CNSTC: February 21, 2018

February 21, 2018

Come join the team

Around Town Habitat for Humanity seeking to partner with individuals and families for 2018. P.2

Vet and groomer surprise children’s center with puppy love. P.6

Golden Years Tips for winter wellness.

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Get active for a healthy heart. P.5

School

DASA athlete Donovan McBride competes in a recent GO! St. Louis event.

Submitted Photos

The Disabled Athlete Sports Association recruits racers to help raise funds and awareness for its programs and athletes

By Brett Auten It’s a fun challenge that comes with many benefits for not only yourself but for others who could really use it.

The Disabled Athlete Sports Association (also known as DASA) is a charity partner of the 2018 GO! St. Louis for the Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend slated for April 6-8. Through this partnership, DASA recruits participants to run or walk in several of the weekend’s races and while doing so, raises funds and raise awareness for its programs and athletes.

“With our athletes, there is already so much cost involved, and without these type of fundraisers we can’t help them achieve their goals,” Lauren Krebs, DASA Program, and Development Manager said.

“GO! St. Louis is a unique dynamic in that our athletes can participate right next to able-bodied participants.”

DASA’s home base is in St. Peters, and it is a nonprofit organization specializing in therapeutic sport and fitness opportunities. The athletes of DASA are encouraged to seek their highest level of independence and become involved to the fullest extent with their non-disabled peers and their

DASA athlete Josh Eckoff competes in a recent GO! St. Louis event.

community as a whole.

GO! St. Louis is a founding member of USA Today Sports Active Alliance. The al-

liance is a network of the country’s top 16 independent marathons, each meeting the gold standard of endurance events. Each race individually possesses its unique history and challenges. As the largest competitive fitness event in Missouri, this popular two-day event attracts more than 25,000 participants and includes races for all ages and fitness abilities. The race will once again be staged in front of the historic Arch Grounds on the riverfront.

Start at the Gateway Arch and make your way into Illinois and back in St. Louis for a historic tour of Soulard with views of Anheuser-Busch Brewery along your way.

Then, marathoners head to Tower Grove Park and Forest Park before heading back downtown to finish on the historic riverfront under the Arch.

“Our main goal is to get more runners to run for Team DASA,” Krebs said. “We need more people on our team.”

DASA team members receive a free entry in the race of their choice, a team DASA race shirt, and many other incentives for joining. With a fundraising minimum for individuals set at $150, there are several See ‘DASA’ page 2

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Lindenwood University signs high school track and field champion. P.8

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‘Game Night’ not competitive enough P.16

Weather FRIDAY Rain/Storms 55/43 SATURDAY Showers/Storms Likely 62/40 SUNDAY Mostly Sunny; Isolated Showers 56/33 FirstWarn Weather

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

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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 Assistants Lisa Moran, Melissa Nordmann

February 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘DASA’ Continued from cover

Habitat for Humanity seeking to partner with individuals and families for 2018

benefits of being a Team GO! DASA member.

Not only is there no entry fee to sign up for the race of your choice (participants have a choice between 5K, 7K, half marathon, marathon, or marathon relay) but also a Personalized GO! for a Cause Fundraising link and a complimentary training program

by Big River Running Company. Along with the benefits of having a team supporting you all the way to race day, you will receive VIP treatment on race day.

There are several degrees of prize options available. For individual entry only, when you raise $250 you receive a $50 gift card to Academy Sports.

If you raise $500 you earn a $100 gift card to Big River, and if you raise $1,000, you earn a two-hour massage.

If you simply refer a friend you receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks.

If you are interested in having a team running for Team DASA, here are the following stipulations: 2-4 team members: fundraising minimum $500; 5-8 team members: fundraising minimum $800; 9-12 team members: fundraising minimum $1,200 13+ team members: fundraising minimum $2,000.

Prizes for team entry only include every $1,000 raised over the team’s fundraising minimum the team will receive an Amazon Gift Card of $150. The Amazon gift card will be issued to the team captain.

For more information on how you can participate, contact Lauren at 618-979-9917 or laurenk@dasasports.org.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County (HFHSCC) is seeking applications from individuals and families that would like to be considered as new homeowners for a Habitat for Humanity home in St. Charles County.

HFHSCC has extended the deadline for applications until Feb. 28. The homeowner selection process begins with completing an application.

To qualify, local applicants must be in need of safe and affordable housing and have lived or worked in St. Charles County for one year at the time of application. In addition, individuals and families must meet the income requirements, have a willingness to partner with Habitat and complete 350

Copy Editor Donna Huneke Staff Writers Brett Auten, Charlotte Beard,

Staff Photographer Ray Rockwell Social Media Lori North Classified Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Heather Deatz, Susan Faust, Doug Garbs, Dominick Gagliardi, Bob Huneke, David McFarland, Norm Merchant, Christy Parks, Christy Weber Circulation: Distributech, 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/editor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication.

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MDC hosts Discover Nature Schools K-2 teacher training workshop in St. Charles March 30 The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites K-2 teachers to an upcoming workshop that will provide free training on improving conservation education in their classrooms, home-school classes or youth groups. The Discover Nature Schools: Nature Unfolds workshop will take place on March 30, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the MDC St. Louis Regional Office at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area at 2360 Highway D in St. Charles.

“The Discover Nature Schools program is an excellent way to get students of all ages outside and Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation to enrich their learning through outdoor experi- Young students enjoy learning about nature outside through the Misences focused on Missouri plants, animals and souri Department of Conservation’s Discover Nature Schools program. natural systems,” said MDC Conservation EducaMDC’s Discover Nature Schools program protion Consultant Kim Cole.

This workshop will prepare educators to teach vides no-cost curriculum units to teachers and Nature Unfolds, the hands-on, standards-based schools in the state of Missouri. Curriculum units unit for grades K-2. Teacher’s guides and class- are available for preschool through 12th grade and room sets of student guides and science notebooks are aligned with current Missouri Learning Stanare provided for free, and eligible schools can re- dards in order to help teachers and students meet ceive non-competitive grants for field experiences required learning expectations. 100% of school and classroom materials that support Nature Un- districts and approximately 40% of schools in the folds. Space is limited and participants must regis- state participate in the program.

To register for the workshop, visit the Teacher ter by March 27 to ensure enough supplies.

“Learning in nature benefits children in several Portal: https://goo.gl/4o6sdm.

For questions about the workshop or more inways, including improving physical and mental health, improving standardized test scores, re- formation about MDC’s Discover Nature Schools ducing attention-deficit problems and teaching program, contact Kim at Kim.Cole@mdc.mo.gov problem-solving and other higher-order thinking or 636-300-1953, ext. 4126 or visit https://mdc. mo.gov/education skills,” Cole said.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore, Nick Palisch Cartoonist John Hanna

“sweat equity” hours. Habitat approves applicants for homes they will purchase with affordable mortgages. Since its inception in 1997, HFHSCC has completed almost 80 homes in St. Charles County.

Interested individuals and families should: 1. Submit an application to Habitat St. Charles before Feb. 28.

2. Attend the Homeowner Information Meeting on Monday, Feb. 27.

For an application go to www.habitatstcharles. org or call 636-978-5712. The Homeowner Information meeting is at Calvary Church at 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters at 6 p.m. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28.

The power and purpose of no-tax-increase bond issues

By Dr. Bernard DuBray Fort Zumwalt School District is home to about 18,000 students each school day. They also use district buildings for enrichment programs, extracurricular activities and summer school. To provide and maintain these facilities, voters in Fort Zumwalt have passed $350 million in bond issues since 1985, many of them no-tax-increase propositions.

A no-tax-increase proposition means the debt service levy established by the board of education doesn’t have to be increased to pay off the additional bonds being voted on by the public. So, in Fort Zumwalt’s case, we have a 69-cent debt service levy that only can be used for retiring the principal and interest on any bonds sold with the public’s permission.

A special attorney, called a bond counsel, reviews district finances and determines whether the 69-cent levy has to be increased to pay off the bonds being proposed to voters. In our case, a $35-million bond issue will be on the April 3 ballot and the bond counsel has confirmed that no increase is needed. General obligation bond issues are the preferred method for major facility improvements, repairs or acquisitions.

It just makes good sense to spend on regular upkeep to keep school facilities up-to-date. The district has 31 facilities, including 27 schools, valued at $550 million in the most recent assessment. Without regular spending, upkeep and repair for things such as roofs, parking lots, floors, ceilings and heating and cooling equipment become much more expen-

sive in the long run.

The proposed bond issue would provide funds for building additions at Flint Hill Elementary and North High.

While the district hasn’t grown in recent years, the northwest area is beginning to grow and it is necessary to provide additional space for the students there. Fort Zumwalt is committed to giving students, community and staff the best facilities it can afford.

Dr. Bernard DuBray has been the superintendent of Fort Zumwalt School District since 1985, when the district was home to about 8,000 students.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 21, 2018

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Local Author Profile: Bo Sanders St. Charles resident Bo Sanders is hoping to get a foot inside Hollywood. Sanders has authored a provocative and compelling screenplay which is now available on Amazon.com.

His work, “Savior,” is a story about a Muslim-to-Christian convert and prominent Biblical scholar who, questioning his faith, travels back in time to find Jesus. It is a high-concept and entertaining Sci-Fi / drama that features time travel, humor, an abundance of well-developed characters and a fantastic twist at its end. Religion plays a part in this story, but it’s not a predominant theme. Savior’s characters and unpredictability are what truly make it shine.

Sanders says the project has been 30 years in the making. “Savior” began as short story he penned as student for his creative writing class at Pattonville Senior High School, but he says he had to clear it with his mother first.

“My mom, who was a big fan of classic science fiction, absolutely loved the story and told me it would make for a pretty powerful movie,” Sanders explains, “but I was afraid I was subconsciously stealing its premise from The Twilight Zone or some other show.”

His mother helped him with the research.

“Together we discovered it truly was an original story so I’ve been polishing it ever since,” he said Sanders continued to hone his writing skills as an award-winning broadcast journalist and on-air radio personality in Springfield, Missouri. His passion is writing character-driven stories that place real, everyday people in fantastical situations.

Early drafts of “Savior” have garnered high praise. In 2015, the title was named a quarter-finalist in the prestigious national Screencraft Sci-Fi Screenplay Contest. The finished incarnation is currently being considered by a number of production companies and film festivals around the country. “Savior” is now available through Amazon as an eBook and in paperback form.

St. Charles County corrections lieutenant earns national designation Operations Lieutenant Michael McKee of the St Charles County Department of Corrections recently received the national designation of Certified Jail Manager (CJM) from the American Jail Association and the Jail Manager Certification Commission. McKee is one of only six corrections professionals in Missouri to achieve this recognition.

This hallmark certification is granted upon the successful completion of a rigid experiential background application and an intensive four-hour examination jointly prepared by the American Jail Association and the Jail Manager Certification Commission. Certification in jail management is a demonstration of competency and professionalism in the field.

It documents the mastery of a strong level of knowledge in the specialty and demonstrates continuing education and growth.

McKee started his correctional career in May 1981 as a Deputy Sheriff with the St. Clair County Sheriff ’s Department, serving in the jail division. In March 1986, he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff with the St. Charles County Sheriff ’s Department and assigned to the jail division. In August 1986, he graduated from the University of Missouri Law Enforcement Police Institute and became a Certified Peace Officer. While

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Photo courtesy St. Charles County Operations Lieutenant Michael McKee .

serving in St Charles County, he was promoted to corporal, sergeant and to his current position as the operations lieutenant for the jail and has completed the National Institute of Corrections Correctional Leadership Development Program, the American Jail Association’s National Jail Leadership Command Academy and the FBILEEDA Trilogy Program (Supervisory Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute and Executive Leadership Institute).

The American Jail Association is a national, nonprofit, educational organization delivering professional development, personal certification, and advocacy services to correctional personnel at all ranks and operational levels working in this nation’s 3,200-plus jails and detention facilities.

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February 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Advertiser Profile: 1948 – 2018: seventy years of RV history, and more to come

By Russ Patton

www.lawnauthority.com

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The merger of the Pattons and the Byerlys occurred in 1967. The Byerly company was a customer of my father’s service station in Des Peres. Our family history was with oil, but my father was quick with numbers and selling gas for 14.9 per gallon was not a fast track to anywhere. He became more interested with what you can do with oil besides just sell it…like travel.

About 1959 we started renting and selling primitive tent campers. The first one, a Masco, was a metal trailer which folded out to form a base for mounting a tent on top. Two beds off the ground, that’s all. The Nimrod came along with slideout beds, stove, icebox…wow!

Finally, he bought some 16foot travel trailers and truck campers from a little company in Iowa. They were white with a big bold turquoise W stripe down the side. That is the first time and last time that we represented Winnebago…until now.

After 70 years Byerly and Winnebago have reunited. A long time coming and we look forward to a long road together.

Another familiar name is making its debut at Byerly,

Coachman. We have been very impressed with Coachmen’s Chaparrel Fifth Wheel. We believe it conforms to our strategy of focusing on value and quality rather that just price and superficial glitz. We learned long ago that our customers’ satisfaction comes after the sale, not at the closing table. First-time buyers often shop price through lack of experience. So, we get a lot of trade-ins of late model RVs as the learning curve matures.

We know first-time buyers are excited. But, slow down and don’t be rushed into a decision. If the fast-talkers want to see your driver’s license or run your credit before you even can see a product, slow down. If you can’t look at products unless you’re handcuffed to a salesman

who has already been told which ones you can see, slow down. If you feel that the salesperson is just setting you up for the “professional closer,” slow down. If the price quoted for the product seems great, but the bottom line is so much higher, slow down.

You may be paying a huge price for paper add-ons which will not show up as value if you want to trade later. There are some important “add-ons” to consider, but it would be smart to compare the quality and price of these additional products or services also.

Our lot is open for you to browse freely. Our people are experienced consultants. Compare. Visit www.byerlyrv.com and check us out on Facebook.

Tips for winter wellness When cold winds blow, it’s essential to take extra steps to protect your health. There are a number of techniques that can help keep your immunity high and your body in good condition to support wellness all season long so that you can enjoy the chillier months.

There’s no magic formula for feeling your best, but consulting your health care provider is always a good idea when you’re contemplating new ideas to promote better health.

Get up and moving

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Without frequent use, muscles and joints can weaken and grow stiff, limiting your mobility. Exercise is also an important step in balancing your caloric intake, and physical activity gets your blood pumping, which has numerous benefits for heart health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes each week (or 30 minutes per day, at least five

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

days each week) of moderate activity, such as a brisk walk, yoga class or bike ride.

Additionally, winter brings fewer hours of sunlight during the day, and per the National Sleep Foundation, darkness naturally causes the brain to release melatonin, a hormone that triggers sleepiness. Exercise can counteract this drowsiness, as the endorphins released through physical activity cause a natural increase in energy

levels. Studies show that endorphins can also elicit positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain, which can lower stress levels to help keep you mentally and physically well.

Spice up your routine with herbal supplements

Whether to supplement your diet with additional vitamins and nutrients or to give you a See ‘WELLNESS’ page 5

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 21, 2018

specific, targeted boost, herbal supplements can help support overall health. For example, the supplement turmeric, derived from root extracts of the Curcuma longa plant, is widely regarded to have numerous positive health implications.

“Since 2013, turmeric has dominated the market as the topselling ingredient in herbal supplements,” said Chris Oswald, licensed nutritionist at Nature’s Way. “As research on turmeric grows, consumers continue to recognize the health benefits of this amazing botanical.”

Get ample rest

Adequate sleep allows the body to rejuvenate itself naturally, promoting a better mood, improved system function and increased stamina throughout the day. The National Sleep Foundation recommends older adults get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night for optimal health. Beyond a good night’s sleep, be sure to take some mental downtime, too, to minimize stress and anxiety, both of which can have a negative impact on your health. Find ways to relax through meditation, reading

or listening to soothing music, which can help rest your mind and body.

Boost immunity

Fresh fruits and vegetables offer vitamins and minerals that can play an important role in immune health. Studies have shown that vitamin C, which is found naturally in several fruits, is essential for stimulating growth and repair in the body.

Maintain skin health

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against physical harm, the skin is particularly susceptible to wear and tear. During the winter, frequent exposure to harsh elements, from dry air to biting sleet, can have serious impacts on skin health.

You can take steps to minimize painful redness and flakiness or cracking by regularly moisturizing your skin with fragrance-free lotions and herbal oils. They can create a protective barrier between your skin tissue and potential pollutants

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and irritants, and should be applied generously to areas that are most likely to be exposed, like your hands and face. Also remember to bundle up to prevent the impact of stinging winds, and avoid unnecessary time outdoors when conditions are especially harsh.

Find more winter wellness tools at naturesway.com or Facebook.com/NaturesWayBrands.

As the body’s largest organ and the first line of defense

Get active for a healthy heart While heart health and how to prevent heart disease are important topics, many people in the United States remain at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 23 percent of Americans have high blood pressure, which can lead to stroke if untreated, and nearly nine percent have heart disease.

However, you can lower your risk for heart disease in a variety of ways, and one of the most important is by becoming physically active. National guidelines recommend at least two hours, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults, like brisk walking where your blood gets pumping and you are a little breathless. If you find yourself short of time, you can incorporate physical activity in small chunks, such as three 10-minute intervals per day, and still achieve some heart health benefits.

How Moving More Helps

• When done regularly, physical activity can give your entire body – not just your heart – a boost. Getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat can: • Strengthen heart muscles • Improve blood flow • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels • Help control weight

Photo courtesy Getty Images

• Getting off the bus or subway one stop early • Parking in the farthest space from the door • Walking around while you are on the phone or having walking meetings • Being active with your children, including playing outdoors • Planning a vacation that includes physical activities • Playing soccer or taking a Zumba class with friends instead of meeting up for drinks or a meal • Putting on some music and dancing

Check with Your Doctor

Certain physical activities are safe for most people. However, if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, arthritis or diabetes, talk with your doctor about the type and amount of activity that is right for your health.

Incorporating regular physical activity into your life can help your health in many ways, but it can be especially helpful for your heart. Find more heart-healthy facts and tips from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at nhlbi. nih.gov.

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Ways to Become More Active Every Day

In addition to working toward at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, it’s important to avoid being sedentary, when possible. You can do that by making choices that build activity in your day. Some examples include: • Taking the stairs • Printing to the printer farthest away from your desk at work

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February 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Vet and groomer surprise children’s center with puppy love

Photo courtesy United Services for Children Jessica Cooke (left) owner of The Yuppy Puppy, and Marcy Hammerle, head veterinarian at The Pet Doctor, hold an eight-week-old chocolate Labrador retriever outside their adjoining O’Fallon businesses. They are donating the puppy to United Services for Children, a pediatric therapy center in St. Peters. The dog will be trained to help children with disabilities.

Two O’Fallon businesses gave a furry chocolate Valentine to a children’s therapy center

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A chocolate Labrador retriever will soon be scurrying through the halls of United Services for Children, a nonprofit pediatric therapy and early intervention center in St. Peters.

The therapy dog, to be named in a public contest, will assist children with developmental disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome.

“This is a rare chance to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children for years to come,” said Dr. Marcy Hammerle, head veterinarian at The Pet Doctor animal clinic in O’Fallon.

Hammerle teamed up with Jessica Cooke, owner of The Yuppy Puppy pet spa in O’Fallon, to donate the eightweek-old puppy to United Services for Children. The two businesses, which share a building on Technology Drive, will share the expense of professionally training the dog – a twoyear process that would be costprohibitive for the children’s agency. The Pet Doctor will provide free veterinary care.

Yuppy Puppy will provide free grooming and boarding. Both businesses will donate food.

“This is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” Cook said. “The morale here is very high because of this puppy and what he is going to do to help kids. He will have such an impact on so many lives.”

Denise Liebel, president and CEO of United Services, said she is deeply grateful for the two business leaders’ generosity and commitment to children.

She said everyone at the agency is excitedly awaiting the puppy’s first visit. But while the dog is adorable, it is definitely not a

pet, she said.

“This therapy dog will perform a vital role in breaking through to children who, due to their disabilities, have become closed to the outside world,” she said. “It is critical that we reach these children. If we fail, they will pay the price the rest of their lives.”

Some children will not talk

This is a rare chance to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children for years to come.

—Dr. Marcy Hammerle, veterinarian or make eye contact, let alone follow a therapist’s instructions, she said. They can become terrified by any change in their environment, or moving from one location to another. A therapy dog would be trained to calm these children and motivate them to open themselves to therapeutic intervention.

Children with less severe challenges would also see great benefit, she said. The dog would motivate children to strive harder during therapy sessions.

It would help them process sensory input, including textures.

It would apply gentle pressure to help calm children. It would help stabilize them as they learn to walk. The dog would encourage children to improve their physical movement, verbal and non-verbal communication, and social behavior.

Yuppy Puppy has a training department with professionally certified trainers. The puppy, specially bred for temperament, has already begun the training that will transform him into a therapy dog. Throughout the process, the puppy will make frequent visits to United Services, becoming acclimated to the children and the building.

Once the training is complete, the dog will be assigned to a United Service staff member.

It will work full-time at the agency during the day, Monday through Friday, and go home with the staff handler every night. The dog will return to Yuppy Puppy periodically to reinforce and maintain its training.

Founded in 1975, United Services provides therapy and early intervention to approximately 75 children weekly. It also provides support programs for parents and siblings. The center is located at 4140 Old Mill Parkway in St. Peters.

Hammerle said she has a personal connection to United Services because her 13-year-old son was a student there 11 years ago. Her son, who is on the autism spectrum, was non-verbal.

At United Services, he received speech and language therapy, as well as occupational therapy.

Hammerle said the therapy was very successful, and her son is doing well today.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 21, 2018

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Yeggs

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John Hanna

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

– 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.

Blue chips So this is happening. A popular snack food company announced (During the Super Bowl no less, so it must be true.

Why else would they advertise at a venue that has bajillions of eyes and ears and costs 25 bajillion dollars for a half minute of time?) What was I talking about? Oh ya, snacks. So this certain well-known company decided that we females are too prissy and sissified to have man chips and they’ve decided to come up with a girl chip, a.k.a., wimp chips.

I heard through a reputable source (my cat) that after extensive studies done in laboratories with monkeys (chip-eating monkeys no less) scientific marketers discovered that the female chimp was highly disturbed and annoyed at the highoctave sound the chip produced and ran from her ledge and hid in the banana box refusing to come out for hours. Only when the chip was soaked sufficiently in water would it then accept the soggy clump and eat it. Further, the researchers discovered that the yellow powdery stuff left on the fingers after handling the chip, put the she-monk in

such a panic-stricken rage that she commenced to flinging doodie wads at the scientists’ clipboards. This made it almost impossible to read the end results.

But with a little Windex and some tissues and some intense speculation and falsification they were able to manufacture the following fabricated findings: 1. Females do not like the sound of the crunch of a chip. They find it obnoxious and irritating.

2. Females do not like the yellow, powdery chip spices on their fingertips. They find it obnoxious and irritating.

So because of this, we will now be forced to consume waterlogged chips minus the crunch and snack food devoid of any delicious spices that could potentially rub off on our fingers and thus cause us to what…fling our…oh, come on now?! Really?

Since I am a she-person, I feel after a period of intense thinking and consulting (with my cat) I can speak openly for all of ladykind by saying those mar-

keters are: 1. Obnoxious 2. Irritating Women, our voices must be heard. We demand crunching and insist on finger-licking snack food covered in all manner of delicious residue, which we shall afterwards lick with vim and vigor and not be judged by man nor monkey!

Take your wimp chips and chimp chips and give us back our crunch and tasty finger tips or we’ll get so mad we just might fling…you do not want to know!

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two selfindulgent 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.

See solution on page 13

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School

February 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Lindenwood University signs high school track-and-field champion

By Lonnel Cole Lindenwood University men’s track and field team still has its star appeal. Despite making the move from the small-college NAIA classification to the larger, more competitive NCAA Division II, apparently the Lions haven’t lost their ability to recruit against the larger schools.

Witness the Lions signing a reigning state champion Antonio Norman from the Public High League for next season.

Perhaps it is merely coincidental that Norman donned jersey number 1 for the Cleveland Junior ROTC football team this past season. Perhaps it is merely coincidental that Norman was named Special Teams Player of the Year in the Public High League conference where he plays.

Indeed, Norman has proven to be second-to-none on many levels of athletic achievement, as he winds down his senior year at ROTC. He’s a champion track and field star, as well as a football star and a budding wrestling star. Then to top it all off, he is carrying a 3.3 gradepoint average and has accepted a full scholarship to run track and field for Lindenwood University, where he plans to major in criminology.(Lindenwood is a longtime track and field national powerhouse among the small-college programs.)

Norman is an athlete for all seasons and a multi-talented one within those sports. In football this past season, he led the Commanders on offense, where he made 27 catches for over 600 yards and six touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, roving from the secondary to linebacker, he had 55 tackles and an interception.

On special teams, he ran back nine kickoffs for 328 yards and three touchdowns, including a 90-yarder that sparked a victory over league foe Sumner. Norman actually secured all-conference honors at wide receiver

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and defensive back as well, even though he was feared most as a kick returner because the ball was being kicked to him in an open field with his speed.

“Norman was a threat to score on kickoff returns any time he touched the ball,” raves ROTC coach Louis Findley. “The other coaches did not even want to kick it to him. That shows the respect they had for him. He is a great kid and a great athlete.”

Raves about his athletic prowess and his disposition seem to follow Norman, a 6-foot-2- senior who plays football at about 170 pounds before dropping down to 160 pounds officially to wrestle, where he is also an accomplished athlete. He advanced to the Missouri Class 1 state tournament, after finishing Submitted photo second at the district champiLindenwood University men’s track and field onships. team recently signed reigning state chamBut the biggest showing he pion Antonio Norman has made at a state-sanctioned event is clearly track and field, where he helped the Com- his club’s final two games of a manders capture the school’s 3-7 campaign, including a playfirst team championship last off defeat to Carnahan. spring. He won the 300-meter “I wanted to play the last two hurdles in 38.11 seconds, mark- games so badly,” laments Noring the second straight year he man. “There’s nothing more had captured that race. Nor- disappointing than seeing my man also ran the lead-off leg for brothers play without me.” the school’s 4x400 meter relay The fact that Norman missed squad (with fellow runners An- the last two games on a team thony Craig, Katron Franklin with a losing record and still and James Allen), which won garnered recognition and key the event. For good measure, honors within his conference is as it were, Norman also tied a testament to his talent. That for third place at state in the reputation applies even more high jump. But before Norman’s so to Norman in track and field. coach Letorre Swinney praises Just ask current Cardinal Ritthe athlete, he acknowledges ter boys track and field coach Norman the person.

Ruben Albright. As a frame “Antonio Norman is probably of reference, Albright just rethe best human being I’ve ever cently coached Charles Jones, coached,” notes Swinney. “He a record-setting, three-time is not just an athlete but he is a Missouri state champion in the fine young man. If you tell him 800 meters in the larger Class 3 to do something he has never bracket, who’s now a standout at asked why. He gives you his all Texas Tech University. Prior to at all times. He has benefited by Jones at Ritter, Albright coached being a multi-sport athlete. He Sumner High girls program, has trained very hard.” where he coached Tianna SwinNorman attributes his paren- ney, a three-time Missouri state tal support and involvement champion in the 400 meters in with his success. the even larger Class 4 bracket.

“I’m really blessed because if In between his stints as Ritter’s it wasn’t for my parents (An- boys coach and Sumner’s girls thony and LaKesha) then I coach, Albright also worked wouldn’t even exist (but beyond with a bevy of individual state that) I love and appreciate them champions and state relay event for everything they do for me,” champions on Sumner’s boys says Norman. “My pops initially program. got me into football because it Be that as it may, Albright allowed me to relieve anger and said Norman’s talent and prostress in a positive way because duction in Class 1 transcends as a kid you’re always mad. I’m class and enrollment boundarglad he chose to do that for ies. Albright has helped coached me because it allowed me to Norman in the summer in the achieve a ton of things, all-con- Police Athletic League (PALs ference being one of them. My program). father played a huge role in the “Antonio Norman is one of development of my physical as the best athletes in Missouri in well as mental abilities on the any classification,” says Albright. field because we practice day in, “He is one of the most coachday out.” able athletes I’ve ever coached.

Unfortunately a late-season He is living proof that nice guys injury forced Norman to miss don’t always finish last.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 21, 2018

Business

Mid Rivers Mall Pop-Up Shop celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Submitted photo

Justine Robinson, Special Leasing Manager and Spencer Dawkins, General Manager for Mid Rivers Mall celebrated the grand opening of the first PopUp Shop located inside Mid Rivers Mall with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 8.

Joining Justine and Spencer were city of St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano and several aldermen with the city of St. Peters.

Also in attendance were St. Charles County Representative

Molly Dempsey, board members and ambassadors with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

The Pop-Up Shop in Mid Rivers Mall is located on the upstairs level in the Dillard’s corridor. For $300 (and a possible percentage of sales), small business owners and entrepreneurs can rent out popup shop space for up to two weeks at a time. The weekly fee includes fixtures, utilities and

signage – a fraction of what regular retailers have spent in the past.

For more information on the Pop-Up Shop and leasing information, call Justine Robinson, Specialty Leasing Manager at Mid Rivers Mall. Her email address is Justine.robinson@cblproperties.com or contact by phone at 636-9702610 x 227.

LRL Commercial Cleaning celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Submitted photo

Linda Lawson, owner of LRL Commercial Cleaning celebrated the relocation and expansion of her business with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 9.

Joining Linda were St. Charles County Representative Molly Dempsey, board members and ambassadors with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

LRL Commercial Cleaning provides janitorial

and cleaning services to businesses across the St. Louis area – from windows, inside and outside to full service cleaning, LRL Commercial Cleaning can handle it all.

For more information on the services LRL Commercial Cleaning can provide your business, please call Linda at 636-536-3636 or visit the website at www.LRLcleaning.com.

www.chiropractorofstcharles.com

“Community News hits all areas for all ages.”

-Reader ’s comment, 2016

Why do you read the Community News?

Pick up your copy at a newsstand today or check us out online, www.mycnews.com

9

10

Sports

February 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

THEME: THE OSCARS

Sports you see with Gary B...

Guns ‘N Hoses donates record breaking check The event was held on Thanksgiving Eve and the results were overwhelming.

Organizers of the annual charity boxing/MMA event donated a record-breaking check for $700,000 to The Backstoppers, Inc. during a ceremony at the Scottrade Center recently.

The Backstoppers financially supports the families of fallen first responders who have died in the line of duty. This year’s donation brings the total amount that the event has raised to about $6.8 million, according to organizers.

This is the second consecutive year that the event has set a record donation. In November 2016, the 30th annual event raised $653,000.

Organizers estimated that more than 18,000 people attended this year’s event also a record, which pits firefighters against police officers in the ring.

For the fourth year in a row, the blue team defeated the red team, 10 to 6, and there was professional fighting at the event for the first time. *Thanks for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make it so successful Two Hazelwood Central basketball players score 1,000th point

ACROSS 1. Can’t stomach 6. Styling goo 9. Hightailed it 13. Ten million, in India 14. “____ takers?”

15. Like a girl 16. Spanish small plates 17. School of thought suffix 18. Pay hike 19. *Oscar nominated meet-the-parents thriller 21. *He played Getty 23. Right-angle building extension 24. Splints site 25. Mammoth site, e.g.

28. Write on a tombstone 30. Self-centeredness 35. Land measure 37. Crucifix 39. “Sesame Street” regular 40. *In 1992 De Niro was nominated for “Cape ____” 41. *Best category 43. Tiresias in “Oedipus Rex” 44. Desert mirage 46. S-shaped molding 47. Dionysus’ party 48. “____ the unexpected” 50. Celestial bear 52. Rolodex abbr.

53. Purple precipitation 55. Before, old English 57. *Evacuation location 61. *Olympic hopeful’s story 64. Deprive of weapons 65. *Sarandon was nominated for “Lorenzo’s ____” in 1993 67. Unfit 69. Like anchor aweigh 70. Zilch 71. *Cathy Bates’ or Louise Fletcher’s role 72. Google ____ 73. Bro’s sibling 74. Had supper

DOWN 1. *Do this and hope for an Oscar?

2. Toot one’s horn 3. *18-time Oscar host 4. Speak from a podium 5. Fix a shoe 6. Manner of walk 7. Ensign, for short 8. Bodily fluid 9. Thailand, once 10. “____ and proper” 11. Additional 12. Indigo user 15. Nirvana genre 20. Extremist 22. Bald-faced ____ 24. “I call passenger seat!”

25. *”The Florida Project” nominee 26. Mountaineer’s tool 27. Comprehend 29. *Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song nominee 31. Guesstimate phrase 32. Apathetic 33. Lay ____ to a castle 34. *21-time nominee 36. Albany-Buffalo canal 38. Opposite of talker?

42. Button on electrical outlet 45. Economize 49. Feather glue 51. Ray Charles’“Mess ____” 54. Paintings in an Orthodox church 56. Boredom 57. Two of the same 58. “Do ____ others...”

59. Narcotics agent 60. “Me and Bobby McGee” singersongwriter 61. Ailments 62. Spinner’s product 63. Altar location 66. *J. Paul Getty’s grandson 68. Ideas worth spreading, acr.

See solution on pg. 13

(MASL) with home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

St. Louis Ambush defender Dylan Hundelt earned a spot on the Major Arena Soccer League’s Team of the Week for Week 16 of the 2017-18 season.

Recently in a 7-6 win over Kansas City, he notched a goal and an assist. Then, when the Ambush narrowly lost 8-7 in overtime to Cedar Rapids, he did his part to help keep the game close, posting two more goals. Thus far this season, Hundelt has appeared in 14 games, scored five goals, added four assists and blocked 19 shots.

He is a St. Louis native who went to the U17 National Finals while playing with the Scott Gallagher Soccer Club and playing prep soccer at CBC High School. Hundelt spent his collegiate career at the University of Mississippi. The 2017-18 season is his third with the Ambush and is the son of former Steamers, Storm and Ambush star Kevin Hundelt.

The last game of the 2017-18 campaign the Ambush host the Monterrey Flash this Sunday, Feb. 25 at 3:05 p.m.

Go to www.STLAmbush.com for all the details. *Great foot steps to walk Rascal baseball in 72 days in O’Fallon Steve Brook enters his 15th season with the River City Rascals in 2018 and his ninth as Field Manager and Director of Baseball Operations.

Brook has an overall league managing record of 441 - 334 and led the Rascals to its first Frontier League Championship in 2010.

As a Rascals pitcher, Steve finished his career in 2007 with 33 career victories, which ranks first in franchise history and third in Frontier League history.

Go to www.RiverCityRascals.com for all the details. *Baseball is in the air

Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

Hazelwood High School players Shaun Williams and Kelsie Williams recently scored their 1,000th point. Shaun and Kelsie were both recognized with a short ceremony and were presented with a 1,000th point ball on senior night to commemorate the accomplishment. *Thanks to Christopher Erbs-Digital Communications Specialist II-Master of all Things Digital-Communications and Marketing Department Ambush player gets honors The Ambush is your professional soccer team playing in the Major Arena Soccer League

www.pbtc.net

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.

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 21, 2018

Recipe: Recipe:

Learn & Play

11

COMFORT FOOD MADE QUICK AND EASY

A

steaming bowl of savory soup is the perfect comfort food when the wind is howling, rain is falling or the temperature is dropping. It’s a time to cozy up and enjoy the warmth of being inside while indulging in some of your favorite flavors.

The rich, hearty tastes and textures of a soup result from the seasonings, spices and melding of different

ingredients while it slowly simmers to perfection. However, when there’s no time for lots of prep and cooking, there are shortcuts that don’t sacrifice taste.

For example, when time is short, a can of READ Southwestern Bean Salad gives you a head start. The robust mixture of black beans, corn, hominy and kidney beans in a slightly spicy, chili-lime accented tomato

sauce is just right in recipes that boast Tex-Mex flavors like this Chicken Enchilada Soup. Just add a few pantry staples and some sauteed chicken for a warming pot of soup in about half an hour.

For more quick and easy recipes for the season, visit readsalads.com.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Recipe courtesy of Dinner, Dishes and Desserts on behalf of READ Salads

Servings: 6 Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 pound chicken breast cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilis 2 cans (15 ounces each) READ Southwestern Bean Salad salt, to taste pepper, to taste crispy tortilla strips (optional) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Recipe: Recipe:

KRecipe:

diced avocado (optional) Directions: In large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion.

Cook 5-6 minutes, or until chicken is browned and onions are soft, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, until fragrant.

Stir in enchilada sauce, chicken stock, tomatoes and bean salad.

Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with tortilla strips, cheese and avocado, if desired.

HEART-SMART EATING CAN BE DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS

eeping your heart in good shape starts at mealtime. Fortunately, there’s no reason to skimp on flavor to spread the love to your heart.

For example, homegrown American Pecans are a naturally sweet, heart-smart ingredient you can add to salads, vegetable side dishes, oatmeal and other whole

grains – or enjoy on their own as a snack.

Their unique mix of “good” unsaturated fats, fiber, plant sterols and flavonoids add up to make pecans a powerful, hearthealthy food.

Each 1-ounce serving provides 18 grams of unsaturated fat with zero cholesterol or sodium. In fact, American Pecans are

certified as a heart-healthy food by the American Heart Association’s® HeartCheck Certification Program. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may

SIMPLE SEAFOOD SOLUTIONS FOR LENT

Pecan, Pear, Pomegranate Kale Salad Prep time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients: 1 bunch kale, stems removed 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons, divided 2 small pears, sliced 3/4 cup fresh pecan halves 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons course grain mustard pinch of kosher salt pinch of cracked black pepper Directions: Chop or shred kale into small pieces and transfer to large bowl.

Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil on kale. Massage kale about 3-5 minutes, or until kale becomes glossy, deep green and begins to tenderize.

Add pear slices, pecan halves and pomegranate seeds; toss with kale.

Add remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper to canning jar and secure lid. Shake for several seconds until dressing comes together.

Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

Serve immediately, or allow salad to marinate in dressing up to 30 minutes before serving.

Note: Heart-Check certification does not apply to recipes or information unless expressly stated.

reduce the risk of heart disease.

Try adding a colorful, flavorful twist to a simple salad by combining crunchy kale with fresh pecans, pomegranate seeds and pears for a tasty, heart-healthy meal you can feel good about.

For more recipes, nutrition information and tips, visit americanpecan.com.

12

What’s Happening

February 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS Feb. 21: Concert

Award-winning performers Deborah Sharn and Carolbeth True will take you back in time for an afternoon of music at their “Great Ladies of Song” show at 1 p.m., at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre’s Performing Arts Theatre.

Sharn and True will perform the music of female greats Doris Day, Patsy Cline, Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as more contemporary artists such as Carole King and Adele. Tickets are just $10 per person. Advance registration is required. Register in person at the St. Peters Rec-Plex, by phone at 636-939-2386, ext. 1400, or online at www.stpetersmo.net/rec-connect.

When registering online, print your registration form and bring it with you for admission to the show. The Performing Arts Theatre is located within the Cultural Arts Centre in the west wing of St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd.

Feb. 21: Job fair

Come to the St. Peters Rec-Plex for the Rec-Plex Job Fair from 3-6 p.m. Meet with Rec-Plex staff and find out more about how the skills you gain here at a part-time/summer job can set you up for a lifetime of success. Openings are available for lifeguards, summer camp counselors, swim instructors, front desk attendants, beverage servers and concession attendants. St. Peters’ lifeguards can work at both indoor and outdoor pools for potential year-round employment. Plus, our Lifeguards receive free classes and free uniforms—a $200 savings normally charged elsewhere—and also start at a higher pay ($8.20/hour) with pay increases based on hours worked. Apply now and be part of our team opening the new aquatic park “The Cove at St. Peters” in 2018. The Rec-Plex offers its employees flexible hours, quality training, discounted memberships and competitive pay. The St. Peters Rec-Plex is located at 5200 Mexico Rd. To apply for a job or find additional employment opportunities with the City of St. Peters, visit www.stpetersmo.net/jobs.

Feb. 23: Trivia night

ShowMe Aquatics 6th annual trivia night takes place at Immanuel Lutheran Fellowship Hall at 115 South 6th Street in St. Charles. Doors open at 6 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m. Cost is $200 per team of eight ($25 per person in advance, $30 at the door).

VIP Tables available for $250 per table (table of eight), which includes two large pizza’s and a dedicated table runner. Benefits ShowMe Aquatics and Fitness and Individuals with Disabilities. Make reservations early, space is limited. Call 636-896-0999 ext. 21 for Kimbra Heimerl.

Feb. 23: Art show

St. Charles Community College will display the artwork of eight regional painters Jan. 29-Feb. 23 in Abstract Rhythms: Painting Invitational. Sarah Giannobile, Jeff Hursey, William La Chance, Julie Malone, John Marksbury, Ethan Meyer, Jeremy Rabus and Nick Schleicher will be featured in the gallery of the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday. The gallery is located in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building. Parking for patrons is free in the campus Blue and Yellow lots. For more information, contact Brian D. Smith at bsmith@stchas.edu or 636-922-8575.

Feb. 24: Talk and Tea Time

Parkview Gardens Florist and Greenhouses will host a “Dynamic Daylilies” Talk and Tea Time at 10 a.m. Parkview

Gardens is located at 1925 Randolph (across from Blanchette Park) in St. Charles. RSVPs are requested by Feb. 20. For more information or to RSVP, please call 636-946-7641.

Feb. 24: Art show

The Lillian Yahn Gallery at the St. Charles County Arts Council in O’Fallon presents the annual Ft. Zumwalt Youth Multicultural Art Exhibit, through Feb. 24. Hours are Tues Fri 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sat 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closing reception is Feb 24 from 12 – 2 p.m. All are welcome to come and see the fabulous art. Participating schools include Dardenne Elementary, Mount Hope Elementary, Ostmann Elementary, Progress South Elementary, Rock Creek Elementary, Twin Chimneys Elementary, and Westhoff Elementary. All are welcome.

Feb. 24: Gardening seminar

St. Charles County Master Gardeners will host Dig-In 2018 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Charles Community College at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville. The day begins with a keynote speaker on the importance of soil. Three sessions will follow with a choice of five topics in each session.

Registrants will choose one topic for each session Light breakfast and a box lunch is included with registration. The cost is $35 until Feb. 16. After Feb. 16 and at-the-door registration will cost $45 – there may be limited choice of topics. Register early to guarantee your topic selection. Visit http://extension. missouri.edu/stcharles/digin.aspx for topic descriptions and more details.

Call 636-970-3000 to register. All major credit cards are accepted. Master Gardeners receive numerous hours of training from University of Missouri Extension. They volunteer their time to promote and to demonstrate good gardening principles and techniques, as well as participate in projects that enhance the beauty of our community.

Feb. 24: Trivia night

Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Division annual trivia night takes place at St. Robert Bellermine church hall at 1424 First Capital Drive in St. Charles. Please call 636544-7418 or pat1288@aol.com for reservations or questions. Cost is $200 for a table of eight. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., trivia starts at 7 p.m.

Feb. 24: Trivia night

Trivia night takes place at St. Paul’s UCC in Defiance. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Trivia starts at 7 p.m. Cost for eight per table is $100.

Feb. 24: Trivia night

Mid Rivers Christian Church is hosting a trivia night at 828 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in St. Peters. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and trivia will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Cost is $160 for a table of eight, or $20 per person for a partial table. Light refreshments are provided (outside nonalcoholic beverages and snacks are allowed). Donations and money raised will provide funds for Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch, which provides a safe and nurturing home for at risk children. Register early. Space is limited.

Feb. 28-March 4: Theater production

St. Charles Community College’s Center Stage Theatre will present “You Can’t Take it With You” in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the SCC campus. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-March 3; 10 a.m. March 1 and 2 p.m. March 4. 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. For more

information, contact Jean Deimund at jdeimund@stchas.edu or 636-9228050. To purchase tickets, visit stchastickets.com.

March 3: Washers tournament

Competitive teams are needed for the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department’s Ninth Annual Washers Tournament at the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association Hall of Fame at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville. If you are at least 16 years of age, this is your chance to test your skills against the area’s best players as teams compete for cash prize in this double-elimination tournament. The event is co-sponsored by the Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club. Registration and practice time is from 10:30–11:45 a.m., the day of the event and teams will have the opportunity to practice pitching washers on the indoor court.

The tournament begins at noon. Registration fee is $25 per team of two. All teams are guaranteed to play at least four games or two rounds. Each round consists of the best two out of three games. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top teams, with prize values dependent upon the number of teams entered. Spectators are welcome and food and drink is available for purchase. For more information about the washers tournament, call the parks department at 636-949-7535.

March 3: Math tournament

St. Charles Community College will host the 21st annual High School Math Tournament in cooperation with mathleague.org. Both teams and individuals from new and returning high schools, grades 9-12, are invited to participate. The tournament will be held in the SCC Student Center and Administration Building at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m. and testing will be held from 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m. The awards ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. Refreshments and giveaways will be available during registration while supplies last. Thanks to a St. Charles Community College Foundation mini-grant, registration is only $1.50 per student. For more information about the tournament, contact Joe Howe at jhowe@stchas.edu or 636922-8318.

March 5: Free concert

LIVE @ The Library presents the Augusta Bottoms Consort Group at 7 p.m. at Spencer Road Branch at 427 Spencer Road in St. Peters. The entertaining and engaging acoustic music ensemble, Augusta Bottoms Consort is a versatile music group playing acoustic music in several styles including old country, jazzy standards, toe-tapping, original songs, folksy, bluesy songs and a variety of other musical genre. For more information visit www.youranswerplace.org/ecalendar.

March 5-6: Theater auditions

Center Stage Theatre will hold open auditions for “Almost, Maine” at 7 p.m. March 5-6. Auditions will be held in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building Room 110 on the SCC campus. Callbacks will be at 7 p.m. March 7. Roles are available for 10 men and 11 women. Auditions are open to the community and will consist of a cold reading from the script, which are on reserve at the SCC library. A prepared monologue is suggested but not required. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 18-21; 10 a.m. April 19; and 2 p.m. April 22. Tickets are free to SCC students with ID, $8 for general admission, $6 for seniors, veterans and students. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. For more information, contact Andrew Kuhlman, Director, at akuhlman@stagesstlouis.org.

March 9: Trivia night

The St. Charles Community College Employee Sponsored Program will host its annual trivia night to raise funds for SCC scholarships, cam-

pus enhancements and employee support initiatives. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia starts at 7 p.m. The fandom-themed event will be held in the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building auditorium on the St. Charles Community College campus in Cottleville. Tributes, Potterheads, SuperWhoLocks and others are invited to compete for this year’s title and $200 prize. Tickets cost $25 per person or $200 per table of eight. Beer, wine, soda and water are included and teams are welcome to bring snacks.

There will be a prize for best-decorated table, and costumes are encouraged.

Last year’s event raised nearly $6,000 for the Employee Sponsored Program.

For more information and to register, visit stchas.edu/trivia.

March 11: Brass quartet concert

Dispelling the myth that it’s kind of music is aimed solely at classical music lovers, the Saint Louis Brass Quintet will present a program of nice variety when it appears at Zion Lutheran Church and School at 3866 S. Old Highway 94 in St. Charles at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available at the church office Monday-Friday or at the door on the day of the performance. Tickets are $10 for general admission. Children ages five and under are free.

The quintet has existed for more than thirty years, presenting hundreds of concerts across this country and in Japan, Germany, India, Norway, Sweden and Mexico. More information about the Saint Louis Brass Quintet and this concert can be found at www.SaintLouisBrass.com.

March 17: Quilt social

The quilters from Immaculate Conception Parish of Dardenne Prairie will be holding a quilt social in ICD parish hall (lower level of the church).

Doors open at 10 a.m. with bingo beginning at noon. Come hungry as lunch with homemade desserts will be available for purchase. All over the age of 16 are welcome.

March 20: Speaker series

St. Charles City-County Library District speaker series features St. Charles County elected officials and county staff, who address topics of interest to residents. “Let’s Talk Transportation” will feature Amanda Brauer, Manager of Roads and Traffic, and Craig Tajkowski, County Engineer at Kathryn Linnemann Branch Library at 2323 Elm St. in St. Charles.

All programs are free. Registration is requested. For more information call 636-949-7900, ext. 3724, email mtdempsey@sccmo.org or visit sccmo. org/SpeakerSeries.

April 7: Bike blessing

The Third Annual Bike Blessing takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St Paul UCC at 903 Meier Road in Old Monroe. Food and refreshments available.

This is an alcohol and drug free event.

For more information call 636-6655329.

April 28: Plant sale

The Seventh Annual Lincoln County Master Gardeners plant sale will be held at the extension office at 880 W. College St. in Troy from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., rain or shine. There will be a variety of plants for sale including perennials, annuals, natives, vegetables and herbs. There will also be unique garden art available to purchase that will make great Mother’s Day gifts. There will be an “Ask the Gardener” booth and raffle tickets ($1each or 6/$5) for a gardeners gift basket. Drawing will be held at 1 p.m. and you do not need to be present to win. Come early for best selection. Come late for best discounts.

May 15: Speaker series

St. Charles City-County Library District speaker series features St. Charles County elected officials and county staff, who address topics of interest to residents. “St. Charles County: Past, Present and Future” will feature Coun-

ty Executive Steve Ehlmann at Kisker Road Branch Library 1000 Kisker Rd. in St. Charles. All programs are free.

Registration is requested. For more information call 636-949-7900, ext.

3724, email mtdempsey@sccmo.org or visit sccmo.org/SpeakerSeries.

March 22-23: Art show

Crossroads Arts Council presents its fourth annual art show “SPANNING the generations: senior to senior.” This visual art show is open to all professional and non-professional artists, senior in high school to senior citizen from 5 - 8 p.m. both nights at Wentzville Community Club at 500 West Main Street in Wentzville. The show is free and open to the public. For more information visit http://www.crossroadsartscouncil.org.

March 23: Trivia Night

Trivia night at Fort Zumwalt North High School to benefit the Scholar Quiz Team will take place from 6:30 - 10 p.m. at 1230 Tom Ginnever Ave. in O’Fallon. The theme is “Safaris” and the cost is $90 for a table of eight (includes mulligans). There will be ticket raffles. Soda and water are provided.

Bring snacks. This is a no alcohol event. Please call Ms. Gianini to reserve your spot at 636-272-4447.

March 24: Gardening talk

Parkview Gardens Florist and Greenhouses will host a gardening talk on “The Benefits of Healthy Soil and Watering Practices…The Dirt On Dirt And Getting Wet!” at 10 a.m. Parkview Gardens is located at 1925 Randolph (across from Blanchette Park) in St. Charles. For more information or to RSVP, please call 636-946-7641.

ONGOING EVENTS 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 Street 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 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.

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. This session will include performance at St. James Cathedral, Chicago on June 25.

New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required. See ww.concertarts. org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • February 21, 2018 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).

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

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

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

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.

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: 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.

2nd Tuesday: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.; locations posted on our website www. angelfire.com and on our Facebook page. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-456-0776.

2nd Tuesday: Cancer support group

2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America

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

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

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.

Book study group will meet from 7 to 8:30 pm at Denny’s 1300 Lake Saint Louis Blvd near I-70. They would like as much diversity in the group as possible, so men and women of all religions or no religion are welcome.

Questions or to order the book Email: MartyJan@Gmail.com or Call or Text: 314-704-0616

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

1st & 3rd Tuesday Book Study Group

1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities.

No sewing experience required.

Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant.

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

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.

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

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

Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club

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.

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

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.

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: Food pantry

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

Wednesdays: 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

What’s Happening

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.

Wednesdays: Kiwanis Club meeting

Cottleville/Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Bemos and the third Tuesday of the month at 7 a.m. at Breeze Park. This is a new club looking for new members interested in working to better our community. For more information call Christy at 314583-0538.

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

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

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 SUDOKU answers from page 7 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.

13

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.

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 636.928.1928.

level.

Info:

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 7:30pm, St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles.

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

CROSSWORD answers from page 10

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

14

February 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

SITUATION WANTED

NOVENA

SERVICES

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

PET CEMETERY

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.

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

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

It has never been known to fail.

SINGERS WANTED

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, J.L.

www.everyonebenefits.com/GaryB 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.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, I.J.

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.

P.S. Thank you St. Jude, J.D.

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February 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

By Steve Bryan

“Game Night”

‘Game Night’ not competitive enough

M O V I E

Even with electronic entertainment options, board games and game nights are still quite popular. Families and friends bond over newer games such as “Apples to Apples” as well as classics like Monopoly and Scrabble. Actor Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation) even co-created “TableTop,” a web series featuring Wheaton playing board games with guests.

The dark comedy “Game Night” shows what happens when a fun evening with friends turns deadly and dangerous. Even with a talented cast at their disposal, directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (the “Vacation” movie reboot) created a pedestrian comedy that can’t decide what it wants to be. Watching this flick is like playing a board game that’s missing a few key pieces.

Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams play Max and Annie, two competitive players who meet at a local trivia night. They become a game night power couple and go for the win every time. The only person Max has trouble competing against is his successful brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler), who has a flashy sports car and a high-profile job.

Brooks ups the ante at Max and Annie’s game night by staging a fake kidnapping, complete with actors with costumes and props. One participant will be “abducted” while the others find clues to free them. Unfortunately, real-life kidnappers abduct the wealthy Brooks, but his friends and family think it’s all part of the game.

“Game Night” has an interesting premise, but Mark Perez’s screenplay doesn’t quite deliver the goods. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams have real chemistry, though, as Max and Annie, the couple who lives for a good game night.

In many ways, the two of them are almost too competitive and don’t realize the moment when the game turns real and dangerous.

Surprisingly, the talented Kyle Chandler turns in a lackluster performance as Brooks. Max’s brother has all the trappings of success, but every compliment he delivers comes across as a put-down. Brooks’ abduction is the catalyst for the story, but he’s so obnoxious that he really deserves to be kidnapped. The character has no depth or complexity, and it’s hard to feel sympathetic towards him.

Jesse Plemons (the “Fargo” TV series) is rather disturbing here as Gary, a police officer obsessed with his ex-wife. He lives next door to Max and Annie, who really don’t like having him over for game nights. Gary is often seen holding his dog like Dr. Evil held his cat in the “Austin Powers” movies. It’s hard to tell if Gary

is an intense, deep thinker or just plain crazy.

Even with all these pieces on the board, “Game Night” is not quite competitive enough. It’s too dull to be an outrageous comedy and too slow for a thriller. If directors Daley and Goldstein had gone in one direction or the other, a much better movie would have emerged.

“Game Night,” rated R for language, sexual references and some violence, opens in theaters on Friday, February 23.nd benevolent as his cinematic persona.

Photo courtesy Warner Bros.

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 wideeyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex