CNSTC: December 7, 2022

A cool tradition

At the crossroads of the art world. Pg. 3

Natural gas rates to change for Spire Missouri customers. Pg. 4

Weldon Spring and Cottleville hold Bi-City Holiday Food Drive. Pg. 5

A SENIOR MOMENT. Pg.5

School

Progress as promised at Frontier Middle School. Pg. 7

By Brett Auten

After nearly 20 years, it can be hard to stay motivated. But like Michael Corle one in “The Godfather,” when St. Charles’ Charity Hendrickson thinks she may be out, but they pull her back in.

Hendrickson has been the Director of Show for all 18 years of the “Nutcracker On Ice” held annually at the Webster Groves Ice Arena. She skated in the production while growing up in Rockford, Illinois and brought it with her to the Show-Me State.

“The magic of show week brings me back

every year,” Hendrickson said. “Every year I think I may step back, but it is so reward ing and so fun to see the skaters’ reactions. It brings me back. I can’t give it up.”

This year’s showings will be Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The show, while faithful to the classi cal story, does not have the stuffiness and pomp and circumstance associated with a night at the ballet. Unlike the ballet, loud cheering and applause by the audience is encouraged.

“It is really kid friendly,” Henderickson

said. “You can be loud and cheer. It lasts a little over an hour, as opposed to a fulllength ballet. We always wanted it to be See ‘TRADITION’ page 2

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

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

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

Weather

FRIDAY Cloudy 47/35

SATURDAY

Partly Cloudy 47/33

SUNDAY

Cloudy 48/38

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

St. Charles’ Charity Hendrickson, shown here with her son Ryan, has been the Director of Show for 18 years of the “Nutcracker on Ice” held annually at the Webster Groves Ice Arena. This year’s showings will be Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m

‘TRADITION’ from cover

something you could take a child of any age and expe rience something so traditional.”

This year, 143 figure skaters of all ages and levels, along with a few hockey skaters, will participate. The youngest skater is three, and the oldest skater is in their 60s. Skaters from several different rinks in the St. Louis, including the St. Peters rink, will be perform ing. Many of the skaters have grown up skating in “Nutcracker On Ice” and at least one couple (Webster Groves’ Mark and Pat Dirsa) will be skating in their 18th show.

“That is one thing I really like about it and it is unique in the skating world,” Hendrickson said. “The skaters are from all over the place and they really come together.”

The numbers are choreographed by Hendrickson and other local skating coaches.

This version of “Nutcracker on Ice” was first per formed in Rockford, Illinois in 1996 and it was created and conceived by Sharon Whitlock (Charity’s moth er) to give skaters the opportunity to perform. Sharon also wanted the public to have the chance to see “The Nutcracker” in a unique way and the show went on an eight-year run.

The show was brought to St. Louis in 2005 by Char ity, who moved to attend Saint Louis University. And from the start, the show was a hit, selling out two shows with a third added. Since then, the show has continued to grow in every aspect with more skaters, more audience members, more food donations, big ger sets and better costumes.

Hendrickson has lived in St. Charles for 10 years. Her husband, Jonathan, even proposed to her on the ice at the first Webster Groves show.

Each year the show invites audience members to bring a canned good. This year the donations will benefit Operation Food Search.

There is an option for a group ticket order so a sec tion of seats can be held. All seating is bleacher seat ing, so warm dress is recommended.

For more information, including ticket purchases, visit nutcrackeronice.org.

COMMUNITY VOICES

The gift of time

Ugh! What do you get for someone who has everything? I don’t know what to get them, this is stressful! I’ve heard this said over the years around the holiday season

I’ve also heard throughout the year, “If I only had a little more time in the day”. “If I only had more time to devote”. “If I had only spent a little more time with them”. “If I only had more time”.

I think I know the remedy. …give the gift of time. No, not a watch or a clock but of your time.

Our days are filled with task after task. We fall short of completing the long to do list and wish there were more hours in the day.

How exactly are you spending the most

valuable commodity you’ve been given? We all have been given the same amount, but what are you truly spending it on?

It’s amazing how much effort we put into making sure that our finances are in vested and spent wisely… but what about your time? How much effort do you devote to making sure your time is invested and spent wisely?

It’s something that once spent can not be gained back. Time is valuable and goes hand in hand with memories. It’s some thing we look forward to from those we love, those we do meaningful business with. It’s also a gift we often lay aside and put a tangible store bought item in its place. As the holidays are upon us, remember

By LaTonya Thomas

to give the gift of time. It’s the most valu able gift of all. Spend it in ways that are meaningful and impactful making the best memories that will last for a life time!

Happy Holidays!

LaTonya Thom as is the found er of Sweet Start Ministries. Her background is in hospitality and human resourc es. LaTonya is involved in the community and loves helping those

Submitted photos

The “Nutcracker on Ice” features the classic tale adapted for ice skating numbers. This year, 143 figure skaters of all ages and levels, along with a few hockey skaters, will participate. The youngest skater is three-years-old, and the oldest skater is in their 60s.

At the crossroads of the art world

Birthed from a single show in 2014, the Crossroads Art Council has grown to be come a beacon for Wentzville.

Located at 310 West Pearce, the Arts Council’s mission is to cultivate, nurture and grow the arts in our community by supporting local artists. Being located in the lower portion of the old city hall, with the Wentzville Community Historical Society being located in the upper por tion of the building, the two organiza tions offer a unique opportunity for cul tural growth in the historic downtown district. The gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11-3 p.m.

Diane Ransom, the founding presi dent, said the early stages were simple.

“We wanted to be able to help artists make a living,” she said. “By helping them, we are helping the community.”

The Crossroads Art Council is a grass roots organization that hosts many activ ities outside its galleries, including Arts & Ales, Paint with a Star, Spanning the Generations and a quilt show.

“One of the great things about (the council) is the amount of friendships that have blossomed out of here,” Debbie Kindschuh, who serves as co-secretary on the Crossroads Art Council Board, said. “It is just magical and one of the rea sons we have sustained for so long and how we are able to do what we’ve done.”

By Brett Auten

Becoming a member for a local artist has many benefits, including network ing, sharing your knowledge, and an av enue to showcase your work. There are zero paid staff at the council, so a helping hand is always welcome.

“We are always looking for volunteers,” Ransom said. “One of the end results of growing a network is the opportuni ties that emerge from many unexpected places. There are many opportunities to be taken, you just have to identify them and make yourself ready for them to call you. You can find new opportunities for business, commissions, art shows, expo sure and much more.”

Looking for that perfect Christmas

gift, over 90 members will have pieces available, ranging from $5 to $99.

“We will be filled to the gills with all kinds of mediums of art,” Kindschuh added.

The council has 2023 planned out al ready. In January, art inspired by the written word will be part of the theme.

“There is a strong synergy between vi suals and words,” Ransom said. “Poetry, lyrics and stories often create visuals in your mind, just as viewing a visual brings a flow of words. This show will feature all mediums of art that show inspiration that may have begun with words that becomes a visual or it may begin with a visual that is shared in words”

artists

With its calendar planned out for a year, Ransom described its current resi dence as a “murky future.”

“This is not a permanent situation,” she said. “Both (the arts council and the historical society) will need new homes if the city decides to do something differ ent. We could use a bigger, better space and hopefully the city will help again. The historical district is important to us and the city. It speaks to our roots.”

For additional information and schedule details, visit www.crossroad sartscouncil.org or look for them on Facebook and other social media plat forms.

The Crossroads Art Council has grown to become a beacon for the Wentzville arts scene by supporting local

Submitted photo

The Crossroads Art Council, located at 310 W Pearce Blvd in Wentzville, has made it its mission to cultivate, nurture and grow the arts in its community by supporting local artists.

Wentzville continues Holiday Night Lights tradition

Holiday Night Lights is an annual Wentzville tradition. Each year, Rotary Park is transformed into a winter won derland full of twinkling lights for the public to enjoy at a variety of activities.

From sleigh hayrides, to races and reindeer, Wentzville’s Holiday Night Lights has an activity for every mem ber of the family. It is a magical way to experience the spirit and joy of the sea son close to home.

The one-mile light display opened daily to vehicle traffic on Nov. 25 and features illuminated scenes and tun nels of beautiful lights you can enjoy from the warmth of your vehicle.

On Saturdays, you can enjoy a visit with Santa at the Kolb Building which has been decorated to look like the

North Pole. There are also Sleigh Hay rides where you can sip cocoa and en joy the display with a group on a trac tor-pulled hayride.

On Dec. 12, the park is closed to ve hicle traffic to host the Holiday Night Lights Walk-Thru. Guests may walk through the park and enjoy the dis plays at their own pace. Once they have completed their stroll, attendees are invited to visit a live reindeer and warm up inside the Kolb Building with snacks and refreshments from food trucks and have their photo taken with Santa.

To register or learn more about any of these events, please call 636-3329236 or visit www.wentzvillemo.gov/ hnl.

Natural gas rates to change for Spire Missouri customers

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas as well as a change in the company’s Actual Cost Adjustment (ACA) factor, Spire East and Spire West customers of Spire Missouri, Inc. d/b/a Spire will see nat ural gas rates change under a filing that took effect on Nov. 29.

The ACA factor is a mechanism which tracks any over-collection or under-collection of actual natural gas costs over a 12-month period. The net over- or under-collected balances are subsequently either refunded or col lected the next year.

Spire East residential customers currently pay approximately $0.60 per Ccf (per hundred cubic feet) of natu ral gas. Under this filing, the rate will increase to approximately $0.71 per Ccf. Spire West residential customers currently pay approximately $0.79 per Ccf of natural gas. Under this filing, the rate will increase to approximately $0.92 per Ccf.

The cost of natural gas from whole sale suppliers generally makes up ap proximately 50% to 55% of a custom er’s total monthly natural gas bill.

The wholesale cost of natural gas (the cost your local natural gas compa ny must pay to its suppliers for natural gas) is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission. The well head cost of natural gas is unregulated and is primarily driven by supply, de mand and the weather.

The Missouri Public Service Com mission does conduct an annual regu latory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas sup

plies for their customers.

What you can do to help manage your utility bill:

Add attic insulation if necessary.

Place weather stripping around doors, use plastic film covering and caulk windows to keep heat from es caping from your home.

• Change or replace furnace filters each month when dirty.

• Have your chimney checked for blockage.

• Close fireplace dampers when the fireplace is not being used.

• Have your heating system checked and tuned-up if need ed.

• Place an approved insulated cover-jacket around the hot wa ter heater.

• Consider getting professional help for any projects that are be yond your capabilities.

• Contact your local utility com pany to ask about energy saving tips and programs.

Spire East provides natural gas ser vice to approximately 662,800 cus tomers in the city of St. Louis as well as the Missouri counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Butler, Iron, Franklin, Jef ferson, Madison, Crawford, St. Fran cois and Ste. Genevieve. Spire West provides natural gas service to ap proximately 532,900 customers in An drew, Barry, Barton, Bates, Buchanan, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Dade, DeKalb, Greene, Hen ry, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, John son, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Moniteau, Pettis, Platte, Ray, Saline, Stone and Vernon counties.

Weldon Spring and Cottleville hold Bi-City Holiday Food Drive

The 13th Annual Bi-City Hol iday Food Drive is currently un derway and will be ending on Jan. 6, 2023. This is the thirteenth year Weldon Spring and Cottleville have participated in a friendly competition.

Cottleville took the win in 2021 and currently holds the trophy.

The drive is looking for non perishable food items and toi letries such as: cereal, dry pasta, sauce, canned goods, baby dia pers, toothpaste, shampoo, clean ing items, etc.

Items can be dropped off at

the Cottleville City Hall Lobby at 5490 Fifth Street (off Highway N) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and at Weldon Spring City Hall. A drop box will be placed on the front porch of Weldon Spring City Hall for af ter-hours donations.

All of the items collected will go to Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service, which is the largest so cial services provider for individ uals, families, and children in the Tri-County area of St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties.

In addition, items are being

collected for our four-legged friends. These donations will go to Five Acres Animal Shelter. This is the only “no-kill” shelter in St. Charles County and relies on pri vate donations in order to oper ate.

They can use; dog treats, dog toys, kitty litter, bleach, paper towels, un shredded newspapers and trash bags. New and gen tly used towels, blankets, sheets, beds, collars, and leashes are needed too.

THIS WEEK’S PICK

Discover nature through Eagle Days

From December through February, Missouri’s winter eagle watching is spectacular. Discover nature with the Missouri Department of Conserva tion (MDC) through Eagle Days events around the state or enjoy watching bald eagles on your own.

Because of Missouri’s big rivers, many lakes, and abundant wetlands, the Show-Me state is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing. Each fall, thousands of these great birds migrate south from their nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in Missouri. Eagles take up res idence wherever they find open water and plentiful food. More than 2,000 bald eagles are typically re ported in Missouri during winter.

Watch for eagles perched in large trees along the water’s edge. Early in the morning you can see them flying and fishing. Be sure to dress for winter weather and don’t forget cameras and binoculars.

MDC Eagle Days events

MDC is again offering Eagle Days events around the state. Some events will include live eagle pro grams, exhibits, activities, videos, and guides with spotting scopes. Some events require registration. Locations include:

• Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jeffer son City -- Jan. 28, 2023, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live eagle programs are at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Registration is not required.

• Audubon Center at Riverlands St. Louis -Feb.11, 2023, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Preregistration is required for live-eagle program

For more information, visit MDC online at mdc. mo.gov/events and search Eagle Days.

Eagle

Watching on Your Own

Can’t make an MDC Eagle Days event? Other lo

cal events and hot spots for winter eagle viewing include:

• Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Route K southwest of Columbia,

• Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access east of Bagnell,

• Lock & Dam 20 in Canton,

• Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville,

• Lock & Dam 25 east of Winfield,

• Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 off of Riverview Drive in St. Louis,

• Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area east of West Alton, Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/events/eagle-days.

For more information on bald eagles, visit the MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discov er-nature/field-guide/bald-eagle.

Submitted photo

Missouri is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing during winter. Discover nature with MDC through Eagle Days events around the state or enjoy watching bald eagles on your own.

St. Charles will host local public hearing in Ameren Missouri electric rate case

The Missouri Public Service Commission will hold local pub lic hearings starting on Jan. 31, 2023, to receive customer com ment in an electric rate case filed by Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri.

There will be in-person and virtual local public hearings conducted by the Public Service Commission. The St. Charles lo cal public hearing takes place Feb. 9, 2023 at the St. Charles. St. Charles County Administrative Building in Rooms 115 and 116 at 201 N. 2nd Street.

The hearing starts at noon, be ginning with a public informa tion/question and answer session conducted by the PSC Staff, fol

lowed by the commission receiv ing testimony from the public. This local public hearing will be held in a facility that meets the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any person who needs additional accommodations to participate in this hearing should call the Pub lic Service Commission’s hotline at 1-800-392-4211 or TDD Ho tline at 1-800-829-7541 before the hearing.

If you are unable to attend the local public hearing and wish to make written comments, you may contact the Missouri Public Ser vice Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, or by using the Commission’s elec

Inspiration Corner: How to thrive in a toxic work environment

I heard the screaming before I saw them. There were four of them gathered around the entrance, hollering like banshees. They swore and gesticulated at the lone holdout, the red-headed woodpecker.

It seemed she had taken up residence in a tree cav ity and a group of Eurasian tree sparrows were trying to oust her. They grew so frustrated they turned on each other until two of them fell at my feet. Mean while, the woodpecker looked down at me with a cool, assuming manner, as if to say, “What’s all this hubbub about?”

It reminds me of a friend whose company is going through a reorganization. She told me recently how chaotic it has become. People are fed up. The leaders don’t seem to know what they are doing, though they pontificate mightily about new strategies, improved profit margins and re-alignment of work. Mean while, the employees are hustling about, pecking and poking at each other because their nerves are shot.

She said, “Every day is like ‘The Hunger Games.’ It’s every man or woman for themself.”

Who are you?

When tempers and emotions flare, it’s easy to lose our head. That “fight or flight” instinct is real. There fore, it’s important to ground yourself in what you know to be true about yourself. Take an hour and write out your strengths and weaknesses. Then as sess how best to orient yourself to the situation to accentuate your strengths and develop strategies to avoid missteps those weaknesses could cause.

For instance, if you have a bad temper, avoid that pesky co-worker who’s always ragging on the boss. Negativity breeds negativity. Rise above it. Avoid useless chatter. If a co-worker bad mouths one per son, they will probably bad mouth you as well. Don’t give them ammunition.

Friction is your friend.

tronic filing system at https://psc. mo.gov/General/Submit_Com ments . When submitting com ments, please reference File No. ER-2022-0337.

On Aug. 1, Ameren Missouri filed an electric rate case with the Missouri Public Service Com mission seeking a net increase in its electric base rates of approx imately $316 million. An aver age residential electric customer (using approximately 1,017 kilo watt-hours of electricity a month) would see a rate increase of ap proximately $12 a month accord ing to the filing.

Ameren Missouri provides ser vice to approximately 1.29 million electric customers in Missouri.

Sometimes friction causes people to boil over, but the smart person uses it to their advantage. Like sandpaper to rough wood, friction, when applied appropriately, smooths over rough edges.

Think of your situation like a like a puzzle to be solved and make note of the pain points. What is your role in the situation? Is there anything you can resolve? Are there any solutions that would make things better? Your bad situation might just be an opportunity in disguise. Think how happy the boss will be when you provide an honest assessment with a real-world solution.

Be a helper.

Fred Rogers famously said that during times of cri sis we should look for the helpers. If someone near you is struggling, help them. Some people scream when they are in pain. Others cry. Be their friend. Ask questions. Seek to understand. Don’t give pat advice. Just be there and care. If everyone in the company gets laid off, at least you will have made one new friend. Jobs come and go. Friends stay.

Be the woodpecker. Stay calm and collected to the best of your ability and hold your ground with integ rity. Remember, it’s your response to adversity that really matters.

Margaret Wolfinbarger is a wife and mother of three peculiar children. She lives in St. Charles and likes to shine light into dark places.

Progress as promised at Frontier Middle School

This fall, Frontier Middle School (FMS) opened the doors to its new ly added classroom-expansion wing thanks to the support of Wentzville School District (WSD) taxpayers and funding from Proposition E.

After spending years in the elemen tary schools due to limited space in the middle school buildings, eager sixthgrade students across the district re turned to middle schools this fall.

FMS alone saw an addition of 450 students and 30 staff at the start of the 2022-23 academic year. FMS faculty and staff were just as eager to welcome

them to their new home and halls.

These Eagles can really spread their wings and soar in this spacious new addition that is 38,024 square feet and has 19 classrooms.

FMS also welcomed the Milestones Center back into the building, which opened alongside the new addition at the start of the year. The Frontier Mile stones Center services sixth through eighth students from across the dis trict with developmental delays which require intensive language and behav ioral research-based interventions. The center's team-based approach

with therapists and educators allows each student's individualized program to address language, social-emotional, cognitive, behavioral, motor, and sen sory development.

“With our newest wing, we have been able to provide students and staff with the space that is needed in order to achieve optimal levels of academic growth and success,” said Dr. Laura Rowe Holler, FMS principal.

The Eagles that call this new wing home have already made it their own, decorating the hallways with class projects and giving the freshly painted

walls some much-needed personality. As you walk down the corridor and peek into each classroom, it’s obvious each one is packed full of eager stu dents ready to learn.

As promised, the addition to FMS was completed on time and under budget and was ready to be filled when the 2022-23 school year began. This marks another major construction project completed on time and under budget in the WSD.

Submitted photos

This fall, Frontier Middle School opened the doors to its newly added classroom-expansion wing thanks to the support of Wentzville School District taxpayers and funding from Proposition E.

Take Notice . . .

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

EVENTS

Dec. 11: Christmas con cert

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

Dec. 17: Gift making workshop/parents day out

A gift making workshop/par ents day out takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John UCC at 405 South Fifth Street in St. Charles. All chil dren should bring their own lunch and an afternoon snack. Children will make gifts, play games and watch movies. Register by calling the church office at 636-724-1015.

Dec. 17: Craft fair

Wentzville United Method ist Church at 725 Wall Street in Wentzville is hosting a candy/cookie sale and crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. In addition, a Christmas Stock ing Display will be featured. For more information visit www:livelovegrow.org or call 636-327-6377.

Dec. 31: Youth orchestra auditions

Music students can join the St. Charles County Youth Orchestra (SCCYO) during mid-season video auditions. Video auditions will be ac cepted through Dec. 31. Re hearsals begin on Jan. 7. All levels of string, wind, brass, and percussion are accepted. The orchestra rehearsals are on Saturdays with two perfor mance opportunities on April 1 and May 20. SCCYO Winter Concert will be held on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at Missouri Bap tist University. For more in formation about auditions or tickets for the concert please contact sccyomusic@gmail. com or www.sccyo.org.

Jan. 7: Auto care clinic

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

Jan. 21: Swing dance club grand opening

St. Charles Swing Dance Club invites you to join them at their grand opening at Dardenne Prairie Hall at 2199 Post Road from 7 to 10 p.m. Free swing and line dance les sons will take place from 6:15 to 7 p.m.

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 314-560-1868.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in begin ning at 8:30 a.m. For more in formation please call Leogene Weber. 636-399-3124.

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 gate way_parent_help@yahoo. com. BILY is a program of self-help for parents of trou bled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but par ents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: NAMI St. Lou is Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health con cerns 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: Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Mondays: Cottleville Wel don Spring Kiwanis Club

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at The Breakfast Club, 991 Waterbury Falls Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63368. New club look ing for new members who want to better our commu nity. Contact Christy at 314583-0538.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting

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

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

Choral Arts Singers practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at Connection ChristianChurch, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New singers (high school and older) are wel come. Auditions are not re quired. See www.concertarts. org.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise spec ified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rota ry Club Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge

St. Peters Senior Center plays bridge from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Thursdays, and would love to have any player, regardless of skill level, to join in. Call Mary Ann at 636-397-0866 if you are inter ested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.

Mondays: American Le gion Post 388 Meets Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607

Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636219-0553

Mondays: Measurement

Mondays:

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

Every Monday and Wednes day a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recre ation, takes place from 9:1510 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nation ally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more infor mation call 636-949-3372.

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

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

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tues days at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win priz es and awards with semian nual tournaments. ACC sanc tioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Tuesdays: Diabetes sup port group

A diabetes support group

meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except Novem ber and December from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Pla za, 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 vol unteers dedicated to improv ing the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis. com.

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

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

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

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

Tuesdays: Mended Hearts

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

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

The group meets on third Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Alzhei mer’s Chapter Office at 9370 Olive Blvd. For more infor mation about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male Caregiver Experience, please call the Alzheimer’s Associ ation’s 24/7 Helpline at 800272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/ stl. Registration is requested before the first meeting.

Tuesdays:

meets from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refresh ments and on the third Tues day 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 and Thursdays: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 10:15-11:15 a.m. No experi ence necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes 9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314-369-6521.

by the Friday prior to the luncheon by calling 636-9466799. All are welcome.

Wednesdays: Quilt guild

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

For more information visit www.stcharlesmarine.org.

Wednesdays: Women’s fishing club

Social club for

widows and widowers

On the first and third Tues day of each month a social club for widows and widowers

Tuesdays:

NAMI St. Lou is Connection Recovery Support Group

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

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

Tuesdays: Dardenne Pres byterian Church Basket ball

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

Tuesdays: Central Mis souri Railroad Associa tion meeting

This unique organization is for railroad modelers, rail fans, photographers and rail road retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on second Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warrenton Masonic Lodge. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-4560776 or visit our Facebook page.

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

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

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Gar den Club

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

Third Tuesday: Luncheon for seniors

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

Wednesdays: Toastmas ters Club

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

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club

TOPS 502 Wright City meets every Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church at 104 Hedeman Ave. in Wright City. Weigh-in 7 - 8:30 a.m. Meet ing starts at 9 a.m. For more information call 314-5045202

Wednesdays: Food pantry

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

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

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

Wednesdays: Senior citi zen luncheon

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

Wednesdays: Marine Corps League meeting

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at Pezold Banquet Cen ter, 5701 Hwy N, in Cottleville at 7:00 p.m. All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome.

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

Wednesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville on the sec

ond and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and camaraderie. Come meet with fellow veterans who served our country and share your experience.

Wednesdays: Charity Bin go

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

Wednesdays: Crossroads Cribbage Club

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

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

Howell football team takes title

The Francis Howell Vikings are State Champions!

The Vikings defeated Fort Osage 49-21 for the Class 5 title recently.

The team accomplished a feat rarely done; they were undefeated the entire season.

Howell outscored all their opponents with more than 25 points every game.

*A great accomplishment

The professional soccer team Ambush drop their second game of season

The St. Louis Ambush in the 2022-23 will play in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) with their home games at The Family Arena in St. Charles.

The team fell 4-2 to the Kansas City Comets re cently at the Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri, splitting the opening weekend home-andhome series between the two teams. The Ambush (11-0) won their home opener and the Comets (1-1-0) returned the favor the next game.

*It’s a long season

UMSL basketball team on a streak

The No. 18 Universi ty of Missouri-St. Louis men’s basketball team rallied from an eightpoint second half defi cit to defeat Missouri S&T 76-67 recently their home court at the Mark Twain Building. The Tritons improve to 8-0, 3-0 GLVC while the Miners (S&T) drop to 5-2, 1-2 GLVC.

The 8-0 start for UMSL is its best to open the sea son since 2014-15 when the Tritons began that sea son winning eight in a row.

It was a game of runs as S&T jumped out to an ear ly four-point lead then UMSL countered with a 13-6 run of its own to take a 25-22 lead after a three from Bowen Sandquist with 5:11 left in the half.

The Tritons still led by three after a dunk from Ja

neir Harris but that would be their final lead of the half as the Miners ran off 11 straight to take its larg est lead of the half at 36-28 on a three from Ikenna Okeke with less than a minute to play in the stanza.

Sandquist hit his second three of the frame to bring UMSL within five but Dylan Singleton hit one-oftwo free throws in the closing seconds to give S&T a 37-31 lead at the break.

The Tritons scored the first six points of the second half to tie the game at 37 but the Miners countered with an 11-3 run highlighted by three three-pointers to match its largest lead of the game at 48-40 with 14:24 to play.

UMSL responded with an 18-6 run over the next 4:24 to retake the lead at 58-54 on a pair of Victor Nwagbaraocha free throws. It was a lead the Tritons wouldn’t relinquish. S&T cut the margin to two but wouldn’t get any closer as UMSL pulled away with an 18-9 run to take its largest lead of the contest at 7665 on two Sandquist free throws with 0:37 left.

The Tritons shot 51% (26-for-51) from the field in the contest but were 6-of-18 from three. UMSL missed five of its first eight throws but hit 15 straight to finish the game shooting 78% at the charity stripe.

The Tritons had five players reach double figures in scoring in the contest led by Mayson Quartle baum with 16 while Harris added 15 off the bench. Isaiah Fuller had 13 points, seven assists and six re bounds. Sandquist and Nwagbaraocha finished with 10 points each.

* Great win to continue the streak

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Ras cals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, and is current ly hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com It broad casts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

Recipe: A sweet, melty holiday sandwich

All that holiday hus tle and bustle can work up some real hunger. Between decorating, baking and preparing for enter taining, hosts often earn an afternoon snack.

When you and your loved ones need a boost of energy before guests arrive, turn to a fresh ingredient like Envy apples, which provide an easy way to whip up a deli cious sandwich due to their sweet taste and availability. The sweet, sophisticated flavor; uplifting, fresh aro ma; delightfully satisfying crunch; beautiful appear ance; and naturally white flesh all lend themselves to this Apple Cranberry Ha varti Melt. As a quick, sim ple way to reenergize before the big party, it’s a perfect snack the whole family can enjoy together.

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.

Servings: 4

Apple Cranberry Havarti Melt

With“Aliens,” “Termina tor” and “True Lies” under his belt, James Cameron had the formula for thrilling mov ies. When it came to “Avatar 2: The Way of Water,” howev er, the prolific director might be standing on thin ice.

Cameron had said that the upcoming sequel must make at least $2 billion just to break even. Based on the official trailers, his crew cre ated ground-breaking special effects that should attract fans of the orig inal film. Ticket prices have skyrocketed since 2009, though, and potential audience members may wait until the sequel becomes available on DVD or streaming services.

Long before he landed on Pandora, though, James Cameron had plenty of ex perience with water and inflated budgets thanks to “Titanic.” With a top heavy $200 million budget, the director was convinced the movie would be a huge disaster. Film critics also were sure that the mighty ship would drown Cameron in a sea of red ink.

Both the director and those naysayers were both wrong; however, because the love sto ry between Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet) packed theater seats. The final gross of “Titanic” was more than $600 million. At the 70th Annual Academy Awards, “Titanic” won 11 Oscars and, after

all his hard work, Cameron hoisted his “Best Director” Oscar on camera while shouting “I’m the king of the world,” the line made famous by DiCaprio in the film.

Kevin Reynolds directed 1995’s “Water world,” a post-apocalyptic story where every continent had been flooded with water. Set in 2500, Kevin Costner played the Mariner, a sea-faring explorer who, due to mutations, had gills and webbed feet. During his trav els, he met Enola (Tina Majorino), a young girl whose back contained a map to dry land.

“Waterworld” had a budget of more $170 million but grossed just $264 million at the box office. The film earned a “Best Sound” nomination at the Academy Awards while Dennis Hopper won “Worst Supporting Ac tor” at the “Razzie Awards.”

In 2019, Marvel Studios unleashed

– SUDOKU –

“Avengers: Endgame,” a film that wrapped up the storyline that began with the original “Iron Man” movie. Unlike “Titanic,” audiences who saw “Avengers: Infinity War” a year earlier were ready for the final chapter.

The cast of characters in cluded Carol Danvers/Cap tain Marvel (Brie Larson), Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther and other Mar vel characters. When push came to shove, though, Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) sacrificed himself to reverse the effects of “The Blip.” The budget was approximately $356 million, but the movie grossed more than $2.7 billion.

It has been possible, though, to make a blockbuster on a tight budget and come out ahead. 1976’s “Rocky” was filmed on a bud get of $1 million ($5,237,469.24 in today’s money). Sylvester Stallone wrote the script about Rocky Balboa, a boxer who worked for a loan shark and hadn’t reached his full potential. When Apollo Creed (Carl Weath ers) the reigning heavyweight champion, chose Rocky to fight for the title on Jan. 1, 1976, the “Italian Stallion” began training in earnest. The film grossed $225 million ($1.07 billion as of 2021) and led to multi

sequels that include the current “Creed”

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.

‘Avatar 2: The Way of Water photo courtesy 20th Century Studios

COLLECTIBLES

NOVENA

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

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.

PUBLIC NOTICE

By Cindy Moore

Here it is! The joyous season is upon us. Time for giv ing and singing and mistletoeing and…

Ahem…excuse me! Well, I certainly hate to be the one to Scrooge all over everyone’s celebration, but there are definitely some downsides to all this holly jollying. And since no one else will talk about it, I guess I’ll be the cat doodie in the fig pudding and point out the ob vious. The negatives need to be addressed before the merriment can begin.

Think of these warnings as my personal gift to you.

First: Christmas letters. These are the typed letters on festive stationary that at first glance appear to be harbingers of gladness and good cheer. False! They are toxic epistles of misery and misfortune. Do not unseal them; do not read them. Instead, use them to light the Yule log.

Aunt Hazel will reveal her latest news in vivid tech nicolor in which multiple pustules from Uncle Harold had to be surgically removed from an embarrassing bodily location. She will include such minute detail that you would assume she graduated first in her class from medical school. But she will end on a happy note by ex plaining that her bunions are doing much better since she grated them down to a manageable size, thanks to the video her grandson brought up on the YouTuber.

Second: Elf on the Shelf. For the love of all that is creepy and terrorizing do not get involved in this curseful craze! Whose brilliant idea was it to take a freakish mutant gnome with a nasty Grinch grimace and hide it

around every corner?!

Just the other day, I was having my morning bath room time and got the undeniable impression that I was being watched. Yup, sure enough that puny little weirdo was mounted atop my shower nozzle looking down on my most personal goings on with his horrid unblinking eyes and that creep-out of a grin.

I shrieked loudly and threw a wet towel at the men acing midget.

I heard my husband out in the hall laughing and howling like a banshee. Hmph! Soon it’ll be me laugh ing when he finds its head inside his tuna sandwich to morrow.

And finally: Fruitcake. Let the slogan for mind-alter ing, dangerous drugs be caution enough…just say no!

And now, let the festivities begin.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humor ist: someone who unearths ab surdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recent ly, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

The holiday season means fun and festivities for all, but getting wrapped up in all the excitement and celebrations can lead to forgetting about safety and precautions, especially for pets.

Consider these seven tips to help you spot potential hazards around the hol idays and keep your pets healthy and happy.

Food for thought: Sweet treats and savory bites are treasured holiday pas times for humans, but that can also mean things like chocolates, nuts and animal bones should be supervised carefully so your pets don’t ingest something toxic or harmful. Other human foods to put on the do-not-share list include garlic, onions and grapes. It’s also wise to keep your trash in a tightly sealed con tainer or hidden somewhere your pet can’t access.

Keep calm and carry on: The holiday season brings people together for milestones and celebrations, but all the hoopla can be stressful for pets. From the loud music and new visitors to kids running around or fire works going off, some pets can become overwhelmed. To help keep your pets comfortable and calm, try turn ing on a TV or some soothing music in a quiet room away from the noises or let them curl up on their favor ite bed with a toy or treat to distract them.

Watch out for tree trimmings and poisonous plants: While poinsettias and festive fir trees are holiday clas sics, they can also be extremely hazardous to pets. It’s important to be careful about what you’re bringing in side your home. Many holiday plants like holly, lilies, amaryllis and even pine needles from trees can be toxic if ingested. If ingestion does occur, contact a pet poi son hotline or your veterinarian. If it’s after hours or in

the event of an emergency, find your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic.

Watch the weather: Changing tem peratures and harsh conditions can wreak havoc on human skin, so it’s no surprise it can also affect pets’ skin and coats. You can try reducing their bathing frequency, keeping up with brushings and providing extra hydration to keep them feeling their best. Another way to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy is to add supplements that contain essen tial fatty acids.

Stick to a routine: Pets thrive on rou tines for feeding, potty breaks and exer cise, so be conscious of how your holiday plans may shake things up. Try to stick to your regular schedule as closely as possible or consider asking a friend or rel ative to help if you’ll be away during regular feeding or outdoor break times.

Spend some quality time: In addition to providing companionship and love, spending time with pets can also reduce stress, anxiety and depression; ease lone liness; and encourage exercise and playfulness. Even though you may be traveling or partying with friends, be sure to spend some quality time with your fur babies this holiday season, too.

Give them gifts: Humans aren’t the only ones who love to get gifts. Few things beat the look on dog’s faces when you pull out a new toy or treat for them to enjoy. Whether it’s a new leash, ball or cozy bed, be sure you have a little something to give your furry family mem bers this holiday season as well.

For more information and ways to keep your pets happy and healthy, visit ZestyPaws.com.