CNSTC: June 7, 2023

In touch with nature

A one-of-a-kind nature route that is accessible for all is under construction in St. Peters City Centre Park behind Ollie’s Fun Forest playground

By Brett Auten

St. Peters is making sure that it is one for one and one for all.

Located adjacent to its historic City Centre Park, a Sensory Trail is currently under construction and is located behind Ollie’s Fun Forest playground.

Called an accessible, one-of-a-kind nature route that will encourage and nurture growth for all minds and bodies, the St. Peters Parks Department team is working steadfast to build out the project and continue the extension of the concept of play for all at Ollie’s Fun Forest with this path for all.

“This will be the first of its kind in the county and maybe even further, from what we’re aware of,” said Dan Emrick, Parks and Recre-

ation Services Manager for the city. “Anybody and everybody will be able to enjoy this.”

Currently, the parks team is in Phase 1 of construction which includes building accessible terrain, signage and guides for assistance, and invites guests to use their senses to guide them in a journey through an old-growth forested area. Phase 1 will have 12 stations while Phase 2 will offer even more expansion.

“There will be some unique amenities,” Emrick said. “We had a really good piece of ground that was perfect. There will be endless amounts of things to do. Ollie’s Fun Forest has been a big hit and has rejuvenated that whole side of the park. We are expecting this to do even more so.”

Emrick said the idea is to get people to ex-

plore in the forest with educational opportunities to learn about their cohabitants. The finished product will include various tree-related activities, a bug hotel, sound stations as well as access to a 250-year old oak tree in which a carefully constructed boardwalk was put in place in order not to disrupt the ground around it.

One of the important things of the project is trying to get community involvement. Whether it’s through donations or adding to the park’s design elements, the community has been a part of its formation.

The city is hoping community contributors will help blaze a path for all. Sponsorship

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St. Charles County government military veterans hosting flag collection . Pg. 3

Optimist Club of St. Charles recognizes essay contest winners. Pg.2

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Around Town

contributions would help build amenities like adopt a trail, education stations, trail wings, a trail bridge, and the trail entrance. The city is currently creating partnerships with companies, individuals, businesses and foundations who want to support the trail and it is offering sponsorship packages to fit the budgets of all sizes and kinds.

“This is the perfect opportunity for your brand or your family to carve your legacy as a partner for the Sensory Trail at City Centre Park,” St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano said. “You have a chance to bring priceless experiences to children and adults from all walks of life and abilities.”

“By supporting the trail, you support equity in the outdoors, and community connectivity,” Emrick added.

Emrick specifically credited recently-retired St. Peters administrator Russ Batzel and Jon Sweeney, the park’s horticulture foreman, for their foresight on the project.

You can find out how to help build the Sensory Trail by calling 636-477-6600, x1621, or email kkelley@stpetersmo.net.

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In St. Peters, there’s a Sensory Trail under construction in City Centre Park behind Ollie’s Fun Forest playground. It will be an accessible, one-of-a-kind nature route that will hopefully have Phase 1 opening in the fall.

Phase 1 of the St. Peters Parks Department’s Sensory Trail project includes building accessible terrain, signage and guides for assistance, and invites guests to use their senses to guide them in a journey through an old-growth forested area.

The St. Peters Parks Department constructed Ollie’s Fun Forest a year ago and will expand even further with the 2024 completion of the Sensory Trail.

Optimist Club of St. Charles recognizes essay contest winners

The Optimist Club of St. Charles recognized the winners of the club’s 2023 Essay Contest. Following the club’s weekly luncheon on April 18, the three top winners read their winning essay to the club. Family members and school administrators were 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 – “Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?”

The 2023 Optimist Essay Contest winners are: First Place, Evan Mitchell; Second Place, Carson Harris and Third Place, Aedan McFadden.

The Optimist Club of St. Charles

Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Optimist Club scholarship winners from Wentzville School District

The Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Optimist Club recognized four seniors in the Wentzville School District as winners of the 2022-2023 Harold Simpson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarships are awarded based on an essay theme. This year’s theme “Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?” brought many very thoughtful and provoking essays to the judges.

“This year’s winning essay selections were especially difficult. So many great essays were contributed by the students,” reported Dianne Ohlms, current club president.

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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.

The winners, Serena Bartels, Molly Hunn, Nolan Walch, and Mackenzie Thompson, will attend a dinner hosted by the club where they will read their essay and receive their scholarship check for $500.

“We are so very proud of the students and wish them the very best in their continued education. They are a great example of optimism and a bright future for our community.” Serena Bartels advanced to the Eastern Missouri Optimists District level competition to compete for an additional $2,500 scholarship.

To learn more about Optimist International, please call 314-371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.

The Optimist Club of St. Charles recognized the winners of the club’s 2023 Essay Contest. Pictured (from left) are Gerry Prinster (Club President), Evan Mitchell (first place), Aedan McFadden (third place), Carson Harris (second place) and Bob Beckman (Contest Chairman).

St. Charles County government military veterans hosting flag collection

If you have a worn or damaged U.S. flag and don’t know where or how to dispose of it properly, the military veterans of St. Charles County government are ready to help.

The county’s Veterans Best Practices Working Group is hosting its annual flag collection for the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Flag Day, Wednesday, June 14. The event takes place at a drive-by collection site, located at the corner of Monroe and Second streets in St. Charles, between the County Administration and Corrections buildings. The flags are donated to the AMVETS, who retire the flags ceremoniously.

“This is a simple but important way to show respect for the American flag and our country,” says Kurt Bahr, Chair of the Veterans Best Practices Working Group and U.S. Air Force veteran. “As veterans, we are honored to be able to provide this service to the public to help ensure worn flags are retired in a dignified way.”

The group has collected more than 8,566 flags since the event launched in 2017. Those who cannot drop off flags that day can do so at the recently installed flag collection boxes, donated by a local Eagle Scout, located outside the County Administration Building (201 N. Second Street, St. Charles) and at

Veterans Tribute Park (1031 Kisker Road, Weldon Spring).

The Veterans Best Practices Working Group was established in 2014 after passage of an ordinance by the county council. The group exists to foster an employment-friendly environment for those who have served in the armed forces of the United States, to encourage businesses in the community to develop veteran-friendly employment practices, and to inform veterans seeking employment of opportunities and benefits with county government.

For more information, contact Kurt Bahr at 636-949-7550, or kbahr@sccmo.org.

Water’s Edge Banquet Center named winner of The Knot Best of Weddings 2023

The beauty and appeal of Water’s Edge Banquet Center has been apparent since opening its doors at St. Peters Golf Club in 2019.

The Water’s Edge Banquet Center staff has been selected as a 2023 winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, an accolade representing the highest and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading wedding vendor marketplace and planning authority that’s inspired 25 million couples to plan “a wedding that’s uniquely them.” The Water’s Edge Banquet Center staff also was

named a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings awards in 2021.

“Congratulations to the team at Water’s Edge Banquet Center!” said Mayor Len Pagano. “It’s wonderful to know that we have such dedicated professionals helping couples plan an enjoyable wedding. Your hard work and dedication makes a difference in people’s lives, providing smiles and fond memories for a lifetime.”

In its 17th annual year, The Knot continues its long-standing tradition of supporting local wedding professionals with The Knot Best of Weddings 2023, an annual by-cou-

ples, for-couples guide to the top wedding vendors across the country.

To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed millions of its user reviews across various vendor categories – planners, venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more – to find the highest-rated vendors of the year. These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider for their own unique weddings.

Learn more about Water’s Edge Banquet Center at www.watersedgebanquetcenter.com.

Optimist Club of St. Charles recognizes oratorical contest winners

The Optimist Club of St. Charles recognized the top three finishers of the club’s 2023 Oratorical Contest during the meeting on April 24. The recognized finishers were First Place: Mia Vazquez, Second Place: Marcella Sheils and Third Place: Parker Chambers.

This year’s oratorical topic was “Discovering the Optimism Within Me.” The students delivered their speeches following the club’s weekly luncheon. Club members expressed their pleasure in the quality of the presentations and the influence parents and the school district have on the development of the students.

Mia and Marcella now advance to the district contest where they will compete for college scholarships.

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/.

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The Optimist Club of St. Charles recognized the top three finishers of the club’s 2023 Oratorical Contest during the meeting on April 24. (From left) Gerry Prinster (Club President) stands next to Mia Vazquez (First Place), Parker Chambers (Third Place), Marcella Sheils (Second Place) and Bob Beckman (Contest Chairman).

Three WSD students advance to SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference

Three WSD students will represent the Lewis & Clark Career Center at the invitation-only SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Atlanta, Ga., in June. These students advanced to the national competition after earning a first-place gold medal at the SkillsUSA Missouri State Leadership and Skills Conference.

Ethan Trager and Isaac Roseberry from North Point High School (Web Design), and Jackson VanderPloeg from Liberty High School (Nurse Assisting Technical Information and Nurse Assisting hands-on competition) qualified for the SkillsUSA national competition.

The SkillsUSA competition is the largest showcase of skilled trades and skill competitions in the world and more than 15,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from national corporations, trade associations, businesses, and labor unions participate in the event.

Career and technical students from across the country will compete in over 100 categories over the five-day event in a variety of technical, handson, written, and oral competitions that

are related directly to their program of study. SkillsUSA is an applied method for preparing America’s high-performance workers in career and technical programs.

It provides quality educational experiences for its members in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development. It builds self-confidence, work attitudes, and communication skills. It emphasizes total quality at work: high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work.

SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free enterprise system and involvement in community service activities. More than 1,000 trade associations and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA through financial aid, in-kind contributions, and involvement of their members in SkillsUSA activities.

The Lewis & Clark Career Center provides career and technical education for St. Charles County juniors and seniors from all five school districts in St. Charles County. Students attend half the day at their respective high schools and half the day at Lewis & Clark.

New principal named for Progress South Elementary; predecessor takes on HR role

Effective July 1, Bridget McCoy will assume the principal’s duties at Progress South Elementary School. McCoy, who has been with Fort Zumwalt for the past seven years, has served as a special education teacher and a first-grade teacher.

Most recently, she has served as the assistant principal at St. Peters Elementary School. McCoy is looking forward to learning more about the traditions and connections that make Progress South such a strong school community.

“A focus of mine will be to build relationships with students, staff, and families,” she says. “I can’t wait to meet them and build relationships with them to make this the best school year!”

When she’s not at school or reading, McCoy gets outside with her

family to play at the playground or the pool. She also makes time to get in the kitchen to do some cooking.

“Food equals love and comfort,” she says. “It is something that is fun to do with my daughter and provides time for us to learn new things and try new foods together. We eat together as a family and it provides us quality time for conversation together. In addition, my daughter loves to help make the food with me in the kitchen and we’ve made so many great memories together.”

McCoy replaces Dr. Amy Neill, who served as the school’s principal the past four years. Neill is moving into a district role, Human Resources Director, effective July 1.

“For the past three years, all of my doctoral work was directly fo-

cused on supporting new teachers as they enter education for their first year and then creating a climate that supported new teachers throughout their first five years,” Neill says. “I am looking forward to building more connections all across FZSD and to helping streamline staff hiring across the district.”

Photo courtesy Fort Zumwalt School District Effective July 1, Bridget McCoy will assume the principal’s duties at Progress South Elementary School.

Urban Air celebrates grand opening under new management with ribbon cutting

Urban Air Adventure and Trampoline Park at 5993 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville is under new ownership. To commemorate, the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 18.

Members of the Cottleville Weldon-Spring Chamber of Commerce, Cottleville Mayor Bob Ronkoski and other community leaders were in attendance.

“This investment was made to reenergize the community’s excitement and attract team-building events, client appreciation events, middle school and high school field trips, group outings, overnight camps, summer camps, and much more. Urban Air Adventure Park is a place where you can provide an experience to your team instead of a classic dinner or gift card. There is nothing more powerful than providing an experience!” said owner Joe Van Deusen.

Urban Air is the Nation’s No. 1

destination for family fun featuring a variety of attractions perfect for all ages. Urban Air Adventure Park is the perfect venue for kids’ birthday parties, church events, corporate gatherings or a day out

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for some family fun. For more information on the company and franchising opportunities please visit https://www.urbanair.com/ missouri-cottleville.

Tint World opens first franchise location in St. Charles

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, has just opened its first of three planned locations in the state of Missouri.

Tint World St. Charles, owned by father and son team Andy and Drew Gladstein, offers drivers throughout the northwestern St. Louis area premium automotive style and performance services and a comprehensive selection of top aftermarket products from the most popular brands.

“We’re excited to have opened our first of three Tint World centers in St. Charles and the surrounding areas to enhance our customers’ automotive experience with the industry’s best selection of products and services provid-

ed by a team of trained expert technicians and installers,” Andy Gladstein said. “Our customers recognize that Tint World is their one-stop provider of ultra-premium window tint, paint protection film, Nano ceramic coatings, audio and mobile electronics, performance upgrades, and safety and security technology. Tint World is also a leading provider of residential and commercial window films and is looking forward to helping make homes and businesses in the area more comfortable and efficient while saving on their energy, heating, and cooling costs.”

Tint World St. Charles, located at 2801 Veterans Memorial Parkway in St. Charles, serves Bridgeton, Maryland Heights, St. Peters,

Hazelwood, St. Ann, Florissant, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Lake St. Louis and O’Fallon. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call 636 329-4151 or visit https:// www.tintworld.com/locations/ mo/st-charles-124/.

“Andy’s dedication and passion are delivering unmatched value and driving successful relationships with Tint World customers throughout the St. Charles area,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “He’s proven to be an important addition to the Tint World family by leveraging our proven, innovative franchise system and embracing our vision for franchisee success and overall growth.”

What’s Happening

Take Notice . . .

The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.

EVENTS

June 10: Golf tournament

Join the Stella’s Wish Foundation at the 5th Annual Golf Tournament at St. Peters Golf Club. Visit www.stellaswish. org or call Don at 314-9389474 for information and to sign up.

June 11: Free concert

Free concert at 3 p.m. featuring the Tremble Clefs, a music therapy choir for persons with Parkinson’s and their caregivers at St. John UCC at 405 S Fifth Street in St. Charles.

June 12-15 Vacation Bible school

Vacation Bible school, “St. John’s Wizarding School” takes place June 12-15 from 9 a.m. –12 p.m. for children ages three years old through grade five

at St. John UCC at 405 S Fifth Street in St. Charles. Register at stjohnucc.org/vbs.

June 21: Senior seminar

The Truth About Trusts, Wills & Probate takes place 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Library in St Peters, Room A. Learn from panelists how to create a plan that gives you and your family the comfort, clarity, and confidence to know your instructions are known and your wishes will be followed. Please register online or by phone: www.seniorsempowermenttruthseries.com or 636-336-6819.

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 636-9700013.

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 Wednes-

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

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

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

Tuesdays: 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: 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: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

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

Tuesdays: Mended Hearts

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

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

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

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

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

Tuesdays: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

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

Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

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

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

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Garden Club

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

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart

of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314-369-6521.

Third Tuesday: Luncheon for seniors

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

Wednesdays: Toastmasters Club

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

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club

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

Wednesdays: Food pantry

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

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Woodcarvers meeting

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

Wednesdays: Senior citizen luncheon

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

Wednesdays: Quilt guild

Every Fourth Wednesday from January to October, the Loose Threads Quilt Guild

meets at 6:45 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Centre at the St. Peters City Hall on Mexico Road 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 weight-loss 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 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.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

UMSL woman golfer named in the All-American group

The University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s golfer Wilma Zanderau was named to the Women’s Golf Coaches Association’s All-America Honorable Mention team on Thursday.

Zanderau finished in a tie for fourth at the NCAA Division II Championships which is the highest finish for a women’s golfer in program history. She shot a 54-hole score of 215 (74-67-74) at the championships.

She is the GLVC’s Freshman of the Year and First Team All-GLVC selection, finished the season with a scoring average of 74.77, shot par or better in 10 rounds and had a low round of 67. She had three top five finishes, six top 10 finishes, eight top 15 finishes and 11 top 20 finishes this season.

Zanderau was joined on the All-America team by Tove Brunell who earned First Team All-America honors that were announced at the NCAA Championships.

The Tritons finished the season with a 15th place finish at the NCAA Championships.

* Great accomplishment

Lindenwood pounds SIUE in baseball

Lindenwood University’s baseball team (12-42, 7-16 OVC) poured on the runs in an 18-13 victory over SIUE (26-26, 9-14 OVC) on Friday night at Lou Brock Sports Complex.

Prior to the game, the Lions honored head coach Doug Bletcher, who is retiring after the season.

Freshman Carson Subbert pitched well out of the bullpen, going three shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking none and striking out four.

In addition to his four hits, Landon Willbrand had a walk and three RBI to lead the Lions. Sophomore Dawson Hokuf put together a standout day at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with a home run, two walks and

four RBI. Junior Logan Stevens also helped out for Lindenwood, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding a home run, two walks and four RBI.

The Lions were trailing 5-0 in the third inning when they first put runs on the board. Lindenwood’s offense started clicking and put up 12 runs, including a tworun single off the bat of Stevens and a two-run single from Willbrand.

The Lions then held the Cougars scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. The Lindenwood offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a one-run single off the bat of junior Anthony Stellato, which brought the score to 16-5 in favor of the Lions.

SIUE narrowed Lindenwood’s lead to 16-11 before the Lions stretched the advantage to 18-11 in the sixth inning. The Lions added two to their tally on Stevens’ two-run homer to right. SIUE put two runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Lindenwood still coasted to the 18-13 win.

* Great win for the coach

Hoots getting season started

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

With the season just getting under way, the team picked up their first win of the season.

Ryan Bailey, Manager is optimistic with several new players on the squad that they will gel simply because of the quality of play everyone has been displaying.

* It’s a long season

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 : Sipping on summertime sweets

Whenit’s summertime and you crave something cold and fruity, try using your favorite frozen fruit for a refreshing drink.

For example, strawberries with frozen pink lemonade concentrate combine to make a spritzer recipe worth sharing. This fizzy Strawberry Spritzer can delight your taste buds and keep you quenched while enjoying the summer sun.

INGREDIENTS:

1 package (10 ounces) frozen sliced strawberries, sweetened and thawed

2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled

1 can (12 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed

DIRECTIONS:

In blender, process strawberries until blended thoroughly.

Pour strawberries into large pitcher; stir in soda

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.

In“The Raiders Minimization” episode of “The Big Bang Theory,” Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) and boyfriend Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) watched “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the 1981 summer blockbuster in which Harrison Ford starred as college professor and archaeologist Indiana Jones.

He went in search of the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred relic that the government wanted to keep out of Nazi hands. While discussing the film, Amy said there was a “glaring story problem” where Indiana Jones played no role in the outcome of the story, but her answer may be subject to interpretation.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” was an iconic film worthy of multiple viewings, as was 1994’s “The Shawshank Redemption.” Based on a novella by Stephen King, Frank Darabont wrote and directed the compelling story of two men: wrongly accused banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and longtime prisoner Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman). They were incarcerated in Shawshank State Prison and dealt with the realities of hard time behind bars. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and earned two Golden Globe nominations: Morgan Freeman for Best Performance by an Actor

Strawberry Spritzer

Strawberry Spritzer

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

and pink lemonade.

Serve immediately.

Substitution: Ginger ale may be used in place of soda.

in a Motion Picture and Frank Darabont for Best Screenplay.

Dustin Hoffman technically played three roles in Sydney Pollack’s 1982 cross-dressing hit “Tootsie.” Hoffman played Michael Dorsey, a New York City actor who, though talented, can’t get a break. To help his roommate with his play, Dorsey put on a dress and wig to become “character actress” Dorothy Michaels. Dorsey landed the role of hospital administrator Emily Kimberly on the daytime drama “Southwest General” and soon attracted devoted viewers. For this film, Dustin Hoffman won an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor while Jessica Lange won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Created in the 1930’s by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman was a comic book hero who later appeared on radio shows, in

films and on TV shows. In 1978, Richard Donner’s “Superman: The Movie” arrived in theaters with Christopher Reeve playing the Man of Steel. “Superman II” introduced audiences to Kryptonians General Zod (Terence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and Non (Jack O’Halloran) who wanted to settle a score with Superman. Christopher Reeve was in top form for “Superman II,” dealing with rogue Kryptonians as well as an obnoxious truck driver at a diner.

For 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” Sean Connery came on board as Henry Jones, Sr., Indiana’s father who referred to his son as “junior.” After the elder Jones disappeared while searching for the Holy Grail, businessman Walter Donovan (Julian Glover) sent Jones to search for both his missing father and the grail. The interactions between Connery and Ford were amazing and incredibly funny. Though they didn’t appear in “Temple of Doom,” both Denholm Elliot and John Rhys-Davies reprised their roles from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is heading to theaters on June 30. It will be interesting to see Harrison Ford playing Indiana Jones for the what should be his final time on the big screen.

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.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” photo courtesy Paramount Pictures

John Hanna Yeggs

Moore on Life

“Oh my gosh!” I yelled to my husband in a hysterical kind of voice.

“Who? What?!” he called back.

“Where’s the fire?”

I had jolted him up from a nap in front of the TV and he was in a half-dazed condition. I came in carrying my phone and showed him the source of my hysteria. “Take a look at this!”

He donned his glasses and stuck his nose into the screen. “I don’t know what I’m looking at.”

“You will, just describe what you’re seeing.”

“I see purple and red and maybe ketchup and some stitching…like a bad sewing project.”

“Correct…almost. It’s Mrs. Pilkinson’s latest post on Facebook – her appendectomy.”

My husband turned visibly green and shoved the phone away so hard it almost popped out of my hands.

“Ugh! Why would someone post something so disgusting and personal?”

“That’s what I want to know. Just be glad she didn’t go in for a colonoscopy. I’m telling you I’m getting off social media. That’s all I see any more are weirdo posts. It’s like everyone is flying their freak flag and they also happen to be my friends on Facebook! Now just see what this lady posted.”

He took a look and said, “Seems mild enough. What is it, plastic bags filled with some kind of cream?”

“Close, but incorrect. That would be twelve plastic bags of pumped breast milk. She’s proud.”

This time he let my phone drop to the ground like a dirty diaper.

“Why in the name of infant formula would someone share that?”

“I’m telling you; they’ve gone nuts. It’s like they

By Cindy Moore

Dumb as a post

want the entire world to be exposed to their most private details. The other day I read blow-by-blow the specifics of a fight between another friend and her mother-in-law. You wouldn’t believe the nasty things she posted for all the world to see.”

“It wasn’t you, was it?” he asked.

“Don’t be silly. I’d only share that with you, and you better not say anything to her either or else!”

Just then a message came in on my husband’s phone.

“Who’s that from?” I asked.

“Our daughter. She wants me to tell you to quit posting annoying pictures of your cats. She says you’ve gone nuts and it’s getting embarrassing.”

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.

CROSSWORD: AT THE MOVIES

ACROSS

1. Mother Earth, to Ancient Greeks

5. Barrel, unit

8. Foot the bill

11. Quiet time

12. Nemo's forgetful friend

13. Horace's poem

15. One thing on a list

16. Ophthamologist's check-up, e.g.

17. Range of hills in England, pl.

18. *Ticket booth (2 words)

20. "Odyssey," e.g.

21. Biased perspective

22. Azog or Bolg in Tolkien's Moria

23. *Siskel or Ebert

26. To the degree

30. Brick and mortar carrier

31. Governing authority

34. Key component of a loan

35. Highly skilled

37. E in CE or BCE

38. "____ ____ a high note"

39. End of the line

40. Like certain yellowish hair color

42. Compass bearing

43. Ambled

45. Warhol or Samberg,

formally

47. Churchill's sign

48. Anna Wintour's magazine

50. "Heat of the Moment" band

52. *Like some seats

56. More slippery

57. Initial bet in poker

58. Popular dunking cookie

59. "Little ____ fact"

60. Simon and Gurfunkel, e.g.

61. *Sentimental movie, or ____-jerker

62. Literary "even"

63. *Shooting location

64. ESPN award

DOWN

1. Not intellectually deep

2. ____pilot

3. Holly family

4. *Kate Hudson's "____ Famous" (2000)

5. Put someone in a bind (2 words)

6. Modified leaf

7. Tick-born disease

8. Ralph Lauren's inspiration

9. Puts two and two together

10. "Owner of a Lonely Heart" band

12. Vandalize

13. Pitchers

14. *Tub contents

19. Behave like a coquette

22. Comes before first Mississippi

23. Bracelet add-on

24. Barrel racing meet

25. Think tank output, pl.

26. *Widescreen cinematography abbreviation

27. Dimmer, e.g.

28. Do penance

29. Re-establish

32. Neuter

33. Investment option acronym

36. *Movie ad

38. Boredom

40. *Upcharge for an online ticket purchase, e.g.

41. Aerie baby

44. Pine

46. Indicate

48. *Movie theater, e.g.

49. Set of eight

50. Teenager's breakout

51. Land of Israel

52. X-ray units

53. Wraths

54. Type of tide

55. *Like a bloody horror movie

56. Short of Isaac

‘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.