CNSTC: July 12, 2023

Keeping cool

The St. Charles County Department of Public Health offers guidelines for residents on how to be safe in the summer heat

By Brett Auten

To paraphrase a song written for a different time of year, it’s beginning to feel a lot like summer.

Temperatures are expected to climb this week and stay there until the weekend.

“The (temperature) numbers are coming up mid-90s Tuesday and Wednesday,” KSDK-TV Channel 5 meteorologist Anthony Slaughter said. “We are expected to have quite a bit of sunshine through Wednesday afternoon.”

The St. Charles County Department of Public Health is offering precautions to make sure we all have a safe, albeit, sweltering summer.

“Here comes the heat, here comes the humidity, here comes the thunderstorms,” Fox 2 meteorologist Glen Zimmerman added. “Those three items are about to re-enter the picture over the next several days.”

Heat-related illnesses have accounted for 172 health emergencies in St. Charles County since 2019, including 12 so far this year. Officials are reminding residents to take precautions in hot weather to avoid severe or even life-threatening illness.

“Heat-related illnesses happen when the body isn’t able to cool itself quickly enough due to high heat, humidity, and/or strenuous activity,” Sara Evers, Department of Public Health acting director, said. “Anyone can experience a heat-related illness,

but pregnant women, infants, young children, the elderly, and people with certain chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to symptoms. It’s important to check the wellbeing of neighbors or family members who are at risk during high temperatures.”

To avoid heat-related illness, Evers suggests taking these precautions:

• Drink more water or other fluids, regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

• Avoid alcohol or drinks with large amounts of sugar, as these can cause your body to lose more fluid.

Features

WSD students named to Missouri Scholars 100. Pg. 4

Fleur de Lis Garden Club presents Garden of the Month award. Pg. 3

Photo courtesy Bigstock

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

• Never leave any person or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, particularly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall or a public library to stay cool. You may also call United Way by dialing 2-1-1 to ask for a list of other available cooling centers.

Evers said to be on the lookout for symptoms of heat-related illnesses and take appropriate steps if you notice any of the following:

Heat cramps: Signs include muscle aches, caused by over-exertion and depletion of salt and/or moisture in the body due to sweating. Individuals usually experience pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs. Stop activity immediately, drink a cool, non-alcoholic drink and rest in a cool place for several hours.

Heat exhaustion: Watch for heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale and/or clammy skin; a fast, but weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; and fainting. Rest for several hours in a cool place and drink a cool, non-alcoholic drink. If a person suffering from heat exhaustion is vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat stroke: This is a life-threatening condition when the body’s temperature control system shuts down. Immediate cooling and medical care are required. Do not give a victim of heat stroke fluids unless told to do so by a medical professional. Symptoms include high body temperature above 103 degrees; hot, red skin; a rapid and strong pulse; and unconsciousness. Call 9-1-1 for anyone experiencing these symptoms.

For more information about hot weather precautions, go to sccmo.org/HotWeatherDangers.

‘COOL’ from cover Inspiration Corner:

Full Circle Fitness celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Full Circle Fitness opened its new location at 986 Knaust Road in Cottleville. To commemorate the opening, the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 2.

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

“As a Cottleville resident I am so excited to bring new options for fitness to my community! Our team of instructors is experienced, welcoming, and so excited to get started!” says owner Sarah Caswell.

Full Circle Fitness is truly the embodiment of its name. The instructors grew into friends while attending classes beside one another and in

When we can’t work

Some of us began to work at a very early age. In our adolescence we mowed grass, threw newspapers or watched the children of our neighbors try to earn a few dollars. Do you remember the first time someone handed you money for work you had done?

I was in the high school choir when we were offered the opportunity to raise funds for a singing competition. I was motivated by my desire to go on a trip to Nashville, Tennessee with my friends.

The choir booster club gave us supplies to sell TJ’s pizza and assorted candies. I remember how nervous I was when I began to walk around my neighborhood knocking on doors. I asked strangers to buy a product, and some of them even placed an order! Those were the days before online ordering. I had to get their name, address and phone number and return in a month with their product. I gained confidence with each order as I gained the trust of my customer.

The trip to Nashville was amazing – mainly because I earned it. But the best thing of all was I ended up winning a trophy for being a

top fund-raiser.

There is nothing like being rewarded for a job well done. Sometimes the recognition is monetary but other times we have the simple satisfaction of seeing a plan come to fruition. I once spent two summers building an extensive retaining wall and patio in my backyard. I enjoyed showing people the pictures while they told me how awesome I was. But nothing was as powerful as the satisfaction of standing on my patio and thinking, “I did this.”

I have encountered several illnesses in the past few years that made physical work impossible for a time. I contracted a tick born illness called Ehrlichiosis that made me extremely weak for many months. A surprise bout with COVID shortly thereafter wreaked such havoc on my body that I was unable to work, exercise or do anything. During that time, I would lay on the couch and wonder, “Does my life matter if I am not producing anything?”

A person with pervasive illness, chronic disease, or who is just plain old can feel very

some cases taking classes taught by one another. They have taken months to work together to create a space and a schedule that flows well and offers something to everyone.

They pride themselves on bringing together men and women of all ages and fitness levels with workouts that are adaptable to everyone. They will have a bit of everything from HIIT boot camp style classes to choreographed dance cardio to Yoga to cycle and everything in between. They will even offer an early morning run and walk class combined with a strength and stretch. They plan to continue to grow and change with the needs of their members.

lonely. On top of the physical suffering or weakness, there is an emotional toll. All of us have a need to be loved and cared for. When sickness strikes, we want to know we are still relevant. So, the answer to my question is yes. Our lives do have value even if we can’t work. The thing is, there are no trophies for people who suffer in this way. That is why it is so important to check in on your elderly neighbors or on your friends and family who are sick. It is a difficult thing to be an unproductive person in a productive world, and if we’re honest, we are all heading that way. But take heart, people are infinitely more than what they make or do.

Margaret Wolfinbarger is a wife and mother of three peculiar children. She lives in St. Charles and likes to shine light into dark places.

Submitted photo

Fleur de Lis Garden Club presents Garden of the Month award for June

Sophia Sullivan and Brett Evfinger of 243 Bellemeade Drive in St. Peters are the proud recipients of the Garden of the Month award.

They have received a gift card from El Mel, a garden supply store, and will display a garden of the month sign for the month of June.

Sophia and Brett have lived at their current address for four years and are adding more perennials each year as they develop their gardens in front and in the back yards.

Sophia usually designs the layout of the garden and Brett does the heavy lifting. They are originally from Massachusetts, and Sophia credits her mother with instilling in her a love of flowers and plants.

The front garden includes tulips, moss rose, flocks, columbine, cor-

dova lilies, butterfly bush, double knockout roses, peonies, and dianthus. In the back is a small vegetable garden surrounded by a host of flowers such as bachelor’s buttons, freesia, ranunculus, lamb’s ears, mums, vinca vine, Chinese forget-me-not, sedum, dianthus, iris, dahlias, rose of Sharon, forsythia, stella de oro, liatris, freesia, ranunculus, butterfly bushes, and more tulips. All this accented by tastefully planted hanging baskets. It was a true delight to tour this restful and beautifully blooming oasis.

If you are interested in gardening and have or know of a garden worthy of our recognition, please contact Joan, chairman, at joanielou26@gmail.com. Also visit our garden website at www.fleurdelis-

gardenclub.org. The club meets at McClay library on the third Thursday of the month. All are welcome.

Charles County government receives financial reporting honor

St.

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to St. Charles County Government by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2021. The award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

St. Charles County Government has received this honor every fiscal year since 1989. The ACFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communi-

cate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the ACFR.

“For 32 years, our finance department has achieved this award, and that is a tribute to the leadership of former Finance Director Bob Schnur, his predecessors and the finance department staff throughout the years. This achievement is an honor for the finance department and for St. Charles County Government as a whole. We take pride in our sound financial planning and controlled spending of taxpayer dollars,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago and Washington D.C.

Drake’s restaurant concept opens in O’Fallon

Drake’s is opening in O’Fallon and inviting locals to their unique concept known as a “restaurant that loves beer and a bar that loves food.”

Specializing in beer, burgers and sushi; Drake’s offers something for everyone. The restaurant will be open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. The kitchen closes one hour prior to closing time.

The restaurant opened June 26 at 900 Highway K and will create approximately 75-100 new jobs in the market. Owned by Lexington, Kentucky-based Bluegrass Hospitality Group, this is the company’s first restaurant in Missouri and its 21st Drake’s location. There is also a Drake’s in O’Fallon, Illinois.

“When you come to Drake’s you can expect exceptional food, unwavering commitment to hospitality and an atmosphere that invites people to have a lot of fun,” said Mark Thornburg, Drake’s chief operating officer.

Drake’s features a year-round patio with large garage doors that will open during warm weather cre-

ating a lively open-air atmosphere, and a fireplace to keep warm in cooler months. The restaurant will house two bars, one on the patio and one inside. Outdoor patio seating is also available.

Drake’s eclectic menu includes traditional American-style pub food, including hand-pressed burgers, steaks, mini sandwiches, Sriracha wings, build-yourown tacos and more. What sets Drake’s apart is its extensive sushi menu. Drake’s Aqua Sushi chefs offer sushi lovers rare flavors and perfectly-executed classics, all rolled-to-order in a window open to the restaurant.

Drake’s offers their full menu via carry-out as well. Guests can order online at drakescomeplay.com/order or download the Drake’s mobile app. The restaurant has designated parking spots for carry-out orders and will bring your order out to your car.

“We’re all about family at Drake’s,” Thornburg said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the O’Fallon community to our restaurant.”

To learn more about Drake’s, visit www.drakescomeplay.com.

Submitted photo

Liberty and Timberland High School students named to Missouri Scholars 100

Three Wentzville School District students were selected for this year’s Missouri Scholars 100.

Liberty High School seniors Janet Musangali and Rian Nelson, and Timberland High School senior Oyinloluwa Ganiyu were named to the distinguished list.

The statewide program, now in its 29th year, honors 100 of Missouri’s top academic students in each year’s graduating class. The 2023 recipients were recognized at a luncheon at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri. on April 30.

Musangali had a weighted GPA of 4.4, scored a 34 on the ACT, and was ranked fourth in her class. She was a member of HOSA, Link Crew, the National Honor Society and was a varsity cheerleader. Musangali was also a member of the Student Council, cabinet member of the Diversity & Activism clubs, and was a class committee member her freshman year.

Nelson had a weighted GPA of 4.4, scored a 34 on the ACT, and was ranked seventh in her class. She was a member of Link Crew, and the National Honor Society. Nelson was a class officer and a member of the track and golf teams.

Ganiyu had a weighted GPA of 4.5, scored a 32 on the ACT, and was ranked first in her class. She was the HOSA president, a member of the Link Crew, class officer, and the National Honor Society. Ganiyu was also a member of Girl Up, Girls for Med, Giving Teens, and a BU Rise Intern.

Missouri Scholars 100 Honorable Mention students include Lila Sverdrup from Holt High School and Mason Balfany from Timberland High School.

Missouri Scholars 100 is a program sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. Schools across Missouri are invited to nominate candidates for this recognition, which is based primarily on a formula using the student's grade point average and ACT or SAT score.

Each student nominated had to first meet the criteria of an "Academic Decathlon" that included ten events designed to test the academic strength of the student. To meet the decathlon requirements, the student must have had a minimum GPA of 3.75, a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1,600, be ranked in the upper ten percent of the class and have taken upper-level courses in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language.

Attendance, school activity involvement, and citizenship are also taken into consideration

WSD students selected to attend American Legion Boys and Girls State

Fifteen students from the Wentzville School District were selected to attend the American Legion Boys State of Missouri.

Those selected to attend are: from Holt High School, Mabry Madden, Jack Stillman, Dominic Gramolino, and Braden Engelage; from Liberty High School, Daniel Adams, Mason Leone, Santosh Manikandan, Deo Reji, and Trent Stuerman; from North Point High School, Braden Creech, Trey Hutton, and Carson Phelps; and from Timberland High School, Will Bastean, Mason Hayes, and Daniel Wilson.

Sixteen Wentzville School District high school juniors have been selected to attend the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State of Missouri.

Those selected to attend are: from Holt High School, Katie

Harmon, Katelyn Downey, Anna Hermann, Amber Hutcherson, and Lauren Hutcherson; from Liberty High School, Sophie Chenot, Madeline Claravall, Grace Edney, and Anumitha Vaka; from North Point High School is A’Nija Hughley; and from Timberland High School, Ayiana Baynes, Kailyn Porter, Kelly Quick, Elaina Schoene, Matelynn Sellers, and Jade Wilson; Trinity Kiner was selected as an alternate.

The American Legion Boys State of Missouri is an eight-day, handson experience in the operation and fundamentals of government, and draws together the best and brightest high school students to help lead them down the path to individual success and leadership.

Since its inception in 1938, Missouri Boys State has provided over 40,000 high school students

with the privilege of attending this practical laboratory in citizenship and leadership training.

Missouri Girls State delegates are selected based on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others, and academics.

The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program was founded in 1940 at William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri. The program is designed to change lives by bringing together dynamic young women for an intense week of learning focused on developing leadership skills, responsible citizenship, patriotism, and a sense of community.

Missouri Boys and Girls State was scheduled to be held on the campus of Lindenwood University, June 24-July 1, in St. Charles.

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Aug. 24-27: Orchestra auditions

St. Charles County Youth Orchestra auditions will be held on Aug. 25, 26 and 27. Students at all levels of string, wind, brass, and percussion are invited to audition. The auditions will be held at the Grace Baptist Church Fellowship Hall St. Charles. Auditions are by appointment please visit www.sccyo.org/ auditions.

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 trou-

bled 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: 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.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Hoots pick up first win of second half of season

The O’Fallon Hoots, proud members of the Prospect League, play their home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon.

An offensive slugfest between the Hoots (16-12) and Thrillville Thrillbilies (12-14) recently in front of their home town fans resulted in a 11-6 win. This victory hopefully sets the pace for the rest of the season.

Inside the Box Score:

• Maloy Heaghney launched two home runs in his three-hit performance.

• John Stallcup hits his second home run of the season.

• A combined 37 hits between the two teams.

• Coby Rogers collects his first win of the season.

How it Happened:

• Jack Meyer started the Hoots scoring on the night with an RBI groundout that scored Braedon Stoakes in the bottom of the first inning. Later in the inning, Tucker Platt hit a sacrifice fly to score Tyson Ludwig to make it a 2-0 Hoots lead.

• Thrillville knotted the score in the top of the second inning as Josh Griffin hit a two-run home run.

• The Hoots retook the lead in the bottom of the second inning on a solo home run from Heaghney.

• Jackson McCoy tied the game back up in the top of the third inning with an RBI infield single, to make it a 3-3 ballgame.

• Stallcup hit his solo home run in the bottom of the third inning, as the Hoots recaptured the lead 4-3.

• Heaghney roped his second home run of the

night, a three-run shot to stretch the Hoots lead to 7-3 in the bottom of the fourth inning.

• Thrillvile got a run back in the top of the fifth inning on a Mccoy RBI single.

• The Thrillbillies scratched another run back in the top of the sixth inning on an RBI single by Jackson Lindsey.

• In the top of the seventh inning, McCoy led off with a solo home run to make it a 7-6 ballgame.

• The Hoots opened the door in the bottom of the eighth inning, as they plated four runs home. Meyer doubled home two runs to kick off the innings’ scoring. Later in the inning, Ludwig along with Meyer would score on wild pitches to get O’Fallon their 11-6 final tally.

*Great start

Ambush keep veteran on roster

The St. Louis Ambush play in the MASL professional indoor soccer league with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles starting in the fall. The Ambush have re-signed veteran defender Richard Schmermund to a contract extension through the 2027-28 season, the team announced recently. The 2023-24 season will be Schmermund’s eleventh in professional indoor soccer.

He is a St. Louis native who played collegiate soccer at St. Louis Community College where he was named First Team All-Conference.

He began his professional career with the Illinois Piasa (PASL). Schmermund joined the Ambush for their 2013-14 inaugural season, his first of five seasons with the club, leaving as a free agent following the 2017-18 season.

*Team leader

Spending precious moments enjoying outdoor meals with family and friends is part of what makes warm weather get-togethers so special. Take those al fresco occasions to the next level with a favorite dessert: ice cream.

Homemade ice cream is a hallmark of many family events from birthday celebrations and pool parties to warm weather holidays spent basking in the sunshine. Completely customizable with an array of fruits or other tasty mix-ins plus toppings of your choice, it’s a perfect way to put a grin on loved ones’ faces.

At your next outdoor event, try an option like Cheesecake Ice Cream with Fruit Swirls from Milk Means More. It’s a simple solution you can make a couple days in advance with your favorite fruit flavor such as blueberry, raspberry, cherry, strawberry, peach or apricot. Plus, this recipe serves a crowd, making it perfect for serving up smiles.

INGREDIENTS:

12 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup sour cream

3/4 cup half-and-half

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/4 teaspoons lemon juice, divided

1 dash salt

1/3 cup blueberry, raspberry, cherry, strawberry, peach or apricot fruit spread

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN Prep time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

DIRECTIONS: In large mixer bowl of electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until fluffy. Add sour cream, half-and-half, vanilla, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and salt. Beat on low speed until combined then beat on medium speed until smooth. Cover and refrigerate 2-24 hours, or until cold.

Pour cream cheese mixture into 1 1/2-quart ice cream freezer. Freeze according to manufacturer’s

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.

directions.

In small bowl, stir fruit spread and remaining lemon juice.

Spoon about one-third of ice cream into 2-quart food storage container. Spoon about half of fruit spread mixture in dollops over ice cream. Repeat layers. Top with remaining ice cream. Cover and freeze 4-24 hours.

To serve, scoop ice cream into dessert dishes.

Film

or franchise?

“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” photo courtesy Lucasfilm. “ Iron Man” photo courtesy Paramount Pictures. “Back to the Future “ photo courtesy Universal Pictures.

What does it take to turn a film into a franchise? In 1981, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” arrived in theaters and became one of the most popular movies of the summer. Harrison Ford starred as Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr., a college professor of archaeology. With nothing to lose, my friends and I went to see “Raiders” at the Mark Twain Theater and we were soon caught up in the action, humor and the swashbuckling action. According to Box Office Mojo, the film, which was later renamed “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” had a domestic release total of over $212 million.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” did so well at the box office that “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” arrived two years later. A summertime movie, “Temple of Doom” was, arguably, darker than the original film, but its gross revenue was $333.1 million. It took a few years, though, before 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”

helped turn these films into a genuine franchise. Harrison Ford and Sean Connery were great as father and son in an adventure involving the Holy Grail. Unfortunately, the fourth and fifth movies in the franchise, “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” and the recently released “Dial of Destiny,” lost steam along the way to the box office.

When talking about popular film franchises, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) truly wrote the book. Jon Favreau directed Robert Downey, Jr. in “Iron Man,” the first film in what was called “The Infinity Saga.” Over an 11-year period, Iron Man, Captain America, the Avengers and other characters became part of a much bigger storyline in 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War.” The concluding chapter, 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” had heartbreak, time travel and one final chance to save the universe. It also had a gross revenue of $2.80 billion.

Of all the movie franchises out there, “Back to

the Future” has always been my favorite. In 1985, I took a friend to see the film and we loved the characters, humor and the storyline. Former “Taxi” star Christopher Lloyd played Dr. Emmett Brown, a scientist who spent years and his family fortune to find a way to make time travel possible. Michael J. Fox was the perfect choice for Marty, a high school student who accidentally went back in time and almost erased himself from existence. “Back to the Future Part III,” the third film in the franchise, sent both Doc and Marty to the Wild West.

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.

Cheesecake Ice Cream with Fruit Swirls

NOVENA

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. L.M.

SINGERS

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. G.H.

Moore on Life: Acting our age

My husband and I recently went on a fieldtrip with our daughter and the grandkids. Destination: the zoo. Of course, we had been to the zoo many times so we knew the drill: walk, walk, walk, look, look, look and no rest, rest, rest - none!

We could handle it. After all we weren’t dead yet. What did these little kids have on us besides better hearts and lungs and more iron in their blood and less pain in their joints and maybe hips that actually worked - nothing!

Ya, we’d show the little whipper snappers that we weren’t as old as everyone thought we were.

(Helpful note from an expert: When trying to appear young, avoid the term whipper snapper at all costs. It is a clear sign old age has crept in and taken up residency. Strike one.)

We started our adventure with vim and vigor and kept up with the little munchkins quite nicely. But soon after, we got winded and started plotting out our next destination according to where the nearest park benches were on the map.

(Expert’s note: Also avoid the term vim and vigor. Additional note: When park benches are the highlight of the zoo experience it is an obvious sign of geezerism. Strike two.)

We made it past lunchtime and were heading into the homestretch, but unfortunately our bodies were not cooperating as they should have. The knees were creaking; the feet were burning; the oxygen wasn’t being absorbed as it should have into our blood-

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD: BIOLOGY 101

stream which was causing light-headedness. We found a bench and refused to move.

We told the group to go on because our old bones were splintering and we were ready to collapse and in need of a blood transfusion from a 10-year-old.

Naw, of course we didn’t let on to our plight. We said we would join them shortly because we wanted to sit and take in the view before us. Never mind that the view was a giant pile of mulch the landscapers were shoveling into the flower beds. There was never a lovelier sight.

The expert would tell you that being mesmerized by a pile of garden mulch is a sure sign of senility. Strike three – we’re old. But then the expert can’t defend his opinion when he’s buried beneath a massive mulch pile.

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.

LIFESTYLE: Tips to plan a bountiful garden

Whether you’re a novice just learning to cultivate a magical display or an avid gardener with years of experience, early planning can help bring this year’s garden to life.

These simple tips can help you start planning, and before you know it, you can start putting your plans into action.

Assess your environment. Determine what factors may aid or hinder your garden’s success. What do you know about the soil? Lighting? Exposure to threats such as hungry or curious wildlife? Uncovering potential roadblocks early can help you identify potential solutions or alternatives that may help you bypass issues altogether.

Create a mental image. Look through seed catalogs, magazines and books, and browse the internet for inspiration. Vibrant colors and textures are the hallmarks of a beautiful spring garden, but spend time learning exactly what appeals to you most. Take notes, particularly as you identify new species you may want to introduce. You’ll need to do additional research to ensure

their growing requirements are consistent with your environment.

Put it to paper. Transferring your vision to paper can help you plan appropriately and ensure you’re not overfilling or leaving unsightly gaps in your garden. Understanding where each plant will go and how much each needs to flourish

before you turn a spade of soil can help make planting a breeze. Remember it is easier to change your mind with a pen and paper in hand than with fragile vegetation. Create a calendar. Timing is critical to maximizing the time you are able to enjoy your garden. Understand the growing season for each plant and map it all out on a calendar so you can stagger when new varieties emerge and keep your garden active and thriving. Be sure to give yourself some wiggle room for unforeseen circumstances, such as weather, that may prevent you from planting exactly as you’ve planned.

For more tips to safely begin planting, visit eLivingtoday.com.

ACROSS

1. *Lactuca sativa dish

6. Banned insecticide

9. Doorframe part

13. *Group of #3 Down

14. Top seed number

15. *Blood ____, diabetic's concern

16. *Food poisoning-causing bacterium

17. Galley tool

18. Sushi restaurant staple

19. *Giant sequoia, e.g.

21. *Measure of energy

23. Auction call

24. Animal coat

25. Tolstoy's first name, in Russian

28. *Plural of cecum

30. *Fastest growing woody plant

35. Footnote acronym

37. Mosquito net, e.g.

39. Attention-seeking

40. Skier's aid

41. Certain saxes

43. Sheltered, nautically speaking

44. Wive's mother, e.g.

46. "____ we forget"

47. Christian of haute-couture

48. Based on two

50. Colorado's neighbor

52. European Nuclear Society

53. Beauty salon sound

55. Official language of Laos 57. *Dissolving agent 61. *C6H12O6 65. *Relating to trunk, neck and head 66. Lamb's momma 68. With clear mind 69. Itty-bitty

DOWN

1. Design detail

2. Big name in gasoline stations

3. *Genus Panthera member

4. Improvise

5. Godlike

6. Point of entry

7. *Genetic information carrier, acr.

8. 9 a.m. prayer

9. Saturn's daughter, Roman goddess

10. *Petri dish gel 11. The Wise Men 12. French appetizer 15. Scheherazade's listener 20. Swelling of human organs 22. Priestly garb

Book cover prototype

*Fatty acids 26. Piano key material 27. Pancho of Mexican Revolution fame 29. *Basic unit of life 31. Fermented honey libation

Misrepresent

Theater, to Socrates

Deed hearings

"Wanted!" option

Cargo carrier

Agenda

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