CNSTC: August 9, 2017

August 9, 2017

A growing mission

Around Town Save the date for Celebrate St. Peters. P.3

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries named winner of International Industry award P.4 O’Fallon recognized as a top 100 safest city. P.4

St. Charles Community College receives grant from UPS foundation. P.6

Business

Photo by Ray Rockwell Debrra Arndt (left), founder of Our Giving Hands Garden received a proclamation July 27 from the State of Missouri. Missouri State Representative Nick Schroer presented the proclamation.

Founder of Our Giving Hands Garden recognized by state for fighting hunger in the community

By Brett Auten Debrra Arndt has never met a stranger.

She doesn’t care about the color of your skin or which aisle of the political landscape you stand.

Her motto is pretty simple; if you are hungry and in need, she’ll feed you.

“People think it’s more difficult than it really is,” she said. “Most people have no idea what it is like to be truly hungry or sleep under a bridge or on concrete.”

Arndt has been living this motto for several years and over the last five, she has been making a difference here locally, so much so the Missouri House of Representatives presented her with a proclamation last month in tribute to her cause.

She was given the proclamation at the O’Fallon courthouse during a regular monthly meeting.

“I didn’t know what it was about or what I was there for,” Arndt said. “I felt kinda silly.

This is not why I do it. I was a little overwhelmed.”

The proclamation states, in part, that: “Whereas, the members of the Missouri

House of Representatives welcome with pleasure the opportunity to recognize a remarkable Missouri citizen whose efforts and accomplishments have made her a source of inspiration to all those around her … Debrra Arndt, a resident of O’Fallon, Missouri, has distinguished herself as the founder of Our Giving Hands Garden and the mission of Our Giving Hands Garden is to supply fresh food to elderly individuals who struggle with the cost of food … Arndt, who has a history of feeding the homeless, has spent more than $5,000 on Our Giving Hands Garden and encourages others to donate a portion of their produce to help elderly who may be living in poverty … Arndt can take pride in knowing that she has consistently given one hundred percent to all those activities in which she has so generously and enthusiastically participated.”

Arndt has been featured in numerous articles and television news segments since receiving the proclamation.

“All of this is going to push me farther and harder,” she said. “The goal is to get others to

do the same in the communities they live in.”

Arndt returned to O’Fallon five years ago from Mount Vernon, Illinois and she brought back with her a cause that has been the guiding force in her life for over 25 years; feeding the low income elderly.

A small yard at Arndt’s home – located near the intersection of I-70 and TR Hughes Boulevard – is stacked and packed with 500 plants that produce tomatoes, peppers, green beans, strawberries, squash and more.

Arndt then takes her bounty and distributes them to the doorsteps of the elderly in the region many who have no family to reach out to for help.

“The elderly in our country do not have it very good when it comes to getting food stamp assistance,” Arndt said in a Community News story published last year. “I have helped them fill out paperwork applications for help to buy food and if they are approved they usually get under $20 a month. This is so wrong. I don’t think many people are aware See GARDEN page 3

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 19 No. 32 | 636-379-1775

Strong Tower Ranch receives Operation Round Up grant. P.9

Learn & Play

Back to school power for body and mind. P.11

Weather FRIDAY Mostly Sunny 83/65 SATURDAY Chance of Storms 82/62 SUNDAY Chance of Storms 82/62 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.

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Around Town

August 9, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

COMMUNITY VOICES

Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information to editor@mycnews.com.

Fire prevention starts at home

By Brian Moore As a child growing up in this community, some of my fondest memories are from my grade school years. Life at that time was simple and filled with fun and activities. It’s no great surprise that one of my favorite times was when our fire department would come to our school to show us their trucks and tools, and teach us about fire safety. Visions of our firefighters driving up to a roaring fire, lights flashing, sirens blaring, dragging hose, spraying flames….intoxicating stuff!

Now, several decades later, those childhood visions of fire have changed to the reality that unintended fires bring: heartbreak, havoc and devastation.

While we remain committed to educating our youth about fire safety in the home, there are other prevalent fire issues we, as adults need to remain aware

sitemanstpeters.wustl.edu

of. Our homes are wrapped in vinyl siding and our furniture, carpet, and drapes are petroleum based. These items keep us warm, dry, and comfortable; but also create the potential for fire given the right circumstances.

The O’Fallon Fire District has responded to multiple house fires this summer where the fire started outside the home and quickly spread to the inside, because of the improper disposal of cigarette butts, charcoal, fireplace ashes and fireworks. Simply remembering to dispose of these items in a metal can filled with sand or water and stored away from the home could of could have prevented these events! Placing these items in trash cans on decks, in garages, next to your home, or dropping cigarette butts or fireworks into mulch, creates a recipe for fire – unintended to be sure,

but with potentially devastating consequences.

Please remain aware of these fire hazards, so your summer is not interrupted by an unintended and totally preventable fire event.

Brian Moore is an Assistant Chief with the O’Fallon Fire Protection District. He served in the University City Fire Department for 20 years before joining the O’Fallon Fire Protection District in 2016. He is proud to be able to serve in the community where he grew up and is currently raising his family.

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

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 9, 2017

Save the date for Celebrate St. Peters at 370 Lakeside Park

Submitted photo

Get ready for lots of fun times, tasty food and great entertainment for all ages during Celebrate St. Peters 2017 at 370 Lakeside Park on Sept. 15, and Sept. 16. This free, annual festival along the lake features not one, but two national musical acts performing live each night, as well as a fireworks show, carnival, and tons of activities for kids. There will also be local vendors providing food, drinks, crafts, games, contests and more.

New this year in the Community News Family Area is the BJC St. Charles County Fun at the Fair Stage, which will a feature a wide range of entertainment and activities focused on health and wellness, from Skee-ball and trivia to prizes and giveaways.

On Friday evening, Pablo Cruise and Ambrosia will take the Main Stage. On Saturday, Firefall and Orleans will put on two more great shows, with a fireworks display over the lake in between acts.

All concerts are free to attend, just bring a lawn chair for seating.

In addition, Blues Plus with The Sliders will warm up the Main Stage on Friday evening and Butch Wax and The Hollywoods will perform with Theo Peoples on the Celebrate Stage Saturday afternoon.

Save money by purchasing Reserved Parking Passes and unlimited carnival ride wristband vouchers in advance through Sept. 14, at St. Peters City Hall and the St. Peters Rec-Plex during regular business hours. Or take advantage of both with the Celebrate St. Peters Family Special for a savings of 33 percent!

Check out www.stpetersmo.net/celebrate for a complete event schedule and more details.

Exhibit of paintings by Neil Kruel open at O’Fallon’s Cultural Arts Gallery A colorful exhibit of abstract acrylic paintings by Neil Kruel opened July 21, at the O’Fallon Cultural Arts Gallery in the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon.

O’Fallon’s Cultural Arts Gallery admission is free. The exhibit will be available for viewing through Sept. 1 during regular business hours at the indoor recreation complex: 5:15 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. For more location information, call 636-474-2732 or visit www.renaudspiritcenter.com.

Neil Kruel graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.A. in Creative Design.

There, he began his artistic journey painting landscapes with majestic mountain scenes as his reference. Later he turned to creating with clay, studying under acclaimed ceramicist Herb Schumacher.

Returning to Missouri, Kruel earned an MFA from the University of Missouri at Columbia and Washington University in St. Louis. He taught art history, painting and ceramics as a faculty member at East Central College in Union, Missouri, from 19842004. Currently he lives in Union where for many years he’s had his own advertising and marketing business, and his art studio is adjacent to his rural home. His artwork has been shown in galleries and other venues, and his commissions, murals, paintings and sculptural forms are in public and private collections worldwide. Images of his artwork are posted at www.neilkruel. com/paintings.html.

Of his current exhibit of paintings, Kruel said, “My work is an expression of energy and color, combining elements of linear balance and juxtapositioning. My approach is an honest use of material with a very direct execution. All this happens with delightful serendipity.”

Around Town

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GARDEN Continued from cover of the fact the elderly are living in poverty all around us.”

Arndt knows all about hardship. As a fouryear-old, she was left at a St. Louis orphanage and would go on to bounce around 14 different foster homes where often there were 10 kids or more under one roof. Arndt would go on to have a career as a geriatric nurse where her motivation to help outside the workforce included a socks for seniors program for those in low income housing.

Arndt returned to the St. Louis region after her husband Dewayne passed away. She was determined to continue their Grow a Garden and Feed Elders in your Neighborhood program that the pair started in Southern Illinois.

A lifelong advocate and a believer in community service, Arndt has volunteered numerous times at local schools to show students the what, where, why, and when of vegetable growth.

What veggies that don’t make it into the homes of the needy, Arndt uses them to make jams and jellies that she sells. Those profits and donations are the only monetary forms that keeps Arndt’s garden going.

Arndt encourages anyone who is interested in helping her cause or growing a garden of their own to reach out to her at ourgivinghandsgarden2009@yahoo.com.

Photo by Ray Rockwell

And if you would like to contribute financially, a Go Fund Me page was set up in honor of Arndt and her work, located at: www.gofundme.com/ OurGivingHandsGarden.

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August 9, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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O’Fallon recognized as one of the top 100 safest cities in the nation The National Council of Home Safety and Security listed O’Fallon as one of the “100 Safest Cities in America 2017.” The organization is made up of home safety and security industries.

O’Fallon is the only Missouri city named on the report, which ranks O’Fallon as 43rd safest city.

Read the report at www.alarms.org/top-100-safest-cities-in-america-2017.

To identify the nation’s safest cities, the council reviewed FBI Uniform Crime Report Statistics. The cities’ rankings were then based on the number of reported violent crimes and property crimes per 100,000 people.

“I want to thank our residents and businesses who watch out for one another and help to keep their neighborhoods safe,” said O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy. “And, we are truly grateful to the men and women of the O’Fallon Police Department who are among the most dedicated in the nation, as evidenced by this report and many others. Their selfless dedication to keeping our residents safe is on display in O’Fallon each and every day. This honor is another example of our community’s commitment to keeping O’Fallon as a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

O’Fallon Chamber Of Commerce & Industries named winner of international industry award

www.OfallonFamilyEyecare.com

Submitted photo O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries’ President and CEO, Erin Williams along with the organization’s Director of Member Engagement, Nina DeAngelo and Chairwoman of the Board, Brenda Lowder, accepted the 2017 Chamber of the Year award by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives July 18 at ACCE’s Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. www.wentzville-mo.minutemanpress.com

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The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries has been named the 2017 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), an Alexandria, Virginia-based association of more than 7,500 chamber of commerce professionals, and 1,300 chambers of commerce, around the world.

Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing the leadership role chambers have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life.

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries’ President and CEO, Erin Williams along with the organization’s Director of Member Engagement, Nina DeAngelo and Chairwoman of the Board, Brenda Lowder, accepted the award July 18 at ACCE’s Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Being recognized as the Chamber of the Year

by ACCE is an incredible honor and accomplishment! This award is the highest honor that we could receive. The members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries deserve to feel incredibly proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. Through their ideas, hard work and collaborative mindset, our organization offers strong, relevant programming which strengthens our businesses and community. Personally, to say I am honored to be part of this organization is a huge understatement,” said Erin

Williams, O’Fallon Chamber President and CEO. Chambers of commerce competing for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process. Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention and membership dollar retention.

Qualifying for Chamber of the Year is a rigorous process. Chambers compete based on meeting key performance criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey. Qualifying chambers enter the competition with a written application addressing all aspects of organizational operation and programmatic work. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. The winner is selected from among the top three finalists based on an in-person interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals.

This year’s competition drew numerous entries from chambers throughout the United States and Canada. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into five categories based on annual revenue, membership, area population, and several other factors.

OCCI Board Chairwoman, Brenda Lowder wants everyone to know that “It took all of us to bring this trophy home and reflecting upon our great membership, we are collaborative, resolvers, leaders, connectors and advocates. The structure of our chamber brings out the best in all of us.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 9, 2017

Vision St. Charles County Leadership announces program Class of 2018 The Vision St. Charles County Leadership Board of Directors has announced the program’s Class of 2018.

The Vision program, approaching its 20th year, engages community leaders from a variety of vocational backgrounds who are either residents of or conduct business in St. Charles County. Over the course of nine months, class members participate in Vision Days, focused opportunities to learn about a selection of topics, including tourism, education, county government, emergency services and quality of life. Each class conducts a community service project and other group projects, many of which have established or set precedents for programs still active in the county.

Participants in the program’s Class of 2018 are: Emily Barbee, University of Missouri Extension; Stacey Bullock, UMB Bank; Leah Crowe, Habitat for Humanity St. Charles; Molly Dempsey, St. Charles County Government; Sara Devine, Delta Center; Laura DeVries, Comm Core Marketing, LLC; Julie Egan, Enterprise Bank and Trust; Joseph Einsporn, Commerce Bank; Shana Eubanks, Community Council of St.

Charles County; Sara Evers, St. Charles County Department of Public Health; Alicia Gay, city of Dardenne Prairie; Karen Hill, Wentzville School District; Spencer Hippler, Farmers Insurance – Ed Akers Agency; Beth Kelley, Community Living, Inc.; Michael Kinney, Focus Sales – Cork & Rind; John LeDoux, Wentzville Fire Protection District; Karen Lintz, O’Fallon Family YMCA; Kerrie Livers, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters – Progress West; Ashley Medina, St. Charles County Government; Taz Meyer, St. Charles County Ambulance District; Hanh Nguyen, Krilogy Financial, LLC; Ashley Rottler, Mercy; Scott Schneider, US Bank; Scott Snodgrass, SSM Health; Skip Stephens, Cottleville Fire Protection District; Rachel Travis, Lutheran Senior Services at Breeze Park; Mia Trout, O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industries; Andrew Tuerck, Missouri Department of Transportation; Allison Walters, Baue Funeral Homes and Heather Wefel, St. Charles City-County Library.

The Vision Class of 2018 program begins August 2017, concluding April 2018.

Weather from Nick’s Window

Around Town

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WWW.SENIORSHELPINGSENIORS.COM/STLOUISCENTRAL

by Nick Palisch

Why do we name hurricanes?

I recently received an email from a reader asking the question, “Why do we give tropical storms and hurricanes names and how are the names chosen?” The first thought that came to mind is, “Wow! People do read my column and second, they ask questions and I love questions!”

So, why do we name tropical storms and hurricanes? This could be a short answer, but let’s dig in. Tropical storms and hurricanes are given distinctive names to simply avoid confusion and to streamline communication when forecasting and tracking these storm systems. We don’t name winter storms (even though some media outlets do so for dramatic reasons) and we don’t name severe storms – their longevity is shorter and quite honestly, it would get confusing to name every thunderstorm that develops. Could you imagine the warnings that would come across your NOAA weather radio and the local television stations? It would be confusing – so we just name tropical storms and hurricanes to keep it simple.

We can trace back the naming of storms back to the 1800s when storms in the West Indies were named after particular saint’s days, such as Hurricane Santa Ana which hit Puerto Rico in 1825.

Fast forward to the 1950s and tropical storms and hurricanes weren’t always named the way they are today. In fact, it wasn’t until the early 1950s that tropical storms and hurricanes were tracked by year and the order in which they occurred. It was learned over time that using short, easily remembered names were ideal to use to track and inform people of these storms – especially when two or more them were active at the same time.

So in 1953, the United States began using female only names for storms and it wasn’t until 1978 that male names were introduced to name hurricanes in the Pacific. Finally, in 1979 male names were introduced for storms that formed in the Atlantic.

The names of hurricanes used are assigned through a strict procedure created by the World Meteorological Organizations. Atlantic hurricanes use a set of names that rotate on a six year pattern (so this year’s list will be

reused again in 2023) and the only time that a name is changed out – for example Hurricane Andrew and Katrina are retired names because they were so deadly and costly that the future use of the name would be inappropriate. Several other names have been retired as well – so a new name replaced the one being retired.

There are five letters of the alphabet that are not used in naming of tropical storms and hurricanes – Q, U, X, Y and Z are excluded from the list. In the event that in a given year all 21 names are used any additional storms will take on names from the Greek Alphabet (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta…). There have been years where the Greek Alphabet was used to account for more than 21 names storms in a given year.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, so if a storm forms in the off-season it will assume the next name on the list based on the calendar year. If a tropical storm or hurricane were to form on Dec. 15 it would assume the name of the current year (2017), but if it formed on Jan. 10 it would take on the name from the 2018 year list. Essentially, when the calendar rolls over to a new year – that is when the names of the hurricanes would change as well.

This year Tropical Storm Arlene formed on April 19 and lasted until April 21 and was only the second Atlantic tropical storm to form during the satellite era. The use of Arlene will be reintroduced in 2023 when the list is recycled.

Thanks for the question and if you have a question about weather—feel free to email me at nick-wx@sbcglobal.net Nick Palisch is a meteorologist and Missouri native who understands the weather here in our area. He currently resides in Lake Saint Louis and can be reached at nick-wx@sbcglobal.net and you can always get the most up-to-date forecast from the FirstWarn Weather page at www.facebook.com/nickswx The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

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Around Town

August 9, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

SCC receives $8,000 from UPS Foundation

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The St. Charles Community College Foundation received an $8,000 grant from the UPS Foundation to support the Career Explorations Alliance.

The CEA program connects students and educators with professionals across all industries who are willing to invest their time by providing job shadowing, mentoring, teacher externships and classroom presentations.

“Students are able to get a glimpse into a field before they fully invest into it and the professionals are very proud to share their knowledge and expertise with the younger generation, so it’s a win-win for both,” said Dawn Thornton, Career Explorations Alliance program manager.

Thanks to UPS and other corporate partners, participating schools only pay a modest stipend for their students to participate. Schools include the five public school districts in St. Charles County, the Lincoln

Photo courtesy SCC (From left) David Hopkins, UPS Central Plains District director of marketing stands next to SCC Foundation board member; Betsy Schneider, SCC Foundation director of development and Eric Henderson, UPS Central Plains District employee relations manager.

County (Troy) School District and St. Charles Community College. For more information, visit careerexplorationsalliance. com.

UPS has been supporting the SCC Foundation in a number of ways since 1991. Beyond grant funding, UPS believes in volunteering for the organizations it supports. In addition to local UPS employees providing job-shadowing opportuni-

ties for students as a part of the CEA program, a team from UPS helps set up and work at the SCC Foundation’s community-wide event each year.

“We are proud to be a longstanding corporate partner for SCC, and that our contributions have an impact on the success of the students and college,” said David Hopkins, UPS director of marketing, and a member of the SCC Foundation Board.

Chamber Music Society of St. Louis announces 2017-2018 Season The ninth season of the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis (CMSSL) once again promises classical connoisseurs an international array of musical offerings.

On Oct. 9-10, the season commences with “The Russians Are Coming,” featuring works from Rachmaninof, Tchaikovsky, Gliere, Prokofiev and Shostakovitch with an Italian flavor.

“Dead Heads” will then celebrate Beethoven, Dvořák and Schubert during “Great’ful Dead Hits…Composers, That is” on Nov. 13-14.

Renowned British conductor Nicholas McGegan returns Nov. 27 to lead “Barogque’n Reeds & Bows,” an entertaining program of Handel, Bach, Vivaldi and more featuring the oboe, harpsichord and strings. McGegan previously taught at Washington University and has also appeared with the St. Louis Symphony. He currently serves as music director for San Francisco’s Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra.

“Musical Tapas – Open Table” will satisfy aficionados’ appetites with a delicious musical menu from across the globe. Reservations are being accepted for Dec. 11-12 seatings.

2018’s first offering will have patrons dancing in the aisles as they celebrate Mozart’s 262nd birthday on Jan. 29-30 at “Mozart’s Magic.” And it wouldn’t be February without CMSSL’s annual salute to romance through music. “Lovefest Revived” offers two chances for date night, Feb. 1213, so make plans with your Valentine early.

Woodwinds get a chance to shine with the

harpsichord in “Baroque Too,” March 12 with selections from Handel, Back, Telemann, Byrd, Daquin and Telemann. And you don’t need to be a Francophile to enjoy “The French Connection” April 9-10. A la carte offerings from Debussy, Massenet, Poulenc and Saint-Saëns will please all palates. “The 3 Bs-Bach, Beethoven & Brahms” completes their season with an exciting selection of compositions from the masters on May 7.

CMSSL offers two performances of each regular season program in the Sheldon Ballroom (located at 3648 Washington Blvd. Grand Center in St. Louis) on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Subscriptions are on sale now and information is available online or by phone at 314-941-6309. Single tickets will be released Aug. 15. CMSSL performances are also part of the Concert Pass Collaborative discount program for students.

In addition to performances, CMSSL hosts programs to further educate area musicians. The Master Class Series offers students the chance to prepare and perform solo and chamber works, guided by a CMSSL artist. The CMSSL and The Community Music School of Webster University’s Preparatory Program have partnered for the Young Artists Chamber Program, which nurtures the next generation of chamber music ensembles. Both programs are open to St. Louis area students and are free to qualified students.

Visit chambermusicstl.org for more information.

Augusta Bottom Road closure between Emke and Schell continues through Aug. 28

www.wentzvillemo.org

Work on Augusta Bottom Road between Emke Road and Schell Road will continue through Aug. 28, according to staff from the St. Charles County Highway Department. The work is being completed to remove and replace a deteriorating bridge.

Traffic is required to use a detour route around the closure while the bridge is replaced. Local traffic can access either side of the closure location, but no through traffic is permitted. Signs

notifying motorists of the closure and the necessary detours are posted.

This road project is part of a continuing effort

by St. Charles County Government to improve the county’s road system for the safety of the traveling public. For more information about road projects underway in unincorporated St. Charles County, please call the Highway Department at 636-949-7305 or visit http://www.sccmo.org/ Road-Projects.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 9, 2017

Yeggs

Around Town

John Hanna

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

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life

Photo courtesy Bigstock

Vegetable roulette It’s mid-summer and you know what that means…vegetable roulette. Now I’m all for getting a ripe tomato or a nice bell pepper from someone’s garden, but why is that I always wind up with a bag of giant mutant zucchinis the size of watermelons on my front porch? They have been left there anonymously in the dark of night without even the courtesy of a return-to-sender-if-not-completely-satisfied note.

Be warned, once this invasive species enters your vegetable patch it is virtually impossible to remove. So, gardeners everywhere are creatively sneaking them into everything to try and eliminate them. You’ll find them in soups, stews, breads and brownies, inside your unlocked car and tucked into unsupervised baby strollers.

I used to not answer my door when I’d see a neighbor hefting a cartload of the stuff up my driveway hoping they’d move on to then next house. Instead, I got a load of the veggies piled high on my porch or stashed into the mailbox.

I have a sneaking suspicion these zucchs have been re-gifted and passed around from neighbor to neighbor. I also suspect these same desperate neighbors are making fruitcake out of them and will continue to pass them around from house to house at Christmastime.

In the meantime, what am I supposed to do with a vegetable someone has let grow to the size of a canoe; hollow it out and make a canoe?

This growth spurt most likely happened when the veggie first blossomed. At that point, they should not have delayed – this is picking time!

Most likely, the gardener observed this, but was momentarily distracted by a phone call and before she had time to say, “Sorry, wrong number,” the vegetable had grown to the size of a chunky toddler.

These prolific breeders are the rabbits of the vegetable group. One day you have a seedling and the next day it’s exploded with little baby zucchies. But do not make the mistake of watering them or they’ll make more dreadful reproductions quicker than sequels to “Rocky.” And for the sake of all that is good, green and holy don’t even think of fertilizing them. One squirt of Miracle Grow and you’ll have more squash babies than Kardashians at a Botox sale!

So if you are accosted by these vegetable unloaders, do what I do…post a sign. It clearly states, “For every zucchini you give me, I give you two cats.” So far no veggies and my kitties still have a home.

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.

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School

August 9, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Many changes for the 2107-18 School Year in FHSD The 2017-18 school year will kick off on Wednesday, Aug. 9 for students in the Francis Howell School District. As students head back to class, they will encounter some new programs and initiatives. Here’s what’s new in FHSD:

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* Super NOW is a tiered, interest-bearing account. The interest rate and corresponding annual percentage yield (APY) are tiered. If the daily balance in the account is $500.00 or less, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be 0.05% with an annual percentage yield of 0.05%. An interest rate of 0.65% will be paid only for that portion of your daily balance that is greater than $500.00 but less than $500,000.00; with an annual percentage yield range from 0.05% to 0.65%, depending on the balance in the account. An interest rate of 0.25% will be paid only for that portion of your daily balance that is greater than $500,000.00; with an pe annual percentage yield range from 0.65% to 0.25%, depending on the balance in the account. (APY calculations are based on a total deposit balance of $10,000.00) Rates are effective as of May 19, 2017. Fees could reduce earnings. Rates are variable and are subject to change at the bank’s discretion. Rates are calculated on a daily balance method. Interest Rate and Annual Percentage Yield guaranteed for a one year period based on account open date. Must be opened with funds not previously deposited with Midwest BankCentre. Other rules and requirements may apply. Consumer accounts only. Business accounts not eligible. **Annual percentage yield (APY) effective May 19, 2017. Must be opened with funds not previously deposited with Midwest BankCentre. Minimum of $1,000 required to open. Other restrictions may apply. Penalty for early withdrawal. Rates are subject to change without notice. See a Banker for details. Consumer accounts only. Business accounts not eligible.

Curriculum Biomedical Innovations - In this capstone course, students design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century, and have the opportunity to work on an independent project with a mentor or advisor from a university, hospital, research institution, or the biomedical industry.

Pre-AP Calculus - This course combines the trigonometric, geometric, and algebraic techniques needed to prepare students for the study of calculus, and strengthens students’ conceptual understanding of problems and mathematical reasoning in solving problems. Facility with these topics is especially important for students intending to study calculus, physics and other sciences, and/or engineering in college.

AP Human Geography - The Advanced Placement Human Geography course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences.

Students also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications.

Advanced Weight Training - This course has three main objectives: development of an understanding of weight training physiology, development of the skills necessary to maximize performance of strength training techniques, and to continue progress toward an individual’s strength and fitness goals.

District technology refresh The refresh cycle for district technology devices has been put on hold for the past two years. As a result, many district devices are reaching the end of useful life, causing negative impacts on the instructional process. For the 2017-18 school year, many of the oldest devices in the district will be replaced; older devices will be replaced primarily with more cost-effective Chromebooks. This has the added advantage of allowing the district to provide more devices to more schools.

The re-implemented technology refresh cycle is a scaled back version of what was proposed under Prop Howell. The increase in the technology budget for the new computers was offset by reductions in other budget areas.

New district and school websites The district and school websites all have a new and improved look. FHSD has signed a new contract agreement with the current website vendor, SchoolMessenger, to provide a new template for all 25 district websites. The other good news is that the district was also able to negotiate a lower rate, saving money and improving all websites at the same time.

The new websites are intended to provide a better user interface with improved visuals and navigation, all while costing the district less money.

Storm damage equals new roofs On May 11, 2016, a severe thunderstorm with large hail caused significant damage throughout the district. The roofs of 15 different district buildings suffered damage, and in many cases, the entire roof structure is in need of repair. The good news is that the FHSD property insurance carrier will pay the $8 million cost of repairs. The repair work started at several buildings as soon as school let out for summer, and is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete.

Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District For the 2017-18 school year, many of the oldest technology devices in the district will be replaced; older devices will be replaced primarily with more cost-effective Chromebooks.

Activity fees The FHSD Board of Education has approved the recommendation of the Extracurricular Task Force to establish an activity fee structure for the 2017-18 school year. Students participating in a sport, activity, or club - in which a sponsor or coach is paid a stipend - will be required to pay a yearly activity fee. Students will be assessed one fee regardless of how many sports/activities/ clubs they participate in during the school year.

An application for financial assistance/waiver will be available for students, as needed.

Activity Fee Structure*

Yearly Maximum Yearly Fee Level per Family Elementary $5 $10 Middle $20 $40 High $40 $80 *Additional team and club assessments will still apply.

Based on participation data from previous years, the activity fee would generate approximately $200,000 annually that will go to the general revenue fund. This revenue will help to prevent further reductions in the number of extracurricular activities, or the number of contests during an activity or sport season.

High school activities transportation FHSD high schools will continue to transport students to all “away” contests and events, but will only offer return transportation if the event venue is 16 or more miles from the school. Usually, very few students ride the return bus because most participants return with family or friends. Eliminating the return transportation from these “away” contests will save the district approximately $100,000, and helps to prevent cuts to other activities. There will be some exceptions when return bus transportation will be required for closer activities, and all events will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Budget reductions As part of the continuing efforts of FHSD to reduce expenditures and remain good stewards tax payer dollars, three different task forces have been formed for further study in the following areas: transportation, extracurricular, and nontax revenue. Together, the district and the different task forces have already implemented the following budget cuts for the 2017-18 school year.

The district still held “Transition Day” on Aug. 4 (when incoming sixth and ninth graders have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new school), but did not provide bus transportation. This change saved the district approximately $43,000.

The district will discontinue its subscription to Galileo, an interim benchmarking assessment system, saving the district more than $70,000 annually.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 9, 2017

Business

9

Strong Tower Ranch receives Operation Round Peoples Bank rocks back to Up grant school The Cuivre River Electric Community Trust Board recently awarded a grant from Operation Round Up for $2,500 to Strong Tower Ranch.

The funds will be used to help give full and partial sponsorships to at-risk and underprivileged children. The goal is to help support full and partial sponsorships for the approximately 600 children who will attend horsemanship programs and day camps this year.

Strong Tower Ranch features day camps and horsemanship programs with the goal of providing quality, Christ-centered programs that are entertaining character building, and rehabilitating. The priority is to help children who are at-risk, less fortunate, or dealing with tragic circumstances, equip them with skills to navigate through life’s challenges and become a positive influence to the world around them. Strong Tower Ranch recently finished its 19th year of summer camps and is entering into its 20th year of programming.

Additional information is available by contacting Strong Tower Ranch at 636-333-0212 or visiting www.strongtowerranch.org. Donations are welcome and can be sent to Strong Tower Ranch, 600 Sunshine

Submitted photo Submitted photo Strong Tower Ranch was recently awarded a $2,500 Operation Round Up grant to help cover operating expenses and provide assistance for horsemanship programs and day camps this year. Pictured (from left) are Michele Emge, Kim Derrington, Lydia Kaiser, Bekah Duncan and Tom Melton.

Lane, Wright City, MO 63390.

Grant funds come from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative members who donate to the Community Trust through Operation Round Up. Members voluntarily pay the round up amount on their monthly electric bill. The funds are administered by volunteer trustees who represent areas within St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and Pike counties where Cuiv-

re River offers electric service.

Operation Round Up addresses unmet needs in the areas of community and emergency services, home weatherization, health, youth and education. Grant applications are available at Cuivre River Electric Cooperative offices in Troy and Lake Saint Louis, at www.cuivre.com or by calling 636-695-4837.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co. wants to make the upcoming school year rock! So, they’re placing PB&T logoed rocks around our community for you to find. When you find one, bring it by your nearest Peoples Bank & Trust branch and exchange it for school supplies. More details will be on the bank’s website: www.pbtc. net and on Facebook. Rocks will be out until the start of school so hurry to find yours today.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co. is a community bank, established in 1924. The bank prides itself in providing the latest in financial products services while still maintaining a focus on the local community. In addition to two branches located in Troy, the bank also has locations in Hawk Point, Winfield, O’Fallon, Elsberry and Bowling Green in order to better serve residents of Lincoln, Pike and St. Charles County. To learn more about Peoples Bank & Trust, visit them online at www.pbtc.net.

Members can win a year of free electricity at Cuivre River Electric’s Annual Meeting All Cuivre River Electric Cooperative members are invited to attend their cooperative’s Annual Meeting, Friday Aug. 11 at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

“One lucky person will leave the meeting as a grand prize winner of free electricity for one year,” says Cuivre River Manager of Administration Kevin Hurd.

The grand prize is valued at $1,500. Two other members will also leave the meeting as winners of $500 worth of free electricity. Two others will win $250 worth of free electricity.

The cooperative has traditionally offered prizes of free electricity one month at a time and will continue again this year ($200 maximum per month, September 2017 through August 2018). More than a dozen additional prizes will also be awarded and tentatively include St. Louis Cardinals, River City Rascals and Fox Theatre tickets, plus gift cards galore.

Cuivre River and other electric cooperatives across the country encourage their members to participate in their an-

nual meetings. Door prizes are one way to encourage participation and help attain a quorum at the annual business meeting. Members must be present to win.

“If you pay your electric bill to Cuivre River Electric Cooperative, you’re a member and owner,” adds Hurd. “This meeting gives you an opportunity to actively participate in the democratic process that sets cooperatives apart from investor-owned or municipal utilities.”

This annual event mixes family entertainment with cooperative business. Doors open promptly at 4 p.m. to allow ample time for members and their immediate families to register and enjoy a meal of hamburgers or hot dogs, visit information stations and enjoy Butch Wax & the Hollywoods (performing one show 5:15 – 7 p.m.). The business meeting, which includes director elections and three proposed bylaw amendments, starts at 7:15 p.m.

“Electricity is one of the best values we can offer,” says Hurd.

“It’s not fancy but it’s our most

popular prize – something every single member wants to win!”

Some restrictions apply to free electricity prizes, including a $1,500 grand prize limit, based on Cuivre River members’ average monthly residential use last year. For some members, the prize may not last a full year; for others, it may last even longer.

www.GSTCCC.com

WWW.SUNRISEFAMILY.ORG

10

Sports

August 9, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

– SUDOKU – Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

NEED NEW

See solution on page 13

Sports you see with Gary B...

Gregory excels At USATF Danielle ‘Dani’ Gregory of Lake St. Louis set a record recently on her way to winning the girls 15-16 age division title in the hammer throw in the USA Track & Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships at the University of Kansas’ Rock Chalk Park.

Gregory, will be a junior at Liberty High School in St. Charles County, took the lead on her second of six attempts and finished with a toss of 167 feet, 9 inches, that set her age group record in the meet. Her 167’9” also was better than the mark of 160’9” that won the women’s 17-18 age group title.

Earlier this summer, she won the Great Southwest Classic in Albuquerque with a personal best of 173’4” that stands in the top 10 in the nation for high school girl’s throwers.

Gregory trains with ‘Throw for the Road Hammer Club’ under Gary Cooper in Troy. Earlier this month, she won the USATF Region 9 title at Lindenwood University with a throw of 167’9”.

Another Throw for the Road Hammer Club member — Chandler Hayden of Pittsfield, Illinois — finished second in the women’s 17-18 hammer throw. Hayden’s mark was 155’2”.

Dani took first in New Mexico on June 2 at the Gardenswartz Great Southwest Classic with a throw of 173’4” that made her the No. 1 sophomore in the country and No. 9 over all. She was also award the Outstanding Field Performance Female award among a lot of competition.

Olympian Deanna Price started at ‘Throw for the Road Hammer Club’ as well. ~~~Thanks for the information from Gary and Todd Gregory Rascals’ Kerrigan heading to the Twins The River City Rascals announced that left fielder Jimmy Kerrigan has been purchased by the Minnesota Twins.

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

www.treesbywoody.net

Kerrigan is just another Rascal to advance to a major league organization over the past years.

He led the Rascals in nearly every offensive category, including batting average at a .328.

The 82 hits is good for second in the Frontier League and the .328 average places him tenth at the time of the contract purchase.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity the Rascals have given me,” Kerrigan said. “They gave me a chance to chase my dreams, and I am excited to start the next chapter with the Minnesota Twins organization. I wish the Rascals the best of luck as they make a playoff run.” ~~~Follow that dream River City season ending in less than a month The River City Rascals play professional baseball in the West Division of the Frontier League with home games at Car Shield Field in O’Fallon.

Still six and one half games out of first place, the team is fighting hard to reach either the top of the league or a playoff spot. Several games have slipped away but skipper Steve Brooks has confidence.

“We gave away a couple games this week but we have had great run here so far in the second half of the season,” Brook said. “We got to move on and do whatever it takes to have a good series against Evansville and try to put us in a good position for the last 25 games.”

NEXT HOME GAMES Aug. 15/16 vs. Gateway Grizzlies Aug. 29/30 vs. Florence Freedom All games at 6:35 p.m., 4:05 p.m. on Sundays Go to www.RiverCityRascals.com for more information. ~~~Pressure is on

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

pinterest.com/mycnews

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 9, 2017

Learn & Play

11

Recipe: Back-to-school power for body and mind It’s not always easy to find new and appealing ideas to fuel kids’ bodies and minds as they head back to school, but programs for families and educators such as the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge can help.

In addition to kid-tested, lunchboxfriendly recipe ideas, the program provides resources and lesson plans for educators who want to create activities to inspire healthy eating in the classroom. This year’s

program also includes a partnership with The World of Eric Carle, allowing students to win copies of his popular collection of children’s books. Additionally, every online pledge results in a $1 donation to Feeding America programs that support families and children.

Look for recipes, tips and ideas on Instagram and Twitter using #PowerYourLunchbox, and learn more about the program at poweryourlunchbox.com.

Banana Sushi Rolls Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids

Brown Bear Bento Box Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon soy butter 3 graham cracker squares 3 banana slices

9 blueberries variety of colorful fruit, chopped

Directions:

Spread soy butter on graham crackers. Arrange banana slices and blueberries to create eyes and noses to resemble bear faces. In another container, add colorful fruit, such as raspberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, honeydew, blueberries and blackberries, to create a rainbow fruit salad.

Suggested Side: 1 tablespoon ranch dressing and three mini sweet peppers, sliced into strips.

Ingredients:

1 large (8-inch) whole-wheat tortilla 3 tablespoons peanut butter, divided 1 banana, peeled

1 strawberry, sliced 1/2 kiwi, sliced 1 tablespoon shredded coconut

Directions:

Lay tortilla on flat surface. Spread with half of peanut butter. Place banana on one end of tortilla and roll up. Cut into even slices and place strawberries and kiwi slices on top.

Microwave remaining peanut butter on high 30 seconds, or until melted, and drizzle over banana sushi. Top with shredded coconut.

Crossword Puzzle: BACK TO SCHOOL ACROSS 1. Pink, as in steak 5. “Death ____ for Cutie” 8. Rum cake 12. Czech or Serb 13. “____ and hearty” 14. Equipped with feathers 15. Weather ____ 16. Seed covering 17. Desktop pictures 18. *The boss 20. 32-card game 21. Delhi dresses 22. How the weasel goes 23. Develop, as in story 26. Covered porch 30. Jersey call 31. *Storage 34. Garden ear 35. Wet nurses 37. Owned 38. Ohio metropolis 39. Ingrid Bergman to Isabella Rossellini 40. Saudi Arabia money, pl.

42. Masseuse’s office 43. Pastoral 45. Right to enter 47. Lincoln lumber 48. _____ New Guinea 50. *Paper mistake

52. *Learning space 56. South Pacific sailboats 57. Angler’s decoy 58. Arm bone 59. Black Beauty, e.g.

60. Singer Tori 61. Skirt opening 62. 15th of March 63. Who’s from Mars?

64. Hippocrates’ promise, e.g.

DOWN 1. A requested response 2. Wing-shaped 3. Feminine of raja 4. Be that as it may 5. Plural of carpus 6. Batman to Bruce Wayne 7. *End of class notice 8. *Worn to school 9. Dwarf buffalo 10. Out of shape 11. *Found in the back of many yearbooks 13. Bob, e.g.

14. Golfer’s sun protection 19. “When a Stranger _____” 22. p in mph 23. Savory taste

24. Wanderer 25. Like beer head 26. Sacred Hindu writings 27. Relating to Scandinavia 28. What ball does on New Year’s 29. Pavlova and Karenina 32. Swanky 33. Mary ____, businesswoman extraordinaire 36. *Special permission 38. Singular of asci 40. Equip with sails 41. Memory failures 44. These lips sink ships 46. Enrico, of operatic fame 48. D’Artagnan’s hat decoration 49. Hammerin’ Hank 50. Trampled 51. Bygone era 52. Chowder protein 53. Paella pot 54. Dealing with a problem 55. *Calculating subject 56. *Between Sigma and Epsilon

See solution on page 13

12

What’s Happening

August 9, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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

EVENTS Aug. 10: Day trip

Dig into large fossil finds, Anheuser artifacts and “mile-high” apple pie as the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre takes a day trip to Kimmswick, Missouri. The historic Kimmswick Bone Bed site at Mastodon State Historic Site provides a close-up view of one of our country’s biggest ice age fossil finds. Bones of mastodons, giant sloths and more, plus 10,000-year-old stone spear points, give you a glimpse into prehistoric life. Enjoy lunch at Blue Owl Restaurant, famous for its milehigh apple pie, and take a timeout to visit some of Kimmswick’s quaint shops before our last stop at Anheuser Museum and Estate. Check out Anheuser family and brewery artifacts and other memorabilia at this historic 23-acre estate, built along the Mississippi River in 1867 with splendid views of the river and its wildlife. The motorcoach bus leaves the west parking lot of St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. at 8:30 a.m. and returns around 4:30 p.m. The Kimmswick trip involves quite a bit of walking, but mostly at your leisure. The cost is $91 and includes transportation, admissions, lunch and gratuities. For more information on this and other day trips offered by the Cultural Arts Centre, call 636-397-6903, ext. 1624, or visit www.stpetersmo.net/arts.

Aug. 12: Parent education program

First Impact is a traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) law.

The goal of First Impact is to reduce the number of motor vehicle fatalities, injuries and crashes among teen drivers. First Impact will help parents understand teen driving risks, enforcement and monitoring of GDL law and serving as a positive role model. A First Impact parent presentation will be held from 8:30 – 10 a.m. at Wentzville Law Enforcement Center at 1019 Schroeder Creek Blvd. in Wentzville. Your new driver is welcome to attend with you. Register at https:// firstimpact.missouri.edu/events/ parent-program-at-wentzville-policedepartment/

Aug. 12: 5K and fun run

The Diva Dash is a 5K run/walk with

a Lil’ Princess Fun Run for children that takes place from 6 - 9:30 a.m. at The Muny in Forest Park at 1 Theatre Dr, in St. Louis. The participants dress up in fun costumes...like divas! TREE House of Greater St. Louis is the charity beneficiary of this event. Volunteers are needed to monitor the race course, hand out water, etc. About 25 volunteers are needed. Register to volunteer at https://runsignup.com/Race/ Volunteer/MO/StLouis/DivaDash5KStLouis.

Aug. 13: Big band concert

The St. Charles Big Band presents Sunday Serenades, a summer big band concert series, at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive in St. Charles. The concert begins at 7:30 and is free. Bring lawn chair or blanket. See www.stcharlesband.com for details.

Aug. 18: Beach Blast Dance

Break out your Hawaiian shirts, flip flops and grass skirts for one last summer party at St. Peters Cultural Art Centre’s Beach Blast dance from 7 - 10 p.m. The dance will feature live music

by D.D. Revival. Individuals, couples and groups are all invited to attend.

Although no special dress is required, you are encouraged to wear something fun and colorful to match the theme.

Tickets are $7 per person at the door.

Show a St. Peters Resident Privilege Card at the door and receive a $1 discount off admission. Soda will be available for purchase, but feel free to bring your own snacks. St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. For more information, call 636-397-6908, ext. 1624, or visit www.stpetersmo.net/arts.

Aug. 19: Outdoor summer concert and movie

Each summer, the city of Dardenne Prairie Parks and Recreation Department proudly presents the Summer Concert & Movie Series. Featuring the band Borderline, the event takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at City Hall Park, located at 2032 Hanley Road in Dardenne Prairie. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Aug. 19: Theater auditions

Young People’s Theatre will hold open

auditions for “You Ain’t Nothin’ but a Werewolf ” at 8:30 a.m. in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.

Auditions are open for youths ages 8 to 18 and will consist of a song that will be taught, a short dance combination and a brief reading from the script.

Students auditioning should wear comfortable clothes and shoes (no flip flops) and must be accompanied by an adult. To be cast, students must either have had Introductory Theatre Workshop I or concurrently enroll in that class in addition to being in the production. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 and Oct. 14; and 2 p.m.

Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636-922-8233.

Aug. 20: Theater auditions

Young People’s Theatre will hold open auditions for “The Nutcracker” at noon in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus.

The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Auditions are open for youths ages 8 to 18 and will consist of readings from the script, a dance combination which will be taught and basic movement. Students auditioning should bring dance shoes (jazz, ballet, tap or all) and wear clothes in which they can dance comfortably. They must also be accompanied by an adult. To be cast, students must either have had Introductory Theatre Workshop I or concurrently enroll in that class in addition to being in the production. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 15, and Dec. 16; and 2 p.m. Dec. 16, and Dec. 17.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at stchastickets.com or by calling 636922-8233.

Aug. 21-22: Theater auditions

Center Stage Theatre will hold open auditions for “Night of the Living Dead” at 7 p.m. Aug. 21-22. Auditions will be held in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the SCC campus. Callbacks will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 23. Roles are available for 12 men, five women and a 15-20 ensemble of zombies. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27-30; 10 a.m. Sept. 28; and 2 p.m. Oct. 1. Tickets are free to SCC students with ID, or $8 general admission and $6 seniors, veterans and students. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. For more information, contact Tracy Bono, Director, tbono@ stchas.edu or 636-922-8254.

Aug. 24: Concert series

The St. Charles Municipal Band presents Down By the Riverside, a summer concert series, Thursday nights at 8 p.m. in June, July, and August. Concerts are performed at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive in St. Charles. Bring lawn chair or blanket to these free programs. See www.stcharlesband.com for details.

Aug. 25: Summer movie and Food Truck Frolic

The St. Charles Community College Foundation, SCC Student Activities and Cottleville-Weldon Spring Chamber of Commerce are partnering up to host the sixth annual outdoor summer movie series at SCC. All of the movie nights are free and open to the public. Next up is “Captain Underpants.”

Back by popular demand, Food Truck Frolic will be held in the college’s Red Parking Lot from 5 - 8:30 p.m. in conjunction with the movie series. Movies will be shown at sundown on Fridays on the lawn outside the Technology Building. Free visitor parking is available in the Orange Parking Lot at the SCC North Entrance located on Mid Rivers Mall Drive. Movie titles are subject to change, and actual start times vary. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and food.

Free popcorn will be provided, and

snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. The rain location is the College Center gymnasium, accessible from the Yellow Parking Lot near the campus Southwest Entrance.

Aug. 26: Grandparents seminar

Grandparenting Matters Seminar takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church Wentzville at 653 Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville.

Come expecting to find inspiration, ideas and tools to help you realize your potential to grandparent in a meaningful way by leaving a legacy of faith.

Guest speaker will be Larry Fowler.

Advance tickets are $29 (includes lunch and snacks) and are available at www.fbcwentzville.com.

Aug. 27: Benefit concert

“Jazz for Joy,” a concert to benefit Joy in Haiti, will be presented by the St. Charles Big Band at 3 p.m. in the Christian Life Center at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Concert attendees will hear a variety of music, including “Caravan,” “Cool” (from West Side Story), “In the Mood,” and “Moondance.” The St. Charles Big Band, directed by Earl Kreder, has 18 instrumentalists and two vocalists. A love offering to benefit Joy in Haiti will be received during the concert. All are welcome to attend this event! Light refreshments will be served after the program.

Sept. 3: Big band concert

The St. Charles Big Band presents Sunday Serenades, a summer big band concert series, at the Jaycee Pavilion in Frontier Park at 500 S Riverside Drive in St. Charles. The concert begins at 7:30 and is free. Bring lawn chair or blanket. See www.stcharlesband.com for details

Sept. 6: Senior citizen luncheon

Beginning Sept. 6, and every first Wednesday of the month thereafter, 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 will open at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Games (activities) will be held from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Reservations required by the Friday prior to the luncheon by calling 636-634-1971.

All are welcome.

Sept. 6: Free concert

Music lovers everywhere, bring your family out for free fun this fall during the new Concerts in the Park series at the Youth Activity Park at 7801 Hwy N. in Dardenne Prairie from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Memories of Elvis with Steve Davis will perform. Picnic baskets are welcome; however, no alcohol or glass containers are allowed into the park.

A concession stand is open during the concerts. The 25-acre “extreme” sports park and all its amenities is open for use during the concerts. Those wishing to use the skate park and rock wall must have a season pass or pay the daily entry fee of $5 for children and $8 for adults. Helmets are required and a waiver must be completed by a parent or guardian. Registration for the concerts is not required. For more information, call the park at 636-5614963 or visit stccparks.org.

Sept. 9: Craft fair

Tri County Advisory Board to Probation and Parole, Probation and Parole District 17, Missouri Department of Correction will hold their Fifth Annual Christmas in September Craft Fair at Calvary Church at 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters are needed. For more information please contact Esther Angelos at marlofan@charter.net, or 636441-0329 or 314-477-5096.

Sept. 9: Good Reads in the Garden Parkview Gardens Florist and Green-

houses is excited to be hosting its third annual Good Reads in the Garden Author Event scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon at 1925 Randolph, across from Blanchette Park in St. Charles.

Area residents will be able to meet and connect with local authors and their works in a beautiful, pastoral garden setting. Visit parkviewgardens.com or call 636-946-7641 for more information.

Sept. 20: Free concert

Music lovers everywhere, bring your family out for free fun this fall during the new Concerts in the Park series at the Youth Activity Park at 7801 Hwy N. in Dardenne Prairie from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Scott Laytham and Karl Holmes Duo will perform. Picnic baskets are welcome; however, no alcohol or glass containers are allowed into the park.

A concession stand is open during the concerts. The 25-acre “extreme” sports park and all its amenities is open for use during the concerts. Those wishing to use the skate park and rock wall must have a season pass or pay the daily entry fee of $5 for children and $8 for adults. Helmets are required and a waiver must be completed by a parent or guardian. Registration for the concerts is not required. For more information, call the park at 636-5614963 or visit stccparks.org.

Sept. 21: College fair

The St. Charles Regional College Fair is coming to St. Charles Community College from 6 - 7:30 p.m. The fair, held in the College Center gym, is for current high school students who are interested in speaking with college representatives from throughout the United States to learn more about each college and decide which one is right for them. Parking for attendees will be available in the Yellow and Blue parking lots, which are accessible through the southwest entrance along Cottleville Parkway. All parking is free. For a full list of colleges and universities attending the college fair, visit stchas.edu/collegefair.

Sept. 23: Veterans benefit

Drive for Your Community to benefit Vietnam Veteran’s Chapter 458 is sponsored by Ford Motor Company and hosted by Pundmann Ford at the dealership at 2727 West Clay in St. Charles from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.For further information contact Neal Fix at 636-947-8730.

Sept. 23: Prairie Day

Fireworks, music, inflatables, and a variety of other attractions are some highlights of the Dardenne Prairie’s Annual Prairie Day celebration from 12 – 10 p.m. The event will be located at Dardenne Prairie City Hall Park.

This celebration will feature food, entertainment, crafts, superheroes and many fun activities for children and adults to take part in. Vendor booths will be on display from 12 – 5 p.m. with St. Louis’ ultimate party band Contagious taking the main stage at 6 p.m. Admission to the event is free for all ages.

Oct. 2: Golf tournament fundraiser

Operation Food Search, a nonprofit hunger relief organization, will host its 24th annual golf tournament with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at noon. The tournament will be held at WingHaven Country Club, St. Louis’ only Nicklaus Design Course, located at 7777 Winghaven Blvd. in O’Fallon. Tickets are $300 per golfer and include 18 holes with golf cart, golf goodie bag, and lunch and dinner. A live and silent auction will be held during the barbecue dinner. Proceeds will go toward ending childhood hunger and family food insecurity in the St. Louis bi-state region. For ticket details or to become a sponsor, visit http://www.OperationFoodSearch.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • August 9, 2017 Oct. 4: Free concert

Music lovers everywhere, bring your family out for free fun this fall during the new Concerts in the Park series at the Youth Activity Park at 7801 Hwy N. in Dardenne Prairie from 6 - 8:30 p.m. The Anita Rosamond Duo will perform. Picnic baskets are welcome; however, no alcohol or glass containers are allowed into the park. A concession stand is open during the concerts.

The 25-acre “extreme” sports park and all its amenities is open for use during the concerts. Those wishing to use the skate park and rock wall must have a season pass or pay the daily entry fee of $5 for children and $8 for adults. Helmets are required and a waiver must be completed by a parent or guardian.

Registration for the concerts is not required. For more information, call the park at 636-561-4963 or visit stccparks. org.

Oct. 7: Stroll for a Goal

Stroll for a Goal one mile or 5Kwalk/ fun run takes place at Cottleville Legacy Park, Pavilion A from 8 a.m. – noon.

Cost is $25 per individual and $35 per family. Pre-walk yoga stretch and postwalk refreshments, raffle and silent auction will take place and there will be a fire truck tour for children. Pets are welcome. All proceeds to benefit HavenHouse. This local charity provides the comfort of home and community of support to patients of all ages with any medical condition and their family members traveling more than 25 miles to receive care. HavenHouse provides lodging, two meals a day, transportation to 19 St. Louis regional medical facilities, and around-the-clock support services. Event registration and additional information about HavenHouse can be found on their website at www. havenhousestl.org.

Oct. 9: Charity golf tournament

The Second Annual Golftoberfest Fundraiser takes place at Old Hickory Golf Club. Shoes & Hope and the Cottleville/Weldon Spring Chamber invite you to play golf and/or sponsor this fun event. Event begins with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Cost of $125 includes golf, lunch and awards reception. For more information call Christy at 314-583-0538.

ONGOING EVENTS Sundays and Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

The Central Missouri Railroad Association meets at Suite 20 in the Warrenton Outlet Mall. This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more info call 636-2795522 or 636-456-0776.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly Take off pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street in St. Charles. For more information contact Grace at 636-9464687.

Mondays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

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

Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please all Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I love you, B.I.L.Y., Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. For informa-

tion and directions, please contact the helpline at314 993 7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo.com. B.I.L.Y 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.

tient 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.

Mondays: Alcoholics Anonymous

Tuesdays: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help.

Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

1st Monday: St.Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day ) unless otherwise specified. No meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (2nd floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 9 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (President) at 636561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Mondays: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

The Seasoned Eye Carvers meet every Monday from 9am to noon at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center, 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop).

Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

Mondays, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes

9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville.

314-369-6521.

Mondays: Chronic pain support group

American Chronic Pain Association is a support group for and by people experiencing chronic pain. Group meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 3 – 5 p.m. at the Spencer Road Library in St Peters. Important: This is an anonymous group (first names only).

Spotlight

Gateway Spotlight is a women’s a capella chorus that meets at First United Methodist Church at 801 first Capitol Dr. in St. Charles every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. Call 636-2566823 for more details.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the IHOP at 3851 Veterans Memorial Dr. in St. Peters. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets 6:30 pm at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.219.0553.

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

1 – 4 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

Cancer Companions Support Group is a support group for any cancer pa-

6:30pm at various locations. Info: www. fleurdelisgardensociety.org; Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America 7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www. showmestitchers.com.

4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club

6:30pm at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930.

Last Tuesday of every month, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner.

Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant.

9-10am and 5:30-6:30pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314.369.6521.

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

Wednesdays: Talk

1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities.

No sewing experience required.

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Toastmasters

7pm at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon. Info: 636.379.2505.

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

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

Support group for families who have lost a loved one to heroin/opiate addiction. 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital Campus in Room 212 of Professional Building 1. Contact: geevigna@charter.net. No registration required

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

3rd Monday of Each Month: Life After Loss support group

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

5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.

7:15-9:45pm at First United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. Info: www.gatewayspotlight. org or 636.256.6823.

6:30pm, Midwest BankCentre board room, 2299 Technology Dr. O’Fallon.

For more informaiton call Mike at 314.276.5018.

Every Tuesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

Noon – 1pm at Tubby’s Bar & Grill at 506 Droste Rd. 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 636-448-4277. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.

1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting

6:30pm. Location varies. 314-3047480.

What’s Happening

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

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets at 7 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: Monthly veterans coffee

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and camaraderie.

Come meet with fellow veterans who served our country and share your experience.

Every Tuesday & Thursday: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA

8-9am & 10:15-11:15am. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

Veterans

Coffee

Veterans from all branches of the service are invited to attend “Coffee Talk” every Wednesday at. 9 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 3601 Ehlmann Rd. in St. Charles (Take I-70 to the Cave Springs exit). We will have applications for VA health care, applications for the honor flight, reports from local American Legion and VFW halls and lots of good comradery. Come join us for free coffee and donuts and enjoy an hour with your fellow veterans.

SUDOKU answers from page 10

Wednesdays: Marine League meeting

13 Corp

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at the American Legion 313 old town St. Peters at 7:30 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 Rookies Bar and Grill at 3721 New Town Rd. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Wednesdays: TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club 661 Wentzville holds meetings every Wednesday at 9:15 p.m. at Elder Court community meeting room. For more information call 314-650-1014.

Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club

10am Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379.

Every Wednesday: Men’s Golf League

5pm, tee off at 5:30 pm at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. www.lakesaintlouis.com, under the parks and recreation section.

Every Wednesday: Charity Bingo

6:45pm VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

1st Wednesday: Hope & Healing

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

1st and 3rd Wednesday Each: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

7pm – 9pm. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

CROSSWORD answers from page 11

August 9, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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August 9, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Are movie theaters on the way out?

M O V I E

When television made great inroads in the 1940’s and 50’s, theater owners saw attendance drop as families got their entertainment at home. Some were concerned that TV sets could conceivably mark the end of movie theaters.

In response, owners began hosting raffles and other giveaways to bring audiences back into their auditoriums.

More than sixty years later, those dire predictions may be coming true.

After announcing a “very challenging third quarter” regarding their earnings, AMC Theaters saw their stock price drop approximately 26 percent on Aug. 2. As CNBC pointed out, the company is looking towards promotions, “strategic pricing” and cutting costs, operating hours and staff.

Other publicly-traded theater chains also took a hit from Wall Street after AMC’s announcement. Despite blockbusters such as “Wonder Woman” and the ever-reliable releases from Marvel Studios, people are simply preferring to get their cinematic fixes at home. A reasonable investment in a big-screen TV and a decent sound system seems to be enough for many people.

In truth, the shift to home theaters has been going on for quite some time. Apple, which had a record day on the market while AMC tanked, also changed how we watch movies with the iPod, iPhone and iPad. The creation of iTunes

allowed music and movie lovers to buy individual songs for their hand-held devices. Stores such as Suncoast Motion Pictures, Musicland and FYE couldn’t compete and shut their doors.

AMC’s revelation really is a caution-andwarning for the industry. Content providers will continue to do well because Netflix and Amazon provide viable outlets for them. For the price of just one movie ticket per month, you can stream old TV shows, classic movies and new original content from Marvel Studios.

“Luke Cage” and “Daredevil,” for instance, have been getting serious buzz on social media.

So, is it really the end of AMC, Regal Entertainment and all the rest? Not necessarily, but the chains must change their policies. Some have tried to attract guests with high-end auditoriums featuring plush seats, great sound and a wait staff. These amenities don’t come

By Steve Bryan

cheap, however, making date nights a more expensive proposition.

AMC is on the right track with their “Classic” line of theaters. These locations show first-run movies at reasonable prices and offer deals on concessions. This appeals to moviegoers looking for value for their entertainment dollars. They want a clean, safe place to take their families and not spend their entire entertainment budget in a single day.

Corporate giants such as Apple, Netflix and Amazon will continue to influence the movie industry, so theater owners must adapt to survive. Otherwise, AMC’s Aug. 2 announcement may become a too-regular occurrence.

Photo courtesy Bigstock 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.

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