CNSTC: September 6, 2023

September 6, 2023

Monarch Madness

Around Town

Monarch Madness Pollinator Festival at Weldon Spring celebrates pollinating creatures that help nature thrive

By Brett Auten

A butterfly-palooza of sorts will be taking place at the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center.

A butterfly-palooza of sorts will be taking place at the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center.

Monarch Madness Pollinator Festival will be held on Sept. 16 and visitors will bask in a variety of interactive learning experiences at this event.

Annually, using mysterious powers rivaling a Global Positioning System, monarch butterflies navigate a landscape vaster than

the span of the continental United States. With instinct alone as their guide and in perfect sync, thousands journey through the air each autumn to one specific mountain range in Mexico.

The showy, familiar orange and black monarchs are the only insects that make this amazing migration and this incredible odyssey goes right through Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will join the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, Missouri Pollinator Network, St. Charles County Parks, and a host of other partners from 10 a.m.—3 p.m. This event takes place at the grounds of the Wel-

don Spring Site Interpretive Center in St. Charles and celebrates the amazing monarchs. The event is free and open to all ages.

“We are all about your littlest of creatures,” Aina Ferris, a Missouri Master Naturalist, said. “Events like this are 110% engagement. We want to inspire residents to do what they can and learn from the various experts at the event.”

Though monarchs are the headliners, the Monarch Madness festival will celebrate all pollinating creatures that help our plants thrive. The event will be fun for the

See ‘MONARCH’ page 2

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

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

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

Weather

FRIDAY Partly Cloudy 87/69

SATURDAY Partly Cloudy 86/67

SUNDAY Partly Cloudy 86/69

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Lilly’s Snow Cones celebrates grand opening of new location. Pg. 3

State auditor releases report for Wentzville Parkway TDD. Pg. 4

Submitted photo

Aina Ferris, a Missouri Master Naturalist, is shown here with her children on the hunt for Monarch butterflies.

Around Town

whole family and offer interactive ways to learn about pollinator declines and what people can do to help.

The event first debuted in 2015 with Bob Lee leading the charge. This year, Tom Holt and Nicole Snyder have been paramount in getting this year’s event up and going.

MDC staff will give visitors a chance to help catch, tag, and release monarch butterflies so they can be tracked on their epic journey. The event will feature kids ’crafts, games, exhibits, native garden demonstrations, food trucks, and more. Vendors with native plants, bird feeders and nesting boxes, local crafts, and produce will also be on hand. Visitors can purchase native plants and get helpful advice on how to grow monarch-sustaining plants at home. Guests can also enjoy viewing and hiking the site’s 150-acre restored Howell Prairie.

As monarchs flit from plant to plant in search of food, they spread pollen crucial to the reproduction of their host plants.

More than 75% of the Earth’s flowering plants depend on pollinators.

“It’s a relationship vital to the survival of each—and us,” Ferris said. “One out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinating insects.”

Pollinators are in decline and it’s a source of growing concern among scientists. Though monarch numbers have dropped, people can do something to help. Planting backyard butterfly gardens can help monarch populations recover. Establishing milkweed and nectar plants will also give them a boost on their long journey. Monarch Madness will help visitors learn how they can make a difference.

The team of event planners, festival ushers, parking attendants, speakers, and pollinator education station workers are all unpaid volunteers. Who would be crazy enough to dedicate at least six months out of the year towards organizing a one-day event that’s free admission and open to the public? It’s madness. It’s love. It’s respect for all living things. The Missouri Master Nat-

uralists aim to encourage fellow Missourians to appreciate and preserve our natural world.

“This is about all small pollinators from insects to birds to small mammals,” Ferris said. “We consider this a significant event and the largest community-led event that leads toward the monarch count.” Limited parking will be available on-site so plan to come early. The Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center is located at 7295 Highway 94, approximately two miles south of I-64/40. For more information, call 636-300-2600.

Monarch Madness 2023 sponsors include Woodard and Curran, Ameren, Bayer, Great Rivers Greenway, Magnificent Missouri, St. Charles Wild Ones, and The Native Explorer. It also credits the Missouri Master Naturalists tri-chapters, Missouri Master Gardeners, MU Extension Office, and other affiliate organizations that advocate for the protection and conservation of all pollinators.

Submitted photos

Monarch Madness will take place on Sept. 16 at the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center in St. Charles. Visitors will enjoy a variety of interactive learning experiences at this pollinator festival, such as monarch butterfly tagging.

‘ MONARCH’ from cover

Lilly’s Snow Cones celebrates the grand opening of their new location with ribbon cutting

Lilly’s Snow Cones opened its new location at 8621 Hwy N in Lake St. Louis. To commemorate the opening, the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 3.

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

Submitted photo

Lilly’s Snow Cones employs kids with and without disabilities. They provide a fun and welcoming environment to learn job skills and earn a meaningful wage. By bringing your family and friends to Lilly’s

West Community Credit Union partners with St. Louis Youth Soccer Association

West Community Credit Union is excited to be named the exclusive banking partner and presenting partner of the St. Louis Youth Soccer Association (SLYSA).

Founded in 1975, SLYSA operates competitive soccer leagues for boys and girls ages six to nine with over 15,000 players representing over 1,000 teams. The organization owns its own soccer complex location at 3901 Huster Rd. in St. Charles County.

“We are excited to support SLYSA through this key partnership opportunity. With both organizations being not-for-profit, we certainly share the same values in our commitment to our communities, making this a great fit”, stated Jason Peach, West Community CEO.

“SLYSA is excited to form a partnership with West Community Credit Union. To have the opportunity to work alongside of a local community focused institution is very meaningful to us,” said SLYSA Executive Director Johann Arnason. “We look forward to forming a lasting relationship with such a great company that truly exemplifies the meaning of doing what’s right for their customers and putting service at the forefront. This is a perfect partnership for both organizations.”

SLYSA is completely self-funded and only receives revenue from league fees, advertising fees and donations.

you are supporting inclusion in our community and advocating for the acceptance of all people regardless of their abilities.

For additional information on Lilly’s Snow Cones, follow them at http://www.lillyssnowcones.com.

Rotary Club of Cottleville/Weldon Spring donates to Dignity Period

CWS Rotarians gave $500 to Dignity Period through Empowering Girls, a District 6060 project established to enhance education, safety, health, and well-being of young girls.

Dignity Period works with collaborative agencies throughout the U.S. to provide sustainable, washable and reusable pad kits to those who menstruate. These kits consist of four pads. With proper care, kits can provide up to 18 months of coverage.

To date, Dignity Period has provided over 4,000 people with kits in communities throughout the U.S.

To donate to Dignity Period go to dignityperiod.com.

State auditor releases closeout report for Wentzville Parkway TDD

On Aug. 11, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick issued the closeout audit of the Wentzville Parkway Transportation Development District (TDD), located in St. Charles County. State law requires an audit of a TDD prior to moving forward with dissolution.

The Wentzville Parkway TDD was formed in March 2005 for the purpose of improving Wentzville Parkway, North Road, the North Road retaining wall and a North Road extension. The project was completed in April 2006, and the city of Wentzville subsequently accepted ownership of the project. The Wentzville Parkway TDD projects totaled approximately $1,899,000.

The project was funded by a one-half percent sales tax on all taxable transactions within the boundaries of the district. Debt associated with the project was

paid off in November 2020 and the board of directors approved rescinding the sales tax in December 2020.

The ending cash balance for the Wentzville Parkway TDD as of July 31, 2022, was $272,801. According to district legal counsel, as of September 2022, the district owed approximately $26,000 in unpaid legal fees, and could incur an additional $60,000 in legal fees during the dissolution of the district. After the district’s final costs and professional fees are paid, the remaining balance will be distributed to the city of Wentzville in accordance with state law. The audit determined the financial condition of the Wentzville Parkway TDD was such that the board of directors may proceed with abolishment of the district.

Submitted photo

CWS Rotarians are pictured with the big check to Dignity Period. CWS Rotarians meet at Bemo’s Grill, Cottleville, every Wednesday at noon.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

Mondays: Alcoholics Anonymous

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636-970-0013.

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

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

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

Mondays: Parent support group

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

Mondays: Kiwanis Club meeting

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

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

Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

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

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

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

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636219-0553.

Mondays: Measurement

Mondays: 10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and momsto-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

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

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

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

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports you see with Gary B...

Ambush looking for a few good players

The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) and play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The team will be holding tryouts on Sept. 30 at Vetta St. Charles located at 1425 St. Peters Cottleville Rd. in Cottleville.

Check in is at 2 p.m. and tryouts and evaluations are from 3 – 8 p.m.

For more details go to www. STLAmbush.com.

*You never know unless you try

Ambush resigns team goal scoring machine

The Ambush has resigned veteran midfielder Will Eskay to a contract extension through the 2024-25 season, the team announced recently.

The 2023-24 season will be Eskay’s sixth in the Major Arena Soccer League and his fourth with the Ambush. In 96 career professional indoor soccer games, Eskay has compiled 69 goals, 22 assists and has blocked 53 opposing shots.

Last season, he was the team’s leader in goals (22) and points (30). His eight assists were good for second on the team and he was third in blocks (20).

Eskay played with the Harrisburg Heat from 2018 to 2020. When the Heat sat out the abbreviated 2021 season due to the pandemic, Eskay came to the Ambush on loan. On Sept. 21, 2021, the Ambush signed Eskay, as a free agent, to his first contract with the club.

The Ambush will kick off their 11th season this fall.

*Looking forward to a kicking good time

Lindenwood has their player added to volleyball tournament team

Recently, the UIC announced the four selections to the Chicago Classic All-Tournament team. Each team selected one representative, which one was selected by the head coaches.

The Lions selection was senior middle blocker Rebecca Janke who was active on both the offensive and defensive side of the net.

Janke helped the Lions to a 2-1 record during their first weekend of play.

In the Lion’s first match of the season, Janke had a team high 16 kills vs. Oakland University. She had a hitting percentage of .351 that also led the team. She followed that with 15 kills in the 3-1 win over St. Thomas with another efficient match (.302 hitting percentage).

On the defensive side, Janke had a team high 14 kills throughout the weekend including seven vs. St. Thomas. Her seven blocks in that match ranked third in the OVC over the weekend.

Janke is a 6’2” Junior playing middle back on the team.

*Congrats are in order

Lindenwood football player being noticed for an award

Logan Seibert of the Lindenwood football team has earned a spot on the 2023 Fred Mitchell Award Preseason Watch List. The annual Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place-Kicker Award (also known as the Fred Mitchell Award) is provided to the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker among more than 750 FCS, Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA football teams. The recipient of the award will be chosen based on excellence on the football field and in the community.

*Great to be noticed by the committee

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 sea son, among many other activities. I am currently host ing a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com. It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

RECIPE : Satisfy your sweet tooth with this quick and easy dessert

CARAMELIZED BANANAS

Satisfying your craving for dessert just got a lot easier. These Caramelized Bananas are a delicious combination of crunchy caramel on the outside and soft bananas on the inside. Just a few ingredients perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream equals a flavorful treat.

INGREDIENTS:

Butter, for melting in pan

2 bananas

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons maple syrup

vanilla ice cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

In medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Slice bananas evenly into 1/2-inch-thick coins. Once skillet is hot, add banana slices.

Sprinkle in cinnamon, pour in maple syrup and toss gently to coat both sides. Cook bananas 4 minutes on

Find

each side until caramelized. Remove from heat and serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips: Be sure bananas are not overly ripe. Green tinge is preferred as bananas will hold up better to heat. Sugar burns quickly watch closely when caramelizing.

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.

starred as Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr., a college professor of archaeology. The story, which was set in 1936, showed Jones travelling the world in search of the Ark of the Covenant, a relic that reportedly could make an army invincible.

Dr. Jones wanted to contact Abner Ravenwood, his former mentor, but Abner’s daughter Marion told him that her father had passed away. Indy and Marion then traveled to various countries and learned for themselves the power contained within the Ark of the Covenant. 1984’s “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” explored one of Indy’s earlier adventures while 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” gave audiences a satisfying end to the original trilogy.

As was the case with “Indiana Jones, other popular movie franchises explored their characters in films. 1978’s “Superman,” for instance, looked at the superhero’s early life on the planet Krypton. Marlon Brando was cast as Jor-El, a scientist who sent his son

Kal-El into space before Krypton exploded. After landing on Earth, Kal was adopted by human parents who named him Clark. On Earth, he gained superhuman abilities and learned more about his Kryptonian origins.

“Superman II” showed Clark giving up his powers for love just as General Zod and his colleagues Ursa and Non landed on Earth.

“Superman III” introduced Richard Pryor as computer programmer Gus Gorman. Released in 1987, “Superman IV” focused on removing the threat of nuclear annihilation.

In the late 1960’s, Gene Roddenberry created a television series that became a phenomenon. A decade before “Star Wars” arrived in theaters, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy were cast in “Star Trek,” an outer space series. Although the original series ran for just three years, its fan base has been incredibly strong and devoted. In

1973, a cartoon version of the series ran on Saturday mornings and, in 1979, fans lined up to see “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.” A few years later, “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan” cast Ricardo Montalbán as Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically enhanced tyrant. 1984’s “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” and 1986’s “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” examined more of the “Trek” universe.

When it comes to magic, though, the “Harry Potter” universe can’t be beat. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson were cast as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granager, three students at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While Harry was only an infant, an evil sorcerer named Lord Voldemort attempted to kill him, but that curse backfired. Throughout his years at Hogwarts, Harry and his friends learned more spells and discovered the consequences of dark magic. Author J.K. Rowling wrote seven “Harry Potter” novels that became the basis of eight movies. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” a play written by Jack Throne, was based on an original story by Rowling.

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.

‘Indiana Jones,’ ‘Superman,’ ‘Star Trek’ and other popular film franchises

Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

Moore on Life

My husband and I come from different planets and because of that, we each have our own language. It took some getting used to the wordage, but eventually we were able to understand one another and even communicate somewhat.

Me: “Oh nuts, the computer isn’t working again.”

Double talk

Him: “What do you mean? I was just on it and it worked fine.”

“Nope. That little swirly thing is on and it’s just a swirling and a swirling. I’m sure it’s out of gigaboops.”

“What do you mean by gigaboops?” he asked.

“Oh, come on. You’re a computer guy, aren’t you? You know, the stuff that makes computers run. I think we’re out. Can you add some? Fill ‘er up and while you’re at it add some energy boosters. it’s running kinda slow.”

“That’s crazy talk. One, you don’t fill up a computer like you fill up a car. Two, I just need to add faster RAM.”

“Now who’s talking crazy. What good is a ram going to do a computer. Besides, I think it’s a vegetarian.”

“Not funny,” he said as he rummaged through the cupboards. “Hey, where’d you put that whatchamacallit?”

“Huh? Are you sure you don’t mean the dealywhacker or the doojigger?”

“No, I know where those are at. I mean the whatchamacallit.”

“Well, you’re going to have to provide a little more information.”

“You know, that thing you use for stirring pancake batter,” he said as he made a stirring motion

By Cindy Moore

with his arm.

“Oh, that’s what you usually refer to as the thingamabobber, remember?

It’s called a whisk. Say it slowly with me, w-h-isss-k.”

“W-h-a-tcha-ma-caa-ll-it.”

“Not funny. It’s in the top drawer next to the doohickies.”

He found it immediately then opened the fridge and let out a cry of despair. “We’re out of milk?! I need milk for my pancakes. Now what?”

“Guess you better make a quick trip to the store,” I said.

“Great. Where’d you put the keys?”

“Where they usually are. In the junk drawer next to the other gizmos.”

He headed towards the door then turned and said, “Do we need anything else?”

“Yes, bring back some gigaboops. Get two packages.”

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

CROSSWORD: HEALTH & FITNESS

ACROSS

1. Century Gothic, e.g.

5. Good times

8. Pi times radius squared

12. D'Artagnan's sword

13. Before "saw" and "conquered"

14. Honeybunch

15. *Contagious skin bump

16. Centers of activity

17. One of a duo on "Sesame Street"

18. *Estrogen and testosterone

20. Tiny piece of anything

21. *Pertaining to ear

22. Pocket watch chain

23. Bed "on the tree top"

26. Home ground

30. Yankee's foe

31. Heart-to-heart

34. First Nation nation

35. Clumsy

37. Summer mo.

38. Boris Godunov and Nicholas Romanov

39. ____ 1 jet speed

40. Last in octad

42. Intelligent humor

43. Win or go home competition

45. Actor Snipes

47. Not stood

48. Knitter's unit

50. *Eye part

52. *Vitamins' partners

55. Old-time calculators

56. Port of Yemen

57. Memorization method

59. Greek Bs

60. Bank on

61. Crazy one

62. Yamaguchi or Hamill's jump

63. *"Bad" cholesterol, acr.

64. Rudolph, e.g.

DOWN

1. Like proud marines

2. Moonfish

3. Infamous Roman Emperor

4. Between triad and pentad

5. Flora's partner

6. Umbrella-like inflorescence

7. "The Untouchables" leader

8. *Richard Simmons' workout

9. Deliver a tirade

10. Lake north of Cleveland

11. Sailor's assent

13. *Uncontrollable

movement disorder

14. Retire from military

19. Deprive by deceit

22. *"All the rage" diet, e.g.

23. Way to curl hair

24. *Pertaining to kidneys

25. Manila hemp

26. *H in HIIT

27. Type of fishing net

28. Eagle's nest

29. Easily irritated

32. Naive, alt. spelling

33. Excavated

36. *Annual exam

38. Not our

40. Young newt

41. Maid to a maid

44. Desert mirage

46. L. Carroll's and J. Heller's characters

48. Chose between competitors

49. Funereal bell sound

50. Wild goat

51. Loan attribute

52. Lime-rich soil

53. Dirty money

54. Greek portico

55. Legal grp.

58. *Heart test acronym

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St.

John Hanna Yeggs