March 23, 2022
State of ‘Grace’
The Grace Period helps move people in St. Charles County who can’t yet afford stable housing into selfsufficiency by utilizing transitional housing
Community Voices LaTonya Thomas. Pg. 2 Sunset Fridays debuts at the Cultural Arts Theatre, featuring the Vince Martin Trio. Pg.4
School
By Brett Auten Three years ago, Sara Chandler and Amie Littrell were walking alongside the vulnerable and unsheltered. The pair were volunteering at SunRise Church in 2019 when the inspiration struck to move adults and families who can’t yet afford stable housing into self-sufficiency by utilizing transitional housing. There were no organizations in St. Charles County dedicated solely to transitional housing for adults and families over age 21. In addition, the waiting list for Section 8 was months, even years. The Grace Period was born out of this gap, and provides expense-free, transitional living and case management for these people so that each family will be able to afford the life they are searching for. The vision is to work closely with families on development goals and successfully move them from being unsheltered into stable, permanent, safe, and affordable housing. Permanent housing changes the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their children. Chandler is the co-founder and Executive Director and drives the organization forward. “As a kid, I had two hard-working parents who struggled financially,” she said. “We didn’t know how to access available resources. As I grew up, I realized that we weren’t the only ones going through this. I want no one to feel like I did, which was very lonely and very scared.” Chandler helped launch The Grace Period for parents like hers and for families like her friends’ families who just needed a little help
Around Town
11 Fort Zumwalt seniors win National Merit Scholarships. Pg. 7 Best of St. Charles
Ballot. Pg. 9
Features
Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword. Pg. F-4
The Grace Period founders, Amie Latrill (left) and Sara Chandler.
to get through a hard time in order to get to a more stable place. The Grace Period aids in creating self-sufficiency in a society that doesn’t always understand the impact of circumstances that are beyond one’s control. The Grace Period could have helped my parents get their family to a more stable place.”
Submitted photo
Littrell is the spiritual director and provides spiritual guidance and leads a 12-week course on spiritual faith. She has a master of divinity degree and is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. The program has already had five graduates in its short time, which inSee ‘GRACE‘ page 6
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March 23, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews. com.
Huneke Publications, Inc. 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 PH: 636-379-1775 FX: 636-379-1632 Published weekly since 1921. Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties. Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert J. Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistant Melissa Nordmann Copy Editor Donna Huneke Staff Writers Brett Auten, Wendy Todd, Laurie Simon
Submitted photos (Left) The Grace Period Executive Director Sara Chandler (left) and house manager Janet Bernacki and director of development Michael Moellering have a discussion during a recent event. (Right) Volunteers from Wentzville United Methodist help move in their Sponsored Resident of the Grace Period, an institute that moves adults and families who can’t yet afford stable housing into selfsufficiency by utilizing transitional housing.
‘GRACE’ from cover cluded the height of the pandemic. “It’s extremely difficult, if not impossible, for some to get the payment for rent-times-three,” Chandler said “We noticed that a lot of the homeless, just in O’Fallon, were working jobs but living couch to couch or at hotels.” A 40-hour work week is mandatory to even
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three months. “We are very local,” Chander said. “We really want to help the people of St. Charles. It is all about us giving back. We’re not here to make money, we are here so these people won’t go through this alone.” The Grace Period is located in Cottleville. For more information, call 636-542-2720 or visit thegraceperiod.net.
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get into the program, or enrollment in continuing education. A financial course, one of seven programs offered, is mandatory. The Grace Period focuses on high accountability, education and goal-setting led by a family-like, faith-based team of staff and volunteers. The Grace Period receives no federal funding and is always looking for family sponsorship where you pay the rent and utilities for
Spring into action By LaTonya Thomas Can you believe it? Spring is here! The flowers and grass are waking from their slumber to show us the vast array of their beauty. What’s been hidden for months will emerge and display for us its magnificent works of art. The flowers, grass and trees will begin to “spring” into action. Aren’t you excited!? You know, we can take a lesson from nature. Just as they begin to spring into action so should we. What actions should we spring into? Love! Love is an action, but not just “any” action, it’s “the” action we so desperately need in our world today. How can we show love in our actions? By volunteering at a local nonprofit organization. We can share a word of encourage-
ment with someone. We can show love by being patient and understanding, especially in grocery stores and restaurants where we know the staffing is short. Sharing a smile or returning a greeting is also a way of showing love, you never know how impactful it can be. Send a “thank you” to those who have helped you, thank you goes a long way! Checking on an elderly neighbor. Show appreciation to those in customer service. All these actions and more are ways to show acts of love in your community. How are you sharing your love through action? I want to hear it! Join me at Sweet Conversations on Saturday, March 26 at La Belle Vie/ The Café at Frenchtown located at 1200 N. 2nd street in St. Charles at 8:30 a.m as we share ideas and ways, we’re planning
on showing love in our action. We can be the love and encouragement we want to see. In doing so, we’re creating a better world for the next generation. LaTonya Thomas is the founder of Sweet Start Ministries. Her background is in hospitality and human resources. LaTonya is involved in the community and loves helping those around her.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 23, 2022
STLCC to host Spring 2022 Virtual Career Fair St. Louis Community College will host a virtual career fair to connect the community with potential employers for full- and part-time positions. The event will be completely online with the STLCC Career Network on March 30 from 1 – 4 p.m. While a virtual career fair may seem different at first, in the most important ways, it’s like a regular fair – employers are seeking great candidates and you are seeking a great job. Instead of meeting in person, you will interact over video – either one-onone or group video chats. The STLCC Spring 2022 Virtual Career Fair is free to attend for college students and community members. You are encouraged to create an account, make a profile and get prepared on the STLCC Career Network. STLCC students can log in to Navigate to make an appointment with career development staff before
the fair to get help with resumes or mock interviews. More than 50 employers are expected to participate, representing health care, banking and finance, retail, nonprofit organizations, state and local government, hospitality, arts and entertainment and other fields. Employers include Accenture Federal Services, Concentrix, Enterprise Fleet Management, Fabulous Fox Theatre, Judevine Center for Autism, Marsh McClennan Agency, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, Riverview Gardens School District, SSM Health, St. Louis Metropolitan Police, St. Luke’s Hospital and Weber Shandwick. For questions or more information about the St. Louis Community College virtual career fair, call 314-539-5888 or send an email to careerdevelopment@stlcc.edu.
Around Town
MoDOT reduces Interstate 70 North Outer Road bridge to one lane during bridge rehabilitation and guardrail repair Drivers using the Interstate 70 North Outer Road (North Service Road) bridge over Route 370 should be aware that a temporary traffic signal will direct travel as one lane of the bridge is closed starting March 14. The round-the-clock lane closure is expected to last for one month as crews rehabilitate the bridge and repair guardrail between Spencer Loop North and Patmos Drive. A temporary traffic signal will be placed on either end of the bridge rehabilitation allowing motorists to take turns progressing through the work zone.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR There are a few tips that can help you prepare for the virtual career fair experience: • • • •
Use a stable device Check your Wi-Fi or internet connection Inspect your background and lighting Dress professionally
• • • • •
Turn off notifications Have your resume on hand Pick your chat strategy: Group vs. 1-on-1 Research and plan ahead of time Arrive on time
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WWW.JEWISHSTCHARLES.ORG
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Around Town
March 23, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
W W W. M YC N E W S . C O M
SUNRISE’S FREE
EGG -CELLENT EASTER ADVENTURE
APRIL 9TH 1:30 - 3:00PM Trunk Hop Easter Bunny Pony Rides Petting Zoo
www.sunrisefamily.org/familiy 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd. | O’Fallon MO
Custom Gateway Arch license plate design available for Missouri drivers Is the Gateway Arch your favorite monument? Want to show off your St. Louis pride in a fun way? Proudly display your love for STL and the Arch with the redesigned specialty Arch license plate, which supports programs at Gateway Arch National Park. By ordering a license plate from the non-profit Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA), your tax-deductible contribution will support enriching educational programs for all ages at Gateway Arch National Park. JNPA also creates additional support by operating The Arch Store, located in the visitor center beneath the Gateway Arch. “Though based in St. Louis, Missouri, our current operations span five states. Your support enables us to enrich the public’s appreciation and understanding of America’s national parks, public lands and historic places,” said David Grove, president and CEO of JNPA. “There are many ways to give, whether it’s a direct donation, a tribute in honor of a special person, or a contribution towards a Gateway Arch license plate.” To order your Arch license plate, follow the stepby-step instructions at archplates.jnpa.com, which include submitting your tax-deductible donation to
Submitted photo
JNPA as well as completing the state’s application for personalized plates. You can customize your own plate message, so use your creativity. You may order Gateway Arch license plates at any time, regardless of your current license plate expiration date.
Optimist Club of St. Charles recognizes essay contest winners The Optimist Club of St. Charles recognized the winners of the club’s 2022 Essay Contest. Following the club’s weekly luncheon on March 8, the three top winners read their winning essay to the club, family members and school administrators in attendance. All three students attend Hardin Middle School in the City of St. Charles School District. This year’s essay topic asks the question - “How Does an Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow?” The 2022 Optimist Essay Contest winners are: First Place Abby Hallam, Second Place Kierra Skillington and Third Place Brodie Anderson. The Optimist Club of St. Charles meets weekly on Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant in St. Charles. Persons interested in learning more about the club are encouraged to view the club’s website https://scoptimists. weebly.com/
Submitted photo Pictured (from left) are Bob Beckman (Club President and Essay Chairman), Brodie Anderson, Abby Hallam and Kierra Skillington.
Sunset Fridays debuts at the Cultural Arts Theatre, featuring the Vince Martin Trio
https://www.duchesne-HS.org/dream-home.html
Sunset Fridays are making their return to St. Peters. The free concert series kicks off “On the Road” at the Cultural Arts Theatre, featuring the Vince Martin Trio on March 25, from 7-9 p.m. Enjoy Vince Martin’s upbeat mix of rock and blues as the Sunset Concert season starts off with a fun, party-like atmosphere at the Cultural Arts Centre. Seating is limited to this free event, so come early to claim your spot. Also, how’d you like to see great local favorites like Garden Party, Cole Blue Steel, Serapis or Wade Trent anytime, anywhere? You can watch these and other great local acts on your phone, tablet, computer or TV from the comfort of your home or backyard, on your own schedule with the Virtual Sunset Fridays “On the
Road” concerts from Sunset Studios. Just visit SPTVnow.net for the only concerts featuring some of your favorite local bands – and you can take them with you. Six new “On the Road” concerts will air from Sunset Studios on SPTVnow.net, and there are already 20 great shows in our library that you can check out now on-demand – anytime. Stay tuned for more information on new virtual, on-demand videos that you can stream on your computer, tablet or phone. Sunset Fridays concerts will return to 370 Lakeside Park starting May 27. Two special Sunset Saturday concerts are also planned for June 25 and Sept. 17. Visit www.stpetersmo.net/sunset for a schedule of these free shows.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 23, 2022
Around Town
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Rock legends Cheap Trick and country star Chris Janson to headline O’Fallon’s 2022 Heritage & Freedom Fest Headline acts for O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest were announced at the March 10 O’Fallon City Council meeting. This year’s starring performers are: Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick on July 4, and country music star Chris Janson on July 3. The 2022 Heritage & Freedom Fest will be held at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex at 900 T. R. Hughes Boulevard in O’Fallon. Opening acts for both nights will be announced later this spring. “The O’Fallon City Council and I are extremely excited to announce this
year’s entertainment as it again features true rock legends and one of country music’s top stars,” said O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy. “Cheap Trick and Chris Janson continue our string of amazing acts performing here in O’Fallon, and we expect this year’s Heritage & Freedom Fest to be another huge success for our community! As always, these concerts are free, and we’ll end each show with spectacular fireworks displays.” O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest kicks off on July 1, with a night of carnival rides from 4-10 p.m., followed by
Family Night on July 2, featuring a carnival, a colorful midway, family-friendly sideshows and other activities from 4–10 p.m. (There will be no fireworks or Main Stage music on Friday or Saturday.) On July 3 (4-11 p.m.) and July 4 (noon-10 p.m.), the festival will get into full party mode with free concerts, fire-
Spotlight on O’Fallon Plaza: GRACE’S MERRY-GO-ROUND
W THIS WEEK’S PICK
Missouri policy allows pharmacists to provide easier access to free or low-cost COVID-19 testing A standing order was issued March 15 by Missouri’s State Epidemiologist, Dr. George Turabelidze, which entitles individuals to receive coverage for purchased tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This policy authorizes Missouri pharmacies to charge an individual’s insurance carrier, whether it is private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage, for COVID-19 testing. “Those without a healthcare provider or who lack immediate access to healthcare will have the opportunity to seek testing close to home, for free or at a reduced cost,” said Paula Nickelson, Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “Dr. Turabelidze’s action is providing one more way we can ease the burden on consumers and the healthcare industry while also limiting spread of the virus in our communities.” Testing options for COVID-19 have evolved considerably since the start of the pandemic and it remains a very important tool for limiting spread, and therefore decreasing instances of hospitalization and death.
Photo courtesy Bigstock
From testing to vaccinations, pharmacists have played a vital role in Missouri during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Missouri’s broad network of pharmacists, these providers have localized COVID-19-related services, increasing accessibility to individuals in all areas of the state. “The Missouri Pharmacy Association is excited for this standing order, as this will help pharmacists aid their communities in ensuring tests can be utilized to limit the spread of this virus,” said Ron Fitzwater, CEO of the Missouri Pharmacy Association. For more information regarding testing coverage or reimbursement, or to order free at-home testing kits, visit CovidTests.gov. Additional state testing resources can be found at health. mo.gov/communitytest.
works, and free kids’ and family-friendly activities. On July 4, at 9:30 a.m., O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade, which is one of the biggest in the area, will step off from Main and Third streets and proceed north to Tom Ginnever Avenue, continue east on Tom Ginnever and end at T.R. Hughes Boulevard near the festival entrance.
e are the premier consignment shop in the St. Louis area. We are a full family consignment shop, meaning we accept gently used women’s, children’s, young men’s, accessories, household miscellaneous, toys, furniture, holiday clothing and decor. We have new items being dropped off every minute of every day so our inventory is ever changing. We hope to provide customers and consignors alike with the best possible consignment experience. We welcome you to visit us at: GRACE’S MERRY-GO-ROUND
130 O’Fallon Plaza, O’Fallon, MO (636)281-4555 www.gracesmerrygoround.com
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School
March 23, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Liberty High School dance team wins state championship The Liberty High School varsity dance team captured first
place in Division 5 at the Missouri Dance Team Association
www.drmarcycooper.com
(MDTA) State Competition on Feb. 26, at the Family Arena in St. Charles. This is the fourth state championship title for the Liberty Belles. In addition to the Division Championship, the Liberty Belles placed first in both Precision Jazz and Pom. The team motto this year was “Decide to Rise.” “Through the season, the Belles remained steadfast with their goal, to actively make the choice to rise with each practice, performance, and competition,” said Amanda Miller, head coach. “I’m so proud of the dedication, commit-
Photo courtesy Wentzville School District
ment, and work ethic they have shown this year!” The Liberty Belles recently competed at the NDA National Competition in Orlando, Florida. The Belles placed
fourth in Medium Varsity Game Day, sixth in Small Varsity Pom, and 15th in Small Varsity Jazz. The members of this year’s Liberty Belles team are Bella Bahr,
Campbell Bahr, Serena Bartels, Charity Edney, Jenna Handlan, Zoey Hoselton, Ashleigh Kayser, Sophia Knobbe, Molly Marino, Kaitlin Stumpf, and Anna Weber.
Holt High School Theatre presents ‘The Addams Family Musical’ The Holt High School Theatre Department will present Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice’s “The Addams Family Musical” on March 31, April 1 and April 2 at 7 p.m. The Addams Family, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare. Cast members include: Theodore Hanson, Paris Heaver, Lily Blair, Bird Adams, Paige Bennett, Kaitlyn Ryberg, Aiden Mayer, Aden Hicks, Dahlia Swafford, Devon Dietiker, Brandon Beames, Caleb Gee, Cartier Sims, September Nichol, Ollie Miller, Alison Robertson, Amelia Binnix, Sydney Cowan, Randi Carney, Shianne Glass, and Islynn Nyanyo. “The Addams Family Musical” is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. The play is under the stage management of Hailey
Submitted image
Smith, assisted by Ava Doering. The production of “The Addams Family Musical” by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice will be performed at Holt High School C.H. Jones Auditorium. Tickets are $6 for students and WSD staff, and $8 for adults. Purchase tickets online
North Point High School Theatre presents ‘Miss Holmes’ The North Point High School Theatre Department will present “Miss Holmes” based on the book by Christopher M. Walsh on April 7, 8, and 9. “Miss Holmes” by Christopher M. Walsh and inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, follows the adventure of Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothoy Watson as they try to solve a new mystery. Cast members include Rachel Goldberg, Meagan Zumwalt, Ike Estep, Tyson Swetnam, Mariah Robinson, Tiana Clark, Clark Brown, Andy Moore, Ariana
Olexa, Braden Creech, and Trey Hutton. “Miss Holmes” is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. The play is under the stage management of Jamie Morley-Park. The production will be performed in the Auditorium at North Point High School. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and can be purchased in advance online.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 23, 2022
School
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11 Fort Zumwalt seniors win National Merit Scholarships Fort Zumwalt School District’s 2022 National Merit Scholarship Finalists are 11 Fort Zumwalt seniors among the top scorers on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) taken by more than one million high school juniors at more than 22,000 high schools across the nation. They represent less than 1% of high school students and are among roughly 8,000 seniors across the nation to share in roughly $35 million in scholarships. Fort Zumwalt’s National Merit Finalists are: East High: Thomas Bambrick North High: Spencer Steinmeyer South High: Twisha Nadella, Kaelen Raible and Nick Stovall West High: Ella Baetje, Saanvi Gowda, Maxwell Hardcastle, Adam Mulvey, Claire Myers and Surya Sompalli. Fort Zumwalt also had 12 students recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars. Only about 34,000 students in the nation are recognized in this manner for their exceptional academic promise. This places these four phenomenal students in the top 2-3% of the more than one
CLASSIFIEDS
AND Home & Garden
Photo courtesy Fort Zumwalt School District
million students nationwide who took the 2020 PSAT/NMSQT. Fort Zumwalt’s National Merit Commended Scholars are: East: Noah Myers North: Caroline Corr, Sullivan Gleason, Tyler
Hood and Elsa Linson. South: Grace Boyer, Karthik Digavalli, Leo Wright West: Lauren Higgins, Aiden Rohrbach, Jadyn Sanderson, and Vincent Vo.
Duchesne High School names new principal Duchesne High School has named Dominic D’Urso as its new principal. D’Urso brings 20 years of teaching experience to the position and has served Duchesne as an English teacher for the past 16 years. He graduated with a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and gained a master of arts in English with a specialization in literature from Iowa State University. Throughout his career, D’Urso has been recognized several times for excellence in his field. In 2014 he was the recipient of both the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award and the Duchesne Teacher Innovator Award. D’Urso maintains an educational philosophy rooted in instilling students with the value of learning. He describes teaching in a way that goes beyond simply having students memorize facts. “It is our job as a faculty and
staff to convince them [students] that learning is a moral good,” D’Urso said. “When we succeed for our students, they graduate from Duchesne with the understanding of ‘Virtus et Scientia.’ ‘Virtue and Knowledge’ go hand in hand and cannot be disentangled.” Faculty members cite D’Urso’s work ethic and commitment to Duchesne as making him the right man for the job. “I think whatever Dominic works on, he puts one-hundred percent into,” said math teacher Pat Steagall. “I believe he’d do anything he possibly can for his school.” “Mr. D’Urso embodies excellence,” said Duchesne President, Susan Noonan. “Mr. D’Urso sets high expectations for his students and himself. These high standards make everyone around him elevate their game. I look forward to Mr. D’Urso serving as
Photo courtesy Duchesne High School Duchesne High School has named Dominic D’Urso as its new principal.
Duchesne’s principal, and where his leadership will take us.” D’Urso will begin his new position on July 1.
What’s Happening
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March 23, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
Take Notice . . . The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info. Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com.
Featured Events . . . April 19: Healthy living senior fair
Baue’s 17th annual Healthy Living Senior Fair take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Water’s Edge Banquet Center at 200 Salt Lick Road in St. Peters and will be free to attend and open to the public and feature free parking, free entertainment, raffle prizes, and over 50 vendors who serve the senior citizens in our community. More information at https://www.baue.com/ healthy-living-senior-fair/ or call 636-328-0888.
EVENTS April 9: Easter event
SunRise Church’s Egg-Cellent Easter Adventure takes place from 1:30 – 3 p.m. This free event will feature a Bunny Hop Trunk Hunt, Easter Bunny (w/ photo ops), pony rides and petting zoo. Please register at sunrisefamily.org/family.
April 9: Quilt social
A quilt social takes place at St Joseph Cottleville, School Cafeteria at 1355 Motherhead Rd. Doors open 10:30 a.m., bingo starts at noon. There will be lunch, beverages, crafts and baby quilts for sale.
April 15: Good Friday concert
A Good Friday Tenebrae Cantata (concert) will take place at 7p.m. at St. John UCC at 405 South Fifth Street in St. Charles.
April 30: Aging well resource fair
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An aging well resource fair will take place from 1-4 p.m. at St. John UCC at 405 South Fifth Street in St. Charles. There will be helpful information about a wide variety of services, benefits, activities, opportunities for seniors, soon-to-be seniors and family members of seniors.
ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Optimist Club meetings
The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis
Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.
Mondays: Anonymous
Alcoholics
If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636-970-0013.
Mondays: Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club
Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at The Breakfast Club, 991 Waterbury Falls Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63368. New club looking for new members who want to better our community. Contact Christy at 314-583-0538.
Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting
TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please call Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.
Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http://www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.
Mondays: Parent support group
Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice
Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly
Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@ yahoo.com. BILY is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.
Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group
If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.
Choral Arts Singers practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at Connection ChristianChurch, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New singers (high school and older) are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.
Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947.
Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club
Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class
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9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.
Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge
St. Peters Senior Center plays bridge from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Thursdays, and would love to have any player, regardless of skill level, to join in. Call Mary Ann at 636-3970866 if you are interested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.
Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets
Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636219-0553.
Mondays: Mondays:
Measurement
10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and momsto-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.
Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class
Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.
Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting
Candlelighters Women in Recovery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb pre-School, turn left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.
Tuesdays: Cribbage Club
Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 314-954-3364 for info.
Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting
The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant. For more information contact Jack Ross at 314287-0569 or jack-ross@att.net.
Tuesdays: Cribbage
Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.
www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • March 23, 2022 Tuesdays: Diabetes support group
A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-625-5447.
Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles
12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in
St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.
Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA
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1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.
Tuesdays: Meeting
Toastmasters
7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636-3792505.
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Sports
March 23, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com
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Sports you see with Gary B . . .
UMSL men’s basketball team come home after successful season The remarkable 2021-22 season for the University of Missouri-St. Louis men’s basketball team came to an end in the NCAA Division II Sweet 16. 5-seed UMSL fell to 3-seed Hillsdale College in the Midwest Region Championship, 73-63. The Triton season was highlighted by a 2021-2022 Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship and the first NCAA DII Tournament win in 34 years. The Tritons (26-7) were not a “Cinderella Story.” The UMSL men’s basketball team was built on trust, hard work, toughness and senior leadership. That is why with 22 seconds left and the Tritons down by 10 points, head coach Bob Sundvold called a 30-second timeout. Sundvold brought the team together in a circle for one last time, not to draw up a play, but to say, “Thank you.” Two words that encapsulate the feelings of so many members of the UMSL community. “Being a part of a team that has done stuff that we really haven’t done at UMSL, these seniors (Marquis Collins, Shane Wissink, Yaakema Rose Jr., Kellen King, Steve Webb, and Jose Grubbs) have really got a great legacy,” Sundvold said. “They established some things both on and off the court on (the UMSL) campus.” The 2021-22 team will be remembered for being the first UMSL men’s basketball team to win the GLVC Championship Tournament, only the second team in program history to make the NCAA DII Sweet 16, a win against Truman State when it mattered most to give UMSL their first NCAA DII Tournament win in 34 years, a 1,000-point scorer in Grubbs, the new program record holder for three-
point field goals made in Wissink and the back-toback-to-back GLVC Defensive Player of the Year in Webb. The team also had three GLVC All-Defensive Team members in Rose, Wissink, and Webb, two All-GLVC First Team members in Marty Jackson and Rose Jr., a 12-game winning streak that ran from Feb. 7 to Mar. 12 and the second-most wins in program history (26). The Tritons were firing on all cylinders to start the game. UMSL sprinted to a 16-6 lead capped by a steal and fastbreak layup by Isaiah Fuller with 14:21 left in the first half. Hillsdale (23-7) took a timeout to try to slow the Tritons down. UMSL was 10-for-13 from the field in the first eight minutes of play and held a 10-point lead. Hillsdale answered with a 17-4 run to take a 28-25 lead with 5:47 left in the first half. The Chargers outscored the Tritons 7-4 the rest of the first half to take a 35-29 lead into halftime. With 11 minutes to play and trailing 58-40, the Tritons sparked a 10-0 run to pull within eight points. Hillsdale was forced to take a timeout. The timeout righted the ship for the Chargers who kept UMSL at arms length the rest of the way. Rose led the Tritons with 18 points and four assists. Webb scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Wissink and Jackson both scored 11 points. Grubbs had seven rebounds. Isaiah Fuller scored nine points off the bench. ~~~A season to relish
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, and is currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.
www.mycnews.com • Community News • March 23, 2022
Recipe: A mouthwatering fish dinner
Feature
F-1
– 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.
Cheesy Basil Cod Recipe adapted from Laurenslatest.com Serves: 4
D
uring the spring months, fish can be a popular food for at-home meals. It’s a perfect nutritious option during Lent, and it’s flaky and delicious for seafood lovers and families of all kinds throughout the year. This Cheesy Basil Cod has a light crust and a glistening center, which creates a delicious bite of texture. Serve it with rice and vegetables to complete a better-for-you dinner that’s packed with nutrients as well as flavor. This recipe, rich with cheese and seafood delight, serves four but is easy to double for a larger crowd. It requires just a few kitchen utensils and bakes for less than 15 minutes for a quick meal that’s easy to clean up. ring. They’re also sprinkled with lemon juice to add a little acidity and create a nice, light bite.
Ingredients: 3 cod fillets (12 ounces each) 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
1 tablespoon parsley flakes 2 tablespoons basil leaves 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper rice, for serving (optional) steamed vegetables, for serving (optional)
Directions: Preheat oven to 450 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place fish fillets on baking sheet and set aside. In small bowl, stir mayonnaise with cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spread evenly over fillets. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until fish starts looking flaky.
Switch oven to broil and brown tops of fish until lightly golden. Remove from oven; cool 3-5 minutes. Serve with rice and fresh steamed vegetables, if desired.
For more seafood recipes, visit Culinary.net
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9
Under one roof: real-life and fictional blended families
I
Movie: By Steve Bryan
Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.
n their book, “Brady Brady Brady,” Sherwood Schwartz, creator of “The Brady Bunch,” and son Lloyd talked about the inspiration for the iconic series. The elder Schwartz had spotted a column item in the Los Angeles Times that contained the following: “In the year 1965, more than 29 percent of all marriages included a child or children from a previous marriage.” Thinking that could be the plot of a sitcom, he registered his concept with the Writers Guild of America. Schwartz originally called the series “Yours & Mine” before it was officially christened “The Brady Bunch.” Blended family stories have been around long before Mr. Schwartz created his series and even more have been created since then. Disney+, the House of Mouse’s streaming service, recently promoted a new version of “Cheaper by the Dozen,” a film inspired by the real-life Gilbreth family. Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff starred as two single parents who merged their families together. Disney’s writers were obviously confused, though, because the plot of the new “Cheaper” was more like “Yours, Mine and Ours,” a wonderful 1968 comedy based on the lives of Frank and Helen Beardsley. With only a trailer to go by, the new version
rangement becomes permanent. The family also fostered Jimmy-John (Clifford Tatum, Jr.), an orphan with a chip on his shoulder. He became part of the family as well, but while Anna had room in her heart for more children, her husband firmly said they were “Full Up.” No blended family story would be complete without Dorothy and Bob DeBolt, a couple who ultimately adopted 14 children. Dorothy had five biological children and her husband “Cheaper by the Dozen” photo courtesy Disney+. had a biological daughter and, over the years, they adopted more children, some of whom were rescued from war torn countries as well as ones with special needs. The 1977 docuof the Gilbreth story looked lost in translation. Frank Gilbreth and his sister Ernestine Gil- mentary “Who Are the DeBolts? And Where breth Carey wrote the autobiographical 1948 Did They Get Nineteen Kids?” shed light on novel “Cheaper by the Dozen” and followed this blended family and earned an Academy that up with the 1950 sequel “Belles on Their Award for Best Feature-length DocumentaToes.” Both books were great reads. Their par- ry. Henry Winkler even narrated a 50-minute ents, Frank and Lillian, were time and motion televised version of the film late in 1978. Disney deserved some credit for releasing experts and often used their homelife to prove their theories. Although the “Dozen” in the more family content to their streaming plattitle indicated 12 children, Mary Gilbreth had form, but they need to make sure they stay true to the original stories, especially ones based on passed away at age 5. Adoption was at the heart of “Room for One real-life families. It would be nice to see an upMore,” a classic Cary Grant/Betsy Drake com- dated “Cheaper by the Dozen” that focused on edy about a family who took in two orphans, the real Gilbreth family. even though they had three children of their The 2022 “Cheaper by the Dozen” movie is own. Anna Rose (Drake) brings Jane (Iris Mann) home to meet the family and the ar- available on Disney+.
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March 23, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
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March 23, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com
Yeggs
John Hanna
Crossword: Who Am I?
‘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
W
hile the prices continue to climb my household has had to make some interesting adjustments. The other day it reached a new low: “My stomach is starting to grumble; what’s for dinner?” my husband asked. “Dinner? I guess I forgot but, anyway I’m pretty sure we’re out of groceries,” I said. “And when were you going to get around to telling me that vital piece of information?” “Oh, it’s not such a big deal. There’s always takeout.” “Nope, with inflation, the supply chain issues and gasoline prices skyrocketing we have to budget ourselves. So decide, what’s it gonna be?” “What are you talking about?” “The gas gauge is on empty and now you’re telling me the cupboards are bare so we have to make a decision. It’s either gas or groceries.” “Hmm, how about you walk to the service station to get some fuel and bring it back then we’ll drive to the market to get groceries?” “No can do. We can only afford a gallon of gas. That will get us to the market, but not back.” “Okay, well then I’ll order groceries and have them delivered.” “Not possible. That’s up too and will cost twice the amount for the food and fuel.” “Well, I suppose I could always hitchhike. But last time I did that the driver charged me
more than an Uber guy. So, I’d say it’s a good time to start our diet plan. We walk to the store and eat our groceries there then walk back and by the time we get h om e … f i ve pounds lighter. Boom!” I got a cold steely stare from him that said, No Bueno! “You know,” I said, “we just need a good reason to not go anywhere; to stay home locked up away from everything and everyone.” My husband snarkily replied, “So you’re saying we need another pandemic?” “That’s it!”
Inflation frustration
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.
ACROSS 1. Campus military org. 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca 8. 1968 hit “Harper Valley ____” 11. Turkish honorific 12. *I captained the Millennium Falcon in “Star Wars” 13. Inlet in Greenland 15. Map out 16. Pharaoh’s symbol 17. Austin Powers and Shrek to Mike Myers 18. *I developed the theory of relativity 20. Sailor’s hail 21. Lyric poem 22. Solar System center 23. Portable stairs 26. *I am Sgt. George Baker’s inept comic strip character 30. Mine deposit 31. Shape 34. Fairy tale cannibal 35. Feline sneakers 37. Lawyer group 38. *I have a coiled shell and eyes on stalks 39. Very dark black 40. Free from obstruction 42. ____ Aviv 43. Most buffoonish 45. Rest or hydration for common cold, e.g 47. Hot springs resort 48. “...he found a crooked
sixpence upon a crooked ____” 50. Japanese stringed instrument 52. *I am a runaway slave, an abolitionist, and a best-selling author 55. Email destination 56. Jasmine of “Aladdin,” e.g. 57. Food fish 59. Silly 60. Self-cleaning appliance 61. Ad staple 62. O in IOU 63. P in m.p.g. 64. Affirmative, colloquially DOWN 1. Do like Drake 2. Eye up and down 3. Bangkok native 4. Like preserved peaches, sometimes 5. Sharpened 6. Like Huck Finn’s dad, e.g. 7. *Some people call me the Rocket Man 8. *I starred as Pam in the “Meet the Parents” movies 9. *I used to host a sports show with Mike Golic 10. Commercials 12. Buddhist’s enlightenment 13. Sham 14. *I am a WWE Champion, an actor, and my nickname is geology-related
19. Vision correctors, colloquially 22. Greek letters on campus 23. *My résumé includes Fly Girl and “American Idol” judge 24. Curaçao neighbor 25. Evil one 26. Fence board 27. Popular gemstone 28. Shed tears 29. *I am an American who became Princess of Monaco 32. Harangue 33. Network with an eye 36. *My TV role became synonymous with a hair style 38. Perform at the bee 40. Canada’s neighbor 41. Beginning 44. Strong adhesive 46. Contemptibly small 48. Dry white Italian wine 49. Radio receiver 50. Dr. Seuss: “The more that you read, the more things you will ____” 51. Piercing woodwind 52. Water quantity 53. Loafer, e.g 54. Adventure story 55. United Nations labor agency 58. Homer’s catchword
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9