CNSTC: November 16, 2022

A festive food fight

Around Town

Main Street Church in St. Charles is once again hosting a Gingerbread Village display and contest for culinary artists across the region

By Brett Auten

Construction is underway and soon you will be able to bear witness to the fruits of ev eryone’s labor.

Main Street Church, located at 116 North Main Street in St. Charles, is once again host ing a Gingerbread Village display and contest.

The display has turned into a fan favorite of the many activities that take place during the Christmas Traditions celebration in Historic St. Charles.

This year’s theme is Small Town Christmas. This display of gingerbread creations has

become a tradition for many families during the Christmas season as submissions come in from young and old to be a part of the culi nary village. Representatives from the com munity participate by judging these displays and awarding prizes in four categories. In addition, during the festival, the general pub lic is invited to come visit and view the vil lage, then vote for their favorite to receive the “People’s Choice Award.”

Last year, Courtney Brandwein’s family brought home a first-place finish for the cat egory, “A Christmas Movie.” Her children sculpted scenes from “How the Grinch Stole

Christmas,” and “A Charlie Brown Christ mas.” The Brandweins, from Wright City, sculpted a scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Brandwein admitted that being the defending champ, there is a little pressure added.

“I narrowed it down, then started working on drawings and then sketched it out,” Brand wein said. “It helps me to know where I’m go ing.”

A family member clued Brandwein in on the event, after a feature was broadcast on a local news network.

School 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

New group focused on Wright City parks. Pg. 5

Progress as promised at local high school. Pg. 6

Great Rivers Greenway Master Plan outlines future projects for trails in the region. Pg. 3

Submitted photo

Photo courtesy Nichole Mercier

Photo courtesy Courtney Brandwein

(Top Left) Once again, Main Street Church will be hosting a Gingerbread Village contest. Representatives from the community participate by judging the displays and awarding prizes in four categories. Houses will be displayed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the hours of Christmas Traditions through Dec. 18 in Historic St. Charles. (Right) An entry into the Main Street Church’s Gingerbread Village contest. (Bottom left) Isabelle, Collette, Courtney and Henry Brandwein, of Wright City, display their previous entries into the Main Street Church’s Gingerbread Village contest.

‘FESTIVE’ from cover

“I never thought one would be close enough,” she said. “It seemed like some thing we could do. It wasn’t overly pro fessional. Now, it has turned into a fami ly activity. I have 10 children and they’re all waiting their turn.”

In Creve Coeur, Nichole Mercier and her family of four children call the year ly decorative contest, “one big party.”

The Merciers always make downtown St. Charles one of their stops during the holiday season and that is where they got their first glimpse of the contest. They start doing their homework in late September, early October, combing through magazines and books looking for ideas and then placing orders for candy.

“When it gets to be about two weeks

(before the deadline), my husband starts to complain,” Nichole said, with a laugh. “There are mountains of can dy and frosting and houses all over the dining room. Sometimes we get a hand from my sister who is the Rice Krispies sculpting queen.

“I feel like it is one of those things that when we look back on later, it was a re ally fun tradition. These are memories we will always have.”

A good thing about the contest are the different categories, which makes it ac cessible to all.

“It’s something even a one-year-old can help with,” Mercier added.

Houses will be displayed Friday, Sat urday, and Sunday during the hours of Christmas Traditions through Dec. 18.

Three new exhibitions in Wentzville at the Crossroads Arts Council Gallery

New November Gallery shows which high light the work of three local artists has opened at the Crossroads Arts Council Gallery, located at 310 West Pearce, in Wentzville. Weekly gal lery hours are Thursday-Sunday, 11 – 3 p.m.

The Crossroads Arts Council’s mission is to cultivate, nurture and grow the arts in the com munity by supporting local artists. Being lo cated in the lower portion of the old city hall, with the Wentzville Community Historical So ciety being located in the upper portion of the building, the two organizations offer a unique opportunity for cultural growth in the historic downtown district.

In the main gallery, visitors will be able to view the work of Columbian artist Martha Laline who has recently moved to the Cross roads area. Her connection with animals and art run through her veins. Laline is a faithful rep resentative of a Columbian woman: passionate, talented and with a huge heart for life. As a cre ative woman, she designs accessories, restores furniture and shares her love of nature with her watercolor art.

Dale Cannon is the featured artist in the east gallery. Known as the “wire guy,” Cannon has been twisting wires since he was in high school. His expertise is easily seen in this show which highlights an art which has become a passion for him.

The west gallery show “What I See” offers the unique perspective of art as seen and recalled by Carol Baker, an artist who has lost most of her vision. Baker’s love for beautiful landscapes fills her paintings with rural scenes, towering mountains, mesas, and arches. Though she lost most of her eyesight, her memories and intu ition helped to finish her painting.

These new shows offer the perfect launch of getting to enjoy both of these organizations spaces as a way to be in the present time and learn both about the city’s past and a glimpse of the future, both at the same time.

The exhibition is on until Nov. 27.

Photo courtesy Nichole Mercier

Great Rivers Greenway Master Plan outlines future projects for trails in the region

The new Great Rivers Greenway will connect St. Charles Community Col lege to Katy Trail State Park. It is one of the first projects to come out of the St. Charles County Greenway Master Plan adopted in May of 2022.

The purpose of the Greenway Master Plan is to determine the specific location and features of the Greenway. Feedback from residents, businesses, and proper ty owners will be actively encouraged throughout the process to make sure the greenway project truly reflects the goals and aspirations of the entire communi ty. Engagement activities will include a community survey and open houses so everyone has an opportunity to contrib ute. The community will also be invited to help name the greenway.

Great Rivers Greenway has partnered with a team of consultants, led by Plan ning Design Studio and Shockey Con sulting, to bring this Greenway to life. Supporting community partners include St. Charles County, Weldon Spring, Cot tleville, St. Peters and the Missouri De partment of Natural Resources.

The Community Advisory Commit tee (CAC) is very important to this pro cess. Being sought are proactive individ uals willing to learn new things, engage in active and constructive conversation and speak up for what they feel is im portant as we plan for the greenway.

The committee is being assembled very intentionally to represent a wide variety of perspectives, each unique and valuable. Committee membership is likely to include appointed officials, local business owners, nearby residents and walking/biking enthusiasts.

The CAC will assist the project team and identify community needs and concerns about the Greenway. All rec ommendations of the CAC will be con sidered very seriously by the project partners.

It is anticipated that this group will meet three times in the next twelve months. At these meetings, project team members will present information on public outreach and project design and ask for input. No experience with greenway planning is needed – just in terest. The first meeting will be held in-person; the committee will decide whether to hold its remaining meetings in-person or via Zoom (or both).

Representatives should be willing to attend scheduled meetings, participate actively, review work products, and help with public outreach by sharing infor mation directly with their networks and encouraging involvement in the planning process. Advisory Committee members are also encouraged to attend public meetings.

Great Rivers Greenway’s mission is to

Protect the blood supply by donating this fall

The American Red Cross urges blood donors of all types and those who have never given before to book a time to give blood or platelets now and help keep the blood supply from dropping ahead of the holidays.

People of all blood types are needed, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood – blood products that are critical to keeping hospitals ready to help patients depending on

transfusions in the weeks ahead. Book now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting Red CrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thankyou for taking the time to give this fall, all who come to give through Nov.22 will receive a $10 e-gift card by email to a merchant of choice. Details are available at rcblood.org/perks.

make the St. Louis region a more vibrant place to live, work and play by develop ing a regional network of greenways. Greenways are outdoor spaces that con nect people and places. Each greenway is unique, reflecting the character of the communities it connects.

GRG is a public agency, created by a vote of the people in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County in the year 2000 and funded by sales tax

dedicated to parks and greenways. Those funds and partnerships with 100-plus municipalities and institutions allow GRG to build, care for, and bring to life a network of greenways, creating healthy habitats and watersheds along the way. Over 128 greenways have been created by Great Rivers Greenway. These proj ects transcend political boundaries and unite the region based on watersheds, not zip codes or city limits.

As a member of the St. Charles Coun ty Extension Council, you can put any issue, interest, or concern on the coun ty’s educational agenda, and help work towards developing programs and re sources to help your neighbors.

Because extension councils, through federal and state laws, have a legal foun dation for operation and a working partnership with MU Extension, the

variety and scope of educational pro grams are nearly unlimited. To learn more about Extension Council, visit our website - https://extension.mis souri.edu/counties/st-charles-county/ county-council/join-stcharles-council.

If you or someone you know would like to serve their community and the extension, please reach out to Deana Dothage, dothaged@missouri.edu.

MU Extension in St. Charles County is seeking nominations/candidates for 2023 MU Extension Council members

Waterfowl hunters encouraged to use caution amidst avian influenza outbreak

The Missouri Depart ment of Conservation (MDC) confirms addi tional cases of highly pathogenic avian in fluenza (HPAI) have been detected this fall in Missouri. Outbreaks

affecting waterfowl spe cies have been reported in Chariton, Jackson, St. Charles and St. Louis counties.

“In September, HPAI was detected in water fowl returning from

arctic nesting grounds in northern states,” said MDC State Wildlife Vet erinarian Sherri Russell. “We expected a return of the virus and have seen diseased birds beginning this October.”

Spotlight on O’Fallon Plaza

Made Today Cafe and Bakery is a local ly owned and operated breakfast spot and bakery located in O’Fallon, MO. Owner, Jennifer Garner has always been passionate about cooking made-from-scratch foods for her family. In 2015, she made her dreams come true by opening her cafe and cooking for a much larger crowd.

Dining at Made Today Cafe is an experi ence! Please do not expect a quick in and out meal. All meals are made to order, so please sit back and relax, enjoy a cup of coffee and good company while someone else takes care of the cooking. Gluten free/dairy free available. Visit our website for full menu and hours. We hope to see you soon.

Due to ongoing water fowl hunting seasons this fall, waterfowl hunters should properly dispose of harvest waste. Af ter cleaning waterfowl, hunters are encouraged to place the remains in trash bags and dispose of them through trash collection or a permit ted landfill. Bald eagles and other raptors are particularly susceptible to avian influenza. This simple action could help prevent bald eagle and other raptor mortalities.

Hunters should also be aware that it is possi ble to transport avian in fluenza viruses on boats, waders, or other equip ment, especially if it isn’t dry before moving it from one site to another. Allowing hunting equip ment to dry between outings will reduce this chance.

Avian influenza, com monly referred to as bird flu, spreads as birds along the North Amer

ican flyways intermin gle with infected birds from Europe and Asia. The viruses are trans mitted from bird to

bird through fecal drop pings, saliva and nasal discharges. There is a risk for spillover from wild birds into domestic poultry and then back again from poultry to wild birds, resulting in further spread.

“Avian influenza does not present an imme diate public health con cern, though on rare occasions it has infect ed humans and other animals,” said Russell.

“It is safe to eat poultry and wild game birds be cause normal cooking temperatures are hot enough to kill the virus if present. Make sure to cook meat to an internal temperature of 165 de grees Fahrenheit.”

Situation updates of ongoing avian influenza in wild birds are avail able online at https:// short.mdc.mo.gov/4GX. For domestic poultry situational updates and biosecurity informa tion, visit the Missouri Department of Agricul ture website at https:// agriculture.mo.gov/avi an-influenza.php.

Submitted photo

MDC confirms new outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported in Mis souri this fall. The public, especially waterfowl hunters, are encouraged to use caution when handling birds. Birds of prey, such as red-shouldered hawks (pictured), are particularly susceptible to avian flu.

Made Today Cafe and Bakery

New group focused on Wright City parks

Every time Kathy Kehoe drives past Diekroeger Park, children are running around and climbing on the new play ground equipment there.

“It’s been phenomenal,” said Kehoe, who serves on the board of the Wright City Parks Foundation and whose late husband spent years dedicating his time as the city’s parks director.

The foundation, along with other community groups and members, are working to make sure more improve ments are being made to the city’s parks.

The foundation was recently awarded a $3,271 Operation Round Up grant to purchase an ADA swing for Diekroeger Park.

The swings were needed after the park’s older ones were removed when playground equipment was donated to the city and installed earlier this year.

“We didn’t know this was a need until

contacted by the city, but after talking to some parents, I am really excited about it,” said foundation member Heidi Hal leman.

Monetary donations can be made to the Wright City Parks Foundation throughout the year. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 562, Wright City, MO 63390, or made through Venmo (@ wcparksfoundation). For more informa tion, email wc4parksfoundation@gmail. com.

Operation Round Up funds are do nated by Cuivre River Electric mem bers who participate in the program by rounding up their electric bill payments each month to the next highest dol lar. The funds, administered by a sev en-member volunteer board, are avail able to help individuals, families and organizations.

Missouri Humanities introduces the new Missouri Speakers’ Bureau

Missouri Humanities is introducing the Missouri Speakers’ Bureau. The purpose of the Missouri Speakers’ Bu reau is to promote humanities educa tion throughout the state of Missouri. With over 50 speakers and over 85 presentations, there is sure to be much interest.

In service to Missouri Humanities mission to share humanities opportu nities across the state, Missouri Speak ers Bureau will provide each speaker with underwriting to be able to do four presentations in underserved ru ral communities. These are defined as those communities outside the coun

ties of Boone, Greene, Jackson, St. Louis and outside the city of St. Louis. Underwriting is limited and you must qualify to be considered.

If your civic organization, museum, historical society, library, or similar institution or group is looking for an expert to give a presentation on a top ic related to the history, culture, geog raphy, and/or people of Missouri, you should consider all that this program has to offer.

To learn more about the Missouri Speakers’ Bureau, please visit https:// mohumanities.org/speakers-bureau/.

Submitted photo

The Wright City Parks Foundation was presented with a $3,271 Operation Round Up grant to purchase an ADA swing for Diekroeger Park. Pictured above are members of the foundation (from left) Heidi Halleman, JoAnn Farmer, Kathy Kehoe, Julia Ramey and Tina Perry.

Wentzville high schools host theater performances

The Holt High School Theatre Department will present “Tuck Everlasting,” based on the novel by Natalie Babbitt, on Nov. 17, 18 and 19.

“Tuck Everlasting” is the story of a family who drink water from a mystical spring and become age less. Sometime after, they meet a young girl who lives in their rural New England town, and their fates are quickly intertwined as she becomes friends with one of the sons. She is soon offered the secret to everlast ing life, and must decide whether to join them in im mortality or live out her normal life. Along the way, she also helps remind the Tucks what they have to look forward to, even as life moves on around them.

“Tuck Everlasting” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals and will be performed in the C.H. Jones Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17, 18, and 19. Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased online.

The Liberty High School Theatre Department will present E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” on Nov. 17, 18 and 19.

“Charlotte’s Web” tells the family-friendly story of Wilbur, a little pig who is first saved by a little girl named Fern, and Charlotte, a wise spider who be friends Wilbur and works to save his life. A timeless tale of friendship, faith, sacrifice and love, this play brings kindness and heart to audiences of all ages.

“Charlotte’s Web” is presented by arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Wood stock, Illinois and will be performed in the Liberty High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17, 18, and 19. Tickets are $5 for students and $6 for adults. Purchase tickets online.

Progress as promised at Timberland High School

Timberland High School (THS)’s Culinary Arts Program commenced in the newly ren ovated classroom and kitchen on time and on budget this fall thanks to funding from Wentz ville School District taxpayers and a state-sponsored Career Technical Education Grant.

The pots and pans clatter in the new THS Culinary Arts class room, demonstrating the strength of its staff and students who are determined to keep learning in an ever-changing environment. The newly-renovated space is packed full of great new kitchen equipment.

The massive overhaul of this classroom vastly improved the learning environment and al lows students interested in culi nary arts to expand their skill set in that field before leaving high school.

The pantry relocation to an ad jacent room significantly opened up the space and made a huge difference in the workflow of the classroom. This opening also improves class supervision. The space now includes features such as an outside patio, allowing stu dents to learn how to grill and smoke various foods and grow fresh herbs.

Additionally, the classroom sta tions are equipped with an iPad so that the recipes can be sent di rectly to each station.

“Students are really excited about the patio space with an outdoor herb garden and grills,” said Mrs. Boren, Family, and Consumer Science (FACS) teach er. “We have a lot of students who have not experienced operating a grill, and when we first showed students the herb garden, they were surprised we are growing

actual things we will use.”

When considering what the classroom originally looked like, it’s hard to even compare the two rooms anymore. The flexibili ty of the Culinary Art staff and students was essential during the 2021-2022 school year. While this classroom was being fully reno vated, they got innovative. The Family Consumer Science team at THS worked together and con verted the adjacent classroom into a makeshift kitchen.

Students are jumping at the op portunity to take a class in this beautiful space. The renovation created a captivating environ ment to learn the culinary arts.

“I think when students are in this space it feels exciting and is an authentic cooking experience for them,” said Boren.

Photos courtesy Wentzville School District Timberland High School’s Culinary Arts Program commenced in the newly renovated classroom and kitchen this fall thanks to funding from Wentzville School District taxpayers and a state-sponsored Career Technical Education Grant.

Tutor Doctor of St. Peters celebrates opening with ribbon cutting

Light Up Cottleville celebrates opening with ribbon cutting

Tutor Doctor of St. Peters celebrated its opening at the Cottleville Wedon Spring Chamber office in Cottleville. To commemorate the opening, the company held a ribbon-cutting cere mony on October 28.

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

“I have dedicated my career to help ing others realize their full potential. Often, the people I have helped are just one genuine interaction away from experiencing their next successful mo

ment or from realizing their full poten tial,” said Kevin Mabie, owner Tutor Doctor of St. Peters.

“We at Tutor Doctor want to be the genuine interaction they may be need ing. We want to connect with our stu dents as people, and then we want to help them truly learn the concepts that are challenging them. We like to think that we don’t just teach concepts. We teach people and we are not satisfied until we are certain the concepts have been learned,” he said.

For more information visit https:// www.tutordoctor.com/saint-peters/.

Light Up Cottleville celebrated its opening at the Cottleville Wedon Spring Chamber office in Cottleville. To commemorate the opening, the compa ny held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 28.

Members of the Cottleville Wel don-Spring Chamber of Commerce, Little Black Book and other community leaders were in attendance.

“Light Up Cottleville brings family fun and the spirit of giving together in one huge event right in the center of down

town Cottleville! We will have Christ mas tree and town lighting, VIP tent, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Blitzen Bazaar and so much more. Kids 12-and-under get in free with a new, unwrapped toy donation to LBB Toys for Tots. I have been working on developing this event for over a year,” said Breanna Kleeschul te, owner of Light Up Cottleville. Share the magic of Christmas and the spirit of giving with friends and family at Light Up Cottleville, Christmas in the ‘Ville.

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Take Notice . . .

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

EVENTS

ONGOING EVENTS

club looking for new mem bers who want to better our community. Contact Christy at 314-583-0538.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers

meeting

18: Holiday bazaar and luncheon

Nov.

The ladies of Immanuel Lu theran Church Wentzville host a Holiday Bazaar and Luncheon from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 632 East Highway N. The event features home made crafts and baked goods. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Carry out is available, cash or check only.

Nov. 24: Thanksgiving meal

The Wentzville Outreach Li ons Club will be hosting its annual free Thanksgiving luncheon for the community, including veterans, seniors and those who do not want to be alone, at St. Patrick Catholic School at 701 South Church St. in Wentzville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For mor in formation call 314-258-1069 or 314-780-5629.

Dec. 4: Christmas house tour

Come join the New Town @ St. Charles Women’s Club for the 13th annual New Town @ St. Charles Christmas House Tour from 1 – 4 p.m. You will tour beautifully decorat ed homes while helping to fund local charities. Tickets ($10) will be available online starting Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. at the New Town House Tour Facebook page (@NTChrist masTour) or available the day of the tour at the New Town Town Hall located at 3300 Rue Royale Street. The tour starts at the Town Hall where tour maps will be available as well as holiday goodies to purchase.

Dec. 4: Lessons and car ols service

Zion Lutheran Church and School at 3866 S. Old High way 94 in St. Charles, invites the public to its 26th Annual Service of Lessons and Carols at 6 p.m. Celebrate the holi day season with scripture and song as performed by over 100 of Zion’s own children and adult choirs, handbells, and instrumentalists. For more information and direc tions, log on to www.zion harvester.org or contact Mark Thoelke, Minister of Music at 636-441-7425.

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 Lay la Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

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. 636-3993124.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First Unit ed 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 pro gram of self-help for par ents of troubled children (all ages). We are not profession als, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: NAMI St. Lou is Connection Recovery Support Group

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

Mondays: Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Mondays: Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at The Breakfast Club, 991 Waterbury Falls Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63368. New

Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Se nior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are al ways welcome. For more in formation visit http://www. stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

Choral Arts Singers practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at Connection Christian Church, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New sing ers (high school and older) are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.con certarts.org.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise spec ified. 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: St. Peters Rota ry 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 Luetken haus Blvd., Wentzville. 314369-6521.

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge St. Peters Senior Center plays bridge from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Thursdays, and would love to have any player, regardless of skill lev el, to join in. Call Mary Ann at 636-397-0866 if you are in terested in playing on Mon day or Thursday morning.

Mondays: American Le gion Post 388 Meets

Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636-219-0553

Mondays: Measurement Mondays: 10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Confer

ence room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meet ing will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introduc tions, games, interactive ed ucation, group conversation, and even snacks.

Mondays and Wednes days: Tai Chi for arthritis class

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

Tuesdays:

Women’s AA weekly meeting

Candlelighters Women in Re covery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb pre-School, turn left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 314-954-3364 for info.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memori al Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semi annual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more infor mation contact Dee at 636233-8032.

Tuesdays: Diabetes sup port group

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tues day of each month except November and December from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker

each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-6255447.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a glob al organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one com munity 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 gener ations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleski wanis.com.

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

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

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

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

Tuesdays: Mended Hearts

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

Tuesdays: St. Louis Chap ter of the Alzheimer’s As sociation Male Caregiver Experience

The group meets on third Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Alzhei mer’s Chapter Office at 9370 Olive Blvd. For more informa tion about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male Caregiv er Experience, please call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/stl. Regis tration is requested before the first meeting.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tues day there are refreshments and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertain

ment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Lou is Connection Recovery Support

Group

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

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

Tuesdays: Dardenne Pres byterian Church Basket ball

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

Tuesdays: Central Missou ri Railroad Association meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

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

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Gar den Club

Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930. Club does not meet in May or November.

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes 9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart

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

Third Tuesday: Luncheon for seniors

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

Wednesdays: Toastmas ters Club

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

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club

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

Wednesdays: Food pantry

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

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers Meetings are held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road in St. Charles. Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http://www.stcharlesarea woodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@char ter.net.

Wednesdays: Senior citi zen luncheon

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

Wednesdays: Quilt guild

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

Wednesdays:

Marine Corps League meeting

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

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all wom en’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at JJ’s Restau rant at 1215 S. Duchesne Dr. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-on ly fishing club.

Wednesdays: Monthly vet erans coffee

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Green Lantern Se nior Center at 506 S. Linn Ave.

in Wentzville on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and camara derie. Come meet with fellow veterans who served our coun try and share your experience.

Wednesdays: Crossroads Cribbage Club

Meets at 1380 Boone St., at 12 p.m. in Troy. 636-528-8379.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

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

Wednesdays: Men’s Golf League

Wednesdays, April - October. 5 p.m., tee off at 5:30 p.m. at

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Heritage of Hawk Ridge. For more information, contact the Lake St. Louis Community As sociation at 636-625-8276.

Wednesdays: Charity Bin go

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m. VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veter ans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636-272-1945 or www.vfw post5077.org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA

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

Wednesdays: Hope & Healing

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

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

Men’s rugby at Lindenwood even score with Army

Lindenwood University was knocked out of the D1A playoffs in the semifinals by Army last spring but men’s rugby was able to earn a 36-7 victory in a rematch of the two squads recently at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles. Eduan van Heerden scored two tries and the Lions defense held the Black Knights to just one score.

In a reminder of the two previous games, this one again began with a field position battle, defense and large collisions on full display from the opening kick off.

Lindenwood kept the pressure in Army territory early in the first half and the Lions were finally re warded for their efforts with a scrum, eight meters out from the endzone. After Rhys Smith crashed in with a hard inside line, van Heerden picked off the back of the ensuing ruck to score the first try 13 minutes into the match for a 5-0 Lindenwood lead.

Six minutes later, the Lions struck again when scrumhalf Matteo Peignon picked a ball off the back of a scrum and darted to the side. He immediately pulled the Black Knights defender with him and cre ated enough space for Duncan Krige to blast through the gap and receive an offload. Krige raced 30 meters for the try and with the Peignon conversion, Linden wood increased its advantage to 12-0.

Late in the first half, the Lions were awarded a pen alty when an Army defender tackled a Lion support player without the ball 30 meters out. Peignon slotted the penalty attempt to make it 15-0.

After halftime, Lindenwood continued to control the match and only needed five minutes to score again. A high ball taken by Ike Wrigley ended up being passed to Runako Brynard who carried to the five-meter line. After a moment of scrambling at the goal line, van Heerden ended up with the ball and bul lied his way over the try line for his second score of the night. The Peignon conversion made it 22-0 Lin denwood.

Army was finally able to break the Lions defense when a penalty at the goal line gave the Black Knights a great scoring opportunity at the 50-minute mark. A tap and carry positioned them with a great scoring opportunity, and after several phases, they crossed the try line to get on the board and cut their deficit to 22-7 with the conversion.

With Army still in reach of clawing back in the game, the Lions stopped any hope of a comeback in the 69th minute when they executed a five-meter lin eout to perfection with Kayleb O’Donoghue taking at the tail end of a maul over line. With another Peignon conversion, Lindenwood led 29-7.

At the 79th minute, Cian Darling delivered the fi nal blow when he arrived at a ruck and saw the Black Knights defense slow to set up along the fringes. He immediately noticed a gap and picked the ball up and sprinted 35 meters for the breakaway try. The conver sion was successful making the final score 36-7 in fa vor of the Lions.

Head Coach Josh Macy bragged, “It was a great team effort from staff to players and fans getting a great match together against a great opponent. It was especially great to see graduating seniors from last year, who experienced a couple of bitter losses at the hands of Army, back and supporting their teammates. The support and commitment just doesn’t end.”

*Great comeback after a year

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 Ras cals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, and is current ly hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com It broad casts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

Recipe: Cook up pumpkin-inspired comfort

Pumpkin Curry Turkey Soup with Rice

After a cool, blustery day, it’s hard to beat a satisfying meal that provides comfort from the inside out. Turning to a filling dish that’s easy to prepare means more time cozying up with a favorite book or movie and less time in the kitchen.

Casseroles and soups are classic options for cooking up comfort at home, and these recipes lean on the reliability of classic Minute Instant White Rice and Instant Jasmine Rice. Known for its light, fluffy texture; short, easy prep; and only 5 minutes of cook time, the rice is perfect for busy families who need quick, satisfying meals.

Simply cooked then dried with nothing added, it’s one simple ingredient: rice grown in the United States, meaning whether your loved ones go gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian or anything in between, you can count on these rice varieties all comfort food season long.

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

In 2013, actor Henry Cav ill (TV’s “The Witcher”) landed the dual roles of Su perman/Clark Kent in “Man of Steel,” a film that explored Kent’s complicated child hood. After appearances in 2016’s “Batman v. Super man: Dawn of Justice” and 2017’s “Justice League,” Cav ill did not portray Superman on-screen again until his surprise post-credits ap pearance in “Black Adam.” Cavill later confirmed that he will return as Superman in the DC Comics Extended Universe’s release of “Man of Steel 2.”

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.

Superman was originally created by Jer ry Siegel and Joe Shuster. “Action Comics #1” showed how Superman was born on a distant planet (later named Krypton) and sent to Earth by his father. Raised by kind foster parents, he gained incredible powers thanks to Earth’s environment. To preserve his identity, Superman disguised himself as reporter Clark Kent to monitor criminal ac tivity. After his first appearance in “Action Comics #1,” the iconic hero has been part of pop culture for more than 80 years.

Cavill was not, of course, the first actor to portray the Man of Steel. While Bud Colly er was Superman’s undisputable radio voice in the 1940’s, actor Kirk Alyn was credited with the character’s first on-screen portray

al in Columbia Pictures’ film serial “Super man.” For flying sequences, an animated version of Superman was used in place of Alyn. George Reeves, who was one of the Tarleton Twins in “Gone with the Wind,” played the lead in the 1950’s series “The Ad ventures of Superman.” The series was later released into syndication.

In 1993, former football player Dean Cain wore the cape and tights to star in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Su perman.” Cain played opposite Teri Hatch er’s Lois Lane, who didn’t learn that Clark and Superman were the same person until later seasons. In 2001, the “Smallville” TV series focused on Clark Kent (Tom Well ing) and his long journey to become a hero. Welling’s character was not allowed to fly or wear tights until the end of the series, but that rule was sometimes broken.

– SUDOKU –

Arguably, the late Christo pher Reeve was the best Su perman ever. Reeve embod ied Clark Kent’s meekness as well as the confidence of his super alter-ego. His per formance in “Superman 2” showed the character’s deep desire to become human and marry Lois Lane (Mar got Kidder), but a fight with a truck driver proved that he needed his powers. In “Superman III,” Reeve even shared the screen with co median Richard Pryor, who played techni cal genius Gus Gorman.

Superman may be faster than a speeding bullet, but a reduced budget could slow or halt production on CW’s existing shows. Nexstar Media Group bought up the CW Network, including the popular series “Su perman & Lois.” The premise shows Clark Kent (Tyler Lee Hoechlin) and Lois (Eliz abeth Tulloch) returning to Smallville to raise their two sons, Jonathan (Jordan El sass) and Jordan (Alex Garfin). Unlike Jon athan, Jordan inherited superpowers from his father.

It’s safe to say, though, that the Man of Steel won’t be going away anytime soon, especially with Henry Cavill returning to the big screen with “Man of Steel 2.” Here’s hoping that “Superman & Lois” find a home as well.

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.

‘Man of Steel’ photo courtesy Warner Bros.

WORLD Moore on Life: Subservient

I’m in big trouble. I missed a very critical event which puts me in the proverbial doghouse. No, it wasn’t my wedding anniversary, something far more important… National Cat Day!

I need to come up with a really good excuse or my cats will ig nore me more than they usually do. But then again, they’re just a bunch of overpampered fuzz balls who don’t pay rent. It’s time I stood up to these free loaders and let them know who’s really boss. I called them together.

Me: “Okay kitties, I suppose you’re wondering why I’ve called this meeting today.”

Fat one: “This better be good, I was just about to nib ble my kibble.”

New kitten: “What’s the deal lady? When I signed on to this gig, I was promised three hots and a cot. Now I’m expected to attend meetings during my cat nap? I need to see my lawyer.”

“Now listen you two, I’ve just about had it up to here with your sass. You need to who’s in charge. You are only here because of my kind generosity. I’m not here to serve you.”

The Fat One spoke. “Ri-i-ight and who is it that fills our food bowl with tasty treats?”

“Me, but that’s only because you have no jobs and you can’t open your food bags without thumbs.”

Fat One: “Well, no one is going to hire us without thumbs so you’re stuck.”

“But I am not your maid!”

Kitten: “Hmm, who dainties us up by bathing and combing us and clipping our toenails?”

Due to their small size and heavy usage, bathrooms can become messy, cluttered areas for many families.

For those with smaller bathrooms, storage solutions can be even harder to find. Consider these organization tips to make your bathroom a clean and functional space for every member of the family:

Assess the mess: Go through all the cabinets and draw ers to clear out unused makeup, health care products and medications. Make sure the items you keep are used on a regular basis. Items used sparingly should be placed in an alternate location.

Go vertical: Medicine cabinets can quickly get stuffed when combs, toothpaste and other toiletries are stored horizontally. Use organizer cups with suction adhesives to contain items vertically and save space.

Hang up in style: Old coat racks and ladders make per fect solutions for larger families to hang multiple tow els. Snag an old one from a thrift store and paint it a bright hue, like red or turquoise, for a stylish bathroom accent piece.

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD:

“That’s to keep your fur from flying all over and so you won’t claw my face and furniture into shreds. But I am still in control here and you need to show me some respect.”

“Hmph,” they both grunted. “Someone who forgets National Cat Day deserves no such thing.”

“Listen little fuzzy faces, I am the queen of this castle; the em press of your domain and you need to understand that.”

“You missed one,” said the kitten.

I scooped up the messy clump from their cat box and spritzed it with some lavender deodorizer then asked if I might be excused.

“After you bring us a few salmon patties for restitu tion and then we’ll talk about you taking so many un necessary breaks.”

The meeting was adjourned. I returned to the dog house.

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 Humor ist: someone who unearths ab surdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recent ly, 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.

Avoid spills and squirts: Hair products, such as gels, mousses or hairsprays, can create sticky, tough-to-clean messes if liquid escapes the container in a drawer or cab inet. Avoid such mishaps by placing these types of items in plastic tubs instead of directly in the drawer or on a shelf.

Divide and conquer: Bath room drawers can become unruly if not organized. To keep items separate and tidy, insert dividers, such as those used for kitchen utensils. These often come in fun materials, such as bamboo or stainless steel, to add a fresh look.

Assign cabinets or drawers: Try to use a large enough cabinet so each member of the family has his or her own space or drawer. This can help limit the amount of items high-maintenance family members can bring into the small area. Plus, it makes it easier for everyone to find their things.

Find more tips to transform your bathroom into a clean, organized environment, regardless of its size, at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Photo courtesy Bigstock