CNSTC: November 21, 2018

November 21, 2018

Special Thanksgiving delivery O’Fallon restaurateur organizes effort to deliver 10,000 dinners to needy families on Thanksgiving Day

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative crews help beautify national cemetery. Pg. 3 Visit Santa at an upcoming O’Fallon Parks program.

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School City of St. Charles School District named Healthiest Employer. Pg.7

By Brett Auten With a lot of help, Scott Ellinger will reach his lofty goal of making Thanksgiving Day a little more special for families in need.

Ellinger is the owner and of the Brass Rail, located at 4601 State Highway K in O’Fallon. Ellinger and the Brass Rail Team have set a goal to deliver 10,000 dinners to needy families on Thanksgiving Day. “It has been insane,” Ellinger said. “Our first year, we fed 105 people, then it was 1,300 and now we are going for 10,000.”

The Brass Rail and its adjacent TBR Prime Steak Market boasts the motto: “Thousands of volunteers feeding thousands of families.” The past weekend was filled with volunteers preparing gravy and cranberry sauce alongside 2,000 pounds of mashed potatoes. Thanks to a Kids Night, where children helped sort vegetables and stuffing, the sides were ready for the main course. The St. Louis Barbecue Society and several food trucks cooked thousands of turkeys in the Brass Rail parking lot. In all, 16,000 portion cups and 8,000 aluminum foil pans will be filled.

On the days before and on Thanksgiving Day, there will be hundreds of volunteers packing up the meals and delivering them to those in need, as well as to area shelters, within a 60-mile radius of the restaurant. The Brass Rail restaurant will be open throughout the day to serve first responders, police and firefighters, as well as the needy, a free made-from-scratch, buffet-style meal Thanksgiving meal.

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Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Photos by Brett Auten Brass Rail owner Scott Ellinger is spearheading a goal to deliver 10,000 dinners to needy families on Thanksgiving Day. Ellinger asks that all calls – whether to volunteer or to recommend/request a meal – go to 636-329-1349.

“ There are people in need here. You forget that every school

district has kids who take home food for the weekend. These families can’t afford eggs or an apple, how can they afford a Thanksgiving dinner?

~Scott Ellinger, owner of Brass Rail Restaurant

”

The restaurant will also include warm hats and gloves with the meal.

“We had volunteers coming back from deliveries last year telling us that they went to houses with no electricity, or saw kids with no hats and no gloves,” Ellinger said.

Ellinger doesn’t ask families or individ-

uals to meet any particular qualifications, just simply call and choose whether they want their Thanksgiving Day dinner to be dine-in or delivery.

“We are not necessarily feeding people

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November 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘Thanksgiving Delivery’ from cover

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who are living under the bridge, though we do see some of that,” Ellinger said. “But mostly these are people in need and if they are able to save that $30-$40-$50 that it would cost for a Thanksgiving and put it towards keeping the power turned on or paying a bill, then this is worth it for us.”

Ellinger relies strictly on volunteers and as of press time, still needs help with delivery drivers. Volunteers will deliver meals everywhere from Cahokia, Illinois, to Washington, Missouri.

“We are still needing delivery drivers for Thursday and if anyone wants to donate homemade desert for the buffet,” Ellinger said.

Ellinger, 48, opened the Brass Rail seven years ago. The restaurant started the dinners in 2014 and it has grown exponentially ever since.

“I never knew how much need there was,” he said. “We would get hassled about helping people in St. Charles County as opposed to St. Louis city. There are people in need here. You forget that every school district has kids who take home food for the weekend.

These families can’t afford eggs or an apple, how can they afford a Thanksgiving dinner?

Ellinger asks that all calls – whether to volunteer or to recommend/request a meal – go to 636-329-1349.

“We will take it from there and make sure that we feed as many as we can,” he said.

Choral Arts Singers host holiday concerts

Submitted photo

Choral Arts Singers present “Peace and Joy,” a concert featuring songs of peace and joy for the holidays. Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Concerts will be performed on: Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at United Church of Christ-Zion at 725 Main St. in Troy, after Night of 1,000 Stars downtown; Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at Assumption Parish Chapel at 403 N Main Street in O’Fallon and Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 S Outer Rd 364 in Dardenne Prairie. The Dardenne Presbyterian Church Choir will join the Choral Arts Singers for this last concert to benefit a local charity and the Choral Arts Singers. For more information visit www.concertarts.org.

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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/General Manager Robert J. Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistant Melissa Nordmann Copy Editor Donna Huneke Staff Writers Brett Auten, Charlotte Beard Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore, Nick Palisch Cartoonist John Hanna Social Media Lori North Classiied Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Heather Deatz, Susan Faust, Doug Garbs, Bob Huneke, Norm Merchant, Christy Parks, Christy Weber Circulation Dominion Distribution, Papers Unlimited Community News is a Registered Trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc: Neither the advertiser nor the publisher is responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Huneke Publications, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject all news and advertising copy which in the sole judgement and discretion of the publisher/ed itor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication. Copyright 2017 Huneke Publications, Inc. with all rights reserved. No part of the publications may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher/editor. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Entire Contents Copyrighted.

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 21, 2018

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative crews participate in Saluting Branches to help beautify national cemetery Among thousands of headstones marking the final resting place for military veterans, crews from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative spent a sultry September day helping improve the appearance at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

CREC crews joined other tree professionals from across the country to participate in the fourth annual Saluting Branches: Arborists United for Veteran Remembrance, an opportunity to help maintain and beautify national and state cemeteries.

Saluting Branches is a nonprofit organization that holds a national day of service charity for tree care professionals to give back to the military veterans and their families.

This was the first year CREC participated in the event. The cooperative sent members of its right-of-way department and contracted workers from Asplundh.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to give back to the service men and women who have given their life for our freedom,” said Scott Skopec, CREC right-of-way superintendent. “Being an electric cooperative, giving back to the community is a big part of what we do.”

The volunteer crews donated

a full day’s work. For several hours, CREC crews trimmed trees and removed dead limbs.

For the crews, it was more than just another day at work.

“Donating time to help with the upkeep of the cemetery is an excellent way for our co-op and crews to show our respect to our veterans,” Skopec said.

“We look forward to participating again in the future.”

Similar events were held across the country at other state and national cemeteries. More than 2,700 industry professionals were expected to participate. Last year, volunteers donated an estimated $4 million in services.

Saluting Branches is the largest single-day volunteer event in the history of the tree care industry and is one of the largest volunteer donations the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has ever received.

“We developed Saluting Branches as a green industry project to honor veterans and improve the environment through the science of tree care,” said Deb Peterson, Saluting Branches coordinator.

“This is an important event for the arborist community and allows us to give back to those who have served us.”

To learn more, visit www.salutingbranches.org.

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Submitted photo Scott Skopec, Cuivre River Electric Cooperative right-of-way superintendent, saws a limb at the Saluting Branches event held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Hepperman Road between Peruque Creek and Golf Club Drive reopens to two-way traffic The St. Charles County Highway Department has reopened the portion of Hepperman Road between Peruque Creek and Golf Club Drive in that was restricted to one-way traffic in August.

Construction is nearly complete on the addition of new pavement and shoulders.

“We are glad to have this phase of the construction behind us,” says County Engineer Craig Tajkowski. “It was challenging due to the significant horizontal and vertical changes made to the roadway. Some additional asphalt work remains and delays may be encountered, so we encourage motorists to drive slowly and cautiously through this active construction zone.”

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 sccmo.org/ Road-Projects.

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Around Town

November 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

See Santa at O’Fallon’s Candy Cane Hunt, Santa’s Workshop and Pizza with Santa Parents and grandparents, here’s an opportunity to capture priceless photos of your kids visiting with Santa at O’Fallon Parks and Recreation programs coming up in early December, Candy Cane Hunt, Pizza with Santa and Santa’s Workshop. There’s no registration at the gate, so be sure to sign kids up in advance.

Candy Cane Hunt – Kids will have a blast searching for holiday treats hidden outside the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), then come inside for milk and cookies with Santa, sing Christmas carols and join in games and activities for “good” children. The Candy Cane Hunt will be held from 9 – 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 8, at the recreation complex at 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. The cost is $8 for O’Fallon residents and $10 for non-residents. Registration ends Nov. 27 for the

Candy Cane Hunt, course 310107-A. Santa’s Workshop – Santa will be setting up his workshop in O’Fallon and help kids create a special holiday craft on Dec. 15, at O’Fallon’s new Krekel Civic Center in Civic Park. And you never know, Mrs. Santa and Santa’s helpers may be there, too. Two sessions will be offered: 9 – 9:30 a.m. (course 310101A) and 10:15 – 11 a.m. (310101-B). Each session is limited to 12 participants. The cost is $10 for O’Fallon residents and $12 for non-residents. Be sure to sign up by Dec. 4 for the session you prefer.

Pizza with Santa – Join Santa for pizza on Saturday, December 15, from 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at O’Fallon’s new Krekel Civic Center in Civic Park. The event includes pizza and beverages, a chance to visit with

ONE DESTINATION. UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES.

Santa, games and crafts. Family members including adults who would like to eat must register. The cost per person is $10 for O’Fallon residents and $12 for non-residents. Be sure to sign up by Dec. 4 for course 310102-A. To register for these events: • Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec and select “Programs,” and then “Special Events.”

• Or, call 636-474-2732 or 636-379-5606 to register with a credit card.

• Or, come to the Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Civic Park Drive, or the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), 2650 Tri Sports Circle.

WWW.THESTREETSOFSTCHARLES.COM

Streets of St. Charles - a great place to live, work and play Shop & Dine Widely known as a destination for great food, shopping and fun, Streets of St. Charles hosts an eclectic mix of local, regional and national restaurants offering fast casual to upscale farm-to-table options. Popular local boutiques and a diverse mix of services such as spa, fitness, hair and nail salons make Streets of St. Charles an attractive destination for the metro St. Louis population!

Streets of St. Charles is proud to boast national tenant names such as AMC Theatre, Bar Louie, First Watch and P.F. Chang’s among others. Streets of St. Charles is also home to the area’s first Tru by Hilton Hotel, Pieology Pizzeria, Tucanos Brazilian Grill and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, all of which chose Streets of St. Charles for their first locations in Missouri.

Pad 300, the newest addition to Streets of St. Charles, will also offer 20,000 square feet of prime street level retail and dining space, including Narwhals Crafted Urban Ice, with two stories of office space above.

Just as important as having a strong national tenant base, locally-owned small businesses are the lifeblood to any community, and Streets of St. Charles is no exception. Locally-owned and operated boutiques and shops, such as Olivino, MOD, Leopard Boutique, Brulee Boutique and Sole & Blues provide an eclectic mix of soft goods that keep patrons coming back for more.

www.STREETSOFSTCHARLES.com

www.stcharlesstlouis.trubyhilton.com

Submitted photo

Hotels & Entertainment The eight-screen AMC Theatre at Streets of St. Charles seats 976 guests, delighting movie-goers with oversized reclining seats, MacGuffins Bar and an unsurpassed state-of-the-art entertainment experience.

Two hotels located at Streets of St. Charles will provide overnight accommodations to some of the millions of annual visitors to St. Charles.

Drury Plaza Hotel has 180 rooms. An upscale environment with enhanced meeting space, the Drury Plaza Hotel offers two-room suites and deluxe guest rooms.

Tru by Hilton Hotel, new to Streets of St. Charles, has 87 guest rooms and cater to a millennial and cross-generational audience, with modern, efficiently designed guest rooms, and cross-functional public spaces with areas for working, socializing and dining.

Streets of St. Charles is the go-to destination for an afternoon or evening of shopping, dining and entertainment. With options to stay overnight, guests have everything they need in one place!

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November 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce announces recipients for 2018 awards

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Since 1957, The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce has recognized local leaders for their dedication to serving the St. Charles County community. This year, the chamber has named Thomas E. Stephenson, Sr. at its 2018 Citizen of the Years.

Born and raised in St. Charles, Stephenson attended Franklin High School, which during his childhood, was the school for black children.

While he would play with his friends before and after school and they would all walk to school in the mornings, but when they got to Clark Street, Stephenson would turn right to go to Franklin and his white friends would turn left to attend their school. He encountered the same segregation scenario at the Blanchette Park swimming pool and at local restaurants. Ironically, Stephenson served on the St. Charles Park Board later in life.

Growing up in a time with a great deal of prejudice and racism, he has struggled for civil rights and to break down barriers that have often restrained black people from their rightful placement in society. He is a community activist, a Korean War Veteran and a retiree of McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). Later, Stephenson became St. Charles’ first black mail carrier.

Stephenson was a member of the American Legion Post 457, which is believed to be one of the oldest all-black posts west of the Mississippi river and is now currently a member of Post 312.

He is a member of the Legion of Honor and was the 9th District Eastern Zone Vice Commander.

Recently, Stephenson was selected to participate with the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight to visit the war memorials in Washington DC which included the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

He is also one of the first black members of the St. Charles Kiwanis Club, where he held the leadership positions of President and Past Lieutenant Governor. Other organizations that Stephenson is active in include the First United Methodist Church, Veterans Committee, Sage Club, Moose Club and the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

As the first African-American member of the St. Charles Historical Society’s board of directors and because of his civic activism throughout his life, Stephenson was recognized with the Salute to Missouri Black History award.

Stephenson has been married to the love of his life, Mary for 68 years and is the father of five children and is blessed with 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Along with Stephenson, recipients of the Lifetime Distinguished Service awards will be recognized, which includes:

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Civic: David Borgmeyer; retired banker and active in many civic organizations including the Boy’s Club of St. Charles, St. Charles American Legion Green Mules Drum & Bugle Corp, Knights of Columbus, St. Charles Historic Society, St. Charles Optimist Club, Community Council of St. Charles County, St. Charles Senior Center, and St. Charles Crimestoppers.

• Cultural: Jerry Reese; has spent the past 24 years serving on the City of St. Charles School District school board and the St. Charles City Council. Reese was instrumental in the approval of Meals on Wheels to make sure that the citizens of St. Charles receive their meal assistance five days a week.

• Humanitarian: Kelly Behlmann; Founder of Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) – a non-profit St. Louis – based organization which offers the opportunity for all individuals who live with a physical, visual or hearing disability be given the opportunity to participate in therapeutic sports and fitness activities designed to improve self-esteem and promote growth and well-being.

• Humanitarian: Catherine Lammert; served as Executive Director of Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, Inc. combining her personal loss experience of the death of her son Christopher with her 30 years as a professional in the perinatal loss field. She is an advocate for bereaved families and has authored perinatal bereavement materials and publications and provided hundreds of educational opportunities.

• Chamber Champion: Jeff Waple; Current Co-Chair of the Ambassador’s Committee, and recently offered a fundraising opportunity to the Chamber. Due to his help and guidance, the chamber successfully created and implemented a program that has not only raised thousands of dollars in non-dues revenue for the chamber, but also received national accolades from chambers of commerce professionals.

The 2018 Year End Celebration honoring Citizen of the Years, will be held on Feb. 1, 2019 at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. Tickets are $95 per person or $950 for a table of 10. Corporate sponsorships are available upon request. For more information, please contact Wendy Rackovan at the Chamber of Commerce office at 636-946-0633 or electronically at Wendy@GSTCCC.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 21, 2018

Business

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries names new president and CEO The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industries announced the appointment of Kathy Duck as their new President and CEO. Duck’s first day in the role will be Dec. 3.

As president and CEO, Duck will build and implement strategies to strengthen the business community in O’Fallon and surrounding areas. She will also focus on collaborative efforts with neighboring communities to enhance the quality of life in St. Charles County.

“We are very excited to have Kathy join the team,” said Bob Engert, of Edward Jones and 2018 Chair of the O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors.

“Having experience in the chamber industry, she will bring great energy and vision to this role, and we are eager to work with her.”

Duck’s previous professional experience includes serving as Executive Director of Small

Business for the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce in Oklahoma, as well as Loaned Executive for the Tulsa Area United Way’s 2013 Campaign.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve O’Fallon businesses and the community,” said Duck. “The city of O’Fallon is a fast-growing community and full of passionate citizens. I am looking forward to continuing to dream big with O’Fallon Chamber members and community leaders. “ Duck holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas, and is pursuing her Institute for Organization Management Graduate Recognition from the US Chamber of Commerce.

“The O’Fallon Chamber leadership has been diligently searching for a new President/CEO for the last several months,” said Chris Highfill of

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Submitted photo The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industries announced the appointment of Kathy Duck as their new President and CEO.

Grace River Church and Vice Chair of the O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors. “Kathy’s enthusiasm for helping communities, was the right fit to guide our city to a prosperous future.”

Dollar General opens two new stores in St. Charles County Dollar General’s newest stores at 2871 N. Highway 94 in St. Charles and at 4689 Highway Z in Wentzville are now open “Dollar General is committed to delivering a pleasant shopping experience that includes a convenient location, a wide assortment of merchandise and great prices on quality products,” said Dan Nieser, Dollar General’s senior vice

president of real estate and store development.

“We hope our area customers will enjoy shopping at Dollar General’s new location.”

Traditional Dollar General stores employ approximately six to 10 people, depending on the need. Anyone interested in joining the Dollar General team may visit the Career section at www.dollargeneral.com.

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School

November 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Holt High School senior elected state officer of Missouri DECA Holt High School senior Jacob Teater has been elected as the Missouri DECA District 6 Vice President for the 2018-19 school year. State officers were elected and installed during the

Missouri DECA Fall Leadership and State Officer Election Conference, held Oct. 14-15 in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The annual state conference was attended by more than 600 high school

marketing students and their teachers.

The newly elected state officers were determined on the basis of their written test, screening and nominating committee interview, as well as the number of ballots cast by the voting delegates after showing their campaign videos during the opening session. Serving as a state officer provides DECA members the opportunity to develop the leadership skills and professionalism that are essential for a successful career.

Teater has a 3.9 GPA and is enrolled in two Advanced Placement (AP) classes. He is in his third year in DECA and currently serves as the Holt chapter president. Teater is the parliamentarian of Future Business

Leaders of America (FBLA), a Link Crew Leader, a member of Student Council, and is a fouryear varsity player for Holt’s soccer team. He plans to continue his education and pursue a degree in marketing education or human resources management.

“I am beyond excited to be serving as the Missouri DECA District 6 Vice President,” shared Teater. “I have truly given 110 percent to the organization and cannot wait to be able to lead Missouri DECA this year to success. I’m looking forward to not only helping others, but honing my own leadership skills.”

DECA is an international association of high school students studying marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

Missouri DECA is a national-

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Holt High School senior Jacob Teater has been elected as the Missouri DECA District 6 Vice President for the 2018-19 school year.

ly recognized association with close to 7,500 members. For more information, please visit the DECA website at www.deca. org.

City of St. Charles School District named 2018 Healthiest Employer

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The City of St. Charles School District has been named the St. Louis Business Journal’s “2018 Healthiest Employer.” The award was presented to the district during a ceremony at the Jefferson Ballroom on Oct. 18.

The district was one of five businesses/ organizations that were nominated for the award in the 500-1,499 employees category.

“It’s wonderful to receive such a recognition from the St. Louis Business Journal,” said Dr. Jason Sefrit, district superintendent.

“The City of St. Charles School District knows that a healthy staff is a happy and productive staff. This award is validation that we are on the right track. It is a great honor.”

When explaining why the district won the award, the St. Louis Business Journal cited the district’s The Bridge Health Center, an in-house health clinic available to district employees and their family members, its Health Risk Assessment and Wellness Program and individual building wellness advocates as key factors for winning the award.

The Bridge Health Center and its Health Risk Assessment and Wellness Program is the culmination of years of work by Dr. Charles Brazeale, assistant superintendent of business and technology, and the District’s

Photo courtesy City of St. Charles School District

benefits and wellness committee.

“We needed to find a solution for keeping rising health insurance costs down, while still providing our employees excellent and convenient care,” Brazeale said. “The Bridge Health Center allows us to do both while instituting a proactive wellness initiative that benefits both the district and our employees.”

Since opening at the district’s Lewis & Clark Career Center in January of 2016, the district estimates they save $200,000 annually in health care costs.

“We’re very pleased with how well The Bridge Health Center and our health initiatives have been received by our employees,” Brazeale said. “It’s nice to know that the hard work of a lot of people is benefiting the lives of our employees inside and outside of the workplace.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 21, 2018

Eleven Francis Howell seniors selected as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

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Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District

Eleven Francis Howell School District (FHSD) students have been named Semifinalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. These seniors are among 16,000 Semifinalists chosen as part of the annual academic competition. The semifinalists, who were selected based on scores on a PSAT qualifying test, will compete for some 7,500 scholarships worth more than $30 million, to be awarded in the spring. The FHSD Semifinalists are, from Francis Howell High School: Tarun Jeevan, Anna Johannesman, Sarah Ortbal, Michael Spencer and David Yang; from Francis Howell Central: Stephanie Monson and Nicholas Reinhold; and from Francis Howell North: Arianna Chaves, Madeline DeGraw, Riley Lawson and Blake Peters.

“We are very proud of our high school students who perform so well on the PSAT and qualify to be included in this select group,” said Superintendent Dr. Mary Hendricks-Harris. “This is a very rigorous process, and these students still have much work to do in order to be selected as finalists. We also appreciate that these scholarships are

based on more than just test scores, and these students are all very active in their school and community as well.”

The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. To become a Finalist, these students must submit a detailed scholarship application which includes information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed by a high school administrator, write an essay, and earn an SAT score that confirms the earlier test performance.

In addition to scholarships awarded by the non-profit National Merit Scholarship Program, more than 200 corporations will provide about 1,000 corporate-sponsored awards. Colleges and universities will finance some 4,000 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.

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Boone Trail Elementary celebrates 28th annual Boone Trail Days Life has changed since the days Daniel Boone blazed a trail in St. Charles County, but one thing hasn’t changed – our love for the outdoors. Boone Trail Days is a chance for students at Boone Trail Elementary in the Wentzville School District to learn what life was like for Americans who lived in the 1800s. The 28th annual celebration ran from Oct. 8-12 and provided opportunities for students to take part in hands-on activities like making rope, churning butter, and spinning wool. They also enjoyed demonstrations on blacksmithing and frontier life, making classroom lessons come to life.

“Boone Trail Days is a tradition at Boone Trail Elementary that many families and community members look forward to visiting each year,” said Principal Michelle Cleve. “Students are able to learn about early pioneer life through hands-on learning activities.”

Boone Trail Days starts in the classroom, where teachers incorporate lessons about Native Amer-

icans and American pioneers into the curriculum. Thursday is highlighted by presentations from historical reenactors and other living exhibits of life in the 1800s. The week of fun learning is capped off on Friday night with games, a petting zoo and hayrides. The event brings families together to celebrate a fall tradition that dates back to the opening of the school.

Trapper reenactor Walter Branson, who showcased period-appropriate muskets, hides, and other tools used by pioneers, said, “I taught them how to shoot a musket, throw a tomahawk, how to light a fire and how to shoot a bow and arrow – all they need to learn in school.”

That is, all kids needed to learn in school in the 1800s. Branson and his fellow presenters at Boone Trail Days gave students a better sense of what life was like for kids like them when Boone Trail Elementary was simply a trail to the frontier.

School

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What’s Happening

November 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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EVENTS

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Nov. 30: Trivia night

St. Charles Community College will host an Athletics Trivia Night at 7 p.m. and all trivia will be sports themed.

Trivia will be held in the College Center gym on SCC’s campus, located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Parking for guests is free and available in both the Yellow and Orange Parking Lots. For a campus map, visit stchas.edu/maps. Tickets cost $25 per person or $200 per table of eight. Beer, soda and water are included, and teams are welcome to bring snacks. All proceeds will go to the SCC Athletic Department to increase scholarships and support SCC’s athletic teams with their travel, equipment and other needs to help them be successful.

For more information and to register, visit www.stchas.edu/athleticstrivia, or contact Tim Brix at 636-922-8211 or tbrix@stchas.edu.

Nov. 30: Holiday show

The award-winning sister act Gracie and Lacy is coming home for the holidays, so get your tickets now for their special holiday show, “Cool Yule!” The show starts at 6:30 p.m in the Performing Arts Theatre at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre. Tickets are just $18 (plus a service fee) online at www.brownpapertickets.com (search for “Cool Yule”) or over the phone at 1-800-838-3006.

If the show isn’t sold out, tickets will also be available at the door for $25.

The Performing Arts Theatre is located within the Cultural Arts Centre in the west wing of St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. For more Cultural Arts Centre events, visit www. stpetersmo.net/arts.

Dec. 1: Christmas Cookie Walk

The First Annual Christmas Cookie Walk will take place at Saint Charles Presbyterian Church (next to Lindenwood University) at 131 Gamble St. in St. Charles. Christmas cookies sold by the pound along with candies, jams, jellies, pickles, crafts and quilts (silent auction) available for purchase. From 9:30 – 10 a.m. is early-bird admission for a $2 donation. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. all are welcome. The walk is sponsored by Presbyterian Women and proceeds fund mission projects. For more information call 636-946-4467.

Dec 1-2: Charity cookie sale

A charity cookie sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 7 to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at St. Joseph Church in Cottleville in the cafeteria.

Homemade cookies baked by William Pezold #7198 Ladies Auxiliary. Proceeds of the cookie sale benefit local charities. While there, visit the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe for holiday items sponsored by St. Joseph PSR. Proceeds from the Christmas Shoppe benefit St. Vincent De Paul. Contact Mary at 636240-6078 for more information.

Dec. 2: Christmas house tour

The residents of New Town at St. Charles are inviting you to visit their homes at the ninth annual New Town at St. Charles Residents’ Christmas House Tour. Mark your calendars to attend from 1 - 5 p.m.. The tour will begin at the Town Hall at 3300 Rue Royale, where you will have an opportunity to register for a door prize as well as obtain a map directing you to the houses on tour. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Marsala’s Market in New town beginning on Nov. 14 or at the Town Hall the day of the tour. Proceeds benefit St. Charles City/ County charities.

Dec. 2: Christmas concert

St. Peters Choral Society and Orchestra, under the direction of John H. Smith, will present its Annual Christmas Concert “Holiday Fanfare!” at 2 p.m. at the Fort Zumwalt South High School Auditorium at 8050 Mexico Road in St. Peters. Tickets are available from members or at the door: $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

Tickets are also available at stpeterschoralsociety.org. Call 636-447-5341 or visit stpeterschoralsociety.org for further information.

Dec. 7: Christmas tree decorating

Make your own ornaments and help decorate the St. Peters Police Department’s tree from 6 – 8 p.m. at St. Peters Justice Center. Everything you need to make an ornament will be supplied, plus enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, all for free. This event is recommended for ages three-through-12; however, all ages are welcome. No reservations needed. St. Peters Justice Center is located at 1020 Grand Teton Dr. Visitor parking is across the street in the Mid Rivers Mall parking lot. For more information, call 636-278-2244, ext.

3550.

Dec. 8: Breakfast with Santa

www.midwestbankcentre.com

Santa can’t live off just cookies and milk, he has to eat breakfast, too. Good little boys and girls (ages two-througheight) are invited to have breakfast with Santa at St. Peters Rec-Plex South.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with the continental breakfast starting at 9 a.m. Santa will be around for crafts and a singalong of popular Christmas songs until 10:30 a.m. Parents and grandparents, don’t forget to bring a camera to get some memorable photos with Santa.

The cost for the event is $14 per child and $7 per adult. Advance registration is required by Dec. 4. Register online at www.stpetersmo.net/rec-connect,

call 636-939-2386 ext. 1400 or sign up in person at St. Peters Rec-Plex, 5200 Mexico Road.

Dec. 11: Holiday concert

Start a great tradition by joining the St. Charles Municipal Band and Big Band for their seventh annual “Holiday Concert at Scheidegger” at The Lindenwood Theater of the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts, 2300 West Clay St, St. Charles, readily accessible from I-70. There is free parking and easy handicapped access. Meet the new Concert Band Director, and Earl Kreder returns to lead the Big Band.

St. Nicholas will make a special appearance at this free family friendly event.

See www.stcharlesband.com and Facebook for more information, or call 314544-6166 or 314-878-5296.

Dec. 20: Lunch and bingo

Alexander Chapter #242 Order of Eastern Star will be hosting a lunch and bingo starting at 11:30 am. The cost is $10 and includes lunch followed by bingo.

The bingo is held at the St. Charles Masonic Lodge located at 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles (behind Fridays on Hwy 94). Other activities include a silent auction and 50/50 If you will be attending, please send an email to alexander242OES@gmail. com. The Order of Eastern Star works hard to raise funds to support local, regional and national charities. If you would like to learn about becoming a member please visit www.oesmo.org or send an email to alexander242OES@ gmail.com.

Jan. 11: Bunco Bash

Bunco Bash is hosted by K Of C William Pezold #7198 Ladies Auxiliary.

Doors open at 6 p.m., bunco begins at 7 p.m. at the Pezold Banquet Center at 5701 Highway N in St. Charles. Cost is $20 per person and includes appetizers, snacks, desserts, soda and tea along with two complimentary drink tickets.

There will be prizes, basket raffles and 50/50. Net proceeds donated to local charity. Contact Mary at 636-240-6078 for more information.

Jan. 15: Parent speaker series

Parent Speaker Series – First Impact; Preparing Drivers for the Road Ahead takes place from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Francis Howell School District at 4545 Central School Road in St. Charles. Parents, you are invited and encouraged to bring your teen drivers with you. First Impact is a 90 – minute evidence-based traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri’s GDL law.

The goal of First Impact is to reduce new driver crashes, resulting injuries and fatalities, by increasing parental awareness and enforcement of Missouri’s Graduated Driver License law. The program is delivered by trained GDL Coaches who coach parents by presenting key facts and proven strategies to help parents lower their teens’ crash risk by utilizing the Missouri GDL law.

The statewide program is available free of charge. Speakers will be SGT Tom Mozelewski, St. Peters Police Department and Mark Hollander, VISION St. Charles County Leadership.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 21, 2018

Cranberry Riesling Brined Turkey

Special Section 5

Advertiser Profile: Marcus Theatres Gift Cards Make it Easy to Gift Entertainment, Relaxation This Holiday

Ingredients: 1 quart water 6 bay leaves 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns 1 tablespoon mustard seeds 1 1/2 cups kosher salt 1 bottle (750 milliliters) Riesling wine 2 large shallots, thinly sliced, divided 8 cloves garlic, crushed but left in skins

1 bunch fresh thyme, divided 2 cups fresh cranberries, slightly crushed, divided 1 turkey (16 pounds), giblet package and neck removed ice water, for covering turkey 1/2 cup mild olive oil Photo salt,courtesy to tasteof Getty Images pepper, to taste

Directions: In pot, bring water, bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds and kosher salt to boil. Stir until salt is dissolved. Cool to room temperature.

Pour brine into 5-gallon stock pot or container. Pour in wine then add one shallot, garlic, thyme (reserving some for stuffing turkey) and 1 cup cranberries. Slowly lower in turkey.

Pour ice water into pot to cover turkey. Place lid on pot and refrigerate at least 24 hours.

Heat oven to 500 F. Remove turkey from brine, pat dry and stuff with reserved shallot, thyme and cranberries.

Place turkey in roasting pan. Generously massage olive oil into skin of turkey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. Use kitchen twine to tie legs together so turkey will keep its shape. Place in roasting pan and roast 20 minutes. Lightly brush skin again with olive oil, reduce heat to 350 F and roast until internal temperature reaches 155-160 F on meat thermometer.

Allow turkey to rest, loosely covered with foil, 30 minutes before carving.

The holidays are here! In between decorating the house, baking cookies and attending festive get togethers, there’s little time to shop. Whether you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, secret Santa gift or present for someone who seems to have it all, Marcus Theatres gift cards make it easy to cross off everyone on your list.

Before you start feeling guilty about giving a gift card, consider this: according to a 2018 holiday shopping survey by WalletHub*, 31 percent of Americans hope to receive a gift card. In fact, the personal finance website reported gift cards were the second “most wanted holiday gift” among respondents — second only to electronics.

Better yet, Marcus Theatres gift cards are as fun to give as they are to receive thanks to these special offers: • Nov. 21-30: Receive $15 in Snack Cash for every $50 gift card purchase.

• Nov. 29-December 6: Whether you send by mail or email, enjoy free shipping on all online orders.

• Dec. 1-January 1: Receive $5 in Snack Cash for every $25 gift card purchase.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Snack Cash can be redeemed at any Marcus Theatres concession stand or food and beverage outlet including for burgers, pizzas, entrees and more at Zaffiro’s Express, Reel Sizzle®, Big Screen Bistro and Five Star or Take Five Lounges at select locations.

When visiting the newly renovated Marcus Chesterfield, Des Peres, O’Fallon, Ronnie’s and St. Charles Cinemas, your gift provides more than a movie — it offers a relaxing escape to a complete dining and entertainment destination. In today’s busy world, is there anything better?

Visit the Box Office at the Marcus Theatres location

nearest you or www.MarcusTheatres.com/GiftCards to start shopping. With nine locations throughout Greater St. Louis, both you — and your giftee — have plenty of options. Merry moviegoing to all! *https://wallethub.com/blog/holiday-shopping-survey/53828/: “2018 Holiday Shopping Survey.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • November 21, 2018

ONGOING EVENTS 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 Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph St. in St. Charles. For more information contact Joyce at 636206-5306.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

day 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 (Second floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (Treasurer) at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

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 Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class

Mondays: Parent support group

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 level, to join in. Call Mary Ann at 636-397-0866 if you are interested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.

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: Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Mondays: practice

Choral Arts Singers

Choral Arts Singers resume practice on Mondays, at 7 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake St. Louis. New singers are welcome. Auditions are not required.

See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays: St.Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Mon-

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

314-369-6521.

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge

What’s Happening

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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.

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

www.SHOESANDHOPE.org

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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, 636-2190553.

Mondays: Measurement Mondays:

10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting.

Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weighins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

www.LAWNAUTHORITY.com

www.pbtc.net

www.ofallon.mo.us/COL

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Sports

November 21, 2018 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Indoor football team hires president for inaugural year Kallie Klein has been appointed President of the St. Louis Stampede with the National Gridiron Football League.

With 15-plus successful years of executive sales experience and a strong focus on community involvement, she is confident she will guide this team to become worthy of the St. Louis fan base.

After completing her master’s in management in 2007, she took a job opportunity in the software industry as a Business Development Representative and moved to St. Louis.

Klein, with her endless energy, is a huge community supporter, volunteers a signif-

icant amount of her time with nonprofit organizations in the Greater St. Louis area.

She is also a member of Professional Women’s Alliance (PWA) that supports the personal and professional development of women as well as supporting other philanthropic organizations in our St. Louis and St. Charles communities.

Klein is married to Timothy Klein and has two boys, Chanler and Tucker as well as one grandson, Eko. The team will play home games at the Family Arena with the league starting in March.

Go to www.STLStampede. com for more information. *You go girl

STLCC men’s soccer team lose in Division I Tournament The St. Louis Community College (STLCC) team was seeded 10th in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Championship recently played in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The Archers finished second in their Pool C division and did not make the semi or championship games.

They won one and lost one, only able to score two goals in the two games and allowing four. They dropped their only loss 2-0 against the Barton Cougars from Kansas. Barton went on to win the semifinal game 4-2 over Eastern Florida State but lost in the championship game 2-1 to Pima Aztecs

of Arizona in double overtime. *Great run

com for more details. *Only the beginning

Ambush win preseason game The St. Louis Ambush put on a show for the hometown fans as they outscored the Dallas Sidekicks 8-5 Sunday at the Family Arena.

Goals were scored by Jerjer Gibson, J.T. Thomas, Justin Stinson, Vadim Cojocov, Mario Marcos, Daniel Berko and two by Antonio Manfut.

Goalkeeper Casey Clark played a tough game even though he allowed five goals.

The Ambush will play their next home game on Dec. 16 at the Family Arena against the always-tough Kansas City Comets.

Go to www.STLAmbush.

UMSL women’s basketball starts season at home with a win Sophomore Alex LaPorta scored a career-high 20 points and added 14 rebounds, while freshman McKenzie Lathrom led all scorers with 27 points as the University of Missouri-St. Louis women’s basketball team downed visiting Purdue Northwest 88-62 on Saturday afternoon in the Tritons’ home opener.

The double-double for LaPorta was her first of the season and the ninth of her career.

Lathrom, who netted 16 of her points in the first half, finished 9-of-11 from the field, including 5-of-7 from threepoint range. She also collected six steals.

For more information, go to www.UMSLTritons.com ~~~Great start

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

www.bjc.org/marketplace

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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • November 21, 2018

Recipe:

Feature

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– SUDOKU –

Holiday recipes worth sharing Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

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.

Recipe courtesy of Justin Schuble on behalf of Bertolli Olive Oil

Ingredients: 3/4 cup olive oil, plus additional for coating pan 3 ripe medium bananas, divided 1/2 cup applesauce 1 large egg 1 large egg white 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips 1/4 cup nut spread Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Coat 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with olive oil.

In mixing bowl, mash 2 bananas. Add applesauce, egg, egg white and vanilla to bananas and whisk.

In separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix. Add olive oil slowly and mix until combined.

Fold in chocolate chunks. Pour batter into loaf pan.

Heat nut spread in microwave until it reaches pourable

consistency. Swirl spread into top of batter. Thinly slice long, flat strips of banana. Add slices to top of batter for decoration.

Place loaf pan in oven and bake 1 hour. Remove bread and cool before slicing.

Find more simple recipes to enjoy during the holidays at Bertolli.com.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Stan Lee: Marvel Comics’ personal superhero

M O V I E

trations showed the pain, frustration and love in all the stories.

Collaborating with artists/creators like Ditko and Kirby, Lee ushered in a new age in comics. For the last 10 years, Marvel Studios has been successful because their movies stay true to the original characters. 2008’s “Iron Man,” for instance, showed Tony Stark’s creating a metal suit to help him survive a near-fatal heart injury. As was shown in the comics, Tony could die at any moment if his technology failed him.

Stan Lee was the catalyst that brought fans decades of great comic books and 10 years of superb Marvel movies. He also was a comforting, encouraging voice on the letter pages of Marvel’s comic books in the 1960’s and 70’s. Lee’s body of work is vast, but the void he leaves behind is hard to fill.

Photo courtesy Bigstock

I

ssue #15 of Marvel Comics’ “Amazing Fantasy” was supposed to be a throwaway. That title was slated for cancellation, so writer/editor Stan Lee thought they had nothing to lose by introducing the shy, intelligent Peter Parker in the final issue. A radioactive spider-bite gave Peter incredible powers, including precognition that he eventually called his “spider sense.” That single issue, now worth a small fortune to collectors, was the start of what became the Marvel Universe.

On Nov. 12, Lee passed away, leaving behind a legacy of superheroes and wonderful movie cameos. At comic book conventions, he was a rock star, even signing autographs for fans while riding in elevators. I interviewed him by phone twice and it felt like I was chatting with a beloved uncle or friend.

“The Big Bang Theory” paid homage to him more than once, with Stan Lee filing a restraining order against Sheldon in one episode.

In the late 1950’s, superhero comics used formulas. Batman and Robin relied on various “Bat” gadgets in their four-color adventures. When he was not battling Lex Luthor, Superman’s biggest problem was dealing with Lois Lane and Lana Lang, the two women who loved him. His incredible powers let him routinely travel in time and create diamonds by squeezing lumps of coal. Superman conceivably could do just about anything.

Spider-Man changed that dynamic and broke

By Steve Bryan

the mold for superheroes. The wonderful Steve Ditko illustrated his heartbreaking origin story. After gaining spider powers, Peter Parker became a television personality and, because he couldn’t be bothered, allowed a burglar to escape the studio one day. Thanks to his inaction, that thief eventually shot and killed Peter’s beloved Uncle Ben. His overwhelming guilt led to a lifetime of crimefighting.

Peter Parker was highly relatable, as were the four members of “The Fantastic Four.” Exposed to cosmic radiation, they gained powers and vowed to use them for the good of mankind. They also were a family and argued like one all the time. Ben Grimm, who became the rock-like Thing, was especially bitter because he didn’t look normal anymore, unlike his teammates. Jack “King” Kirby’s beautiful illus-

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.

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Feature

November 21, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

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www.mycnews.com • Community News • November 21, 2018

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Feature

November 21, 2018 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Thanksgiving

‘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

Thanks but no thanks

Gather round, the modern Thanksgiving dinner is about to begin. Don’t even think about bringing your fancy-schmancy table manners, and as for etiquette – forget it!

Today’s rules: First, anyone from age two on up must have a handheld device, even granny must bring her clamshell phone with the giant numbers.

Ready. Set. Be seated.

Now, before eating the meal something special must first take place. A blessing on the food?

Sadly, no. Instead, everyone must take multiple pictures of the dinner to post on Instagram to see if anyone’s soggy green bean casserole is more gross-looking than their own.

After this ritual, someone must text grandma and alert her to begin passing around the plates of food. If she does not answer her text it may be that her phone is not smart and does not have the capability. In that case, resort to punching her.

Not in the face silly! Punch her phone number and call her.

As the plates are being passed, someone may inadvertently get a scoop of that red jellied glop in the shape of a can still wobbling on a plate or perhaps a spoonful of giblets from the meat tray.

This usually starts conversations such as, “What the goo is this?!” Along with, “Hey! What part of the turkey does a giblet come from anyhow?”

Immediately half of the guests at the table will bring up Google and ask for a definition of giblet.

The other half will verbally ask Siri what the wobbling Thanksgiving goop is made from.

Those questions will no doubt continue the lively table banter until the gravy has cooled and congealed into the shape of the gravy boat it came in.

Unfortunately, the definition of giblets will cause everyone to become vegan.

Meanwhile, Siri will have suggested that the wonky cranberry gloop might actually be a dead jellyfish. Dinner has been ruined.

Suddenly someone gets an emergency alert on their phone and yells, “Holy sweet potato pie!

Walblart just moved Black Friday up to Thursday! They’re giving away flat screen TVs with every purchase of frozen giblets right now!”

The table is immediately vacated as Dad shouts, “Somebody FaceTime your mother in the kitchen and tell her to bag up the food and put it in the fridge and meet us at the mall food court for corn dogs!”

Thanksgiving has officially begun.

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.

ACROSS 1. Newton or Stern 6. Hot springs resort 9. Gene Simmons’ band 13. Cuban dance 14. Anticipated outcome 15. Type of rug 16. Shiny suit 17. Red area between Saudi Arabia and Egypt?

18. Telephone company 19. *Which Thursday is Thanksgiving?

21. *Gathering 23. To boot 24. India location 25. Deli order 28. Walked on 30. Authoritative declaration 35. Milano moolah 37. Swear, not curse 39. Kappa Alpha ____ 40. Battery fluid 41. Long-necked wading bird 43. Biz bigwig 44. Chirp 46. Gauche or Droite, in Paris 47. On one’s guard 48. Take for ransom 50. Gingrich of politics 52. Female sib

53. Hoodlum 55. Comic cry 57. *Early Thanksgiving celebrant 61. *It’s on the final Thanksgiving Parade float 64. Convex molding 65. High or low 67. “Roots” author 69. *Post-Thanksgiving song 70. Yoga accessory 71. Accustom 72. “The Man Who ____ Too Much” 73. Possessive of it 74. Opposite of digest DOWN 1. Roth ____ 2. Turf alternative 3. Shots, for short 4. Roughly 5. Root vegetable 6. “I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters, and threw up the ____” 7. *Not cake 8. Wet nurses 9. Capital of Ukraine 10. Capri, e.g.

11. Hollow baglike structures 12. Vegas bandit

15. Gibraltar or Bering 20. Synagogue read 22. Willie Nelson’s “Farm ____” 24. Like fans 25. *Like Friday after Thanksgiving 26. Chinese fruit 27. “____-and-true” 29. *____-eating 31. “The ____” talk show 32. Astros’ homeland 33. Wombs 34. *Parade organizer 36. Port in Yemen 38. Created a rug?

42. Handrail post 45. “Snow ____,” band 49. Between Sigma and Epsilon 51. Tittering laugh sound 54. Savory taste sensation 56. Asian wild ass 57. From chicken pox 58. He was terrible 59. Elders’ teachings 60. Neon effect 61. Exercise groups 62. Adhesive 63. Not his 66. *The oldest balloon animal 68. Hitherto SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9