CNSTC: March 22, 2017

March 22, 2017

The gift of a basket

Around Town Homeless share stories through photos. P.2 Optometrists caution overexposure to devices may cause health issues P.3

Students arrange naturalization ceremony at SCC P.5 Free defensive driving classes offered. P.6

School Lewis & Clark Career Center students excel. P.8 Francis Howell District names Teacher of the Year.

P.8

Business

Photo by Ray Rockwell Working to fill and distribute Alleluia Baskets are (from left) Darlene Drilling, Joan Staggeborne, Laurie Hensela, Karen Dolan, Karen Mesler, Kelly Scharnhorst and Erin Herbig.

Alleluia Baskets provides thousands of Easter baskets for lessfortunate children in the region

By Brett Auten Through tried and true determination Karen Mesler has made the Easter holiday more special for area children.

Mesler heads up Alleluia Baskets, a notfor-profit organization that puts together Easter baskets for less-fortunate children.

The project started out as a parish school of religion project for 25 needy children and has snowballed its way to an effort filling 2,000 baskets and involving volunteers as far away as Pennsylvania.

In 2004, Mesler was teaching eighth-grade students at All Saints Parish in St. Peters when they came up with a service project to emphasize that Easter is as important - if not more important - than Christmas.

“The idea was to create these Easter baskets, put them together and give them to our St. Vincent de Paul Society to distribute,” Mesler said.

Over the years the organization and the project grew and grew. What once started in a classroom, moved on to Mesler’s home, and is now housed in a 2,000-foot office

space.

“We like to joke that we’ve multiplied like rabbits,” Mesler said. “Volunteers will invite their friends or family, different grades will hear about us as well as different organizations. And through social media, we have been able to touch so much more people we wouldn’t have the opportunity to talk to.”

The agencies that receive baskets annually are vast. What started out as three – All Saints’ St. Vincent de Paul Society, Karen House and Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Center – first grew to 10 or more. Mesler and company added an outreach effort at St. Augustine Parish in Wellston, now the recipient of close to 200 baskets. Three other parishes receive baskets – St. Cecilia Parish in South St. Louis, Our Lady of the Holy Cross in the Baden neighborhood of North St. Louis and St. Charles Borromeo in St. Charles among others. Now, in total, Mesler estimates 28 different organizations receive Alleluia Baskets. Baskets will be put together for children from newborns to 18-years-old.

Susan Cooke is the founder of O’Fallon’s Mary Queen of Angels, an organization in

that helps unwed mothers with baby clothing and furniture. She has received Alleluia Baskets for multiple years.

“It’s a wonderful organization that makes a lot of children have a happy Easter,” Cooke said. “Karen does this out of the goodness in her heart for the children in need in our community. Often, our moms will ask if they can come back and get the baskets so their kids won’t see it.”

Mesler relies on volunteers who either want to shop, deliver or fill baskets.

“When I started this I had no idea where it would go,” she said. “But once I got into it, I felt something happening. I felt the impact.

It was like, hold on tight and get ready for the ride.”

If she had one wish, Mesler would like to find a permanent place for Alleluia Baskets.

Each year, she houses up, literally, the leftover baskets, decorations, and toys and begins to search anew around summer time.

“We move every year and around August I start looking for another place,” she said.

See BASKET page 2

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Around Town

March 22, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

BASKET Continued from cover “Finding a permanent home in St. Charles County is the biggest need.”

Mesler said the main reason for the origination of this nonprofit is to bring the importance of the Easter season and, “not to forget what Christ did for us.”

Mesler went on to add that, “the less fortunate children who may receive only something at Christmas but not at Easter. The community this organization has built with so many people participating, not just locally but those in other states who donate is wonderful. This is a not for profit not found anywhere around at this magnitude. I am fortunate to work with

everyone and meet so many people and truly allow God to work through me to do good work.”

For further information, visit alleluiabaskets.org or www.facebook.com/AlleluiaBaskets. You can also reach Mesler at alleluiabaskets@charter.net.

Photo by Ray Rockwell Alleluia Baskets, a not-for-profit organization that puts together Easter baskets for less-fortunate children, started out as a parish school of religion project for 25 needy children and has snowballed its way to an effort filling 2,000 baskets and involving volunteers as far away as Pennsylvania.

Homeless share stories through photos for ‘In Plain Sight’ project

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Published weekly since 1921.

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

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100 homeless members of the community will be equipped with 100 cameras and one mission next month – to tell their story from the street.

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service will launch its “In Plain Sight – Homelessness Exposed” project in April, providing 100 homeless members of the community with disposable cameras to capture a typical day in their lives on the street. The goal of the project is to bring about awareness of homelessness in our neighborhoods and give them a voice through using the lens of a camera. These men and women, who are the mission of the Care Service, will have a chance to volunteer as photographers and become an integral part of providing the community with a visual perspective of the harsh reality of homelessness in St. Charles,

Lincoln and Warren counties.

The project will include an art exhibit and event later in the year to help raise funds for continued delivery of vital services.

“There are men, women and children living under bridges, in the woods, in cars and in nearby parks all over St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties. When I meet them, I see someone’s son, daughter, father, mother. Someone loves them just like I love my family, but they are on the streets, unseen and unheard by the masses,” said Pam Struckhoff, Director of Program Services at Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service. “People pass them every day, yet one of the biggest questions I am asked is - ‘are there really homeless people in our area?’ We want to shine bright light, exposing homelessness in our area, and to provide an

outlet for these members of our community who are not hiding, but are ‘In Plain Sight.’ We also hope this project will raise funds to directly assist these homeless members of the community in finding safe, affordable housing.”

Photographers will have seven days to tell their story through pictures before returning the camera to the Care Service. Photographers will receive a t-shirt with ‘photographer’ emblazoned on the back, a $10 gift card for food and a backpack of toiletries for their participation in this innovative and eye-opening project.

Once the photos are developed, a team of community judges will choose the top 20 photos. These 20 photos will be on public display at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre from June 29 - Aug. 20. Visitors of

the display will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite.

The project will culminate with an evening event on Aug. 19 that will include a live auction of the portraits at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre. The top three winning portraits will receive a grand prize based on the individual’s needs. Additional photos from the homeless photographers will be available as a travelling display to local venues, churches and community agencies following the auction.

To help or contribute to this unique project, you can become sponsor, visit the exhibit to vote on your favorite photograph or attend the auction reception on Aug. 19. For more information or to RSVP, call Karen Grant at 636-441-1302, extension 263 or email kgrant@jacares.org.

Weather from Nick’s Window

by Nick Palisch

Editor Mathew DeKinder 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, 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

What is the dewpoint?

In many forecasts you will hear us talk about the dewpoint and how it can impact whether or not we have precipitation; but what is the dewpoint?

The dewpoint is the measurement of how much moisture is in the atmosphere.

During warm weather the atmosphere can hold more moisture than in the winter. When the atmosphere becomes saturated, water vapor will condense into droplets. This often happens in the early mornings when the surface temperature cools to the dewpoint temperature.

This creates frost or dew on the grass.

As air is lifted and gradually cools to its dewpoint temperature we will see cloud development, such as fog.

We measure dewpoint with a psychrometer. This consists of two thermometers; one to read the air temperature, and the other to measure the wet bulb temperature. A small wet cloth is placed over the bulb of the thermometer and then is twirled around in the air until the moisture from the cloth has been evaporated. The reading from the wet bulb and the air

temperature are then calculated to create the dewpoint.

The higher the dewpoint the greater the moisture. In spring and summer the dewpoints will climb into the 50s and 60s which are relatively comfortable readings, but when they climb into the 70s they result in humid conditions.

During the summer here in Missouri we often talk about heat index and “sticky” feel to the air – this is because of the dewpoint. While temperatures in the desert reach the 90s and 100s they typically have a drier air mass (lower dewpoints) and thus the heat is more bearable. For the Midwest, we get the heat and the higher dewpoints which result in a more sweltering heat.

Dewpoints are also important for precipitation. The higher the dewpoint the greater the chance of thunderstorm development. If you have low dewpoints you have limited moisture which results in limited precipitation.

Many of us are familiar with humidity, which is relative, but the dewpoint is absolute and so provides a more accurate

reading. Humidity is related to how close the air is to saturation, while the dewpoint is related to the amount of moisture in the air. Relative humidity is expressed as a percentage such as 80 percent. The percentage is how close the air is to saturation. The max humidity will go is 100 percent.

So this summer, when we it is hot and sticky, remember that the dewpoint is high. When we have dew or frost in the morning – know that the dewpoint and temperature are the same.

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 22, 2017

Around Town

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Optometrists caution overexposure to digital devices may cause health issues The American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2016 American Eye-Q survey revealed that 88 percent of Americans know that digital devices can negatively affect their vision, but the average American still spends seven or more hours per day looking at their screens.

This overexposure to blue light – high-energy visible light emitted from digital devices – can lead to digital eye strain, sleep problems, blurred vision, headaches and neck and shoulder pain, among other things. The AOA survey also indicates that the average millennial spends nine hours per day on devices such as smartphones, tablets, LED monitors and flat-screen TVs which also emit blue light.

The AOA understands that digital devices are an important part of everyday life and encourages patients to learn about blue light and its impact on vision and health during Save Your Vision Month 2017 in March. The following tips explore ways people can protect their eyes and monitor digital screen usage while at home or work: Power down before you turn in: Turn your digital devices off at least one hour before bed.

Unplug with the AOA 20-20-20 rule: When you are using any device or computer, make a conscious effort every day to take a 20-second break and look away from the

screen, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.

Step back: Maintain a comfortable working distance from your digital device by using the zoom feature to see small print and details, rather than bringing the device closer to your eyes.

Adjust your device to fit your needs: The AOA recommends reducing the glare by adjusting device settings or using a glare filter to decrease the amount of blue light reflected from the screen.

Schedule an appointment: Visit a doctor of optometry by visiting AOA.org to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to detect and address vision problems.

“This year, we’re challenging you to prioritize not only your eye health, but your overall health and well-being, and limit your exposure to blue light,” said Dr. Julie DeKinder, O.D. at the UMSL University Eye Center. “It’s as easy as looking away from your screen every 20 minutes and powering down an hour before bed.”

If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed on the side due to prolonged exposure to blue light, schedule an appointment with an eye care professional.

For additional information on eye health in the workplace, please visit www.aoa.org.

In the Dark on Blue Light?

Digital screens emit a specific type of blue and violet light.

Overexposure to this high-energy, short-wavelength light can negatively impact eye health and cause digital eye strain.

Blue Light & Digital Eye Strain

The average American spends seven hours a day on their device(s), correlating with reports of digital eye strain.

The Damage Is Real of people know digital devices can negatively affect their vision.

believe they can cause actual eye damage.

Protect Yourself From Digital Eye Strain

Sleep Disorders

Eye Strain

Headaches

Blurred Vision

Dry Eyes

Neck/Shoulder Pain

The 20-20-20 Rule Even if your vision isn’t quite 20/20, it’s important to know and practice the 20-20-20 rule, which helps protect your eyes from blue light’s negative health effects.

After 20 minutes of exposure

Take a 20second break

To view something 20 feet away

Arm & Alarm Arm Your Devices

Many devices have built-in features to filter out blue light.

There are also third-party filtering apps available for smartphones, tablets and laptops.

To learn more about Computer Vision Syndrome or to find a doctor near you, visit aoa.org/CVS

m lley.co

rlestro aintcha

www.s

Overexposing your eyes to your device’s blue light can cause a range of health issues. Doctors of optometry can help patients take the first step toward healthier eyes— and healthier bodies—with regular comprehensive exams.

Set Your Alarm

Late-night exposure to blue light can disrupt your body’s ability to fall asleep. Remind yourself when to shut down with a daily alarm set one hour before bed.

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Around Town

March 22, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Greens Bottom closed between Amrein and 1.2 miles east of Pitman Hill

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

The St. Charles County Highway Department has closed Greens Bottom Road between Amrein Road and 1.2 miles east of Pitman Hill Road beginning March 13 to allow for the second and final phase of the new Greens Bottom Road improvements. The improvements include wider lanes, shoulders and improved drainage. The vertical roadway alignment also will be improved to provide better sight distance for drivers.

Traffic will be required to use a detour route around the closure for approximately 14 weeks.

Local traffic can access either side of the closure location, but no through traffic will be permitted.

Motorists can access Greens Bottom Road using Towers Road to Caulks Hill Road to Greens Bottom Road. Signs notifying motorists of the closure and the necessary detours will be posted.

The highway department will use changeable message boards to notify residents of any closure or opening date changes. Completion of the project is expected in summer 2017.

North Point Prairie Bridge to close between Scotti and Prairie Lake The St. Charles County Highway Department closed the North Point Prairie Road bridge between Scotti Road and Prairie Lake Court beginning March 15 to allow for removal and replacement of a deteriorating bridge. The new structure will include wider lanes, shoulders, a new culvert, improved drainage and an improved safety guardrail.

Traffic will be required to use a detour route around the closure for approximately two months

while the box culvert is constructed. Local traffic can access either side of the closure location, but no through traffic will be permitted. Motorists can access North Point Prairie Road using West Meyer Road to Duenke Road to Scotti Road. Signage and message boards will notify motorists of detours, closings and reopening dates. Completion of the project is expected in summer 2017.

Plan ahead before landscaping near transformers

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To improve aesthetics in many neighborhoods, some communities and local governments require power lines to be installed underground. While this eliminates utility poles and overhead wires, it requires installing pad-mount transformers in some yards – often in the front yard.

Homeowners concerned about curb appeal or backyard decor attempt to screen transformers from view by using bushes, flower beds and fences.

These well-meaning beautification practices often obstruct access and create an unsafe situation for Cuivre River Electric Cooperative linemen and all electric utility workers.

“We realize landscaping represents an investment of time and money,” says Cuivre River Safety Coordinator Doug Bagby. “We respect the effort and care our members invest in making their properties attractive. However, landscaping around electrical equipment interferes with our ability to deliver safe and reliable power.”

Cuivre River linemen and all electric utility workers need at least 10 feet of clear space in front of pad-mount transformers to maintain a safe working distance. Linemen repair units while they are energized so homeowners don’t experience an interruption in service. To ensure safety, they use an eightfoot fiberglass hotstick that requires about 10 feet of “elbow room” in front of the access panel.

“In some cases, consumers may leave plenty of space in front of the transformer, but grow vegetation on the other

Submitted photo Cuivre River Electric Cooperative Crew Chief Craig Larkin demonstrates pad-mount transformer accessibility challenges that line workers face daily. Workers need at least 10 feet of clear space in front of pad-mount transformers to maintain a safe working distance.

three sides,” explains Cuivre River Operations Supervisor Marvin Peasel. “This invites other problems. For example, plant roots can interfere with the transformer’s operation.

Tall vegetation may also allow arcing to occur, increasing the risk of injury and fire.”

To reduce these hazards, allow at least three feet of space on the three remaining sides of the transformer. If pad-mount transformer maintenance, repair or replacement is necessary, vegetation and other obstructions will be removed.

Property owners should also be aware that vegetation and obstructions in designated utility easements where poles, wires and other equipment like pad-

mount transformers are placed could be damaged by utility vehicles and equipment.

“Occasionally, we may need to repair a transformer, and eventually transformers must be upgraded and replaced,” says Peasel. “To perform this work, line trucks must be driven into the right of way and the transformer lifted out. Although we try to minimize the impact, plants will be damaged if they’re in the way.”

Call before you dig!

Electrical wire continues underground from the transformer to your home. Never dig in your yard without first calling 8-1-1 to mark underground utility lines.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 22, 2017

Service-learning students arrange naturalization ceremony at SCC

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Photo courtesy SCC SCC students organized and hosted a naturalization ceremony, a ceremony in which immigrants take the Oath of Allegiance to complete the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, on March 10 where around 50 people became U.S. citizens.

SCC students organized and hosted a naturalization ceremony, a ceremony in which immigrants take the Oath of Allegiance to complete the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. The planning and execution of the event were part of a service-learning project spearheaded by professor Ron Pettus’ State and Local Government class. Students involved in the project were tasked with organizing the March 10 event where around 50 people became U.S. citizens.

Through the process, they practiced management and leadership skills, learned the intimate details of this rite of passage to citizenship and exposed those in attendance to an event that they might otherwise never have attended and people they might otherwise not have met.

“We listed all of the things needed from pricing and ordering sheet cake and punch to decorating the auditorium, to arranging for a color guard and coordinating with campus police,” Pettus said. “The class handled almost every element of the program, and everyone in the class was involved.”

The first naturalization ceremony was hosted at SCC in 2014 when Virginia Guneyli, SCC professor of English, mentioned to a colleague that her husband, who is from Turkey, was about to be naturalized and wished it could happen on SCC’s campus.

Pettus presented the idea of hosting a naturalization ceremony to his State and Local Government class. Just like that, the ceremony has been held every year since.

Kids and teens are invited to audition for O’FallonTheatreWorks summer musicals Open auditions are coming up soon for two O’FallonTheatreWorks’ Youth Theatre musicals planned for this summer, “Once Upon a Storytime,” and “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” The auditions will be held at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon. Auditions for “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” will start at 10 a.m. on both April 1 and 2. Auditions for “Once Upon a Storytime” will be held April 8, starting at 9 a.m.

To reserve a specific audition time, visit the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation website, www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec/otw. Those unable to make the audition dates should please email kcsackkids@ yahoo.com .

“Shrek the Musical, Jr.” - (April 1-2 auditions start at 10 a.m. for students in grades six-12.) Auditioners should pick up an audition packet at the Renaud Spirit Center; the packet contains everything you need to know to prepare for the audition, which calls for a monologue, music, dance, a headshot, a bio and a list of conflicts.

Show dates are set for June 15, 16 and 17.

“Once Upon a Storytime” – (April 8 auditions start at 9 a.m. for students in grades two-to-six). Auditioners should bring a headshot and 16 measures of prepared music from any Disney or Broadway song. Parents must be present to sign paperwork. “Once Upon a Storytime” performances are set for June 9 and 10.

For more information, please contact Cultural Arts Coordinator Darren Granaas at 636-474-8150 or dgranaas@ofallon.mo.us.

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Around Town

March 22, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Public parking added in historic downtown Wentzville The city of Wentzville has acquired an approximately .5 acre lot located at the northwest corner of Pearce Boulevard and Linn Avenue. The property was purchased from Commerce Bank. The property is expected to continue to be used as a public parking area.

According to Mayor Nick Guccione, “The acquisition of this lot will ensure that our downtown business community will continue to thrive by

providing the public with the ability to park, eat and shop in the heart of our Historic Downtown Wentzville.”

As part of the agreement, Commerce Bank will be relocating its ATM to the northern property line. The ATM will be upgraded with an enhanced look, curbing and landscaping. That work is expected to occur later this summer.

Free defensive driving classes offered, certified by Safety Council of Greater St. Louis

www.byerlyrv.com

www.westcommunitycu.org

Young adults aged 15 to 24 years old can receive life-saving, complimentary defensive driving education in an upcoming series of St. Charles-based Alive At 25 drivers’ classes conducted and certified by Safety Council of Greater St. Louis instructors.

In addition to benefiting from defensive driving, some area insurance companies provide price discounts for these type of safety training certifications.

“This is a highly interactive class, especially helpful to newly licensed drivers, which focuses on the unique challenges faced by young drivers,” said Mary Beth Proost, executive director of the Safety Council of Greater St. Louis.

Alive At 25 demonstrates how young adults can take greater responsibility for their driving behavior and help make roadways safer places. Free classes over the next six months were made possible through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the hospitality of the St. Charles City-County Library District.

The classes will be held at the St. Charles City-County Library’s Spencer Road Branch, 427 Spencer Place in St. Peters on March 25, April 22, May 20, June 24, July 22 and Aug. 26. The 4-hour classes will be conducted in the Community

Commons Room 259 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A guide and certification of completion is included.

Preliminary 2016 statewide crash data for Missouri indicates 941 people were killed, and at least one young driver (aged 15 to 24) was involved in 263 of the fatalities, reports Darla Stumpe, MoDOT senior system management specialist. This statistic translates into young drivers being involved with 28 percent of vehicle-related fatalities in Missouri during 2016.

Additional MoDOT final figures specifically for St. Charles County indicate there were 8,716 total crashes in 2015 with 23 fatal ones; 113 with serious injuries; 1,523 with minor injuries; and 7,057 with propertyonly damage crashes.

Alive At 25 local course participants learn about consequences of underestimating driving risks, details of drivingrelated laws and regulations, importance of adopting safe driving practices, and reminders about drivers’ responsibilities for passengers.

Proost said one of the course’s major components spotlights the effects of interrupted driving, which can come from inexperience, peer pressure or distractions, such as cell phone conversations, eat-

ing while driving, mapping or travel guidance directions, music selections, racing or texting.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation statistics, text messaging while driving creates a crash risk 23 times higher than driving while not distracted.

The National Safety Council modeled course curriculum after South Carolina Chapter of the National Safety Council members launched an Alive At 25 program in 2007. Since this training program has been in place, the state’s death toll among drivers 15 to 24 years old dropped by 47 percent.

Building on the success of Alive At 25, S.C. chapter members then developed a Zero Hero campaign to emphasize a state goal of zero traffic fatalities among young drivers.

Proost said the most influential feedback from the initial Alive At 25 program was that 98 percent of the students who took the course stated they would change their driving behaviors.

“The advice and lessons shared in Alive At 25 empower our community’s young adults to make good driving decisions, and can create a positive connection between them and law enforcement officials,” she said.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 22, 2017

Around Town

Community Toons

7

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.

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

Like Us On Facebook facebook.com/mycnews

Wake up to make up Getting ready in the morning is a lengthy chore.

Especially as time progresses and I mature (that’s a friendly way of saying, as my body slowly breaks down and decomposes into garden mulch).

What’s that old saying about men aging like wine while women age like milk? Rude isn’t it?

But I can attest to that adage what with my cottage cheese thighs and dairy cow utters. And it’s equally true about men. I can confirm that the more my husband ages, the more he whines.

So I’ve added a few seventy bajillion products to my morning routine. Sigh. Gone are the days when I could brush my hair and be on my way.

Daytime routine starts at bedtime with night creams to firm and tone the eye bags and smooth out the face lines. Come morning I intend to look as flawless and wrinkle-free as a cardboard Kardashian cutout. But alas, I will most likely look like Freddie Krueger because I have slept on the creases in my pillow and those won’t iron out until lunchtime.

The morning mirror procedure begins with a slathering of face moisturizer to soften my skin then added atop this are a variety of ointments such as sunscreen, spot eraser and wrinkle cream.

Next a liberal amount of foundation is applied or as the construction crews typically call it, plaster.

This is to ensure anything which is added to the facial surface will adhere. For instance, if I wanted to add a nice mosaic of ornamental rocks or apply some brickwork; it’s not budging.

Now for the frosting. A little blush to show I still have a pulse; some eyeliner so people will know where my eyes are (somewhat like outlining the body at a crime scene); a little shadow so my eyes will pop, but not too much or they’ll explode.

Next, some mascara to the old eye hairs; color the lips and ta-da. Wait! Pluck a few chin hairs; grab a gangly nose hair – give it a yank. Ouch! Dab at the tears to my eyes from that procedure, which run over my mascara and blotches my eyeshadow and smears my foundation. Redo the entire process.

I step back after an hour of prep time and begin to work on a hairdo. My husband steps up to the mirror to admire his hairless head, then grabs a brush and gives his beard a few swipes and is on his way.

Sigh. Gone are the days.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two selfindulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation?

Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

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

WWW.FEETFORLIFECENTERS.COM

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School

March 22, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

facebook.com/mycnews facebook.com/mycnews

Lewis & Clark Career Center students excel at SkillsUSA district competition

Photo courtesy City of St. Charles School District

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 www.stcharlesrestore.org

Three St. Charles West and one St. Charles High School students will join 38 other Lewis & Clark Center students who will compete at the SkillsUSA Missouri State Leadership and Skills Conference in Linn, Missouri from April 6-8.

The Lewis & Clark Career Center had a total of 166 students (43 percent of student body) competing in their respective competitions, with 14 coming as first-place finishes.

Students competed in a variety

of technical, hands-on, written, and oral competitions that related directly to their program of study at Lewis & Clark.

“Our St. Charles County students more than held their own against formidable opponents from St. Louis, Franklin, Gasconade and Warren counties,” said Dr. Andrew Stewart, director of the Lewis & Clark Career Center.

“Working with our students every day, we know how talented and dedicated they are

and these results reflect that.”

Students who place first or second are automatically eligible to compete at the state competitions. In some competitions, third place also qualifies for state. Eight state competitors qualified to compete based on their performance on a nationallynormed assessment in their area along with a strong recommendation from their Lewis & Clark instructor.

Francis Howell School District names Teacher of the Year

Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District Matthew Riffee has been selected as the 2017 The Francis Howell School District Teacher of the Year.

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Matthew Riffee, science teacher at Francis Howell North High School, has been selected as the 2017 The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) Teacher of the Year.

“Matt doesn’t teach the way he was taught,” said Dr. Mary Hendricks-Harris, FHSD Superintendent. “He is always looking for new and innovative ways to teach. “That’s why he inspires students and teachers, and why he was selected as our FHSD Teacher of the Year.”

Riffee has embraced 21st Century Learning core competencies, such as collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking, and problemsolving skills that students need to thrive in today’s world. One way Riffee is incorporating these skills in his classroom is through flipped learning, a teaching model that inverts traditional teaching methods and delivers instruction outside of the classroom. As he has incorporated more project-based and collaborative learning into daily instruction, it has allowed students to

become reflective learners, receive constant feedback, and have more opportunities to collaborate. The result is that more class time is dedicated to exploration, depth, creativity, and critical thinking, which has translated into increased student engagement and learning.

“Witnessing the ‘aha’ moments when students realize they have the power, skills, and knowledge to succeed is the greatest personal reward in education,” said Riffee. “The personal satisfaction from seeing their successes is the byproduct that drives me every day.”

Not only is Riffee dedicated to students in the classroom, but he also supports kids outside the school day. Three years ago he founded the FHN HOSA (Future Healthcare Professionals Association) Chapter, and he continues to manage the club with nearly 130 student members. HOSA students participate annually in the state HOSA competition, and this past year nine students advanced to the national

competition. He has also coached baseball, basketball and golf.

Riffee’s passion for teaching was inspired by his grandfather – who was a teacher, administrator, superintendent, and founder of Missouri United School Insurance Counsel (MUSIC). He says becoming an educator like his grandfather was the best decision of his life.

“As a teacher, I have the ability to build amazing relationships with students, positively influence their lives, and help shape their future,” said Riffee.

“When I receive messages, visits, or run into former students, and I see/hear what they’ve become, it fills my heart with happiness.

Most of all, when they say ‘thank you,’ I know they are my greatest accomplishments, just like those with my grandfather.”

Riffee will be honored, along with all building Teachers of the Year, Support Staff Employees of the Year, Howell of Fame Award winners, and district retirees at the annual Howell of Fame Awards Ceremony on, May 1.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 22, 2017

Escapology at Kokomo Joe’s celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Business

Check out our

Home & Garden Section in Classifieds page 15

Submitted photo

General Manager Madeleine Strupp celebrated the grand opening of Escapology at Kokomo Joe’s with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 22. On hand was Len Pagano, Mayor of St. Peters along with representatives of the city of St. Peters, board members and ambassadors with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, along with representative with the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, Cottleville – Weldon Spring Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Chamber of Commerce, Western St. Charles Chamber of

Commerce.

Escapology is a premium, real-life escape room game at Kokomo Joe’s. Escape Rooms are a problem-solving team game, so by nature it appeals to adults. However, it is appropriate for ages eight and older. Ages 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on Escapology, the Escape Room scenario’s and pricing, please call Kokomo Joe’s at 636-447-5656 or visit their website at kjfun.com/escape-rooms/.

Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning celebrates new location with ribbon cutting

Submitted photo

Steve and Jill Miles, owners of Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, celebrated the grand opening and new location of their business, Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning with a ribbon cutting on March 8. Cutting the ribbon was Jerry Kelly, Founder of the 40 year old company.

Joining Jerry, Steve and Jill were employees, family and friends, Len Pagano, Mayor of St. Peters along with representatives of the city of St. Peters, board members and ambassadors

with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning is located at 4631 N. St. Peters Parkway and provides unmatched work at an affordable price.

They keep up with the latest technologies in the HVAC industry to best serve their customers.

For more information on Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, please call 636-741-2010 or visit the website at www.jerrykelly.com.

www.MastersGCR.com

Nike IHM honored for more than two decades of growth and global success Nike IHM, a subsidiary of Nike Inc., recently was honored by the St. Charles County Workforce Development Board for the its growth and global success. The company has been located in Missouri Research Park at Highway 40-61 in the Weldon Spring area, for more than two decades.

Originally founded in 1964 as Tetra Plastics, the company was purchased by Nike in 1991, and moved to the Missouri Research Park in 1995. Today, Nike IHM has approximately 516 employees and produces Nike Air products sold and enjoyed around the world.

“When people rave about Nike Air products, they are celebrating success made right here in St. Charles County,” said Scott J. Drachnik, Director of the St. Charles County Department of Workforce & Business Development. “The county is proud of Nike IHM

Photo courtesy St. Charles County Nike IHM’s General Manager Cheryl Renne (with plaque) shown with executive members of the St. Charles County Workforce Development Board (from left) Mike Hurlbert, Erin Williams, Luanne Cundiff and Jeff Cartnal.

and we are honored to partner with them on workforce and economic development issues that help their company and our community succeed and grow together.”

Nike IHM currently is hiring 125 full-time production workers for their growing facility in the Missouri Research

Park. The company also is searching for a Production Manager, Manufacturing/ HR Coordinator, Director of Facilities & Maintenance, Tooling Technician and Quality Assurance Lab Technician. To find out more and apply, visit Jobs.Nike.com/Missouri.

www.MidwestBankCentre.com

9

10

Sports

March 22, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

First Wednesday in spring has 52 days until Rascal Baseball The River City Rascals play professional baseball with home games at Car Shield Field in O’Fallon.

The team will try to improve over last year’s results of being 14 games out of first place.

Their first opponent will be the Normal CornBelters with a 6:35 p.m. start time on May 12.

Go to www.RiverCityRascals.com for more information. *Baseball is starting to Spring into the air

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www.wentzville-mo.minutemanpress.com

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.

Indoor football team starts season this Saturday The River City Raiders are a member of the Arena Pro Football (APF) league with home games at the Family Arena.

This Saturday the team takes the turf for their first game of the 2017 season in the nine-team league.

The Birmingham Outlawz will be the home team’s first opponent as new Head Coach Greg ‘Chief ’ Moore along with his coaching staff prepare for the season. Assistant coaches include Demonie Smith, Dan Montgomery, Justin Kurtz and Jeff Hunt.

CEO/President Kenny Nowling runs the front office.

Your Raiders will offer free tickets for the home opener for Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at the Family Arena verses the Outlawz. Go to www.IndoorRaiders.com for more information. *Football is back

College hockey playoffs held locally The 2017 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four consolation and championship of the national championship were played March 17 and March19 at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

On Friday, the women’s Division 1 pairing saw the second-ranked Clarkson Golden Knights squeeze out a 4-3 win over the third ranked Golden Golphers from Minnesota. The earlier contest had the first ranked Wisconsin Badgers narrowly taking a win from the fourth ranked Boston College Eagles 1-0.

On Sunday, Clarkson and Wisconsin faced off in a game that saw the Golden Knights shut out the top seeded team in the country 3-0. The most valuable player was the goalkeeper of Clarkson Shea Tiley stopping all 41 shots fired at her in the championship game.

“It’s nice to get those first few shots in a game like that,” Tiley said. “As the game went on, I was doing everything possible to make sure the puck was staying out of the back of the net.”

As soon as the final horn sounded, the entire Clarkson bench stormed onto the ice and dogpiled on top of Tiley, who said she could not even describe how exciting it was to put on such an extraordinary performance on the largest stage.

“Honestly, there are no words to describe it,” Tiley said. “I was just really tired.” *And it’s in the history books now

Men’s lacrosse at Lindenwood on a roll The No. 4-ranked Lindenwood men’s lacrosse team dominated the Adams State Grizzlies’ team by a final score of 18-6 on Sunday evening. It was their fourth victory in a row increasing their record to 6-1.

The Lindenwood squad out shot the Grizzlies by a 67-15 margin. Tyler Schermann of the Lions won the face off battle for the sixth time this season as he converted 14 times on 19 attempts while picking up a team-high nine groundballs. *One of the fastest growing sports in America

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See solution on page 13

Gary B. will be broadcasting the “STL Health and Wellness LIVE” show every Saturday from 9-11 am on 590 The Fan and 590TheFan.com 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 22, 2017

Learn & Play

11

Pair like a pro When it comes to pairing wine with food, even exper ts agree that desser ts can pose a challenge. A wide variety of flavor combinations can make it hard to find the perfect selection to serve with your sweet treat. While there’s no exact science to wine pairing, these simple tips can help you make your selection.

Honey Devil’s Food Cake with Rich Chocolate Frosting Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board

Sweet Cheesecake A good rule: the lighter the dessert, the lighter the wine. Avoid heavy reds for a sweeter dessert and instead pair with a crisp white like Chardonnay, such as Joseph Carr from Sonoma, California.

Citrusy Lemon Meringue Pie Lemon flavors can sometimes be polarizing, but complementing this dessert with an equally citrusy wine can work wonders. Tr y pairing with a food-friendly pinot grigio or a sauvignon blanc.

Rich Chocolate Cake Red wine with chocolate seems like a no-brainer, but not all red wines are created equal. For a richer delicacy like this devil’s food cake, try something like Villa Pozzi Nero D’avola, a more fruit-forward, easy-drinking red varietal.

For more tips and wine selections, visit winefix.com

Photo courtesy of Barnaby Chambers/Shutterstock.com

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, divided 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups honey, divided 1/2 cup 2 percent low-fat milk 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided 1 cup boiling water 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions: To prepare cake: Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

In large bowl, combine flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add 1 1/2 cups honey, milk, oil, eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla; beat 2 minutes.

Gradually beat in water.

Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until sides pull away slightly from pan and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Turn onto wire racks and cool completely.

To prepare frosting: In medium bowl, combine remaining cocoa powder, honey and vanilla, and cream. Beat until just thick and fluffy.

To assemble: Spread frosting evenly over sides and top of one cake layer. Place second cake layer on top. Spread remaining frosting evenly over sides and top.

Garnish with milk chocolate shavings. Pair each serving with a glass of prosecco, like Nero D’avola from Villa Pozzi.

www.reverseyourrisk.com

12

What’s Happening

March 22, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS March 24: concert

Country

Burton Foundation. On March 25 Bill Bay will speak about the Mel Bay story and also do some guitar “picking.”

Helping out with guitar instructions are Bill Dennis, Jim Huckelberry, John Baker and Rick Brunk. Classes are presently on Saturdays, 10 to 11 a.m.

Starting in April classes will move to Sunday 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. through the end of May. Classes will be suspended in June, July and August and resume in September.

music

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 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).

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 25: Guitar lessons for veterans

Franks Heroes is a nonprofit foundation that has offered beginner and intermediate guitar lessons to veterans for the past four years. The location for classes is at the Foundry Art Centre on Main Street in St. Charles.

Sponsors of Franks Heroes have been the Mel Bay Company and the James

March 26: Fundraiser event

Bring the family to the Leaps of Love Spring Fundraiser to benefit children with cancer and their families at Rose Hill at 11122 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur from 2 – 4 p.m. There will be free admission, vendors, karaoke,

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door prizes, auction and more. For more information contact Kathy Hubbard at 314-378-6129 or kkfundraising2014@gmail.com.

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 28: Business ethics panel

Local community leaders, faculty, staff and students will have an opportunity to attend an informative, engaging, free Business Ethics Panel at Lindenwood University in St. Charles in Dunseth Auditorium in Harmon Hall at 209 South Kingshighway in St. Charles from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The session, which will focus on real-life ethical dilemmas experienced by local business professionals, will also include their firsthand, personal approach to resolution. The event is sponsored by the Liberty & Ethics Center at the Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise in partnership with the St. Charles Rotary Club. As a part of the panel discussion, there will be an opportunity for an interactive Q&A. The upcoming ethics panel is free and open to the general public.

Light refreshments will be served; registration is not required. For questions or more information, please call Carol Felzien at the Hammond Institute at 636-627-2915 or via email at CFelzien@lindenwood.edu.

March 29-31: Theater benefit performance

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St. Charles Community College will present “The Last Flapper” March 29 and 31 in the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building auditorium on the SCC campus. The first showing, held at 3 p.m. March 29 is a free student matinee. The second performance, held at 7:30 p.m.March 31, will benefit

Ken Parker, a former SCC stage hand/ theater technician, who is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Director Hal Berry, professor emeritus of theater and history at SCC, is bringing “The Last Flapper” production to SCC from San Diego, California to help his former-coworker in this time of need. Proceeding the performance on March 31, attendees are invited to a meet-and-greet with appetizers and beverages starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by a tribute to Ken Parker at 7:15 p.m. There is no admission price to this event, but donations are accepted in honor of Parker. For more information contact Jean Deimund at jdeimund@stchas.edu or 636-9228050.

March 30-April performance

1:

Theater

Liberty Theatre will present Pat Cook’s “You Can’t Beat the House” on March 30, 31 and April 1. This comedy is performed beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. Performances will be held in the Liberty High School Commons.

Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for students.

April 1: Easter musical

Kidz Praize of Wentzville Christian Church will present an Easter musical entitled “Easter Praise Parade.” The free performance will be at 6 p.m. and everyone is invited to attend. Join the group of 25 elementary students as they portray a group of friends trying to organize a neighborhood parade to celebrate the true meaning of Easter. The 45 minute production includes lots of great music, humor and choreography. Wentzville Christian Church is located at 1507 Highway Z in Wentzville. For more information call 636-327-6622 or visit the website at wentzvillecc.org.

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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/.

April 21, 23: Choir concert

“The (Dis)Honesty Project” will be screened from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Dunseth Auditorium in Harmon Hall on the campus of Lindenwood University. This 90-minute documentary screening will be followed by Q&A session featuring Yael Melamede, producer and director at SALTY Features.

This event is open to the general public and free of charge.

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.

April 6-8: Theater performance

April 14: Good Friday service

April 4: Documentary Screening

The Francis Howell High School’s Award Winning Limelight Theatre proudly presents their Spring Production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play “Crimes of the Heart” by Beth Henley.

Performances will take place April 6, 7 and 8 beginning at 7 p.m. nightly with an additional 1 p.m. matinee on April 8 in the Auditorium of Francis Howell High at 7001 Hwy. 94 South, St. Charles. Tickets are $5 per person for all shows and are available at the door.

For more information, please contact Edward Cole, Theatre Director at Edward.cole@fhsdschools.org.

April 7: Underwater egg hunt Get the right battery the first time at Wholesale Batteries!

April 7: Fish fry

What’s pools of fun for kids ages fourto-12? It’s the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Underwater Egg Hunt at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. The event will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. and the Easter Bunny is sure to be there.

The cost is $12 for O’Fallon residents and $15 for non-residents, and preregistration is required by March 31.

For the hunt, kids will be divided into age groups to search for eggs, and prizes will be awarded after the eggs are collected. Kids should bring swim goggles and a waterproof container for egg gathering. Parents can register kids at the Renaud Spirit Center, or online at www.ofallon.mo.us/ parks&rec. Select “Special Events” and look for Underwater Egg Hunt, course number 410104-A. Family members who want to swim but who are not participating in the egg hunt can register for $5 (410104-B). For more information, please call front desk staff at 636-474-2732.

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 per-

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 22, 2017 cent 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 30: All-you-can-eat breakfast

The Knights of Columbus at St. Robert Bellarmine Church at 1424 First Capitol Drive South in St. Charles will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes: madeto-order omelets, pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee (cost for adults is $7, children six to 11 are $4, children five and under are free). In addition a blood drive will be held at the same time as the breakfast. Those who donate blood that day will receive a free breakfast. For additional information please call 636-946-6799”

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, 636-922-8244 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 636-3276622 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-caneat pancakes, sausage, orange drink and coffee. There will also be specialty cakes for sale for Mother’s Day.

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

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 636-2795522 or 636-456-0776.

Mondays: Sensibly

Take

off

Pounds

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 636-946-4687.

Mondays: Sensibly

Take

Off

Pounds

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Highway in O’Fallon.

Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please all Linda Wilcox at 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).

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.

What’s Happening

Caregiver Experience

St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.

The group meets on fourth Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Road Library at the Community Commons, 427 Spencer Rd. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male Caregiver Experience, please call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/ stl.

Tuesdays: coffee

Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

Monthly

veterans

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

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.

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.

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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 636-448-4277. 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

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1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities.

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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 SUDOKU answers from page 10

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

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March 22, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

EVENT

HELP WANTED

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

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

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. D.H.

HELP WANTED

SERVICES PET CEMETERY

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 22, 2017

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March 22, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

By Steve Bryan

Can classic TV shows succeed on the big screen?

M O V I E

It’s amazing how many classic television shows have been resurrected and adapted for the movies. Over the years, theaters have hosted big screen remakes of “Dark Shadows,” “21 Jump Street” and a horribly misguided version of “Bewitched.” The 1990’s saw studios adapting such classic sitcoms as “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Sgt. Bilko” and “McHale’s Navy.” In most cases, though, cinematic versions couldn’t replicate the appeal of a long-running television series.

This weekend, two classic shows with large fan bases are arriving in movie form. “Power Rangers,” based on the longrunning TV series, goes back to basics with an origin story. The 1993 series focused on a group of “teenagers with attitude” tasked with saving the world from monsters led by Rita Repulsa.

Their dinosaur-themed abilities were tied to the power coins that allowed them to “morph” into heroes.

Dinosaurs and superheroes made this show an instant hit with children, even though the action footage came from a Japanese series called “Super Sentai.”

The charm of the 1993 Americanized series was its simplicity,

Power Rangers photo courtesy Lionsgate

especially when it came to costumes and effects. Slick trailers for the new film take good advantage of current technologies, but that charm and innocence seems lost.

The producers also hedged their bets with casting here.

No stranger to heavy theatrical makeup, the beautiful Elizabeth Banks morphs herself into Rita Repulsa, one of the tastiest TV villains ever. Banks, who did great in “The Hunger Games,” could steal the film with her performance. Bryan Cranston stops breaking bad and does good as Zordon, mentor to the Power Rangers.

“CHIPS,” the other new TV adaption, may have a better shot at the box office. The show focused on the adventures of two California Highway Patrol officers, Frank “Ponch” Poncherello and Jon Baker. Lead actors Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox became instant stars thanks to the series, their faces gracing dozens of fan and television magazines.

Hats off to writer/director/ star Dax Shepard for pairing up with the exceptionally funny Michael Pena. Shepard goes against the grain here by making this a broad comedy instead of a drama. The original series, while campy, played things in-

credibly straight. Pena, though, has impeccable comedic timing and could be the saving grace for this piece.

There are times that TV also borrows heavily from the movies. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” became a sleeper hit in the summer of 2002, which prompted CBS to greenlight “My Big Fat Greek Life.” Most of the original cast came back and it seemed like a sure bet. Reportedly, problems in the writer’s room with star Nia Vardalos led to its early cancellation.

Here’s hoping the Power Ranges, Ponch and Jon find new success on the big screen. They were memorable on the small screen and could find brand-new audiences in 2017.

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.

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