CNSTC: January 18, 2023

Around Town

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

CLA SSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3

Moore On Life, Lifestyle & Crossword. Pg. F-4

Submitted photos

in

Calling

Good luck trying to get a word in edgewise when the Missouri Professional Auctioneers Association gathers here next month.

Watch the Richter scale as the verbiage will be rumbling during this two-day event that serves as an educational platform for the industry.

The highlight of each night at the 2023 MPAA Winter Conference (hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott in St. Peters on Feb. 17 and 18) will be the contests, one of which open to all comers.

Men and women from across the state will compete in one division and the highlight will be the Ringman Contest, which is open to the public. A ringman is known as the unsung hero of the auction industry. The ringman is placed in the crowd and serves as a liaison between the auctioneer and the buyer.

“A ringman has to have some attitude or they won’t be around long,” Toney Thornhill, President of the MPAA, said. “They can create or deflate a room as quickly as possible.”

For those competing, dress code for the contest is business presentation attire

while the wearing of hats is not banned, it is strongly discouraged as judges want to be able to see their face. Contestants will be required to bring three items valued at $35 each to be sold in the contest.

“They each have a different delivery style and way of being on stage that makes it their own and special,” Thornhill said. “And in many cases, you are judged by people you have broken bread with multiple times.”

See ‘CALL’ page 2 Weather FRIDAY Sunny 45/28 SATURDAY Partly Cloudy 45/28 SUNDAY Cloudy 43/31 The Missouri Professional Auctioneers Association will host a contest

compete in the international championship held this summer in Oklahoma City.

The conference isn’t just who can bellow the loudest and brightest. It is one of two gatherings a year that looks to provide educational opportunities for new and experienced auctioneers alike. There are seminar topics on social media impressions, IT safety, and vocal cord health.

“Many (auction companies) are going to online platforms, which has its own safety issues and concerns,” Thornhill said. “And as far as taking care of your voice, it’s just like a carpenter who breaks his hammer, you may be off the job for a minute.”

The following day closes with the Bid Calling contest and Hall of Fame induction. Proceeds from the sale of the items to benefit the MPAA. For more information, visit online at www. moauctioneers.org.

Thornhill grew up in the auction industry and got his professional start in 1990 as a ringman, where his role during events was to signal the auctioneer to bids placed in the audience. Thornhill obtained his auctioneer’s license in 2000 and that led to the formation of Higher Calling Auctions, located in Cottleville.

Higher Calling is a full-service auction company, offering fundraising, personal property, and real estate services. It has raised over $4 million dollars since its inception.

Unique multi-generational art event seeks entry applications

Crossroads Arts Council has called for art for a unique coming together of artists as young as 17 years of age, covering all generations, up to local senior citizens. This is the eighth annual countywide event, which is also open to both professional and non-professional artists.

This is a non-juried show but will be judged. Cash awards and Honorable Mention ribbons will be given during the opening reception, to be held on Feb. 5. Artists may enter up to five pieces. Entry fee is $5 for each art piece for CAC members and $10 for each piece for nonmembers. Artists can sell their entry item with a 10%

commission to the Crossroads Arts Council. The show entitled “Spanning the Generations” is being offered to promote cultural arts in the city of Wentzville. It is also intended to help local artists, emerging student artists, local professional and non-professional artists and especially senior citizens who enjoy creating art to now have the opportunity to display it. Art drop of date is Jan. 31 and art pick up date is Feb 27. The gallery is located at 310 W. Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville. Artist information and the entry form can be obtained at www.crossroadsartscouncil.org.

Recycle Christmas trees at St. Peters Earth Centre

St. Peters residents and non-residents alike can recycle their live Christmas trees at St. Peters Earth Centre.

Please keep in mind that for the tree to be recycled, all decorations, lights, plastic bags, and stands must be removed from the tree. Please do not wrap or tie the tree. Trees containing decorations, lights, plastic bags, tape, or wrapping will not be accepted.

After Jan. 14, there is a $5 charge to drop off a tree without a Resident Privilege Card.

If residents would like to have their tree picked up at their home, they can cut it down and place

it inside of their brown yard waste cart for pickup on their regular yard waste collection day through Jan. 31.

Yard waste pickup will be suspended during the month of February and resumes the first full week of March. This winter break allows staff to focus on vehicle maintenance while saving fuel during a period with little yard waste.

St. Peters Earth Centre is located at 115 Ecology Drive in St. Peters, off Mid Rivers Mall Drive just north of I-70. For more information, call 636-9701456.

Lane Closures

on

Mexico Road at Birdie Hills Intersection

Lane closures will be expected at the intersection of Mexico Road and Birdie Hills Road, starting Tuesday, Jan. 17.

The left westbound turn lane on Mexico Road will be closed, as well as the left/inside lane on eastbound Mexico Road, east of Birdie Hills Road. The lane closures will be restricted to 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.

The closures are taking place to allow for the construction of a raised median on Mexico Road to prevent vehicles from turning left into and out of the new Scooter’s Coffee site, located at the southeast corner of Mexico Road and Birdie Hills. The construction of the median is expected to be com-

Please slow down and drive cautiously through work zones, and expect possible delays. Drivers

The Hair & Nail Nook, or “The Nook” as we call it, has been turning heads since we opened our doors on April 30, 2015. Stephanie and Nikki met back in 2010 when Nikki went to work at a salon with Stephanie as a nail tech. After becoming great friends and working together for over several years, we had the opportunity to re-open the location as our own. It took six months to do a complete remodel. Stephanie’s dad is a contractor and helped and guided us through the project. Along with the help of family and friends (and a few band-aids) we turned four walls into our dream workspace! Built with love and managed by experienced beauty professionals,“The Nook” is now home to two additional operators, Katie and Dana. Together we offer all of your beauty needs, from cuts & color to nails & waxing. We love what we do and where we do it!

Temporary benefit increase extended to September for Missouri WIC participants

Missouri WIC will extend the temporary increase of the Cash Value Benefit for Fruit and Vegetable Purchases (CVB) starting Jan. 5. The new amounts will be $25 per month for child participants, $44 per month for pregnant and postpartum participants and $49 per month for breastfeeding participants. Previous CVB values range from $9 - $11. WIC is the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.

Eligible participants need to contact their WIC local agency to schedule an appointment to load the additional benefits on their eWIC card before redeeming any January benefits. Participants who redeem any January benefits before receiving the increase will not receive the increase until February.

Missouri WIC provides additional healthy fruits and vegetables for up to 60,000 women and children per month. WIC families have the opportunity to shop for nutritious foods at approximately 600 authorized WIC retailers throughout Missouri and can receive services at any of the 115 local agencies. WIC serves financially eligible women, infants and children under the age of five. Fathers, stepparents, foster parents, grandparents and guardians are also encouraged to apply for WIC benefits for any children in the household under the age of five.

Missouri WIC provides quality nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, nutritious foods and referrals to health services. It is also one of the most successful, cost-effective and important nutrition intervention pro-

grams in the country.

Missourians interested in learning about the benefits of WIC may visit wic.mo.gov or call TEL-LINK at 1-800-835-5465 to find the WIC local agency closest to them.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Nondiscrimination and complaint information can be found on our website at wic.mo.gov.

WIC is funded by the USDA and is administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

There are many ways to ‘regift’ live Christmas trees to nature

A live Christmas tree brings us many gifts for the season. But after the holidays, you can carry on the benefits of live Christmas trees in many conservation-friendly ways by regifting them back to nature, according to Missouri Department of Conservation Department (MDC) foresters.

Since they come from nature in the first place, one of the advantages live Christmas trees is that they can be recycled to benefit the environment, wildlife and even people. There are plenty of after-holiday uses to consider.

“Most live trees can be chipped and turned into mulch, which you can use to return organic matter to the soil,” said MDC Community Forester Mark Grueber. “As the mulch breaks down, it helps keep soil moist and cool during the summer and warmer during the winter.”

Many municipalities will offer mulching services where residents can drop of their trees and return later to collect the mulch. Or, if homeowners have no use for it, the mulch might find a place in public works projects to benefit the community.

Along the same lines, gardeners can cut boughs and branches from their trees and place over perennial beds to help protect from frost and

snow. Pine needles are very moisture and mold-resistant, thanks to their waxy qualities.

Used Christmas trees can also give a holiday gift to wildlife, according to Grueber.

“They are great for habitat – place them in a quiet corner of your yard to provide cover for wildlife or stand them up and place bird feeders on them for winter feeding,” he recommended. Those with property might also use the used trees to build brush piles for wildlife.

And naturally, there are craft ideas that make use of post-holiday trees. Grueber said there are plenty of ideas to be discovered online. The branches can find a use as part of a potpourri mix or be woven into an after-holiday wreath. Discs cut from the trunk, dried in the oven, and painted, will create a multitude of things, like drink coasters, refrigerator magnets, wall art, even ornaments for next year’s tree.

Property owners can sink used trees into their ponds to help create homes for fish. The trees benefit some of the most popular species that anglers like to pursue, including largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and crappie.

Since these fish typically spawn in shallow water, MDC recommends tying the tree to a cement block and submerging it at a depth

photo Placing your used live Christmas tree in the backyard adorned with bird feeders gives it a second life after the holidays. It’s just one of many ways to recycle a natural Christmas tree.

of four-to-seven feet. This gives emerging fish easy access to the cover. No need to cut it up, the entire tree is best for creating fish structure. Of course, you do need to remove all traces of decorations, tinsel, or garlands. Since the underwater habitat will concentrate fish, place the tree so you can easily cast nearby, and you might see a boost in your catch rate.

Something absolutely not to do with a Christmas tree, though, is burn it in the fireplace. Evergreen needles contain nitrogen and substances called terpenes, which are highly toxic when burned, making the smoke unsafe to breath. Burning coniferous trees can also build up flammable, corrosive creosotes on the inside of a chimney. Finally, evergreen needles might cause sparks, and a fire danger in your home.

Submitted

North Point High School walks away victorious in inter-district culinary competition

All four high schools in the Wentzville School District (WSD) came together for the 2022 Sustainable Foods Inter-District Competition. This was all possible due to the contribution of local community connections and their dedication to

education. Triple J Farms, a sustainable shrimp farm in the St. Charles County area, provided the shrimp. St. Charles Community College allowed the students to utilize their Field to Table Institute to compete.

The idea is that we must utilize, create, and exist in a way that is not destructive to the environment around us. Teaching the subject of sustainability may be required in the Culinary Arts III curriculum; however, the Family Consumer Science (FACS) teachers took it one step further by taking students outside of the classroom and showing them what real sustainability looks like in today's world and right in our backyard.

Students were taken on a trip to Triple J Farms, owned and operated by the Howell Family, who are alumni of the WSD themselves. Jeff Howell has allowed WSD students to visit and learn how they operate a sustainability-conscious farm.

“We pride ourselves in being sustainable and environmentally friendly. Our shrimp (Pacific White) originate from a hatchery outside of West Palm Beach, Florida. They are raised in an environment utilizing heterotrophic bacteria technology (Biofloc). This type of environment allows us to raise them with little to no water discharge and use minimal electricity,” said Howell.

The farm provides fresh, high-quality shrimp to local restaurants all over the St. Louis area.

The competition really heated up between the classes and was divided into two stages.

The first stage was an inter-class competition, in which students broke into teams and researched a recipe that would highlight the shrimp they had to use. There was a lot of creativity seen at this stage — shrimp gumbo, shrimp stir fry, shrimp wontons, shrimp cocktail and much more.

The winning dish from each school moved on to the next stage of the competition — the inter-district competition.

The final cook-off was held at the SCC Field to Table Institute in Dardenne Prairie. This is the home of the culinary program for SCC, and the students were fortunate enough to have the staff members from the program as some of the judges for their competition.

Director Bryan Manhardt, Chef Mike Dewes, and Chef Harry Fiedelman from SCC Field to Table Institute judged the student's technique and kitchen hygiene.

Groups of students from each school were given the full competition experience, being judged on safety and sanitation, food preparation, technique, etc.

Holt High School’s kitchen made fried shrimp tacos with cilantro jasmine rice, Liberty High School’s kitchen made shrimp tostada bites, North Point High School’s kitchen made shrimp risotto with grilled asparagus and Timberland High School’s kitchen made shrimp alfredo.

Danielle Tormala, Ed.D., WSD superintendent of schools, served as a judge, alongside Howell and Alexa Albietz and said she could see any of these dishes featured at a local establishment.

Marc Tiernan who oversees Fine and Practical Art Content with the Teaching and Learning department, was able to come and participate as well. Tiernan served as the preparation judge and did all the final scoring for the competition.

North Point High School was deemed the winner of the 2022 Sustainable Foods Inter-District Competition. The judges felt their shrimp risotto was perfectly creamy with toasted pine nuts that added a nice touch of texture.

Photos courtesy Wentzville School District All four high schools in the Wentzville School District came together to participate in the 2022 Sustainable Foods Inter-District Competition.

Take Notice . . .

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

EVENTS

Jan. 18: Senior seminar

Downsizing Made Easy in Five Simple Steps - Seniors Empowerment Truth Series takes place from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Library in St Peters in Room 259. In this free seminar you’ll gain valuable insights into today’s real estate market, practical solutions for decluttering and preparing your home for sale and more. Visit www.seniorsempowermenttruthseries.com or call 636-336-6819 to register.

Jan. 21: Swing dance club grand opening

St. Charles Swing Dance Club invites you to join them at their grand opening at Dardenne Prairie Hall at 2199 Post Road from 7 to 10 p.m. Free swing and line dance lessons will take place from 6:15 to 7 p.m.

Jan. 29: All you can eat breakfast

The Knights of Columbus at St. Robert Bellarmine Church (1424 First Capitol Drive South, St. Charles) welcomes you to their 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 $12, children six to 11 is $6 and children five and under are free. For additional information please call 636-946-6799.

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: Alcoholics Anonymous

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

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, 636219-0553

Mondays: Measurement

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 314-954-3364 for info.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant. For more information contact Jack Ross at 314-287-0569 or jack-ross@ att.net.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

What’s Happening

Tuesdays: Diabetes support group

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

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles 12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also

visit http://stcharleskiwanis. com

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636-3792505.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection

Recovery Support Group

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

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

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 Leogene Weber. 636-399-3124.

Mondays: Cottleville

Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at The Breakfast Club, 991 Waterbury Falls Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63368. New club looking for new members who want to better our community. Contact Christy at 314583-0538.

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 practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at Connection ChristianChurch, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New singers (high school and older) are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts. org.

Mondays: 10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:1510 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 pre-School, turn left) at 7400 South Outer

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

Lindenwood adds soccer coach

Recently, Lindenwood University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Jason Coomer announced Kris Bertsch as the new men’s soccer head coach.

“I would like to personally thank Lindenwood President Dr. John Porter, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Director Jason Coomer, Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance Anna Girdwood, and the entire search committee for entrusting me as the next men’s soccer coach at Lindenwood University,” said Bertsch. “It’s a tremendous time to be a part of Lindenwood athletics and an honor to be the next leader of the men’s soccer program. I am excited for the opportunity to work with the entire university and athletics department to build a championship culture of excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.”

Bertsch comes to Lindenwood after spending five seasons at Saint Louis University as the top assistant coach where he helped guide the Billikens to an impressive 53-22-14 record. Individually, Bertsch has been recognized as one of the Top Assistant Coaches in the country four different times. During his time at SLU, Bertsch was a key part of a staff that rebuilt the Billiken program into a national power. Saint Louis captured back-to-back Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season and tournament titles in 2021 and 2022, resulting in two-straight NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship appearances. In 2022, Bertsch and the SLU staff earned the honor as the NCAA Division I Southeast Region Staff of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches.

*Best of success with your new credentials

Ambush are victorious despite lack of players

The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) playing their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

With several players sidelined due to illness or injury, the Ambush went on the road and pulled off a

7-3 win over Utica City FC recently at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York. The victory snaps a three-game skid for the Ambush, who improved to 3-4-1 on the season.

Will Eskay put St. Louis on the board in the second minute of the second quarter with a masterful shot that threaded the needle through a grouping of players spread out in front of the goal. The score remained knotted 1-1 at the halftime break.

St. Louis went on a power play and the visitors wasted no time capitalizing on the opportunity as Robert Kristo scored the go-ahead goal 19 seconds into the power play. The Ambush went up 3-1 when Kristo sent a wall pass to Sam Guernsey, who pounded it into the net in the eighth minute. St. Louis increased the lead to 4-1 in the fourteenth minute of the third quarter when Lucas Almeida beat Utica goalkeeper Andrew Coughlin.

Eskay widened the gap for the Ambush in the third minute of the final quarter when he took a backheel pass from Almeida and scored for the second time in the match to make it 5-1.

Eskay completed the hat trick with an empty-netter with just over eight minutes left in the game. Almeida notched an empty netter in the 12th minute for his second of the duel to make it a 7-2 contest, but Utica answered when Nilton Andrade scored less than a minute later for a 7-3 score that would prove to be the final.

Utica outshot St. Louis 38-22. Ambush goalkeeper Paulo Nascimento turned in an outstanding performing, making 19 saves on 22 opportunities, for an .864 save percentage.

*Great road victory

Gary Baute, aka Gary B, a St. Louis native, maybe educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan and 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 broadcasted for several indoor football teams since 1999.

Recipe: Plants plus dairy equals the perfect New Year’s resolution

The term “plant-based diet” has garnered a lot of attention and headlines in recent years and for good reason. Research over many years has linked plant-based diets to lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. What better way to start out the New Year than with a new diet rich in all the vitamins and minerals that plants and dairy foods have to offer?

To learn more about how dairy and plant-based foods work together to maximize health, visit www.stldairycouncil.org and check out our “Dairy + Plant-Based Diets” under “Our Resources.” Reach Maggie Cimarolli at 314.835.9668 or mcimarolli@stldairycouncil.org. Follow the St. Louis District Dairy Council on Facebook and Instagram at STLDairyCouncil.

Start your new year with this easy, plant-based recipe for an on-the-go breakfast that will be sure to keep you fueled up all day long. With milk’s 13 essential nutrients, fiber from the oats, protein from the peanut butter and dairy foods, and not to mention the delicious taste, you will be ready to ring in the new year with a healthy routine!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup old fashioned oats

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup plain yogurt

½ medium banana, sliced, divided

Tbsp. peanut butter

Tbsp. honey

vanilla extract

cinnamon

chia seeds (optional)

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA OVERNIGHT OATS

Prep time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

When films did enough business at the box office, chances for a sequel increased. If the second film attracted similar attention, a studio could opt to make a “threequel,” the third film in a franchise.

That’s what actress, comedienne and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg wanted to do with the “Sister Act” franchise.

Directions:

Mix oats, milk, yogurt, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and chia seeds together in bowl.

Layer ½ mixture in a sealable container or jar. Top with half of

the banana slices. Repeat with remaining mixture and banana slices.

Seal container with lid and place in refrigerator overnight.

Enjoy in the morning.

– SUDOKU –

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.

Goldberg appeared on “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” in November, letting the host and audience know that, “The script came in yesterday. I really like it, but it has a lot of adults to go through.” Goldberg, who won an Academy Award for her performance in 1990’s “Ghost,” said she can’t do a third film unless Maggie Smith reprised the role of Mother Superior.

A year before “Sister Act,” however, Whoopi Goldberg kept things funny as part of the ensemble cast of “Soapdish.” Goldberg played Rose Schwartz, the head writer of the longtime daytime drama “The Sun Also Sets.” Montana Moorhead (Cathy Moriarty), a co-star with big ambitions, desperately wanted to replace Celeste Talbert (Sally Field), the current star of the show. Truth became stranger than fiction

when Lori Craven (Elisabeth Shue) arrived on the set as an extra. Lori had long believed that Celeste was her aunt but in reality, she actually was Lori’s biological mother. Fellow actor Jeffrey Anderson (Kevin Kline) was then revealed to be Lori’s father. After it arrived in theaters, “Sister Act” hit all the right notes. Goldberg played a Reno, Nevada lounge singer named Deloris Van Cartier. Her boyfriend was gangster Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel) and Deloris accidently witnessed him shooting an informant. For her own safety, the police placed Deloris in St. Katherine’s Convent in San Francisco where she became known as Sister Mary Clarence. Deloris clashed with Mother Superior and was subsequently assigned to join the convent’s choir. With

her background in music, Deloris then created a unique choir that gained lots of attention.

It’s been 30 years since the original “Sister Act” arrived, but it’s still hilariously funny. Whoopi Goldberg was the perfect actress to play a lounge singer turned reluctant nun. With Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy and the inimitable Mary Wickes in the cast, “Sister Act” became a major hit. Goldberg’s comedic timing combined with a great soundtrack opened the door for 1993’s “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.” That sequel was loosely based on educator Iris Stevenson and her experiences as choir director of Crenshaw high school in Los Angeles. After the final credits rolled, the producers added a “thank you” to Stevenson (now Stevenson-McCullough) for inspiring the film.

Although the sequel did not equal the box office success of the first film, “Sister Act 2” did feature a performance by Lauryn Hill. Based on the audience reaction on “The Tonight Show,” there seemed to be fan interest in a third film. Here’s hoping Maggie Smith will reunite with Goldberg for one more time back in the habit.

Whoopi Goldberg hopes to make a threequel to ‘Sister Act’

‘Sister Act’ photo courtesy Touchstone Pictures

‘

about Robert

Moore

Can airline travel get any crazier?

Seriously, hundreds of flights were cancelled during the holiday season and brawls between passengers are constantly breaking out 30,000 feet above the ground and now people are sneaking their pets onboard in their overhead bags. I should clarify, emotional support pets, but pets nonetheless.

Just recently someone tried to sneak their “emotional support” boa onboard a flight.

Now let me unfold the scenario if that pet owner had unraveled their snake mid-flight from the overhead compartment in “my” seat aisle.

Pet person: “Oh my, I’m feeling uneasy and need something to ease my anxiety.”

Me: “Sweetie, I know just what you mean. Flying always gets my insides into a dither. Especially when the pilot steps on the gas and hits those icy patches of turbulence then spins a few donuts just for the heck of it. But don’t fret I have an extra Dramamine that will do the trick.”

Pet person: “Thanks, but I’m going to need something more; the snuggles of my sweet sugar boy are the only thing that will get me through this. Would you mind getting my bag from the luggage bin and handing Wally to me?”

Me getting her bag down: “Sure thing. What’ve you got stowed away in here? A little kitty? A furry hamster? I’ll bet it’s one of those fuzzy baby…!” Just then a slippery creature slides out and winds around my arm.

“Sweet mother of Satan! What the holy freak is this fanged slimy snot rope doing in your underwear bag?!” I unwind it and fling it six rows back.

It lands atop a burly man who starts squealing like a baby piglet caught under a fence post! He tosses the serpent to his wife across the aisle who shrieks, turns white and faints into an unresponsive coma. Wally slithers down the aisle.

Pandemonium ensues and everyone in coach jam packs into first class. The scaly beast stays coiled up in coach for the remainder of the flight, but no one complains because we all get two packets of peanuts instead of one and unlimited beverage refills in the premium class section so win, win.

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.