CNSTC: December 16, 2020

December 16, 2020

A light in the darkness

Around Town Grant provides funds for police training. Pg. 4 St. Charles County Information Systems launches improved, redesigned GIS mapping services. Pg. 5

Special Section Senior Living. Pg. 6

Business

La Belle Vie / The Café at Frenchtown celebrates grand opening. Pg. 7

Features

Photo courtesy Bill Motchan/Chabad Jewish Center Rabbi Chaim Landa, the Co-Director of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, stands on a ladder to light the first candle on the first night of Chanukah on Main Street.

Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County’s second annual Chanukah on Main Street brings the spirit of the holiday to St. Charles

By Brett Auten A message of hope and light is being brought to Main Street in St. Charles.

The second annual Chanukah on Main Street will wrap up eight nights of the holiday this week. The Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County will light a public ninefoot Chanukah menorah placed at Berthold Square Park, every night of the eight-day holiday, concluding on Thursday.

While capacity will be limited amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and masks and socially distancing will be required, the lights will shine as bright as ever.

“It’s a special time for the community, and a special time of year to come together,” Rabbi Chaim Landa, who co-directs the Chabad Jewish Center together with his wife Bassy, said. “We’ve been working hard to ensure that this annual tradition continues in a safe and joyful way.”

The Chabad Jewish Center will also distribute menorahs, candles and Chanukah-at-home kits to those celebrating at home.

The Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds

and affiliations. According to the most recent demographic study sponsored by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis an estimated 5,800 members of the region’s 61,000 member Jewish community live in St. Charles County. And Chaim Landa is the only rabbi in St. Charles County.

Last year’s inaugural Chanukah on Main Street was a big success.

“We had no clue how many people to expect last year,” Bassy Landa said. “When we got 300 RSVP’s in advance of the event and even more people showed up, we were shocked, in See ‘LIGHT’ page 2

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Around Town

December 16, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘LIGHT’ from cover

a good way. The amount of people that came over to Chaim and myself at the menorah lighting, and in the weeks and months following it, just to say how meaningful it was for them and how much it meant to be there, especially with their young children, it was heartwarming. Some people actually had tears in their eyes. It was very special.”

As is with everything this year, COVID-19 safety is at the top of the list when it comes to the festival. This year has seen illness, death, quarantine, closures and business collapses; all amidst an overwhelming sense of confusion and some despair. In light of this heightened sense of urgency to share the message, spirit and hope of Chanukah, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement worldwide is preparing the largest Chanukah awareness campaign in history.

“This year’s menorah lighting is done with the recognition of the crucial need for a message of hope during what for many is a very difficult time,” Chaim Landa said. “To ensure everyone’s safety, participation will be spread out over the eight-nights of the holiday, with a twenty-minute celebration every night of the eight-night holiday. The menorah lightings will be limited, with participants distanced and wearing masks.”

St. Charles’ menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs in more than 100 countries around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and the Kremlin, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message.

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, began this year on the evening of Dec. 10 and concludes the evening of Friday, Dec. 18. It recalls the victory of a militarily weak Jewish people who defeated the Syrian Greeks who had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life and prohibit religious freedom.

They also desecrated and defiled the Temple and the oils prepared for the lighting of the menorah, which was part of the daily service. Upon recapturing the Temple only one jar of undefiled oil was found, enough to burn only one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight. In commemoration, Jews

Photo courtesy Bill Motchan/Chabad Jewish Center Bassy Landa, who co-directs the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County together with her husband Rabbi Chaim Landa, welcomes more than 300 people to the organization’s inaugural “Chanukah on Main Street” on Sunday, December 22, 2019.

celebrate Chanukah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabrum known as a menorah. Today, people of all faiths consider the holiday a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness.

“The menorah serves as a symbol of light and hope for us today amidst the darkness of the pandemic, as it did for generations before us,” Chaim Landa said. “The flames of the menorah shine out into the night, reminding us that even when confronted with much darkness, a tiny light can dispel it all. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”

Chanukah on Main Street is open to all and times for the rest of the week is as follows; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at 5:20 p.m. at St. Charles’ Berthold Park. To reserve your attendance, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/chanukah-on-main-street-tickets-130197003743 For more information on the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, visit www.jewishstcharles.org.

Choral Arts Singers spread holiday cheer online The Choral Arts Singers wishes the world a happy “Home For The Holidays,” and invites everyone to enjoy video recordings of their performances of “A Family Christmas Spectacular” and “A Place Like Home.” Please visit www.concertarts.org, on Dec. 23 or later to view the videos and enjoy a little holiday music.

Submitted photo

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www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 16, 2020

Around Town

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Around Town

December 16, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Grant provides funds for police training When approaching an individual with a mental illness, how the police officer handles the situation can determine if the result ends in a positive interaction.

The Great Rivers Crisis Intervention Team Council is making sure police officers are trained to help individuals get the help they need.

The Great Rivers group has members from law enforcement agencies in St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties, as well as other partner organizations.

The council was recently awarded a $2,500 Operation Round Up grant to provide mental health training to police officers.

The funds come at a crucial time for the Great Rivers group this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization was unable to hold its annual

Submitted photo Great Rivers Crisis Intervention Team Council was awarded a $2,500 Operation Round Up grant to provide mental health training to police officers. Pictured (from left) are Doug Steinmeyer, Cuivre River Electric Community Trust board member; Rob Kendall, Great Rivers CIT Council chairman and Kyle Shell, Cuivre River Electric Community Trust board member.

banquet or other fundraisers.

The grant funds will primarily go to police officers from under-funded and the more rural agencies that cannot typically afford the extra training expense.

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

Nonprofit Missouri River Relief acquires MR340 canoe and kayak race

www.proacriveprintservices.com

636.978.7870 | www.krekeler.com 2938 Hwy K @ Hwy N, O’Fallon, MO

Missouri River Relief has acquired the Missouri American Water MR340 paddling race and will be hosting the race starting in 2021.

The MR340 is billed as the “world’s longest nonstop paddling race,” bringing canoeists, kayakers and SUP paddlers from around the world to run a nonstop 340 mile race course from Kansas City, Kansas to St. Charles on the Missouri River.

The race was started in 2006 by Scott Mansker and Russ Payzant with only 16 paddlers.

The pair quickly formed the organization Rivermiles, LLC, which organized and hostaed the race for its first 15 years. The largest MR340 was in 2018 with 433 boats.

Rivermiles will continue running the race as a contractor for Missouri River Relief and will be involved in all aspects of the race.

“We are so excited to see the MR340 in the capable hands of Missouri River Relief,” said Rivermiles race director Scott Mansker. “Nobody understands the river and the communities that value her better than they do. Recreation on the Missouri River will continue to grow under their stewardship.”

Missouri River Relief (MRR) is a nonprofit whose mission is connecting people to the Missouri River through river clean-ups, education programs and recreation. Since 2011, the organization has worked with more than 27,000 volunteers to remove 960 tons of trash from the Missouri River and educate over 25,000 students. MRR has been involved with the MR340 since 2008 as part of the safety boat crew.

“The two organizations have always been

great partners, and we share our mission with the race. The real mission of the MR340 has always been to build a community of people that have a deep knowledge and care for the river,” said MRR Executive Director Steve Schnarr.

“That’s the goal of everything River Relief does too. It’s a perfect relationship and we are really excited to be more deeply involved with the future of the race.”

One of the special characteristics of the MR340 is the engaged community of paddlers that has built up around the race.

“Finishing the MR340 is a huge accomplishment – it takes a big heart and uncommon tenacity. The kind of people that come back to take on that challenge again are really unique,” Schnarr said. “I love seeing how many tips and tricks they share with new paddlers, and how this community builds over the years.”

One interesting change to the race in 2021 will involve how registration works for participating paddlers. Race registration will open on Jan. 1 at 8 a.m., and paddlers can hold their slot in the race with a $50 deposit. They will receive a custom fundraising page that they can use to raise the remaining $200 of their race registration as a donation to Missouri River Relief. That $200 donation will be required by May 1.

The 2021 race will be held on July 20- July 23.

Racers must complete the race in 84 hours.

Find out more about the MR340 race at www. rivermiles.com.

Find out more about Missouri River Relief at www.riverrelief.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 16, 2020

Community Council of St. Charles County is ‘Community Strong’

Community News photo

Mathew DeKinder (far right), Editor/Publisher of the Community News, presents a framed copy of the November Community Strong nonprofit spotlight to Todd Barnes, Executive Director of the Community Council of St. Charles County (far left). Pictured with Todd are Community Council staff members Mary Szpatoski, Administrator, Community Engagement & Operations, and Christy Weber, Director of Development & Communication. The Community Strong column is published on the third Wednesday of the month in the Community News, as a part of their 100th anniversary celebration. Hard copies are available on newsstands at local area Dierberg’s and Schnucks locations or visit online at www.mycnews.com.

Around Town

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St. Charles County Information Systems launches improved, redesigned GIS mapping service St. Charles County’s Department of Information Systems has released an improved and redesigned Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping service at maps.sccmo.org. The service enables users to access map-based data about the county.

Along with a new design, the updated site includes: • Integrated EagleView imagery (similar to Google Street View) that allows for 360-degree views on the map of anywhere in the county. This is the first time the county’s GIS mapping service has utilized this imagery.

• Mobile-friendly and responsive design.

• Improved data download capability.

• Step-by-step tutorials in the “Help” section.

“GIS data is essential in research and decision making for a variety of users, from local governments and title companies to students and residents,” says Matthew Seeds, Director of Information Systems. “We’re excited to present new features that make it more dynamic and easier to use. I’d like to thank our frequent users and the public for providing feedback on a beta, or test, version of the map earlier this year. Their input helped us refine upgrades to the service.”

The GIS mapping service can be used by the public in a variety of ways: • The map automatically opens to a county-wide map that has county and municipal boundaries and jurisdictions labeled, allowing for better understanding of the layout and landscape of the community. Municipalities are color-coded and unincorporated areas are beige. Users can zoom in to see roads and other thoroughfares in detail.

• When searching for a home or business property in the area, users can access assessment and parcel data by entering the address of a location.

• Residents can learn more about the county through various selections available under the “Layers List” option. Available data includes voting districts, county council districts, boundaries for school districts and utility service providers, zoning information, park trails, physical features and topography, and more. Maps with the selected data can be printed by users.

For questions about the mapping service, please email gisservices@sccmo.org.

www.stlukes-stl.com/urgentcare

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Around Town

December 16, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

St. Charles County celebrates Computer Science Week 2020 and Hour of Code For the past 20 years, the Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County has been a proud supporter of local STEM initiatives. During this year’s Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 7 – 13), schools and organizations throughout the community hosted Hour of Code events to showcase the importance of computer coding and careers in computer science.

“One of the many lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the importance of people of all ages and all walks of life having access to, and understanding, computers and virtual technology,” said EDC President & CEO Scott J. Drachnik. “Just consider all the things more of us are doing virtually this year, including education, remote work, healthcare visits, shopping, interacting with friends, and more. This online trend is only expected to increase.”

According to its official website, Com-

puter Science Education Week (#CSEdWeek) is a call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners in the field.

Hour of Code events (#HourofCode) held throughout Computer Science Education Week encourage students and adults to learn more about computer programming, or coding. Employers and educators have pointed to coding as an essential skill in our increasingly digital world. One-hour, self-guided tutorials are available online for people of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to more advanced coders. Free coding resources in over 45 languages are online at the Hour of Code website.

To help promote and foster STEM efforts in St. Charles County, the EDC holds a monthly STEM Education Com-

w w w. m y c n e w s . c o m

mittee meeting that includes educators from public and private schools districts, institutions of higher learning, social service agencies and business leaders.

Working together, this group and others have helped start more than 100 robotics teams for students in the community, launched popular STEM Camps, and recognized outstanding STEM students during Missouri STEM Week.

A number of committee members held official Hour of Code events, including: • Wabash Elementary (Wentzville School District) • Fort Zumwalt West High School (Ft. Zumwalt School District) • Discovery Elementary (St. Charles School District) • Lutheran High School in St. Peters • Immanuel Lutheran School in St. Charles • Christian School District in O’Fallon

“Public and private schools in St. Charles County have put tremendous emphasis on providing the curriculum, technology, and resources to help our students learn twenty-first century competencies in computer skills starting in pre-school and all the way through high school,” said Dr. Curtis Cain, Wentzville School District Superintendent and a leader on the STEM Education Committee. “Computer science education, coding, and being comfortable working with technology and virtual environments is something we also want to encourage the families of our students – and literally everyone in the community – to experience and embrace.”

To learn more about Computer Science Education Week, visit: https://www.csedweek.org/. To learn more about the Hour of Code, visit: https://hourofcode.com/ us. To learn more about coding, visit: https://code.org/.

Spend your New Year’s Day on a guided adventure in a St. Charles County Park Ring in the New Year with a unique hiking adventure. The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is offering New Year’s Day Hikes from 1 – 2:30 p.m., Jan. 1, at Broemmelsiek, Klondike, Matson Hill and Veterans Tribute parks. During these outdoor hiking experiences, guests will discover the beauty of conservation, learn about the rich history of the parkland, and explore a newly developed area in Matson Hill Park. Masks will be available and social distancing is required.

Led by skillful staff, these interpretive walking tours are limited to 10 guests each. There are four New Year’s Day Hikes to choose from: Broemmelsiek Park, 1795 Highway DD, Defiance: Named in honor of the family of Jack Broemmelsiek, this 494-acre park is rich in St. Charles County history and showcases an educational visitors center which was once the Broemmelsiek family home. After taking a look inside, the group will venture outside to take a hike around the 13acre lake and along multi-use trails open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Klondike Park, 4600 Highway 94 S., Augusta: This 250-acre park boasts spectacular views of the Missouri River Valley and features white silca sand surrounding the park lake. The sand was once used in the 1800s to make glass, soap and other products. Mountainous terrain and a lookout bluff offering breathtaking views of the Historic Wine Country are some of the beautiful landscapes guests will experience while walking along the park’s paved and natural trails.

Matson Hill Park, 3572 Stub Road, Defiance: The newly renovated area of this 475-acre park has become one of the county’s most popular hiking and biking destinations, but there’s a lot more to uncover. The park features The Historic Daniel Boone Hays Home which was once owned by the grandson of famous Missouri pioneer, Daniel Boone. Guests will tour the historic property via natural trails and will learn about the Hays family, as well as the Femme Osage Valley and its importance to the region.

Veterans Tribute Park, 1031 Kisker Road, Weldon Spring: The Veterans Memorial Garden in the park overlooks the park’s two lakes and features a plaza with the names of St. Charles County soldiers who died in service to our nation since World War I. After visiting the monument, the group will visit the historic 1916 Sammelmann family silo, walk along the raised boardwalk that extends high above the tree canopies, and then hike the 1.6 mile paved trails in the park.

These hiking experiences are free and leashed pets are welcome. Due to limited attendance at each event, pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, visit https://bit.ly/2021NewYearsDayHIke or call the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at 636-949-7535.

The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department has more than 62 miles of natural, paved, and multi-use trails open to guests daily from 7 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset. For more information about park trails, visit stccparks.org.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 16, 2020

Business

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City of Dardenne Prairie debuts Town Square Avenue during holiday shopping season A popular dining and shopping destination in St. Charles County will be even easier to access this holiday season. The city of Dardenne Prairie has formally renamed the stretch of Highway N between Bryan Road and Hawks Ridge Trail as Town Square Avenue.

“With shopping, great restaurants and a movie theater, the Town Square Shopping Center really is the commercial heart of our community,” said Mayor David C. Zucker. “The renaming is designed to help out-of-town visitors find these dining and retail establishments more easily.”

City officials unveiled the new Town Square Avenue during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 3. The renaming includes new lighted street signage, which is especially important during the winter months when the daylight hours are shorter. Chris Fay, owner of Dialed Scooters & BMX, a new business that recently opened in the Town Square Shopping Center, said the change will also help foster the retail district’s identity.

“As both a resident and new business owner in Dardenne Prairie, I think the renaming of Highway N to Town Square Avenue will not only make it easier for those traveling to our locals’ favorite spots, but also highlight one of this area’s great shopping and entertainment venues. The renaming adds a personal touch to an already established area.”

Photo courtesy city of Dardenne Prairie City of Dardenne Prairie officials unveiled the new Town Square Avenue during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 3.

La Belle Vie / The Café at Frenchtown celebrates grand opening Mark and Melissa Hollander celebrated the grand opening of their new business La Belle Vie / The Café at Frenchtown with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 2.

Joining Mark and Melissa in the celebration were family, friends, Dan Borgmeyer Mayor of the City of St. Charles, board members, ambassadors and staff with the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

La Belle Vie / The Café at Frenchtown is located at 1200 N. Second Street in the Frenchtown neighborhood of St. Charles.

A coffeehouse and breakfast / brunch restaurant in the mornings, La Belle Vie / The Café at Frenchtown serves a variety of salads, sandwiches and small plates, along with a variety of wines and cocktails in the afternoon and evenings. La Belle Vie also

Submitted photo

features live music, a designated area for private gatherings that can seat 30 adults comfortably and cozy upholstered furniture and sofas for relaxed conversations throughout the space.

For more information on La Belle Vie / The Café at Frenchtown, their menu or information on their private party space, visit their website at www.labelleviefrenchtown. com or call 636-395-7265.

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What’s Happening

December 16, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Take Notice . . .

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

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

https://visitor.r20.constantcontact. com/manage/optin?v=0016ZL7ehbvnFZ50-GLc0B4iFQVdabUy_DAedydAG4LKpDF0RgVDi-GfivR5Cjj0rl8_ YFnwbqV_liGxiHjhdu4i0HkNhg-2EVy2LH8qqyrGeA%3D

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

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 a.m. We meet at Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park at 1900 Randolph St. in St. Charles. For more information contact Joyce at 636-206-5306.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon.

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

Mondays: Parent support group

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

BILY is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Con nection Recovery Support Group

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

Mondays: mous

Alcoholics

Anony-

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

Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting

Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome.

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

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice

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

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September due to Labor Day) unless otherwise specified. No meetings are held in June, July, or December. Meetings are held in the Community Council Building (Second floor of the Spencer Branch Library) from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Beverly Kaskadden (Treasurer) at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

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

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-369-6521.

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 interested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets

Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636-2190553.

Mondays: Measurement Mondays:

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

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

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Rec-

reation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

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

Tuesdays: Seniors group

Please join us on the third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a gathering for senior adults. There will be lunch (no charge), cards and bingo (no charge), community program referrals, occasional health and wellness presentations and clergy available upon request. The event takes place at Church of the Transfiguration at1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. in Lake Saint Louis. For more information call 636-5618951.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant.

For more information contact Jack Ross at 314-287-0569 or jack-ross@ att.net.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments.

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

Tuesdays: Cottleville Spring Kiwanis Club

Weldon

Tuesdays: group

support

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

Diabetes

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December from 6:30 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-625-5447.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • December 16, 2020 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 636206-2483. 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 experience 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: St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association Male Caregiver Experience

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

Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

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

Tuesdays: Monthly veterans coffee

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

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

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

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

Tuesdays: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

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

Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

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

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

Cancer Companions Support Group is a support group for any cancer patient in treatment or post treatment, their caregiver and their loved ones that meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie at 7 p.m. in the parlor.

Registration is not required.

Tuesdays: Show-me Stitchers Embroiderer’s Guild of America

Meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Ladue Chapel. Info: www.showmestitchers.com.

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Garden Club

Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd.

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 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: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

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

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

Wednesdays: Marine Corp League meeting

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: club

Women’s

fishing

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

Wednesdays: Crossroads Cribbage Club

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

What’s Happening

Wednesdays: Men’s Golf League

Wednesdays, April - October. 5 p.m., tee off at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. For more information, contact the Lake St. Louis Community Association at 636-625-8276.

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

9

Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon. 636272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 6-6:55pm Any level. Info: 636-9281928.

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m. VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

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

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

10

Sports

December 16, 2020 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B...

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Howell football players pick up some honors The head football coach of the Francis Howell Vikings’ Bryan Koch, is very proud of several of his players.

First of all, the Missouri Football Coaches Association named senior linebacker Calvin Munson as the Class 6 Defensive Player of the Year.

Besides that, the All-State teams were released last week and a total of four Vikings took firstteam honors, while two more were named to the second team.

Joining Munson on the first team were senior running back Donte Harrell, senior offensive lineman Jimmy Alloway and senior defensive back Zac Perkins. Perkins was also named as the first team kicker that included a school-record 50-yard field goal.

On the second team were seniors’ defensive lineman Donovan Walker and Jarrett Franklin, a senior defensive end who set a school record for most sacks in a single season with 21.

The Vikings made it to the Class 6 Championship game, the first St. Charles County team to make it to the State Finals in 30 years, where they lost 42-3 to Blue Springs. ~~~Special day for these players Indoor soccer Ambush brings fans into the arena The St. Louis Ambush is a professional indoor soccer team that plays in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) league with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

Recently the Ambush played at the arena against the Wichita Wings starting the fourteam tournament with the other two teams being the Kansas City Comets and the Dallas Sidekicks.

The St. Louis team did not bring a win to the hometown fans as they fell 8-3 in the contest, but that was not the important point. The arena did have fans in the stands using the protocol set to keep social distancing at a maximum.

The next contest at the Family Arena will be Sunday, Dec. 20 against the Dallas Sidekicks at 2:05 p.m. That will be the finals of this short tourney.

For tickets, go to www.STLAmbush.com to get all the details. ~~~1st of many games with fans, hopefully UMSL men’s basketball picks up first win on the road The University of Missouri-St. Louis under the leadership of Head Coach Bob Sundvold, took their 1-1 record across the state to take on the Rockhurst club.

Five players scored in double figures to help the UMSL men’s basketball team to an 82-77 road win against the Hawks.

Senior Shane Wissink scored a season-best 19 points and knocked in a three-pointer with 54 seconds on the clock with the Tritons leading by two.

Redshirt junior Marquis Collins came off the bench to add 15 points on a perfect shooting night, netting all five field goals, including all three from long distance.

The Tritons improved to 2-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

For more information, go to www.UMSLTritons.com ~~~Only the beginning

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL. com, and is currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.

PrimeTimeSTL.com It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • December 16, 2020

Recipe:

Feature

F-1

– SUDOKU –

A savory way to start holiday celebrations

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.

Savory Cheese Balls Servings: 6-12

T

hese Savory Cheese Balls are not only simple to make but perfect for any holiday get-together or celebration. They’re fun to create and even more enjoyable to dive in to once finished. Texture and color are the name of the game with this recipe. The result is a beautiful array of red, gold and green, all on one plate.

Start by rolling cream cheese into balls and mixing up three bowls with powerful flavors to create the three different colors. The “green” bowl gets parsley, thyme, rosemary and, of course, some garlic, just for an extra kick of seasoning. The “gold” ball calls for caraway seeds, poppy seeds and garlic. Finally, the “red” ball includes cranberries and pecans.

Simply roll each cream cheese ball around gently until it’s coated.

It doesn’t get any simpler than that.

Display the array of cheese balls on a festive plate for something equally cheery and heavenly. Serve the plate with crackers, fruit or vegetables for complementary dipping options.

Ingredients: 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese 2 tablespoons caraway seeds 1 teaspoon poppy seeds 2 cloves garlic, minced, divided 1/4 cup parsley, chopped 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, chopped 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped 2 tablespoons pecans, chopped crackers (optional) fruit (optional) vegetables (optional)

Directions: Cut each cream cheese block into three squares. Roll each square into ball.

In small bowl, combine caraway seeds, poppy seeds and half the garlic.

In second small bowl, combine parsley, thyme, rosemary and remaining garlic.

In third small bowl, combine cranberries and pecans.

Roll two cheese balls in seed mixture, two in herb mixture and two in cranberry mixture.

Cut each ball in half and serve with crackers, fruit or vegetables, if desired.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Find more recipes and holiday fun this season at Culinary.net

Preserving the movie-going experience

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.

On June 19, 1905, Harry Davis and John P. Harris opened the Nickelodeon, a 96-seat theater that was dedicated to showing motion pictures. Over the next 115 years, movie studios and theater owners made the movie-going experience even more memorable. Technological innovations such as sound, 3-D movies and motion-capture pushed the boundaries of where movies could go.

As for the concession stand, the traditional popcorn, soda and candy began sharing space with burgers, pizza and other treats.

Is it possible for more than a century of movie going to simply disappear? When AT&T’s WarnerMedia announced that they will be releasing their 2021 offerings in theaters and on the HBO Max platform simultaneously, things looked a little shaky. Over the last nine months, families have become accustomed to streaming films from home without the hassle of standing in line to buy tickets and concessions. With potential blockbusters such as “Wonder Woman 1984” heading to HBO Max, WarnerMedia is leveraging their position while affecting the revenues of theater owners.

In my opinion, I don’t think theaters are going to disappear for many reasons. When

about sitting in auditoriums with others who may or may not be wearing masks. The pop-up drive-ins allowed families to get out of the house and share the movie-going experience with their families and others.

Even with the occasional annoyances of people talking and coming late to the auditorium, there’s a lot to be said about seeing films such as “The Lion King” and “Avengers: Endgame” with a large audience. There’s an energy and excitement when a Photo courtesy Bigstock full auditorium is watching reissues of the original “Die Hard” or “2001: governors across the country announced A Space Odyssey.” Though it’s available lockdowns in their states, people spent a lot in various formats, there’s still nothing quite more time at home. Many schools switched like viewing “Star Wars” in a packed theater. to online learning and employees whose jobs I’ve been going to movie theaters since I made it possible to work from home stayed was a child and I was lucky to live near such productive. Speaking from personal experi- venerable St. Louis venues as the Granada, ence, though, I’m tired of my home serving the Kingsland and the Avalon on Kingshighas both my office and living space. Leaving way. Throughout my life, I always found mythe apartment for work, shopping and the self living near a local movie house. Movies movies had been essential to my mental are a huge part of my life and I look forward health. to the day when theaters can reopen again Over the summer, the increase in “pop- without fear of closure. I will gladly stand up drive-ins” also showed how much people in huge ticket lines and wait for concessions want to go to the movies, especially in a safe as long as the movie-going experience conenvironment. At that time, some indoor tinues. theaters were open, but there were concerns

F-2

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Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: Happy Holidays

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

By Cindy Moore

Moore On Life Zoom meetings are popular now.

It’s one good thing that has come about because of this nasty plague.

We can join together virtually and don’t have to go in person to most any meeting.

We even met together for church via Zoom. Those in the congregation that had cameras on their computer logged in from home. Soon everyone showed up live in their separate little boxes on screen. We could all see and hear everyone else. What could go wrong?

What couldn’t go wrong?!

Our teacher began. “Hello everyone, welcome to our Sunday School meeting. Remember, push the mute button when you are done speaking.

Mrs. Jenkins, I see your lips moving but can’t hear anything. Push mute again.”

“CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?! HENRY, THEY CAN’T HEAR ME! FIX THIS #!@%$ THING!” “Mrs. Jenkins. We heard you fine. Could you please use your inside voice and clean language.

The children heard you, as did Jesus. Now then, does anyone have any good news to share?”

VROOOOOOM! “Miss Fernsby, could you please press mute. We can hear your vacuum. It’s rather loud.”

“I have some news,” someone said.

“Oh, thank you Mr. Stewart. Your sound is coming in clear, but all we see is your forehead…one really large forehead. Could you back away from the camera? Now I am staring at an eyeball. Further back. And I’m not sure what we’re seeing right now, but it’s rather disturbing. I believe we

are looking at a close-up of your left nostril. Mr. Stewart, please move to the right.

And now we are peering into your right nostril.”

It didn’t seem to be working for everyone.

The teacher moved on. “We should begin the lesson, but we are hearing from somewhere what seems to be the flush of a toilet. Mrs. Jenkins! For the love of all that is holy, please turn off your camera!”

There were definitely a few bugs that needed to be ironed out. The teacher gave up. “Maybe we should just end in prayer and everyone can do some home study on their own. Norman Grubs would you stand and offer a closing prayer.”

Norman stood.

“Mr. Grubs sit down now!” the teacher shouted.

“Next time please remember to wear pants.”

The sight of Norman’s baggy boxers brought the class to a quick ending.

Zoom doom

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings.

Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

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

ACROSS 1. “Lord of the Flies” shell 6. *New Year’s Eve choice: Brut or Demi-____ 9. Get-out-of-jail money 13. Convex molding 14. *”____ I Want for Christmas...”

15. Sign of life 16. Redo, to a carpenter 17. Flying saucer acronym 18. Often-missed humor 19. *Hanukkah toy 21. *____ Santa, giftgiving tradition 23. Ides mo.

24. Part of a hammer 25. Cook’s leaf 28. “Hey!” 30. Brain’s ____ system 35. Revered one 37. “____ Your Enthusiasm” 39. Capital of Egypt 40. Went by horse 41. “I do” spot 43. *____ Sandler’s “Eight Crazy Nights” 44. Scary movie consequence 46. Dexterity 47. Boundary line 48. Modern self-portrait 50. Superman’s last name 52. Actor’s domain 53. Wild plum

55. Mama sheep 57. *”I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my ____” 60. *African-American celebration 64. Town news announcer 65. Charged particle 67. Elephant poacher’s ware 68. Give new guns 69. *The night before Christmas 70. Present 71. *Like a Christmas sweater, often 72. Uncooked 73. Adherents of Sikhism DOWN 1. Umbilical connection 2. *”Grandma got run ____ by a reindeer...”

3. *Santa’s “cheeks were like roses, his ____ like a cherry” 4. Request to Geico 5. Carriage on top of elephant 6. Pulitzer winner Bellow 7. *Santa helper 8. Bring to an end 9. Jefferson’s Vice President 10. Medicinal succulent 11. Negative contraction 12. Bovine hangout

15. Alfresco meal 20. Novelist Jong 22. Sushi restaurant choice 24. *Have a piece of Christmas Goose, e.g.

25. *”Five golden rings, four calling ____...”

26. Dig intensely 27. Cry of the Alps 29. *Time for log 31. Address with apostrophe 32. Stays somewhere 33. About to explode 34. *Vixen follower 36. Table extension 38. Diamond’s corner 42. Sign up again 45. Divest one of a gun 49. “Slippery” tree 51. Mark and Shania 54. Twig of a willow tree 56. End of a poem 57. Fortune-teller’s residue 58. Iranian coin 59. Suggestive of the supernatural 60. Was aware of 61. Fall asleep, with ‘out’ 62. Foot part 63. Pirates’ affirmatives 64. French vineyard 66. Female gametes

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9