CNSTC: December 6, 2017

December 6, 2017

Trails continue expansion

Around Town Bryan and Mexico road intersection repairs begin P.2 St. Peters moves to online job application system P.3

Holiday Guide

Holiday giving for the whole family P.6

School

Photos by Ray Rockwell The mile-long pedestrian and bicycle trail that will include separate bridges across Highways 364 and 94, also known as the Page Avenue extension, is part of the regional Great Rivers Greenway district. Landscaping work is ongoing and the trail should be completed by the end of the year.

Great Rivers Greenway pedestrian bridges near completion as part of a trail to connect region to St. Louis County

By Brett Auten A project geared to provide more direct and safer access for cyclists and pedestrians is chugging right along.

Work began in mid-March on a mile long pedestrian and bicycle trail that will include separate bridges across Highways 364 and 94, also known as the Page Avenue extension.

The project is part of the regional Great Rivers Greenway district and once completed will allow for access for walkers and bicyclists northwest of the two busy highways to an existing trail segment on the other side.

According to Seth Treptow, Communications Manager of Great Rivers Greenway, the bridges will be functioning soon.

“We’re still doing some landscaping,” Treptow said. “We expect it to open by the end of the year.”

The new trail extension will end at Old Highway 94. From there, people will be able to use city streets to bike to Schaefer and Wapelhorst parks in St. Charles and Laurel Park in St. Peters. Plans are afoot for a new trail along part of the route to the St. Peters park.

The mission for Great Rivers Greenway is to connect the St. Louis region with greenways so people can explore their rivers, parks, and communities, to make it a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Other greenway segments slated for design and engineering in the next two years include a connection between Olive Boulevard and Creve Coeur Park and Olive Boulevard and the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur.

“We’re just excited to provide a safe connection that will allow more lives to be enjoyed outside,” Treptow said.

“There are so many benefits, including that this is access you couldn’t have before.”

The Centennial extension segment is costing about $5 million.

In addition to the bridges, the trail extension includes a path between the two spans, a rest area, and landscaping native to the vicinity. The price tag also covers constructing retaining walls, grading and building up abutments.

Centennial Greenway: Katy Trail to Heritage Museum is a 2.3-mile paved trail that provides a link between the Katy Trail and St. Charles Heritage Museum Park to the west. It also connects to St. Louis County’s 4.5-mile paved Creve Coeur Connector trail extending from Creve Coeur Park that features a separated lane on the Page Avenue Extension Bridge for people walking or riding bikes to cross over the Missouri River between St. Louis County and St. Charles County. You can walk, run or ride all the way from Heritage Park to Creve Coeur Park or take the Katy Trail to explore historic Main Street in St. Charles and Frontier Park.

The master plan for the Centennial Greenway is a 17-mile corridor that stretches between Forest Park in the city of St. Louis See TRAILS page 2

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 19 No. 49 | 636-379-1775

High school teams celebrate Tenth Annual FHSD Iron Chef culinary throw down P.8 FHSD asks the community to participate in a strategic plan survey P.8

Business Employee Community Fund of Boeing grant supports children with autism P.9 Vantage delivers Thanksgiving dinners throughout St. Louis P.9

Movie Oscar Watch 2017: Jacob Tremblay shines in ‘Wonder’ P.16

Weather FRIDAY Rain/Snow 36/22 SATURDAY Sunny 32/23 SUNDAY Sunny 46/25 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.

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Around Town

December 6, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

TRAILS Continued from cover

Photos by Ray Rockwell The mile-long pedestrian and bicycle trail that will include separate bridges across Highways 364 and 94 is part of the regional Great Rivers Greenway district.

and St. Charles County. The greenway will connect the communities of University City, Olivette, Ladue, Clayton, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights and St. Peters in St. Charles County.

A portion of this greenway follows the same route of the 1904 Olympic marathon held in St. Louis as part of the World’s Fair.

“There are still lots of pieces that still need to fall into place,” Treptow said. “It comes down to finding the right corridors to work with and that they meet requirements and that the access is right.”

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

Bryan and Mexico road intersection repairs begin On Nov. 29, construction repair work began at the intersection of Bryan and Mexico roads in O’Fallon. Once the work begins, no left turns will be allowed through the intersection until repairs are completed, estimated to be approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

To guide drivers who need access to Mexico Road around the construction, detour routes are in place through Turtle Creek subdivision and Norwood Hills subdivision. Also: • Through-traffic on Bryan Road will continue

to be available in both directions (northbound and southbound).

• Drivers on Mexico Road will be able to turn right (northbound ) onto Bryan Road • Drivers on Bryan Road also will be able to turn right (eastbound) onto Mexico Road • Detours will give drivers on Bryan Road access to Mexico Road via Turtle Creek Drive and Norwood Hills Drive.

A map of the project area will be available via the city’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us.

Construction work to alter traffic along Jungermann at Boone Hills Drivers on Jungermann Road in the area of Boone Hills Drive can expect construction traffic, lane closures and shifts in traffic lanes due to construction projects underway. Pedestrians also can expect sidewalk closures.

A road construction project will improve the intersection of Jungermann Road at Boone Hills Drive with a new box culvert, new traffic signals and related improvements. At the same time, a Prop P stormwater improvement project will restore floodplain at the northwest corner of the intersection and install a large diameter storm

sewer along the west side of Jungermann from Boone Hills to Plum Tree Drive.

Drivers are asked to use caution while traveling through this area and obey traffic signs. Utility relocations for this project are nearing completion. Excavation and grading operations have already begun. Drivers should be aware of large trucks entering and exiting the work zone. Lane closures are also expected in the coming weeks.

For the latest news about city of St. Peters street projects, go online to www.stpetersmo.net/ streets.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 6, 2017

Cedarhurst resident to celebrate 100th birthday Hazel Makowski is a resident at Cedarhurst of St. Charles Assisted Living and Memory Care. Makowski will turn 100 on Dec. 24. She grew up in St. Louis County on a farm. She remembers hulling strawberries, picking raspberries and milking cows on the family farm. She said, “it was challenging work, but I had a wonderful time.” She fondly remembers playing softball on her uncle’s farm as a child too.

During WWII she worked at a company that manufactured bullets and was married to her husband in 1949 until 1987 when he passed away. She then took that time to travel. She

and a group of friends traveled to various countries including: France, Holland, Germany, Australia, Peru and New Zealand, to name just a few. When asked out of all the places she has been what her favorite was, she replied, “America.”

Her advice for the young people in the world, “Decide what you want to be and work hard at it,” she said.

A tradition for her on her birthday and Christmas Eve was to have family over and have prime rib as that was an expensive treat.

She looks forward to having a big birthday party with family on her birthday this year.

Submitted photo Hazel Makowski is a resident at Cedarhurst of St. Charles Assisted Living and Memory Care. Makowski will turn 100 on Dec. 24.

St. Peters moves to online job application system The city of St. Peters is moving to an online application system for job postings and will no longer accept paper or faxed applications. This new system is user-friendly and will help expedite the St. Peters hiring process.

Individuals applying for positions at the city of St. Peters will register as a new user, creating a system log in and password.

Once logged in, users will create a profile, allowing them to apply for available positions

through the new online system.

The profile can be saved and manipulated as needed when applying for specific jobs. Basic information is stored in this profile and will not need to be entered multiple times if applying for multiple jobs through the city.

Applicants will also have the ability to upload electronic documents to the system, including résumés, school transcripts, diplomas, certifications, letters of reference, etc. Once

a profile has been created, all documents have been uploaded and the application submitted, applicants will receive an email to confirm their application has been received.

To apply for a job with the city of St. Peters or to view the new online application system, visit www.stpetersmo.net/jobs.

Kids ages three – nine can make a craft with Santa at Santa’s Workshop

www.pbtc.net

The elves have a lot of fun making things at Santa’s Workshop, and kids ages three -nine can, too, with this O’Fallon Parks and Recreation program. Register kids for a holiday craft workshop with the Jolly Old Elf, on December 16, in O’Fallon’s Civic Annex at 410 East Elm Street in O’Fallon. Mrs. Santa may be on hand to help out. Two sessions are available: 9-9:45 a.m. and 10:15 – 11 a.m. The cost is $10 for O’Fallon residents and $12 for non-residents.

There’s no registration at the door, so be sure to sign kids up by Friday, Dec. 8. Sessions are limited to 12 kids each. To register for Santa’s Workshop, choose the course time you want and: • Call staff at 636-474-2732 • Or, register online with your email at www.ofallon.mo.us/ parks&rec/special-events; select course number 310101-A for the 9-9:45 a.m. session, or course number 310101-B for the 10:15-11 a.m. session.

• Or, register at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), which is open daily, or the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 400 Civic Park Drive. Administration Office hours are 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

For more information, contact Danielle Reecht at 636-474-8111.

Around Town

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December 6, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

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‘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.

Moore On Life

By Cindy Moore

Gobble till you wobble

The great day of unrestrained gluttony, or more commonly 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 Fatty McButterpants all-youcan-eat buffet to rise up in a standing ovation and unanimously award you the coveted 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 implemented a substantial tax increase on the offending 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 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 percent (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 shoppers = 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 combination 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 selfindulgent 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.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 6, 2017

Around Town

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Jordan’s Place in Warrenton aims to be a safe place for youth

Submitted photo A $1,000 Operation Round Up grant was recently presented to Jordan’s Place, a youth center located in Warrenton. Pictured above is co-founder Kelli Clodfelter.

“It is crazy that we are standing here and it has come this far,” Clodfelter said. “We have a lot of kids who come to us and say this is their safe place. This is where they can come and nobody is going to bully them.

They can get away from that here.”

While the facility closes in on its third anniversary, many challenges still exist to keep the doors open, particularly with funding and the lack of volunteers. Earlier this year, the city of Warrenton agreed to help pay the organization’s rent and utili-

ties through June 2018.

Jordan’s Place also was the recipient of a recent $1,000 Operation Round Up grant awarded by the Cuivre River Electric Community Trust board. The funds will be used to help purchase new games and activities to entertain teens. Many of the current games in the facility were donated at the time the facility opened two-and-a-half years ago.

Despite the many obstacles, the nonprofit organization has survived thanks to the commitment from its volunteer board

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and donations. Teens can search through racks of used clothes every day the center is open, while a community dinner is served the third Sunday of the month. There is no cost for the clothes or dinner.

Recently, a partnership has been formed with SunRise United Methodist Church, which has campuses in Wright City and O’Fallon, to open a food pantry at Jordan’s Place.

Around 12 families are served monthly.

In addition, Jordan’s Place hosts the S.A.V.E. (Substance Abuse Victims’ Experiences) program on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. The victim impact panel features

presenters who address how incidents involving drugs or alcohol affected their lives.

To learn more or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.jordansplace-mo.org.

The goal of Operation Round Up is to help address needs in the areas of health, education, home weatherization, youth, community and emergency services that cannot be met with other resources. More than $5 million have been awarded to applicants since the Operation Round Up program began in 1997. For more information or to download an application form, visit www.cuivre.com, call 800-392-3709, ext. 4837 or email tschmidt@cuivre.com.

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©2017 SSM Health. All rights reserved. MG-STL-17-397430 11/17

Jordan’s Place co-founder Kelli Clodfelter can vividly recall when the vision for the youth center first came together.

“This started on a notebook in Denny’s three years ago,” Clodfelter quipped.

Six months later, those pages of scribbles became a reality.

Jordan’s Place has been welcoming area teens since July 2015.

The youth center is located at 202 E. Main St. in Warrenton.

Jordan’s Place aims to provide a positive gathering space to visit and to raise awareness about drug abuse, bullying, teen pregnancy and other challenges youth face.

The facility is geared toward teens and provides numerous activities, including video games, pool, pingpong, snack bar and lounge area. It is open from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 3 - 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, all ages and families are invited to visit from 1 - 5 p.m.

There is no admission free and all activities are free of charge.

In 2016, over 5,000 teens visited the center.

The center is named after Clodfelter’s son, Jordan Lunsford, who died in November 2014 from a drug overdose. Jordan was 17.

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Around Town

December 6, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

USO honors local DAR chapter for donating to children’s program The Caroline Close Stuart Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was recently awarded with the USO Five Star Award 2017 for its more than $11,000 in kind donations to the James S. McDonnell USO at Lambert Airport.

Under a special children’s program the chapter collects small stuffed animals and children’s books, assembles them in a plastic bag. The USO gives them to children under 12 who are traveling with their military parents.

It is designed to help the children cope with seeing their military parent deploying on missions.

The award was presented by USO Christine Trotter, development director of the Lambert USO, to Chris Mongillo, Literacy Chairman who is the driving force for this project in the chapter. Anne Gallagher also stepped up to accept the award as a chapter

member who volunteers nearly 1,000 hours a year at the USO. Anne was recently honored by the USO for her outstanding commitment to serving the military.

The USO of Missouri serves as many as 12,000 service members and their families each month at the James S. McDonnell USO in Lambert’s Terminal 1 and its satellite facility in Terminal 2.

The Terminal 1 facility is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The USO of Missouri is funded solely from the support from individuals and corporations as well as a legion of volunteers.

Relying on 1,200 volunteers to serve troops across the state and those traveling through Lambert, USO of Missouri volunteers typically log around 7,500 hours a month. Military visitors at Lambert receive free food and drinks as well as have access to sleep areas, computer access and entertainment.

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Submitted photo The Caroline Close Stuart Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was recently awarded with the USO Five Star Award 2017 for its more than $11,000 in kind donations to the James S. McDonnell USO at Lambert Airport.

Holiday giving for the whole family Part of the magic of the holiday season is making wishes come true, not only for your loved ones but for others in the community, too. Show children how rewarding it is to embrace the true spirit of generosity and compassion this holiday season with these activities that make giving back fun.

Set the stage With the aid of modern technology, you can introduce kids to the goodness of giving with a century-old story about the impact of love and kindness.

Nearly 120 years ago, 8-yearold Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the “New York Sun” newspaper asking if there really was a Santa Claus.

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” wrote the paper’s editor, Francis P. Church. “He

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exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist.”

Now fans of this heartwarming story can learn more by tuning in to watch the “Yes, Virginia” animated film online at youtube.com/macys.

The award-winning, half-hour holiday special features Taylor Hay, a former Make-A-Wish child who had her own wish granted when her voice was captured for one of the film’s characters, alongside an allstar cast including Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Alfred Molina and Beatrice Miller.

Get hands-on No matter what type of giving activity your family chooses, there’s undoubtedly a way for kids to get involved.

Whether it’s helping select toys for an adopted family or making cards to include in care packages for children who will spend this holiday in the hospital, find ways to let your

little ones put their own special touch on the project. Not only can they learn through the example of doing, they’ll get to revel in the same feel-good vibes you get from a simple act of kindness.

Write a letter As part of Macy’s 10th annual Believe campaign, you can bring kids’ stamped letters to Santa to your local store and drop them in the big red letterbox, or send a letter to Santa digitally at macys.com/ believe. For each letter collected in stores and online until Dec. 24, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, to help grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses.

Through the iconic letter writing campaign, the retailer has raised $15 million for Make-AWish over the last nine years.

Dedicate an afternoon to writing letters then make a family trip to the store to drop them off.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 6, 2017

Around Town

Gifts that give hope

www.krekeler.com

When shopping this holiday season remember...

Hope is a gift on every child’s wish list, especially those in parts of the world ravaged by natural disasters and poverty.

From UNICEF Market products to items available from partners, UNICEF USA is making it possible to give gifts that make a difference and deliver the greatest gift of all: hope.

Goods from around the globe From jewelry to accessories to home decor, each item purchased through the UNICEF Market benefits programs that provide children with basic necessities such as nutrition, medicine, education, clean water and more. The UNICEF Market, market.unicefusa.org, is a partnership between UNICEF USA and Novica that offers unique items such as multicolored snowman ornaments made in India and an artisan leather tray handmade in Peru.

Inspired giving Another option is UNICEF Inspired Gifts, which are lifesaving items that can be purchased in honor of a loved one and go directly to help children in need around the world. Examples include hygiene kits, mosquito nets and winter survival packs. Find more options at inspiredgifts.org.

Kid-friendly inspiration Motivate kids, inspire philanthropy and help

save the lives of malnourished children around the world with the “Star Wars: Force for Change” UNICEF Kid Power Band. Every movement made while wearing the activity band adds up to points that unlock lifesaving nutrition, which is sent to malnourished children around the world.

Bands are available at Target or unicefkidpower. org.

Accessories with purpose This holiday season, ALEX AND ANI is spreading a message of world peace with a jewelry collection that features the iconic peace symbol and benefits UNICEF’s work for children.

The World Peace collection includes an onlineexclusive sterling silver necklace with Swarovski crystals, a charm bracelet and a trend necklace.

Until Aug. 31, 2018, ALEX AND ANI will donate 20 percent of the purchase price of all items sold through its retail stores, authorized retailers and on alexandani.com.

Comfort that keeps on giving To help children around the world, L’Occitane will donate $4 from each Shea Butter Collection and Shea Butter Deluxe Collection Gift Sets to UNICEF, up to $120,000. The gift sets are available for purchase at boutiques throughout the United States and Canada, and online at usa.loccitane.com.

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O'Fallon,MO Search for an O’Fallon business!

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Nightly through December 30

Sun, Tues–Thu 6–9 p.m., Fri and Sat 6–10 p.m.

Fort ZumwaIt Park in O’FaIIon, MO Walk through Celebration of Lights on two special nights!

Free Parking & ShuttIes HoIiday caroIing • Visit with Santa FestivaI food and beverages Fireworks display at 7:25 p.m.

Admission – $3

Ages 2 and under admitted free.

Monday, December 11 • 6–8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 12 • 6–8:30 p.m.

Fort ZumwaIt Park • O’FaIIon, Missouri Free parking and shuttIes at First Baptist Church of O’FaIIon and O’FaIIon Christian Church.

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Events HotIine: 636-379-5614

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School

December 6, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

High school teams celebrate Tenth Annual FHSD Iron Chef culinary throw down

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Photo courtesy Francis Howell School District The team from Francis Howell North High School won the 2017 Sodexo Culinary Celebrations Iron Chef Competition.

Every year, culinary teams from the Francis Howell high schools come together to compete in the annual Sodexo Culinary Celebrations Iron Chef Competition. Sodexo, the district’s food service provider, generously donates all of the food for the event. The only competition more fierce than the culinary throw down is the competition to see who gets to be one of the judges.

The student teams of five must do all of the cooking, and no pre-cooked items are allowed.

Students are expected to practice industry standards for safety and sanitation during the competition. Teams only have two hours to prepare a meal for 60 people, and the pressure really builds.

“When we started cooking it was a really fun time, but once that timer goes off your time is really limited,” said FHC junior Nicole Jones. “It gets a little intense, so you have to work with each other and stay positive.”

Items that must be on the menu include an entrée featuring meat, seafood, or a vegetarian option, a starch/side, a vegetable/salad, and dessert. This year, the surprise ingredient was tomatillos, a key ingredient in Mexican and Central-American cuisine. All teams were required to incorporate it into at least one dish.

Food items were judged on presentation, taste, and originality as related to this year’s theme, “Food Truck Bonanza!”

Francis Howell Union whipped up stuffed poblanos with pepper sauces, and Francis Howell Central created Cap’n Crunch chicken tacos and blackberry honey walnut salad. Francis Howell High School created the “Beacon of Bacon” and

even had a bacon-themed dessert – brownies with maple bacon ice cream. But the clear winner in the judge’s eyes (and mouths) was FHN with their snap crackle cluck chicken, caulipoppers, “give me a wedgie” potato wedges, and Knight-cho mama’s apple pie.

“It’s more intense than I expected,” said FHN senior and winning team member Alex Nelson.

“I’m extremely happy with our product. It came down to the wire, but I’m happy we ended getting everything out in time, and it all turned out fantastic!”

Sodexo District Chef Karin Mann runs the competition, and she gets just as much out of it as the students do. But as she points out, it’s more than just a game for some – it’s a pathway to a career.

“Seeing kids come together to cook and compete in something other than sports is a great thing. Many of these kids go on to have careers in Los Angeles and New York and everywhere in between,” Mann said.

Celebrity judge Carl McConnell is the owner/executive chef at Stone Soup Cottage in Cottleville. He knows firsthand that the competition produces quality food, and even more importantly, quality employees.

“Most of my chef de parties have come from the Francis Howell culinary program. They are amazing kids, and you do an amazing job here at the high schools. These kids that you’re turning out from this program are wonderful; they have great foundations that we can build upon because of the education that they get in Francis Howell,” McConnell said.

FHSD asks the community to participate in a strategic plan survey The Francis Howell School District is nearing completion on the next five-year strategic plan that will shape the future direction of the district.

Hundreds of students, staff, parents and community members have participated in nine different community engagement meetings and provided input on two different district-wide surveys.

The strategic planning team has used that feedback from the community to create a draft of the strategic plan. As part of the process, FHSD is again asking for input from the community to ensure the final version of the strategic plan is informed by the thoughts and opinions of both internal and external stakeholders. Your feed-

back on this survey is critically important to the process. Please visit the district website at www. fhsdschools.org to find the survey link, or go directly to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ FHplan. The survey link will be open through Sunday, Dec. 10.

A successful strategic plan will serve as a guide to help achieve the district’s mission, vision, and values. It will also build a shared vision for all district stakeholders, and establish a means of tracking progress to ensure the education of students and the success of the Francis Howell School District.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 6, 2017

Business

Employees Community Fund of Boeing grant supports children with autism The Employees Community Fund of Boeing has awarded United Services for Children $4,756 to finance training and technology that will help children with autism learn to better communicate with family and teachers.

The grant will allow United Services for Children to purchase “bug in the ear” technology for Pivotal Response Training (PRT). PRT is an evidence-based, behavioral strategy that targets pivotal areas of a child’s development, such as social motivation, communication, self-management and initiations of social interactions. The agency will provide the training to families of children ages 24 months through 36 months, as well as staff members.

“This grant will give us the opportunity to give parents a way to work with their children, who are having difficulty connecting,” said Ann Neuner, United Services director of educational services. “Social motivation and engagement can be difficult for children on the autism spectrum.

This will help them engage with people and build social interaction.”

During a PRT session, a teacher or parent works one-on-one with the child while a coach watches. The coach communicates with the parents or teacher via a headset transmitter and earbud receiver, or “bug in the ear” device. The coach is able to advise the parents or teacher throughout the session without the child being aware.

United Services will use part of the grant money to train two therapists in PRT. Once they are certified, these two will train other staff and parents. Approximately 10 staff members and eight families are expected to be trained within the first year.

United Services for Children is a St. Petersbased nonprofit agency that offers pediatric therapy, early intervention and family support services to children with disabilities and their families.

Since its inception 42 years ago, the agency has transformed the lives of thousands of children.

United Services is a leader in preparing children of all abilities to reach their full potential.

www.drmarcycooper.com

Vantage delivers Thanksgiving dinners throughout St. Louis Vantage Credit Union delivered Thanksgiving dinners to local food pantries and organizations throughout the St. Louis area as part of its Holiday Giving Campaign. Monetary donations were collected throughout the month of November and used to purchase 16 complete Thanksgiving dinners.

“We are dedicated to supporting the communities we serve by not only providing a com-

prehensive offering of financial services, but also by giving back throughout the year in meaningful ways,” said Rachel Parrent, Director of Marketing & Business Intelligence, Vantage Credit Union. “One of the ways we help those less fortunate experience an enjoyable holiday is through our Thanksgiving dinner donations.”

Vantage will continue to give back throughout the rest of the

2017 holiday season. Donations are still being collected at all branch locations to support local charitable organizations and provide gifts for children through the Cardinals Care organization.

www.treesbywoody.net

– SUDOKU – 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.

www.BrrrBAsh.com See solution on page 13

9

10

Sports

December 6, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

THEME: HOLIDAY MOVIES

Sports you see with Gary B...

Lady Lions add a win with a shutout The Lindenwood University women’s hockey team posted a 2-0 victory over the Syracuse Orange recently from the Tennity Ice Pavilion in Syracuse, New York. Lions’ goaltender Jolene deBruyn stopped all 24 shots she faced en route to her second-career shutout.

Both teams did not light the lamp in the first two periods but in the third period, Lindenwood surged ahead.

Shortly into the period, Sierra Burt found the back of the net for the Lions, breaking the deadlock and giving the visiting team a 1-0 lead. Cierra Paisley and Taylor Girard were credited with the assists on Burt’s third goal of the season.

With time winding down in regulation and the Syracuse goaltender pulled in favor of an extra attacker, Girard tacked on an insurance tally for Lindenwood.

For more information go to www.LindenwoodLions.com ~~~Save the best for last

ACROSS 1. Big ____ at 7-Eleven 5. Plays for pay 8. Not counterfeit 12. Largest continent 13. Field worker 14. Eagle’s nest 15. Shade-loving plant 16. River in Bohemia 17. Choice or delicious dish 18. *Vince Vaughn’s title role, 2007 20. Research facil.

21. “Colorful” announcement 22. Humor magazine 23. Sherlock Holmes’ esteemed friend 26. Wedge-shaped 30. “Fat chance!”

31. Ancient liturgical hymn 34. Jet black 35. Like Bushmills’ whiskey 37. *”Jingle ____ the Way,” 1996 38. Speak like Pericles 39. Cleopatra’s necklace 40. They’re often bolt action 42. Tucker of “Modern Family” 43. Football play, pl 45. *Nicholas Cage’s “The ____ Man,” 2000 47. Egg cells 48. “The Metamorphosis” author 50. Nursery rhyme old woman’s home 52. *Kevin McCallister’s story, 1990 56. Opposite end of alpha 57. “It’s beginning to look ____ ____ like Christmas...”

58. Like desert climate 59. Apple leftovers 60. Container weight 61. *”Trappd in Paradise” with Jon Lovitz and ____ Carvey 62. Matured 63. “C’____ la vie!”

64. Big Bang’s original matter

DOWN 1. Fishing pole 2. Olympic castaway?

3. Pre-euro money 4. Bamboo forest dwellers 5. *Like Express to the North Pole 6. Overthrow by argument 7. Miners’ bounty, pl.

8. *Clarice, e.g.

9. Spans of time 10. Not a word?

11. Type of Christmas lights 13. Helen in France 14. Type of deadly flu 19. Lamé or serge 22. “____’s the word” 23. *Like Bing Crosby’s Christmas 24. Packers’ quarterback 25. Like Hitler’s Reich 26. Reject 27. Olden day calculators 28. The whole amount 29. *Henry F. Potter in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” e.g.

32. Oration station 33. *Will Ferrell’s 2003 role 36. *Based on “A Christmas Carol,” 1988 38. Port city in Japan 40. Ribonucleic acid 41. Affected or pretentious 44. Part of eye containing iris, pl.

46. Unwellness 48. Trees producing caffeine-containing nuts 49. Like a duel in France, usually 50. Smoke plus fog 51. At this point 52. Antonym of love 53. Unwritten exam 54. Number of baseball fielders 55. Dutch cheese 56. Edible tuber See solution on page 13

UMSL get first GLVC win The University of Missouri-St. Louis senior’ Elijah Watson scored 23 points and dished out 12 assists to help the Tritons men’s basketball team to an 88-83 win at Truman State on Saturday in Great Lakes Valley Conference action.

Watson netted two free throws with 35 seconds to play to give the Tritons the lead that sealed the victory.

Steven Davis did his part by adding 20 points and netting five-of-seven three-pointers and also pulling down six rebounds.

Junior Eric Dust put together the best of his with 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Tritons have evened their record for the season with the win.

For more information go to www.UMSLTritons.com ~~~Big first win

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

Former Lindenwood standout joins soccer Ambush The professional St. Louis Ambush play in the central division of the MASL with home games at the Family Arena.

The team announced recently that defensive man Axel Duarte has joined the Ambush for the upcoming season. He was a leader at Lindenwood University before joining the Ambush in the 2014-15 season. Duarte scored two goals and had four assists in 13 games played in the 2014-15 campaign.

The next home game for the team will be Friday, Dec. 8 against the Milwaukee Wave.

For more information go to www.StlAmbush. com ~~~Keep working hard

Ambush make trade to get some momentum The season is still young but the St. Louis Ambush need to shake a few things up to get on the winning ways. They have made a trade to pick up defenders Pablo Da Silva and midfielder Antonio Aguilar from the Cedar Rapids Rampage and ended the contract of midfielder Victor France.

Pablo brings ten years of professional indoor soccer experience to the Ambush. He has three championships under his belt and in the four games played this season, he has posted four goals and two assists.

Aguilar has won a championship while representing the USA in the NEYMAR 5v5 in Brazil and won the World Soccer 5’aside while representing the USA in Dubai. ~~~Need some fresh players

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, among many other activities.

www.westcommunity.org

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 6, 2017

T

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 70 minutes | Servings: 10

pecan-filled dishes like Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecan Vinaigrette and Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf.

In addition to being a versatile addition to your holiday feast, in each 1-ounce serving of pecans, you’ll get 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat with zero cholesterol or sodium, according to the USDA. Compared to other nuts, pecans are among the lowest in carbs (4 grams) and highest in dietary fiber (3 grams) per serving.

For more seasonal recipes, nutritional information and cooking tips, visit AmericanPecan.com.

Roasted Acorn Squash Salad with Pecan Vinaigrette Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: Squash: 1 small acorn squash 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Dressing: 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces 1/4 cup olive or pecan oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

11

Classic Pecan Pie

Deliver holiday flavor with pecans

he holiday season is ripe with opportunities to gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal.

Elevate your holiday menu with freshly harvested ingredients like naturally sweet pecans. As America’s only native tree nut, the pecan boasts a proud heritage shared by the farmers who have grown it for generations – but this tree nut is more than a pie ingredient.

While the American Pecan Council’s Classic Pecan Pie is an ideal grand finale, consider including nutrient-dense pecans throughout the holiday season as a snack or in innovative

Learn & Play

Ingredients: 1 pie dough (9 inches) 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup light brown sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups raw pecan halves

Directions: Place baking sheet in oven. Heat oven to 350 F.

1 tablespoon maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Line pie pan with rolled out pie dough. Press into edges and up sides. Use fingers or fork to create decorative edge. Set aside.

Salad: 3-4 handfuls baby spinach 1 1/2 cups cooked farro 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced 1 ounce crumbled goat cheese

In large bowl, whisk together butter, corn syrup, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Add eggs and salt, and whisk until mixture is even. Fold in pecan halves.

Pour mixture into pie crust and spread evenly with spatula. Use pieces of aluminum foil to cover edges of pie crust. Place pie on prepared baking sheet and bake 60-70 minutes, or until pie is set in center.

Directions: Heat oven to 425 F.

Remove pie from oven and allow to cool completely before serving or chilling.

Note: Pie can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated overnight. Allow pie to come to room temperature before serving.

To create base, slice small part of one side of squash. Trim ends from squash, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out sides. Place cutside down and cut squash into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place on sheet tray and toss with olive or pecan oil and salt. Roast until squash and peels are tender, 30-40 minutes.

While squash is roasting, heat small skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast, shaking pan, until nuts are fragrant. Transfer 1/3 cup of pecans to bowl and reserve remaining pecans for topping.

Add oil, vinegar, maple syrup and salt while nuts are still warm.

Stir vigorously and set aside.

In large bowl, combine spinach, farro, shallot, half the squash and half the dressing. Toss to combine then lay remaining squash on top of salad. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with goat cheese and remaining toasted pecans before serving.

Note: Acorn squash skin is edible but needs roasting long enough to make it tender. If unsure, use delicata squash or skinless butternut squash.

Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 Ingredients: 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups water 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste 1/4 teaspoon cloves 1 cinnamon stick 3/4 cup wild rice, rinsed 1 cup black rice, rinsed 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or pecan oil

Directions: In medium saucepan, bring stock, water, nutmeg, ginger, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, cloves and cinnamon stick to boil. Add rice and bring back to simmer. Reduce heat to low and half cover with lid. Allow rice to simmer about 45 minutes, or until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove and discard cinnamon stick.

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 large sweet onion, diced 2 cups butternut squash, diced 1 medium tart apple, peeled and diced black pepper, to taste 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup chopped pecans or pecan pieces 1/3 cup dried currants

While rice is cooking, in large skillet, heat olive or pecan oil and butter. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add in butternut squash and cook, stirring often, until squash is tender and beginning to caramelize at edges, about 8-10 minutes. Add in apples and cook additional 3-4 minutes, or until apples soften. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, along with thyme and ground cinnamon. Stir in chopped pecans and currants, and cook until pecans are slightly golden and fragrant.

Remove mixture from heat.

Stir butternut squash mixture with cooked rice and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

www.shoesandhope.org

12

What’s Happening

December 6, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Send your event to editor@mycnews.com and we'll print it!

EVENTS Dec. 7: Pearl Harbor Day ceremony

On Dec. 7, 1941, more than 2,000 service men and women lost their lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during World War II. Join the St. Peters Veterans Memorial Commission in commemorating our heroes, their families and friends at the annual Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at City Hall. The Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony is free to the public and refreshments will be provided. The St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre is located at One St. Peters Centre Blvd. in St. Peters. For more information visit www.stpetersmo.net.

Dec. 8: Christmas tree decorating

Make your own ornament and help decorate the St. Peters Police Department’s tree from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Peters Justice Center. Everything you need to make an ornament will be supplied, plus enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, all for free. This event is recommended for ages 3-12, however, all ages are welcome. No reservations needed. St. Peters Justice Center is located at 1020 Grand Teton Dr. Visitor parking is across the street in the Mid Rivers Mall parking lot. For more information, call 636-278-2244, ext.

3550.

Dec. 9: Breakfast with Santa

Santa arrives early in St. Peters to spread some holiday cheer – and have a little breakfast with good boys and girls – before he returns with presents for all the children on Christmas.

Parents, bring your children ages two through eight for Breakfast with Santa at St. Peters’ Rec-Plex South. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with the continental breakfast starting at 9 a.m. Santa will be around for crafts and a sing-along of popular Christmas songs until 10:30 a.m. Parents and grandparents, don’t forget to bring a camera to get some memorable photos with Santa.

The cost for the event is $12 per child and $6 per adult. Advance registration is required and ends Dec. 4, or when the event is full. To register, call 636-939-2386 ext. 1400 or sign up in person at St. Peters Rec-Plex, 5200 Mexico Road.

Dec. 9: Santa visit

Santa will be visiting West Community Credit Union’s O’Fallon location from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your children by for a free picture with Santa and enjoy snacks, crafts, and more.

Dec. 10: Christmas cantata

St. John UCC Christmas Cantata takes place at 3 p.m. at St. John United Church of Christ, 405 S Fifth St. in St. Charles in the church sanctuary.

Join St. John’s Chancel Choir as they lead the audience in singing the great “Christmas Classics” with full orchestra. Tasting party will follow in the fellowship hall. There will be a free will donation. For more information call 636-946-0961 or visit www.stjohnucc. org.

Dec. 11-12: The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll

On this Celebration of Lights walkthrough, you’ll hear holiday music, and follow an illuminated drive past holiday scenes that are merry and bright on Dec. 11–12 from 6–8:30 p.m. at Fort Zumwalt Park at 1000 Jessup Drive in O’Fallon. Admission is $3 for ages three and older; free parking. At 7:25 p.m., fireworks bursting over the lake will add wonder and excitement to this magical walk-through. Along the way you can stop to visit Santa, and refreshments will be available for

purchase. Sorry, no pets are allowed and there will be no carriage rides on these two special nights for pedestrians, only. Rain or shine. Park free at the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon at 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway and the O’Fallon Christian Church at 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway. No reservations are needed for the Holiday Stroll. But you can avoid the line at the gate by pre-purchasing admission wristbands at $3 each for ages 3 and older. Starting Nov. 13 through Dec. 8, wristbands will be sold at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 400 Civic Park Drive, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sorry, wristbands are non-refundable.

Dec. 13: Fundraising event

Avon shopping during Happy Hour at Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center in St. Peters proceeds will benefit veterans with PTSD (Sgt. Bam Foundation).

Come to the bar area from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bartender specials including the BAM BAM Drink and BAM Beer. For information visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/avon-fundraising-shop-and-happy-hour-eventto-benefit-sgt-bam-foundation-tickets-40805025931.

Dec. 13: Blood drive

The Lake Saint Louis Police Department is sponsoring a blood drive in honor of Anna Dennis from 2 until 7 p.m. at the Lake Saint Louis Civic Center Council Chambers at 200 Civic Center Drive. Who is Anna?

Anna Dennis is a little cancer survivor who fought Leukemia for over two years. During her treatments, she received numerous blood and platelet transfusions. There is no doubt that Anna would not have survived without these transfusions. Through this battle, the Dennis family has realized the legitimate need for a constant supply of blood in our area. Please come and roll up your sleeve at the “Anna Dennis Blood Drive” and help save another life. While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended that donors schedule an appointment. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood. org and enter sponsor code: AnnaDennis or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Dec. 15-17: Theater performance

Young People’s Theatre will perform “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Dec. 15, and Dec. 16; and 2 p.m. Dec. 16, and Dec. 17, in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building theater on the St. Charles Community College campus.

The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at stchastickets.universitytickets.com or by calling 636-922-8233.

Dec. 17: Christmas musical

Kidz Praize will perform a special Christmas musical entitled, “The Bethlehem Project” at Wentzville Christian Church at 6 p.m. The presentation is free and the public is invited to attend. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Join 36 elementary students in their portrayal of two very different groups of kids in Bethlehem, who don’t get along, and the amazing event that brings them together. Wentzville Christian Church is located at 1507 Highway Z. For questions or further information, visit the website at wentzvillecc.org or call 636-327-6622.

Dec. 22: Santa visit

Santa Claus is coming to 1st Advantage Bank at 240 Salt Lick Rd. in St. Peters. This will be a free community event for the entire family. Santa will be available for pictures from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be kid-friendly crafts and gingerbread houses to decorate.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve bingo

The St. Robert Bellarmine Men’s Club is hosting a New Year’s Eve bingo event at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish at 1424 S. First Capitol Dr. at the intersection of Sherman Dr. and S. First Capitol Dr. Doors open at 4 p.m. and bingo starts at 6:45 p.m. $3,600 in prizes will be given away, plus attendance prizes.

Concession stand will be open for food and beverage purchases. Players may bring own food. (Please no crockpots or electric appliances.) For reservations, contact Rich at 636-4412395. $10 per reservation. This $10 is applied to purchase price of your bingo sheets. No advanced reservations after Dec. 30. For more information, contact Fred Kuhn at 636-925-1316.

Feb. 16: Bowling fundraiser

The Tri County Advisory Board invites you to the 19th Annual Crazy Bowl at O’Fallon Bowling Lane at 420 Sonderen St. in O’Fallon. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. and bowling begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per bowler and includes three games of bowling, bowling shoe rental and prizes. Cash bar available. 16 lanes have been reserved so R.S.V.P. early. 90 percent of your contribution is tax deductible as allowed by law.

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

Take off pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph Street 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 Highway in O’Fallon.

Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please all Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I love you, B.I.L.Y., Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at314 993 7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo.com.

B.I.L.Y is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages).

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

Mondays: Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

1st Monday: 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 (2nd floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 9 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (President) at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Mondays: Seasoned Eye Carvers Meeting

The Seasoned Eye Carvers meet every Monday from 9am to noon at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center, 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop).

Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

Mondays, Wednesday and Friday: Fitness First Exercise Classes 9:30-10:30am, American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville.

314-369-6521.

Mondays: Chronic pain support group American Chronic Pain Association is a support group for and by people experiencing chronic pain. Group meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 3 – 5 p.m. at the Spencer Road Library in St Peters. Important: This is an anonymous group (first names only).

1st Monday: Gardeners of St. Charles County Monthly Meeting

6:30pm. Location varies. 314-3047480.

2nd Monday: Winghaven Civil War Round Table

6:30pm, Midwest BankCentre board room, 2299 Technology Dr. O’Fallon.

For more informaiton call Mike at 314.276.5018.

3rd Monday of Each Month: Life After Loss support group

Support group for families who have lost a loved one to heroin/opiate addiction. 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital Campus in Room 212 of Professional Building 1. Contact: geevigna@charter.net. No registration required

4th Monday: American Legion Post 388 Meets

6:30 pm at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.219.0553.

Every Tuesday: Cribbage Club

1 – 4 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 636-561-2970 for more information.

Tuesdays: Lions Club meeting

St. Peters Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Old Town St. Peters on Park Street.

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 636-448-4277. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis.com.

Every Tuesday: St. Charles Optimist Club Noon-1pm at Pio’s Restaurant.

Every Tuesday: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA 1-4pm Free. Quilt for local charities.

No sewing experience required.

Every Tuesday: Meeting

Toastmasters

7pm at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon. Info: 636.379.2505.

Every Tuesday: Gateway Spotlight ChorUS

7:15-9:45pm at First United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. Info: www.gatewayspotlight.org or 636.256.6823.

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

The group meets on fourth Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Spencer Road Library at the Community Commons, 427 Spencer Rd. 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.

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: Cancer support group

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

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.

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: Gateway Chorus Rehearsal

Every Tuesday: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

Spotlight

Gateway Spotlight is a women’s a capella chorus that meets at First United Methodist Church at 801 first Capitol Dr. in St. Charles every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. Call 636256-6823 for more details.

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

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

6:30pm at various locations. Info: www.fleurdelisgardensociety.org; Jeanne at 314.605.8563.

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

1st Tuesday: Fleur de Lis Garden Society

2nd Tuesday: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the IHOP at 3851 Veterans Memorial Dr. in St. Peters. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments.

ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

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 Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.; locations posted on our website www.angelfire.com and on our Facebook page. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-456-0776.

Every Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

2nd Tuesday: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Noon – 1pm at Tubby’s Bar & Grill at 506 Droste Rd. in St. Charles. Kiwanis

7pm at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www. showmestitchers.com.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 6, 2017 4th Tuesday: O’Fallon Garden Club

6:30pm at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd. Info: Barb at 636.978.5930.

Last Tuesday of every month, St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner.

5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636.947.7666.

Every Tuesday & Thursday: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 8-9am & 10:15-11:15am. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes 9-10am and 5:30-6:30pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314.369.6521.

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: Talk

Veterans

Coffee

Veterans from all branches of the service are invited to attend “Coffee Talk” every Wednesday at. 9 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 3601 Ehlmann Rd. in St. Charles (Take I-70 to the Cave Springs exit). We will have applications for VA health care, applications for the honor flight, reports from local American Legion and VFW halls and lots of good comradery. Come join us for free coffee and donuts and enjoy an hour with your fellow veterans.

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 Rookies Bar and Grill at 3721 New Town Rd. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Every Wednesday: Charity Bingo

What’s Happening

SUDOKU answers from page 9

CROSSWORD answers from page 10

6:45pm VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636.272.1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

1st Wednesday: Hope & Healing

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

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

Wednesdays: TOPS meeting

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club 661 Wentzville holds meetings every Wednesday at 9:15 p.m. at Elder Court community meeting room. For more information call 314-650-1014.

Every Wednesday: Crossroads Cribbage Club

10am Meets at 1380 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379. 636.528.8379.

Wednesdays: Kiwanis Club meeting

Cottleville/Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Bemos and the third Tuesday of the month at 7 a.m. at Kisker Road Library. This is a new club looking for new members interested in working to better our community. For more information call Christy at 314-583-0538.

Every Wednesday: Men’s Golf League 5pm, tee off at 5:30 pm at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. www.lakesaintlouis.com, under the parks and recreation section.

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December 6, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

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PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever.

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December 6, 2017 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Oscar Watch 2017: Jacob Tremblay shines in ‘Wonder’

M O V I E

During his burgeoning career, young Jacob Tremblay has taken on some tough roles.

“Room,” for instance, found him playing Jack, a child who lives with his mother (Brie Larson) inside a small garden shed. Abducted by a predator and forced to sleep with her captor, she gave birth to Jack while held hostage. A rare opportunity allows Jack to go outside and seek help for himself and his mother.

Tremblay rose to the challenge of being a boy whose entire world could be measured in square feet. The actor takes on an equally difficult role in “Wonder,” a charming film based on the New York Times bestseller by R.J. Palacio. He plays August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy with facial differences that doctors tried to correct with surgeries.

Home-schooled by his mom (Julia Roberts) and fiercely loved by his dad (Owen Wilson) and sister (Izabela Vidovic), he has a good, though sheltered, life. Auggie finally goes to grade school with other children for the first time, albeit with a space helmet on his head.

He must adjust to a big, scary world where people stare at him because he looks “different.”

Director/co-writer Stephen Chbosky handles the storyline very well here, navigating that fine line between sentimentality and cruelty will skilled hands. Children can be cruel, especially towards a young man who doesn’t look as “normal” as everyone else. Some students assume that he isn’t very bright because of his facial features. Others liken him to Freddy Krueger and other hideous creatures.

Jacob Tremblay steps into this role with ease. Like Jake in “Room,” Auggie has been shielded from the outside world by his devoted mom. As he leaves the comforts of home, he

does resort to the helmet to give him courage.

Tremblay shows Auggie’s determination to fit in as well as the frustrations he has simply being the new kid in school.

Suffice it to say, Tremblay shines here and receives lots of support from Roberts, Wilson and Vidovic. There are dozens of life lessons embedded in the film, especially ones directed at children who feel different or alone. For all intents and purposes, Auggie Pullman is a real kid with real feelings who is just like everyone else. That’s the message that everyone, adults and children, should take away as the final credits roll.

“Wonder” has received high marks from critics and the aggregator site “Rotten Tomatoes.”

Audiences are responding enthusiastically to Tremblay’s performance. It won’t be surprising

Rebecca Melvin, DO Pediatrics

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS • Sees newborns through 18 years of age • Same-day appointments may be available, as well as extended hours • Practicing pediatrician since 2009 • Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics SSM Health Outpatient Center 1475 Kisker Road St. Charles, MO 63376

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call:

636-498-5970

By Steve Bryan

at all if Jacob Tremblay’s name appears quite frequently during the upcoming awards season.

“Wonder,” rated PG, is currently playing in theaters.

“Wonder” photo courtesy Lionsgate 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.

©2017 SSM Health. All rights reserved. MG-STL-17-381323 11/17

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