CNSTC: March 8, 2017

March 8, 2017

St. Charles trolley returns

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The power of a cookie. P4 MOSAICS Fine Art Festival announces 2017 call to entry. P.2 Wentzville marks first St. Patrick’s Day Celebration P.3 Parks department seeks Outsanding Volunteer nominations P.6

School

Cuivre Park Elementary receives grant to aid K-5 speech therapy program.

P.8 A free trolley service will begin its route on March 15 and will run through Dec. 31 connecting residents and visitors to see much of what St. Charles has to offer.

Submitted photo

Business

The free trolley service will begin its route on March 15 and will run through the popular haunts of St. Charles

By Brett Auten A familiar sight and sound will be making its way around the popular haunts of St. Charles.

A free trolley service will begin its route on March 15 and will run through Dec. 31 connecting residents and visitors to see much of what St. Charles has to offer.

The trolley has not been in operation since 2010 but the city council voted to approve $200,000 in funding to bring it back.

The city has already allocated the funding as part of the city’s budget.

The city has changed plenty since the trolley was last here. Tourism has continued to rise and the addition of the trendy Streets of St. Charles along with the ever-busy St. Charles Convention Center made connectivity a must.

The 30-minute loop will offer an easy alternative to having to drive vehicles in order to experience the various destinations in a convenient manner.

“This was a vision of Mayor (Sally) Faith’s and it matched up with the research that we did that indicated that this is an option that

visitors here wanted to see,” Joe Ward, the director of the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, said. “St. Charles has evolved quite a bit since the last time we had a trolley. It has spread out more and they want a more seamless way to get around.”

The trolley will operate Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The route will consist of eight stops; The St. Charles Convention Center, The Streets of St. Charles, Ameristar Casino Resort, two stops on Main Street, near the Foundry Art Centre, Frenchtown and in the Mark Twain Shopping Center.

Ward believes that the trolley’s new running time frame will better serve the public.

“The previous hours were more geared toward daytime,” Ward said. “This way, if you are at the convention center and you don’t get out until 6 p.m., you won’t have to hurry. You should be fine.”

The wait time for the trolley has been significantly trimmed as well.

“If you walk up to a stop a minute after the trolley has pulled away, you have about

a 30-minute wait until it comes back,” Ward said. “If we added too many stops it would be an inconvenience and people just wouldn’t wait around for it.”

An additional element of the trolley service is that each driver will also serve as an informed guide to the various destinations and key places to visit and will be schooled on the rich history of St. Charles.

“We understand that not every area of St. Charles is covered,” Ward added. “But the route is in proximity to a lot of popular areas.”

The city abandoned the trolley in 2010 after a lack of interest – averaging 26 riders a day - and costing taxpayers $141,000. The new plan is for a two-year pilot program.

An outside contractor will operate the service.

According to Ward, the contractor has two trolleys, one aptly named Lewis and the other, Clark, in reference to St. Charles serving as the final embarkation point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. St. Charles was the first permanent European settlement on the Missouri River and one of the first in the state of Missouri.

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 19 No. 10 | 636-379-1775

Schneider Real Estate celebrates new location.

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Movie What’s wrong with Oscar?

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Weather FRIDAY Sunny Rain Late 60/42 SATURDAY Rain Likely 55/35 SUNDAY Mostly Sunny 56/31 FirstWarn Weather

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

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March 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

SCC purchased One Academy Place allowing for new and expanded programming

MOSAICS Fine Art Festival announces 2017 call to entry

St. Charles Community College made history when the college closed on One Academy Place in Dardenne Prairie. This property will serve as the college’s first satellite location, and its initial intent will be to expand Nursing and Allied Health offerings and develop additional workforce and industry programs.

The 69,000-square-foot building was the former site of Barat Academy. It was purchased by Lindenwood in September 2012, and SCC leased approximately 26,000 square feet of the building’s space for its Nursing and Allied Health program under terms of the colleges’ partnership agreement from 2012-2017.

The SCC Board of Trustees approved the purchase contract on of the building and SCC finalized the purchase of the property for $9.45 million on Feb. 24.

SCC plans to utilize the space to create a world-class, innovative learning environment that expands access to higher education and professional and career development for students, businesses and communities served, according to college officials.

MOSAICS Fine Art Festival announces their call to entry for their 23rd Annual Arts Festival event, taking place Sept. 15-17 in Historic St. Charles.

Join approximately 100 juried and invited artists at this annual arts festival, which is a family-friendly weekend event with activities for everyone, including art, entertainment and the opportunity for children to create their own artwork.

The MOSAICS organization is accepting applications for the 2017 event, now through the May 1 deadline. Juried artists will be notified no later than May 20 and booth fees will be due to the arts organization upon invitation and acceptance to the festival by June 19.

• Artist Mediums – The 23rd Annual MOSAICS Fine Art Festival is limited to approximately 100 juried artists in varied media including painting, clay, sculpture, photography, print making, pastels, drawing, wood, jewelry, metalwork, glass, art to wear and mixed media.

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

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Photo courtesy St. Charles Community College SCC President Barbara Kavalier, Ph.D., and Lindenwood University President Michael Shonrock, Ph.D., signed a ceremonial closing on One Academy Place commemorating the collaboration between two institutions as SCC takes over ownership of the property

“We hope to add additional career pathways for our students,” said Amy Koehler, dean of nursing and allied health.

“We want to be able to meet students wherever they are in their educational journey or career.”

New and expanded programs will include an associate degree in nursing-bridge, medical assisting, occupational therapy assistant, surgical technology, information technology, welding, agricultural and food science, transportation/logistics and applied engineering/integrated technology programs, to name a few.

“At the same time SCC is gaining square-footage, students are gaining additional opportunities to reach their educational goals,” said SCC President Barbara Kavalier, Ph.D. A business plan for the use of the property was developed by John Bookstaver, Ph.D., interim vice president for academic and student affairs; Koehler; and Amanda Sizemore, dean of corporate and community develop-

ment.

The programs were strategically selected to help fill a need in the workforce both nationally and locally. According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Occupational Therapy Assistants career growth is projected to be 43 percent by 2024.

“During our research we learned that Troy Buchanan High School has the largest Future Farmers of America in the nation, and that there are no higher education agriculture options close to them,” said Bookstaver. “Our new agricultural and food science offering will give more students like these the opportunity to pursue studies that will help them achieve their dreams while contributing to the strength of the economy of the region.”

“With this site, we will have the opportunity to offer more stackable credits – things students can build on no matter where they are in life,” Koehler said.

• Event Promotion – The MOSAICS Festival is promoted to the art-buying public via newspapers, radio, television, billboards, signage and social media across the St. Louis metropolitan area.

• Prizes – $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to participating artists.

• Fees – Jury fees are $30, and Booth fees are $295 for a single booth, with corner and double booths available on a first come, first served basis.

• Amenities – Artist amenities include booth sitting, cold water delivered to booths, complimentary dinner delivered to booths on Friday and Saturday evening, a variety of restaurants within the festival area, special accommodation rates from nearby hotels/motels and bed and breakfasts and security provided both day and night.

• Where/How to Apply – Artists may apply online at www. zapplication.org/mosaics Proceeds from MOSAICS provides support to community art education and activities for St. Louis area youth, including the Mentor Me school art program and exhibition, hosted by the Foundry Art Centre (located within one block of the MOSAICS Festival); the Art for Youth Gallery program, which allows children to purchase professional art at a nominal fee, fostering art appreciation among the kids 18 years and younger; and the familyfriendly Children’s Village, which is a special place where kids of all ages can learn about and create their own work of art.

Weather from Nick’s Window

by Nick Palisch

Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistants Lisa Moran, Melissa Nordmann Staff Writers Brett Auten, Nicholas Elmes Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore, Nick Palisch Cartoonist John Hanna Staff Photographer Ray Rockwell Social Media Lori North Classified Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Diane Cooper, Randy Davies, Heather Deatz, Susan Faust, Doug Garbs, Bob Huneke, David McFarland, Norm Merchant, Christy Parks, Laurie Simon, 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. Copyright 2016 Huneke Publica tions, Inc. with all rights reserved. No part of the publications may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher/editor. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Entire Contents Copyrighted

Severe weather is like baking a cake March is often considered the kickoff to the spring severe weather season here in Missouri. While severe weather can happen any time during the year in Missouri, spring and fall are ideal for severe-weather development.

Severe weather requires certain elements to occur, similar to baking a cake. If you are missing an ingredient the cake will not taste good or even turn out. Essentially, the same is true for severe weather.

In order for severe weather to fully develop four main ingredients are needed: Instability, wind shear, lifting and moisture. If we are lacking any one of these, the likelihood of severe weather is low. Just like if you forget the sugar in the cake – it will not taste good.

The first ingredient for severe weather is instability. Instability is the condition in which air will rise freely due to positive buoyancy. Similar to putting the cake in the hot oven – it will rise. With instability, the faster it rises depends on the density difference

between the actual air rising and the air and the surrounding air.

The next piece of severe weather is wind shear. Wind shear influences severe storms in several ways. Vertical wind shear is a significant increase of wind speed with height and vertical directional shear is a significant change of wind direction with height. Consider this the mixing of the atmosphere which is similar to taking all the ingredients of the cake and stirring the batter.

Putting baking soda in your cake will help the cake rise. Without it the cake doesn’t have the buoyancy to rise— the cake will stay flat. With severe weather you will need lift. Lifting is where instability releases and creates the severe weather. Lifting mechanisms include fronts, dry lines and outflow boundaries. Low pressures also serve as lifting mechanisms.

The final ingredient for severe weather is moisture. Without moisture you will not have severe weather. Just like the water, eggs, and oil in the cake

– without them it would be dry and not hold together. When the troposphere lacks moisture, then severe storms will be limited. The more moisture the better the chance for severe weather.

Just like baking a cake all ingredients must come together to have a great tasting, perfect looking cake.

In the same essence, in order to have severe weather you must have all the ingredients come together at the right time to create the “perfect storm.”

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 8, 2017

Wentzville marks first St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Wentzville presents a weekend celebration of Irish culture and music with its St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. The event starts on Saturday, March 11 and concludes Sunday, March 12.

Here is a quick overview of what is happening:

The Leprechaun Leap 1 Mile Fun Run – 8:30 a.m.

In addition to the 5K run, there will also be a one mile mini challenge for the little tykes and those just wanting to walk and have fun.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade – 10 – 11 a.m.

This parade is open to all businesses, political candidates, family clans and community organizations or nonprofits that want to participate. The community is invited to enjoy the parade before heading to the

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www.seniorshelpingsenior.com/stcharles www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/stlouiscentral

Saturday, March 11

Five K Run – 8 a.m. – “The Guinness Challenge” This 5K run will be sponsored

by Guinness and includes a tasty pint of Guinness half way through the run. Of course, this is entirely optional. This will be an official sanctioned event ran

by Fleet Feet.

festival. For the convenience of parade goers, beer tents will be set up at Hometown Cleaners and Mike Haight State Farm along the parade route.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

The Wentzville Downtown Business Association, St. Charles Sister Cities and the city of Wentzville will host a two day, open air festival including street vendors, food trucks, beer sales, live music and much more. St. Louis favorite Trixie Delight headlines the main stage from 8 – 11 p.m. Guests

will have the opportunity to attend one of two Irish Whiskey Tasting events featuring selections from Tullamore Dew. Each session is $35 and limited to 30 people. Must be 21 to attend. Sessions are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Children’s Area features a stage with children’s programming, stilt walker, juggler, magic shows, fire eaters, etc.

Sunday, March 12

St. Patrick’s Day Festival – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.shoesandhope.org

St. Charles County Ambulance District presents STOP Heroin Lecture at CenterPointe Hospital On Feb. 24 Lisa Cassidy and Kyle Gaines from the St. Charles County Ambulance District gave a powerful presentation on the topic, “STOP Heroin” to a packed audience of 250 people at CenterPointe Hospital. The presentation included a video reenactment of paramedics’ response to a heroin overdose, as well as a video of parents describing the unimaginable grief of losing a child to heroin.

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Heroin use and heroin overdoses in our communities are growing at an alarming rate, causing devastating effects on individuals, families and on our communities. Lisa and Kyle gave a call to action to our communities to join forces to do everything we can to “STOP Heroin.”

After the lecture, an open house and tour of CenterPointe’s “The Changing Pointe” Addiction Treatment

Center was made available for visitors to learn more about this state-of-the-art addiction treatment center.

Dr. Raafea Malik, Medical Director and Candy Finan, Program Manager gave an overview of this four-week residential program which provides treatment for a wide range of addictions, including addiction to opiates, alcohol and benzodiazepines.

www.pbtc.net www.aarp.org/stlouis

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March 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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They are finally here!

Thin Mints. Samoas. Tagalongs. Trefoils. Savannah Smiles. Do-si-dos.

Whatever your favorite Girl Scout cookie may be, the long wait for them is over.

Cookie booths are popping up throughout the region and scouts from hundreds of different troops are delivering preorders to your door.

The time-honored tradition of buying, and enjoying, Girl Scout cookies is a key Girl Scout program, providing both funding for troops and great life lessons and experiences each year for Girl Scout troops across the region.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an important legacy program,” said CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Bonnie Barczykowski. “It teaches girls integral business skills and instills a lifelong sense of civic responsibility that creates leaders. At Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, so many amazing girls within our ranks are doing positive, impactful things with their cookie earnings. Girls are participating in outstanding community service projects, taking fun, educational field trips and participating in programs with focuses in STEM, money management, and health.”

Olivia Fong, a Senior Girl Scout with Troop 2423, sells about 2,700 boxes of cookies each year.

“If you ever get frustrated when selling cookies, you just think about the outcome, what you can do with all the money that you are raising,” said Fong.

“My troop has been able to go to Chicago and we have also been going to camps and other fun things like going into St. Louis to play human foosball.

“We have recently set up a trip to go to China in June of 2019 and are working on raising money for that with our cookie sales,” she added, noting that the trip will be a very

special trip for her. “My dad is originally from China, so we will get to see some of my family on the trip. It is so cool that my experience in Girl Scouts is helping me to get to a piece of information about my family that I did not know about.

I have never been to China before, so I will be getting to see some of my family members for the very first time.”

Her troop’s trip has been planned in conjunction with EF Tours to create a guided immersive cultural experience for all of the scouts lucky enough to have earned the opportunity.

A large number of troops in the region also use some of their cookie sales proceeds each year to give back to the community by helping to fund a variety of their community service projects ranging from helping homeless people to creating care packages for animal shelters.

All proceeds raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program stays local, powering thousands of fun and impactful experiences and activities for more than 44,000 girls in eastern Missouri, adding to the already great educational experience provided through the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

A behind-the-scenes look at cookie central But do you know how that initial order given to a smiling scout at your door turns into a box of tasty goodness being delivered this week?

“Nobody would ever really understand all that goes into this program if they did not experience themselves,” said Erin Eberhard.

And she should know.

Eberhard serves as the Director of Product Programs for the entire Girls Scouts of Eastern Missouri Council. Her behindthe-scenes work enabled Girl Scouts of all ages to sell over 2.6 million boxes of cookies throughout the local council area last year.

“All of the people it requires

to make it happen, all of the logistics it requires to make it happen, all of the volunteers – it is definitely a team effort to do this,” she said. “Moving 2.6 million boxes of cookies in a 12 week period is absolutely amazing. It is a true testament to the commitment our volunteers have to the organization and our community and to the girls that are on the front line of the program.”

The path to that cookie success begins in the summer each year as council leaders start planning for orders and training for all of the needed volunteers.

“We have lots of meetings with our baker, Little Brownie Bakers,” said Eberhard. “We look to see what we could do to enhance the experience for the girls and the volunteers and members. We want to make sure that we initially have the cookies that the girls need based on what has sold in the past. This year we looked at each individual area and really dove deep into the numbers to make sure that what the girls sold last year will be available to them automatically this year.”

But, of course, dealing with 2.6 million boxes of cookies over a wide geographic area is not an easy process logistically – it is a process that takes hundreds and hundreds of volunteers and some pretty exacting planning.

“We have three major volunteer roles,” said Eberhard. “We have cookie managers that help with a large cookie neighborhood. We have cupboard managers who provide a space to store all of the cookies in a geographic area so that if a troop needs more for a booth they can go there to pick them up.

Then we have district level volunteers who serve as mentors to the other volunteers.”

Eberhard said every volunteer, from the individual troop leaders and parents to the district level mentors, are integral See COOKIE page 5

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 8, 2017

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COOKIES Continued from pg 4 to a successful cookie season.

She said delivery agents set up a variety of distribution locations and each troop leader then must sign-up for a pick-up time and location.

“I am amazed at how it works. We have it broken down very specifically so we know how many cookies we can load into a car at a given time. We know how many cases you can fit into an SUV and how many cases you can fit into a pickup truck. That way our volunteers know what to expect at pick up and how many cars to bring.”

The art of cookie sales From there, the success of the cookie sales rests with each individual Girl Scout and their troop.

Fong, who is hoping to sell close to 3,000 boxes of cookies this year (the average Girl Scout in this area sells about 120 boxes each year), said that a good attitude and persistence are both key to being successful selling cookies.

“My whole family usually buys from me and are very supportive of it,” she said. “Then there are people in my neighborhood who have known me since I was around four when I was out selling with my older sisters and they always wait to buy from me.”

Fong sells cookies both by going doorto-door and at cookie booths.

“At a booth, people get to see all of the options and know you are going to be there and they already have money with them,” she said. “It takes longer to go door-to-door, but you just have to be persistent in getting to see people. The

main thing I keep in mind is to stay positive and to give people all of the information so then they know they are buying from someone who knows what they are doing.”

Fong said providing customers with contact information is also key to being successful.

“Sometimes I will give them a way to get in touch with my troop leader,” she said. “It is helpful to know that they have a number to get more cookies when they run out.”

High tech comes to cookie booths This year the council is supporting cookie booths through two new tech initiatives which will make it easier for customers to find and buy their favorite cookies.

“We have a new Cookie Locator app, where you can go into the app and enter your zip code or let it track your location and it will tell you where the closest cookie booths around you are at that moment,” said Eberhard, noting that many booths will also be offering credit and debit card purchases using the new Square technology.

“Troop leaders can go through training online, and then we set them up with a Square reader they can plug into their phones. Using those can help increase their booth sales by 20 percent.”

The council also helps to manage booth locations, partnering with a variety of area businesses like Dierbergs Markets, H&R Block, and Cricket Wireless to set up regular booth opportunities.

“The troop leaders are very savvy

and over the years they have, through trial and error, really figured out the best places and times to set up a booth,” said Eberhard. “We have set up council scheduled booths where troops can go into our system and sign up. We also have troop leaders who will go out and secure their own booth locations and we just ask them to let us know so we don’t have multiple troops showing up.”

The value of a box of cookies From planning for orders and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, to the days and weeks spent by every Girl Scout selling cookies in their neighborhoods or at cookie booths, it might be hard to visualize just what each box of cookies is really worth.

Sales each year help fund troop trips, weeks at summer camps and year-long programming from the council, but Eberhard says the true value of all of that work is so much more.

“When you see the girls that are participating in this, they are enjoying it, they are having fun, and they are learning the skills it takes to run a business,” she said.

“And many of them are doing at just fiveyears-old. You can’t beat that. Those are our leaders for tomorrow. We are starting them off at age five learning how to go up to a person and speak to them and explain to them why they would want these cookies.

“It instills so many skills in them as such a young age,” she added. “Then you see what the girls look like at 17 when they are getting on stage at Dessert First and receiving scholarships. That is the

Submitted photo The Eastern Missouri Council kicked off cookie season with their Sixth Annual Dessert First event last Thursday by awarding of $5,000 scholarships to Girl Scouts Allison Licavoli (left) of Marquette High School and Sara Ayers of Parkway West High School.

real benefit – the leadership they gain from the program. That makes it all worth it.”

Fong agreed, noting that cookie sales had really helped her with learning how to handle money.

“This will really help you later on in life with your goals,” she said. “I have learned a lot about money management, and also the business side of it. I want to be a business person when I get older and this has helped me with that because now I know how to manage a bunch of stuff with all of these cookies.”

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March 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Parks department seeks Outstanding Volunteer nominations

Diverting THOUSANDS of TONS of waste from local landdlls!

1SDS partners the ReStore with other non-profit organizations so that items get where they need to be to best serve our community.

186 Mid Rivers Center St. Peters, MO 63367 donations@ habitatstcharles.org Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Instead of what we do take, here is what we don’t take:  Used carpeting and pad  Hazardous chemicals of any kind  Unframed glass/mirrors  Anything damaged or dirty beyond use Because old TV’s don’t sell, we recycle them and pass the $15 fee onto the donor.

(636)978-5712

www.stcharlesrestore.org

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The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is seeking nominations for its Outstanding Volunteer Awards through March 17.

The awards will be presented at the Parks Department’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Night held during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 23-29.

“The St. Charles County Parks Outstanding Volunteer Awards honor and recognize park volunteers who have made a substantial impact to our regional parks system and the community,” says St. Charles County Parks Director Bettie Yahn-Kramer.

To qualify, nominees must have assisted with volunteer projects that encompass natural resources and the environment, trail maintenance, forestry and horticulture or education and historical presentation. The group or individual nominees must be currently active or must have engaged in St. Charles County Parks volunteer activities for a minimum of one year. Nominees cannot be previous award winners.

Nominees should exemplify outstanding enthusiasm, time, talent and effort to diligently preserve and conserve the natural and historic resources of St. Charles County for the recreational benefit and enjoyment of our citizens. Awards will be given in the following categories: • Individual – an individual who volunteers.

• Family – a family that volunteers together on the same project.

• Group/Organization – a group or organization of two or more citizens that volunteer

together on the same project(s) under a group or organization name.

• Youth – a citizen (age 17 or younger) who volunteers.

• Senior – a citizen (age 55 or older) who volunteers.

• Corporate/Business – a corporation or business whose employees have made a substantial impact in the community by effectively engaging in a volunteer park project together.

• Faith-Based – a faith-based organization whose members have made a substantial impact in the community by effectively engaging in a volunteer park project together.

• Lifetime Achievement – an individual volunteer who has exhibited a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and preserving nature and history in St. Charles County Parks.

Nominees must have made a substantial and long-term sustainable impact on the parks system as a result of their volunteer efforts.

Award selections are based on the nominee’s volunteer efforts and commitment of time, accomplishments and park and community impact.

Winners will receive a plaque and recognition during a special park volunteer reception on April 27.

To nominate a volunteer or group that meets the criteria outlined above, submit a nomination form to the Parks Department no later than March 17. The forms can be found at www.stccparks.org.

The forms may be submitted via email. For more information, contact Parks Marketing Coordinator Nancy Lee Gomer at 636-949-7535.

24 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Awards recognize outstanding stewardship, sanitation To recognize the importance that St. Charles County establishments place on food safety, sanitation and employee education, the Division of Environmental Health and Protection began presenting its 24 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Awards in 2007.

The division’s 24 Carrot Gold Award winners for 2016: • Fairwinds River’s Edge 600 River’s Edge Drive, St. Charles.

• Persimmon Woods Golf Club 6401 Weldon Spring Rd, Weldon Spring.

• Prasino 1520 South Fifth Street, St. Charles.

• Sugarfire Smoke House 9955 Winghaven Blvd, O’Fallon.

• Sakura Hibachi & Sushi 1119 West Pearce, Wentzville.

To view a list of all 24 Carrot Gold Award winners since 2007, please visit http://www. sccmo.org/24Carrot.

Staff from the Division of Environmental Health and Protection regularly inspects per-

Photo courtesy St. Charles County

manent, mobile and temporary food service establishments within St. Charles County, except those operating within the city limits of St. Peters (the city health department permits and inspects its own establishments). Inspections are based upon a starting score of 100, with points deducted for various items reported to be in need of correction. To help customers know the food service rating of an establishment, the department requires posting of the most recent inspection in a prominent location as a part of

the food code.

To be eligible for 24 Carrot Gold Award consideration, a facility must possess a valid St. Charles County Food Establishment permit and be in good standing with the Department of Public Health. Winners cannot have critical inspection violations within the previous year and have more than six noncritical violations over the same period. In addition, a food safety certification class must be completed by at least 90 percent of the facility’s food managers.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 8, 2017

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Community Toons

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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

QUEEN FOR A DAY

WWW.MYCNEWS.COM

1:00 - 3:00 PM I was summoned to the palace the other day for my coronation. The phone message said I would be receiving a crown.

I entered the castle whereupon I was duly greeted by hosts of cheery attendants all eager to do my biding.

A lady in waiting came forward and received me with a pearly white smile that twinkled as she spoke. She was a sweet maiden and would serve me well. So far so good.

She quickly ushered me into the throne room; a comfortable place with fine accoutrements and a vast picture window from which to look out and wave at my subjects. Behind me, the local provincials were chattering and scurrying about in the background making preparations for the big event. My lady waved her hand to indicate I could take my place atop the cushy throne which sat before me. It fit perfectly and molded nicely to my girthiness.

She then brought in my royal cape – a heavy gray mat which she draped across my chest. Definitely not the most attractive. I expected a rich red velvet fabric edged in jewels. I made a mental note to myself: First item of business – meet with the royal minister of fashion to update the couture.

Soon an unfamiliar man entered the chamber. I assumed him to be some lowly duke who slipped in under the radar to take a quick selfie with me.

“Ready for your crown?” he inquired.

I nodded.

That’s when things turned into a rebellious coup. He pulled down a bright light attached to the ceiling and shot the beam at my face blinding

me. With only limited eyesight, I detected a glint from a sharp object he held high in his hand. A knife? No. Something more sinister. A needle!

He thrust it mercilessly in my gums immediately impairing my speech.

“Outh! Thad hurths!” I yelled.

I struggled to move, but was held down by the lady in waiting who was an accomplice and had turned bat crap crazy on me. She stuck a vacuum tube into my throat to intentionally suck out my tongue so I could not testify against her.

The evil duke next grabbed a tool of torment and began maniacally drilling into my mouth making certain I would be rendered speechless.

After the ordeal, I was unceremoniously tossed out from the dungeon of torture.

Later, I checked my tooth in the rear view mirror. What! A cheap temporary attached to my molar!?

Hmph! I may not be queen I thought, but I slobbered out in victory, “One-th a pwintheth alwayth a pwintheth!”

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.

VETERINARY

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Miss. River Trading Post 1460 Farmham Portage Des Sioux Wed. March 15 St. Charles Co. Op. 5055 Hwy 94 Orchard Farm Thu. March 16 Bear’s Bar Hwy P (Next to Mannino’s) Flint Hill Fri. March 17 Charlies Farm & Home W. Pearce & May Rd Wentzville Sat. March 18

Pete Pratte DVM - Lake St. Louis Animal Care - 636.625.4647 www.vetmobileclinic.com www.vetmobileclinic.com

www.wentzvillemo.org

8

School

March 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Cuivre Park Elementary receives grant to aid K-5 speech therapy program

www.duchesne-hs.org/dreamhome

www.communityliving.org/work-with-us/

The Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board has awarded a $1,191.63 Operation Round Up grant to Cuivre Park Elementary School for language therapy materials to help students with speech and language delays.

The students served by this project have speech and language delays or disabilities.

They range in age from Kindergarten through fifth grade.

“The students will benefit greatly from having a variety of language enriched therapy materials and can better establish an understanding in many different language concepts and contexts” says Meagan Lawson, SpeechLanguage Pathologist.

The main goal of this project is to provide high quality language therapy materials that will greatly expand the number of resources available for speech language pathologists to treat speech and language disorders.

The language therapy materials selected for this grant are supported by research

Submitted photo (From left) Cuivre Park Elementary Speech-Language Pathologist Meagan Lawson and Principal Toni White celebrate a $1,191.63 grant awarded by Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board. The grant was used to purchase language therapy materials to help students with speech and language delays.

based intervention and can be used to target all of the core language components that are important for success in school.

Most importantly the ongoing benefits from this project will be seen in the improved language skills that these students will be able to take with them for the rest of their lives.

Grant funds come from Cuivre River Electric

Cooperative members who donate to the Community Trust through Operation Round Up. Members voluntarily pay the round up amount on their monthly electric bill. The funds are administered by volunteer trustees who represent areas within St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and Pike counties where Cuivre River offers electric service.

Holt High School students excel at Regional Science and Engineering Fair

www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex

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Students from the Wentzville School District competed in the high school portion of Missouri’s Tri-County Regional Science and Engineering Fair held at Holt High School on Feb. 25.

Holt junior Abigail (Abby) Hunt received overall first place in the Honors Division for her project “Investigation into Arabidopsis Thaliana Circadian Systems” and will advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, CA May 8-13.

Abby was also awarded the U.S. Air Force Certificate of Achievement Award and the Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award.

Timberland junior Nikolos Antonio received runner-up in the Honors Division and overall first place in the ISWEEP Division for his project “Use of Random Forests to Implement a Sign-Language Recognition in Real Time.” He will advance to compete at the International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering, and Environment Project Olympiad held in Houston, TX May 3-8. Nikolos was also awarded the Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award.

Timberland senior Connor Monahan won third place overall for his project “Predicting the Presence of Cancer in Medical

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Students from the Wentzville School District competed in the high school portion of Missouri’s Tri-County Regional Science and Engineering Fair held at Holt High School on Feb. 25.

Images using Convolutional Neural Networks.” Connor was also awarded the Intel Excellence in Computer Science Award, the Mu Alpha Theta Award, the Yale Science and Engineering Association Most Outstanding Exhibit Award, and the U.S. Air Force Certificate of Achievement Award.

Fourth place went to Holt senior Matt Brawner for his project “Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Myeloma Cell Proliferation in C57BI6/KaLwRij Mice” and he

also received the U.S. Air Force Certificate of Achievement Award.

Other awards included: Timberland senior Kya Vaughn won the Most Outstanding Exhibit in Materials Science Award, Holt senior Mikaela Morgan received the American Psychological Association Award, Holt senior Mason McGee received the U.S. Metric Society Award and Holt senior Dawson Bickel earned the In Vitro Biology Award.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 8, 2017

Business

Schneider Real Estate celebrates new location with ribbon cutting

Submitted photo

Cort Schneider, Dustin Hoog and Merle Schneider, along with family, friends and staff, celebrated the grand opening of their new location with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 13. Also joining the celebration were representatives with the city of St. Charles, Mayor Len Pagano with the city of St. Peters and board members and

ambassadors with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

Schneider Real Estate is located at 1551 Wall Street, Suite 140 in St. Charles.

If you’re looking to buy or sell property, give Schneider Real Estate a call at 636-236-2636.

www.byerlyrv.com

St. Charles County Family YMCA celebrates 35th anniversary with community event The St. Charles County Family YMCA celebrated 35 years of service with a large community event on Feb. 11. Members of the community helped celebrate with family activities, a birthday cake and a ceremonial balloon release.

The history of the St. Charles County Family YMCA dates back to the fall of 1966 when an extension committee was formed in St. Charles County. In 1968 programs such as swimming lessons and youth sports were initiated along with a part-time office in St. John’s Church.

Over the next decade more programs were introduced and funds were raised for a new YMCA building located at 3900 Shady Springs Lane in St. Peters. The ribbon cutting ceremony

was held on Nov. 24, 1981 and open house activities the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, 1981.

Renee Tillman, Executive Director of the St. Charles County Family YMCA says, “We are honored to be a part of the St. Charles County community serving in the city of St. Peters. The need in our community is so great and we are privileged to have served this community for 35 years.”

“35 years is a short time in YMCA history since its origins in 1844. We are so proud of the St. Charles County Family YMCA and having this successful event is important to community engagement,” says YMCA volunteer Bill Ching.

Vision St. Charles County Leadership selects new executive director The Vision St. Charles County Leadership Board of Directors has announced the selection of Board Chairman Mark Hollander to fill the newly created position of executive director.

Hollander will begin this role part-time April 1 and continue in his current position of Business Banking Relationship Officer at UMB Bank in St. Charles County.

Hollander has served on the Vision board of directors since he completed the program in 2012. In 2016, he was honored as the organization’s Visionary of the Year.

“I am excited to be taking on this role and continue giving back to a program that has made a positive impact on me personally and also on our community,” Hollander said. “Vision St. Charles County is a valuable program that connects leaders and encourages involvement in service throughout the county.”

The Vision program, approaching its 20th year, engages community leaders from a variety of vocational backgrounds who are either residents or conduct business in St. Charles County. Over the course of nine months, class members participate in Vision Days, focused opportunities to learn about a selection of topics, including tourism, education, county government, emergency services and quality of life. Each class conducts a community service project and other group projects, many of which have established or set precedents for programs still active in the county.

Hollander is a life-long resident of St. Charles City and lives there with his wife, Melissa, and their three dogs. He enjoys spending time at their little lake cabin on Lake of the Ozarks and with his two daughters and their growing families.

www.midwestbankcentre.com

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10

Sports

March 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B... sively, Madi Huot reached base six times during both contests.

The 14-runs scored in game one is the second time this season Lindenwood has scored doubledigit runs. *Pile it on when you can Indoor football Raiders get new head coach The River City Raiders are a member of the Arena Pro Football league with home games at the Family Arena.

The team has appointed Greg Moore “Chief ” as head coach with his other title as the owner of the St. Louis Bulldogs football team/club. His coaching staff will include familiar names to indoor football in Justin Kutz, Demoine Smith, Jeff Hunt and Dan Montgomery.

“Coach Moore is very well respected, not just in the football world but he is well respected nationwide for his public and national service.

Coach has an extensive resume not just in football but his duty to our great country” said Jason Pilarski, Vice President of Operations.

Some of Moore’s greatest accomplishments have been serving not only our community but our country. Coach served eight years in the United States Army, 10 years as a St. Louis City Police Officer/Detective, and eight years working nationwide for the FBI. “Arena football is an exciting, fan-connected and fast paced game. Arena football was designed to score touchdowns, and me being a defensive guy, I’ve got to devise a way to stop the other team from scoring touchdowns” said Moore.

The team has their first home game on March 25 against the Birmingham Outlawz at 7 p.m.

For more information go to www.IndoorRaiders.com *Chief back on the turf

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.

Baseball Rascals backing teachers The River City Rascals play professional baseball with home games at Car Shield Field in O’Fallon.

In 2017 the team is making schools and educators their top priority with the announcement of two education-themed days, Education Day on May 5 and Teacher Appreciation Day on June 7.

The Rascals will play an exhibition game against the crosstown rival Gateway Grizzles on May 5 at 11:05 a.m. to kick off the event.

Students and teachers attending the day’s game will have the opportunity to engage with multiple exhibitors including Junior Achievement, Challenger Learning Center, Magic House, the city of O’Fallon’s D.A.R.E. program and many more. Each exhibitor will provide a STEM learning activity for all students in attendance.

The Education Day focuses on fun for the students but the Teacher Appreciation Day on June 7 honors our educators. Teachers can kick-off their summer break by joining us for a night of fun and relaxation at the ballpark. All teachers will receive a drink voucher that can be used at Rascals’ concession stands or Raskies’ Bar and Lounge with the purchase of their box seat.

For more information go to www.RiverCityRascals.com *Education and baseball, a great combo

Lindenwood softball team excels The Lady Lions’ softball team put on an offensive clinic this past weekend from Lou Brock Sports Complex to complete the sweep of Wisconsin-Parkside for the weekend.

The first game saw a combined 24 runs and 32 hits as the Lady Lions outlasted the Rangers, 1410.

The second game of the twin bill saw less offense, but more efficiency from the pitching circle as Lindenwood pitcher Stormee Galka allowed only four hits in the 3-0 victory. Offen-

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See solution on page 13

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 8, 2017

Learn & Play

11

Warm up with comfort foods Pumpkin Butterscotch Bread Pudding Recipe courtesy of Nestlé

Prep time: 30 minutes | Total time: 1 hour, 55 minutes | Servings: 12

Beef and Potato Tzimmes

Recipe courtesy of National Honey Board

Servings: 6

Ingredients: 1 loaf (14 ounces) cinnamon challah bread or cinnamon brioche, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 4 large eggs 2 cans (12 ounces each) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Lowfat 2 percent Milk 1 can (15 ounces) Libby’s 100 percent Pure Pumpkin Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 13-by-9-inch baking dish.

On rimmed baking sheets, spread bread cubes in single layer. Bake, tossing occasionally, 10 minutes, or until dry.

In large bowl, beat eggs; stir in evaporated milk, pumpkin, 1 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and salt. Add bread; toss gently to coat. Transfer mixture into prepared baking dish; let

1 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1 cup Nestlé Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels stand 30 minutes, or until bread is thoroughly saturated.

Combine brown sugar with remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle morsels over bread mixture; top with brown sugar mixture.

Bake 45-55 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 30 minutes to set. Serve warm with ice cream.

Roasted Sonoma Chicken with Wild Rice and Carrot Butter Recipe courtesy of chef Ari Weiswasser

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts 3/4 cup kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning 1/3 cup sugar 1 gallon water 1 cup carrot juice 4 tablespoons butter, diced 1 1/2 cups wild rice

3 1/3 cups chicken stock 2 large onions, diced 3-4 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons curry spice 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 4 tablespoons sun-dried tomato, chopped finely canola oil or olive oil 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Directions: Brine chicken in 3/4 cup salt, sugar and water. Refrigerate 1 hour; pat dry and store overnight, uncovered, in fridge.

minutes. Add vinegar and salt; stir well.

Fold through sun-dried tomatoes.

Add carrot juice to saucepan and reduce to thick consistency on high heat, 10-15 minutes. Whisk vigorously if juice separates. Whisk in butter. Set aside to cool.

In pot, cover wild rice with chicken stock.

Bring to simmer and cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season with salt.

Place chicken skin-side up on roasting pan fitted with rack. Brush chicken with canola or olive oil and season with salt.

Roast about 25-35 minutes until golden brown; internal temperature should be 165 F. Drizzle with roasting juices; add salt and chopped parsley before plating.

Heat oven to 400 F.

To plate, add carrot butter to wild rice; scoop 1/2 cup onto each dish. Place chicken skin-side up on top of rice. Dollop with onion, curry and tomato mixture.

In frying pan on medium-high heat, sweat onions in olive oil until soft. Add curry spice and toast until aromatic, 1-2

Pair each serving with a glass of Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2014.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 2 pounds beef, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups carrots, sliced 1-inch thick 2 teaspoons garlic salt 4 cups water, plus 3 tablespoons (optional) 2 cups potatoes, cubed 1-inch thick 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed 1-inch thick 1/3 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper 4 ounces dried apricots 4 ounces pitted prunes 2 tablespoons flour (optional) 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Directions: In heavy 5-quart pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add beef and brown on all sides.

Remove beef from pan, add remaining oil, if necessary, and saute onion until tender. Return beef to pan; add carrots, garlic salt and 4 cups water to cover ingredients. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.

Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, honey, cinnamon and pepper; stir and return to

boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, 30 minutes, or until potatoes are barely cooked.

Add apricots and prunes and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, or until beef is tender. Liquid should be slightly thickened. If necessary, dissolve flour in 3 tablespoons water and stir into stew; return to simmer, stirring frequently.

Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if desired.

Crossword Puzzle: DELICIOUS DESSERTS ACROSS 1. Scottish Highlands’ pattern 6. ____ Brown from “Back to the Future” 9. “For ____ the Bell Tolls” 13. Alluring maiden 14. Feminists’ 1923 proposal, acr.

15. Push 16. Not Ionic or Corinthian 17. SNL’s “home” 18. Acquired behavior pattern 19. *Danish or croissant 21. *With ice cream 23. Color wheel feature 24. *”Baking with Julia,” e.g.

25. Rejuvenating spot 28. Stephen King’s “The Green ____” 30. License to park, e.g.

35. Olympic castaway?

37. Read, watched or listened to 39. Hot spot 40. Swirling vortex 41. Wilt “The ____” Chamberlain 43. Beginning of musical staff 44. DNA and RNA 46. Recipe direction 47. Saw incision 48. Rh in Rh disease 50. “Follow me!”

52. Pig’s digs 53. Loud get-together 55. Actress Thompson 57. *Apple coat 61. *Like Cherries Jubilee 64. Defendant’s excuse 65. One who copies behavior of another 67. Lion sounds 69. “Thesaurus” author 70. Intelligent humor 71. Grassy plain 72. School activity 73. Anagram for #49 Down 74. Those in favor

DOWN 1. High degree 2. Roller coaster feature 3. Heavenly glow 4. March celebrants 5. Authoritative declaration 6. Refuse to accept 7. Eyeball shape

See solution on page 13

8. *Chocolate tree 9. George Michael/Andrew Ridgeley duo 10. Great Depression drifter 11. “Metamorphoses” poet 12. Boundary line 15. *Milk-based concoctions 20. Buggy control, pl.

22. Chop off 24. Cause to be enamored 25. *Common dessert ingredient 26. Study of behavior and mind, for short 27. Eagle’s nest 29. “____ Make a Deal” 31. Medieval torture device 32. The cocktail Moscow ____, pl.

33. Dead to the world 34. *Seaside candy

36. *In M&M’s pack: browns, greens and these 38. Fit for a skinny one 42. Online troublemaker 45. What to do with an application 49. Greek letters on campus 51. Almost 54. Shredded cabbage dishes 56. Mexican detergent plant 57. Rental on the links 58. Medicinal succulent 59. Semis 60. Lend a criminal hand 61. Sheep’s milk cheese 62. Barnyard sounds 63. Marine eagle 66. *____-throwing contest 68. Vessel’s last call

12

What’s Happening

March 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS March 8: Parent Night for Straight Talk on Teen Issues of Suicide, Anxiety and Depression

All parents are invited to attend Parent Night for Straight Talk on Teen Issues of Suicide, Anxiety and Depression. This panel discussion will take place at 7 p.m. at St. Dominic High School’s Amy Dickherber Performing Arts Center at 31 St. Dominic Drive in O’Fallon. Panelists include professionals from a variety of fields, including a pediatrician, counselor, law enforcement officer and representative from the American Federation of Suicide Prevention.

March 9: Credit seminar

West Community Credit Union invites you to attend a free seminar on “Improving Your Credit Score” at 6 p.m. at their O’Fallon Branch located at 4161 Highway K. Attendees will learn how credit scores are calculated, how they can affect you, how to read a credit report, and how to improve a score, ultimately saving you money!

Staff will be available following the presentation to review your personal credit report. Light finger foods will be provided. Limited seating available so RSVP today. To reserve your seat, contact Lori Hudson at LHudson@ westcommunitycu.org or call 636720-2402.

March 9-11: Theater performance

Timberland High School Theatre will present Christopher Gieschen’s “The Wild Wild Wildest West.” This musical spoof will be performed by an all-school cast and crew each evening beginning at 7 p.m. The performance will be held at the Carl E. Reininger Theatre. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for students and tickets will available at the door.

March 11: Drama camp for kids

Francis Howell High School’s Limelight Theatre Soon To Be A Star! Drama Camp for kids takes place from 11 a.m. to approx. 3:30 p.m. at Francis Howell High School at 7001 Hwy. 94 South in St. Charles. Your child can be an actor or actress in a real play, see how lights and sound work on a real theatre stage, discover how stage make-up is applied, try on costumes, choose the right prop to make his or her character come to life and so much more. At the end the day is a fun performance that parents are invited to watch. Lunch and a snack are provided and all participants receive an event T- shirt. Lunch will be cheese or pepperoni pizza a Rice Krispy treat and Capri Sun drink (If your child would prefer to bring their own lunch for dietary issues, please label the lunch with their name.) There will also be a snack of goldfish or fruit snacks. Applications to participate are available by contacting FHHS Limelight Theatre at karenglimelight@gmail.com.

March 11: Park closure

Fort Zumwalt Park in O’Fallon will be closed to the public from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. for the Smokin Aces Disc Golf Tournament. The tournament will be played on the park’s disc golf course, The Fort. To learn more about the tournament, visit http://smokinacesdg.com/p/2017-smokin-aces-tour.

March 16: Fundraiser trip

The Friends of SSM St. Joseph Auxiliary is promoting a fundraiser for the auxiliary by hosting a trip to the Fox Theatre. Cost is $100 a person which includes the bus transportation, plated lunch and the performance of “Cabaret.” Please call 636-947-5466 if you would like to participate or need more information.

March 16: Job fair

If you’re looking for a summer job, O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Department is holding a job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for part-time seasonal and part-time year-round positions.

The job fair will be held at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. To prepare, applicants are strongly encouraged to fill out an application at www.ofallon. mo.us/hr in advance of attending the job fair. Applicants also should come prepared for an interview, and in some cases could be hired the same day. Attendees also will have an opportunity to complete an online application at the fair. Available Parks and Recreation positions include lifeguards, swimming instructors, concessions sales, camp counselors, pool cashiers and seasonal park maintenance (April – September). These positions are either part-time seasonal or part-time year round, and are not eligible for benefits. Training is available. Except for park maintenance applicants who must be 18-plus, applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to work a flexible schedule that can include evenings, holidays and weekends. For FAQs about applying with the City and a list of current job opportunities, including those to be offered at the Job Fair, visit O’Fallon’s Human Resources webpage, www.ofallon.mo.us/hr.

March 17: Scholarship deadline

West Community Credit Union is accepting applications for their annual scholarship program. There are five $1,500 scholarships available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are available at www.westcommunitycu.org and are due March 17.

For more information, visit online or stop by a local branch.

March 17: Trivia night

Music Trivia Night to benefit LTM Missions (Lord Tabernacle Ministry) takes place at Wentzville Community Center at 500 West Main Street. Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia begins at 7 p.m.

Bring snacks, beer available for sale.

For general questions call Bob Bristow at 636-357-9789; for tickets go to eventbrite.com/e/music-trivia-nighttickets-31920838086.

March 17: “Wearing O’ the Green” dance

The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre will host the “Wearing O’ the Green” dance featuring the music of Fanfare.

The dance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 per person at the door. Show a St. Peters Resident Privilege Card at the door and receive a discount of $1 off admission. Soda will be available for purchase. Feel free to bring your own snacks. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters. For more information call 636-397-6908, ext.

1624.

March 17-26: Theater performances

Young People’s Theatre will perform “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at 7 p.m. March 17 and March 24; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 18, and March 25; and 2 p.m. March 19, and March 26, in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at stchastickets. com, in the Continuing Education office in Humanities Building Room 103 or by calling 636-922-8233.

March 19: Band concert

The St. Charles Municipal Band presents the 2017 Spring Concert at 2 p.m. at St. Charles High School at 725 N Kingshighway in St. Charles. This free family-friendly concert is in a

new venue, and features the concert band and the big band in performance of new repertoire and other audience favorites. For further information, please call 636-949-2590 or 314-8785296, or visit www.stcharlesband.com.

March 21: Theater performance

It’s theater time when the Time for Tea series returns to the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre from 1 - 3 p.m. Come see “Julius Caesar,” a play adapted and directed by Joanna Battles and presented by the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Education Tour. The cost is $10 per person and includes dessert, tea and/or coffee. St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre members receive $1 off admission. Register in person at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre or by phone at 636-397-6903, ext. 1624.

When registering, be sure to mention any dietary restrictions. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located inside St. Peters City Hall at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.

March 24: Country music concert

Country artists Leona and Ron Williams will appear at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre Performing Arts Theatre at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets for $13.99 (plus service fee of 3.5 percent) by calling 1-800-838-3006 or online at brownpapertickets.com. Any seats still available will be $20 at the door. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters.

March 24: 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 “Passports” and cost is $90 for a table of eight (includes mulligans!). 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 28: Speaker event

St. Charles Presbyterian Church is hosting a speaker event on “Bullying in Social Media.” This free event is open to everyone and will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Charles Presbyterian Church located at 131 Gamble St. adjacent to Lindenwood University. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.

A RSVP is required if babysitting is needed. RSVPs can be made to the church office by calling 636-946-4467.

Mark Norwine from Chad’s Coalition will be speaking about ongoing social media pitfalls, bullying trends, and proper ways to deal with and report bullying situations to end mistreatment to others. More information can be found on the church’s website at www.scpcusa.org.

March 25: German heritage group meeting

Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) the last Saturday of every month: Attendees are predominantly German born/raised people who get together at 11 a.m. in St Charles to speak German, eat a late breakfast or early lunch and sip a cool drink or two. Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht Mittagessen), und geniessen ein Gespräch auf deutsch. Over 50 percent of attendees were born or raised in Germany and over 50 percent live in St Charles County. March meeting location will be Culpepper’s Restaurant at 3010 W Clay St. in St Charles (South side of I-70 at Zumbehl Road).

April 14: Good Friday service

Ministry to Men is holding their annual Good Friday Service at Grace Community Chapel St. Peters at 7661 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters. Featured speaker is Michael Burke author of “Waiting to Die, Running to Live.”

Doors open at 7 a.m. and the service concludes at 11:30 a.m.

Refreshments provided, all men are welcome.

For more information contact Derrill

Martin at dmartin@ministrytomen. net or call 636-720-1202.

April 22: Plant sale

The Lincoln County Master Gardeners sixth annual plant sale takes place from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the front parking lot of Valvoline Express Care at The Plaza in Troy. (Rain date April 29).

For more information, please call 636528-4613 or check out the Facebook page, Lincoln County Master Gardeners.

April 28: Trivia night

Girlfriends for Good will hold its seventh annual trivia night to benefit Youth In Need at the Machinists’ Hall in Bridgeton at 12365 St. Charles Rock Road. Tables of eight are $200 and include beer, soda and snacks. Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia begins at 7 p.m.

Sponsor a round for $50. All proceeds benefit Youth In Need. For more information, contact Cody Finan, Community Engagement Coordinator, at cfinan@youthinneed.org or 636-7579334.

April 29: Benefit shrimp boil

Friedens UCC, at 1703 Old Hwy 94 S in St. Charles, is hosting its annual Benefit Shrimp Boil at 6 p.m. 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. Call 636-724-1918 to get your reservations, seating is limited. For more information go to www.friedens-ucc. org.

April 7: Fish fry

A fish fry will take place at All Saints Parish at 7 McMenamy Road in St. Peters each Friday evening during Lent except Good Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Eat in, carry out and drive-up service available.

April 8: Veterans connect event

Veterans Connect is a special, one-ofa-kind, free event that will connect our local veterans with the benefits that are available to them at the St Charles Community College/Student College Center Building at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event will have several information booths and companies providing free suits for veterans for job interviews. Provided by Dress for Success/Connections to Success.

They will also provide information stating all the benefits and classes they provide for veterans. Money Management Education; there will be classes how to rebuild your credit, and a lot more. Education Information; veteran friendly schools, St Charles Community College and Ranken College will be there providing class information and to answer questions regarding the GI Bill. Free food will be provided.

Veteran information will be provided by the following attendees: St Charles County Workforce Development, Missouri Veterans Commission, St. Louis Police Academy Recruiter, VA Home Loan Specialist, Commerce Bank, St. Joachim & Ann. Many other veteran related information will also be provided. For more information visit http://veteransconnectevent.weebly.com/.

Sept. 9: Craft fair

Tri County Advisory Board to Probation and Parole, Probation and Parole District 17, Missouri Department of Correction invites you to their Fifth Annual Christmas in September Craft Fair at Calvary Church at 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters are needed, please contact Esther Angelos at marlofan@charter.net, 636-441-0329 or 314-477-5096

April 21, 23: Choir concert

Choral Arts Singers, Francis Howell North High School Concert Choir, and members of the St. Charles Symphony will perform Joseph Haydn’s “Kleine Orgelmasse mass in B/Bflat

Major” and other selections on April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 3866 S. Old Hwy 94 in St. Charles, and April 23 at 2 p.m. at Assumption Chapel at 403 N. Main in O’Fallon. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children (ages six-18). For more information visit www.concertarts.org.

May 5: Job fair

St. Charles Community College will host Job Fair 2017 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the College Center, located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.

Admission is free to all job seekers.

This fair provides opportunities for job seekers to find job leads, job training and job search information and networking opportunities. Job seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their resume. Interested employers may register online at www.stchas. edu/jobfair, beginning March 1. Space is limited, so register early. Employer registrations will be accepted until April 28. The fair is open to business and industry employers from profit and nonprofit organizations. The annual event is sponsored by three cooperating St. Charles County agencies and institutions. Last year, 330 area job seekers attended the event.

A registration fee of $70 for nonprofit organizations or $95 for profit organizations includes one 2.5’x6’ table, two chairs, a continental breakfast, up to two box lunches and all advertising for the event. For more information about the fair, Jenny Hahn Schnipper, 636922-8244 or jschnipper@stchas.edu.

May 5-7: Theater performance

Wentzville Christian Church proudly presents a community theater production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The church will offer four performances of the musical: May 5 at 7 p.m.; May 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and a special matinee on May 7 at 2 p.m. Admission to the performances is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance. Wentzville Christian Church is located at 1507 Hwy. Z (1 mile south of I-70). For more information call 636-327-6622 or visit the church website at wentzvillecc.org.

May 13: Pancake breakfast

The Knights of Columbus council 7198 Ladies Auxiliary will host a Chris Cakes Pancake Breakfast at Knights of Columbus Pezold Banquet Center at 5701 Highway N in Cottleville from 8 to 11 a.m. The price is $7 for adults and $4 for kids which includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, orange drink and coffee. There will also be specialty cakes for sale for Mother’s Day.

ONGOING EVENTS Sundays and Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

The Central Missouri Railroad Association meets at Suite 20 in the Warrenton Outlet Mall. This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-456-0776.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

Take off pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Grace at 636946-4687.

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Vet-

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 8, 2017 erans 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 636447-9056.

1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting 6:30pm. Location varies. 314.304.7480.

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.

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.

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

6:30 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Vets. Mem. Pkwy.

636.219.0553.

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).

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

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

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

third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.

zheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/stl.

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

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.

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

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

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

7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www. showmestitchers.com.

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.

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club

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

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

Noon-1 p.m. at Bogey Hills Country Club at 1120 Country Club Rd. in St. Charles. Membership in Kiwanis offers you the opportunity to benefit your community and its youth by serving with like-minded people. If you are interested in making a positive impact for generations to come, please join us.

For more information please call 636448-4277. You can also find us at http:// stcharleskiwanis.com

Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant.

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

1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities.

No sewing experience required.

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Toastmasters

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

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

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

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

St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and

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 Al-

SUDOKU answers from page 10

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

Spotlight

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

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

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

What’s Happening

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at the American Legion 313 old town St. Peters at 7:30 p.m.

All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome. For more information visit www.stcharlesmarine.org.

Every Wednesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

8-9:30pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to 6th grade and up. Bring a light and dark shirt for different teams.

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.

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

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

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: Talk

Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

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

10am Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379.

Every Wednesday: Men’s Golf League

5pm, tee off at 5:30 pm at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. www.lakesaintlouis.com, under the parks and recreation section.

Every Wednesday: Charity Bingo

6:45pm VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

13

Every Wednesday. Kiwanis Club of Harvester monthly meeting.

Noon, Fratelli’s Restorante, 2061 Zumbehl Road in St Charles. For more information, please contact kellenj@ ATT.net

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 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.

14

March 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

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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.Z.

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

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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.

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It has never been known to fail.

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March 8, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

By Steve Bryan

What’s wrong with Oscar?

M O V I E

Normally, the annual Academy Awards are like the Super Bowl for film fans. In the weeks leading up to the event, movie lovers try to guess the winners in the big categories. Between award presentations, the producers come up with clever film clips, musical interludes and plenty of jokes to celebrate the art of film.

These days, however, even diehard movie buffs are tired of this awards show, as declining ratings indicate. Viewers openly expressed dislike at celebrities bringing their political views to the podium. This is a celebration of the creative arts, not an opportunity to knock a sitting president whom you happen to dislike.

The problem, it seems, is that Hollywood studios, performers and theater chains have lost touch with audiences. Throughout the year, multiplexes host plenty of blockbusters and questionable comedies from the likes of James Franco, Will Ferrell and other performers. Disney always brings their A-game, though, with releases like “Zootopia” and the much-anticipated “Beauty and the Beast” live-action adaptation.

Even with all this product, the big Oscar nominations usually

go to “art house” films, which fans must seek out. In Orange County, California it was difficult to find many screens showing “Moonlight,” the eventual Best Picture winner. The comedy of errors featuring Warren Beatty and PricewaterhouseCoopers over that award presentation could make a heck of a film.

This year, Roadside Attractions and Amazon Studios distributed “Manchester by the Sea,” an emotional piece that delivers a gut-punch to the heart. Casey Affleck deservedly took home a Best Actor Oscar for his work as a divorced dad asked to take care of his late brother’s son. Michelle Williams, playing his ex-wife, delivered a spectacular performance as well.

Once again, “Manchester by the Sea” did not get much love at the box office, grossing a reported $67 million. Even the critical darling “La La Land” was hard to find despite the critical buzz surrounding it. Meryl Streep’s Oscar-nominated performance in “Florence Foster Jenkins” stayed only a week in my corner of Orange County.

So what are the takeaways from this year’s Oscars besides PricewaterhouseCoopers lack of atten-

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tion to details? Quality films can fill theater seats if the big chains open their doors to them. “Hidden Figures,” a truly important film, did great at the box office once theater owners took it out of the high-priced VIP lounges and made it accessible to all audiences.

How about less product and more quality? Seriously, is anyone going to care about “Fist Fight” once “Beauty and the Beast” kicks its behind out of theaters? At one time, films like “E.T.” and the “Karate Kid” could hold court in theaters for months at a time. A visionary director like James Cameron has shown that epics like “Titanic” and “Ava-

tar” will keep people lined up at the box office.

Maybe next year the tarnish can be removed from Oscar and PricewaterhouseCoopers can deliver the right envelope..

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.