CNSTC: March 1, 2023

Bangert Island changes hands

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

CLA SSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Lifestyle & Crossword. Pg. F-4

As a part of its Riverpointe project, the city of St. Charles takes over maintenance of the popular outdoor destination from St. Charles County

By Brett Auten

Protecting and preserving Bangert Island was at the forefront of conversation around St. Charles City Hall.

Last week, at a press conference at the Foundry Art Centre, St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer announced that he is forming a Mayor’s Task Force on Bangert Island to ensure representation from all parties interested in the preservation of it and the Riverpointe Development.

As part of the initial phase of development in the Riverpointe project, the city is making a significant investment in the amenities of-

fered at the Bangert Island Nature Preserve, including the addition of a lake feature separating Riverpointe from the preserve.

Nearly 40 acres of new wetland area is being created, as well as an additional 17.5 acres being added to the Bangert Island preserve. According to officials, this will substantially increase the preserve’s biodiversity and create a serene aquatic resource surrounding the existing bicycle and pedestrian trails located within the island. New kayaking and other non-motorized recreational water activities will also be made possible thanks to this additional natural feature.

“Our investment in this natural preserve

will make the Riverpointe development more attractive to residents and visitors alike; and, hikers, bikers, and kayakers will love exploring the incredible new wetlands feature we’re adding to the development,” Borgmeyer said.

Bangert Island is a 3.6-mile loop trail that was generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of one hour and five minutes to complete. This was a very popular area for birding, hiking and mountain biking.

It was announced in mid-February

See ‘ISLAND’ page 2

St. Charles announces a call for artists for street festival. Pg.3

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County hosts Women Build kickoff event. Pg. 3

Submitted photo

As part of the initial phase of development in the Riverpointe project, the city of St. Charles is making a significant investment in the amenities offered at the Bangert Island Nature Preserve, including the addition of a lake feature separating Riverpointe from the preserve.

that after discussions between the St. Charles City and St. Charles County, it was determined that the ongoing maintenance and control of the park was better suited under the city. Both entities mutually agreed to terminate the existing maintenance lease to ensure the improvements were completed on time and according to the development plan.

“Bangert Island has been a popular destination for off-road cycling for many years,” County Executive Steve Ehlmann said. “But with the development of the city’s Riverpointe in that area over the next several years, Bangert Island Park will be inaccessible for us and it would be difficult for us to continue to maintain the trails.”

Ehlmann said the county council passed an ordinance in 2007 authorizing a 30-year lease on the land with an agreement with the Missouri Conservation Commission that the use of the island was limited to use as a nature preserve and trail system.

In 2015, the Conservation Commission reverted the land back to the original donor family, who in turn sold the land to the city of St. Charles. The agreement stipulated that the 30-year-lease, which would have expired on Nov. 30, 2037, to the county remained and that the original Bangert Island of approximately 160 acres would be maintained as a wildlife area.

“Over the years, the county has maintained trails and has provided a recreational area for residents and visitors,” Ehlmann said. “The parks department developed

Boone Trails hosts ‘Winter Survival Skills’ event

the original trail system, cleaned up after flooding and maintained the area.”

The city of St. Charles will oversee the area and has agreed to reimburse the county $236,000, which is the county’s actual costs for leasing, constructing trails and maintaining the island for the past 16 years.

Last week was dubbed an important step in the future of the Riverpointe project. It was previously reported that Chicken N Pickle, a bar-restaurant with indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, bocce courts and more, is the first piece lined up for the development.

Public access to Bangert Island trails will be temporarily cut off while the city removes trees that have grown in the channel.

On Jan. 28, the Boone Trails District held its annual Winter Klondike event, themed “Winter Survival Skills,” at Beaumont Scout Reservation. Just under 200 Scouts and adult volunteers came to the event where scouts earned Search and Rescue, Wilderness Survival, and Fire Safety merit badges. Scouts also participated in the highlight of the event – the “Klondike Derby” sled race.

“All in all, the 2023 Winter Klondike was a huge success,” said Alexavier A., a scout from Troop 533 of Cottleville, who served as an assistant campmaster for the Klondike. “I don’t think we could’ve asked for better weather or a more fun event!”

Alexavier was one of many Scouts who planned and carried out the event.

Boone Trails District serves the youth of St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties and is one of over 20 in the Greater St. Louis Area Council. Winter Klondike is one of many events Boone Trails hosts that keeps scouts busy throughout the year.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Smile and laugh, it’s good for you!

How often do you laugh? Do you know the benefits of laughing? Let me share.

When you laugh your lungs fill with oxygen which stimulates your heart and lung muscles. Laughter releases endorphins that make us feel happy and of course laughter can be very contagious. One day I heard my one-year-old nephew giggling, I didn’t know why, but his laugh amused me!

So many things happen in life that cause us not to feel gleeful. Laughter enhances our mental and emotional state and uplifts our mood. It can reduce tension, add joy and hope and make us feels good. It’s like medicine.

Smiling also makes you feel good, it helps the body to release stress. Smiling and

laughing are a powerful duo that helps to make us feel better. Can you think of something right now that makes you grin and chuckle? I know I can and I’m laughing right now!

Due to the day-to-day stresses of life, sometimes I find myself going days without smiling or laughing. Everything feels so serious and tense. One day I tried intentionally walking around just keeping a smile on my face. My heart was sad, but I read somewhere that it helps uplift your mood.

After 10 minutes, I burst into laughter because I felt silly, but it was funny! The purpose of me doing that little exercise actually worked! You should try it! When you’re having a bad day, or the world seems not so

By LaTonya Thomas

friendly; put a smile on your face for as long as you can and see how you feel afterward. Smiling and laughing is good for you so be intentionally about making part of your daily routine!

LaTonya Thomas is the founder of Sweet Start Ministries. Her background is in hospitality and human resources. LaTonya is involved in the community and loves helping those around her.

Submitted photo

On Jan. 28, the Boone Trails District held its annual Winter Klondike event, themed “Winter Survival Skills,” at Beaumont Scout Reservation.

‘ISLAND’ from cover

St. Charles announces a call for artists for an upcoming street festival

The city of St. Charles has announced a call for artists for Paint the Town: A Frenchtown Street Mural Art Festival, to be held on Second Street in the city’s hip Frenchtown borough on May 19–21. Join this three-day public art installation festival as a participating artist and bring your original creation to life on the pavement of this trendy St. Charles borough. The festival will span a 0.6-mile stretch of Second Street and involve six intersections, and will fea-

ture food and drink vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Learn more about the festival and submit your application online: www. stcharlescitymo.gov/1125/Paint-theTown-A-Frenchtown-Street-Mural. Completed applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 5, at 11:30 p.m.

Each artist will be assigned an intersection along Second Street. Artwork will be painted directly onto the

asphalt, which measures 27 feet by 38 feet (just over 1,000 square feet). Artists selected for the Paint the Town festival will be compensated with a flat rate of $5,000 per intersection, which can be used to cover the cost of materials and labor, including the hiring of additional workers if the artist requires assistance.

Paint the Town is open to professional and practicing artists residing in Missouri and surrounding areas. Artists must be available for installation

May 19–21 (with a rainout date scheduled in June). Art installations must be complete before sundown on May 21. Please take into consideration the size of the mural when applying.

To apply, artists may fill out a Request for Qualification form. Artists must submit digital copies of their artist biography and interest letter, resume/CV, and 10 images representing previous projects.

City of St. Charles conducting independent investigation at well field

The city of St. Charles, in response to USEPA’s limited subsurface investigation of the contamination at the Elm Point Well Field, has elected to conduct its own independent investigation.

The city’s investigation will include the installation of 26 permanent monitoring wells at 13 locations. Groundwater can be repeatedly sampled from these new wells to better define the extent of the contamination emanating from the Ameren Huster Road Substation and will allow for a more complete characterization of the site under a variety of hydrological conditions such as drought, river levels etc. This characterization of the Elm Point Well Field, which has not fully been completed under USEPA’s management, will also provide an early warning of migration of hazardous chemicals towards the city’s drinking water wells. This investigation began the week of Jan. 30, with the installation of the wells being completed within 60 days.

The wells will be installed at two depths: 65-75 feet and 85-95 feet, allowing for better prediction of how operating the city’s well field will affect the potential movement of the contamination from the Ameren Substation.

The city of St. Charles has repeatedly raised concerns that a limited one time “direct-push” groundwater sampling can create strong bias in contamination concentrations caused by sample disturbance (i.e. pressure decrease, temperature increases, etc.), the sampling intervals and sample cross contamination. The city regrets USEPA’s decision to not more fully evaluate the Elm Point Well Field but is choosing to move forward with their own more complete investigation to ensure that the drinking water in St. Charles remains, as it is today, safe and reliable to meet the needs of its citizens.

“We are committed to doing whatever it takes to continue to provide safe drinking water to our residents,”

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County hosts Women Build kickoff event

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County is hosting a 2023 Women Build kickoff party on Tuesday, March 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Habitat St. Charles ReStore at 186 Mid Rivers Center in St. Peters. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Women Build, a Habitat for Humanity International program, launched in 1991, provides opportunities for women to take proactive steps in serving their communities. The local affiliate encourages individuals, community groups, organizations and companies to organize or sponsor a 2023 Women Build team. To learn more, visit www.habitatstcharles.org or call 636-978-5712, ext. 126.

Although the local Habitat affiliate’s Women Build event takes place during 2023 Women in Construction Week, a national initiative to highlight the work of women in the industry, no construction experience is necessary to build with

Women Build. Volunteers work under the guidance of the Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County construction team and industry professionals, as well as future Habitat homeowners.

“Building a Habitat home from the ground up can be an empow-

ering experience for Women Build participants,” said Michelle Woods, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. “Whether you are learning new skills, or simply adding more skills to your tool belt, it’s a rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

said St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer. “We will do the necessary testing and evaluation to ensure that we have the full, complete picture of what is happening in the well field, so we can make the best decision for our city and the residents moving forward.”

Photo courtesy MAD Dream Builders

The Women Build team of MAD (Making A Difference) Dream Builders supports Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County in the building of a home for a future partner family. The active group also hosts community fundraisers, with proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Nominate an outstanding business for the 2023 Grow St. Charles Award

The city of St. Charles is now accepting nominations for the Grow Saint Charles Award. This award is presented to a local business each year that has made an extraordinary impact on the city. Businesses that have contributed to the city’s growth and prosperity, supported local charitable causes, or created outstanding environments for their employees are eligible to be nominated with this award.

In 2022, the Grow St. Charles Award was awarded to the Olde Town Spice Shoppe, a specialty

spice, food, and tea shop on historic Main Street. They were recognized for their tireless promotion of the region, their charitable contributions to the community and their care for the environment and their employees.

“We’re blessed to have so many strong, community-minded businesses in the city of St. Charles, and it’s important that we recognize their efforts to make our city such a wonderful place to live and shop,” says Mike Klinghammer, Director of Economic Development for the city. “Each year, doz-

ens of businesses are nominated for the Grow St. Charles Award, and I’m excited to see who our community nominates for the 2023 award.”

Awards will be presented on May 17 by Mayor Dan Borgmeyer at the annual Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, hosted by the St. Charles Regional Chamber. Nominate a local business by visiting www.stcEcoDev. com. Nominations must be submitted by March 31, at 5 p.m.

GBT Realty Corporation, a leading national commercial development and investment company headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, sold The Shoppes of Mid Rivers, its 270,000-sq. ft. St. Peters shopping center completed in 2018. The sale to Jenel Real Estate was finalized in late December for $40.7 million. Managing Directors Amy Sands and Clinton Mitchell and Director Michael Nieder of JLL represented GBT Realty. No additional transactional details are available.

“We developed The Shoppes of Mid Rivers to be this submarket’s primary, go-to shopping center, bringing much-needed amenities for the residents of St. Charles County,” explains Ford Tomlin, vice president, capital holdings, GBT Realty. “The success of this center is a testament to our proven development strategy of creating power centers and neighborhood shopping centers in emerging and growing markets. After completing the project and leasing it to top retailers, we were able to take advantage of the strong market and a favorable exit cap rate by selling it now.

“When GBT broke ground on The Shoppes of Mid Rivers in 2016, it was the largest retail development in

this submarket since 2008,” continues Tomlin.

The shopping center is located at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Mid Rivers Mall Drive on 27.85 acres. Its prominent location on a thriving retail corridor provides unimpeded visibility to 140,000 vehicles per day. A population of 146,998 consumers with an average household income of $96,118 resides within a five-mile radius.

With the recent signing of Old Navy to 15,000 sq. ft., The Shoppes of Mid Rivers is 99% leased with only 5,000 sq. ft. of space available. Filling the tenant lineup are national brands including Burlington, Academy Sports, HomeGoods, Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less, Ulta Beauty, Five Below and more. The center has become known as a premiere dining destination, with a diverse roster of popular and award-winning restaurant options that includes Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse, Pappy’s Smokehouse and Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill. National tenants account for 93% of the center’s net operating income with several tenants recently signing new 10-year leases.

GBT Realty sells The Shoppes of Mid Rivers for $40.7 million

Submitted photo

GBT Realty Corporation sold The Shoppes of Mid Rivers, its 270,000-sq. ft. St. Peters shopping center, to Jenel Real Estate in late December for $40.7 million.

Assumption School’s two-time ‘bee’ winner advances to regionals

Bee later this year.

The Assumption “Bee,” which influences students in gaining knowledge in spelling and vocabulary, took place on Jan. 31, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church during Catholic Schools Week. Finalists in grades four-through-eight displayed their skills while seated in front of the entire school body, parents and family friends. Teachers Tere Bowman, Haley McHugh and Jeni Willis officiated the competition, which has been a nationwide tradition for nearly 90 years in the making.

This year’s Assumption School finalists consist of the following students:

• Fourth grade students: Cooper Gonzalez and Emma Sicking

• Fifth grade students: David Smith and Liam Underwood

• Sixth grade students: Meg McCulloch and Easton Miller

• Seventh grade students: Sam Illy and Sam Molitor

For a second year in a row, Assumption Catholic School in O’Fallon crowns David Smith the annual Spelling Bee Champion. The accomplished fifth-grader will advance to the regional qualifier March 25, at Saint Louis University, in hopes to compete with the best of the best at the 2023 Scripps National Spelling

• Eighth grade students: Grant Giesmann, Ethan Koenig, and Audrey Meyer

In traditional spelldown fashion, while competing against 10 of his fellow schoolmates, Smith clinched the first-place win after spelling the word “Urad” correctly in the 13th round. Sam Illy took second place

Liberty High School yearbook staff named National Peacemaker Award finalists

and Grant Giesmann third place for Assumption. Each of the winners received medals for their accomplishments.

Smith will go on to compete in the regional completion next month. If he wins the championship there, he will advance to the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee that will take place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. On May 28, more than 200 spellers from across the country and around the world will arrive in the Washington, D.C., area.

The Liberty High School (LHS) 2023 Talon yearbook staff became finalists for a 2022 National Pacemaker Award announced by the National Scholastic Press Association on Dec. 7. Only three schools from Missouri were finalists among 44 schools across the nation.

“This is a big achievement for these students, being finalists for

the first time in Liberty history,” said Jonathan Hall, publications and yearbook adviser. “They’re a passionate, hard-working group who work well together. They have taken ownership of their program and it’s truly a student-led operation. That’s what I’m most proud of.”

The National Pacemaker Awards are awarded for excellence

in American student journalism, given annually since 1927. The awards are generally considered to be the highest national honors in their field, and are unofficially known as the “Pulitzer Prizes of student journalism.”

The Talon staff will find out what place they rank at the National Journalism conference in San Francisco in April.

Photo courtesy Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish and School Assumption School “Bee” finalists were (front row, from left) Sam Illy, David Smith, Grant Giesmann, Sam Molitor, Easton Miller, (middle row, from left) Emma Sicking, Ethan Koenig, (back row, from left) Cooper Gonzalez, Liam Underwood and Meg McCulloch.

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

The Liberty High School 2023 Talon yearbook staff became finalists for a 2022 National Pacemaker Award announced by the National Scholastic Press Association.

What’s Happening

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

March 5: Free concert

St. John UCC Concert Series proudly presents the Brett Kristofferson Cabaret at 405 South Fifth Street at 3 p.m. Please note, this concert will be held in St. John Hall with refreshments available for donation.

March 11: Trivia night

Saint Charles Daughters of the American Revolution and Fernando de Leyba Sons of the American Revolution are hosting a trivia night at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Parish Center at 221 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event starts at 7 p.m. A table of eight is $160.

Contact Jan Radcliff at 314578-4242 or Bernadette Hall at bhall63376@gmail.com to reserve your table or for more information.

March 11: Trivia night

You’re invited to reserve a table at the first-ever Tricks & Flicks Trivia Night at the Foundry Art Centre at 520 N. Main Center. Tables of eight are available for $160, and all proceeds go to support the Friends of the St. Charles Animal Shelter. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia will begin at 7 p.m. Beer, soda, and water are included, and a cash bar will be available. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and food. Register your group and reserve your table at bit.ly/tricksandflicks.

March 18: Quilt social

A quilt social hosted by the quilters from Immaculate Conception Parish of Dardenne Prairie will be held in ICD parish hall which is located on the lower level of the church. Doors open at 10 a.m. and bingo starts at noon. Lunch and homemade desserts will be available for purchase. All over the age of 16 are welcome.

March 25: Trivia night

Hop on over to the Pezold Banquet Center at 5701 Highway N in Cottleville to support United Services for Children at their annual trivia night. Teams of eight are $200 per table. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m. This is a 21 and older event. Register at www.usfctrivia.org.

May 24: Theater auditions

Registration is open now for auditions for St. John UCC summer show for Performing Arts Camp, “Matilda the Musical Jr!” for grades sixthrough-12. Call Anna DiVesta at 636-946-0961 or visit stjohnucc.org/PAC-audition.

March 25: Shred event

Shred Day at Sunrise Church takes place at 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd. in O’Fallon from 9 a.m. to noon. The event supports Food For Hope and more. Bring documents to shred and non-perishable items for the food pantry. For a suggested list of food donations, please visit sunrisefamily.org/foodforhope.

March 30: Elder care support group

The first Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First Partnering With Your Parents Support Group meets at Sunrise Church at 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd. in O’Fallon at 6:30 p.m. Practical tools and wisdom to help honor your aging

parents. Sign up at sunrisefamily.org/events.

March 31: Fundraiser gala

Resonating Hope’s Starry Night Spring Gala is at 7 p.m. at Water’s Edge Banquet Center at 200 Salt Lick Road – St. Peters Golf Course. Enjoy a date night or evening with your friends with a formal three course catered dinner, dessert, dancing with live music by The Magnifikats, silent auction and raffles. Proceeds go to support arts and education for St. Louis’ inner-city kids. Tickets are $45/person or $425 for a table of 10. Tickets online at ResonatingHope.org or Eventbrite.com.

March 31: Fish fries

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Fish Fry takes place at 2 Seton Court in St. Charles from 4-7 p.m. every Friday in Lent, except Good Friday. Dine-in or carry-out orders only. Order online at MKT.com/seasfishfry. Adult plates are $13. Child plates are $6.

March 31: Fish fries

St. Patrick Church Knights of Columbus will hold fish fries every Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. through March 31 at 405 S. Church St. in Wentzville. Beer and wine available for purchase. Dine in or carry out. For more details, call Greg Lippert at 314-440-5510.

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: 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 636-970-0013.

Mondays: Kiwanis Club meeting

Cottleville-Weldon Spring

Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at Bandana’s at 3446 Pheasant Meadows Dr. in O’Fallon. Contact Mary Vaughan at 314-581-0497 or Karen Grant at 773-914-4900 for more information.

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: 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: 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: 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, 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

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 momsto-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

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: Seniors luncheon

On the third Tuesday every month a luncheon for seniors takes place from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. For more information call 636-561-8951. Free bingo and cards are available.

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

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.

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: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

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

Tuesdays: Mended Hearts

This heart patient support group provides hospital visitation support for people with any type of heart issues. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Spencer Road St. Charles Library, at the corner of Boone Hills Dr. and Spencer Rd. For additional information please call 636-639-0875.

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

The group meets on third Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Alzheimer’s Chapter Office at 9370 Olive Blvd. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male Caregiver Experience, please call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/ stl. Registration is requested before the first meeting.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets from 1:00 - 3:30 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: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

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

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

Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans,

photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on second Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warrenton Masonic Lodge. For more info call 636279-5522 or 636-456-0776 or visit our Facebook page.

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

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

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Garden Club

On the fourth Tuesday of the month, the O’Fallon Garden Club meets at 6:30 p.m. at Sunrise United Methodist Church at 2116 Twin Chimney’s Blvd. in O’Fallon. Open to anyone interested in learning more about gardening and beautifying our community. For more information contact Barb at 314-324-3666 or visit www.ofallonmogarden.com.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA

10:15-11:15 a.m. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314-369-6521.

Third Tuesday: Luncheon for seniors

On the third Tuesday of every month there is a luncheon for seniors from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. For more information call 636-561-8951.

Wednesdays: Toastmasters Club

The Cavesprings Toastmasters Club will transform your speaking ability and offers in person and online meetings every Wednesday from 8 – 9 a.m. at the St. Charles Ambulance District at 2000 Salt River Road in St. Peters. RSVP at cavespringstoastmasters@ gmail.com as guests are free.

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club TOPS 502 Wright City meets every Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church at 104 Hedeman Ave. in Wright City. Weigh-in 7 - 8:30 a.m. Meeting starts at 9 a.m. For more information call 314-504-5202

Wednesdays: Food pantry

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

Wednesdays: St. Charles

Area Woodcarvers meeting

St. Charles Area Woodcarvers meet on Wednesday at the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center; 7295 S Highway 94; St. Charles, MO. Doors open at 6pm with carving from 6:30-8:30pm. Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit www. StCharlesAreaWoodcarvers. com or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

Wednesdays: Senior citizen luncheon

Every first Wednesday of the month (except January and July), St. Robert Bellarmine Church at 1424 First Capitol Drive, South in St. Charles will hold a luncheon for men and women 55 and up. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Games (activities) held 12:30 -2 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations required by the Friday prior to the luncheon by calling 636-946-6799. All are welcome.

Wednesdays: Quilt guild

Every Fourth Wednesday from January to October, the Loose Threads Quilt Guild meets at 6:45 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Centre at the St. Peters City Hall on Mexico Road.

Wednesdays: Marine Corps League meeting

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at Pezold Banquet Center, 5701 Hwy N, in Cottleville at 7:00 p.m. All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome. For more information visit www.stcharlesmarine.org.

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

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

left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

Men’s Lindenwood hockey swept major tournament Lindenwood roller hockey swept the best-of-three Midwest Collegiate Roller Hockey League (MCRHL) Championship Series with back-toback victories over Bethel University, Tennessee recently at Vetta 70 in St. Peters. The Lions took the opening game over the Wildcats 6-3, then clinched the series with a 6-0 shutout in game two.

In a matchup that featured a similar number of scoring chances for each squad, Bethel scored first at 4:19 of the opening period, but Lindenwood responded with the next three. Clayton Liefeld sounded the horn at 6:47 off a feed from Jack Wedoski. Brycon Johnson then set up Brett Worster at 9:19, followed by a Nathan Durrans goal at 10:26, assisted by Worster. A Lions roughing penalty moments later gave the Wildcats a power play and they capitalized with nine seconds remaining for a 3-2 Lindenwood lead at the first intermission.

Defense was more the rule in the second period, but a Bethel hooking penalty at the seven-minute mark gave the Lions a man-advantage chance. Christian Acosta set up Connor Bradley for the score 34 seconds later. That goal proved to be the only one of the middle frame and Lindenwood led 4-2.

The Lions pulled away in the final period. Liefeld netted his second of the game off a pass from Eric Kurpiewski at the 4:39 mark. Bethel equaled the effort with a power play goal at 7:09, but the Wildcats could not get any closer. Nick DellaMorte sealed it at 9:30 with help from Acosta.

Bethel outshot Lindenwood 29-27, but Jacob Robinson was strong between the pipes, stopping 26 of the 29 shots he faced. Liefeld earned Star No. 1 honors with two goals, Worster was named Star No. 2

with a goal and assist, and Robinson received Star No. 3 recognition with his 26 saves and .897 save percentage.

Game two of the series started just three hours later and the Lions controlled it from the opening face off, quickly jumping to a 5-0 lead in the first period, the final four goals all coming in a two-minute span.

Liefeld netted the first on a pass from DellaMorte at 2:18. The late-period barrage started with a Connor Bradley shot from DellaMorte at 8:58. Worster then lit the lamp on back-to-back shots, the first at 9:36, assisted by Johnson, then with help from Durrans and Sean Maude 32-seconds later. Maude called his own number at 10:39 with another assist from Durrans.

Only one more goal was scored the rest of the game and it came off the blade of Liefeld for his fourth of the series, on a play set up by Kurpiewski and Acosta at 6:23 of the second.

Lindenwood out shot Bethel 38-17 and Marky Hager earned the shutout victory with 17 saves on as many shots faced. Liefeld earned his second Star No. 1 honor with two goals. Worster received Star No. 2 recognition also with two goals and Hager was named Star No. 3 with his 17 saves and shutout in the game.

With the two wins, the Lions improved to 16-1 overall and a perfect 11-0 mark in MCRHL play. Lindenwood will attempt to defend its title at the 23rd National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) Championships April 19-24 at the Rinks – Irvine Inline in Irvine, California.

*On a roll

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: Comfort from the South

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cups pecans, crushed

Cream Cheese Layer:

12 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

4 tablespoons heavy cream

Pudding Layer:

3 egg yolks

2 cups whole milk

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup cocoa powder

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

4 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

chocolate syrup

1/2 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350 F.

To make crust: In saucepan, melt butter; add flour, brown sugar and crushed pecans. Stir until combined. Press into 9 1/2-inch deep pie plate. Bake 15-20 minutes until crust begins to brown. Cool completely.

To make cream cheese layer: In medium bowl, mix cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream; mix until smooth. Spread over cooled pecan crust. Refrigerate.

To make pudding layer: In medium bowl, whisk egg yolks. Add milk; whisk until combined. Set aside.

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

Servings: 8

Arkansas Possum Pie

In separate medium bowl, whisk sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, flour and salt until combined. In saucepan over medium heat, add egg yolk mixture and flour mixture. Whisk constantly until pudding begins to thicken and bubble. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until butter is melted. Pour chocolate pudding in shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching pudding to keep it from forming skin. Refrigerate

30 minutes.

Pour pudding over cream cheese layer. Cover pie with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.

To make whipped cream topping: In stand mixer bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pudding layer. Drizzle pie with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

FindmoreuniquedessertrecipesatCulinary.net.

Roald Dahl’s classic children’s books are facing revision

year ago, the works of Theodore Geisel, the brilliant writer/ cartoonist better known as Dr. Seuss, came under fire. According to CNN, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced that “If I Ran the Zoo” and five other Seuss books that portrayed people in ways that were “hurtful and wrong” will no longer be published. After the news went public, Geisel’s fans scrambled to get unabridged copies of the “Seuss Six” while the opposition agreed with the decision to ban the books. As of this writing, though, the banned books were still available on Amazon at a hefty premium.

If banning Dr. Seuss wasn’t enough, British novelist Roald Dahl’s children’s books will be, as the New York Times reported, “rewritten in an effort to make them less offensive and more inclusive.”

Dahl, who passed away on Nov. 23, 1990, created a wonderfully diverse group of characters for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” his 1964 children’s novel about a special factory and its reclusive owner. Dahl continued this storyline in 1972’s “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator,” an adventure that sent the characters to places

such as “Space Hotel USA.”

Dahl’s work also was adapted for 1971’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” a cinematic adventure with Gene Wilder playing the eccentric Willy Wonka. The chocolate maker sent out golden tickers hidden under labels of candy bars in an effort to find an heir. Unlike Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation, Charlie (Peter Ostrum) didn’t have a father and worked hard to help his family. After he found the last golden ticket, Charlie and his Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson) joined the other winners on a fabulous, albeit strange, journey through the inner workings of the factory.

Both the novels and movie adaptations served as cautionary tales for children and

adults. Augustus Gloop, for instance, was always hungry even when surrounded by candies and other delectables. Greed overtook him and he ultimately fell into a chocolate river and was sucked up a pipe. The other children, with the exception of Charlie, let their own greed lead them astray.

Gum chewing aficionado Violet Beauregarde, for example, grabbed a piece of experimental gum that turned her blue.

At the end of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” Charlie, of course, won the grand prize and was going to learn candy making secrets from Willy Wonka. Mr. Wonka said that when the other children and parents leave the factory, they will be restored to “their normal, terrible old selves, but maybe they will be a little bit wiser for the wear.” That’s a great lesson for adults and parents when they find themselves tempted to do things they shouldn’t.

In 1905’s “The Life of Reason,” George Santayana made the comment, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Banning Dr. Seuss books and creatively editing the works of Roald Dahl doesn’t make any logical sense. We have to look back in order to move forward.

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.

One“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” photo courtesy Wolper Pictures

F-4 Feature

Moore on Life: Left to your own devices

Ijustread that avoiding your devices for a week will boost a person’s well-being. I for one know what would boost my well-being…other people avoiding their devices permanently.

For instance, those people yammering on their phones in public. In the good old days, family drama on the phone was contained within the confines of your well-insulated home or private conversations were enclosed within soundproof phone booths.

Today with cell phones on every body now everybody can be a busybody.

I was in the waiting room at the dentist office. The woman next to me looked completely bored then pulled out her phone and dialed up a friend and started blabbing – loudly.

“Hi, it’s me. I’m at the dentist’s and bored. What ya doing?”

I wanted to tell her that’s what the magazines are for, to relieve your boredom quietly while skimming articles about tightening up that midriff bulge or thumbing through the latest products for incontinence, but she just kept yacking on.

“…you didn’t hear?! They’ve split. Sheila came home and Bob was there with her sister making pancakes! Anyway, she’s taking him to the cleaners: house, car, money…all. Oh, and that’s not the worst of it…”

Just then I get called into my appointment. What?! I can’t leave now; I haven’t heard the worst of it! I lie. I tell the assistant to give me a minute because I have to text my husband.

By Cindy Moore

I fake text my husband while Miss Blab-a-lot finishes up her story. Believe me…it was the worst of it! Bob is a total pig! Sheila should have left him years ago.

After my appointment, I headed over to the meat section of the grocery store. Before long, some strange man started coming towards me muttering to himself. He’s clearly deranged so I pulled my shopping cart in between us. If he comes nearer, I’ll use it as a weapon. He gets closer and I’m about to shove the cart straight into his tenderloins. Then he says, excuse me, and grabs some hamburger.

It’s then that I see the earbud in his ear and realize he’s talking to his wife about the menu items for dinner tonight.

Whew, he just dodged a trip to the ICU with permanent paralysis to his lower extremities.

So, PSA to everyone, avoiding your devices not only boosts well-being, but it can also save lives – your own.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

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

LIFESTYLE: Make your job work for you

For some people, job dissatisfaction is the result of a crummy boss or stifling work environment. For others, the problem lies much deeper; it’s a need to reevaluate your career path and find a more suitable fit.

If you’re considering a career change but not sure which direction you’re headed, consider these words of wisdom:

Do some self-reflecting. Take time to give your current work situation a thorough analysis. Determine which elements you enjoy, what rubs you the wrong way and what you’d change if you could. Think about practical solutions to the problems you identify whether it’s changing to a different role in the same field or exploring a new industry entirely. Avoid the temptation to focus on the negative. Rather, take plenty of time to consider the positive aspects of your current job, since that insight can help inform your next step. For example, if you enjoy the limited contact you have with customers, a job with more customer-facing interaction might not be a good fit.

Ask for input. Sometimes loved ones hold the key to a happier career path because they can point out details you don’t recognize. They might recall a time when you were most relaxed and happy, or they might point out talents or skills you take for granted. Often, these natural abilities are an excellent foundation for a career because you’re well-equipped to be successful.

Consider your personal interests. Keeping your personal life and professional life separate isn’t necessarily a bad idea but finding a way to merge the two can

be useful. This is especially true if you’re able to combine training or skills with something you’re passionate about. For example, if you’re an avid outdoorsman, you might find great satisfaction in applying your business management background to work for a company that specializes in camping gear.

Understand what motivates you. Landing in the right job isn’t just about having the right qualifications for a position that interests you. At the end of the day, you’ll feel most content when your job offers meaningful rewards. Motivators can be financial, or they might have more to do with the ability to learn and grow. Some people are willing to sacrifice a bigger paycheck to know they’re making a meaningful contribution in a field they care about. Knowing what outcomes resonate best can help you find a more rewarding career.

Do your research. Changing your career path is a big move, and one you shouldn’t take lightly. Before diving in, spend time looking into the field you’re considering so you have a better sense of factors like growth opportunities, job availability, qualifications, compensation and more. If you find you aren’t quite qualified for the job you think you want, explore what it will take to get there whether it’s training, education or putting in your time to gain experience and work your way into the role you desire.

A career change may be just what you need to shift your life in the direction you want. Find more career advice at eLivingtoday.com.

CROSSWORD: ON YOUR FEET

ACROSS

1. Pampering places

5. *____ de trois

8. Lend a criminal hand

12. Toy block

13. As old as time?

14. Milan’s La ____

15. Drug addict

16. Craving

17. Some primatologists’ study object, for short

18. *Shoe, not a titular character in Henry James’ novel

20. What spirits and culprits have in common

21. Falstaffian in body

22. Jack Kerouac’s ___ Paradise

23. *Shoe, not lazy person

26. Concealing plant, in a painting (2 words)

30. Not leg

31. ____ ____ help

34. Poet Pound

35. *Sound of Wellington boots

37. U.N. labor issues org.

38. Twig of a willow tree

39. Database command

40. Type of purse

42. “Platoon” setting, for short

43. Canadian province

45. Overly preoccoupied with something

47. Motion of assent

48. Louisiana swamp

50. Like list of chores

52. *Animated movie about a dancing penguin (2 words)

56. “All About Eve” star

57. Biblical birthright seller

58. Generic dog name

59. Are not

60. What snob puts on 61. Cogito, ____ sum

62. Mountain, in Germany

63. Trinitrotoluene, for short 64. Movie tape

DOWN

1. Yarn defect

2. 100 centavos in Mexico

3. A long time ago

4. Somewhat (2 words)

5. City on the Seine

6. Pool growth

7. ____ but not heard”

8. *Rupturing this will take you off your feet

9. Can of worms

10. Deciduous tree

11. *Percussion with one’s feet

13. Piano adjusters

14. Scrawny one

19. Caribbean religious and healing practice

22. Noble title

23. Apple TV+ coach

24. Acrylic fiber

25. Amortization root

26. *0.3048 meters

27. Web mag

28. Domains

29. Agricultural enterprises

32. Narc’s unit

33. Contagious bug

36. *On your feet

38. Exclamation of delight or dismay (2 words)

40. El ____

41. Nutrias 44. Fowl perch 46. Bear pain 48. Bowl-shaped vessel 49. Like exes 50. Container weight 51. Last word on army radio 52. Furnace output 53. Republic of Ireland 54. Part of a seat 55. Hammer or sickle 56. Internet meme move

Photo courtesy of Unsplash