CNSTC: May 10, 2023

Building bridges

Progress 64 West and YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis have joined forces to encourage young entrepreneurs across the region with scholarships

By Brett Auten

A pair of nonprofits have created a scholarship fund to help aspiring high school students.

Progress 64 West and YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis have joined forces to assist, encourage, and promote young entrepreneurs by awarding scholarships to high school seniors living or going to school in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. The awards are good for one-year and can be applied at trade schools and two- and four-year colleges or universities.

Michael Doster, of Doster, Nations, Ullom & Boyle, LLC, is a member of the scholarship committee.

“Our partnership with YouthBridge will provide the opportunity for more donors to come alongside our existing scholarship sponsors in making tax-deductible donations that enrich the lives of local students,” Doster said.

To qualify for consideration, students must submit an executive summary of a business plan that includes a business concept description; market analysis, including market need, competition, and profit strategy; operations plan and sales and market-

ing strategies. The deadline is Oct. 23, 2023 to submit your application and application details will be posted in August on Youthbridge Community Foundation’s website at youthbridge.org.

Founded in 1877, YouthBridge Community Foundation is a nonprofit that partners with individuals, families, and businesses to support charities and communities needs in the St. Louis region, especially those focused on children and families. It was founded as the German General Protestant Orphan’s Association and was later known as the General Protestant Children’s Home.

See ’BRIDGES’ page 2

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

CLA SSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3

Moore On Life, Lifestyle & Crossword. Pg. F-4

Co-op lineworkers honored for international work.

Pg. 6

Submitted photo

Missouri Governor Mike Parson (center) is pictured with the Louis S. Sachs Scholarship sponsors and awardees that include (from left) Mike Doster of Doster, Ullom & Boyle, LLC, Brenda Bader-Tucker of Peoples National Bank, Nick Malchanav, Khushi Vyas, Katelyn Sieh, David Wright of American Direct Marketing Resources LLC, Jack Riley, and Jade Paden of Rite Air Heating and Cooling.

Slow down and give turtles a brake. Pg. 6

Around Town

‘BRIDGES’ from cover

“It’s a great fit with our mission,” Barbara Carswell, CEO of YouthBridge said. “We focus on children and youth, and the scholarship program that has benefited students in West St. Louis and St. Charles counties is now expanding to all high school students in St. Louis City, County and St. Charles County.”

In October of 1987, a group of business leaders who worked and lived in the Chesterfield area, formed Chesterfield Civic Progress. To ensure a high quality of life and standard of development in residential and commercial developments, those leaders worked together, investing their time, talent, and influence to support infrastructure and development projects.

In May of 2004, it was replaced with a new corporation with the same goals, Progress 64 West. The reason was to expand from just Chesterfield to a larger area including St. Louis and St. Charles counties. A partnership made up of citizens, business and civic leaders, its vision narrowed on economic prosperity by getting behind labor improvements and infrastructure projects.

The I-64 Corridor has become the ideal and viable area to shop, dine, work, play, and stay and Progress 64 West has helped convince high tech firms, retail establishments, restaurants, and other types of commerce to establish their businesses in the community.

In 2004, Progress 64 West initiated its scholarship program, then named in honor of St. Louis business leader Louis S. Sachs, who was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to envision what could be. It was renamed as the Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund and the program is now positioned to provide more scholarships for a larger pool of candidates.

BCI approved to offer Ticket to Work program services

Boone Center, Inc. (BCI) – a nonprofit that improves the lives of adults with disabilities through employment opportunities – has been approved as a service provider for Social Security’s Ticket to Work (Ticket) program. BCI is the first Employment Network (EN) in St. Charles County for this national program and one of only three in St. Louis County.

ENs help people who receive Social Security disability benefits prepare for, find, or maintain employment.

Participation in the Ticket program is free and voluntary. Everyone aged 18 through 64 who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of their disability may participate in the Ticket program.

“We are very excited about offering this much-needed service to qualified participants in St. Charles and St. Louis Counties,” said BCI Benefits Case Manager Sandy Weitkamp. “Social Security offers participants a variety of work incentives and may allow them to keep their Medicare or Medicaid coverage as they transition to work.”

BCI is one of Missouri’s largest disability employment services providers. The agency offers a continuum of job

and training opportunities as well as competitive employment services including discovery and exploration, job development and coaching, supported employment follow-along, and benefits planning.

“Choosing to work changes lives,” said Weitkamp. “And receiving Ticket services while transitioning from unemployment or underemployment to full-time work can bring much-needed peace of mind for those moving toward greater self-sufficiency and independence.”

For more information on BCI’s Ticket services, call 636-875-5253 or email sweitkamp@skillscenterstl. com. For more information on the national Ticket to Work program, visit www.ssa.gov/work or call 1-866-9687842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

The BCI Skills Center receives funding from the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County and the Productive Living Board of St. Louis County. These are public taxing entities, commonly known as a “Senate Bill 40 Boards”, which enter into funding contracts with agencies that serve individuals with developmental disabilities.

St. Charles County Executive appoints new prosecuting attorney

On April 19, St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann appointed Joseph G. McCulloch to the position of St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney.

“Joe McCulloch is an experienced trial attorney with a broad range of experience in criminal law, ranging from traffic offenses to homicide,” says County Executive Ehlmann. “His conservative, law-and-order background makes him the ideal candidate for prosecuting attorney.”

McCulloch started his career as a St. Louis City police officer. During his 20-year tenure with that department, he served as a patrol officer, detective sergeant in the Special Narcotics Unit, homicide detective, and acting commander. He earned his law degree from Saint Louis University while working full time as a police officer.

“Joe understands the challenges facing our community with crime rising in the region,” says Tom Hughes, former police officer and Republican leader in St. Charles County. “He is tough, but fair. He will have strong support among law enforcement and has great respect in the legal community.” McCulloch began his legal career in 2000 as an assistant prosecuting attorney in St. Charles County. In 2002, he started his own legal practice, specializing in criminal defense, personal injury and family law. During this time, he also served as legal counsel for several police organizations and represented rank-and-file officers, as well as command officers, in internal investigations.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey says, “Joe McCulloch is uniquely qualified

and has the right experience to serve as prosecutor for St. Charles County. He has the judgement and disposition to serve in this critical role at a time the region needs the best to protect our families.”

Since earning his law degree, McCulloch has served as a municipal judge and judicial instructor. He also has served as a member of the St. Charles County Convention and Sports Facilities Authority.

“I have been impressed with Mr. McCulloch since he was an assistant prosecutor in my courtroom when I was a judge,” said Ehlmann. “He shares my belief and support in law enforcement. I also know from working with him as a county council member that he has a strong commitment to public safety.”

The St. Charles County Council voted on McCulloch’s

confirmation at the April 24 regular council meeting. McCulloch assumed the position of Prosecuting Attorney effective May 1, with the term ending on Dec. 31, 2024.

Photo courtesy St. Charles County On April 19, Joseph G. McCulloch was appointed to the position of St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney.

Changing perceptions

- By Brett Auten

St. Charles County man speaks at the United Nations about how his life with Down syndrome doesn’t stop him from overcoming life’s obstacles

Gabriel Cobb won’t be boxed in and he scoffs at the limitations put upon him by those who have no clue.

On March 17, he delivered a presentation at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Cobb, 22, has Down syndrome, and during his speech to the UN, he talked about his family, his triathlon journey, overcoming challenges and raising awareness about Down syndrome. He wanted to prove how he is prepared to overcome life’s obstacles.

“I usually speak for 15 minutes, but (at the UN) it was just seven,” Cobb said. “We got to spend two days in New York. It was great.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every 772 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition. About 5,100 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year. Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels, though older women have an increased chance of having a child with Down syndrome. A 35-year-old woman has about a one-in-350 chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome, and this chance increases gradually to 1-in-100 by age 40. At age 45 the incidence becomes approximately 1-in-30.

Cobb was first invited to speak at the United Nations in 2020; although he had no prior public speaking experience, he and his parents – Thomas and Lori – saw it as an opportunity to show a wider audience how Gabriel leads a full and vibrant life.

“We are hoping to raise the bar a little when it comes to people’s perception of those with Down syndrome,”

Lori said.

Three days after they agreed, the world shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast forward three years later, Cobb was confident and comfortable thanks to a multiple public speaking engagement, including a speech to an international nurses’ conference in San Antonio last year.

Cobb references his experiences as a triathlete to show the ups and downs of his everyday life.

Five years ago, some friends invited him to check out the High School Tri Club, a nonprofit group that coaches young people for triathlons, based out of the O’Fallon YMCA. Cobb went to a practice, thinking it would be another way to exercise with other people. Exercise is an important facet of Cobb’s life. Low muscle tone and flat feet are always a concern as is keeping his bodyweight numbers respectable.

Cobb’s strength in the pool caught the nearby eye of a coach and suddenly, the Cobbs added another activity to the family calendar.

The Cobbs were not sports people initially, so it was all new at first; but, coach Dan Engelhard told Cobb that he needed a goal and that he could do a triathlon. In 2018, Cobb finished his first triathlon, a sprint

sprint-distance triathlon with a 750-meter swim, a 20K bike ride and a 5K run at the University of Missouri.

“It was cold, rainy, and I hate thunderstorms,” Cobb said of his first triathlon.

He now has 10 triathlons under his belt and trains three times a week.

Engelhard and assistant coach Matt Curry push him to get better and one of the team’s rules at races is every team member sticks around and cheers on every finisher, from the medal winners to the last finisher – which is often Cobb. So, when Cobb nears the end, his teammates run alongside him until the end.

“It is like this mass, mob of people,” he said. “They all coming running in.”

And after every race, how does he celebrate?

“Pizza at the end,” Cobb said. “Hopefully, meatlovers.”

Cobb is going to keep breaking down walls and redefining what he is capable of.

When he’s not training for triathlons, Cobb plays the piano (songs from “The Greatest Showman” are his favorite), takes taekwondo (he’s working on his purple belt) and hangs out with a model. One of his friends is Grace Strobel, a successful model and fellow young adult with Down syndrome.

Sons of the American Revolution hold grave marking for Revolutionary War veteran

On April 23, the Sons of the American Revolution held a grave marking for Etienne Bernard (1752-1831) at the All Saints Catholic Church Cemetery in St. Peters.

Bernard was a member of the 1st Company, St. Louis Militia that participated in the Battle of Fort San Carlos (also known as the Battle of St. Louis) on 26 May 1780. This grave marking is a part of the 200th Anniversary Celebration of the All Saints Catholic Church. The church is located at 7 McMenamy Road in St. Peters.

A meeting was held in the home of Bernard where Father Dunand drew up an agreement in French, that resulted in the founding of the first All Saints Parish and cemetery. He signed the document, along with Bernard and George Gaty, another early settler. The land donations for the church and cemetery were made by two married couples. Bernard and Louise Langevin

donated the land for the church, and Joseph Voisard and Elizabeth Denny donated the land for the cemetery. The first church building was built by George Gaty.

Submitted photos

Gabriel Cobb, of St. Charles County, spoke at the United Nations headquarters in New York in Mark. Cobb, 22, has Down syndrome and spoke of his first-hand account of his experiences.

Submitted photo

This plaque was placed at All Saints Catholic Church Cemetery in St. Peters in honor of Revolutionary War veteran Etienne Bernard.

Co-op lineworkers honored for international work

Electric cooperatives in Missouri, including CREC, celebrated Lineworker Appreciation Day last month. The celebration included a visit to the Missouri Capitol for 15 lineworkers who volunteered to bring electricity to unserved parts of the world through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) International Program.

Since 1962, the NRECA International Program has provided access to safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to more than 160 million people worldwide. The International Program has helped establish more than 250 electric utilities and electric cooperatives in 48 countries.

The Missouri Legislature recognized the work accomplished by these volunteers from Missouri’s electric cooperatives who have traveled internationally to build power lines for those

who would otherwise go without electricity. They worked in Liberia, South Sudan, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Bolivia.

Those taking part in the capitol visit included three linemen from CREC. Mark Ziegler was the first to volunteer in Yei, Sudan in 2008. Chris Mennemeyer participat-

ed in two international trips, one to Caracol, Haiti in 2013, and another with James Fortman in 2011 to Maridi, Sudan. Working in temperatures up to 90 degrees without any rain, the three CREC linemen continued building distribution lines to bring power to homes. After his trip in 2008, Ziegler

Slow down and give turtles a brake

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages drivers to be cautious on the roads this spring and give turtles a brake. These reptiles are often hit by cars during the warmer months, but are at special risk this time of year because they are more active.

Common turtles spotted crossing Missouri roads include three-toed box turtles, ornate box turtles and snapping turtles.

Turtles emerge from their burrows and begin the hunt for food and mates during warm and wet conditions, which can lead them to cross roadways, oftentimes resulting in their death. Thousands of box turtles are killed every year by vehicles.

Young males make up most of the travelers, sometimes wandering as many as six miles searching for territories and mates. Females are also crossing the roads in search of nesting areas.

Turtles are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, and depend on external sources of heat to determine their body temperatures. This is why people see them on warm asphalt during cool, spring days.

Vehicles are one of the leading threats box turtles face in Missouri, and MDC urges motorists to be cautious and slow down if they see a turtle in the road. If helping a turtle make it safely across, check for traffic and always move the turtle in the direction

said that given the opportunity, he wouldn’t hesitate to volunteer again.

Their visit included being recognized during the House and Senate sessions. They also met with Gov. Mike Parson, who thanked them for their volunteer efforts and acknowledged the difficulty of their task.

it is traveling.

Additionally, MDC urges the public to leave turtles in the wild. Taking a wild animal, whether a turtle or other wildlife species, and keeping it as a pet normally ends in a slow death. Leave turtles in the wild, follow the speed limit, and keep your eyes on the road.

For more information on Missouri’s turtles, visit the MDC online Field Guide at https://nature.mdc. mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/search/turtle.

Submitted photo

(From left) James Fortman, Chris Mennemeyer and Mark Ziegler with the Missouri legislature resolution recognizing their international volunteer service in NRECA’s International Program.

Submitted photo

Wentzville School District names new assistant principal of Lakeview Elementary

The Wentzville School District Board of Education approved hiring Lauren Keebey as the assistant principal of Lakeview Elementary, effective July 1, 2023.

Keebey currently serves as a kindergarten teacher at Heritage Primary in the WSD. She has nearly 13 years of experience in the education field from her combined time in Wentzville and the City of St. Charles School District.

“I am both honored and excited to join the amazing team of educators at Lakeview Elementary,” she said. “I

look forward to working in partnership with the families, staff, and community of LVE to support our children

in reaching their maximum potential.”

She holds a Master of Administration from Missouri Baptist Uni-

versity and a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the University of Missouri.

Cuivre River Electric announces Youth Tour winners

Six local high school students will be attending this year’s National Youth Tour Conference in Washington, D.C. this summer.

The top six-scoring finalists were Bailey Schneider, Leah Guss, Alexis Kennon, Grayce Knisell and Olivia Ketterer, all of Warrenton High School; and Audrey Lovell, Bowling Green High School.

The final judging was determined during the annual Cuivre River Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Final Competition and Awards Banquet held April 5.

Five other finalists received $500 college scholarships. They were Daniel Adams, Kaitlin Stumpf, Caleb Stewart, Reese Douglas, all of Liberty High School; and Christine Wehmeyer, Elsberry High School.

Adams and Wehmeyer were named first and second alternate, respectively, in the event one of the delegates cannot attend the trip.

This year’s National Youth Tour will take

place June 12-18. The seven-day youth tour provides an action-filled week for delegates, offering them opportunities to visit with representatives from their congressional districts and tour famous monuments, the Smithsonian Institution’s museums and Arlington National Cemetery.

Cuivre River Electric fully funds the participation of its delegates. There is no cost to students or families.

Ninety students from seven schools entered

the preliminary stage of competition by submitting an essay. The top 12 students won the opportunity to advance to the final competition. In the final stage students took a cooperative knowledge quiz and presented their essays orally.

This year’s topic was “My Favorite Cooperative Principle.” Scores from all three contest segments were combined to select the delegates and scholarship recipients.

Since 1964, Cuivre River has sponsored over

200 youth tour delegates for visits to Washington, D.C. More than 54,000 high school students sponsored by the nation’s electric cooperatives have participated in the youth tour since the educational leadership program began.

The annual contest is open to high school juniors who live and attend school in Cuivre River’s general service area, or who have Cuivre River Electric service in their homes.

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

Submitted photo

The students who were named as Youth Tour delegates representing Cuivre River Electric Cooperative are (from left) Alexis Kennon (Warrenton), Bailey Schneider (Warrenton), Leah Guss (Warrenton), Grayce Knisell (Warrenton), Audrey Lovell (Bowling Green) and Olivia Ketterer (Warrenton). The delegates will travel to Washington, D.C., this summer.

Featured Events . . .

Saturay, June 10: Stella’s Wish Foundation 5th Annual Golf Tournament

Attention Golfers! Join the Stella’s Wish Foundation at our 5th Annual Golf Tournament at St. Peters Golf Club on Saturday, June 10th! Visit www.stellaswish.org or call Don at 314-9389474 for information and to sign up!

EVENTS

May 17: Senior fair FasterHouse and Guide4SeniorLiving.com have joined together to host a Senior Fair & Wellness Expo At The Waterbury from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Waterbury Meeting Center located at 830 Waterbury Falls Drive in O’Fallon.

To reserve a vendor table please contact missy@fasterhouse.com. There will be free food, giveaways, raffles and prizes.

May 24: Theater auditions

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

May 31: Book launch and signing event

Saturday Writers presents a book launch and signing event for “Anthology #16 A World of Writing,” the group’ sixteenth anthology, filled with award-winning prose and poetry, which will take place at Spencer Branch Library Room L (Room 240) from 6 – 8 p.m. There will be free admission, books available for purchase, refreshments, panel discussion by contributors and door prizes.

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: Alcoholics Anonymous

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please call Leogene Weber. 636-399-3124.

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo. com. BILY is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: Kiwanis Club meeting

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

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http://www. stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice Choral Arts Singers practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at Connection ChristianChurch, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New singers (high school and older) are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts. org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

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: American Legion Post 388 Meets

Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636219-0553

Mondays: Measurement

Mondays: 10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-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 9:1510 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636-3792505.

Tuesdays: 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: 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: Seniors luncheon

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

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out?

Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Tuesdays: Diabetes support group

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-625-5447.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis. com

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

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

Tuesdays: Mended Hearts

This heart patient support group provides hospital visitation support for people with any type of heart issues. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Spencer Road St. Charles Library, at the corner of Boone Hills Dr. and Spencer Rd. For additional information please call 636639-0875.

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

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

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refreshments and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertainment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

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

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

Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on second Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warrenton Masonic Lodge. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-4560776 or visit our Facebook page.

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

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

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Garden Club

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 10:15-11:15 a.m. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes 9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314-369-6521.

Third Tuesday: Luncheon for seniors

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

Wednesdays: Toastmasters Club

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

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club

TOPS 502 Wright City meets every Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church at 104 Hedeman Ave. in Wright City. Weigh-in 7 - 8:30 a.m. Meeting starts at 9 a.m. For more information call 314-5045202

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

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Woodcarvers meeting

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

Wednesdays: Senior citizen luncheon

Every first Wednesday of the month (except January and July), St. Robert Bellarmine Church at 1424 First Capitol Drive, South in St. Charles will hold a luncheon for men and women 55 and up. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Games (activities) held 12:30 -2 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations required by the Friday prior to the luncheon by calling 636-9466799. All are welcome.

Wednesdays: Quilt guild

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

Wednesdays: Marine Corps League meeting

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

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at JJ’s Restaurant at 1215 S. Duchesne Dr.

in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Wednesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Senior Center at 500 Great Oaks Blvd. in Wentzville on the second and fourth Wednesday 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.

Wednesdays: Crossroads Cribbage Club Meets at 1380 Boone St., at 12 p.m. in Troy. 636-528-8379.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the United Methodist Church at 725 N. Wall St. in Wentzville. TOPS is a national non-profit weightloss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome.

Wednesdays: Men’s Golf League Wednesdays, April - October. 5 p.m., tee off at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. For more information, contact the Lake St. Louis Community Association at 636-625-8276.

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m. VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636-272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA

6-6:55pm Any level. Info: 636928-1928.

Wednesdays: Hope & Healing

5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie on the first Wednesday of the month. Unique service of music, worship, and prayer for those in need of hope and healing.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the parish hall of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church at 907 Jungermann Rd. in St. Peters. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss

organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. Weigh-ins begin at 9 a.m. Contact Judy Bauer at 636-541-2263 for further information.

Thursdays: St. Charles Rotary Club Meeting

St. Charles Rotary Club meets at noon at The Moose Lodge at 2705 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. In St Charles. Members and guests are welcome for lunch, leadership development and to gain a better insight into our community. www.stcharlesrotary.org.

Thursdays: American Legion meeting

On the first Thursday of each month, American Legion Post 323 meets at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville. For more information call 636-327-6060.

Thursdays: Lions Club meeting

Wentzville Outreach Lions

Club meets the second Thursday of the month at Schnucks at 1960 Wentzville Pkwy in Wentzville at 6 p.m. Contact Jimmy Butler at 314-780-5629 or Lisa Alexander at 314-2581069 for more information.

Thursdays: TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club 661 Wentzville holds meetings every Thursday in room 21 at The United Methodist Church of Wentzville, 725 Wall Street. Weigh ins at 9:30, meetings begin at 10 a.m. For more information call 314-650-1014.

Thursdays: O’Fallon Rotary Club meetings

O’Fallon Rotary Club meets from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar at 217 S. Main St. in O’Fallon every Thursday. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, call President, Lisa

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Muncy at 636-240-0912.

Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings

The O’Fallon Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bank of Old Monroe T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon. For more information, contact CyndySchwab at 636-544-0102.

Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

St. Charles Lions Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton Street in St. Charles. Contact Art for more info at 636-441-1831. New members are welcome.

3rd Thursday: Fleur de Lis Garden Club

Meets third Thursday of the month, 10:100 a.m. at the McClay Library in St. Charles. Club does not meet in December. Info: www.fleurdelisgardenclub.org.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

opportunity to purchase limited, specialty autograph passes to go on the field to meet and get autographs from the MLB Alumni. The autograph session will run for two hours beginning at 4 p.m. Autographs will not include inscriptions and will be name only.

Additional information, including premium seating and all-you-can-eat options, is available at www. OFallonHoots.com/mlb-alumni-home-run-derby.

*Many memories to reengage

Hoots sponsors home run derby with former major league players

The O’Fallon Hoots play their home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon and play in the Prospect League.

The Hoots announced recently that former Cardinals infielder and World Series Champion Scott Spiezio will join Mike Matheny, Andruw Jones and Bo Hart at CarShield Field for the Third Annual MLB Alumni Home Run Derby. The Alumni will be joined by members of the CarShield Collegiate League and on-air personalities from 101 ESPN and 105.7 The Point. The radio stations will battle in their third derby with the series tied at one.

“Scott Spiezio is a great Cardinal alum and we are excited to have him in O’Fallon for this signature event,” Hoots General Manager David Schmoll said. “Scott had a tremendously successful Major League career and won at the highest levels, including here in St. Louis. The former Cardinal infielder famously broke Kirby Puckett’s rookie batting average record in his first ten big league games. We can’t wait to see him in June!”

Scott Spiezio made his mark as a switch-hitting utility player and spent two seasons in St. Louis from 2006 to 2007. As a member of the 2006 World Championship team, he hit an impressive 13 home runs and drove in 52 RBI in only 276 at bats that season. Spiezio played six positions throughout his career including first base, second base, third base, pitcher, right and left field. In addition to his World Series Championship victory in St. Louis, Spiezio was a part of the Anaheim Angels’ 2002 squad that also won baseball’s top crown.

The 3rd Annual MLB Alumni Home Run Derby will take place June 3 at CarShield Field in O’Fallon with the event beginning at 7 p.m. Fans will have the

Lindenwood athletes acknowledge for their excellence

Recently, the ASUN announced the men's lacrosse all conference list. Two individuals on the Lindenwood men's lacrosse team were recognized on the All-Conference team.

Wesley Scurci was recognized on the ASUN All-Freshman team for his performance this season. Scurci was the point and goal leader for the Lions with 30 points coming from 24 goals and six assists.

Flint Thielen was recognized on the ASUN All-Freshman Team for his performance this season. Thielen's best performance came in a match up versus Robert Morris scoring five points coming from three goals and two assists.

*Two of the best

Gary Baute, aka Gary B, a St. Louis native, maybe educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan and an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season and broadcasted for several indoor football teams since 1999.

Recipe: A brunch surprise for mom

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and treat your mom to a delicious breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a meal in bed or a beautiful spread on the dining room table, make the day special with simple recipes that are sure to impress.

Try this Brunch Fruit Tart with a tasty granola crust and colorful fruit topping to start Mother’s Day in style. It’s a sweet option to begin her day on the right note.

With a crunchy crust and smooth center, this tart is balanced, easy to make and a beautiful addition to the menu. It’s also easy to customize as the fruit topping options are nearly unlimited. Pick your mom’s favorites and decorate the top however you please. Or, let the little ones get creative and put their own spin on an essential Mother’s Day meal.

Ingredients:

Crust:

4 cups granola mixture

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 1/2 tablespoons honey

nonstick cooking spray

Filling:

2 1/4 cups vanilla

Greek yogurt

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package gelatin

Toppings: strawberries, sliced blueberries

kiwis, sliced

Brunch Fruit Tart

Recipe adapted from homemadeinterest.com

DIRECTIONS:

To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F.

In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper.

Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and

Formorebrunchrecipes,visitCulinary.net.

bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.

To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely.

Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.

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.

Author Judy

Blume holds a special place in my heart. She is the prolific author of the acclaimed 1970 young adult novel, “Are You There, God?

It’s Me, Margaret.” After the novel’s release, Blume said it was banned in various places including the primary school attended by her children.

In the new big-screen adaptation, Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) was a sixth grader whose parents were of different faiths. To gain perspective, Margaret attended various houses of worship to explore other religions. As the story progressed, Margaret dealt with the trials and tribulations of becoming a teenager.

Blume typically explored the nuances of her characters. Nine-year-old Peter Warren Hatcher, for instance, narrated Blume’s novel, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.” Peter, who was very intelligent and thoughtful, had a very active little brother named Farley Drexel who preferred to be called “Fudge.”

Peter doesn’t understand why his parents allowed Fudge to act up and cause trouble.

“Superfudge,” Blume’s sequel to “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” had the Hatcher family temporarily relocate to Princeton, New Jersey where Tamara Roxanne, Peter and Fudge’s little sister, was born. “Fudge,”

a TV series featuring Eve Plumb from “The Brady Bunch,” ran on ABC for Season 1 and on CBS for Season 2.

Blume’s books also delved into the complexities of grade-school life. Andrew Marcus, the subject of Blume’s “Freckle Juice,” was a second-grade student who wanted freckles like his friend Nicky. In reality, he asked for freckles so that his mom wouldn’t know when his neck needed washing. A “helpful” classmate named Sharon sold Andrew what she called “freckle juice” for a price, but the results were not as expected. Blume’s story was a touching, funny affirmation that we should be happy just being ourselves.

Friendship, loyalty and trust were at the

heart of Judy Blume’s “Blubber.” This story was narrated by Jill Brenner, a fifth-grade school student in Pennsylvania. After Linda, a new student joined the class, she was teased and tormented by some classmates due to her weight, which earned her the cruel nickname “Blubber.” As the story continued, Jill stopped teasing Linda and then became the new target of the bullies. “Blubber” was a thought-provoking story that stressed kindness and treating others with respect.

“Then Again, Maybe I Won’t” was one of Blume’s edgier books. Tony Miglione, Blume’s protagonist, grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood until his father sold a profitable invention and moved his family to a more upscale neighborhood. While his mom worked hard to fit in, Tony became friends with Joel Hoober, a new neighbor who was his own age. Joel could be gracious and extremely polite to adults, but he also liked to shoplift and make prank calls.

Judy Blume created characters that were realistic and compelling. While reading her books as an adult, I saw myself as Peter Hatcher and also as the title character of “Blubber.” Many, many thanks to Blume for her wonderful, thought-provoking books.

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.

The wonderful world of Judy Blume

‘Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret’ photo courtesy Lionsgate.

Yeggs

Moore on Life: Picture perfect

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: TV MOMS

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

Moore on Life

Seriously, have flight regulations become impossible to determine? For instance, what is considered a liquid?

Last flight, my carryon was flagged after passing through the x-ray. Immediately I thought of all the things it could be. Did I pack a container of deadly hair aerosol which might be used as a weapon to spray in the face of a rude seatmate who hogged the center armrest? Or, did I unwittingly pack one of my cats? They’re always jumping into my luggage trying to stowaway without paying for a ticket.

By Cindy Moore

Flight plight

ACROSS

1. Rodeo garb

6. Roman numeral 7

9. Spring occurrence

13. Like Corgi

14. Get a sum

15. Garlic mayo

16. Poet's concern

I was ready to give my cat a thorough scolding when to my surprise the agent held up the offending object – a bottle of creamed cinnamon honey.

“This yours?” he asked.

“Why yes, that is my jar of expensive honey which I intend to give as a gift. Would you like to know where I bought it so you can order one for yourself?”

“Nope. Just need to remind you about the dangers of transporting liquids in flight.”

“Oh yes,” I said emphatically. “I understand thoroughly. That is why I meticulously separated and stashed all my three-ounce liquids into a special little zippy bag as per your strict regulations.”

“Ya, well it looks like you missed one. Now, you have a choice, consume it right here or leave it.”

“Seriously? You want me to eat an entire bottle of creamed honey? Do I look like someone who could eat an entire bottle of creamed honey in one sitting?”

He eyed my bulgy body up and down and was about to reply in the affirmative when I stopped him with another question?

“You do know that’s not even a liquid right? In fact, it’s so solid that one would have to use an ice cream scoop to dig out a serving of it.”

“Sorry ma’am,” he said as he stashed the item

into a bag marked “stuff I won today”. The nerve.

Just then a lady behind me sashayed by walking a giant toothy alligator on a leash. It wore a vest labeled, “Emotional Support Animal”.

“What?! Aren’t you going to stop that woman from bringing that dangerous Toothzilla on our flight?”

“No can do. It’s got a vest.”

Note to self, order an emotional support vest, small enough to fit around a honey jar.

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.

17. Mail-back request, acr.

18. Handrail post

19. *Lionel Jefferson's mom

21. *Keith and Laurie Partridge's mom

23. Watson's, Crick's and Franklin's concern, acr.

24. Big-ticket ____

25. #38 Down follower

28. Potter's oven

30. Get by

35. Wyatt Earp's card game

37. Wooden pegs

39. Measuring tool with a bubble

40. Copycat

41. All-season ____

43. Like certain people's glasses

44. The Great ____, Muppet

46. 1 year older than frosh

47. Treat without respect

48. *Samantha Stephens' mom

50. Four Corners state

52. Unidentified Jane

53. Summit location

55. Like tuna tartare

57. *Rory Gilmore's mom

61. *Hilary and Carlton Banks' mom

64. Motionless

65. Actress Thompson

67. Island off Manhattan

69. Skeleton, archaic

70. Lt.'s subordinate

71. Yemeni's neighbor

72. Marines' toy recipients

73. Banned insecticide, acr.

74. Nostrils

DOWN

1. Basin, without vowels

2. Last piece of a loaf

3. Lowest female singing voice

4. Evis's blue shoes

5. Harrison Ford or Jason

Segel in "Shrinking"

6. Bud holder

7. *Rhoda Morgenstern's mom

8. "That is" in Latin

9. Wedding cake layer

10. Famous Allen Ginsberg poem

11. Away from wind

12. Skilled in deception

15. G. Orwell's "______ Farm"

20. Valentine, e.g.

22. Bottom line?

24. Inner circle

25. Old enough (2 words)

26. Neutered rooster

27. Influencer's creation

29. *Meg, Chris and Stewie Griffin's mom

31. Egghead

32. "____ like the plague"

33. Canvas primer

34. *Alex and Mallory Keaton's mom

36. Pasta option

38. Virgo and Libra mo.

42. ____ Lewis, Lamb Chop puppeteer

45. By word of mouth

49. What catastrophe and ratatouille have in common

51. Wear (2 words)

54. Treated with EVOO

56. *Pebbles Flintstone's mom

57. Law school entry requirement, acr.

58. First name palindrome

59. Civil disorder

60. They're on Freddy's street

61. Widespread

62. Relating to armpit 63. 3 squared 66. Tight one in football

68. Bro's counterpart