CNSTC: November 30, 2022

Room to learn

Around Town

East-West Gateway presents Outstanding Local Government Achievement Awards. Pg. 3

A SENIOR MOMENT. Pg. 4

Cottleville

By Brett Auten

Geoge Hutchings asked himself a simple and accurate question.

“Where is an old preacher man going to get $300,000?” he asked.

Hutchings, who lives in Cottleville, is looking for the funds to continue the next step in his mission.

He earned the nickname, “The Shoeman,” because he used to collect sneakers to fund water drilling projects in Kenya.

educations

St. Charles Optimist Club sponsors Youth in Government Day. Pg. 5

School

Stone Creek Elementary teacher honored with 2022 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Pg. 7

Features

Hutchings celebrated his newest project with the Experience Kenya Modern Mira cle Charity Ball held earlier this month, in O’Fallon. The event featured Kenyan sing ing and dancing and outside the building is an example of a grain silo to be used as a classroom for 20 girls.

Hutchings will purchase 10 silos, ship See ‘LEARN’ page 2

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

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

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

Weather

FRIDAY Cloudy 55/43

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SUNDAY Partly Cloudy 53/44

“Around four million pounds of used shoes and 300 wells,” Hutchings estimated.

Now, he’s turning grain silos into class rooms to give impoverished Kenyan girls high school educations.

philanthropist is turning grain silos into classrooms to give impoverished Kenyan girls high school

Submitted photo

George Hutchings has been on a mission to help. For over 20 years he has collected used sneakers, recycled them, and used the funds to drill clean water wells in Kenya. He turned over that orga nization in 2018 to develop the Juanita School, that accepts impoverished girls when their government funded schooling ends at the eighth-grade level and their families can’t afford to continue the education.

“Our vision is to mold Juanita School for Girls into a Christian-valued school that will become self-sufficient while offering scholarships to the underprivileged.”

~ George Hutchings

‘LEARN’ from cover

them unassembled to a remote jungle area of Kenya, and assemble them at the Juani ta School for Girls. The gala celebrated the third anniversary of the school near East Thika, Kenya.

Juanita School accepts impoverished girls who would otherwise face a dire future when their government funded schooling ends at the eighth-grade level and their families can’t afford to continue the education.

“Our vision is to mold Juanita School for Girls into a Christian-valued school that will become self-sufficient while offer ing scholarships to the underprivileged,” Hutchings said. “In addition to providing a high-quality high school education, we seek to establish an endowment provid ing college scholarship opportunities. We will follow accountable leadership practic es and be grateful and responsive to those who support our mission financially and as volunteers. Through God’s grace and mer cy, we will provide young women hope and a productive future.”

Juanita School opened in 2019 but quick ly shut down due to the COVID-19 virus. It reopened a year later. The school is funded by private donations and a few churches throughout the U.S. By the end of 2022 it will have 100 students.

“Without a high-school education, most of Kenya’s teen girls are sold into marriage to provide funds for their families, enter prostitution, find menial labor jobs, turn to drugs or alcohol, or commit suicide,” Hutchings said. “These students have no parent, church, or convention to speak for them. They are a lost generation without hope. At Juanita School for Girls we rescue girls and save lives.”

Hutchings began with The Shoeman Water Project. For 20 years he collected used sneakers, recycled them, and used the

funds to drill clean water wells in Kenya. He turned over that organization in 2018 to develop the school.

Prior to attending Juanita School for Girls, the students had been living in a mud house without electricity or running water and their bed was a dirt floor covered by a goatskin. When they came to Juanita School, they slept on a mattress for the first time and they had their first shower.

During 2021, 10 computer workstations with internet was added

“The students had never seen a computer and the Internet was a miracle,” Hutchings said. “(Juanita School) is in a remote area and there was no way to get a sick child to a doctor, grocery shop, or go to church. We bought a bus and transport is now avail able. We also added a science lab.”

In addition to their regular studies, the

students work the 10-acre farm at the Juan ita School. The farm grows corn, beans, to matoes, lettuce, spinach, and a host of veg etables. They also have 200 chickens, 150 rabbits, sheep, goats, ducks and turkeys. We train the girls that with a hoe and one acre of land, they can become a commer cial farmer. They learn farming and how to cook what they raise.

“It’s a modern-day miracle,” Hutchings said. “They have a dream to get out of pov erty and create prosperity and these silos are a way to do that. We will be able to ed ucate thousands into the future.”

For more information about Juani ta School for Girls, visit www.Juanita SchoolKenya.org, or call Hutchings at 314478-4289.

Submitted photos

The Experience Kenya Modern Miracle Charity Ball was held on Nov. 18 in O’Fallon. It featured Kenyan singing and dancing and outside the building was an example of a grain silo to be used as a classroom for 20 girls.

East-West Gateway presents Outstanding Local Government Achievement Awards

East‐West Gateway Council of Gov ernments presented its annual Out standing Local Government Achieve ment Awards to eight recipients during its 57th annual meeting, recognizing the region’s governments and officials for extraordinary achievements in public sector service, leadership and collaboration.

“We are proud to present the 2022 Outstanding Local Government Achievement Awards and honor mu nicipal, county, special purpose and school district officials that exemplify the highest levels of excellence, exper tise and service,” said Jim Wild, East‐West Gateway Executive Director.

The award presentations were made at the noon luncheon Nov. 17, at the Ballpark Hilton Downtown St. Louis. This year’s winners are listed in bold below.

Peg Capo received a Gateway Life time Public Service award. Capo has been serving as the Executive Direc tor of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County (DDRB) for 30 years. Capo has pro vided extraordinary guidance and dedication to create, support, ensure and be accountable for services to those with developmental disabilities and their families.

Shirley Norris, received the sec ond Gateway Lifetime Public Service award. At age 92, Project Manager Norris has spent close to half of her life working at the Missouri Depart ment of Transportation (MoDOT) St. Louis district. Norris’ tenure at Mo DOT distinguishes her as the oldest full‐time government employee in the state, having started her career with the organization in 1977 at the age of 47.

David Grider, volunteer with the St. Clair County Assessor’s Office, received an award for Exemplary Ac complishment by a Local Government Jurisdiction, Agency or Individual. Grider has been a volunteer with the St. Clair County Assessor’s Office for over 12 years. His volunteer service highlights the valuable contribution older adults can play in the workplace.

The city of Frontenac received an award for Exemplary Accomplishment by a LocalGovernment Jurisdiction, Agency or Individual for the Timber Trail to Briar Ridge Channel Project. The project used native vegetation on over 1,300 feet of the channel, which prevents approximately 100 tons of sediment, 114 lbs. of phosphorus and 227 lbs. of nitrogen from polluting

Deer Creek each year and includes over 600 lineal feet of aesthetically pleasing filter strips that remove E. coli bacteria from 90% of rain events.

An award for Exemplary Collabora tion, Partnership or Regional Initiative is going to the city of St. Louis Collec tor of Revenue, Park Central Devel opment, Prosperity Connections and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri for the Real Estate Tax Assistance Fund (RETAF). The RETAF provides tax as sistance to owner‐occupants with no mortgage that are facing imminent tax foreclosure. As a result, families can stay in their homes, maintain housing stability and hold on to hard‐earned equity in the home.

The City of Washington, Downtown Washington, Inc., the School District of Washington and the Washington Chamber of Commerce are receiving the second award for Exemplary Col laboration, Partnership or Regional Initiative for the Connect Washing ton program. Connect Washington ensures that each high school stu dent has an opportunity to explore their workforce passions and interests through experiences in businesses and industries prior to graduation.

Beyond Housing, PGAV Planners, Rise Community Development, and Armstrong Teasdale are receiving an award for Leadership in Planning and Design Innovation for the 24:1 Land Use and Economic Development Plan. The plan is a unified approach to increase the quality and quantity of businesses and housing development within the 24:1 Municipal Partnership footprint. The 24:1 Municipal Partner ship is comprised of elected officials from the 23 (formerly 24) munici palities that make up the Normandy Schools Collaborative.

Finally, St. Charles Community Col lege is also receiving the Leadership in Planning and Design Innovation award for the Culinary and Agricul ture Center, Field to Table Institute. The Institute brings together culinary, agriculture, and healthcare education by teaching about the connection be tween farming, food, healthcare, and quality of life.

More detailed information on each of the award winners, along with brief video overviews of their work, will be available on East‐West Gateway’s web site at www.ewgateway.org/outstand ing‐localgovernment‐achievement‐awards following the luncheon.

Delta Dental of Missouri Celebrates 20 Years of Land of Smiles program

As Delta Dental of Missouri celebrates two decades of its popular, award-winning Lands of Smiles dental education program, dynamic super-hero characters are gearing up for their return in person at elemen tary schools across Missouri in early 2023.

In recent years in response to COVID, the non profit company has offered its free program virtu ally to schools to continue teaching kindergarten through third-grade students good dental health habits. Registration is now open for the return of live performances at a select number of schools in the spring of 2023.

Local teachers, school nurses and principals are invited to email Schools@NationalTheatre.com to request an in-person, live show for the spring semes ter, or visit www.LandofSmilesMO.org to gain access to the online program on a date and time that works for their students this fall or next spring.

The Land of Smiles experience follows superhe ro Captain Super Grin, as he defeats his nemesis, Caz Cavity, with help from his sidekicks Terri Tooth Fairy and Toothpick. Students learn the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly. The program includes an oral health curriculum that adheres to National Health Education Standards, as well as standards for Missouri. It contains engaging, age-ap propriate materials to make learning about dental health entertaining for kids and includes activity sheets, which are also now available in Spanish.

Since its inception in the fall of 2002, the Land of Smiles program has taught more than 1.1 mil lion kids how to take care of their growing smiles through more than 4,800 onsite performances at schools in 113 Missouri counties, and through its online version.

“We’re excited to again offer live Land of Smiles performances at grade schools in early 2023, and to now include activity sheets in Spanish to make learning about dental health easy and fun for even more youngsters,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “As we mark the 20th anniversary of Land of Smiles, we’re thrilled to know that the program has helped improve the lives of more than a million kids.”

Delta Dental of Missouri offers free “smile bags” to schools for students who participate in the pro gram. Each bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to help students practice the good oral health habits they learn. Each school is respon sible for distributing the bags to participating stu dents who attend school in person or virtually.

Those interested in learning more or scheduling the program can visit www.LandofSmilesMO.org.

THIS WEEK’S PICK

United Way launches local Holiday Volunteer Guide

The season of giving is here, and United Way of Greater St. Louis recently released a free Holiday Volunteer Guide, an online tool featuring local vol unteer opportunities during the holiday season. The guide can be found at STLvolunteer.org/hvg.

“United Way’s 100-year history has been built off our communi ty’s willingness to embrace the season of giving by volunteer ing their time to help uplift the community, and we hope to see that same support this year,” said Rick Skinner, vice president of United Way’s Volunteer Center. “The Holiday Volunteer Guide

is a valuable resource that offers a host of opportunities for vol unteers to get involved and help individuals and families in need have a brighter holiday season.”

All of the opportunities list ed are through reputable non profit agencies throughout the St. Louis region in Missouri and Illinois. There are a wide array of volunteer opportunities that people can explore by loca tion, age, skillset, passion and keyword. Additionally, there are both in-person, virtual and doit-yourself at home opportunities available through the guide.

Current examples include

creating holiday goodie bags for local children, delivering holi day meals for homebound indi viduals, serving as a greeter and assisting with children’s activities at local holiday events, sorting and organizing clothes and do nations, and unloading and bag ging meals at local food pantries.

Virtual and do-it-yourself opportunities include filling out holiday greeting cards for older adults, contributing to hol iday wish lists and creating hol iday wreaths for those who are newly housed.

Submitted photo

As Delta Dental of Missouri celebrates two decades of its popular, award-win ning Lands of Smiles dental education program, dynamic super-hero char acters are gearing up for their return in person at elementary schools across Missouri in early 2023.

Marcy’s Project celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

St. Charles Optimist Club sponsors Youth in Government Day

Marcy’s Project located at 1241 Jun germann Road, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting cere mony on Nov. 15.

Members of the Cottleville Wel don-Spring Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, and other com munity leaders were in attendance.

“This was the perfect opportunity to learn about the various projects we run to help St. Charles County families in need,” said owner, Wendy Robinson.

Tours were given of Marcy's Market,

where they offer free personal hygiene, shoes, clothing, baby and household items. They are currently collecting Christmas trees, decorations and new toys for their upcoming Marcy's Kids Holiday Market. They also showed how Marcy's Milestones is serving the elderly in eight local nursing facilities.

Learn more about how they are making a difference in the community, one kind act at a time. For more infor mation, check out marcysproject.org.

The Optimist Club of St. Charles rec ognized four high school students who participated in the Annual Youth in Government Day on Nov. 16.

Students were nominated by their high school counselor or classroom teacher to participate in a day-long vis it with officials of the city of St. Charles. Mayor Dan Borgmeyer, welcomed the students and department officials from the fire and police departments. While

visiting the government facilities, the students and officials discussed depart ment operations and toured the facili ties.

At the Optimist noon meeting, the student shared experiences from the morning session and their future plans following high school graduation. Af ter the luncheon, the students returned to the city facilities to complete the vis itation.

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Participating in the Optimist Club of St. Charles Annual Youth in Government Day were (front row, from left) Sophia Whitsell – Orchard Farm, Samantha Whitsell – Orchard Farm, Claire Mascia – St. Charles West, Hasani Hendrickson – St. Charles West (back row, from left) Paul Hauser and Dulcie Couillard (co-chairs for the event), Matt Purcell (engi neer with the St. Charles Fire Dept.), Lt. Tom Wilkison of the St. Charles Police Dept., St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer and Gerry Prinster, Optimist Club President.

Missouri Humanities Announces 2023

Signature Series: ‘Roots & Routes:

The Movement and Settlement of Missourians’

Missouri Humanities’ (MH) 2023 Signature Series, “Roots & Routes: The Movement and Settlement of Missou rians,” will consider the movement of people, both voluntary and involun tary, and its influence on the cultural heritage, natural environment, and modern make up of Missouri.

Like other states in the nation, Mis souri’s culture, history, and demo graphics have been influenced both by people descended from different plac es across the world as well indigenous peoples with ancestral ties to this land. This state has also been undeniably transformed by how various peoples made these movements and by advanc es in transportation, whether they be on the river, the railroads, or the high ways.

Executive Director, Ashley Beard-Fosnow, reflects on this year’s theme: “I’m always curious to ask new acquaintances, “Where did your sto ry begin?’ or ‘What journeys of the past inspire your own?’ The theme for this year’s signature series, ‘Roots & Routes,’ will offer Missourians a plat form to discuss our family lineages and

highlight genealogical initiatives while also showcasing the trails and expedi tions that have so profoundly shaped our state’s heritage. Dr. Jon Taylor, Pro fessor of History at the University of Central Missouri, recently told me that the best onramps for engaging new au diences around history are often their own family or local histories. This rings true for me and I am eager to incor porate these conversations about the movements and settlements of Missou rians into our comprehensive strategy to make the humanities a larger part of public life across the state.”

Through both in-person public pro gramming and digital content, MH aims to explore what has influenced the movement of people into, out of, and within our state, and take a glance at how both chosen and forced migra tions and changes in transportation throughout the state’s history have shaped Missouri and continue to weave a tapestry of diverse cultures that ulti mately define and redefine this place. For more information, visit www.mo humanities.org/movement.

Epiphany Dermatology celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Epiphany Dermatology, located at 1120 Wolfrum Road, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 17.

Members of the Cottleville Wel don-Spring Chamber of Commerce, local business owners and other com munity leaders were in attendance.

“We are excited to introduce the Wel don Spring community to our newest

location in Weldon Spring. This new clinic gives us the opportunity to ex pand our provider network and im prove access to prompt appointments and exceptional dermatologic care in the greater St. Louis region,” said own er, Gheorghe Pusta.

For more information, visit https:// www.epiphanydermatology.com.

Submitted photo

Stone Creek Elementary teacher honored with 2022 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

Jennifer (Jenny) Thies, Stone Creek Elementary kindergarten teacher, received a 2022 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, joining an elite group of teachers from across the St. Louis region with this honor.

Thies has worked at Stone Creek since its inception in 2017.

“Miss Thies doesn’t settle for being good enough,” said Mrs. Armbruster, Stone Creek princi pal. “You can hear music, collabo ration, and cheering coming from her room. You can’t walk past her room without wanting to stop and go in. Her students are highly en gaged at all times.”

This award recognizes teachers for their outstanding and inno vative work in the classroom on behalf of students, passion for teaching, and impact on student learning.

Armbruster shared that Thies is constantly searching to find bet ter ways to instruct. She’s been known to work closely with read ing interventionists, the Teaching & Learning Department, and the administration to make sure the approach being used for reading

instruction is what’s best for stu dents.

Last year, 100% of her stu dents ended on grade level on the iReady assessment for reading. This annual recognition of ed ucators by Emerson, the St. Lou is-headquartered global technol ogy and engineering company, is part of the company’s commit ment to promoting quality edu cation throughout our commu

nity. The Excellence in Teaching Awards program began in St. Louis in 1989.

Recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award who teach grades kindergarten through high school can also apply for a Gold Star Grant from Emerson. These com petitive grants fund educational projects that reflect the key pillars of Emerson’s identity – technolo gy, innovation and leadership.

Liberty High School student earns perfect score on ACT

Liberty High School ju nior Rafay Cheema has earned the highest possi ble ACT composite score of 36.

Nationally, while the ac tual number of students earning the top score var ies from year to year, on average, only around onehalf of 1% of students who take the ACT earn a 36. Among test takers in the U.S. in 2021, only 4,055 of nearly 1.3 million students earned an ACT composite score of 36.

Cheema has a weighted 4.33 GPA, is ranked sec ond in his class, and is enrolled in five Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as two dual-credit college-level courses. He is a member of HOSA and participates on the debate team.

Cheema is a member of the Liberty varsity ten nis team, qualifying for state for the past two years and finishing sixth as a freshman. In addition, he has competed in Mathleague competitions since the fourth grade, making it to the state and national competitions each year.

Cheema is the second Liberty student to earn a perfect score on the ACT; the first student to earn a perfect score on the ACT was Rafay’s sister Nawal in 2019.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. Each test is scored on a scale of 1-36, and a student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. The score for ACT’s optional writing test is reported separately and is not includ ed within the ACT composite score.

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

Jennifer (Jenny) Thies, Stone Creek Elementary kindergarten teacher, received a 2022 Emerson Excel lence in Teaching Award

Take

EVENTS

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.

Dec. 11: Christmas con cert

A Christmas Cantata, “All is Well,” will be performed at 3 p.m. at St. John UCC at 405 South Fifth Street in St. Charles.

Dec. 17: Gift making workshop/parents day out

A gift making workshop/ parents day out takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John UCC at 405 South Fifth Street in St. Charles. All children should bring their own lunch and an afternoon snack. Children will make gifts, play games and watch movies. Register by calling the church office at 636-7241015.

Dec. 31: Youth orchestra auditions

Music students can join the St. Charles County Youth Orchestra (SCCYO) during mid-season video auditions. Video auditions will be ac cepted through Dec. 31. Re hearsals begin on Jan. 7. All levels of string, wind, brass, and percussion are accept ed. The orchestra rehearsals are on Saturdays with two performance opportunities on April 1 and May 20. SC

CYO Winter Concert will be held on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at Missouri Baptist University. For more information about auditions or tickets for the concert please contact sccy omusic@gmail.com or www. sccyo.org.

Jan. 7: Auto care clinic

Starting in January, Kim Barks of Complete Car & RV Repair Center at 3309 New Town Blvd. in St. Charles will be hosting a free auto care clinic for women at the repair center. Donations will be accepted for local charity and each month there will be a class free of charge on the first Saturday of each month.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 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.

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.

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.

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

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting

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

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

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 global organization of volun teers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis. com.

Tuesdays: 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 vis itation support for people with any type of heart issues. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Spencer Road St. Charles Library, at the corner of Boone Hills Dr. and Spencer Rd. For additional information please call 636639-0875.

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 infor mation about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male Caregiver Experience, please call the Alzheimer’s Associ ation’s 24/7 Helpline at 800272-3900 or visit www.alz. org/stl. Registration is re quested before the first meet ing.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tues day of each month a social club for widows and widow ers 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 Tuesday 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 concerns and need support, please come on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Open to high school and adult men.

Tuesdays: Central Mis souri Railroad Associa tion meeting

This unique organization is for railroad modelers, rail fans, photographers and rail road retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on sec ond Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the War renton Masonic Lodge. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-456-0776 or visit our Facebook page.

Tuesdays: Cancer sup port group

Cancer Companions Support Group is a support group for any cancer patient in treat ment or post treatment, their caregiver and their loved ones that meets on the sec ond Tuesday of each month at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie at 7 p.m. in the parlor. Registra tion 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 expe rience necessary. 636-9281928.

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

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensi bly) 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 information call 314504-5202

Wednesdays: Food pan try

Food pantry open Wednes days to the public from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Cornerstone UMC at 1151 Tom Ginnev er Ave. in O’Fallon. Bread, canned goods other necessi ties.

Wednesdays: St. Charles

Area Wood Carvers

Meetings are held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hollen beck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road in St. Charles. Visitors are always welcome. For more infor mation visit http://www.st charlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.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 per son. Reservations required by the Friday prior to the luncheon by calling 636-9466799. All are welcome.

Wednesdays: Quilt guild

Duchesne Dr. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fish ing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Wednesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville on the second and fourth Wednes day of each month from 9 –10:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and camaraderie. Come meet with fellow veterans who served our country and share your experience.

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 Meth odist Church at 725 N. Wall St. in Wentzville. TOPS is a national non-profit weightloss organization that sup ports its members in attain ing 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 Heritage of Hawk Ridge. For more information, contact the Lake St. Louis Commu nity Association at 636-6258276.

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

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.

Tuesdays: NAMI

St. Lou is Family Support Group

If you have a family member or friend who is having men tal health concerns there is a support group for you. It meets 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: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball 8-9:30 p.m., in the Christian Life Center, 7400 South Out er 364 in Dardenne Prairie.

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 meet ings every Wednesday from 8 – 9 a.m. at the St. Charles Ambulance District at 2000 Salt River Road in St. Peters. RSVP at cavespringstoast masters@gmail.com as guests are free.

Every Fourth Wednesday from January to October, the Loose Threads Quilt Guild meets at 6:45 p.m. at the Cul tural 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 Cot tleville at 7:00 p.m. All Ma rines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome. For more informa tion visit www.stcharlesma rine.org.

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at JJ’s Restaurant at 1215 S.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

closer when Lucas Sousa found the back of the net in the final minute of the period to make it a 3-2 game.

Ambush win first game of season at home in a nail bitter

The St. Louis Ambush opened their 2022-23 MASL season in dramatic fashion when they pulled off a 5-4 win in sudden-death overtime Friday at The Family Arena, their home stadium.

The first quarter was scoreless. The most notable event of the period was a challenge by the Ambush on a blue card that was reversed by Senior Referee Ryan Cigich after a video review.

The first goal of the contest came in the second minute of the second quarter when Ambush forward Tony Walls took a shot that came off the wall and he followed the rebound and put the ball in the net. The Ambush went on a power play at 12:02 when Com ets goalkeeper Neto earned a blue card for tripping. The home team made good on the opportunity when Walls sent a pass to Duduca Carvalho, who pounded it in from the goal mouth to make it 2-0 Ambush.

The Ambush got another power-play opportuni ty when Mirko Sandivari was carded for tripping, but this time the Comets got the upper hand when Ignacio Flores scored a short-handed tally for a 2-1 score that held until halftime.

The Ambush went up 3-1 when Will Eskay got open and scored off a pass from Robert Kristo in the second minute of the third frame. The Comets inched

The visitors tied things up in the sixth minute of the fourth quarter when Sousa scored his second of the match. St. Louis regained the lead (4-3) just over a minute later when Ado Jahic scored off a pass from Kristo. Kansas City again posted an equalizer when John Sosa got off a long shot that found its mark with under two minutes left in the game. The clock ran out before either team scored, sending the duel into sudden-death overtime.

Just over two minutes into overtime, Jahic nailed his second goal of the game, assisted by Marcel Ber ry, to make it a home sweet home opener for the Ambush by the final score of 5-4.

After sitting out last season recovering from an injury and subsequent surgery, Ambush goalkeeper Paulo turned in a highlight-reel performance, post ing 19 saves on 23 chances, for an impressive .826 save percentage.

The Ambush will be back in action Dec. 10 when they visit the Milwaukee Wave.

The next Ambush home game is slated for Dec. 11, when the Baltimore Blast invade the Family Arena for a 4:05 p.m. match.

~~~Exciting time in front of the hometown fans

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: Celebrating big with berry punch

Holidays, gatherings and celebrations can be the best time to try new, easy, stress-free recipes. Drink and punch recipes are especially easy to throw together (even last-minute) right before the festivities begin. This way, the drinks are chilled, and the food is hot and ready.

No matter if it’s a big crowd or a night alone with a spe cial someone, this Cranber ry Raspberry Vanilla Punch is sure to be the star of the celebration with its powerful berry flavor.

The end result is tangy, tart, sweet and absolutely delicious all mixed up in one large bowl. With only five in gredients, it’s simple to make and even better to enjoy.

Pairing perfectly with sweets or chocolates, this punch packs the flavor for nearly any event, gathering or small family dinner.

Cranberry Raspberry Vanilla Punch

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

In 1983, Peter Bill ingsley charmed audiences in “A Christmas Story,” a warm and funny look at the Christmas season. He played Ralphie Parker, a boy who wanted, more than any thing else, an “Official Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.”

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.

However, his mother (Me linda Naud) refused to give her son such a dangerous con traption. Ralphie then pleaded his case at school by writing a Christmas theme about Red Ryder. Un fortunately, his stern teacher wrote “You’ll shoot your eye out” on his essay. When Christmas arrived, though, Ralphie’s “Old Man” (Darren McGavin) presented him with Red Ryder’s finest.

Ralphie’s holiday misadventures were far from over, though. Nick Schenk and Bill ingsley wrote the screen story for “A Christ mas Story Christmas,” a sequel that has grown-up Ralph returning to his childhood home in Hohman, Indiana after experienc ing a life-changing moment.

Child stars from the original film re turned for the sequel, in particular Ian Pe trella as the scene-stealing role Randy. R.D. Robb and Scott Schwartz also appeared as Schwartz and Flick, two of Ralphie’s child hood friends. Even school bully Scut Farkus

(Zack Ward) showed up in his new career as a police officer.

Between the two “Christmas Story” mov ies came a couple of sequels: “My Summer Story” (originally titled “It Runs in the Fam ily”) and “Ollie Hopnoodle’s Haven of Bliss.” The first film was released in 1994 with a different cast of characters. Instead of BB guns, Ralphie Parker (now played by Kier nan Culkin) wanted a perfect spinning top in order to beat Scut Farkus. Mrs. Parker fought her own battles with a movie theater owner while the “Old Man” (Charles Gro din) tried to teach Ralphie how to fish. The source material was adapted from author Jean Shepherd’s “In God We Trust: All Oth ers Pay Cash.”

“Ollie Hopnoodle’s Haven of Bliss” had teenaged Jerry O’Connell playing an ambi

– SUDOKU –

tious Ralphie Parker. He and his friends found summer jobs working at “Scott’s Used Furniture Palace,” but one of their tasks involved moving a large refrigerator up sev eral flights of stairs. Later in the summer, Ralphie, whose career dreams have since dis appeared, traveled with his family to the “Haven of Bliss.” Ralphie and his dad tried to have a father and son mo ment by going fishing, but a torrential rainstorm ruined their plans and left them with a leaky roof and not enough pots and pans. As for the adult Peter Billingsley, he has worked in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes. He wasn’t in the di rect-to-video “A Christmas Story 2,” but within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he played William Ginter Riva, a scientist who reported to the demanding Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). Billingsley’s work as co-exec utive producer for “Dinner for Five” earned him an Emmy nomination and, in 2005, he helped produce the “Jumanji” spin-off “Za thura.” The actor also directed the comedy “Couples Retreat” and appeared opposite Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn in “Four Christmases.”

“A Christmas Story Christmas,” rated PG, is currently streaming on HBO Max.

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.

‘A Christmas Stiory Christmas’ photo courtesy Warner Bros.

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

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

Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.

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The great day of unrestrained gluttony, or more com monly known as Thanksgiving, has come and gone.

If you’re a typical gorger, you inhaled a fourth of a turkey along with mountains of potatoes and plates of side dishes, followed by multiple cream-topped pies; all enough to choke a herd of mountain goats. Yes, you’ve consumed enough to cause the patrons at Fat ty McButterpants all-you-can-eat buffet to rise up in a standing ovation and unanimously award you the cov eted Purple Bypass Medal of Distinction.

Yay you!

What’s next?

Well if you were like 58 percent of the population, you took a nap in front of the TV and slept until the tryptophan wore off or are still sleeping until next spring, whichever comes first. Unfortunately, the other 42 percent fell into a food coma facedown into their pumpkin pie and nearly drowned in their own whipped topping.

Government officials immediately met to solve this troublesome epidemic. They quickly got down to the first order of business; a hefty pay increase to make up for shortening their holiday to come in early and do the nation’s work. To subsidize this raise, they im plemented a substantial tax increase on the offend ing dairy product. Then by a unanimous vote, they promptly moved Black Friday to Thursday to save Americans from this senseless tragedy--the loss of a perfectly good piece of pie.

The officials decided the people needed to get away from the table and the dangerous desserts and move

’Tis the season for holiday parties, travel, hosting and more. While it is a joyous time of year, the never-ending to-do lists and school being out of session can make everyone feel a little overwhelmed, children included.

Consider these five prac tical tips from the experts at KinderCare to help families manage holiday stressors.

1. Manage expectations. The commotion that often comes with the holidays can be stressful for young children. You can help alleviate worries by famil iarizing them with what’s to come. Talk to them about upcoming travel, who they’ll see at events and what to expect throughout the season. If they are cautious in their current developmental stage, let loved ones know beforehand to give them a little extra space at festivities. Parents can also begin familiarizing little ones with rel atives through photos and phone calls.

2. Empower children. It’s important for chil dren to understand they have a choice – and family members are willing to respect that choice. Parents should acknowledge their children’s body language and empower them to say “no” in uncomfortable situations. Parents can help by proactively asking questions such as, “Do you want a hug?” and if they say “no,” support them in their decision.

3. Maintain your schedule. Children thrive on consistency, and during the holidays it’s important to at

By Cindy Moore

their muscles. Thus the stores were ordered to open at noon on the day of Thanksgiving along with a decree that all flat-screens be reduced by 40% (the savings would be retrieved directly at tax time and contributed to the bureaucrats as a reward for their ingenuity).

The following exercise program and calorie loss came as a direct result of the decree:

Standing in line for six hours waiting for stores to open = 1,000 calories

Running through the store to avoid psychotic shop pers = 500 calories

Hurdling over aisles to beat the mobs = 400 calories

Kickboxing with lunatic woman over the last Barbie home tattoo kit= 1,200 calories

Arm wrestling over the latest Waffluum--a combina tion waffle maker and vacuum cleaner = 300 calories

Tug-o-war over last smashed-in big screen = 600 calories

Note: All weight loss will be taxed at year’s end and credited to the account of the officials for their annual Christmas party.

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.

least try maintaining as much of what they’re used to as pos sible, such as naps, meals and playtime.

It’s also important to note that children feed off their parents’ energy, so make sure you’re in tune with your own emotions. When over whelmed, openly discuss how you’re feeling and involve your children when taking breaks. For example, “It’s loud in here, would you like to go sit outside with me?”

4. Have fun. Make time to spread joy and inte grate activities to bond as a family, such as reading hol iday-themed books, crafting, playing games, singing or baking. Whether old traditions or new, these are mo ments your child can cherish for years to come.

5. Keep others in mind. While it’s important to set children up for success ahead of the holidays, par ents should also teach children the holiday season can look different for others. Putting a focus on experiences rather than the gifts can help them have more to dis cuss with their peers when returning to school. It’s also a good time to consider donating toys to make room for new ones or volunteering at a local charity to show children joy can be experienced through more than just gifts.

To find more tips to help manage holiday stress, or to access additional resources around social development, setting boundaries and routines, visit KinderCare.com.

CROSSWORD: Holiday Movies

Moore on Life: Gobble till you wobble

Photo courtesy Getty Images