CNSTC: December 2, 2020

December 2, 2020

A nontraditional Christmas

Around Town

Product pantry fills void for area. Pg. 4 St. Charles County restaurants, bars close at 11 p.m.; school quarantine agreement reached. Pg. 3 Control the risk of holiday season home fires. Pg. 3

School Wentzville School District Technology Director wins Missouri Baptist University alumni award. Pg. 7

Features

Submitted photo The annual Christmas Traditions will take place from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Festival hours are; Fridays 6-to-9 pm, Saturdays noon-to-9 pm, and Sundays noon-to-5pm.

On Christmas Eve, hours are 11am-to-2 pm.

The 46th season St. Charles Christmas Traditions will be unlike any other as COVID-19 measures require changes to the festivities

By Brett Auten Reality has thrown a bit of a wrench into the fantasy world that is the St. Charles Christmas Traditions.

The 46th season of the festive showcase kicked off last week and with COVID-19 concerns in everyone’s thoughts, The St. Charles Christmas Traditions will continue to be the cornerstone of the holiday celebration.

Main Street will still be decked out in it holiday regalia with a unique blend of storytelling, history, and fairy tale playfulness, visitors are transported to a world of yuletide nostalgia where reindeer fly, Victorian carolers

share a cheerful tune, and sugarplums dance in your head.

“The charming vibe that people have come to know about the festival will absolutely be there, because the main ingredients of Christmas Traditions will still be there,” Ryan Cooper, Christmas Traditions Festival Director, said. “While yes, there have been many programming modifications and postponements, at its heart, the festival is unmistakably the holiday crown jewel that people have come to expect from Saint Charles, just safer.”

Safety is at the forefront and every component of the production side of the event has been examined to make it safe. Characters

and carolers will all be masked, socially distanced from guests, and spaced throughout the historic district.

“We have also created a charming solution to the traditional Santa photo that helps protect everyone involved,” Cooper said. “We highly encourage and stress the importance of our visitors wearing masks and socially distancing and acting responsibly in order to allow the season to not be cut short.”

The annual Christmas Traditions will take place from now to Dec. 24 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Festival hours are; Fridays See ‘TRADITIONS’ page 2

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December 2, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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Main Street in St. Charles will still be decked out in holiday delight with an array of seasonal characters and figures.

Submitted photos

‘TRADITIONS’ from cover 6 to 9 p.m., Saturdays noon to 9 p.m., and Sundays noon to5 p.m.

On Christmas Eve, hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While there is plenty of “yes’” this year there are, regrettably, some “nos.” There will be no Santa breakfast or parades, readings at the First State Parades, Yuletide dinners, and no character trading cards, among others.

“The current situation is fluid and flexible,” Cooper said. “For those who don’t feel comfortable visiting with us in person this year, we encourage them to celebrate with us in spirit, and know that this event has been going on for nearly half a century, we will be back next year bigger and better than ever.”

Event tie-ins include Channukah on Main Street (by the Chabad

Jewish Center of St. Charles County) from Dec. 10-17 in Berthold Square. This will be a 15 minute program as they kindle the menorah each night of the eight-day holiday. A virtual Las Posadas event on Dec. 5 – for information go to www.stcharleslasposadas.com. A “Wreaths Across America” display - Christmas Tree honoring Blue, Silver, and Gold Star Mothers will be located in the Madison Street alcove (100 South Main) and Gingerbread Village (Main Street Church, 116 N Main).

Cooper encourages potential guests to visit www.stcharleschristmas.com before their visit to prepare for what to expect and to learn about any updates and changes to the event.

Community Strong in the spotlight Bob Huneke (far left), Publisher Emeritus/General Manager of the Community News, presents a framed copy of the inaugural Community Strong nonprofit spotlight to Carissa Figgins, Executive Director of Community Strong. Pictured with Carissa are Community Strong staff members Thomas Redd and Jeremy Adams. The Community Strong spotlight column is published on the third Wednesday of the month in Community News. Hard copies are available on newsstands at local area Dierberg’s and Schnucks locations or visit online at www.mycnews.com.

Community News photo

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2020

Around Town

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St. Charles County restaurants, bars must close at 11 p.m.; school quarantine agreement reached Daily, St. Charles County Government addresses difficult issues involving COVID-19: increases in case numbers, concerns about keeping children in school, educating residents on how to stay safe and more.

“St. Charles County Government is working hard to keep our kids in school, keep our young adults out of the bars, and keep all of us out of the hospital,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “It takes everyone, including school officials, and restaurant and bar owners, to stop the spread of this virus.”

Ehlmann and Director of the St. Charles County Department of Public Health Demetrius Cianci-Chapman, in collaboration with school superintendents, are announcing an agreement to implement Missouri’s School Reopening and Operating Guidance updates. The state’s updates, announced on Nov. 12 by Missouri Governor Mike Parson, were intended to keep children who are not positive for COVID-19 in the classroom.

St. Charles County is adopting the updates as a modification to quarantine to allow teachers and students to stay in the classroom when they are a close contact without symptoms or a positive test. As announced by Parson, the school must have a mask mandate fully enforced. The modified quarantine is related to in-person curricular activities only.

“We look to our partners in the county to assist us in getting our students, faculty and staff through this pandemic while making every effort to continue the education process,” says Bernie DuBray, superintendent of Fort Zumwalt School District. “I believe I can speak for all school districts when I say we appreciate their concern for both health and education safety. As a county, we are working together to determine what is best for everyone during this unprecedented time.”

A second major issue confronting the county involves the threat of disease transmission in bars and night clubs. After 11 p.m., when such businesses in Illinois, St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis are closed, overwhelming crowds make social distancing impossible. In response, Cianci-Chapman issued a public health order pertaining to all county restaurants and bars, ordering them to close by 11 p.m. until otherwise rescinded.

This action also was in response to a recent announcement from Parson and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Parson’s State of Missouri COVID-19 Public Health Warning last week provided recommendations to communities based upon their localized public health data. The warning places St. Charles County in the state’s Category 1, indicating the county is at “Extreme Risk.” Criteria for Category 1 includes a seven-day polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity rate of 15 percent or above and a seven-day case rate per 100,000 of 350 or above.

“Other jurisdictions in the area have similar orders in place, and we need to make certain that St. Charles County is not a magnet for those who want to stay out late and party in groups,” Ehlmann says. “We need to stem the rise in positive cases in St. Charles County.”

In addition to the bar closings, the county executive is calling on all residents to join him in doing what is necessary to get the virus under control. In recent weeks the county has put up numerous billboards, sent a mass mailing and utilized social media to make people aware of the potential overcrowding in hospitals. Law enforcement throughout the county has been providing masks to residents and library branches have handed out more than 70,000 masks. On Black Friday, county employees will be at shopping venues throughout the area handing

Help control the risk of holiday season home fires In a year when large holiday gatherings may not be possible, the fire damage restoration specialists with SERVPRO in the O Fallon area say that a focus on family decorating traditions and more intimate celebrations may take on extra significance.

“It’s as important to keep safety top of mind with a small family gathering as it is with a large holiday party,” says Rick Isaacson, CEO of Servpro Industries, LLC. “We all enjoy bringing the glow of the holiday season to our homes with Christmas trees or menorahs and candlelight, but these statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration show how easy it is for home decorating to turn into a home disaster.”

• The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve. • More than half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles.

• A heat source too close to the Christmas tree causes one in every four winter fires.

• On average, one of every 52 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death.

In addition to exercising caution with candles and heat sources, it is important to follow manufacturers’ guidelines for holiday lighting, says Isaacson.

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 44 percent of home Christmas tree fires. Though Christmas tree fires may not be common, they can be devastating to more than the house itself. They can destroy irreplaceable photos, mementos, and family heirlooms and even cost lives,” says Isaacson. “To help keep your holidays bright and your home and family safe, use common sense with candles and tree placement, and follow these important home decorating guidelines.”

• Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.

• Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.

• Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.

“In a year when so many of the things we take for granted have changed, we know people will still come together – in person or virtually – to celebrate family and holiday traditions,” says Isaacson. “’Stay safe’ has become a common expression in the context of public health, but this holiday season, we urge all O Fallon-area home and business owners to think about ‘staying safe’ in their homes as they prepare for and enjoy the holiday season.”

out masks to shoppers.

The guidance from the state about schools especially calls attention to the importance of wearing a mask and wearing it correctly: “It is important to note that if either the person with COVID-19 or the person exposed to that positive case was not following the school’s mask mandate or was not wearing their mask appropriately during the time of exposure, the close contact should quarantine at home for 14 days.”

Since the onset of the pandemic, Cianci-Chapman has been meeting with school superintendents to provide guidance for keeping students safe while continuing their education. Information on school guidelines, as well as data regarding school-linked contacts and transmissions is located at sccmo.org/COVID. “As part of our response to the pandemic, our epidemiologists are closely monitoring where transmission occurs and the severity of those outbreaks,” says Cianci-Chapman. “The dynamic nature of our communities and the overwhelming surge of this pandemic requires complex mitigation efforts. We appreciate the understanding of our citizens, the support of businesses and the collaboration of schools to help protect our citizens’ health, education and economy.”

Ehlmann says, “I speak regularly with our St. Charles County hospital leaders and they are telling me they are on the verge of having an insufficient number of nurses, doctors and beds to care for patients. Whether someone contracts COVID and needs hospitalization, visits the ER, or requires care for other medical emergencies, the ability for our hospital to provide the healthcare our residents need and expect is being threatened each day.”

To view the Public Health Order, visit sccmo.org/ COVID.

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December 2, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Product pantry fills void for area While there are multiple food pantries in Lincoln County, New Salem Baptist Church has found a niche and is filling a gap that others do not.

Several years ago, the Winfield church, located on Highway EE, opened its product pantry, which distributes nonperishable items for personal hygiene and cleaning products. The pantry is the only outreach program in eastern Lincoln County that provides families with items such as paper towels, toilet paper and trash bags.

Most of the items the pantry distributes cannot be purchased with food stamps or any other government assistance. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to help others in a way that God has led us,” said Evelyn Head, product pantry director and chairperson.

The pantry, which assists over 600 families per year, has filled a void for low-income individuals and families and also when disaster or unforeseen situations arise in the community.

This year’s COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need as well. Since fundraisers have been canceled, the pantry organizers were thrilled to be awarded a $3,000 Operation Round Up grant in September to offset some of the group’s financial losses. Monetary donations can be mailed to the church at 1383 Highway EE, Winfield, MO 63389.

The goal of Operation Round Up is to help address needs in the areas of health, ed¬ucation, home weatherization, youth, com¬munity and emergency services that cannot be met with other resources.

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Submitted photo New Salem Baptist Church Product Pantry was recently awarded a $3,000 Operation Round Up grant. The women’s ministry is the only outreach program in eastern Lincoln County to distribute non-perishable items for personal hygiene and cleaning products.

Gutermuth Road interchange at Route 364 now open The St. Charles County Highway Department opened the new Gutermuth Road interchange at Route 364 during the evening of Nov. 19.

“The new interchange gives residents the opportunity to conveniently access Route 364 between the Mid Rivers Mall Drive and the Route K interchanges, where they previously could not,” explains County Engineer Craig Tajkowski.

The new interchange features roundabouts and free-flow exit lanes, which allow traffic to exit Route 364 onto Gutermuth Road without stopping.

The construction of the new interchange started Feb. 17, and was managed by the St. Charles County Highway Department with oversight by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The project is a cooperative effort funded by St. Charles County, MoDOT, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to improve traffic flow along Route 364. The cost for the new interchange is $5.5 million.

For more information about the project, please call the St. Charles County Highway Department at 636-949-7305 or visit sccmo.org/ Gutermuth364Interchange.

SSM Health re-implements visitation restrictions at local care sites

Keeping it Avoiding a "Bah Humbug" Christmas

sunrisefamily.org 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd, O'Fallon, MO

To promote the safety of patients, employees and the community, SSM Health is once again suspending visitors throughout its care sites.

The restrictions are necessary due to an increase in the spread of COVID-19 throughout our community.

Beginning Nov. 20, no visitors will be allowed except under certain circumstances including: • End-of-life situations • When a visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and care.

• Obstetrics patients in our hospitals will be allowed one visitor.

• Obstetrics patients in our Medical Group offices will be allowed one visitor on their first and 20-week ultrasound appointments only.

• Pediatric patients in our community hospitals are allowed one or two parent or guardian visitors.

•

Pediatric patients in our clinics may be accompanied by one adult and no other siblings can attend.

• Pediatric patients at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, who have been admitted to the hospital or are having surgery may have two visitors, all others may be accompanied by one parent or guardian.

• COVID and patients under investigation for COVID will still be under a strict, no visitors policy.

These proactive steps are meant to ensure the continued safety of our patients, visitors, physicians, staff and communities.

All area care sites implemented these changes Nov. 20.

SSM Health appreciates the public’s cooperation during this time.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2020

Around Town

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St. Charles County Collector of Revenue now mailing 2020 tax bills On Nov. 24, the first of nearly 350,000 real estate and personal property tax bills for 2020 were mailed

by Michelle McBride, St. Charles County Collector of Revenue. Bills are already available to view online at StCharlesMoCollector.org.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, taxpayers are strongly encouraged to pay using contactless methods: by mail, online, phone, or by dropping off payment in the drive-through drop box in front of the County Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles.

Understanding tax bills and tax levies/rates For a better understanding of the distribution of tax dollars, tax bills include a detailed allocation of taxes to political subdivisions that receive taxes, such as the state, schools, cities, fire districts, library, ambulance and emergency communications. Each of the entities that receive a portion of the tax bill sets its own tax levy, also known as the tax rate. The Collector of Revenue is given the tax rates to collect and is responsible for distributing the taxes collected to the political subdivisions. The Assessor and Collector of Revenue are not responsible for setting budgets in political subdivisions, and are not responsible for establishing the tax rate of individual political subdivisions.

The amount of taxes owed will be impacted by certain bond issues or tax rate increases passed by voters in the political subdivisions listed, including measures passed by Oct. 31 in the same calendar year of the bill. For example, earlier in 2020, voters passed propositions that included a 63-cent per $100 of assessed valuation tax increase for the Orchard Farm School District and a 49-cent per $100 of assessed valuation tax increase for the Wentzville School District. Taxpayers who reside within these districts will see these changes reflected on their 2020 tax bill.

To compare 2019 and 2020 tax rates, click on “Tax Rates” at sccmo.org/Collector.

Ways to pay Tax payments are due by Dec. 31. Technical difficulties with making phone or online payments do not extend the statutory deadline to pay without late payment penalties and interest. Receipts for payments by mail, online, phone, and drop boxes are mailed approximately five days after payment is received and processed by the collector of revenue’s office; receipts for payments made in-person at the collector’s service windows are provided same-day.

Following are ways to pay: • By mail using check, money order or cashier’s check. Make payable to Michelle D. McBride or St. Charles County Collector of Revenue. Mail to Michelle D. McBride, St. Charles County Collector of Revenue, 201 N. Second St., Room 134, St. Charles, MO 63301. Include remittance stub, if available, and write account number on the payment. Do not mail cash.

Mailed payments are accepted as of the postmark date. If there is no postmark, payment will be accepted on the date the Collector of Revenue’s office receives the envelope. If payment is placed in the mail on Dec. 31, it might not be postmarked until the next business day and could result in the addition of statutory late payment interest and penalty.

•

Online using e-check ($1.50 fee) or debit/ credit card (fee of about 2.5 percent of the total amount due). Taxpayers can pay online at StCharlesMoCollector.com. Payments made on this site are posted based on the online payment transaction date/time. Early payment is highly recommended when paying online in case of technical difficulties.

Many taxpayers opt to use online payment systems through banks to pay taxes. The Collector of Revenue urges those who use these systems to initiate payment at least five working days prior to Dec. 31. The payment date in these transactions is registered as the date payment is received by the Collector of Revenue’s office, not the date a taxpayer initiates the transaction through their bank.

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By phone using e-check ($1.50 fee) or debit/ credit card. Call the toll-free tax payment line at 1-855-227-7840 and follow the prompts.

Taxpayers need the tax year and bill number located on the statement to use this system.

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By submitting check, money order or cashier’s check in the drive-through drop box in front of the County Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles. Include remittance stub, if available, and account number on payment in an envelope. Payments must be submitted in the blue-labeled "County" drop box. Do not place cash in the drop box. The box will be locked at midnight Dec. 31. A payment placed in the “City” drop box could result in late payment penalties if it is not received by the Collector of Revenue by the due date.

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In person: Again, taxpayers are strongly encouraged to pay through contactless methods due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taxpayers who have questions about their bill or need a receipt immediately may pay in person at the Collector of Revenue’s service windows at the County Administration Building, 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Payment also may be submitted in the indoor drop box in the first floor lobby of the County Administration Building. Taxpayers will need to undergo a COVID-19 health screening upon entering the building. Those visiting the service windows will need to register for the Collector’s queue through the QLess kiosk in the lobby, through the QLess app on their mobile device, or through the QLess link available at sccmo. org/Collector or sccmo.org/QLess.

Monitors in the lobby and a text notification on a mobile device will update those in the queue, and taxpayers will be alerted visually and audibly through the monitor or their mobile device when it is their

turn to approach the windows. Staff at the security desk in the lobby will be available to assist taxpayers with QLess.

At the collector’s service windows, payment is accepted by cash, debit/credit card, check, money order, or cashier’s check. For those submitting payment through the lobby drop box, check, money order or cashier’s check is accepted; include remittance stub, if available, and account number on payment in an envelope.

Project CARE Taxpayers will notice an item on their bill for Project CARE, an opportunity to help the community by donating $1, $5, or $10 to support local nonprofit agencies. Project CARE (Community Assistance Relief Effort) was established through an effort led by County Council Member Joe Cronin, District 1. Administered by McBride and the County’s Community Assistance Board (CAB), the project helps support local nonprofit agencies that serve homeless and indigent residents and receive support from the County’s Community Assistance Fund. Organizations that have received funds include Bridgeway, Crider Center, Crisis Nursery and Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service. Donations are tax deductible.

Making a donation is easy: Taxpayers just need to check the $1, $5 or $10 donation box on the tax bill statement; include the amount in the tax payment check, money order or cashier’s check; and mail both to the Collector of Revenue’s office. Donations also can be made when paying tax bills in person. A donation box must be clearly checked on the tax bill for any funds over the bill amount to go to Project CARE. For more information, visit sccmo.org/ProjectCARE. Additional Tax Bill and Deadline Information For additional information about taxes, including partial and advance payments, visit sccmo.org/Collector or call 636-949-7470.

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Around Town

December 2, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Charles City-County Library temporarily shifts to enhanced curbside services St. Charles City-County Library temporarily shifted to curbside delivery only starting on Nov. 23. Due to the significant increase in COVID-19 cases in St. Charles County and recent closures of individual branches due to exposure, the library is prioritizing the health and safety of customers and staff by temporarily closing in-branch library service.

While library buildings are closed: • Customers can pick up items on hold using drive-up or curbside services. Details about curbside services, including hours and locations, are available at myLibrary.org.

• WiFi service will be available in all library parking lots.

• Bookdrops will remain open.

• Outreach services for the homebound will continue.

• Customers can request book, movie, or music bundles from a favorite genre or about a specific topic, and pick up items curbside.

Beginning Nov. 25, during curbside hours, cus-

tomers can make appointments via phone for the following services: • One hour of in-branch desktop computer usage. (Masks are required inside library.)

• Print or fax services.

• Chromebook computers for limited use on library grounds.

Customers are asked to please contact the branch they want to visit for specific service information.

Library Director Jason Kuhl says, “As COVID exposure at several of our branches forced large numbers of our staff into quarantine, it became evident that we needed to shift to a service model that would enable us to continue to serve our customers while helping to safeguard the health and safety of all.”

Customers are reminded that myLibrary.org is always open, and myLibrary at Home offers online resources, virtual classes, and eBooks, music, and movies that can be accessed at any time.

18 local scouts earn prestigious BSA Scout STEM Award On Nov. 20, the BSA Scouting Program honored 18 scouts from the St. Peters area for earning the BSA Supernova Award.

Nine members of Troop 858, chartered by the Progress South Elementary PTO, decided to earn the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award during the stay-at-home order this past spring.

“I heard the idea of a scout troop getting Supernova when everybody’s inside and doing nothing. This troop is doing something during a pandemic. I thought, OK that sounds like fun,” says Samuel Halloran, seventh grader at Fort Zumwalt South Middle School.

“Some of the things I had to do to earn Supernova were to earn four STEM merit badges, earn the Scholarship merit badge, watch educational videos, make a model car with an energy source, grow plants, learn about farming, do a coke and Mentos experiment to learn about chemical interactions, do a science fair project, and teach a STEM class to a group of Cub Scouts.

I plan to be a teacher one day, and anything I do now like this helps a lot to prepare me,” says Milo Cravens, 12th grader at Fort Zumwalt East High School.

Cravens is currently completing his Eagle project and hopes to become an Eagle Scout later this year.

“My favorite part was taking apart a bike and learning gear mechanisms of how a bike works. I thought it was really interesting. I’ve been interested in cars and robotics, so I’ve known about gear ratios before, but I didn’t have any practical experience. That was really helpful because it gave me an opportunity to take something that I used in my everyday life and get a better understanding of it,” says Yash Chigurupati, 11th grader at CBC High School.

In order to earn the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award, these middle and high school students had to teach STEM classes to younger scouts. They used Facebook to invite local Cub Scouts from Pack 858 at Progress South Elementary and Pack 961 at Hawthorn Elementary to attend virtual STEM Classes.

Each of the nine older scouts taught a different class to the Cub Scouts. Nine Cub Scouts in first and second grades completed the program, and thereby earned the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova Award for Cub Scouts. These cub scouts are also being honored for their achievements.

“My favorite part of Supernova was working with the older scouts in Troop 858. They worked with us on a science fair project, cooking some meals, building a Rube Goldberg machine, meeting with a meteorologist, learning architecture, making a flyer, and learning about famous scientists. It was a lot of fun,” says Mae Calder, now a third grader at Progress South Elementary.

“The hardest part of earning my Supernova Award was just getting motivated. I had to stop playing video games and learn a lot. But it helps to have people supporting you. I’m definitely glad that I did it,” says Caiah Stull, ninth grader at Fort Zumwalt High School.

www.proacriveprintservices.com

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2020

Wentzville School District Technology Director wins Missouri Baptist University alumni award Greg Lawrence, Director of Technology for the Wentzville School District, has received the 2020 Vocational Excellence Award from Missouri Baptist University. The award recognizes an alum who is showing excellence and achievement in their field and who demonstrates promise of further distinction.

Lawrence graduated from MBU in 2003 with a degree in music education and also holds a Masters in Informational Technology in Education. He has worked for the WSD since 2003, first as a computer and music teacher, then as a district technology coach, and since 2016, he has served as the district’s Director of Technology. Lawrence is a Google Cloud Certified Administrator, Submitted photo Google for Education Certified Innova- Greg Lawrence, Director of Technology for the Wentzville School District, has tor, and a co-leader for the Google Edu- received the 2020 Vocational Excellence Award from Missouri Baptist University. cator Group of Eastern Missouri. considering new and innovative ways to edu“Greg Lawrence exudes excellence in all that he does,” shared WSD Assistant Super- cate children and support teachers. We are so intendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Megan lucky to have Greg as a leader in the WSD. He Stryjewski. “He is not only the consummate makes us all better.”

Lawrence was recognized at MBU’s annual professional but he is also a visionary leader.

Greg is always looking towards the future and Alumni Awards Ceremony on Nov. 10.

WSD educators receive Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award Two Wentzville School District educators have received a 2020 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, joining an elite group of teachers from across the St. Louis region.

Rene Wilson, second grade teacher at Journey Elementary and Lauren Farrelly, French teacher at Liberty High School, have been recognized for their outstanding and innovative work in the classroom on behalf of students, their passion for teaching, and their impact on student learning.

Wilson has worked for the WSD since 2011. Terri Politte, Journey Elementary Assistant Principal shared that Wilson is a trailblazer in social emotional learning who has taken it upon herself to research how to support students’ needs in her classroom.

“Ms. Wilson is very deserving of this award as she always goes above and beyond to support her students and colleagues. We are blessed to have her as a part of our team at Journey Elementary,” she said.

Farrelly has worked for the

Photos courtesy Wentzville School District (Left) Rene Wilson, second grade teacher at Journey Elementary was a recipient of the 2020 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. (Right) Lauren Farrelly, French teacher at Liberty High School was a recipient of the 2020 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.

WSD since 2005 and is the World Languages Department Chair and French teacher at Liberty High School. Dr. Ed Nelson, Principal of Liberty High School shared that Farrelly is known for building strong relationships with students and encouraging them to embrace and understand French culture.

“Lauren Farrelly is a worldclass teacher and a fine human being, we are proud that she has been recognized by

the Emerson organization,” he said.

Typically, recipients of this award are honored at an awards ceremony and reception at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton. This year, recipients have received their award by special delivery.

This is the 31st annual recognition of educators by Emerson, which has its world headquarters in St. Louis, as part of its commitment to promote quality education throughout our community.

School

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Free Patient Care Technician training through SCC-SSM partnership St. Charles Community College is partnering with SSM Health to offer free training for people wanting to become Patient Care Technicians (PCT).

The six-week PCT program combines classroom instruction at SCC with clinical training at SSM. “This is an incredible opportunity for anyone looking for a career change into the healthcare field,” said Lindy McGuire, director of operations for the St. Charles Community College Dardenne Prairie campus.

Patient Care Technicians work alongside nurses, physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care in a hospital setting.

St. Charles Community College and SSM will hold interviews scheduled for Monday, Nov. 30–Wednesday, Dec. 2.

The program will be Jan. 18 - Feb. 26. Students will be required to attend three classes on campus: Jan. 21 or 22, Feb. 4 or 5, and Feb. 18 or 19.

This six-week program satisfies the requirements of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will sit for the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) challenge exam. The training is not limited to in-district residents.

For more information about the program or the informational session, please contact alliedhealth@stchas.edu.

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What’s Happening

December 2, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Take Notice . . .

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class

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

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge

EVENTS Dec. 5: Holiday home tour

Join the Wentzville Community Historical Society for their second annual Holiday Home Tour. The tour starts at the historic Green Lantern Senior Center, and from there you’ll be able to enter several decorated homes along Linn Avenue. Afterwards, you are invited to meet up for refreshments at Friendship Brewery Company, where you will be given a free glass and a drink, and be eligible for a gift basket. The homes will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. (last tour starts at 6 p.m.). Tickets are $20, and may be purchased before the event at Ellbee’s General Store, or Ehll’s Western Auto; as well as being available the day of the event at the Green Lantern. Proceeds go to the Wentzville Historical Society. For more details, please follow the Wentzville Historical Society on Facebook, or visit our website at www.wentzvillehistoricalsociety.org

Dec. 6: Virtual Christmas house tour

The New Town at St. Charles Christmas House Tour is going virtual.

Grab your computer and tune in to the 11th Annual New Town @ St. Charles Residents’ Christmas House Tour, all from the comfort of your home. Help support local charities with your donations and be entered to win raffle prizes. Please follow the New Town House Tour Facebook page for upcoming details.

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314560-1868.

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 636-206-5306.

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 Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo.com.

BILY is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages).

We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Con nection Recovery Support Group

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

Mondays: mous

Alcoholics

Anony-

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

Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting

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

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

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 Monday in September due to Labor Day) unless otherwise specified. No meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (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.

9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-369-6521.

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 636-3970866 if you are interested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.

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, 636-219-0553.

Mondays: Measurement Mondays:

10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and 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 weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

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

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

Candlelighters Women in Recovery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb preSchool, 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 314-779-6892 for more information.

Tuesdays: Seniors group

Please join us on the third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a gathering for senior adults. There will be lunch (no charge), cards and bingo (no charge), community program referrals, occasional health and wellness presentations and clergy available upon request. The event takes place at Church of the Transfiguration at1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake Saint Louis. For more information call 636-561-8951.

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 jack-ross@ att.net.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-2338032.

Tuesdays: Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. and the third Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. Both meetings are at Rack House Kitchen Wine Whiskey. New club looking for new members who want to better our community. Contact Christy at 314583-0538.

Tuesdays: group

Diabetes

support

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday 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 636-625-5447.

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 volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483.

You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refreshments and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertainment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month.

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis 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.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

If you have a family member or friend who is having mental 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 Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Open to high school and adult men.

Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities.

No sewing experience required.

This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on second Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warrenton Masonic Lodge. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636456-0776 or visit our Facebook page.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636-379-2505.

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

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

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

Tuesdays: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America Meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Ladue Chapel.

Info: www.showmestitchers.com.

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Garden Club

Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Sunrise Method-

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 2, 2020 ist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd.

Info: Barb at 636.978.5930. Club does not meet in August or November.

Tuesdays: St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner.

5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles on the last Tuesday of the month. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636-947-7666.

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes 9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314369-6521.

Wednesdays: Food pantry

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

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

Meetings are held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road in St. Charles. Visitors are always welcome.

For more information visit http:// www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@ charter.net.

Wednesdays: Marine League meeting

Corp

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at the American Legion 313 old town St. Peters at 7:30 p.m.

All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome. For more information visit www.stcharlesmarine.org.

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

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

Wednesdays: Crossroads Cribbage Club

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

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

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

Wednesdays: Men’s Golf League

Wednesdays, April - October. 5 p.m., tee off at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. For more information, contact

the Lake St. Louis Community Association at 636-625-8276.

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m. VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA

6-6:55pm Any level. Info: 636-9281928.

Wednesdays: Hope & Healing

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

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the parish hall of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church at 907 Jungermann Rd. in St. Peters. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. Weigh-ins begin at 9 a.m. Contact Judy Bauer at 636-541-2263 for further information.

Thursdays: meeting

American

Legion

On the first Thursday of each month, American Legion Post 323 meets at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville. For more information call 636327-6060.

Thursdays: Lions Club meeting

Wentzville Outreach Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at Schnucks at 1960 Wentzville Pkwy in Wentzville at 6 p.m. Contact Jimmy Butler at 314-780-5629 or Lisa Alexander at 314-258-1069 for more information.

Thursdays: TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club 661 Wentzville holds meetings every Thursday in room 21 at The United Methodist Church of Wentzville, 725 Wall Street. Weigh ins at 9:30, meetings begin at 10 a.m. For more information call 314-650-1014.

Thursdays: O’Fallon Rotary Club meetings

O’Fallon Rotary Club meets from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar at 217 S. Main St. in O’Fallon every Thursday. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, call President, Lisa Muncy at 636-240-0912.

Thursdays: Optimist Club meetings

The O’Fallon Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bank of Old Monroe T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon.

For more information, contact CyndySchwab at 636-544-0102.

Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

St. Charles Lions Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton Street in St. Charles. Contact Art for more info at 636-441-1831. New members are welcome.

3rd Thursday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

Meets third Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm at the McClay Library in St. Charles. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org;

3rd Thursdays: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 Meeting

7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters.

Those who served in any branch between 1962 and 1975 are welcome.

Every Thursday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Quilters

9am-2pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie.

Members do hand quilting to quilts of any size for donation that is given to various church supported charities.

No experience is necessary to join the group. For more information, contact Brenda Kenny at 636.240.3753.

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of St. Peters

6:30am at IHOP (3851 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy St. Peters).

Every Thursday: Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon

Meets at JJ’s Restaurant in O’Fallon at 12 noon, except third Thursday the group meets at 6 p.m. Info: www.ofkiwanis.com.

Every Thursday: Rotary Club meeting

7:30am, The Rendezvous Café at 217 South Main St. in O’Fallon. We welcome existing and potential members to visit and have breakfast with us. www.ofallonmo.rotary-clubs.org

Every Thursday: Active Older Adults Game Day at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

10a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Family Hall. Free for members. Bring a favorite snack to share. Anybody welcome.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Alexander Chapter #242 Order of the Eastern Star Meetings

7:30pm, St. Charles Masonic Lodge, 2051 Collier Corporate Parkway in St. Charles.

3rd Thursday of each month: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 458 meetings

7pm, Amvets Post 106, 360 Brown Rd in St. Peters.

Around Town

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Lions Club meetings

St. Charles County Lions Club meets second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1144 S Benton in St. Charles. New members welcome.

Every Friday: Moms Play Group

10am at LSL Community Association, 100 Cognac Ct., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367. 314.479.0306, andreacrislip@ gmail.com or www.lslmothersclub. com.

Every Friday: VFW Fish Fry

tions, and job assignments provided before work begins.

Every Sunday: Wentzville Community Club Flea Market

5:30 a.m.-1pm, 500 West Main St. in Wentzville. For more information, call 636.357.4328.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

3-8pm VFW Post 2866. 66 VFW Lane.

Call Bill Sams, 636.724.9612.

Fridays: Bingo

The American Legion Post 312, located at 2500 Raymond Dr. in St. Charles hosts bingo, every Friday night. This is a non-smoking hall with games starting at 6:15 p.m. and includes two progressive bingo games per night. See more at www.alpost312mo.org

Every Saturday: Chess

9-12 at Middendor-Kredell Library on Hwy K.

Every Saturday: Veterans Learn guitar for FREE

9:30am in Historic St. Charles. Info: Bill Dennis at 314.479.5750.

Every Saturday: Peaceful Puppy Mill Protest

11am - 12:30pm at Petland, 6131 Ronald Reagan Drive, Lake St. Louis. banmo.puppymills@yahoo.com.

Second and Fourth Saturday of the month: Charitable bingo

Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m. at the Wentzville Community Club located at 500 West Main in Wentzville. For more information visit www.wentzvillecommunityclub. com or www.facebook.com/wentzville-community-club Saturdays: Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV)

Last Saturday of every month Fruehschoppen Samstag Verein (FSV) meets at 11 a.m. at Bar Louie in St. Charles. Wir treffen uns auf ein Bier (und vielleicht Mittagessen), und geniessen ein Gespräch auf deutsch.

We’re meeting for a beer (and maybe lunch), and enjoying a conversation in German. April, June and September meetings are held at different locations. See https://www.facebook.com/ groups/472022532983525/

1st & 3rd Saturday: St Peters Square Dance Club Dances

Pre ropund dance fom 7 - 7:30 p.m., dancing from 7:30 - 10 p.m. 1st United Methodist Church, 801 First Capital Dr. www.squaredancemissouri.com/ Missouri/St.Louis

3rd Saturdays: Restore St. Charles Work Day. 8am, Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie. Volunteer labor needed to provide the needy in our community with adequate living accommodations.

Continental breakfast, safety instruc-

9

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

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Sports

December 2, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

Lindenwood basketball team ranks high in preseason poll The Lindenwood University men’s team plays in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) and they released their 2020-21 Preseason Poll recently, placing the Lindenwood men’s basketball program in third in the Central Division.

Last season, the Lions finished with a 12-16 record with a 9-6 record at home under first-year head coach Kyle Gerdeman. Senior guard TJ Crockett earned second-team all-GLVC honors, as he led the team with 21.3 points per game. He added 73 assists and 36 steals in his junior campaign, and led the Lions in scoring in

16 of his 28 games played.

Vijay Blackmon was not far behind Crockett on the stat sheet, as he averaged 16.6 points per contest. He accumulated 72 assists with 34 steals, and knocked down 66 three pointers which was second-best on the team.

Cameron Scales was a threat on the perimeter last season by hitting a team-high 73 three pointers. Scales did the dirty work as well, leading the Lions with 54 offensive rebounds and averaged 5.2 total rebounds per game.

Anthony Christian averaged 9.2 points per game, and utilized his strength to a 59.1 field goal percentage. Christian led the Lions in scoring in three home victories throughout the year, as he scored at least 20 points in each of those games. ~~~Basketball is coming

UMSL takes top spot in rankings The University of Missouri-St. Louis is slated to finish atop the division of the GLVC, as the Tritons are currently ranked No. 9 in the NABC Coaches Poll.

The Tritons earned 67 points along with 12 first-place votes. ~~~A competitive year to come in men’s basketball Indoor Football Bandits have cheerleader tryouts The St. Louis football Bandits will play in the American Arena Football League and plan on taking the indoor field about springtime, want to share some exciting news about cheerleader opportunities.

St. Louis Banshees Cheerleading squad will conduct tryouts starting Jan. 8, 2021 at Excel Performing Arts at 144 O’Fallon Plaza in O’Fallon.

The dates and times are as follows: • Jan. 8, 7 – 10 p.m.

• Jan. 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Jan. 10, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Final Audition Showcase is at 5 p.m.).

For more details and sign ups, go to www.StLouisBanditsFootball.com Owner and Head Coach Jeff Hunt has named his coaching staff and is close to announce the indoor location the Bandits will play. ~~~Warm up those pom poms Congratulations to Zumwalt North football player Nate Rapplean was recently named the Gateway Athletic Conference Central Division’s player of the year Rapplean, at 6’0” 230-lbs, plays center for the Fort Zumwalt football team.

North’s coach Joe Bacon said, “You really hate starting sophomores on the offensive line, it’s the hardest position to do that.” ~~~Job well done Ambush soccer gives you a chance to watch the AllStar game If you are unable to make it to Cable Dahmer Arena to see the 2020 MASL All-Star Game, the Ambush have you covered.

You can see all of the goals and big saves live on Facebook. Game time is 7 p.m. on Dec. 5.

Go to www.STLAmbush.com to get all the details. ~~~Exciting times coming 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, and is currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL. com It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

Like Us On Facebook facebook.com/mycnews

www.treesbywoodys.net

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 2, 2020

Recipe:

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 By combining Premium Ground Beef from Omaha Steaks with flavorful additions like mushrooms and onion, you can turn a seasonal meal into a truly sensational dish to savor. While family and friends focus on sides or dessert, you can be the host with the most by serving up a flavorful main course to please nearly everyone’s palate.

In medium bowl, whisk egg. Add breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and salt; stir to combine. Add beef and mix until combined. Divide mixture into four portions and shape each into oval patty about 1/2-inch thick.

In large skillet over medium heat, heat canola oil until shimmering. Add patties and sear until dark brown crust forms,

about 5 minutes. Flip patties and cook until second side is browned, 4-5 minutes.

Transfer patties to platter.

In same pan, add butter, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Add mushrooms and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are tender and onions are beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste;

F-1

– SUDOKU –

Serve up steak for a special seasonal dish Salisbury Steak

Feature

Ingredients: 1 large egg 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or 1/2 cup dried plain breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 pound ground beef, thawed 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 tablespoon butter 8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 1/2 cups beef broth 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 cup chopped fresh basil or arugula

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.

cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Mix beef broth, remaining Worcestershire sauce and cornstarch; add to pan, stirring until combined.

Return patties and any accumulated juices to pan; cover and simmer until patties are cooked through and sauce thickens slightly, 10-12 minutes.

Visit OmahaSteaks.com to find more steak-inspired holiday solutions.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Charles Schulz and the power of ‘Peanuts’

A

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

lthough I am not a big fan of social media and the ways it divides people, I do spend some time on Facebook. Recently, some of my online friends lamented the fact that Apple TV+ acquired the exclusive rights to “Peanuts”-related specials such as “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” Once a staple on broadcast TV, Apple has made some of these classic animated specials available to view for free on their platform for a limited time.

The enduring affection for Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and Snoopy can be attributed to one man, Charles Monroe Schulz. After developing a one-panel cartoon called “Lil’ Folks” in 1947, Schulz created a four-panel strip called “Peanuts.” The main character, Charlie Brown, evolved into a good-hearted young man who tends to have rotten luck. When he’s playing baseball and standing on the pitcher’s mound, for instance, line drives knock him off his feet and he ends up flat on his back.

There’s a little of him in all of us and that’s why watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” has become a holiday tradition for many families. Charlie Brown laments the fact that

that comes out with just a little love.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” debuted in 1965 and its 50th anniversary showing took place in 2015. The wisdom that permeated the TV specials and newspaper cartoons came from the mind of Schulz. Most of us are familiar with other specials such as “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” but at least one of them took a serious turn. 1990’s “Why, Charlie Brown, Why?” focused on Linus’ friend Janice who has leukemia. The stoPhoto courtesy Lee Mendelson Film Productions ry shows how Linus supports his friend and ends on a positive note.

Charles Schulz passed away on Christmas has become highly commercialized Feb. 12, 2000 and left behind decades of classic and he looks for the true meaning of the sea- cartoon strips and TV specials. Charlie Brown son. When he’s asked to direct the Christmas and his friends even made it back into theaters play, his frustrations come to a head and it in 2015 with “The Peanuts Movie.” Arguably, takes his friend Linus to give him perspective “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is the crown jewel in Schulz’s crown and continues to inspire on what is really important.

The one element of “A Charlie Brown Christ- new generations of fans. It reminds us that mas” that most people remember is the sad Christmas is a time for family and friends and little tree that he buys at a Christmas tree lot. not just wrapped gifts.

Lucy, a self-proclaimed “fussbudget,” wants a “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will air on big shiny aluminum Christmas to set the tone for the play, so she’s furious when he shows up PBS on Dec.13 at 7:30 p.m. EST (check local with a tiny tree that loses needles. Once again, listings). The special can also be viewed for it takes Linus to show the beauty in the tree free on Apple TV+ from Dec. 11-13.

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Feature

ACTIVE BUYER

December 2, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

NOVENA

SINGERS WANTED

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, Pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

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December 2, 2020 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: FAMOUS LANDMARKS

‘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 During this time of thanksgiving we can give thanks to the virus for impacting everything in our lives….negatively! Thanks for nothing plague!

Even Black Friday has been significantly changed due to the crazy virus-gone-viral.

Can you imagine the super spreading that would take place if it were handled as usual?! Mobs piled upon mobs fighting over the last flat screen only to end up in the hospital fighting over the last ventilator!

Some stores have spread out the event choosing to distribute it across several Fridays before the actual Black Friday. They’ve been so diluted they should be called Gray Fridays.

I attended one of these gray days. I wore the appropriate defensive gear: a protective mask and a suit of armor, covered by my favorite ugly Christmas sweater.

Things at the store were pretty layback. The crowds were small and social distancing themselves. Security was on hand for any shenanigans.

So far so good.

Then I spied what I had come for; the latest must have! The vac-a-mole; a nifty little vacuum that can also suck those pesky moles out of the lawn with the flip of a switch. But tragedy, they were gone. I searched high and low and then on a whim bent down on all fours and looked underneath the shelving. And there, lying amongst the unswept dust bunnies was my Christmas Miracle – the last vac-a-mole on earth.

I handled it lovingly then tried to get up. Oh

snap! Yes, I literally heard a snap. The ol’ knee hydraulics had failed me.

I was locked into place and as helpless as a turtle on its back.

A woman came by to offer assistance until she saw the item I held. She snatched it right out of my hands and ran. I screeched. Security came readily to my aid and helped me up. I told him about the thievery.

“This will not be allowed,” he assured me. “Can you describe the person?”

“Yes. She had a mask and some eyes. There she goes now. No, there she is over there and there, several of her are over there! Get her…them!

Thieves! Robbers!”

I left soon after, but not empty-handed. I grabbed a few ugly Christmas sweaters. They were two for five bucks. A steal! I guess that woman’s not the only robber.

Steal of the day

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. Octagonal sign 5. “Don’t have a ____!”

8. Can of worms 12. Pathetic 13. Spanish sparkling wine 14. Pico de gallo 15. WWII side 16. Like word of mouth 17. Church song 18. *Victoria in Zimbabwe or Horseshoe in Canada 20. *Home to Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle 21. Massachusetts university 22. “____ Be Home For Christmas” 23. Olympic torch, e.g.

25. On the move 28. Menu words 29. *Golden Gate or Mackinac 32. Goodbye, to bambino 34. Ruling in Islamic law 36. Variable, abbr.

37. Can, with thou 38. South American monkey 39. *Versailles or Buckingham 41. Thus far 42. Yoko’s John 44. Collectively

46. Party bowlful 47. Memory failure 49. Goals 51. *St. Basil’s or Canterbury 55. Independent, slang 56. Initial stake 57. Field of Dreams state 58. More than one stylus 59. Barnes and Noble or Barnum and Bailey 60. Jaunty rhythm in music 61. Don Quixote’s enemy 62. Urge Spot to attack 63. Besides DOWN 1. BBQ side 2. Taxon, pl.

3. Fail to mention 4. Bygone Spanish money 5. Jeweler’s unit 6. Egg-like curves 7. *The Western one in Israel or the Great one in China 8. *La Sagrada Familia or St. Peter’s 9. Having wings 10. ____ of Man 11. Scottish cap 13. Ceiling panel in the Pantheon 14. Type of wheat

19. Cuban dance 22. Glacier matter 23. Medieval knight’s spiky weapon 24. Coffee shop order 25. *Home to Taj Mahal 26. Phonograph record 27. Artist’s support 28. Back, at sea 30. Director Reitman 31. Indian restaurant staple 33. Giant Hall-of-Famer 35. *Moulin Rouge or Netherland’s landmark 37. Incense without prefix 39. Weasel-related onomatopoeia 40. Enigma machine’s output 43. One born to Japanese immigrants 45. Roman magistrate 47. Hawaiian veranda 48. V.C. Andrews’ “Flowers in the ____” 49. Naysayer’s favorite prefix 50. Bucolic poem 51. Type in all ____ 52. Agitate 53. Hole punchers 54. Like the White Rabbit SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9