CNSTC: January 1, 2020

January 1, 2020

A look back at 2019

Around Town WSD receives clean ‘unmodified’ financial audit. Pg. 4 The Phantom Gourmet reviews Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant.

Pg. 5

School

WSD hires new Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. Pg. 6

Features

Photo courtesy St. Charles County Ambulance District First responders with the St. Charles County Ambulance District (from left) Lisa Cassidy, Blake Gabbard, Jeremey Hoorah stand with rescued survivor John Smith (holding plaque).

The Community News reviews the year that was for St. Charles County Looking back, 2019 was an eventful year here in St. Charles County. As we flip the calendar to 2020, we at the Community News thought it would be a good time to look back at what transpired over the past 12 months.

We have collected the highlights and remember all of the difference-makers in our community in 2019.

JANUARY Growing their own educators The Fort Zumwalt Education Foundation has provided Fort Zumwalt seniors interested in pursuing a teaching career in a “high needs,” area tuition assistance awards since 2005. The foundation gives loans to deserving future district teachers for four years in the

areas of special education, foreign language, industrial technology, math, and science. The no-interest, $7,000 loan is forgiven once the student completes their fourth year of teaching within the Fort Zumwalt School District in a high-needs area.

The district has placed 11 teachers in the classroom since 2007, with eight more work-

ing towards completing their degree. Dr. Jackie Floyd is an Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and oversees the Grow Your Own Teacher program.

“It has really been something to see them leave here as an 18-year-old student and then return and start families,” Floyd said. “It has held true what we had thought at the time, which is that these are committed and community-centered educators.”

FEBRUARY St. Charles marks 250 years The city of St. Charles celebrated its 250th anniversary and Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were front and center.

See ‘2019’ page 2

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol.22 No.1| 636-379-1775

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku.

Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword. Pg. F-4

Weather FRIDAY Cloudy; Spotty Showers 50/32 SATURDAY MIx of Sun and Clouds 47/32 SUNDAY Sunny 48/30 FirstWarn Weather

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

2

Around Town

LET YOUR BUSINESS MEET OUR READERS

READER SURVEY RESULTS

of our readers purchased from our advertisers in the past 90 days.

For advertising

636-379-1775 info@mycnews.com

Huneke Publications, Inc. 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 PH: 636-379-1775 | FX: 636-379-1632

January 1, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘2019’ from cover Inside the lobby of St. Charles City Hall, located at 200 North Second Street, are two awe-inspiring works of art inspired by the two adventurers and their famous guide.

A statue of Sacajawea and her son Pompey titled “Birdwoman” is an eight-foot patinaed bronze statue given on loan to the city by Harlan Pals. Also in the lobby of city hall, St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith commissioned Gary Lucy to complete the painting depicting the important moment in history when “La Vigilante” made its way from New Orleans.

“I don’t think people realize all the research that goes into a piece like this,” Lucy said. “As you can see, the Lewis and Clark keelboat is a smaller version of La Vigilante.

Many believe the keelboat design could have been influenced by the Spanish vessel.”

MARCH Heartfelt support

Published weekly since 1921.

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/General Manager Robert J. Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistant Melissa Nordmann Copy Editor Donna Huneke Staff Writers Brett Auten, Charlotte Beard Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore Cartoonist John Hanna

Home alone, and the pain not letting up, Thom Meinert, who was 59-years-old at the time, made the decision that saved his life. He called 911. The St. Charles County Ambulance District arrived just in time as Meinert’s condition continued to plummet.

He soon lost his pulse (the first of 10 instances that occurred).

Meinert is among a growing group of in-

Social Media Lori North Classiied Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Heather Deatz, Dominick Gagliardi, Doug Garbs, Bob Huneke, Steve Medlock, Norm Merchant, Elise Robinson, Christy Parks, Christy Weber Ch Circulation Dominion Distribution, Papers Unlimited Community News is a Registered Trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc: Neither the advertiser nor the publisher is responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Huneke Publications, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject all news and advertising copy which in the sole judgement and discretion of the publisher/ed itor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication. Copyright 2019 Huneke Publications, Inc. with all rights reserved. No part of the publications may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher/editor. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Entire Contents Copyrighted.

www.LaserLipoandVeins.com

dividuals in the region who have been successfully resuscitated by paramedics using cutting-edge protocols for cardiac arrest management.

“Though I’m continually thankful for being given a new lease on life, there have been times over the past few years that have been difficult,” Meinert said. “These are times where it would simply be nice to talk with someone facing a similar situation.”

That is what motivated him to launch the Cardiac Arrest Survivors’ Support Group and the inaugural meeting was held last March. Meinert is inviting any survivors throughout the St. Charles and the St. Louis metro area to attend the meetings.

The Cardiac Arrest Survivors’ Support Group held at the St. Charles County Ambulance District Headquarters located at 4169 Old Mill Parkway, in St. Peters.

APRIL Local heroes become movie marvels Hitting theaters on Easter weekend, “Breakthrough” is based on the harrowing, yet uplifting, true story of a mother’s love in the face of impossible odds. When Joyce Smith’s adopted son John fell through an icy Lake St. Louis, all hope seemed lost.

On that night in January 2015, John Smith was underneath the ice for 15 minutes, with no oxygen. When EMS workers rescued him, he had no pulse. They rushed him to the emergency room and worked on him for another 45 minutes. The doctors could not bring him back to life. When they brought Joyce into the emergency room and she saw her son laid out on the table, dead, instead of saying goodbye, she grabbed his feet and said, ‘Holy Spirit please bring back my son right now!’ Immediately, the EKG machine began going off. John Smith not only just survived, but would return to school around 30 days after the accident.

And while the film is a reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle, a cornerstone of

the story was the unity between the area’s emergency response teams.

“It was all a team effort from the first responders all the way to the emergency room personnel,” Lake St. Louis Police Chief Chris DiGiuseppi said. “The bottom line is, there were multiple miracles on that day. I’m a faith-based guy and they had given up. They had called it and stopped recitation and yet, here we are.”

MAY Braille battlers

Four students from Francis Howell School District refused to be hamstrung by their limitations. The students, who are blind or visually impaired, put together a masterful performance in the Braille Challenge regional competition held the Missouri School for the Blind in St. Louis.

The Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind in North America for students who are blind or visually impaired. Any blind or visually impaired student from first grade through high school who can read and write braille is eligible to participate in the Braille Challenge.

Tyler Groves, a sixth grader at Saeger Middle and Luke McKeon, a fourth grader at Warren Elementary, both came away with a first-place finish. Francis Howell Central sophomore Claire Wright and Warren fourth grader Olivia Wright both received See ‘2019’ page 3

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 1, 2020

‘2019’ from page 2 Honorable Mention.

“I enjoyed the fun things that they had to do there, like at lunch they had basketball, a treadmill, and an endless rock wall,” Groves said. “I was really proud that I won and I want to compete again next year.”

JULY Celebrating one small step

JUNE After the flood

In June, the Mississippi River crested in St. Charles at over 35-feet, almost 11-feet above flood stage. St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann declared that a state of emergency exists in the county as a result of on-going, severe weather and serious flooding which began on April 29. The rain caused severe flooding in the areas of Portage des Sioux, West Alton, and Orchard Farm.

Once the river started to recede, clean-up and damage assessments began. That is when things really hit home for residents.

“The real impact will come when they see what the water has done to their home or property,” Captain Chris Hunt, the Director of St. Charles County Regional Emergency Management, said. “Most of these residents have lived here a long time and they know what they’re up against.”

Around Town

Jim Twellman will never forget it.

As a 10-year-old at a church picnic, Twellman recalled grown-ups and kids alike huddled around a black-and-white television that was drug outside so they could watch the Apollo 11 spaceflight that landed two men on the moon.

“It’s an emotion that has stuck with me and is connected with history,” Twellman said. “It was a huge sense of national accomplishment at the time.”

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing, the St. Charles County Parks Department hosted a late-night retro moon party at the Astronomy Viewing Area in Broemmelsiek Park, located at 1615 Schwede Road in Wentzville.

Members of the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri, in which Twellman is the Executive Director, sponsored the program and commemorated this historic event by showing guests images of the moon, Jupiter, Saturn and other constellations through high-powered telescopes.

AUGUST An incredible journey Your summer vacation photos look nothing like Mark Fingerhut’s.

3

OCTOBER A vision of hope

Fingerhut, a St. Louis native and resident, polished off a mind-bending trip, traveling the Missouri River via kayak. Fingerhut began his journey on May 14 on the Madison River near West Yellowstone in Montana.

On Aug. 17, after a stop in St. Charles the day before, he completed his journey some 2,400 miles later at the St. Louis Arch where a gathering of friends was there to greet him.

Fingerhut, 39, raised $4,000 for the Missouri River Relief, which is an organization that hosts many events around connecting people with the river and to recognize it as an important resource.

“It has been a dream for a long time,” Fingerhut said. “I didn’t know when it would happen until about a year ago. I wanted to do what I could do to help them and others who protect our waterways.”

SEPTEMBER The Rascals’ last at bat In September, ownership of the River City Rascals, an independent, Frontier League baseball team, informed O’Fallon officials that the team will cease

operations at the end of this season, wrapping up a 21-year run at CarShield Field that has seen the club entertain thousands of fans and area residents.

The city and the club were unable to come to terms on a longterm lease agreement.

David Schmoll is the General Manager of the Rascals. Schmoll estimated that the Rascals had 10 full-time employees, 50 parttime employees along with the 25-player roster. A significant amount of the employees came from the area. Schmoll and the Rascals treated the final week like a tribute to the fans.

“We had giveaways every inning and we wanted to do everything possible to make sure everybody left with a smile on their face,” Schmoll said. “It is pretty incredible for any minor league franchise to not only last this long, but also stay in one city for this long. It is a testament to the support we had, and still have.”

Baseball will return to O’Fallon in 2020 as a new team will replace the Rascals at CarSheild Field.

As Denny Huff tells it, being blind isn’t cheap. It was 46-years ago when in a split second, Huff lost his eyesight due to a work accident.

Now 70, Huff is the President of the St Charles County Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired. The SCCCB is an organization that provides support and assistance to help guide those with visual impairments through the maze of questions that will arise as one builds a new lifestyle without sight.

This year, with the help of a few local angels, SCCCB initiated a new Adaptive Technology Grants Program to fulfill its mission of enriching the lives of legally blind St. Charles County residents. Adaptive technology can be very expensive, so SCCCB understands why many legally blind in our community are not able to benefit from its use.

“We are trying to reach as many people as we can,” Huff said. “We hope the applications come in and we can really start helping.”

See ‘2019’ page 4

4

Around Town

‘2019’ from page 3 NOVEMBER A meeting 75 years in the making

Glenn Harrison and Robert Garvey, both of whom are World

January 1, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

War II veterans with extraordinarily familiar backgrounds, crossed paths for the first time.

The 99-year-old Harrison and the 97-year old Garvey served in the Army Air Corps and both were shot down over Germany within seven days of each other in June 1944 and held until May 1945. Each moved to the northern St. Louis area and worked for McDonnell Douglas for decades before moving into St. Charles County. They had never met until the VFW Post 5077 arranged a meeting at Park Place Senior Living at Winghaven in O’Fallon.

“It turned out really nice,” Dave Garvey, Robert Garvey’s son, said. “To hear them exchange experiences during the war, it was really interesting to listen to both of them.”

DECEMBER No ‘shhhh’ zone There are two new interactive early literacy spaces installed at two St. Charles City-County Library Foundation library branches.

In the children’s areas of both branches, children can play with interactive games, build-

ing materials, train tables and wind tunnels along with other structures, toys and play spaces unique to each branch.

The Kisker Road Branch Library, located at 1000 Kisker Road, offers an Alphabright (with light-up alphabet blocks), an interactive three-sided play set and large foam building blocks. The Middendorf-Kredell Branch, located at 2750 Highway K in O’Fallon, has a Baby Garden, an interactive light board, a magnet wall and a Pretend & Play Animal Hospital.

“We have always had a focus on interactive activities for our

young readers,” Maggie Melson, St. Charles City-County Library Director of Youth Services, said.

“We plan to expand on that and make the library more of a hub for the entire family.”

WSD receives clean ‘unmodified’ financial audit The Wentzville School District received a clean audit of its financial records, accounting practices and compliance with state and federal requirements during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2019. The audit, which was conducted by the Daniel Jones & Associates accounting firm and approved by the WSD Board of Education, reported no findings or questioned costs.

Cory Roper, Senior Accountant with Daniel Jones & Associates, reported to the School Board on Nov. 21, that members of his firm had spent several weeks reviewing extensive documentation from the WSD Finance and Facilities Department. The audit was all inclusive, reviewing everything from whether a purchase order originated following proper procedures, to how a purchase order becomes a check, reviewing bids and contracts, verifying attendance and payroll records, as

www.pbtc.net

well as confirming correct receipt of revenue at the local, county, state and federal level.

“This is great news for the district and a point of pride not just for our department, but for everyone across the WSD who is charged with managing school and department budgets, as well as our community,” shared Rick Angevine, Chief Financial Officer. “A clean audit is a reflection of our efforts to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars to maintain the trust of our stakeholders. As we work to manage our continued enrollment growth, we are mindful of that trust and aim to stretch every dollar to meet the needs of all students.”

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District In 2018-2019, the district’s total operating revenues The Wentzville School District received a clean audit of its financial records, were $189.9 million. For additional details about the accounting practices and compliance with state and federal requirements auditor’s report and WSD finances, visit the WSD web- during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2019. site.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 1, 2020

Inspiration Corner:

Hope for when we lose heart

“Some imagine independence to be a natural charter, to exercise without restraint, and to their fullest extent all the energies, both physical and mental, with which they have been endowed; and for their individual aggrandizement alone, without regards to the rights of others, provided they extend to all the same privilege and freedom of action. Such independence is the worst of tyranny.” – David Crockett The wind is like hoary frost as it invades the crevices in my jacket. The muscles in my neck flex as I push through mile three of my run. I scale Mount Droste like a mountain goat. My feet catch the pavement and I press forward against gravity.

The run is easy; however, compared to the mental burdens I carry. The lead weight of work and familial stress threatens to pull me over the edge of Cliff Sanity. My tears freeze on my cheek, but they are not evidence of cowardice; they are the sweat of my soul as I strive for solace. But how do I find it when my heart is steadily sinking?

In early March 1836, David Crockett stood in the former Mission San Antoni de Valero near San Antonio, Texas. He had endured the shortage of food and water, but now even hope was in short demand. The former bear-slayer and member of the Tennessee legislature looked around at the small band of brave men who were fighting to liberate Texas from Mexico and wondered, if they have any chance. They numbered less than 200 while it is estimated General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna had a force of over 4,000. “El Alamo”, so named by the Spanish military troops who commandeered it from missionaries and their Na-

Restaurant Review:

Margaret Wolfinbarger is a wife and mother of three peculiar children. She lives in St. Charles and likes to shine light into dark places.

Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant

Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant is a staple for those who live in the St. Charles area. This diner offers a homecooked meal just like Grandma used to make.

Their reputation precedes them, and they did not disappoint. I went on a Monday night around 7 p.m. and it was still buzzing with customers. Luckily, I did not have to wait for a table and my server offered courteous and speedy service.

The menu offered a variety of dishes and served breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. This menu also included my favorite breakfast dish, eggs benedict ($10.29) The eggs benedict’s egg was not only poached but also done correctly as it was not overcooked. It paired beautifully with the hollandaise and the ham. This combi-

The Phantom Gourmet

tive American converts, would soon fall back into the hands of Mexico and become part of the rally cry that lingers even today.

Independence was heavy on Davy’s mind for he must have felt very alone. Supply lines for food and water had been cut and hope for survival was scant. The appeal for reinforcements from Co. W. B. Travis had produced only 32 fighting men and they now knew reinforcements from Goliad would not make it in time. By all accounts, the men were slaughtered. Sadly, Davy never heard the resulting rally cry or the subsequent punishment of Santa Ann by Sam Houston and his men.

What must he have thought in those last minutes as he literally lost heart?

When personal suffering takes up residence with us we endure the loss of hope. Sometimes literally, other times figuratively, but nevertheless we grapple with incorporeal pain. But there is one important lesson we can learn from David Crockett – our personal tragedy is not necessarily the end of the larger story. Maybe our loss is simply the seed from which a new revolution will grow.

Just ask Texas.

For more inspiration, follow me on my blog: www.destinationdiscipline.com.

Photo by The Phantom Gourmet Eggs benedict at Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant.

nation along with the toasted English muffin which was toasted to perfection made the dish more than worthwhile.

If you haven’t been to this diner it is more worth checking out and is the perfect place to bring the family. Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant is open 24 hours a day-seven days a week and is located at 1566 Country Club Plaza Dr.

Our mysterious Community News masked food critic.

You never know where “the phantom” will strike next.

Around Town

FACEBOOK.COM/MYCNEWS

5

6

School

January 1, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.

www.mycnews.com

www.sunnydalemhc.com

Wentzville School District hires new Assistant Superintendent of Student Services The Wentzville School District Board of Education has approved the hiring of Dr. Jeri LaBrot as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for the 2020-2021 school year. She is replacing Cheri Thurman who is retiring after 34 years in the WSD and 45 years in education.

LaBrot is currently the principal at Frontier Middle School, where she has been since 2016.

Prior to that, she was the Assistant Principal at North High in the Fort Zumwalt School District, and she taught Spanish at West High for six years prior to that. She holds a bachelor of science in elementary education from Mississippi State University, a master of arts in educational administration from Lindenwood University, and an educational leadership doctorate from Maryville University.

“During the last four years at Frontier Middle, I have focused on student achievement, instructional leadership, professional development, community outreach, positive student programming, special education services, and school climate. In having a wide array of experiences, I realize how important all facets of a district’s operations truly are, and I am dedicated to devoting the time and energy necessary to provide a phenomenal educational experience for each of our students in the Wentzville School District,” said LaBrot. “As the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, I look forward to building upon the traditions of the department, upholding the expectation of excellence the WSD is known for, fostering relationships among all stakeholders, and being an

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The Wentzville School District Board of Education has approved the hiring of Dr. Jeri LaBrot as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for the 2020-2021 school year.

approachable and available resource for all students, staff, and families.”

LaBrot is a native of Missouri and lives with her husband and four children in Lake Saint Louis.

Wentzville School District hires new principal for Boone Trail Elementary The Wentzville School District Board of Education has approved the hiring of Kara Welty as Principal of Boone Trail Elementary for the 2020-2021 school year. Welty, who is currently serving as assistant principal at Rockwood South Middle School in the Rockwood School District, replaces Michelle Cleve, who announced her resignation last month. Prior to becoming an administrator, Welty was a teacher mentor and technology coach in the Independence School District, taught sixth grade in the City of St. Charles School District, and taught first grade in the Fort Zumwalt School District.

Welty has her bachelor of sci-

ence degree in elementary education from Fontbonne University, her master of arts degree in educational administration from Lindenwood University, and she is currently working on her educational leadership doctorate through Maryville University. She has worked in education since 2012 and was the recipient of the Missouri Beginning Teacher Award in 2013 and the METC Spotlight Educator Award in 2017.

“It is a dream come true to join the Boone Trail Elementary and Wentzville team,” shared Welty. “I am filled with joy and gratitude! I look forward to have the opportunity to continue unlocking student potential,

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District The Wentzville School District Board of Education has approved the hiring of Kara Welty as Principal of Boone Trail Elementary for the 2020-2021 school year.

while bringing out the excellence in every student and staff member.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • January 1, 2020

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

EVENTS Jan. 10: O’Fallon State of the City Address

O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy will deliver his annual “State of the City” address at 10 a.m. in the City Council chambers at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon. The public is welcome to attend the event, which also will be broadcast live on O’FallonTV and live and on demand on the city’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us.

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 Schnuck’s meeting room located on Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville. 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 Connection 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 (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 (Second floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (Treasurer) 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 636-3970866 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, 636-219-0553.

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.

What’s Happening

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

7

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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 prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

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 preSchool, 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 636-561-8951.

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 636256-6823 for more details.

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 636-2338032.

Tuesdays: Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club

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.

www.

8

Sports

January 1, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

facebook.com/mycnews

www.drmarcycooper.com

www.proactiveprintservices.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

New baseball team in O’Fallon names manager to start 2020 The Hoots play in the Prospect League, a collegiate summer baseball league comprising teams of college players from North America and beyond.

All players in the league must have NCAA eligibility remaining in order to participate. So as to maintain their college eligibility, players are not paid. All home games are played at CarShield Field in O’Fallon.

Joe Lincoln will be the in the dugout leading the Hoots for the inaugural season.

“We are incredibly excited to have someone of Joe’s caliber and experience as the first manager of the O’Fallon franchise,” General Manager David Schmoll said. “Joe fits the culture we are building here in O’Fallon and I look forward to working with him throughout the year to build a championship-caliber team.”

Lincoln brings a high-level of recruiting and coaching acumen to O’Fallon. Throughout his coaching career, nine of his former players are currently on MLB rosters including 2019 Home Run Derby champion Pete Alonso and Cardinals centerfielder Harrison Bader. He has coached over 40 players now in minor league systems and five first-round draft picks.

“I am extremely grateful to the O’Fallon organization for this opportunity. I am very excited to get started and bring a Prospect League championship to O’Fallon,” Lincoln said. “The community is known for having the best fans in baseball and I know that the fans will be pleased with the team we are able to put on the field for them.”

Go to www.OFallonHoots.com for more details *New team, new personnel UMSL breaks records in the pool The University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s swimming team saw three school records broken on Saturday on the final day of the Delta State Christmas Invite in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Freshman Zara Konstapel placed fourth in the 200 breaststroke in an NCAA DII B-cut time of 2:19.55.

Another freshman Franziska Hauptmann was sixth in the 200 backstroke in a school record and B-cut time of 2:05.69.

Also for the Tritons, the 400 freestyle relay team (Julia Gorska, Seela Wang, Aga Blocka, Stephanie Schoemans) swam to a fifth place finish in a school record time of 3:35.79.

UMSL finished in third place among five teams in the team standings with 1331 points. ~~~Think swimming pools Ambush soccer club picks up second victory in young season The St. Louis Ambush play in the South Central division of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with home games at the Family Arena.

The team posted a 7-6 victory over the Tacoma Stars Friday night in front of the hometown fans.

The win was the second straight win for the Ambush, who defeated Kansas City on Dec. 15.

The score was knotted at two each at the end of the first quarter and at the end of the half the Ambush trailed by one goal.

The teams traded the lead with the Ambush’ Vadim Cojocov, Andre Braithwaite, Tony Walls and JT Thomas making the score knotted at six each.

The Ambush took the lead for the final time at 10:24 when Pablo Da Silva, shooting from well outside the arc, executed a rocket that deflected off teammate Mike Scharf and into the back of the net. The Ambush was able to hold on until the final buzzer, securing the 7-6 win. ~~~On a roll 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 • January 1, 2020

Recipe: A time-saving family meal Ingredients: 1 large egg 2 pounds 93% lean ground turkey 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup oat milk 1/2 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 package (8 ounces) mushrooms, sliced 2 cups unsalted chicken stock 3 tablespoons whole-wheat flour 1/4 cup plain almond milk yogurt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Line rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.

In large bowl, whisk egg; gently mix in turkey, onion, oat milk, breadcrumbs, pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Form turkey mixture into eight (4by-2 1/2-inch) loaves; place on prepared pan. Bake loaves 40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F.

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Mystic Mini Turkey Loaves

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.

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Serves: 8

In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil; add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally. In medium bowl, whisk chicken stock and flour; add to skillet and cook 3 minutes, or until thickened, whisking occasionally. Whisk in yogurt, pepper and remaining salt.

Serve loaves topped with gravy and sprinkled with parsley.

Tip: To freeze loaves, prepare turkey loaves but do not bake; freeze 2 hours, or until frozen. Wrap loaves tightly with plastic wrap and freeze in freezer-safe, zip-top plastic bags up to 3 months.

Thaw loaves in refrigerator overnight then bake on parchment-lined rimmed baking pan at 350 F 40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Proceed with remaining instructions.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Golden Globe nominee Eddie Murphy returns to ‘Saturday Night Live’

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 1979, “Saturday Night Live” was in a state of transition.

After four years, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd left the cast to focus on passion projects, such as a band based on their “Blues Brothers” characters.

Jane Curtin, Bill Murray and other core members of “The Not Ready for Prime-Time Players” finished the 1979-1980 season before moving on to other projects. The performers that originally made the comedy series a hit were now gone.

The 1980-81 season saw the arrival of newcomers Joe Piscopo and a young man named Eddie Murphy.

Over the next few years, these new faces helped “SNL” get back on track.

Murphy, who was a standout in the cast, also took time to star in “48 Hours,” “Trading Places” and his breakout hit “Beverly Hills Cop.” Cinematic success prompted him to leave the show and, except for hosting one time in December 1984, he stayed away from the show that helped make him a superstar.

On the last show of 2019, however, Eddie Murphy finally returned to “SNL,” bringing his classic Gumby, Mr. Robinson and Buckwheat characters back with him. Murphy’s critically acclaimed performance in “Dolemite is My Name” had a lot to do with his return.

list of worst actors the following year for “A Thousand Words.” The Razzies, short for “Golden Raspberry Awards,” single out the worst movies and performances of the year.

Eddie Murphy is a multi-talented performer who can play both comedic and serious roles. He has made some questionable film choices over the years (“The Adventures of Pluto Nash,” “Meet Dave,” “Norbit”), but the quality of his performances in “Mulan” and the “Shrek” franchise showcase his talent. In 1996, he starred in “The Nutty Professor,” Photo courtesy NBC a well-received remake of a classic Jerry Lewis comedy about a professor Based on the career of comedian and singer who creates a formula to make himself handRudy Ray Moore, the film focuses on Moore’s some. outrageous stand-up character, a pimp called Murphy also will reprise his Prince Akeem “Dolemite.” With his over-the-top manner- Joffer character in an upcoming sequel to isms and flamboyant outfits, Moore’s alter ego “Coming to America.” “Beverly Hills Cop 4” became a hit in the 1970’s. has already been announced and “Triplets,” the Murphy’s work in “Dolemite is My Name” sequel to the Arnold Schwarzenegger/Danny is not the first time has been nominated in DeVito comedy, is in pre-production. Murphy awards season. He earned a Golden Globe as is slated to play the brother to Schwarzenegger well as an Oscar nomination for his work in and DeVito’s characters.

2006’s “Dreamgirls.” Murphy also was nomIn many ways, Eddie Murphy is revisiting inated for an NAACP Image Award for 2011’s his comedic roots. It’s good to see him doing “Tower Heist,” but he made the Razzie’s short what he does best once again: making us laugh.

F-2

Feature

COLLECTIBLES

January 1, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

SCHOOL

RECORDS WANTED Cash paid for 78, 33 & 45 RPM records

House calls made Call Bob 636-296-5240

facebook.com/ mycnews

HELP WANTED

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

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

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.

CLASSIFIED SPECIAL! For Garage Sales, Moving Sales, Yard Sales, or Sale of Items.

$45 for the first week (1.5” x 1” ad)

$15 each additional week after that. $30 for a 1.5” x 2”

CALL 636-697-2414 Check it Out! www.MYCNEWS.com

SERVICES

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB

PET CEMETERY

over 2,500 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 40 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

SINGERS WANTED

www.mycnews.com • Community News • January 1, 2020

Feature

CLASSIFIEDS

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

314-993-1833

www.scrubbydutch.com

www.treesbywoody.net

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

www.cozyhomecleaners.org

Published Every Week Since 1921 Family-Owned & Operated

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

F-3

F-4

Feature

January 1, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Ancient History

‘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

For the Record The New Year is upon us and it’s time to start planning resolutions that can be quickly broken.

Here’s mine.

I’m going to start eating healthier beginning with fast food. No more burgers for the coming year. Yup, gonna give up those bovine by-products and move on. And just in time because several of my favorite restaurants have started a blasphemous hoax…err…a revolutionary idea—meatless burger patties. They’re completely plant-based and have been dubbed the Impossible Burger.

Go ahead. Ask me how they taste.

“How do they taste?”

How the heck should I know? It’s still the Old Year as of this writing, so of course I’m going to stuff my mouth hole with real-meat cow burgers before I take the big plunge and possibly do irreparable damage to my sensitive system.

To start the process I did a little research to find out just what I’d be getting myself into.

Unlike the old veggie burgers made from soy, lentils and beans, which resulted in a dry crumbly texture and irreparable damage to the system; the new and improved ones have a pink meaty color, juicy dribbles, smoky flavor and they can even get a charred crust when broiled. AND…wait for it…

By Cindy Moore they even bleed like beef.

Stop! You had me at juicy dribbles. I’m all in.

But, there are still questions to be answered.

First, what exactly are these wannabe burgers made of? Turns out they’re a tasty blend of soy and potato proteins. Yum??

Second, where do the juicy dribbles come from?

Answer: coconut and sunflower oil additives. Appetizing…not!

Next, what is it that holds this burger together?

The response is, of course, methylcellulose. Well, toss me a bib cause that made my mouth water like a busted pipe.

Finally, how is the burger taste recreated? Easy; from a little-known iron-containing compound called heme, which is found in all living organisms. The heme DNA is taken from soy plant roots and inserted into genetically engineered yeast.

Duh! Did a little more research. I watched a famous documentary on the outcome of genetically engineered things. You might have seen it. It’s an interesting show called, “The Fly.” Yea, the scientist in it also messes around with modifying Mother Nature and ends up looking like a hamburger that got over-fried on the grill.

New record: resolution broken before it’s even made.

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. Imposing abode 6. ____ ____ mode 9. Musical finale 13. Declares to be true 14. Bud or chum 15. Petroleum tanker 16. Relating to a gene 17. “La” precursor 18. Big Dipper shape 19. *Between Stone Age and Bronze Age 21. Concentration equalizing process 23. *E in BCE 24. Youngster 25. *The Romans built one at Bath’s hot springs 28. Make like a cat 30. Mountain cover 35. Instinctive motive 37. “General Hospital,” e.g.

39. Fresh Prince: “____ ya later!”

40. Lose coat 41. Upside down frown 43. Original thought 44. Not odds 46. Distinctive elegance 47. Feeling great delight 48. Mr. Selfridge’s sphere of expertise 50. Green-eyed monster 52. *Early christogram Chi ____ 53. In the back 55. Granola grain

57. *Italian city, Mount Vesuvius’ victim 61. *Pharaoh’s resting place 65. Tear-jerker 66. *The ____ Peoples, attackers of ancient Egypt 68. *Infamous Athens’ legislator 69. Continental money 70. Lincoln lumber 71. Itsy-bitsy bits 72. Pre-Soviet Russian ruler 73. Opposite of WSW 74. *Per Aristotle, there are 3 categories of this DOWN 1. Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior 2. Affirm solemnly 3. Wag of a finger 4. Don’t cast your pearls before it 5. Inner wall of a trench 6. Altar holder 7. *____ Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher 8. Metallic mixture 9. Bye in Palermo 10. Auto pioneer 11. Kosher eatery 12. *One of Greek mythology’s twelve Olympians 15. *Mesoamerica’s earliest known civilization 20. One maxwell per square

centimeter 22. ____, snowshoe, tube 24. Movie teaser 25. *Mesopotamia’s earliest civilization 26. Establish validity 27. End of a shoelace 29. *Romulus’ domain 31. Ruler of emirate 32. Mothball substitute 33. 1st letter of Hebrew alphabet 34. *Founder of first Academy in Athens 36. *Virgil wrote of this volcano in the “Aeneid” 38. Blueprint or outline 42. Diplomat on a mission 45. “The Odyssey” temptresses 49. Hula accessory 51. Jamaican gang member 54. Bridal path 56. Divination card 57. *Virgil or Homer 58. Cross to bear 59. Actress Sorvino 60. Standard’s partner 61. One side of a leaf 62. *Euclid’s sphere of expertise, for short 63. International Civil Aviation Org. 64. Take a nap 67. Long, long time SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9