diabetes.

They represent millions of other families like

mine who need the support of the government to help us end this disease,” says Derek Rapp, JDRF President and CEO. “Children’s Congress gives the T1D community a unified voice in front of Congress and a way to urge our government leaders to continue supporting research.”

Ashley Whipple is particularly passionate about helping others with T1D gain access to the tools she uses to live a healthier life. “Imagine if everyone who had diabetes could receive a continuous glucose monitor—that would substantially cut down on the cost of medical expenses for a large portion of our nation.” Demi King stated that, “Children are the future of this country. Our health and well-being should be a priority.”

Serving as Chair for JDRF 2017 Children’s Congress will be Angie Platt of Encino, Calif., whose 13-year old son, Jonathan, was diagnosed with T1D at age six. Angie is a member of JDRF’s International Board of Directors and previously chaired the 2013 Children’s Congress. As Chair of the event, she will help engage, support and energize all these Delegates and their families during the advocacy efforts up on Capitol Hill.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • July 19, 2017

Business

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The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis at St. Peters begins providing services

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Submitted photo Staff and leadership of The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis (TRISL) and BJC’s Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital celebrated the grand opening of TRISL’s newest inpatient rehabilitation hospital with a ribbon cutting on the third floor of Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital on July 6.

On the evening of July 6, staff and leadership of The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis (TRISL) and BJC’s Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital celebrated the grand opening of TRISL’s newest inpatient rehabilitation hospital on the third floor of Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. The rehabilitation hospital began serving patients on July 1.

The celebration included a ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks from Tara Diebling, chief executive officer of TRISL and Chris Watts, president of Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital “The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis has proudly served this area for 16 years,” said Diebling, who has served as TRISL’s chief executive officer since 2013. “Being able to expand our service area to even more patients and families

through this new hospital in St. Peters is truly exciting for us. We are grateful for everyone who has supported this project and are already enjoying the functional new space that has been designed with our patients’ needs in mind.”

The hospital offers 35 private patient rooms and provides comprehensive physical rehabilitative services for patients overcoming debilitating illnesses and injuries including stroke and neurological disorders, brain injury, hip fracture, spinal cord injury and complex orthopedic injuries.

HealthSouth and BJC HealthCare announced the new location just over a year ago, which brings approximately 86 new jobs to the area in its first year.

St. Charles County real estate out-performs the nation The St. Charles County real estate market continued to outpace the market in the rest of the St. Louis region and across the nation. While some areas reported the first decline in sales price in many months, the median sales price in St. Charles County rose by 8.4 percent to a record setting $222,250.

In more good news, that median home sold in a record setting seven days, a record for the county

and the region. While the number of units sold declined less than two percent the sales volume increased by 5.6 percent.

“The market is reflecting what residents of St. Charles County have known for years,” said Michelle Walker 2017 President of the St. Charles REALTORS. “St. Charles County is a great place to live and raise our families.”

COUNTRY Financial and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright team up to feed hungry kids COUNTRY Financial is teaming up with St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright’s Big League Impact to assist Operation Food Search and feed children in the St. Louis area.

The organizations are teaming up to collect “kid-friendly,” shelf-stable food items at COUNTRY Financial office locations in O’Fallon and Kirkwood. Donations will be distributed in backpacks in ten school districts to children who are living at or below the poverty line.

“One in four kids in the St. Louis area don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

That’s enough hungry kids — right here in our community — to fill Busch Stadium up four times,” said Wainwright. “If kids are hungry at school they aren’t in the best position to learn and grow. This is a simple way we can make an

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impact on these kids’ lives.”

Each person donating food items at the COUNTRY Financial offices until July 28, will be entered to win an opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch and four tickets to an upcoming Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.

Wainwright will make an appearance at both locations on July 28 (times TBA) to thank fans for donating and draw the winning names in the first pitch contest.

“A lack of nutrition should never create a barrier in a child’s life,” said Elias Corpas, agency manager at COUNTRY Financial. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to partner with Adam and Big League Impact to decrease the burden of childhood hunger.”

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10

Sports

July 19, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

– SUDOKU – Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

NEED NEW

See solution on page 13

Sports you see with Gary B...

Head coach at Lindenwood gets hardware Lindenwood women’s lacrosse head coach Jack Cribbin was selected as the IWLCA South Region Coach of the Year recently. Cribbin was tabbed as the RMAC CoCoach of the Year in May, receiving that award for the fourth time in six seasons.

He guided the Lady Lions to their fourth consecutive NCAA National Semifinal appearance, while also setting a new program record with 21 victories. Lindenwood opened the season with 20 consecutive wins, the longest unbeaten stretch in program history.

Under the direction of Cribbin, the Lady Lions boasted the seventh-best scoring offense and scoring defense in NCAA Division II. Lindenwood had 11 players earn all-RMAC recognition, eight players achieve IWLCA allregion selections, and four players claim AllAmerican honors.

Cribbin reached the 100-win plateau on April 29 during Lindenwood’s 13-2 victory at Rockhurst. Cribbin has posted a .872 winning percentage since Lindenwood joined the Division II level prior to the start of the 2012 season. ~~~Great leader of the pack Championship game Friday for the SLAM The SLAM is the areas women’s tackle football team that plays in the Women’s Football Alliance.

The team is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to defend their Division II title they gain last year. It is very difficult to go back-to-back years as the champion.

The SLAM will face the Tampa Bay club on Friday, July 21.

The St. Louis team knocked the Tampa Bay team out of the playoffs last year. ~~~Show time

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

Rascals on a roll after All-Star Break The River City Rascals play professional baseball in the West Division of the Frontier League with home games at Car Shield Field in O’Fallon.

The team has won the first three games after the break sweeping the Southern Illinois Miners 5-1, 6-5 and 6-4 in Marion, Illinois.

The sweep was the third of the season as the squad is still six-and-a-half games out of first, but the bats and strong pitching has been rejuvenated.

The final game of the series saw two players paving the way to create the success in the names of Johnny Morales and Brandon Thomas, who combined for four hits and a pair of RBIs. On the mound for the Rascals was Tim Koons and in his tenth start of the year as he lasted 6.1 innings allowing four runs, three earned, on seven hits and two strikeouts.

Closer Cody Mincey earned his team leading sixth save of the year in the bottom of the ninth and it helped put the Rascals over the .500 mark for the first time since June 21.

“We played really good baseball overall this weekend and it always feels good to get a series sweep, especially here in Southern Illinois. It’s coming down to the end of the season and it will be here sooner than we know it,” Morales said.

“Getting over .500 is huge and it’s the first step as we try to catch up in the standings and get into the playoffs.”

NEXT HOME GAMES Wednesday/Thursday July19/20

against the Lake Erie Crushers Friday/Saturday/Sunday July 21/22/23

against the Traverse City Beach Bums All games at 6:35 p.m., 4:05 p.m. on Sundays Go to www.RiverCityRascals.com for more information. ~~~Heat it up

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.

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www.wholesalebatteries.net

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • July 19, 2017

Simply timeless meals Italian cuisine has influenced food culture around the world, and is often viewed as an art form that includes the freshest, most authentic ingredients, prepared with passion and served with love to family and friends. Mealtime is a celebration, captured by the classic Italian proverb, “You never grow old at the table.”

Americans have celebrated Italian food for decades. Classic Italian dishes have been joined by refreshing, modern twists on tradition that

Learn & Play

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Crossword Puzzle: SPORTS

help keep the love affair alive and well with this simple, colorful, flavorful, healthy cuisine.

Born in Lucca, Italy, in 1867, Filippo Berio Olive Oil celebrates 150 years of culinary passion and artistry by combining traditional ingredients in contemporary, unexpected recipes that can help you savor the moment.

For more recipe creations, visit FilippoBerio. com/recipes.

Caprese Zucchini Noodle Bowl Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 medium zucchini, spiralized (instructions at right) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 1/2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup packed chopped fresh basil 1 ball (8 ounces) burrata cheese, torn

Directions:

Toss together zucchini, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper; let stand 10 minutes, or until zucchini starts to soften.

Gently stir in tomatoes and basil. Divide salad among four bowls. Top with cheese.

How to Spiralize Zucchini

Use zucchini at least 2 inches in diameter for best results. Trim ends of zucchini.

Place spiralizer on smooth surface, such as a countertop, pushing down to adhere suction cups onto surface and secure machine for spiralizing.

Place desired blade into spiralizer. Turn zucchini into long strands, trimming with clean kitchen shears as needed.

Chicken Cutlet Broccoli Rabe Sandwich Recipe courtesy of Chef Mary Ann Esposito

Prep time: 17 minutes | Cook time: 13 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 small onion, diced 1 pound broccoli rabe, stems removed and leaves cut into 2-inch pieces 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided freshly ground black pepper, to taste

6 oil-cured black olives, pitted and diced (optional) 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 4 chicken cutlets (about 1 pound total) 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup bread crumbs, toasted 8 slices bread, toasted 4 slices provolone cheese (optional)

Directions:

In 10-inch saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat; saute onion 3 minutes, or until translucent. Stir in broccoli rabe and red pepper flakes; cover and cook over medium heat 2-3 minutes, or until broccoli rabe is wilted. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste; stir in olives, if desired. Transfer mixture to bowl; cover and keep warm.

In small paper or plastic bag, combine flour and remaining salt. One at a time, add chicken cutlets; shake to coat each cutlet in flour then

transfer to plate. Dip cutlets in egg then bread crumbs and return to plate. Set aside.

In skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining olive oil. Working in batches, brown chicken, cooking 2-3 minutes, or until golden on each side and no longer pink inside.

To serve: Top each bread slice with one chicken cutlet; spread with broccoli rabe mixture. Top with slices of provolone, if desired. Top with remaining bread.

Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe courtesy of Chef Mary Ann Esposito

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Makes: Two 9-to-10-inch pizzas

Ingredients:

1 pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature 1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced 1/4 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, diced coarse sea salt

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil

Directions:

Heat well-oiled cast-iron or nonstick 10- or 12-inch frying pan over medium heat 5 minutes.

Divide dough in half; roll one half into round 1 inch smaller than diameter of pan. Cook dough in hot pan until dough begins to rise and bottom starts to brown. Using metal spatula, turn carefully. Layer half the tomato slices over dough; scatter half the mozzarella over top. Lower heat to medium-low; cook until mozzarella melts.

Using metal spatula, transfer pizza to cutting board. Sprinkle with salt; drizzle with half the olive oil. Cut into wedges; sprinkle half the basil over top.

Repeat with remaining ingredients.

ACROSS 1. Clichéd 6. *UK broadcaster of rugby, cricket, etc.

9. Popular one-pot meal 13. First cradles 14. Note that follows soh 15. Alluring maiden 16. White, in Paris 17. *”Miracle on Ice” winner 18. Butcher’s refuse 19. *A top baseball performer 21. *1st F in FFL 23. 252-gallon cask 24. ____ ex machina 25. *Cassius Clay, ____ Muhammad Ali 28. Twiggy’s skirt 30. Undesirable city district 35. Cheap trinket 37. Lion’s share 39. Church greeter 40. ____ Pound, poet 41. Comes before “we all fall down” 43. “Partridge in a ____ tree” 44. Kind of word, pl.

46. “All for one, one for all” sword 47. Not final 48. Bloody Mary juice 50. Wet nurse 52. Hi-____ 53. Baker’s baker 55. ____ shot taken by police 57. *Type of arts 61. Firefighter’s tap 65. Kind of committee 66. Form of “to be” 68. Helicopter parent, e.g.

69. Fare reductions 70. Toni Morrison’s “____ Baby” 71. Kind of change 72. JFK or ORD postings 73. *Rob Gronkowski is an NFL tight ____ 74. Devoid of matter

DOWN 1. Big brass 2. It shall, for short 3. *____ Madrid football club 4. German surrealist Max 5. Authoritative declaration 6. Hangover memory?

7. Like low relief 8. Caused by friction 9. Like baby’s bottom 10. Porous rock 11. Paleozoic and Victorian ones 12. Skilled in deception 15. Japan’s main island 20. Carl Jung’s inner self 22. *Month for NFL pre-season games 24. China-washing tub 25. *Free one is not under contract 26. Popular toy wind instrument 27. Gold, to a chemist 29. *Win “by a ____” 31. *Worldwide leader in sports?

32. Not our 33. Pick on 34. Florentine iris 36. *Oregon Ducks’ coach Altman 38. Team homophone 42. Morally degraded 45. Unemotional ones 49. Female reproductive cells 51. *Get-together 54. Fill with spirits 56. Get one ready for National Dog Show 57. Like a full-fledged Mafia man 58. Miners’ passage 59. Actress Perlman 60. Marines’ toy recipients 61. Deer social group 62. Summit location 63. Hitler’s Eagle’s ____ 64. *3-point field goal 67. *What Usain Bolt did See solution on page 13

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What’s Happening

July 19, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS

July 29: Bingo

Join Peace Lutheran Church-Winghaven for a free and fun VBS on July 17 - 21 from 6 - 8 p.m. Children fully potty-trained through fifth grade are welcome. Register online at www. peacewinghaven.org or call 636-5618282. Peace is located at 9320 Phoenix Village Parkway in O’Fallon.

Lucky Bingo will take place at the Clarksville American Legion. Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner by the Clarksville Memorial VFW Post 4610 and games start at 7 p.m. There will also be a silent auction. Cost is $20 for 20 games. This fundraiser is for the Clarksville Community Chamber of Commerce “A Day in OZ” event.

July 22: Mermaids and Mates

July 29: German club meeting

July 17-21: Vacation bible school

Ahoy all ye mermaids and pirates ages three-to-six, join in the fun of piratethemed games and prizes, treasure hunting, craft-making, swimming and, at the end of the program, pizza.

Mermaids and Mates will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center at 403 Civic Park Drive (in Civic Park) in O’Fallon. The cost is $12 for O’Fallon residents and $15 for non-residents. Be sure to register for Mermaids and Mates (program 110109-A) no later than Friday, July 14. It’s easy to register for O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation programs online with your email or in person at the Renaud Spirit Center at 2650 Tri Sports Circle or the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 400 Civic Park Drive. Administration Office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

July 23: Quarter auction

The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 313 will host a “Christmas In July” Quarter Auction at American Legion at 200 Main Street (upper level at Hobo’s) in St. Peters. Doors open at 1 p.m., games are from 2 to 4 p.m. Entrance fee is $10 (includes one paddle).

Twelve vendors will be present, as well as many items to bid on. Cash bar, table snacks will be provided, no outside foods please. Seating is limited, reservations are recommended, please contact Ruth McDonough at 314-9419804 for more information.

July 26-30: Theater performance

St. Charles Community College’s Center Stage Theatre will present “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” July 2630 in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the SCC campus.

The all-ages show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. July 26-29, and 2 p.m. July 29-30. Tickets are free to SCC students with ID, or $8 general admission and $6 seniors, veterans and students. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.

July 28: Trivia night

Members of the Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon are sponsoring a Trivia Night at the Christy Banquet Center at 9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in O’Fallon.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the game starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $200 for a table of eight people. Prizes will be given for highest and lowest scoring teams, plus 50/50 drawing and raffle baskets.

Soda, beer and wine will be provided.

Additional drink options are available through open cash bar. Register at https://secure.portalbuzz.com/register. For registration questions call Don at 314-630-4738 or email collettep9@ gmail.com. All trivia night proceeds will go toward replacing the dilapidated playground equipment at the O’Fallon Salvation Army.

July 28: Card and game night

The Church of the Transfiguration, at 1860 Lake St. Louis Boulevard, is hosting card and game night. It is held on the last Friday of each month. The next get-together is at 6 p.m. in the lower level of the church. Soda and popcorn is provided. Bring a snack/ drink if you like, but not required.

Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) meets the last Saturday of every month. Attendees are predominantly German born/raised people who get together at 11 a.m. in St. Charles to speak German, eat a late breakfast or early lunch and sip a cool drink or two.

Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht Mittagessen), und geniessen ein Gespräch auf deutsch. Over 50 percent of attendees were born or raised in Germany and over 50 percent live in St. Charles County. Meeting location is Culpepper’s Restaurant at 3010 W Clay St. in St Charles (North side of I-70 at Zumbehl Road in St Charles).

July 30: All-you-can-eat breakfast

The Knights of Columbus at St. Robert Bellarmine Church at 1424 First Capitol Drive South in St. Charles will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes: made to order omelets, pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee Cost for adults is $7, for children six to 11 is $4 and children five and under are free. In addition a blood drive will be held at the same time as the breakfast. Those who donate blood that day will receive a free breakfast. For additional information please call 636-946-6799.

Aug. 5: Golf tournament

St. Charles Friends of Birthright will be hosting the Twenty-fourth Annual Golf Tournament at the Links at Dardenne in O’Fallon. This year it will be a family friendly tournament so gather your friends and their families to enjoy a day filled with golf fun.

Capable players of all ages are encouraged to participate. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. followed by lunch in the clubhouse. To register, sponsor, donate or volunteer visit http://www.events.org/ friendsgolfscramble.

Aug. 10: Day trip

Dig into large fossil finds, Anheuser artifacts and “mile-high” apple pie as the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre takes a day trip to Kimmswick, Missouri. The historic Kimmswick Bone Bed site at Mastodon State Historic Site provides a close-up view of one of our country’s biggest ice age fossil finds. Bones of mastodons, giant sloths and more, plus 10,000-year-old stone spear points, give you a glimpse into prehistoric life. Enjoy lunch at Blue Owl Restaurant, famous for its milehigh apple pie, and take a timeout to visit some of Kimmswick’s quaint shops before our last stop at Anheuser Museum and Estate. Check out Anheuser family and brewery artifacts and other memorabilia at this historic 23-acre estate, built along the Mississippi River in 1867 with splendid views of the river and its wildlife. The motorcoach bus leaves the west parking lot of St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. at 8:30 a.m. and returns around 4:30 p.m. The Kimmswick trip involves quite a bit of walking, but mostly at your leisure. The cost is $91 and includes transportation, admissions, lunch and gratuities. For more information on this and other day trips offered by the Cultural Arts Centre, call 636-397-6903, ext. 1624, or visit www.stpetersmo.net/arts.

Aug. 12: Parent education program

First Impact is a traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) law.

The goal of First Impact is to reduce the number of motor vehicle fatalities, injuries and crashes among teen drivers. First Impact will help parents understand teen driving risks, enforcement and monitoring of GDL law and serving as a positive role model. A First Impact parent presentation will be held from 8:30 – 10 a.m. at Wentzville Law Enforcement Center at 1019 Schroeder Creek Blvd. in Wentzville. Your new driver is welcome to attend with you. Register at https:// firstimpact.missouri.edu/events/ parent-program-at-wentzville-policedepartment/

Aug. 13: Big band concert

The St. Charles Big Band presents Sunday Serenades, a summer big band concert series, at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive in St. Charles. The concert begins at 7:30 and is free. Bring lawn chair or blanket. See www.stcharlesband.com for details.

Aug. 19: Outdoor summer concert and movie

Each summer, the city of Dardenne Prairie Parks and Recreation Department proudly presents the Summer Concert & Movie Series. Featuring the band Borderline, the event takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at City Hall Park, located at 2032 Hanley Road in Dardenne Prairie. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Aug. 19: Theater auditions

Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “You Ain’t Nothin’ but a Werewolf ” at 8:30 a.m. in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.

Auditions are open for youths ages 8 to 18 and will consist of a song that will be taught, a short dance combination and a brief reading from the script.

Students auditioning should wear comfortable clothes and shoes (no flip flops) and must be accompanied by an adult. To be cast, students must either have had Introductory Theatre Workshop I or concurrently enroll in that class in addition to being in the production. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 and Oct. 14; and 2 p.m.

Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636-922-8233.

Aug. 20: Theater auditions

Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “The Nutcracker” at noon in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus.

The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Auditions are open for youths ages 8 to 18 and will consist of readings from the script, a dance combination which will be taught and basic movement. Students auditioning should bring dance shoes (jazz, ballet, tap or all) and wear clothes in which they can dance comfortably. They must also be accompanied by an adult. To be cast, students must either have had Introductory Theatre Workshop I or concurrently enroll in that class in addition to being in the production. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 15, and Dec. 16; and 2 p.m. Dec. 16, and Dec. 17.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636922-8233.

Aug. 24: Concert series

The St. Charles Municipal Band presents Down By the Riverside, a summer concert series, Thursday nights at 8 p.m. in June, July, and August. Con-

certs are performed at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive in St. Charles. Bring lawn chair or blanket to these free programs. See www.stcharlesband.com for details.

Sept. 3: Big band concert

The St. Charles Big Band presents Sunday Serenades, a summer big band concert series, at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive in St. Charles. The concert begins at 7:30 and is free. Bring lawn chair or blanket. See www.stcharlesband.com for details

Sept. 9: Craft fair

Tri County Advisory Board to Probation and Parole, Probation and Parole District 17, Missouri Department of Correction invites you to their Fifth Annual Christmas in September Craft Fair at Calvary Church at 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sept. 23: Prairie Day

Fireworks, music, inflatables, and a variety of other attractions are some highlights of the Dardenne Prairie’s Annual Prairie Day celebration from 12 – 10 p.m. The event will be located at Dardenne Prairie City Hall Park.

This celebration will feature food, entertainment, crafts, superheroes and many fun activities for children and adults to take part in. Vendor booths will be on display from 12 – 5 p.m. with St. Louis’ ultimate party band Contagious taking the main stage at 6 p.m. Admission to the event is free for all ages.

Sept. 23: Veterans benefit

Drive for Your Community to benefit Vietnam Veteran’s Chapter 458 is sponsored by Ford Motor Company and hosted by Pundmann Ford at the dealership at 2727 West Clay in St. Charles from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.For further information contact Neal Fix at 636-947-8730.

ONGOING EVENTS

Sundays and Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

The Central Missouri Railroad Association meets at Suite 20 in the Warrenton Outlet Mall. This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more info call 636-2795522 or 636-456-0776.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

Take off pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Grace at 636-9464687.

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

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

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

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I love you, B.I.L.Y., Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at314 993 7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo.com. B.I.L.Y 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: 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.

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

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

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Mondays: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

The Seasoned Eye Carvers meet every Monday from 9am to noon at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center, 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop).

Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

Mondays, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes

9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville.

314-369-6521.

Mondays: Chronic pain support group

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

1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting 6:30pm. Location varies. 314-3047480.

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.

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

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

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

6:30 pm at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.219.0553.

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

1 – 4 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.

Tuesdays: 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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • July 19, 2017 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: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

Spotlight

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

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

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

Noon – 1pm at Tubby’s Bar & Grill at 506 Droste Rd. 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 636-448-4277. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.

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: Meeting

Toastmasters

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

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

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

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

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

Tuesdays: 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.

Every Tuesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball 8-9:30pm, in the Christian Life Center,

7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to high school and adult men.

Dardenne Prairie. Unique service of music, worship, and prayer for those in need of hope and healing.

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

1st and 3rd Wednesday Each: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

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

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

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club

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

Last Tuesday of every month, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner.

5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.

Every Tuesday & Thursday: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 8-9am & 10:15-11:15am. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

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

Wednesdays: Talk

Veterans

Coffee

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

Wednesdays: Marine League meeting

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.

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at Rookies Bar and Grill at 3721 New Town Rd. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Wednesdays: TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club 661 Wentzville holds meetings every Wednesday at 9:15 p.m. at Elder Court community meeting room. For more information call 314-650-1014.

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.

1st Wednesday: Hope & Healing

5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in

7pm – 9pm. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

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.

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: Lions Club meeting

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

Thursdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Thursday at 6 p.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. For more information call Mary Stassi at 636-357-1387.

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.

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 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 Vickie Young at 636.928.7348, or Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

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.

What’s Happening

Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting

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

Every Thursday: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 7-7:55pm Any level. Info: 636.928.1928.

Every Thursday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 10am Free. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Alexander Chapter #242 Order of the Eastern Star Meetings

13

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.

3rd 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.

2nd & 4th Thursday: Alexander Chapter 242/Eastern Star St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway, St. Charles.

636.577.0056.

7:30pm, St. Charles Masonic Lodge, SUDOKU answers from page 10

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

14

July 19, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

NOVENA

HELP WANTED

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.

www.dawcstl.com

www.applitrack.com/fhsd/onlineapp

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, R.H.

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16

July 19, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

By Steve Bryan

Music, moms drive plots of ‘Baby Driver’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

M O V I E

The musical score is an essential part of any motion picture. The “Star Wars” franchise, for instance, wouldn’t be the same without the legendary themes created by John Williams. The composer also wrote the score for “Close Encounters,” the story of aliens reaching out to earthlings. Williams created that iconic, five-note tonal phrase that bridged the alien/human communication gap.

In two 2017 summer releases, music also became an essential character. As “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” opens, director James Gunn has Baby Groot (voice of Vin Diesel) dancing to the Electric Light Orchestra classic “Mr. Blue Sky” as chaos and mayhem rain down around him. It’s a beautifully choreographed sequence showing how the other characters keep the cute little guy from harm.

In this Marvel franchise, music also reminds Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill/Star Lord character of his deceased mother, Meredith, who died from brain cancer when he was a boy. Quill brought his “Awesome Mix Vol. 1” tape with him when he was captured by Yondu and his Ravagers, whose mission was to bring the boy to his space-faring father.

At the end of the first movie, Peter unwraps “Awesome Mix Vol. 2,” a final present from his mom. He left the gift untouched for more than two decades before opening it with his new teammates. It is a token of love from Meredith and helps close out the first film.

Peter also has a paternal connection to music. “GOTG Vol. 2” contains the first meeting between Peter and Ego (Kurt Russell), his estranged father. Ego uses the classic Looking Glass song “Brandy” to explain why he left Meredith on Earth so long ago. The lyrics describe a sailor who cares for Brandy, but his love for the sea forces him to leave her. Ego identifies with that sailor, afraid to give up outer space for Peter’s mom.

The title character in Sony’s “Baby Driver” has a lot in common with Star Lord. This brilliant piece, written and directed by Edgar Wright, focuses on a young getaway driver who is never without earbuds. Baby’s mother was a beautiful singer who died tragically in a car wreck when he was younger. The same accident left Baby with tinnitus or a “hum in the drum” as his boss Doc (Kevin Spacey) likes to say. The music drowns out that constant humming.

Like Quill, music defines and focuses Baby’s life. With tunes in his ears, he drives with the same level of intensity as the characters in “The Fast and the Furious” franchise. Music connects him with his roommate Joseph (CJ Jones) and a lovely waitress named Debora (Lily James). He loves music, the memory of his mother and Debora; but his occupation may be the death of him.

Films like “Close Encounters,” “Baby Driver” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” show how music becomes a part of the tapestry of life. Songs connect us to one another, bringing to mind memories, both good and bad, of important times and people in our lives.

“Baby Driver’ photo courtesy Sony Pictures Entertainmnet; Guardians of the Galaxy photo courtesy Marvel Studios 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.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.